Tony Khan Responds to Shane McMahon’s Plea of Joining AEW

The pro wrestling world was ablaze with the news of Shane McMahon. The prodigal son of Vince McMahon was rumoured to be trying to square a deal with Tony Khan‘s AEW. This news came from the Grilling JR podcast. Fans did not know how to feel about the news but patiently waited for Khan to make a statement. It didn’t take much time for the AEW owner to finally break his silence on the matter with a statement that has shocked fans.

The news broke when Conrad Thompson asked JR about the chances that the rumours of McMahon trying to get into AEW were true. JR said, “Yeah, absolutely. It can happen. And how he could be utilized as a character on television, that’s what I’m talking about, is viable. I mean, you know, he’s got great name identity.”

While JR did clarify that these were his thoughts on the matter and the state of pro wrestling, this didn’t stop the online buzz. Fans ran with the thought that McMahon would be on Khan’s promotion. According to the Wrestling Observer, Khan said, “I’ve never met him or talked to him in my life.” Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer is very close to Khan.

However, this statement has divided the fanbase. While many thought this could be a great way of recreating the Invasion angle that Shane did with WCW, others believed this would be a turning point in pro wrestling. With WWE making deals with multiple promotions, it felt like a breath of fresh air that the potential heir to the WWE throne was trying to make a deal with WWE’s biggest rival promotion.

McMahon was let go from the WWE in 2022. His last match was in the Royal Rumble of the same year, which he lost. Despite Stephanie McMahon returning to the WWE at WrestleMania XL, Shane did not. But the question still remains: would Khan hire McMahon?

How Tony Khan could use Shane McMahon

As soon as the news broke, fans theorised how Khan would use Shane O’Mac in AEW. The biggest claim was that this would be a win for Khan as he got the son of his rival company working for him. Khan has been criticized for trying to match the WWE in numbers and gain the #1 spot in the industry. However, with Shane working in his company, this would be a big ‘W’ for Khan.

Many WWE fans would love to see Shane back in the squared circle, but his age and health may not allow him to wrestle again. Taking this to AEW, he could play a consultant’s role while having a character in the storyline. Furthermore, with all the criticism Khan has been receiving for the slump in numbers, someone like McMahon could help direct the product in a better direction. What do you think about Khan’s statement? Do you want to see Shane O’Mac in AEW? Tell us in the comments.