Recently, Shane McMahon has stirred up considerable excitement surrounding AEW, especially after being seen with AEW star Mercedes Mone. Over the past few weeks, there has been growing speculation about Shane McMahon and his potential involvement with AEW.
The speculation began when Conrad Thompson, co-host of the “Grilling JR” podcast, stated that a mutual friend disclosed Shane’s outreach to several AEW wrestlers, expressing interest in making an appearance with the promotion.
Since then, fans have started speculating if Shane McMahon, son of former WWE CEO Vince McMahon, will join WWE’s competitor, AEW. Over the weekend, the promotion hosted a successful cross-promotional pay-per-view with NJPW titled AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door.
The show took place at UBS Arena in New York, where Mercedes Mone was also present. At Forbidden Door, Mone defeated Stephanie Vaquer, retaining the TBS Championship and claiming the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship.
Reports indicate that Mercedes Mone and Shane McMahon encountered each other at LaGuardia Airport in New York, the day after the AEW Forbidden Door. PWInsider has confirmed with multiple sources that Mercedes Mone and Shane McMahon were seen speaking to each other. Additionally, one source confirmed that they discussed AEW during their conversation.
While Shane McMahon was seen with Mercedes Mone, reports also indicate that McMahon was not present at the Forbidden Door pay-per-view.
Shane McMahon’s future: Is AEW his next move?
Shane McMahon, who is not currently under contract with WWE, last appeared at WrestleMania 39. Amid speculation about McMahon’s interest in appearing in AEW, Tony Khan recently addressed questions about McMahon potentially joining his promotion. Khan’s response has further fueled the rumors.
Khan stated, “I heard the rumor he might be interested. I’ve never met Shane, but we have a lot of mutual friends. I have a lot of respect for him as an executive and a professional wrestler. Shane is always welcome in AEW.”
Tony Khan stated that Shane is always welcome in All Elite Wrestling, and with McMahon recently spotted alongside their star, Mercedes Mone, the likelihood of Shane coming to All Elite Wrestling appears to be increasing.