54-year-old WWE veteran joining AEW is very unlikely, Jim Cornette believes
A 54-year-old WWE veteran is rumored to join AEW soon. However, Jim Cornette believes that it will not happen.
The veteran in question is none other than Shane McMahon. In June 2024, it was reported that McMahon was not signed to a WWE contract. This led to speculation that he might join the Jacksonville-based promotion. Recently, he had a private meeting with Tony Khan.
A photo of the duo was also leaked on social media, adding fuel to the fire. Many fans are now confident that he will likely join All Elite Wrestling. Meanwhile, Jim Cornette believes the former WWE Tag Team Champion will not ink a deal with the Tony Khan-led promotion. On the latest edition of his Drive-Thru podcast, Cornette said the following about McMahon's potential pro wrestling future:
"Shane McMahon will not be working in a wrestling capacity [as an on-screen wrestler or in any other way] for AEW. No, he’s not gonna wrestle, he’s not gonna announce. He’s not gonna wrestle. He’s not gonna manage. He’s not gonna be an executive." [From 3:20 to 3:47]
Booker T on Shane McMahon and AEW head Tony Khan's meeting
In recent months, Tony Khan has mentioned that he was open to working with Shane McMahon in All Elite Wrestling. Meanwhile, Bully Ray disclosed that McMahon wanted the Jacksonville-based company to scale new heights.
On his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T recently shared his thoughts on the Tony Khan-Shane McMahon meeting.
"Nothing surprises me in this business, it really doesn’t. Could I believe that Tony Khan reached out to Shane McMahon perhaps for some expert knowledge, expertise, perhaps a way to run the business? I could see that. It’s all about trying to move to the next level. Does Shane McMahon need a check? I don’t think so,” he said.
The Boy Wonder is a free agent; therefore, the possibility of him joining All Elie Wrestling seems high. But nothing is sure as of now. It remains to be seen whether McMahon will appear on AEW TV at some point.
If you use any quotes from the article's first half, please credit Drive-Thru and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.