Brock Lesnar allegations: what WWE fans should know

In 2024, WWE was rocked by serious allegations involving one of its most dominant stars. Brock Lesnar, a former WWE and UFC champion, was officially named in an amended civil lawsuit filed by Janel Grant, a former WWE employee, that accused ex-chairman Vince McMahon of sexual abuse and trafficking. The inclusion of Lesnar in the lawsuit stunned many within the WWE Universe and raised critical questions about the company’s culture, accountability, and transparency.

Janel Grant Lawsuit: How Lesnar Was Named

Janel Grant filed a federal lawsuit in January 2024, accusing Vince McMahon of orchestrating a pattern of sexual exploitation during her employment. Initially, the complaint referenced a “world-famous athlete and former UFC heavyweight champion” involved in inappropriate dealings through McMahon. Weeks later, the Wall Street Journal and other major outlets identified that individual as Brock Lesnar. In early 2025, Grant filed an amended complaint officially naming Lesnar, alleging that McMahon offered her to him as a “gift” during contract negotiations in 2021.

According to the filing, Lesnar was given Grant’s phone number and allegedly requested a fetish video involving urination. He reportedly scheduled an in-person meeting that was later canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions and travel issues. While Grant claimed she never physically met Lesnar, the lawsuit stated she felt coerced into providing explicit content at the request of McMahon and in anticipation of Lesnar’s interest.

Lesnar’s Legal Standing and WWE’s Quiet Response

Despite the disturbing claims, Brock Lesnar was not listed as a defendant in the lawsuit. Grant’s legal action primarily targeted McMahon and WWE itself. Lesnar’s name appeared as part of the narrative surrounding the broader trafficking and abuse allegations, described as a “minor player” but still significant due to the power dynamics involved. As of mid-2025, no criminal charges had been filed against Lesnar, and his legal team had not released any public statements regarding the claims.

WWE, under the leadership of Paul “Triple H” Levesque, offered no official comment on Lesnar’s involvement. However, internally, the company distanced itself from Lesnar throughout 2024. His merchandise was pulled, appearances were canceled, and his image was scrubbed from promotional content, including WWE 2K video games. These quiet measures suggested the company was reacting to the controversy without drawing further attention.

The Return to WWE Amid Controversy

In a controversial twist, Lesnar returned to WWE programming during SummerSlam 2025 Night 2, attacking John Cena after the main event. The moment sparked outrage from segments of the fanbase and drew criticism online for bringing back a figure tied to serious allegations. While WWE did not acknowledge the lawsuit during broadcasts, fans quickly pointed out the timing and silence. Some viewed the return as a bold creative decision; others saw it as a damaging oversight.

Triple H addressed Lesnar’s return vaguely during a post-show interview, stating that “creative decisions are made with the product in mind,” and avoided direct reference to the allegations. Meanwhile, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier claimed on a podcast that Lesnar had been “banned” from WWE at one point, though WWE neither confirmed nor denied this.

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Fan Reactions and Industry Impact

The WWE fan community was sharply divided. Many voiced their disappointment that someone named in a lawsuit involving sex trafficking had returned to a high-profile role without public resolution. Others defended Lesnar’s presence, noting that he was not accused of any crime and had not been charged or sued. However, the underlying discomfort remained evident across social media, Reddit, and wrestling forums.

Critics argued that WWE’s handling of the situation, silencing discussion while reintroducing Lesnar into main-event programming, reflected a disregard for the seriousness of the allegations. Supporters of Grant pointed to this moment as an example of how powerful institutions often fail to hold high-profile individuals accountable unless legally required.

While Brock Lesnar faced no formal charges and remained a non-defendant in Janel Grant’s lawsuit, his inclusion in such serious allegations cast a long shadow. WWE’s decision to bring him back into the spotlight without addressing fan concerns raised broader ethical questions about transparency and responsibility. As the lawsuit continued to develop in federal court, many fans were left to decide whether they could separate the performer from the controversy, or if Lesnar’s legacy would be permanently altered by his alleged role in one of WWE’s biggest scandals.