WWE President Nick Khan shared a personal story about boxing legend Manny Pacquiao — and how it helped shape his approach to managing sports broadcasters — during an appearance on Stephanie McMahon's podcast, "What's Your Story?," released this week on YouTube.
Before stepping into his executive role with WWE, Khan built a successful career as a sports agent, representing some of the biggest names in sports and media. It was during those years that he first encountered Pacquiao, who was then an up-and-coming star in the boxing world.
Khan recalled that despite his efforts, he was unable to get in touch with Pacquiao through traditional channels. The boxer, training in the Philippines, was hard to reach. Determined to make the connection, Khan decided to take a direct approach.
“I couldn’t get ahold of Manny — calls weren’t going through, emails unanswered,” Khan said. “So I just got on a plane and flew to the Philippines.”
When Khan finally secured a meeting with Pacquiao, he quickly realized why the fighter was so difficult to reach. Pacquiao was fully immersed in training, preparing relentlessly for his next bout. What stood out to Khan wasn’t just Pacquiao’s natural athleticism, but his level of focus, discipline and adaptability — qualities Khan believes are just as important outside the ring.
“It wasn’t just about natural ability,” Khan said. “It was how much work he put into studying his opponents, how adaptable he was during a fight, and how consistent he was under pressure.”
That experience left a lasting impression on Khan, who now applies those same principles to his leadership at WWE — particularly when it comes to shaping the company’s broadcast teams.
“In live sports and entertainment, things change constantly,” Khan said. “Broadcasters have to be able to adjust in real time, stay composed and deliver a great performance, just like an elite athlete.”
Khan emphasized that preparation is critical for success in any broadcast role. He said WWE looks for on-air talent who approach their work with the same intensity as top-level athletes — who do their homework, understand the product and are ready for anything that might unfold during a live event.
“We want people who are relentless in their preparation, who do their homework and who can think on their feet,” Khan said. “That’s what makes a great broadcast — whether it’s WrestleMania, Raw, SmackDown or a live premium event.”
During the podcast, McMahon and Khan also discussed WWE’s growth into a global sports entertainment brand, the evolution of the sports media industry and the importance of leadership in building a performance-driven culture.
For Khan, the story of flying across the world to meet Manny Pacquiao remains more than just a tale from his early days in sports. It serves as an example of how the mindset of elite athletes — preparation, adaptability, composure — can elevate performance in any arena, including the broadcast booth.
And as WWE continues to expand its global footprint and reach new audiences, Khan said those same qualities will remain at the heart of the company’s approach to producing world-class broadcasts