Brock Lesnar’s return to WWE has sparked significant attention and controversy, especially concerning the circumstances behind his comeback and the company’s handling of related legal issues. Despite being off television for a period due to legal restrictions, Lesnar was paid fully during his hiatus, a fact that has fueled debate around his WWE status and role moving forward.
The former UFC Heavyweight Champion’s unexpected appearance to close the inaugural SummerSlam event surprised fans and created widespread speculation about his future within WWE. While there is excitement about Lesnar’s involvement in John Cena’s farewell tour, critics remain focused on Lesnar’s inclusion in the 2024 sexual misconduct lawsuit against WWE executives Vince McMahon and John Laurinaitis, filed by a former WWE headquarters employee, Janel Grant.
Lesnar’s Hiatus and Continued Compensation Under WWE Contract
According to The Wrestling Observer, during the stretch when Lesnar was not allowed to be booked due to legal hold-ups, WWE compensated him fully as one of the company’s highest-paid talents. Sources suggest that if the allegations against him had been deemed grounds for termination, WWE would have severed ties. Instead, Lesnar remained under contract and was neither suspended nor released.
This arrangement reflects WWE’s stance on Lesnar’s value and potential contribution to the roster, with officials continuing to see the company as his professional home. His return at SummerSlam was cleared by WWE’s legal department roughly a month prior, indicating careful negotiations behind the scenes.
WWE’s Decision to Cancel Post-Event Press Conferences
Following Lesnar’s comeback, WWE took the unusual step of canceling the post-SummerSlam press conferences, a move that has heightened speculation about the company’s efforts to control messaging regarding Lesnar’s return and related controversies. Prior to the event, WWE announced there would be no traditional post-show press conference, with top figures such as Triple H and others opting for commentary panels instead.
This decision was reportedly influenced by concerns that questions about changes in Lesnar’s legal situation would emerge, forcing WWE to address sensitive issues publicly. WWE President Nick Khan, credited with facilitating Lesnar’s return, approved the plan once legal clearance was secured, but the company was unwilling to risk inadvertent revelations during media sessions.
Restrictions on Media Access and Press Conference Practices
Historically, WWE’s post-event press conferences have been tightly managed. The Wrestling Observer highlighted previous incidents where some media members were denied credentials or excluded from questioning. Even when allowed entry, select journalists were sometimes ignored to prevent challenging inquiries from surfacing.
The rationale WWE provided for limiting media access involved logistical constraints, citing that too many credentialed people could overcrowd spaces meant to be shared with premium ticket holders granted exclusive behind-the-scenes access as part of their event packages.
“Considering the people they left out, I can’t say at first they didn’t want hard questions but soon made sure not to call on those who might ask them before even cutting one outlet off completely, and many others to a large degree, dependent on the seriousness they cover real news stories regarding the company,” wrote Dave Meltzer in The Observer.
—Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Reporter
Potential Future of WWE Press Engagements in the Context of Industry Competition
Sources suggest that WWE may reconsider its stance on post-show press conferences, acknowledging they initially began the practice in response to rival Tony Khan, president of AEW and ROH, who hosts his own press sessions after pay-per-view events. The evolving media landscape and competitive pressures could influence WWE’s future approach to exposure and transparency.
As Brock Lesnar integrates back into WWE programming, the tension between fan excitement and ongoing legal concerns will likely persist. WWE’s cautious handling of media and messaging around his return speaks to the complex balance the company seeks between managing reputation and capitalizing on Lesnar’s star power.
