3 Things you must know about Shane McMahon’s WWE career
Shane McMahon has set the wrestling world on fire after a secret meeting with AEW President Tony Khan. Shane-O-Mac has clarified the specifics, but fans are speculating about potential executive swerves with The Prodigal Son joining WWE's biggest rival.
The former SmackDown Tag Team Champion has been a pivotal pillar of the Stamford-based promotion in the last two decades. From executive duties to on-screen authority roles to in-ring competition, Shane-O-Mac's life and professional career are intertwined with WWE.
Therefore, seeing him head over to Tony Khan's promotion will certainly appall many fans. On that note, we look at four things every wrestling fan should know about Shane-O-Mac's WWE career.
#3. Shane McMahon is not under contract with WWE
With so much buzz surrounding his meeting with Khan, The Prodigal Son's contract status became a hot topic of discussion. The former SmackDown Commissioner is not under any contract with WWE, making him a free agent.
The reports also stated that McMahon previously had a talent contract, but that isn't the case anymore. It is also important to note that Shane-O-Mac was released in early 2022 after he reportedly mismanaged and heavily criticized the Men's Royal Rumble match.
With no present association with WWE, Shane McMahon can join AEW without legal impediments. Alternatively, he could also strike a deal with the promotion his family built.
#2. The former SmackDown Commissioner has no heat with Triple H
As his name suggests, the Prodigal Son has had a tumultuous relationship with his father, Vince McMahon. After all, McMahon fired Shane in 2022, and the latter distanced himself from the promotion.
Nevertheless, in light of Vince's departure from WWE, the environment for a Shane McMahon comeback has changed dramatically, with Triple H taking over creative control. This was apparent in his one-off return at WrestleMania 39.
The former SmackDown Commissioner initially didn't approve of Stephanie McMahon's relationship with Hunter, but there is no legitimate evidence of real-life heat between McMahon and Triple H.
#1. Shane McMahon was a legitimate draw
Shane McMahon may have had a controversial image backstage, but he was a legitimate draw. Shane-O-Mac was known for taking outrageous risks, such as jumping off the top of Hell in a Cell or being German Suplexed through glass.
His Leap of Faith at WrestleMania 32 garnered 12 million views on YouTube, indicating the interest he has the potential to generate.
As such, fans tuned in when McMahon was around. Furthermore, he also has a decent reputation as a businessman, driving business outside the ring. In short, while occasionally adverse, Shane's impact on WWE has mostly been beneficial.
AEW has been struggling in 2024. Shane-O-Mac led SmackDown into a new era as an authority figure in 2016. Could he do the same for Tony Khan's promotion? Only time will tell.