Brock Lesnar made a surprising return to WWE at SummerSlam 2025, appearing as a heel shortly after Cody Rhodes triumphed over John Cena. Despite being cleared by WWE’s legal team for his return, this development has ignited controversy regarding the company’s stance on women’s safety, especially considering past allegations involving Lesnar’s name.
Lesnar’s comeback took place after months of silence, following last year’s reports that saw him removed from WWE promotions, video games, and scheduled appearances. His name surfaced in the high-profile sexual assault and trafficking lawsuit filed by Janel Grant against Vince McMahon, which led to his effective exclusion from WWE. However, recent information from Fightful Select revealed that WWE’s legal department gave approval for Lesnar’s return in recent weeks.
While WWE’s legal clearance has been interpreted by some fans as a sign that Lesnar is free of wrongdoing, Janel Grant’s legal representatives have indicated that the investigation is ongoing and expect further revelations. The decision to reintegrate Lesnar has therefore raised significant questions about the message WWE sends to its female performers and fans.
Former WWE Wrestler Voices Concerns Over Lesnar’s Return and Women’s Workplace Culture
Ex-WWE star Lance Storm publicly criticized WWE’s choice to bring back Brock Lesnar, emphasizing the broader implications for women working in the company based on its history. Storm highlighted how WWE’s environment for female talent has evolved, but suggested that Lesnar’s return might undermine progress, igniting concerns about the company’s commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful workspace.
“I think everyone’s looking at it from the wrong perspective. I don’t think it’s about Brock. I think it’s about the working environment of women within WWE. Under Vince, there was a very unfavorable, bad, pick your own word, work environment for women. Dating back to Rita Chatterton, to the objectivity of women with bra & panties matches and thong-a-thons and ‘puppies, puppies, puppies’. The very handsy make-out sessions that women had to do with Vince McMahon. Take that forward to whatever necessitated Vince to offer multi-million dollar NDAs to women to stay silent. To what we learned about Janel Grant. Women were drastically underpaid in that era too. And Vince was removed. And Hunter (Triple H) has made things so much better. Women are making way more money. Women are legitimate stars. Women aren’t objectified like they used to be. Women can wear non-revealing outfits and still be big stars. So, to me, whether you bring Brock back or not, or anyone else back or not, to me, you need to ask your question – does this support your move to improve and make a respectful safe environment for women in your company, or does it detract from that and make it feel like you’re going backwards? Because I think if you just look at each individual case, ‘Did this person do something that’s really worth that, was this one instance…’ – it’s not about the individual instances. It’s about the overall message you send to women who work for you and in your company about the environment they are going to have to perform in. And I think you have to look at it from the women’s standpoint and whether they would be in favor of something or not.”
—Lance Storm, Former WWE Wrestler
Storm reflected on WWE’s past under Vince McMahon, pointing out the exploitation and objectification women faced during that era, including bra and panties matches and other demeaning segments. He noted that Vince McMahon’s departure and Triple H’s leadership have improved conditions for women, granting them greater respect, better pay, and the freedom to present themselves without objectification.
His argument questions whether Lesnar’s reinstatement aligns with WWE’s current efforts to foster a healthy working environment for female talent or if it contradicts the progress made. Storm emphasized the importance of considering how women within the company feel about this decision and its implications for their safety and dignity.
Fan Reactions and Broader Industry Implications
Fans have expressed mixed reactions, with some disappointed by Lesnar’s return given the serious allegations connected to his past, while others anticipate a new storyline feud between Lesnar and John Cena now that he has embraced a villainous role. The controversy surrounding Lesnar shines a light on WWE’s complicated handling of sexual misconduct allegations linked with top executives and wrestlers.
WWE’s legal approval of Lesnar’s reappearance has amplified debates about transparency and accountability in professional wrestling, especially regarding the welfare of women performers. Janel Grant’s ongoing legal case against Vince McMahon and others continues to uncover troubling workplace practices that many argue WWE must confront more directly.
Industry insiders and advocacy groups are closely monitoring how WWE balances its business interests with a genuine commitment to combat harassment and protect women. With former stars like Lance Storm weighing in critically, pressure mounts on WWE’s leadership to deliver clear policies and actions that prioritize safety and respect over star power or ratings.
Looking Ahead: What Lesnar’s Return Means for WWE’s Future
Brock Lesnar’s WWE status update signals a complex moment for the company as it attempts to navigate rebuilding its corporate image while managing a roster of controversial figures. WWE must consider the reactions of current talent and fans, and whether decisions like this serve progress or stall the cultural shift toward accountability.
The next steps might include closer scrutiny on how WWE enforces professional conduct, supports its female wrestlers, and addresses ongoing investigations related to past misconduct. As the Janel Grant lawsuit evolves, further developments could influence not only Lesnar’s trajectory but also WWE’s broader leadership and operational reforms.
Meanwhile, the wrestling community watches closely as WWE endeavors to balance entertainment demands and public scrutiny, demonstrating whether its legal clearances are enough to restore trust or if deeper change is required to truly prioritize women’s safety and respect within the company.
