Brock Lesnar’s mysterious absence from WWE programming has fueled widespread speculation, especially after former UFC champion Daniel Cormier sensationally claimed on Demetrious Johnson’s MightyCast podcast that Lesnar was on WWE’s so-called “banned list” due to getting into “so much trouble.” However, new details from respected wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter provide important context, clarifying that Lesnar’s absence is linked to ongoing legal issues rather than disciplinary action by WWE.

Cormier dropped a bombshell during his interview saying, “Brock is on the banned list right now… Brock got into so much trouble. You know what Brock did. I ain’t telling you on air what Brock did. Brock is in so much trouble”[2]. This vague yet impactful statement immediately caught fire in wrestling and MMA circles, leading to speculation that Lesnar might have been blacklisted by WWE.

However, Meltzer’s reporting paints a different picture. According to him, Lesnar’s name surfaced in the highly publicized Janel Grant lawsuit filed against Vince McMahon and WWE earlier this year, which alleges sexual misconduct and trafficking within the company. While Lesnar is not named as a defendant, WWE’s legal team reportedly made the decision to not clear him for return to programming amid the lawsuit’s ongoing litigation. This effectively sidelined Lesnar, scrapping all creative plans that had been in place for 2024, including a marquee Royal Rumble appearance, a storyline clash with Dominik Mysterio, and a WrestleMania 40 encounter with GUNTHER[4][1].

Additional insider information corroborates this. WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H commented in August 2024 that Lesnar was “doing his own thing,” living quietly in Canada and that any potential return was conditional on Lesnar’s own decision and WWE’s openness. Past reports from Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp had indicated a planned Royal Rumble comeback for Lesnar before the last-minute cancellation linked to legal troubles[3].

From a creative standpoint, this means Lesnar is not under active suspension or disciplinary ban by WWE, but rather his absence is a precautionary hold due to legal complexity. This distinction is crucial as rumors of a permanent WWE ban swirled, fueled largely by Cormier’s assertion, which he did not elaborate further on air.

The Impact on WWE and Wrestling Fans

Lesnar’s removal was sudden and impactful, given his stature as one of WWE’s biggest draws on recent decades. His last WWE appearance was in August 2023 at SummerSlam, where he lost to Cody Rhodes. The abrupt halt to his storyline in January 2024 left fans wondering about the future trajectory of top-tier WWE programming, especially with WrestleMania storylines being reshuffled[3].

Meanwhile, on a different front, the wrestling community recently witnessed another emotional moment as multiple fans held a candlelight vigil to honor Hulk Hogan, one of the most iconic figures in the industry. This gathering underscored the deep connection that fans maintain with wrestling legends, even amid current controversies and backstage turmoil[4].

Sources and Industry Reactions

The initial “banned list” claim originates from an MMA insider and former wrestling rival, Daniel Cormier, whose comments have added a layer of intrigue. However, reporting from Wrestling Observer and statements from WWE officials and insiders suggest that Lesnar’s status is more nuanced and legally motivated than a punitive WWE blacklist[4][1].

Fightful, WWE.com, and multiple wrestling news outlets have confirmed the legal link to the Janel Grant lawsuit as the primary reason for Lesnar’s absence. No official WWE statement has declared Lesnar “banned” in the disciplinary sense, and the company appears to be waiting for legal clarity before reconsidering any future involvement.

What’s Next for Brock Lesnar?

At 47 years old, Lesnar’s career could face challenges returning to its former momentum after this extended hiatus. However, insiders indicate WWE has not closed the door permanently. If legal matters resolve, and Lesnar wishes to return, WWE would likely entertain the opportunity given his history and star power[3].

For now, fans remain eagerly watching for any sign of Lesnar’s comeback, while also processing the implications of the lawsuit that has strained WWE’s backstage environment and creative direction.

This ongoing saga reflects the complexities at the intersection of wrestling, legal drama, and star power. Brock Lesnar’s presence in WWE remains suspended not by a black-and-white ban, but by a cautious legal decision linked to the Janel Grant case — a nuance that wrestling fans and industry followers should consider carefully amidst rampant speculation.

Sources: Daniel Cormier’s MightyCast podcast, Wrestling Observer Newsletter (Dave Meltzer), Fightful, WWE.com, and insider quotes from WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H.