Revealed: The real truth behind Brock Lesnar not returning to WWE in nearly two years

Brock Lesnar’s absence from WWE has sparked intense speculation. Here's what’s known so far about why “The Beast Incarnate” has stayed away from the spotlight for nearly two years.

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Revealed: The real truth behind Brock Lesnar not returning to WWE in nearly two years

Brock Lesnar in the frame (Image via Getty)

Story Highlights:

Brock Lesnar hasn’t wrestled in WWE since his SummerSlam 2023 match against Cody Rhodes.

UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier hinted Lesnar is on a "ban list" amid controversy.

Brock Lesnar, one of WWE's most dominant and enigmatic figures, has been noticeably absent from the squared circle since his emotional match at SummerSlam 2023 against Cody Rhodes. While rumors about his comeback have swirled for nearly two years, the real reason behind Lesnar’s extended hiatus from WWE is now clearer—and more serious—than fans may have expected.

A sudden disappearance after SummerSlam

The last time fans saw Lesnar in a WWE ring was during the dramatic culmination of his feud with Cody Rhodes. After an intense trilogy of matches—where each man secured a win—the final bout ended not just with a decisive loss for Lesnar but with an unexpected show of respect. In a rare moment, the Beast Incarnate embraced Rhodes and raised his hand, a gesture Brock Lesnar reportedly improvised to solidify Cody’s momentum.

At the time, it seemed like a temporary farewell, perhaps even a setup for a surprise return. Hopes were high that Lesnar would re-emerge at the 2024 Royal Rumble. But that return never happened.

The lawsuit that changed everything

Days before the 2024 Royal Rumble, Brock Lesnar’s name surfaced in connection with a major lawsuit filed by former WWE employee Janel Grant. The initial suit targeted Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, and WWE, alleging a pattern of misconduct and abuse. When the complaint was amended in January 2025, Lesnar was named directly.

Grant’s claim? That McMahon allegedly offered her to Lesnar for a sexual encounter during official contract negotiations.

While Vince McMahon has publicly denied all accusations and continues to fight the case, Brock Lesnar’s approach has been silence. True to form, the former WWE Champion has retreated into privacy, surfacing only occasionally in candid photos but avoiding the spotlight entirely.

UFC’s Daniel Cormier adds fuel to the fire

Further confirmation of Lesnar’s sidelining came during a recent episode of MightyCast, hosted by former UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson. When Johnson brought up the possibility of a WWE or UFC match involving Lesnar, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier didn’t hold back.

“I mean, Brock [Lesnar] is on the ban list right now,” Cormier said bluntly. “Oh, dude, Brock got into so much trouble... I ain’t telling you on air what Brock did. Bro is in so much trouble.”

While Cormier didn’t specifically mention the lawsuit, his remarks align with the speculation that Brock Lesnar's WWE exile is directly tied to his involvement in the legal controversy. Considering Cormier works under the TKO umbrella—home to both WWE and UFC—his knowledge of internal decisions adds weight to the notion that Lesnar is effectively blacklisted, at least for the time being.

What lies ahead for Brock Lesnar?

As of mid-2025, Lesnar has remained out of WWE programming, without a single televised appearance or confirmed future booking. WWE has also remained tight-lipped about his status, neither confirming a release nor hinting at a return.

Given the seriousness of the allegations and Brock Lesnar’s silence, it remains uncertain if the Beast will ever return to WWE. His legacy in both combat sports and professional wrestling is already cemented—but the legal storm surrounding his name casts a long shadow over any potential comeback.

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