What if Tony Khan books mega AEW debut this week in response to WWE RAW on Netflix? Exploring potential impact

AEW launched its 2025 programming with a television-streaming simulcast of Dynamite: Fight for the Fallen, officially kicking off a profitable new media rights agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery. Their primary rival, WWE, also initiated a historic partnership, hosting Monday Night RAW's debut on Netflix in front of a packed crowd in the Intuit Dome.

The aforementioned episode of RAW featured appearances from celebrities, wrestling legends, and many of the promotion's top names, some of whom squared off in the ring. The show's presentation and reception have led wrestling fans to wonder how Tony Khan may try to top it with next week's special episode of AEW Dynamite: Maximum Carnage. One bold way he could achieve this is by bringing in former WWE executive and superstar Shane McMahon.

According to a recent report, the Tony Khan-led promotion was asked by WBD to treat and produce the upcoming edition of the Wednesday-night show, set to air from Cincinnati, Ohio, and featuring hometown star Jon Moxley defending his All Elite World Championship, as an "important" episode. Furthermore, the AEW Creative Head will undoubtedly be looking to match, if not surpass, the buzz generated by WWE RAW's Netflix premiere.

Khan may pull off such a feat if he debuts Shane McMahon at Dynamite: Maximum Carnage. The two men had a private meeting last year following speculations surrounding Shane-O-Mac's rumored interest in appearing on All Elite programming.

The former WWE personality also crossed paths with multiple other top names from AEW last year - notably snapping a picture at the airport with The Young Bucks in September.

While Dynamite: Maximum Carnage is already gearing up to be an exciting episode, it could become even more memorable if Shane McMahon appears on the show in some capacity. The 54-year-old could make a one-off cameo or possibly confirm rumors of his much-speculated-on involvement with, or opposition to, Jon Moxley and The Death Riders.

Shane McMahon's account of meeting with AEW head honcho

Shortly after Tony Khan met Shane McMahon in Arlington, Texas, The Prodigal Son provided a statement on the nature of his conversations with the AEW Creative Head that was delivered by Bully Ray on Busted Open.

McMahon said:

"Tony and I were connected through a mutual friend and we had a great meeting. We talked about many things, but mostly about our shared love for the business and the rewards and challenges of working with family. I congratulated him on the five year anniversary of AEW and look forward to how he evolves the business moving forward."

It remains to be seen if Shane McMahon will ever be All Elite at any point in the future.