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WWE President Nick Khan appeared on The Bill Simmons Podcast ahead of WrestleMania 40.
The two opened by reflecting on the original WrestleMania in 1985. Simmons recalled watching it on cable in Connecticut, while Khan experienced it via closed-circuit broadcast at the LA Sports Arena. Both reminisced about the "cultural shift" that Hulk Hogan and MTV helped usher in, making wrestling feel “mainstream” for the first time.
On the Vince McMahon-Netflix documentary, Khan praised Simmons for seeing the project through despite several setbacks and emphasized that WWE did not attempt to censor the final episode, which tackled real-world allegations against McMahon. Internally, Khan said reaction ranged from admiration for the objectivity to strong pushback from those close to Vince.
“The deal was done before I joined full-time,” Khan noted, saying his job was simply to help “everyone stay calm” and let the process play out.
John Cena’s recent heel turn was discussed with Khan confirming that WWE’s decision to turn Cena heel during his final run was collectively supported by Triple H, The Rock, and Cody Rhodes. Despite his merchandise still being a top-seller, Khan said the turn was a smart, late-career evolution.
On Cody Rhodes, Khan praised his “bet on yourself” career path. “He saw it before anyone else saw it,” Khan said. WWE moved quickly once Rhodes became available, with his return deal finalized “in minutes.” Khan credited Rhodes for not airing grievances publicly and simply focusing on succeeding when he returned to WWE.
Khan discussed CM Punk’s return to WWE, calling him “a gem to work with” and dismissing the idea that Punk was a locker room cancer. “It was so obvious to me that he wasn’t,” Khan said, describing Punk as responsive, respectful, and evolved from past tensions.
Khan stated that WWE "only signs" talent they intend to use and avoids stockpiling performers they can’t properly feature.
Khan called The Bloodline one of WWE’s greatest factions ever, alongside DX and The Four Horsemen [who weren't in WWE - Mike]. He credited the company’s success to both talent and creative, noting names who have elevated themselves, including Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Rhea Ripley
He also spoke about the importance of evolving with the times — something he believes WWE has done well — and cited the move to a two-night WrestleMania as a necessary change to match the pace of modern entertainment.
On the WWE Peacock deal, it expires in 11 months. Khan said discussions will happen soon, praising Peacock’s performance and reach. WWE’s massive YouTube presence (over 110 million subscribers) and new Netflix partnership have made the product globally accessible.
Khan also praised WWE’s recruiting efforts to feature more international talent, citing Axiom in Spain.
While the tone throughout remained measured, Nick Khan addressed AEW, but not by name, commenting, “In terms of the other wrestling promotional company, they have a lot of talented wrestlers, and we're happy about that. When contractually they’re available to be talked to and have conversations with, assume a number of them will come over. We won’t sign and bench people,” he emphasized. “We sign people who we want to use.”
Asked by Simmons if AEW still posed a rivalry or threat, Khan said, “Look, we’re always the underdog at WWE. We always feel that people underestimate us, that were looked down upon — and we like it that way. Bet against us. We prefer that.”
While he didn’t directly criticize AEW’s leadership or creative, Khan took what can only be seen as a jab by directing noting he had, “Nothing but respect for the father who finances it and owns the Jaguars and all those other things.”
On WWE’s current run, Khan said, “If you look at the stock price now, it's far in excess of what it was when we all started together five years ago... and we're quite proud of that.”
On the future of combat sports and TKO's involvement, Khan teased more news about the TKO-backed boxing promotion with Dana White coming soon. He believes boxing needs the same consolidation and structure UFC has succeeded with.
Looking back WrestleMania 40 last year, Khan highlighted the Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns storyline and the Roman/Seth/Punk dynamic as key centerpieces. He praised Roman, noting he’s still just 36.
“We’re proud of where we are,” Khan said, “but we feel like there’s a lot of room for growth.”
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