One of WWE’s biggest returns has caused backlash.
After the main event of SummerSlam 2025, fans were stunned to see Brock Lesnar return to WWE for the first time since 2023. He emerged to a thunderous ovation as he attacked John Cena as the show closed.
Lesnar is one of WWE’s biggest stars, but he’s spent nearly two full years away from the company amid the Vince McMahon lawsuit. In January 2024, former WWE employee Janel Grant sued McMahon, alleging the wrestling company’s founder took part in sex trafficking and put her through sexual acts that were done with ‘extreme cruelty and degradation.’ Lesnar is mentioned in the lawsuit as someone that McMahon offered sexual encounters to with Grant.
A spokesperson said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports, Lesnar’s return is an ‘attempt to sweep misconduct under the rug.’
‘For far too long, abuse was allowed to thrive under WWE’s leadership. Instead of righting this wrong, WWE has done nothing to ensure those responsible are held accountable. This attempt to sweep misconduct under the rug will backfire,’ the spokesperson said. ‘We look forward to the full set of facts, including those about Mr. Lesnar, coming out in a court of law where they belong.’
USA TODAY Sports has reached out to WWE for comment.
What is said about Brock Lesnar in Janel Grant lawsuit?
The suit claims McMahon used Grant as an incentive for a WWE star to re-sign with the company, offering a sexual encounter with Grant for the star. The star isn’t named in the suit, but The Wall Street Journal identified them as Lesnar. It is alleged Lesnar went to WWE headquarters in Connecticut as McMahon offered a sexual encounter with Grant, but it did not happen ‘because he was too intoxicated and taken back to the plane.’
Grant alleges McMahon ordered her in July 2021 to create personalized sexual content for the WWE star and he told McMahon “he likes what he sees.’ The star also later expressed the desire to ‘set a play date,’ but a snowstorm changed the star’s plans. No sexual encounters are alleged in the lawsuit.
The return also came as WWE ditched having traditional press conferences after premium live events, which offered reporters the chance to ask stars and WWE chief content officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque questions. Instead, WWE held a SummerSlam post-show hosted by its panel. Levesque said the dynamic of the room changes with Lesnar back with the company.
‘Anything you thought was happening sort of all goes out the window because the factor of Brock now just changes that dynamic. It makes it so unpredictable. Incredible to have him back,’ Levesque said.