3 WWE Superstars that have benefited most from beating up Vince McMahon

After watching Kevin Owens head but the WWE CEO, it made me wonder: which Superstars have benefited the most from giving Vince McMahon a butt-whooping?

Vince McMahon has, and always will be, the boss. Which is why when a WWE Superstar lays down a beating on the now 74 year old, it’s newsworthy to say the least. Vince doesn’t feel like wrestler, not should he. He feels like the top dog; the guy that calls the shots – and from all accounts, he is that exact description. Furthermore, when a Superstars kicks his ass, it’s compelling television.

Unfortunately, the Kevin Owens interaction is not on this list – only because it’s just happened, and it’s hard to judge how much of an impact it will have. For the moment though, let’s take a look at three WWE Superstars that have benefited the most from beating up the boss…

3. Roman Reigns

At this point in Reigns’ career, he was really struggling to get over with the crowd. He’d just won the Royal Rumble, and was feuding against WWE Champion Sheamus. During the same period, Vince McMahon aligned himself with the Authority, in order to prevent Reigns from winning the WWE Championship – I know, what a funny angle.

Clearly, the involvement of McMahon was an attempt to help get Roman over. And, it worked – even if it was just for a short period of time. The Samoan Badass hit the chairman with a Superman Punch, and picked up the win against Sheamus, as well as picking up the WWE Championship.

And, according to Smark Out Moment writer Jordan Chaffiotte, the fans loved it.

"“That crowd popped so hard. It became more about what Reigns was doing. Roman was allowed to be a badass, and that somehow resonated with that crowd.” (Quote from Bleacher Report)"

Reigns during this period wasn’t showing much of anything, and the fans were wondering what the big deal was with him; why the WWE had hand picked him to be their next top guy. However, after showing off his real badass side against McMahon, the fans started to show him more respect. And it was all because of Vince’s efforts to help bring that side out.

2. CM Punk

After cutting his infamous “pipebomb” promo, where he called out Vince — even mentioning that the WWE would better after his death, CM Punk’s rivalry with McMahon truly began. It was during this time, that Vince’s involvement really helped in gaining Punk some serious heat – in a good way.

As well as being the corporate heel like figure, he has always thrived being, Vince took a beating from Punk, on the microphone and in the ring.

On October 8th, 2012, the WWE boss and The Straight Edge Superstar battled on Raw. It helped show that Punk wasn’t afraid to lay a beating on the old man, as well as proving to the boss he was the real deal — right in front of his face. It really helped in elevating the feud. Moreover, it helped in Punk gaining more credibility.

1. ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin

This feud, that helped get WWE (or WWF) on the map, is arguably the greatest pro wrestling rivalry of all time. The rebellious Austin faced off against the corporate McMahon, is a feud that will forever stand the test of time.

During this period, the whole ‘beating up your boss’ storyline had never really been done. And was huge for Stone Cold. McMahon played an antagonist role, who tried and tried again to take the WWE World title from the Texas Rattlesnake. So many of Austin’s incredible moments featured the boss, including classic segments like the fire hose beer spraying, from obliterating a Corvette by filling it with cement.

It’s compelling television, even now, so back then it was captivating to say the least.

Next: Stephanie McMahon on SmackDown Live confuses things

Al Snow, former WWF tag-team champion, even stated that McMahon was the sole reason for Austin’s rise in worldwide popularity.

"“You know why Stone Cold got so over?” Because Vince got so much heat. If Vince did not get all that heat, Stone Cold would not have been so over.”"

What do you think of this list? Is there anyone more deserving of a top three place? Let me know!