Shane McMahon, the former WWE executive and occasional on-screen talent, was spotted alongside The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) before a flight, fueling speculation about McMahon joining the promotion. A photo surfaced on X, showing McMahon and The Young Bucks smiling together, sparking intrigue. While this chance encounter could be a coincidence, insiders suggest it may hint at something more substantial.
Insiders claim McMahon has expressed interest in investing in AEW, potentially through The Young Bucks. Some in WWE have heard about his interest in exploring outside ventures however contradictory reports indicate Shane's focus lies elsewhere, with no truth to the investment rumors.
Shane's experience and business acumen would make him an attractive asset to any promotion. His on-screen presence and creative input could significantly impact AEW's trajectory. However, AEW officials deny knowledge of any talks with Shane. McMahon's exploration of options beyond WWE is genuine given his history outside of his family's business, but it could also possibly be a negotiating tactic. There's also the optics of a McMahon being actively involved with another wrestling promotion in general, which has fueled speculation from both WWE and other promotions.
Many questions linger around this situation, including whether Matt and Nick Jackson are not only recruiting McMahon, but are willing to sell some of their stake in AEW. Some sources hint at a "very real" possibility while others label it "highly unlikely." Many are treating this as a rather large coincidence, but questions remain as far as if there's more to this than a simple photo op.