What happened with Tony Khan and Shane McMahon?
Added 2025-02-20 21:23:11 +0000 UTCShane McMahon and Tony Khan met, but no deal was reached.
Fightful and Wrestletalk reported in the Summer of 2024 that Shane McMahon and Tony Khan met in Texas. Since then, we've heard of no follow up or plan to work together.
On February 20, former WWE broadcaster Jonathan Coachman on the Coach and Bro Show said he had details about the meeting:
Andrew Baydala appropriately summarized it on X, saying "Today on the Coach & Bro show- @Thecoachrules stated that Shane McMahon, during the meeting that he asked for with Tony Khan, Shane asked for equity in the company(#AEW), & Shane wanted to come in and run the entire show. Jonathan Coachman then stated Tony Khan "ghosted" McMahon."
We can't verify the request for equity. However, we've heard a lot more about the meeting between the two sides.
According to a source close to Shane McMahon, Khan did not follow up with Shane. That source also claimed that they couldn't speak on the desire for equity, but that is seemed like Shane McMahon did want to "run things" but didn't have the product knowledge or familiarity with AEW or their business model. That source close to McMahon also said that Shane didn't seem to take it personally that Khan didn't follow up after that, and that it seemed like Khan almost thought Shane was joking when he mentioned the possibility of running everything.
The source indicated that he believed that Shane viewed his insight and abilities to run a show as valuable after witnessing years of fans and people in the industry wanting anyone but Vince in that role.
There was never an expanded plan for Shane McMahon to appear on AEW TV, or be involved in the company. Those that we've spoken to within AEW say that Tony Khan hadn't spoken about it extensively outside of noting that the two sides simply met and aren't working together.
The source close to McMahon that we spoke with claimed that they wouldn't rule out a cameo appearance, but didn't think they would extensively do business together at this stage.
Comments
While it's probably good that Shane wasn't given that kind of control. Tony really needs to get over his problem of ghosting folks. His lack of communication has led to many big issues in the company. And, has kept folks who are, or could be, very over sitting at home (Danhausen to name one).
Jeff Brown
2025-02-21 03:26:22 +0000 UTCTK helped the entire industry dodge that one
Andrew Bates
2025-02-21 00:19:34 +0000 UTCThe LORD is good and his mercy endures forever.
Stalla
2025-02-20 23:54:34 +0000 UTCI was mostly neutral on the idea of Shane being in AEW but leaned more towards rather having it not happen. Knowing now that he wanted to "run things" makes me so so SO thankful this didn't happen.
Chris11
2025-02-20 23:47:02 +0000 UTCThank God.
John Thee Punisher
2025-02-20 23:39:13 +0000 UTCCool beans
Shannon Willis
2025-02-20 22:31:51 +0000 UTCAEW doesn't need to follow WWE's blueprint. They're fine doing their own thing.
Tucker
2025-02-20 22:08:42 +0000 UTCIf this is true then it's all understandable. Why would Tony give up equity to anybody? Lol
Tucker
2025-02-20 22:01:36 +0000 UTCI agree Shane running things big nope for me. As for a cameo appearance I'm all for.
Amanda Marie
2025-02-20 22:00:32 +0000 UTC“Ok, so first night, I come out as a surprise opponent and beat him clean…”
patchrick
2025-02-20 21:57:53 +0000 UTCI’m all for Shane starting his own company. It’s def more work but he will def have the support of wrestling fans
joe gonzales
2025-02-20 21:39:28 +0000 UTCThere's a part of me that thinks someone like Shane running Collision as a counter to Dynamite would've been at least interesting, even if a car crash. I feel that at this stage, Collision and Dynamite should be separate and feel that way.
Knnillssonn
2025-02-20 21:39:06 +0000 UTCIf Tony Khan has an anger translator, he'd probably say "MAN GITCHO...."
David Majors
2025-02-20 21:38:39 +0000 UTCTo do what?
David Majors
2025-02-20 21:37:39 +0000 UTCNever was gonna work out. Khan and AEW don’t need money and Tony is always going to run the show.
Chris Kessler
2025-02-20 21:37:38 +0000 UTCshane-o has more than enough money to start his own thing and grow it. stay the fuck away from aew
BugabooJonez
2025-02-20 21:34:35 +0000 UTC*Shane looking at roster* Ok ok. I have some ideas. Who’s Kenny Omega?
Jose Balderas
2025-02-20 21:31:07 +0000 UTCKeep any and all McMahons as far from AEW as possible. Please.
Will Landrum
2025-02-20 21:30:32 +0000 UTCWould’ve atleast been interesting to have Shane in a role backstage. Maybe not “run everything” but in some capacity. The knowledge he has for the business and seemingly getting passed over for HHH, im sure there’s something there that would translate well with him in some type of role. AEW could use a mind like his, but i understand TK balking at the idea of immediately asking for equity and control as it appears. Also best $6 you can spend!
Anthony Guichardo
2025-02-20 21:29:49 +0000 UTCA cameo appearance would be pretty cool tbh. A McMahon on WWEs rival promotions TV show would be insane. As far as Shane running things, a massive no from me.
Alex
2025-02-20 21:28:50 +0000 UTCFucking LAWL 🤣
Tempo1337
2025-02-20 21:27:42 +0000 UTCShane probably has to low-key hate HHH for having the job Shane thought he was born for growing up
HBC93
2025-02-20 21:27:21 +0000 UTCPersonally I feel Tony needs someone like Shane in there, but at the end of the day Tony’s still gonna run it the way Tony wants it and not give full control.
Aaron Peacock
2025-02-20 21:27:17 +0000 UTC
