Rumors surrounding Vince McMahon’s possible return to WWE have intensified following Brock Lesnar’s unexpected comeback at the 2025 SummerSlam event. Lesnar’s return, marked by a shocking attack on John Cena, has reignited questions about whether WWE’s controversial former chairman might also rejoin the promotion amid ongoing uncertainties.
Lesnar’s name surfaced in a lawsuit connected to Janel Grant, who accused McMahon of sexual assault and trafficking, casting doubt on the wrestler’s future participation in WWE. Despite this, Lesnar’s recent return indicates a shift in WWE’s approach, sparking dialogue about McMahon’s potential reappearance.
The Current Landscape of Vince McMahon’s WWE Status
Since stepping down from WWE leadership in 2024, Vince McMahon has focused on launching his new venture, 14TH & I. Although he is reportedly committed to this project, speculation remains persistent regarding his potential comeback to WWE. During an appearance on the Story Time with Dutch Mantell podcast, Mantell weighed in on McMahon’s return chances and the challenges ahead.
There’s a possiblity that he comes back, but the possibility of it being a success is down to about 20%, 10%. And I think Vince is going to take that into account unless it’s a success. [3:48 onwards]
—Dutch Mantell, Podcast Host
Meanwhile, some WWE talent have reportedly expressed disgust over Lesnar’s return, though these feelings have not escalated enough to cause any significant disruption backstage.
Background: Brock Lesnar’s Involvement in Janel Grant Lawsuit
Lesnar was previously believed to have closed the door on his WWE career after his loss to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2023 and his name appearing in the amended lawsuit filed by Janel Grant’s legal team. The allegations surrounding sexual assault and trafficking against McMahon, and the unexpected inclusion of Lesnar’s name, added a layer of complexity to his WWE future. His reappearance in 2025, attacking a top star like John Cena, surprised many and brought fresh scrutiny on WWE’s decisions.
Grant’s representatives expressed their disappointment following Lesnar’s return, highlighting ongoing tensions around the situation within and outside WWE.
Other Notable WWE Developments Amid the Uncertainty
Beyond McMahon and Lesnar, WWE has been experiencing various significant developments. For instance, Gunther lost the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam 2025, prompting discussions about the promotion’s direction and roster changes. Reports also suggest WWE might soon break up a major faction that has not lived up to expectations.
Meanwhile, Charlotte Flair’s recent alliance with Alexa Bliss has drawn praise from a WWE Hall of Famer, indicating some positive shifts in top-tier talent pairings. Gunther also shared his humbled reaction after learning a fan traveled nine hours to see him perform.
However, the atmosphere in WWE remains tense. The Undertaker has publicly criticized the company‘s declining standards, signaling concern within the wrestling community. One former rival has voiced frustration over Trish Stratus’s current ring performances, further highlighting industry unease. Additionally, Dominik Mysterio expressed interest in facing his father Rey Mysterio again, but outside WWE’s framework.
On a different note, former Ring of Honor World Champion Jonathan Gresham recently announced a hiatus to address a medical emergency, marking a significant pause in his wrestling career.
What Lies Ahead for WWE and Its Controversial Figures?
The return of Brock Lesnar has clearly stirred nerves among WWE staff and fans, reigniting debates over leadership and corporate decisions involving Vince McMahon. Given McMahon’s controversial past and legal issues, his re-entry into WWE remains a subject fraught with uncertainty and skepticism, as noted by Dutch Mantell’s low success probability.
WWE must now navigate the complex terrain of public opinion, internal morale, and legal scrutiny, which may influence future storylines and business strategies. Observers will be closely watching how the company manages these high-profile comebacks and if they will alter WWE’s direction in the near term.
