The lawsuit filed by Janel Grant against Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, and WWE continues to captivate attention well beyond the realms of professional wrestling aficionados. Recent revelations have shed further light on the complexities of this legal battle, sending ripples through WWE circles and prompting speculation and scrutiny.
According to a report by Sean Ross Sapp on Fightful Select, the lawsuit has become a topic of significant discussion within WWE circles, with one particular aspect veiled in mystery: the identities of the other executives implicated by Grant in her legal proceedings. Speculation runs rampant regarding these unnamed individuals, leaving many within the company grasping for answers. However, credible sources within WWE have hinted that one of these executives may have departed from the company some time ago, adding layers of intrigue to an already convoluted narrative.
John Laurinaitis, represented by his attorney, has commenced articulating his position, a move anticipated by those entrenched in the industry. Dubbed McMahon’s “fall guy” by certain veteran WWE employees, Laurinaitis was long perceived to have certain financial safeguards in place since the summer of 2022. Nonetheless, the potential escalation to formal charges signifies a notable shift in the dynamics, as observed by many within WWE. “I’m sure he thinks he’s doing himself favors by saying management knew and proper WWE protocols were followed, but too many things happened there under his watch,” remarked one insider, reflecting the mounting pressure and scrutiny surrounding Laurinaitis.
Recent media attention surrounding the late Massaro has once again been thrust into the spotlight following a Vice article. Reports indicate that Fightful had arranged an interview with Massaro in March 2019 for Starrcast II in Las Vegas that May. She had intended to discuss her plans to return to in-ring training and contemplate further addressing her allegations of rape during a WWE Tribute to the Troops tour. Tragically, Massaro passed away just two weeks before Starrcast, adding poignancy to an already tragic narrative.
Despite the looming specter of legal proceedings, WWE talent purportedly have not been instructed to refrain from discussing the lawsuit in public appearances or interviews, leading to several being questioned about it. While other wrestling promotions remain on the sidelines of the investigations, talent from various US-based companies have been afforded the latitude to address the issue or engage in investigations at their discretion.
In a revealing testament to the gravity of the situation, a former talent, speaking under the cloak of anonymity, disclosed their contemplation regarding whether to share their experiences through the media or pursue legal action, underscoring the far-reaching implications of the lawsuit and its reverberations throughout the wrestling community.
