Vince McMahon, Triple H, and several other TKO executives are set to testify in a shareholder trial beginning June 8 in Delaware. The case centers on claims that the WWE-UFC merger was predetermined to keep McMahon in power rather than maximize shareholder value.
According to Post Wrestling’s Brandon Thurston, the witness list includes McMahon, Nick Khan, Paul Levesque (Triple H), Ari Emanuel, and Mark Shapiro. The shareholders filing the lawsuit argue the merger process was designed to benefit McMahon at the expense of getting full value for WWE.
Former WWE Executives Among Witnesses
Other notable witnesses include former WWE executives and Board members George Barrios, Michelle Wilson, and Frank Riddick. Former WWE Board member Steve Koonin, banker Jeff Sine who advised WWE on the deal, TKO CFO Andrew Schleimer, and TKO chief strategy officer Mark Zhu are also scheduled to testify.
Some witnesses will appear live while others may appear via video or pre-recorded deposition testimony. Stephanie McMahon, Jeffrey Speed, and Steve Pamon are among those expected to provide pre-recorded depositions.
Liberty Media CEO On Witness List
Liberty Media CEO Marty Patterson is also listed as a witness, as the company was among those bidding for WWE during the sale process. McMahon remained in power through the merger until January 2024, when he resigned following the Janel Grant lawsuit.
The trial could still be settled before it begins or even after proceedings start. The shareholders claim they did not receive the full potential value of a WWE sale due to the predetermined nature of the merger process.