Leaked photo shows Shane McMahon meeting Tony Khan and wrestling fans instantly all make the same joke
Wrestling fans were sent into a frenzy this week after a leaked photo showed AEW Owner Tony Khan meeting with Shane McMahon.
Son of disgraced former WWE supremo Vince McMahon, Shane held a ‘private’ meeting with Khan, also an executive with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham.
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It came months after Vince McMahon effectively severed ties with the company he transformed into a global megabrand amid allegations made by a former employee, and well over a year since Shane’s last WWE appearance.
He returned to WWE back at WrestleMania 39 in 2023 to challenge The Miz to an impromptu match, but lasted just seconds before suffering serious injury after a routine spot went horribly wrong.
That comeback had been after a controversial appearance at the previous year’s Royal Rumble, criticism flying Shane’s way after he’d supposedly over-booked himself in the men’s Rumble match at the expense of other stars, lasting all the way to the final three.
With the presence of both father and son McMahon gone from WWE screens – Shane’s sister Stephanie returned to an executive role earlier this year – the significance of the 54-year-old potentially siding with a rival wrestling organisation wasn’t lost on wrestling fans.
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As such, a photo by WrestleTalk and Fightful of the two-meeting generated plenty of excitement. The snap showed Khan, looking startled, seated at a table with McMahon stood on the opposite side.
Within seconds, the speculation kicked in as fans buzzed about the possibility of Shane playing an active role in AEW, appearing on screen or even wrestling in matches.
Naturally, though, those with long enough memories reached for the same joke, recalling the time Shane McMahon ‘bought’ WCW as part of a storyline rivalry with his father.
McMahon the senior had actually purchased what was his rival entity following its demise but used the opportunity to stage a bombshell on-screen moment that saw Shane swoop in to complete the deal first, pitting his ‘WCW’ against Vince’s WWE.
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It culminated in an epic showdown on WCW Nitro’s final episode, with Shane appearing in the ring to his father’s shock to declare ‘I now own WCW.’
Feeling similar vibes here, one account the epic scene with Shane in his role and Triple H, now WWE Head of Creative in the role of Vince, wrote on X: “"I now own AEW" - Shane McMahon.â€
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Another replied: "Shane McMahon now owns AEW? Guess it’s time for AEW's 'downfall' WCW style. Great move, Triple H!â€
A third posted: “Is it 2001 again?? Shane McMahon going up against WWE is wild.â€
The meeting with Khan itself didn’t stretch as far as pitching storyline feuds, though, according to a from Shane given to Busted Open After Dark.
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He commented: “Tony and I were connected through a mutual friend, and we had a great meeting.
“We talked about many things, but mostly about our shared love for the business and the rewards and challenges of working with family.
“I congratulated him on the five-year anniversary of AEW and look forward to how he evolves the business moving forward.â€
If Shane McMahon does ever end up appearing as an on-screen talent for AEW, it seems a safe bet he’ll create some unforgettable moments.
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A former European Champion in WWE, he was known for his daredevil antics and would regularly throw himself into and off the top of various structures from height.
Having worked for his father’s company in a number of backstage roles, he began to appear on screen during the Attitude Era and battled alongside and against Vince for several years.
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