Leaked Texts Reveal Friction Between Triple H and Vince McMahon Over WWE Creative

Newly released text messages between WWE executives Paul Triple H Levesque and Nick Khan have exposed significant internal tensions regarding the creative control of WWE programming. The documents, which surfaced as part of an ongoing shareholders lawsuit, reveal a power struggle between Levesque and his father-in-law, Vince McMahon, during the period surrounding the 2023 merger with TKO Group Holdings.

According to reporting from Post Wrestling, the uncovered messages highlight Levesque’s concerns over McMahon’s continued influence on storylines and talent decisions, even after Levesque officially assumed the role of head of creative in 2022.

Tensions Surrounding the TKO Merger

The leaked communications began on September 11, 2023, the night before the merger between WWE and UFC to create TKO Group Holdings became official. In a message to Khan, Levesque described himself as wound up tight today… DDay tomorrow, expecting the worst.

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On that same day, Levesque informed Khan that Vince McMahon wanted to meet regarding talent releases. These releases were part of cost-cutting measures and downsizing efforts coinciding with the merger. Levesque also expressed gratitude to Khan, noting that without Khan’s support, he would have left the company a long time ago.

Further messages from September 11, 2023, indicate that McMahon requested a meeting with Levesque and senior creative team members Bruce Prichard and Ed Koskey. While Khan responded to these messages, those specific responses were later deleted.

Conflicts Over Creative Influence

Despite public assertions that McMahon’s creative involvement had been minimized, the private texts suggest he continued to exert influence. In December 2023, Levesque texted Khan after being informed by security that McMahon was attending a WWE TV taping in Cleveland, asking, What’s that about?????

The following day, December 10, 2023, Levesque expressed disappointment regarding a conversation with TKO CEO Ari Emanuel. He voiced concerns about how McMahon was being handled when attending television tapings and providing creative notes. Levesque wrote to Khan, Between you and I, It feels like they are both backtracking on the ‘he’s out’ narrative, suggesting that TKO executives were becoming more accepting of McMahon’s role in the creative process.

This internal friction contrasted with the company’s public narrative. In March 2023, Nick Khan told CNBC that McMahon was not more involved with creative. Following WrestleMania 39 in April 2023, McMahon told CNBC he would be involved on a higher level but would no longer be in the weeds. However, reports indicated that McMahon remained in full control of creative at Raw that same evening.

During the SummerSlam 2023 post-show press conference, Levesque described McMahon’s contributions as being in an advisory role, despite contrary reports that McMahon was still dictating the creative process.

Legal Disputes and Evidence Deletion

The text messages became public through a shareholder lawsuit alleging that the 2023 buyout was manipulated to ensure McMahon maintained a position within the company post-merger. The lawsuit includes allegations that some board members attempted to ensure McMahon remained part of WWE after the TKO takeover.

A central point of the legal battle involves the deletion of evidence. Plaintiffs have asked the court to draw adverse inferences because defendant board members deleted Signal messages and other records. The defendants have denied using Signal to discuss the merger. The plaintiffs highlighted that Nick Khan selectively deleted various messages he had sent within message threads.

McMahon’s Departure and Aftermath

The corporate environment shifted further in January 2024, when the Wall Street Journal reported that former employee Janel Grant filed a federal lawsuit against McMahon and WWE alleging sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and sex trafficking. McMahon was completely gone from the company by early 2024.

In his 2025 Hall of Fame induction speech, Levesque acknowledged the complexity of their professional and family relationship while stating that he loved and thanked McMahon.

The leaked documents also show Levesque eventually moving past the conflicts with McMahon to discuss other business, including the return of CM Punk, who rejoined WWE after having walked out in 2014.