In July 2024, a photo of former WWE executive Shane McMahon meeting with AEW owner Tony Khan circulated, fueling speculation. Reports suggested McMahon sought complete control of AEW, a condition Khan, whose family founded AEW in 2019, would not grant.
McMahon recently addressed the meeting with TMZ, stating, “Had a meeting with AEW and wished them continued success. But it’s not WWE, it’s not the company that I helped build. But you never know what’s going to happen in this business.” This indicates limited interest in working for AEW, though he maintained the common wrestling adage, “you never know.”
Regarding his father Vince McMahon’s new private investment firm, 14th & I, and speculation about it becoming a new wrestling promotion, Shane dismissed the rumors. He told TMZ, “You never know what’s going to happen out there. Of course, anything can happen in WWE. But those rumors are false.” Shane added that Vince is “getting a little bit of a rest” but remains enthusiastic about future projects.