I just came by an interesting Stephanie interview featured in this month’s edition of WWE’s Wrestlemania magazine. Check it out below:
Interviewer: You were eight years old when the first WrestleMania kicked off. Were you at the event, and did you fully understand its significance at the time?
Stephanie McMahon: Yes, I was there. Did I understand what was going on? No. At eight, what I knew was that it was a big event for the company. And I knew that I was a part of it. I always went to the shows. I’d go to Madison Square Garden and sit in the section right next to where the guys would come out. And I remember that Andre (the Giant) would give my hand a little squeeze every time he walked by. Some of the other guys, if I had a good relationship with them, would give me a look. But my all-time favorite was Andre.
I: Did your father seem more stressed during the weeks leading up to the Inaugural WrestleMania?
SM: No more tense than he usually is [Laughs]. At that age, I definately did not understand the weight of WrestleMania, and that my parents had mortgaged everything to make it a success.
I: So what do you remember most from that night?
SM: What I remember most about the first WrestleMania was the after-party, which was when I had this picture taken with Andre. Andre and I always had a special friendship, and I got to spend a lot of time with him that night. I could definitely tell that people were celebrating a success. Everyone was so happy. My parents were dancing, and I got out on the dance floor with my folks.
I: “Is that your earliest memory of being at a show?”
SM: “No. When I was about three years old, I remember seeing George “The Animal” Steele backstage lumbering around the corner, with his green tongue out, and he scared the hell out of me. I went running and screaming into my dad’s arms, and he scooped me up and laughed. That’s the moment when I first ‘got it’.”
I: Care to share your weirdest memory?
SM: Sure. I remember one time when I was really young, and my dad opened up the locker room door so I could peek in and say “Hi” to Andre, and there were all these guys sitting on a bench, with white towels over the. I recall thinking back then, “This is awkward.” I’ve got to believe it was awkward for them, too.
I: Growing up, where there other kids backstage?
SM: I don’t remember other kids backstage. Then again, I spent most of my time in the stands. Honestly, that’s where I preferred to be. One of the most special things about our product is that, as a fan, you’re a part of the show. I remember the first rock concert I went to, Steve Winwood and Joe Cocker. And the crowd kinda stunk. There was no energy. People clapped and cheered. But it was not like the raw, raucous energy we get at our shows. That’s one of the reasons why I love our product. It’s a totally unique experience.
I: Your friends must’ve thought you lived the most charmed life. Were you treated differently in school?
SM: Well, kids definitely looked at me differently. Growing up in Greenwich, CT, there was a stigma attached to being the wrestler’s daughter, and it just made me feisty. I remember kicking a boy in the shins once for saying something about my dad. I grew up knowing my dad was on TV, but to me that was just the way things were. I didn’t know any differently.
I: Family is obviously very important to you. But are the weeks leading up to WrestleMania the most important time of the year for the McMahons, or is it the holidays?
SM: Holidays are more important. Family always comes first. Actually, Thanksgiving is the most important time of the year for us, because it’s not about gift-giving, it’s about being together. My family always emphasized family values growing up. I know that may surprise some people.
I: All WrestleMania’s considered, which one holds the most meaning for you?
SM: WrestleMania 3 at the Silverdome. I knew that night that Andre was hurting, and having some back trouble. When my dad was in booking meetings, I always listened in, and I remember hearing a lot about Andre and the pain he was in. So I watched that match with a lot of emotion, feeling sorry for my friend. For me personally, that was the most poignant moment I ever experienced at WrestleMania.
I: Any other WrestleMania memories stand out for you?
SM: Every superstar and Diva performs to his or her absolute best. But I think certain moments stand out more than others, like Undertaker-Shawn from last year. The WrestleMania XXIV Orlando show stands out for me because of the open roof and because the spectacle of it felt so special. Also, Roddy Piper vs. Goldust in the HollyWood Backlot Brawl at WrestleMania XII. And Razor Ramon vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania X, in what was our first real Ladder Match. I don’t know if it was momentous simply because we hadn’t done it before, or because it was just a tremendous match.
I: Finally, out of all the ‘Mania moments you’ve experienced, which would you say is your most defining?
SM: When I performed at my first WrestleMania in 2000, and I was in [now my husband] Triple H’s corner. At the end of the match, The Rock gave me the Rock Bottom. It was the first time anyone had done anything physical to me in the ring. It was a special moment. I was honored to be a part of WrestleMania, and the actual final moment of it.
Sporting a natural look, The Billion Dollar Princess suggests Linda might be the future senator of Connecticut to you, but to her, she is still known as just “mom”. Anyway, check out the video and the screencaps below. 
