Brock Lesnar, one of WWE’s most iconic Superstars, has been missing from the company’s television screens for the majority of 2025, sparking discussions among fans and experts alike. His absence has been a topic of much speculation, especially following recent comments made by UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier. The question on everyone’s mind is: What is really behind Brock Lesnar’s WWE status, and when can we expect to see him return?
In this article, we’ll delve into the factors surrounding Lesnar’s hiatus, clarify the confusion caused by Cormier’s “banned list” remarks, and explore what’s next for one of WWE’s most dominant figures. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest developments on Brock Lesnar’s WWE status.
The Current Situation No New Developments
As it stands, there have been no significant updates regarding Brock Lesnar’s situation with WWE. According to wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, Lesnar’s absence from WWE programming is primarily due to the legal issues surrounding him, specifically his involvement in the ongoing Janel Grant lawsuit. Meltzer, known for his credibility within the wrestling community, confirmed that there have been no new developments that would explain Lesnar’s continued absence.
Lesnar’s removal from WWE television was a decision made at the highest level of the company’s legal department in response to the lawsuit. This move was not the result of any recent scandals or controversies involving Lesnar, but rather a precautionary step due to his name being tied to the legal proceedings against WWE, Vince McMahon, and several others involved.
Lesnar’s Absence Explained
The legal situation began when Janel Grant filed a lawsuit against WWE, Vince McMahon, and others earlier this year. As part of the legal process, Lesnar’s name was mentioned, which led WWE’s legal team to pull him from programming. Meltzer emphasized that the decision to keep Lesnar off television was solely based on this legal matter. He made it clear that WWE’s legal team made the call to keep Lesnar off-screen after the lawsuit was filed, and this decision has remained in place since then.
The fact that there is no new information regarding Lesnar’s situation indicates that the ongoing legal issues are the primary factor keeping him sidelined. This means that Lesnar’s absence is not a result of personal behavior or backstage drama but rather a business and legal decision that WWE had to make to avoid any complications during the lawsuit.
The Impact on WWE’s Creative Plans
One of the most significant consequences of Lesnar’s absence has been the impact on WWE’s creative plans. Lesnar had been scheduled for several high-profile appearances, including the 2024 Royal Rumble. According to Meltzer, Lesnar had already been scripted to appear in the match and was set to play a key role in the build-up to WrestleMania 40. His absence forced WWE to adjust their plans significantly, and as a result, the company had to make last-minute changes to their creative direction.
Royal Rumble Plans Scrapped
Lesnar’s planned return at the Royal Rumble was a major part of WWE’s plans for the year. Typically, the Royal Rumble is a pivotal event that sets the stage for WrestleMania, with major storylines beginning to take shape. Lesnar was expected to play a key role in this event, but his involvement was abruptly halted due to the legal complications surrounding him. Meltzer reported that WWE had already scripted Lesnar’s return, but after the lawsuit emerged, WWE made the decision to remove him from the match entirely.
In his place, Bron Breakker was brought in to participate in the Royal Rumble. This shift marked a major change in WWE’s creative trajectory, as Lesnar had been expected to play a central role in the build-up to WrestleMania. The creative team had been planning for Lesnar to face off against Gunther in a high-profile match, but those plans were scrapped when the lawsuit came to light.
The decision to remove Lesnar from the Royal Rumble and ultimately from WWE programming had a significant ripple effect on the company’s overall plans for 2024. The feud with Gunther and the expected storyline with Dominik Mysterio were two major storylines that were abandoned due to Lesnar’s absence. WWE had to quickly adjust, finding new ways to fill the gaps left by Lesnar’s departure.
What This Means for WWE’s Future Plans
While the immediate effects of Lesnar’s absence have been felt, it remains unclear what the long-term impact will be. WWE’s creative team is known for being flexible and adaptable, often making last-minute changes to accommodate unforeseen events. However, Lesnar is one of WWE’s biggest stars, and his absence from key events like the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania leaves a noticeable void in the company’s programming.
It’s also important to note that WWE’s decision to remove Lesnar from television is not necessarily permanent. As the legal situation unfolds, WWE may revisit their plans for Lesnar’s return once the issue is resolved. For now, however, WWE has not indicated when or if Lesnar will return to television, and the creative team has had to find new ways to keep fans engaged.
Cormier’s “Banned List” Comments Clarified
Recently, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier made headlines by claiming on Demetrious Johnson’s podcast that Brock Lesnar was on a “banned list” due to getting into “so much trouble.” This statement caused a stir among fans and wrestling journalists, leading many to believe that there was some new controversy surrounding Lesnar.
However, Dave Meltzer was quick to clarify the situation, stating that Cormier’s comments were simply his own interpretation of the ongoing legal situation. Meltzer confirmed that Lesnar’s absence from WWE is not due to any personal misconduct or new troubles but is a direct result of his name being implicated in the Janel Grant lawsuit. Meltzer’s report emphasized that there are no new issues related to Lesnar’s status with WWE, and the situation remains unchanged since the initial decision was made.
Was Lesnar Ever on a “Banned List”?
While Cormier’s comments raised eyebrows, Meltzer’s clarification indicates that Lesnar has not been banned from WWE. Instead, his absence is entirely related to the legal issues surrounding the lawsuit. Meltzer also pointed out that WWE’s legal team made the decision to keep Lesnar off television when the lawsuit was filed, and this decision has been in effect since then.
There is no indication that Lesnar is permanently banned from WWE, and Meltzer has made it clear that WWE has not taken any additional actions beyond the initial legal decision. For now, Lesnar’s status with the company remains tied to the ongoing legal matters, and there are no indications that WWE is actively seeking to remove him from the roster permanently.
Why Brock Lesnar is Not Returning for WrestleMania 41
As WrestleMania 41 approaches, the excitement around WWE’s biggest event of the year continues to build. Fans have been hoping for surprise returns and unexpected moments, and many have speculated about Brock Lesnar’s possible involvement in the event. However, despite the mention of his name on WWE television, there are currently no plans to bring Lesnar back for WrestleMania 41.
In a recent episode of SmackDown, Cody Rhodes referenced Brock Lesnar during his promo, which led to speculation that Lesnar might be returning soon. However, reports from Fightful Select quickly clarified that the mention of Lesnar was merely an acknowledgment of his past history with Rhodes. WWE has not had any conversations regarding Lesnar’s return to the company, and there are no plans to bring him back for WrestleMania 41.
Lesnar has not appeared in a WWE ring since his loss to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2023. Since then, he has been on hiatus due to the ongoing legal situation. Despite fans hoping for a surprise return at WrestleMania, it appears that Lesnar’s involvement in the event is unlikely at this time.
When Can We Expect Brock Lesnar’s WWE Return?
While there are no current plans for Brock Lesnar’s return to WWE, it’s important to remember that WWE often surprises its fans with unexpected comebacks. Lesnar is one of WWE’s biggest stars, and his absence has left a significant hole in the company’s roster. Once the legal matters surrounding the Janel Grant lawsuit are resolved, it’s likely that WWE will revisit its plans for Lesnar’s return.
For now, there is no clear timeline for when Lesnar will make his WWE return, but fans will have to remain patient. WWE is known for making last-minute changes, and as the legal situation unfolds, the possibility of Lesnar’s return remains open. Until then, WWE fans will have to wait for further updates on his status with the company.
FAQs
Why is Brock Lesnar not on WWE TV?
Brock Lesnar’s absence from WWE is due to his involvement in the Janel Grant lawsuit, which led WWE’s legal team to decide to keep him off television until the situation is resolved.
Will Brock Lesnar return for WrestleMania 41?
Currently, there are no plans for Brock Lesnar to return for WrestleMania 41. Despite a recent mention of his name on SmackDown, WWE has not had any conversations about bringing him back.
What was Brock Lesnar’s scheduled storyline before his absence?
Brock Lesnar was initially scheduled to appear in the 2024 Royal Rumble and engage in a storyline with Dominik Mysterio, leading to a match with Gunther at WrestleMania 40. However, these plans were scrapped due to the ongoing lawsuit.
Is Brock Lesnar banned from WWE?
Brock Lesnar is not banned from WWE. His absence is due to legal issues surrounding the Janel Grant lawsuit, and there has been no indication that he has been permanently banned from the company.
When will Brock Lesnar return to WWE?
There is no official timeline for Brock Lesnar’s return to WWE. His future with the company depends on the resolution of the legal matters surrounding him.
Conclusion
Brock Lesnar’s absence from WWE has sparked widespread speculation, but the truth behind his situation is relatively straightforward. His removal from WWE television is a direct result of the ongoing legal issues related to the Janel Grant lawsuit. Despite the noise surrounding comments made by Daniel Cormier and the mention of his name on SmackDown, Lesnar’s absence remains tied to the legal proceedings, and there are currently no plans for his return to the company. Fans will have to stay patient, as WWE may revisit their plans for Lesnar once the legal situation is resolved. Until then, his status with the company remains in limbo. Visit boxing essential to explore more.
