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

Newly uncovered messages show conflicts between the two executives over Vince's involvement in WWE's storylines.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:09am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring sharp, angular black silhouettes against a muted red and grey background, conceptually representing the tensions and conflicts within WWE's leadership.Leaked texts reveal the behind-the-scenes power struggles shaping the future of WWE's creative direction.Cleveland Today

Newly released text messages between WWE executives Paul 'Triple H' Levesque and Nick Khan have shed light on the tensions between Levesque and his father-in-law Vince McMahon over creative control of WWE's programming. The messages show Levesque's concerns about McMahon's continued involvement in the creative process, even after Levesque took over as head of creative in 2022. The texts also indicate that Khan helped save Levesque's job amid the conflicts with McMahon.

Why it matters

The leaked texts provide a rare behind-the-scenes look at the power struggles within WWE's leadership, which have implications for the company's creative direction and its relationship with fans. As a publicly traded company, WWE's investors are also closely watching who is truly in charge of the company's content.

The details

The text messages begin on September 11, 2023, the night before WWE's merger with TKO was finalized. Levesque expressed concerns to Khan about McMahon wanting to meet regarding talent releases that were part of cost-cutting measures. Despite public statements downplaying McMahon's creative involvement, the texts suggest he was still exerting influence. In December 2023, Levesque questioned Khan about McMahon's plans to attend a WWE TV taping in Cleveland, and the next day expressed disappointment over a conversation with TKO CEO Ari Emanuel. Khan deleted his responses in both instances. The final set of texts show Levesque moving on to discuss the return of CM Punk, who had previously walked out on WWE in 2014.

  • On September 11, 2023, the night before the WWE-TKO merger became official.
  • In December 2023, two months after the merger, regarding Vince McMahon's plans to attend a WWE TV taping in Cleveland.
  • The day after the December 2023 texts, regarding a disappointing conversation Levesque had with TKO CEO Ari Emanuel.

The players

Paul 'Triple H' Levesque

The head of WWE creative who took over the role in 2022, and son-in-law of Vince McMahon.

Nick Khan

The co-CEO of WWE who Levesque reports to, and who reportedly helped save Levesque's job amid conflicts with McMahon.

Vince McMahon

The longtime chairman and CEO of WWE, who stepped down in 2022 but has reportedly maintained creative involvement despite public statements to the contrary.

Bruce Prichard

A senior member of WWE's creative team, who was mentioned in the texts as someone McMahon wanted to meet with Levesque.

Ed Koskey

Another senior member of WWE's creative team, who was mentioned in the texts as someone McMahon wanted to meet with Levesque.

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What they’re saying

“Before the stock market opened on the morning the TKO deal became official, Levesque sent a message to Khan, expressing his appreciation and noting that if it was not for Khan, he would have gone a long time ago.”

— Paul 'Triple H' Levesque, Head of WWE Creative

“Just a few minutes later, Levesque sent a message to Khan noting that McMahon wanted a meeting with Levesque and 'Bruce and Ed,' which is believed to have been senior creative team members Bruce Prichard and Ed Koskey.”

— Paul 'Triple H' Levesque, Head of WWE Creative

What’s next

The court has not yet ruled on the plaintiffs' motion to draw adverse inferences against the defendant board members due to the deletion of Signal messages and other evidence related to the WWE-TKO merger.

The takeaway

The leaked texts highlight the ongoing power struggles within WWE's leadership, raising questions about who is truly in charge of the company's creative direction and the implications for WWE's relationship with its investors and fans. The conflicts between Levesque and McMahon underscore the challenges of transitioning leadership in a company with such a strong founder's imprint.