5 things AEW could do with Shane McMahon

AEW fans are keeping close tabs on the unfolding drama in WWE with regards to Shane McMahon. Vince McMahon's son was reportedly released from the company due to his antics backstage at the 2022 WWE Royal Rumble. This has led to intense speculation amongst wrestling fans about whether AEW owner Tony Khan might take advantage of the situation and make a play to sign Shane McMahon.

PWTorch.com writer Wade Keller revealed more details about the ongoing saga and whether there was any possibility that Tony Khan might contact Shane O'Mac over a potential business partnership.

Expand Tweet

According to the journalist, some officials in the WWE want to warn Tony Khan of the potential consequences of reaching out to Shane:

“Yes, the [fake meme] graphics are out [saying] Shane is All Elite,” Keller said. “Tony Khan may or may not reach out to Shane. People in WWE are letting me know that someone should warn Tony Khan what he’s in for if he brings Shane in, because the sense of entitlement. And I don’t know if ego is the right word, that Shane would bring along with him in a company that isn’t WWE would probably be amplified compared to how he was acting on Saturday, which was just basically out of control.” [H/T PWTorch.com]

A McMahon joining a wrestling company that is not WWE would certainly be monumental news that shakes the very foundation of the industry. While the chances of that occurring might be slim to none, here are five things that could happen if Shane McMahon joins Tony Khan's promotion.

#5. Shane McMahon could appear as an on-screen manager for FTR

Expand Tweet

FTR's Dax Harwood has publicly offered his thoughts on Shane's reported WWE exit. The former tag team champion seemed to reference the time when he and Cash Wheeler worked together with Shane-O-Mac-Mac during his run as a heel authority figure. He also offered a calling card of sorts for the younger McMahon to possibly jump ship.

Perhaps a run as a manager would be the perfect way to introduce Shane to the All Elite Wrestling faithful and pairing him up with two wrestlers he used to work closely with only seems natural. While it is an admittedly small role in the grand scheme of things, it is an inoffensive way to utilize the 52-year-old.

#4. Shane McMahon could appear as an on-screen authority figure in AEW

AEW could benefit from an on-screen authority figure. While it is common knowledge that Tony Khan runs the show, he has mostly kept himself off-camera. At most, his name is mentioned when it comes to booking matches on Dynamite or when a heel is criticizing the owner as part of their promo.

However, having a commissioner or general manager to run the show opens up a lot of storyline opportunities. WWE has utilized the GM trople multiple times as it allows the wrestlers to interact or create conflict with these figures. Case in point: Vince McMahon, Eric Bischoff, Stephanie McMahon and even Shane himself.

The younger McMahon already has experience in this role and it would be fun to see him trying to handle a roster made up of renegades such as The Pinnacle, The Elite and The Inner Circle.

#3. Shane McMahon could be used as a part-time wrestler in AEW

While no one is clamoring for Shane McMahon to wrestle full-time in 2022, he is still able to put on an entertaining match if used sparingly and the storyline makes sense.

At 52 years old, his daredevil ways might be over, but it could be interesting to see him face off against the likes of Bryan Danielson, Kenny Omega and even Chris Jericho in a legends bout. His name will still have star value and he will be an attraction in any match that he participates in.

There were rumors that Shane wanted to work with Austin Theory at WrestleMania 38. While his departure might put a stop to that, there is a plethora of young talents on the AEW roster that he can give a rub to, such as Sammy Guevara or Darby Allin.

#2. Shane McMahon is utilized in a backstage role in AEW

AEW officials might be wary of welcoming Shane McMahon to the company given the apparent backstage problems that were present in WWE. But it doesn't seem to be in line with his character previously.

On the latest episode of The Bro Show, Vince Russo, who has experience working with Shane in the Attitude Era, assured that he never faced any issues with him during his time there:

"I was in a position as the head writer. I worked with a lot of people in management that were on TV. And bro, a couple of people really made it all about them. They were very overbearing, constantly talking about what they were doing, not caring about the rest of the roster. I got to tell you, both Vince [McMahon] and Shane [McMahon] never made it about them. We would write the show and say 'Shane, this is what I need you to do', 'Vince, this is what I need you to do'. You would tell them one time, and that would be it. So when people are talking about Shane and his ego, that's not the Shane I knew, I can tell you that based on experience," said Russo.

Before the recent drama, Shane's reputation seemed to be someone who is well-liked by wrestlers and officials alike. He could be an asset to Tony Khan in a corporate sense if given the right role.

His vast experience and business acumen could help AEW grow in the future. Essentially, he can carry out Triple H's role as an EVP and help scout talent or run programming for Dynamite/Rampage. The possibilities are endless.

#1. Tony Khan gives part-ownership of AEW to Shane McMahon

While this seems least likely, it is a possibility worth exploring. The Khan family are the sole owners of AEW, with Tony running the day-to-day operations and his billionaire father Shahid funding the entire operation.

While Tony is the undisputed owner of the promotion, there might come a time where he might want to relinquish some of his control or delegate his numerous responsibilities as the company grows. He might even want to consider giving minority ownership to someone like Shane as a way to combine their considerable resources.

Shane was always looked upon as the most forward-thinking of the McMahons, so perhaps this could be his way of supporting a more progressive wrestling company. It could also be his way of stepping out of the huge shadow of his father and prove he could help run a pro wrestling company.