WWE: Making the Case for Vince McMahon's Good Side, Part 1

Throughout his tenure as the WWE chairman, Vince McMahon has been notorious for being the quintessential businessman.

Part of that designation carries with it a reputation for being ruthless, heartless and machine-like.

The character of Mr. McMahon is all too real; it is Vince McMahon's true-to-life, unflappable public image.

Yet, apart from the galloping swagger, propensity for firing employees and his sky-high expectations, the man behind the suit and tie is actually a good man and an even better friend.

Yes, despite the jokes at Jim Ross' expense on-air, the Bret Hart "screwjob," making Trish Stratus bark like a dog, having subordinates smooch his bare behind and confessions of marital infidelity, the 66-year-old impresario can still relate and be empathetic.

First and foremost, what separates McMahon from other promoters is that he truly cares about his talent. He roots for them to succeed, is accessible to questions/needs and will go the extra mile if his wrestlers do the same for him.

For instance, when active performers at the time—Eddie Guerrero and Shawn Michaels—had issues with substance abuse, the chairman played a starring role in ensuring they received help.

Both men succeeded in exorcising their demons after going through rehab and embracing Christianity. "The Hearbreak Kid" had another nine-year run and Eddie—while his body had already sustained irreparable damage—proved height doesn't matter in the WWE so long as the ability to succeed is there.

When the late "Latino Heat" defeated Brock Lesnar to become the new WWE champion at No Way Out 2004, there was nobody happier than the boss. And when arguably the greatest in-ring entertainer, Michaels, retired at WrestleMania 26, there was nobody more emotional than the chairman.

In addition to being a second father in some ways to his carnival of wrestlers, McMahon also has the utmost respect for causes worth fighting for.

The most salient one in the public eye is his support for the troops abroad and domestic. Just a few weeks ago, McMahon and a handful of his employees made the arduous trip to Afghanistan where they met and hobnobbed with various military personnel.

Perusing the candid pictures on WWE.com shows a man who is more human than once believed. Without discussing the political implications, McMahon has a soft side for those who defend our country, risk their lives and fight for our inalienable freedom.

With a glint of humility in his eyes, his wide-beamed smile and overall sunny disposition, McMahon isn't too affluent or esteemed to willfully put himself in situations many stateside citizens would be averse to.

Not only did he become one with the armed forces, he has now dedicated a show to them entitled Tribute to the Troops for eight years running.

How many entertainment conglomerates, let alone individual acts, can you think of who do annual shows free of charge, sometimes venturing over to precarious territories for the sole intention of boosting spirits?

Not many.

For years, McMahon has dealt with aspersions cast his way, but a deeper look reveals an enigmatic soul who bucks trends and is not above making friends he can lend a helping hand to.