TKO Officially Denies WWE Sale Rumors Amid Vince McMahon Comeback Theories
Speculation around Vince McMahon plotting a WWE comeback has been running wild—but TKO Group Holdings has officially shut the door on any such plans.
According to Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer, the rumors that TKO is planning to sell WWE—or that McMahon might buy it back—have been flatly denied. TKO has reportedly spent the entire day addressing these claims and has made it clear: WWE is not for sale.
Where Did the Rumors Start?
The speculation gained traction after former WWE personalities Jonathan Coachman and Vince Russo discussed the possibility of a behind-the-scenes comeback by McMahon, who resigned earlier this year following a sexual trafficking lawsuit.
Coachman claimed that “sources within the industry” had told him Vince still wants to regain control of WWE, even if only in the long run.
“I talk to people. They trust me. I don’t know 100% if he’ll buy WWE—but I know he wants to,” said Coachman.
Russo offered a more elaborate theory: McMahon may have made a placeholder deal with TKO—allowing them to profit and run WWE temporarily until he’s ready to reclaim his “baby.”
“What if Vince knew this was coming, stepped back on purpose, and arranged to buy it back later?” Russo suggested.
Their conversation also pointed to the continued presence of Vince allies like Bruce Prichard and Michael Hayes as subtle clues that Vince still holds some backstage influence.
TKO Shuts It Down
However, Meltzer quickly brought the discussion back to reality:
“The stories of Vince somehow buying WWE—and rumors about TKO looking to sell—have been denied all day long,” Meltzer confirmed.
He added that TKO’s recent cost-cutting and staff consolidation between UFC and WWE saved them over $100–$150 million. After streamlining operations, selling WWE now would go against every business incentive they’ve created.
The Bottom Line
While theories about Vince McMahon’s secret comeback make for juicy headlines, the current facts don’t support them. TKO is fully invested in WWE and has denied any intention of selling.
What do you think? Could Vince McMahon ever really buy back WWE—or has that era ended for good? Let us know in the comments below.