A father-son relationship can be complicated, as seen in the Netflix documentary Mr. McMahon. The series, which explores the rise and fall of former WWE promoter Vince McMahon, also highlights McMahon’s complex relationships with both his father and his son Shane.

In the fifth episode, the elder McMahon reflects on his challenging childhood and mentions the physical abuse he suffered at the hands of his stepfather. Over the course of the series, viewers learn that McMahon didn’t meet his biological father, Vince McMahon Sr., also a wrestling promoter, until he was 12 years old. For years, Vince Jr. sought his father’s respect and revealed that it was only one day before his father’s death that he finally heard him say, “I love you.”

The search for respect continued with Vince’s son Shane. It turns out that Vince pushed Shane hard because Shane hoped to one day take over the family business. This led to a tense moment between the two, which Paul Heyman dramatically recounted in the fifth episode. According to Heyman:

“The most pivotal moment I ever saw between Vince and Shane was a creative argument that happened one night. Shane had an idea that he really believed in, and Vince didn’t agree with it at all. And most things that happen to Vince, once they escalate, they escalate very quickly. And Vince finally turned to Shane and said, “Not while I’m alive.”

“And Vince, who was eating something, took his knife and handed it to Shane. He said, “Right there (points to his heart).” Light up. Right there. If you want this so bad, stick the dagger right here because this is what you have to do to make this decision. And if you don’t stick the dagger in here, then I know you’re not strong enough to do that, and I have to take that into account too. Or you can buy me out like I bought out my father. If I don’t get out of your way, be prepared to get rid of me the way I had to get rid of my father when he didn’t do things my way at all.”

Immediately following Heyman’s emotional story, the show featured a story from the WWE corporate website announcing Shane’s departure in October 2009. Shane said on the series: “It was a really hard decision for me to leave the only thing I love and the only business I ever wanted to work in in my life. But my dad, especially back then, was very much in charge, and I thought, ‘Well, if now is the time for me to try certain things, then this is the time.'”

Vince said the reason his son left was because he essentially wanted to take his place as head of the WWE. While Shane added value to the company, Vince said, “It wasn’t his company; it was mine. It’s so difficult for family businesses. Damn, it’s difficult. It was almost as if we were opposites in everything and grew apart.”

Despite their disagreements, Shane acknowledged that his father would always have the final say, explaining, “But he’s the boss, and if he says we’re going to paint something blue, we’re going to paint it blue.” And I just thought, ” Either I can stay here and watch us implode, or it’s time to take a step back. “He’s my father, you know, I won’t jeopardize that. So I decided to resign.”

In 2016, Shane returned to WWE and continued to appear as a performer for the next few years. Now that both McMahon men have left the WWE, Shane could finally have the chance to paint in whatever color he wants, especially if rumors of a possible contract with All Elite Wrestling prove true. Although he would still have to answer to AEW boss Tony Khan, a fresh start in a different promotion could give him the freedom he wants to contribute to a company his family helped build.

Only time will tell if it will be enough to earn him the respect he expects from his father.