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Prior to last week, it would have been surprising for Brock Lesnar not to appear either at Royal Rumble or somewhere leading up to WrestleMania. Now it wouldn’t be shocking if the 10-time world champion never competes in a WWE ring again.
The big thing that changed since last week at this time was the release of the bombshell Vince McMahon sex trafficking lawsuit. Among the many disturbing allegations contained within was the idea that Vince McMahon used the possibility of sex with the plaintiff, a former WWE employee named Janel Grant, as an enticement for a former UFC heavyweight champion to re-sign with the company.
Though Lesnar wasn’t named explicitly in the lawsuit, The Wall Street Journal, which broke the news as it has throughout McMahon’s sexual abuse NDA scandals since the summer of 2022, confirmed with sources that he was the talent in question.
Depending on the time of year, that might not have been an issue since Lesnar hasn’t been around WWE since last August, when he lost to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam. But that wasn’t the case with the lawsuit coming the week of Royal Rumble, in which he was reportedly set to participate.
Fightful Select (subscription required) confirmed earlier reports in multiple outlets that Lesnar was going to be part of the Men’s Royal Rumble until his name being brought up in the Grant lawsuit forced WWE to change its plans. His travel to Tampa was canceled, and his spot in the Rumble was essentially given over to Bron Breakker.
But that’s not all, as Lesnar’s removal had a ripple effect on the next WWE premium live event as well.
Wrestling Observer reported that Bron Breakker was effectively given Brock Lesnar’s spot, and eliminations, which Fightful has since learned was accurate. This surprised many, as Dominik Mysterio ended up eliminating Breakker, however POST Wrestling also accurately reported that Lesnar was scheduled to face Dominik at WWE Elimination Chamber.
It might not stop with Elimination Chamber next month. While Lesnar wasn’t confirmed to be on the WrestleMania 40 card in Philadelphia, WWE usually tries to ensure he has a match on its biggest show, and Fightful added that ” Lesnar was discussed as a potential opponent for Gunther at WrestleMania.”
It’s important to recognize that at the moment, Grant’s allegations are just that. That said, WWE will likely not want to use Lesnar until such time that he might be cleared of wrongdoing — and that’s only if he is.
Also per Fightful:
One WWE source said that it could be a long time before we see Lesnar again, unless something drastic changes.
Looking beyond that makes one wonder whether Lesnar will ever step foot inside a WWE ring again. He’ll turn 47 this summer, and while he’s a unique physical specimen who clearly keeps himself in top notch shape, he’s also never appeared all that deeply in love with the pro wrestling business. It wouldn’t be shocking if he simply decides it’s not worth the hassle and never returns.
If that turns out to be the case, the last memory WWE fans will have of the Beast Incarnate will be one of him paying an unscripted moment of respect to Rhodes after their SummerSlam match. That’s a high note to go out on as a wrestler, though any good will from it will be understandably washed away if he’s found to have been a willing participant in Grant’s alleged abuse.