Vince McMahon’s recent appearance at Super Bowl LIX raised eyebrows, sparking speculation about potential future ventures. According to wrestling podcast host Conrad Thompson, there might be more to the story than meets the eye. On his 83 Weeks with Eric Bischoff podcast, Thompson suggested that McMahon could be on the brink of launching a new wrestling company, with rumors indicating he may have already secured a television deal with Fox, the network that aired the Super Bowl.
Thompson noted, “There’s been lots of speculation, lots of rumor and innuendo about Vince McMahon starting a company. Should I say the quiet part out loud? […] allegedly, Vince McMahon’s people have made contact with individuals experienced in shooting wrestling — maybe cameramen.” While he expressed skepticism about these rumors being substantive, they’re intriguing nonetheless. Even Thompson’s initial reaction was one of disbelief, asserting it “doesn’t sound real” and “sounds like bulls**t.”
Despite the skepticism, the connections in media and politics surrounding McMahon are worth considering. While separated due to allegations against him, McMahon’s wife, Linda, serves as the Secretary of Education in Donald Trump’s cabinet, and both men have a long-standing relationship both in and out of wrestling. With Fox and the Murdoch family also tied into the picture, it raises questions about potential collaboration.
As Thompson mulled over McMahon’s unexpected Super Bowl attendance and connected more dots, he began to entertain the idea that the rumors might hold some truth. “When is the last time I remember seeing Vince McMahon at a football game for a league he didn’t own? I don’t remember ever seeing or hearing that. […] Now I’m not saying anything, but I am saying we’ve heard rumors that Vince has a studio and that he’s hired a bunch of former WWE executives,” he mused. “If he’s just shooting traditional entertainment, why do you need a wrestling cameraman?”
Conrad Thompson said he’s heard rumors about Vince McMahon potentially running a wrestling show on FOX!
– Vince is hiring a bunch of former WWE executives
– Vince’s people have had conversations with people who have experience shooting wrestling
– Fox is allegedly holding a spot… pic.twitter.com/Ainw8AJBTw— AIR (@AIRGold_) February 25, 2025
Moreover, despite Fox seemingly stepping back from wrestling after the end of WWE SmackDown’s five-year run, they recently entered into a deal for the new WWE developmental program, WWE Evolve, on Tubi. Considering McMahon’s boldness and existing relationship with Fox, the idea of him launching a pro wrestling promotion with the network doesn’t seem far-fetched.
However, his attendance at the Super Bowl is no guarantee of a deal materializing, and several hurdles remain for the 79-year-old. Currently, he faces a high-profile civil lawsuit from a former WWE employee accusing him of serious misconduct. Additionally, cultivating a wrestling roster capable of competing on a national platform poses significant challenges, especially with much of the industry’s talent under contract elsewhere.
Both Thompson and Bischoff have shared insights on the subject, acknowledging that they’ve heard similar rumors without a clear vision of them materializing. Since stepping down from TKO due to the lawsuit filed in January 2024, McMahon has reportedly been planning to launch his own production company, with rumored participation from former WWE staff. What direction this company will take and if it will involve pro wrestling remains uncertain.
