New court filings show that Vince McMahon was involved in WWE’s creative process leading up to WrestleMania 39

An article by Brandon Thurston of PostWrestling.com has uncovered new details about Vince McMahon’s reinstatement to WWE in January of 2023. Newly disclosed court records in an ongoing Delaware shareholder lawsuit allege that Vince McMahon’s July 2022 “retirement” from WWE was widely expected by top Endeavor executives to be temporary, with a sale or major transaction anticipated shortly afterward. On the day McMahon stepped down amid sexual misconduct allegations, Endeavor executive Mark Shapiro privately predicted McMahon would return within months, overhaul the board, and either sell WWE or take it private.

Texts and emails show McMahon remained in communication with Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel and advisers throughout late 2022, despite his public exit. In January 2023, McMahon used his controlling voting power to reinstate himself to WWE’s board, reshaped its membership, and immediately put the company up for sale. Three months later, WWE agreed to merge with UFC under Endeavor, creating TKO.

Shareholder plaintiffs allege McMahon breached fiduciary duties by steering a “pre-wired” sale designed to preserve his power and secure a leadership role rather than maximize shareholder value. They argue other potential bidders (including private equity and strategic buyers) did not have sufficient time or access to fully compete, while Endeavor enjoyed early and ongoing engagement. Internal communications from rival Liberty Media executives later characterized the deal as “pre-wired.”

The filings also raise questions about governance and transparency, including claims that key communications were routed through Signal (with auto-delete features) during the sale process, and that public statements downplayed McMahon’s behind-the-scenes involvement. Defendants, including Vince McMahon, Nick Khan, Stephanie McMahon, and others have denied wrongdoing.

The lawsuit seeks damages on behalf of shareholders and is scheduled to go to trial in 2026.

On March 30th 2023, just days before WrestleMania 39 and the announcement of WWE’s merger, Nick Khan appeared on CNBC and addressed questions from anchor Morgan Brennan about Vince McMahon’s role in a potential transaction. Brennan also asked whether McMahon had become more involved in WWE’s creative process after being seen at more events. Khan answered, “No, is the answer to that.”

However, new court filings reveal that about a month earlier, on February 28th 2023, McMahon texted Khan about WrestleMania-related creative plans. McMahon relayed messages involving Paul Levesque and Bruce Prichard, including: “Hey guys just double checking. Does Roman [Reigns] and Cody [Rhodes] know the new creative re [WrestleMania] and next year ?” After follow-up replies, McMahon asked Levesque, “Paul have U ‘?”

Khan responded cryptically with “Langis.” When McMahon replied, “What in the blue hell is ‘Langis’ lol,” Khan answered, “Read it backwards!” This was possibly a reference to the Signal messaging app.