"Tony would always talk trash" - Massive shots fired at AEW President Tony Khan by legendary 16-time WWE champion
AEW President Tony Khan has fired shots at WWE over the years, which has drawn the ire of some people within the company. A legendary former WWE star recently took a shot at Khan while discussing the difference between AEW-TNA and NXT-TNA partnerships.
TNA, known as Impact Wrestling back then, had a working relationship with AEW from 2019 to 2021. Fast forward to this year, NXT formed a partnership with TNA, which has been heavily praised by wrestling fans.
On a recent episode of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, Matt Hardy discussed the difference between TNA's relationship with AEW and WWE NXT. Hardy is currently working for TNA and has been under contract with both companies over the past five years.
"Tony would always talk trash on TNA and this one seems like it is a little bit more mutually respectful in some ways. You have someone from TNA show up at NXT, you have someone from NXT show up at TNA. I'm just really excited where this is going to go going forward and I like the way it's being handled thus far," Hardy said. [1:30 - 1:47]
Tony Khan open to signing former WWE Superstar
There have been rumors about Shane McMahon wanting to form a partnership with AEW. The son of former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is not signed by the company and is reportedly free to sign with any promotion.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Tony Khan discussed the possibility of joining forces with Shane and possibly going up against Triple H.
"I heard the rumor he might be interested. I've never met Shane, but we have a lot of mutual friends. I have a lot of respect for him as an executive and a professional wrestler. Shane is always welcome in AEW," Khan said.
Shane's last WWE appearance was at WrestleMania 39 last year when he faced off against The Miz. However, he tore his quad at the start of the match and had to be replaced by Snoop Dogg.
Vince McMahon completed the sale of his company to Endeavor back in September. Shane and Stephanie are not signed, while Triple H serves as the Chief Creative Officer and head of the creative team.