WWE Paid Wrestler $500 After Being Fat-Shamed By Stephanie McMahon

Stephanie McMahon had been part of WWE for several years and was always a delight for fans and pro wrestlers alike. After becoming a highlight during the Attitude Era due to her numerous storylines, McMahon went on to manage many backstage roles in the company. It appears WWE paid a wrestler $500 for being fat-shamed by McMahon.

On the April 16, 2000, episode of Sunday Night Heat, Stephanie McMahon and her on-screen personal trainer Muffy spotted pro wrestling talent Chris Nelson backstage. The two would then fat-shame Nelson who portrayed a member of WWE’s lighting crew for the segment.

While speaking on the Cheap Heat Productions Podcast, Nelson revealed he was paid $500 that night. Nelson then revealed what actually happened during the backstage segment as well.

“She [Stephanie McMahon] goes, ‘Hey, who are you? Do you work here?'” Nelson said. “‘Yeah, on the lighting crew.’ ‘God, you’re fat! You’re slovenly. I can’t believe you work for WWF [WWE]. This is my personal trainer, Muffy, now your personal trainer.’ Then she [Muffy] starts, ‘I don’t know what your name is. I’ll call you fat-a**,’ or whatever. She starts punching me in the stomach and starts making me do jumping jacks.

Advertising

Advertising

They [other wrestlers] are like, ‘Damn, how is he getting 500 for doing five jumping jacks and everyone else is out there busting their a**?’ I’m like, ‘Damn, Kevin Kelly got me heat!’ I didn’t even mean to. I thought I did a good job. I was ready for my acting award!”

Chris Lenson wrestled sporadically for WWE between 1994 and 2001 and has not been seen on WWE television since. Regardless, that segment will always remain a major memory for him.

What’s your opinion on this story? Are you surprised by the payday Chris Nelson got? Sound off in the comments!