Wrestling legend Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart has once again taken a stern stance against Vince McMahon, making his views clear following the heated controversy surrounding John Cena‘s stance on Janel Grant lawsuit with Vince McMahon. After years of turbulent history between Hart and McMahon stemming from the infamous Montreal Screwjob, recent allegations have added new strain to their already complex relationship, with talk of power struggles resurfacing throughout WWE.
The history between Hart and McMahon began decades ago, reaching its most dramatic moment during the Montreal Screwjob, which stripped Hart of the championship. This event forged a long-standing rivalry and distrust between the two. Despite moments of mutual recognition within the wrestling world, ongoing events continue to deepen the divide.
Hart’s legacy in WWF, known for his pivotal role in the Hart Foundation alongside legendary names like Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart and Jimmy Hart, established him as a formidable presence. After achieving success in the tag team arena, Hart made the transition to a solo career, quickly becoming one of wrestling’s most respected and recognizable champions. The ongoing feud with McMahon, however, has overshadowed even their shared accomplishments.
Hart Publicly Condemns McMahon’s Behavior After Misconduct Accusations
Bret Hart has grown only more outspoken in his criticism since the Montreal Screwjob, and recent legal issues involving Vince McMahon have reignited that animosity. Hart drove home his views on a recent episode of the Rise Guys Podcast, calling out McMahon for alleged abuses of power related to the Janel Grant lawsuit. This legal challenge includes serious accusations against McMahon, who has kept a notably low public profile since the scandal broke out.
The lawsuit, brought by former WWE staff member Janel Grant, has leveled claims of sexual harassment and misconduct not only at McMahon but also at John Laurinaitis, while Brock Lesnar’s name also appears in connection with the controversy. McMahon’s absence from WWE programming since the allegations has been a topic of much debate among both wrestling fans and insiders, who note that his continued influence triggers unease throughout the organization.
Bret Hart voiced his concern, criticizing the damage unchecked authority can cause within the industry. He suggested that McMahon’s accumulation of power has resulted in destructive behavior.
“Everything that happened with John Laurinaitis and the things they were doing with that poor girl, shame on all of them. That’s just terrible. I’ve had all my ups and downs with Vince McMahon, and in a lot of ways, I have a lot of respect for him, but at the same time, I find what happened there inexcusable and there’s no place for that. I think Vince McMahon became a predator and used wrestling as his backdrop for all of his evil. This tells me that too much money can turn you into a bad person.”
—Bret Hart, WWE Hall of Famer
As the legal situation remains unresolved, industry attention has shifted not only to McMahon’s possible fate, but also to the broader implications for WWE. The lawsuit has exacerbated tensions with Paul “Triple H” Levesque—commonly known as Hunter—whose creative influence in WWE has steadily increased in McMahon’s absence. This growing dynamic has fueled a split among fans, with some questioning McMahon’s potential return to control.
Vince McMahon’s most recent public appearance came during Super Bowl LIX in Las Vegas, where he was seen with notable wrestling figures like The Undertaker, Shane McMahon, Britt Baker, and the Bella twins. Despite his presence among these superstars, his future in the open remains deeply uncertain.
Legal Fallout and Growing Unrest Within WWE
The scandal took on even greater complexity when John Laurinaitis settled with Janel Grant, subsequently withdrawing from the lawsuit. Laurinaitis’ decision was accompanied by a public statement indicating his willingness to testify against McMahon, a move which could dramatically affect McMahon’s legal standing. According to a report published by CNBC, Laurinaitis intends to pursue justice for Grant and distance himself from the fallout.
This progression has introduced new instability within WWE management, as Laurinaitis’ forthcoming testimony has the potential to strengthen the case against McMahon. Fans and fellow superstars have closely followed these developments, with speculation mounting about additional revelations that could come to light. The involvement of Brock Lesnar, known in the ring as the Beast Incarnate, has also ensured continued media coverage and fan interest.
Although nothing has been definitively proven in court, the specter of misconduct lingers, testing the loyalty of those who have worked alongside McMahon and fanning existing discord between him and Levesque. Meanwhile, WWE’s creative direction has flourished under Levesque’s leadership, prompting debates over who should govern the company’s future.
Speculation on Vince McMahon’s Potential WWE Buyback
With tension in WWE’s leadership boiling over, rumors have swirled about Vince McMahon’s next move. After stepping out of the public eye, McMahon founded a new entity, 14TH&I, in August 2024, with ambitions to invest in the sports, entertainment, and media industries. The company, led by former WWE executive Brad Blum, was reportedly pursuing both major buyouts and strategic minority stakes in businesses tied to McMahon’s legacy.
The potential for McMahon to buy back WWE from TKO, WWE’s holding company, has circulated widely among industry observers. Such a move would thrust McMahon directly back into the heart of wrestling’s most powerful organization and create further friction with Levesque, whose approach to the business is markedly different.
Recent creative decisions under Levesque have highlighted these diverging philosophies. One prominent example is Joe Hendry’s high-profile appearance at WrestleMania 41, where he faced Randy Orton in Las Vegas. This collaboration between TNA Wrestling and WWE would have been unlikely under McMahon, who reportedly disapproved of crossover champions from rival promotions. The event, however, demonstrated Levesque’s openness to fresh ideas and willingness to challenge traditions once tightly enforced by McMahon.
The idea of McMahon resuming control remains unsettling to many fans and insiders, especially given the ongoing legal controversies and existing creative disruptions. As the conflict between preserving tradition and embracing innovation continues, WWE remains at a crossroads.
The Road Ahead for WWE and Its Leadership
Bret Hart’s public condemnation of Vince McMahon and his disagreement with John Cena’s position mark a significant moment for WWE and those who shape its narrative. The fallout from the Janel Grant lawsuit, compounded by Laurinaitis’ settlement and forthcoming testimony, ensures that the situation will evolve in unpredictable ways in the coming months.
McMahon’s legacy, now overshadowed by accusations and internal disputes, faces scrutiny not only in legal venues but also in the court of wrestling history. The future of WWE—as a business and a cultural phenomenon—may hinge on how these challenges are addressed by figures like Triple H, Brad Blum, Shane McMahon, and others with a stake in the company’s direction. As new chapters unfold and rumors about possible buyouts and leadership shifts continue, both fans and industry veterans await answers about the next era for WWE.
