Shane McMahon Made Stunning Pitch To Run AEW

In July, it emerged that Shane McMahon had a secret meeting with Tony Khan after a photograph was leaked online.

While Khan initially distanced himself from the idea of working with McMahon, he later admitted that the door remained open to the man forever linked with WWE.

Mercedes Mone even claimed that the AEW roster would welcome the former WWE star, adding she’d be sad for him if he never returned to wrestling.

Shane McMahon Wanted AEW Role

Fast forward to February 20, 2025, and Jonathan Coachman claimed that McMahon wanted equity in AEW, and to “run the entire show.” However, the AEW boss “ghosted him” following their meeting.

A follow-up report from Fightful Select has now attempted to add some context to the situation, and what McMahon’s plans might have been. A source close to McMahon confirmed Khan didn’t speak to him again after their meeting, but couldn’t speak on any desire on his part to acquire equity.

However, it did seem like he wanted to “run things” in AEW but didn’t have the product knowledge or familiarity with the company or its business model.

That same source noted that McMahon didn’t take Khan’s lack of follow-up personally, and it seemed the AEW boss almost thought he was joking when he mentioned getting involved.

It’s believed McMahon saw his “insight and abilities to run a show as valuable” after watching people call for anyone but his father Vince to be in that position.

Despite the meeting, the report from Fightful adds that there was never an “expanded plan” for the former WWE man to appear on AEW television or become involved with the company. Furthermore, Khan has given little away about their meeting, outside of confirming it happened, but explained they aren’t working together.

The source close to McMahon wouldn’t rule out a cameo in the future but didn’t think the two sides would be doing business.