5 AEW stars you didn't know already worked with Shane McMahon
Shane McMahon is heavily rumored to be joining AEW soon. In recent weeks, there have been several subtle references on AEW programming that hint at The Prodigal Son possibly joining the Jacksonville-based promotion.
Shane O'Mac's potential arrival could change the landscape of All Elite Wrestling. Regarded as one of the most influential figures in the wrestling business, McMahon could end up being the key that helps solve AEW's ratings struggles.
The signing of the former WWE Hardcore Champion is likely to divide the AEW locker room into two halves. While certain talents would be skeptical about McMahon's arrival, other familiar faces would be stoked to see the 54-year-old veteran in the Tony Khan-led company.
Interestingly, numerous stars in AEW backstage have had a working relationship with Shane O'Mac in the past. In this article, let's look at five AEW stars that Shane McMahon has previously worked with.
#5. Rusev Day was at his peak under the Shane McMahon-led era of SmackDown
Miro (fka Rusev) underwent one of the best phases of his WWE career in 2017-18. The Bulgarian Brute emerged as one of the biggest babyfaces on the blue brand during this time, thanks to his highly popular Rusev Day gimmick.
Interestingly, Shane McMahon was in charge of WWE SmackDown at the time when the Rusev Day movement was at its peak. The SmackDown Commissioner did not overlook Miro's growth as an overall performer, as The Redeemer got significant opportunities to flourish on SmackDown.
In October 2017, The former TNT Champion tried to persuade McMahon to let him join the blue brand's team for Survivor Series. Although Miro could not make it to SmackDown's Survivor Series squad, his backstage interaction with Shane McMahon was intriguing.
As per recent reports, The Redeemer is looking to part ways with All Elite Wrestling very soon. The Bulgarian Brute has become dissatisfied with his role in the Jacksonville-based promotion, prompting him to request his release from the management.
However, Miro could end up changing his mind if Shane McMahon joins AEW soon. The former TNT Champion would be comfortable getting creative input from Shane O'Mac, who has also worked with The Redeemer in the past.
#4. FTR once served as Shane McMahon's lackeys
FTR (fka The Revival) has worked with Shane McMahon previously in WWE. Following McMahon's heel turn in late 2018, the duo sided themselves with The Prodigal Son.
On the first RAW episode of June 2019, Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler attacked McMahon's eternal rival, Roman Reigns, during a promo segment. The incident marked the official beginning of a partnership between FTR and Shane O'Mac, which didn't last very long.
A week later, FTR became the new RAW Tag Team Champions by dethroning Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder. The dynamic duo were soon approached backstage by Shane O'Mac, who congratulated the new champions for their triumphant performance.
Shane McMahon is likely to be a heel if he joins All Elite Wrestling in the near future. While they have proudly stood in McMahon's corner in the past, FTR may actively oppose the former Hardcore Champion if he tries to create chaos in the Jacksonville-based promotion.
#3. Marina Shafir wrestled on RAW Underground in 2020
Marina Shafir has started to break out as one of the most fearsome talents in the current AEW Women's division. The 36-year-old star recently joined forces with Jon Moxley, which has led to a significant rise in her stocks.
Interestingly, The Purveyor of Violence has been suspected to be working for Shane McMahon, who could show up in AEW at any moment. If The Deathrider's faction does have a connection with The Prodigal Son, fans could get to see Marina Shafir on television with Shane McMahon yet again.
In 2020, the former WWE SmackDown Commissioner introduced the concept of RAW Underground. Although the format did not last very long, it allowed many hard-hitting stars to display their ruthless potential. One of the many individuals to compete on RAW Underground was Marina Shafir, who already has an MMA background.
The Supernova from Moldova would be excited at the prospect of working with Shane O'Mac again in AEW. The Prodigal Son could do wonders for Shafir's career, helping her to capitalize on her untapped potential.
#2. Claudio Castagnoli has battled Shane McMahon in WWE
Claudio Castagnoli (fka Cesaro) was a member of the WWE roster for almost a decade. During his time in the Stamford-based promotion, The Swiss Superman locked horns with numerous veterans of the business, including Shane McMahon.
In early 2019, Shane O'Mac formed a tag team with The Miz, as he intended to take the Smackdown Tag Team Titles off The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro). After weeks of verbal back-and-forth, the two teams finally clashed against each other at Royal Rumble 2019.
It was a decent match, filled with many entertaining spots. At one point in the contest, The Swiss Superman performed a Giant Swing on The Prodigal Son.
Ultimately, it was McMahon who took the victory home by pinning Castagnoli. The 54-year-old star nailed his opponent with a Shooting Star Press to secure the Smackdown Tag Team Titles.
Although they were at odds with each other in WWE, the two former rivals could be seen working alongside each other in AEW soon. As the rumored mastermind behind the recent chaos in AEW, McMahon could have been the individual who instructed Claudio Castagnoli to turn his back on Bryan Danielson.
#1. Samoa Joe once teamed up with Shane McMahon
Samoa Joe has found immense success across several promotions in the world. The Destroyer was part of the Smackdown roster in 2018, where he engaged in several entertaining rivalries against AJ Styles, Jeff Hardy, and many others.
At Survivor Series 2018, The Samoan Submission Machine represented the blue brand in the traditional five-on-five Elimination match against Team RAW. One of Joe's teammates for this match was Shane McMahon, who was leading SmackDown at Survivor Series for the third consecutive year.
Unfortunately, Joe couldn't leave much impact in this contest, as he was instantly eliminated by Drew McIntyre in the starting moments of the match. Meanwhile, The Prodigal Son fought for the blue brand till the end, before eventually being eliminated by Braun Strowman.
Although they did not get to have a full-fledged rivalry in WWE, Samoa Joe and Shane McMahon could ultimately cross paths again in All Elite Wrestling.