Brock Lesnar has been removed from all WWE creative plans moving forward.
In an update by Sean Ross Sapp on February 2nd, Lesnar has no longer been factored into storylines for the foreseeable future while also adding that previously rumoured plans for WrestleMania were correct.
In the lead-up to the Royal Rumble, it was widely reported that Lesnar would be making his return, likely being a part of the match itself. However, on January 25th, Vince McMahon was accused by a former WWE employee of multiple counts of sexual assault and sex trafficking. In the lawsuit, another party implicated in the charges is “a world-famous athlete and former UFC Heavyweight Champion with whom WWE was actively trying to sign to a new contract.” As was reported by the Wall Street Journal, this unnamed person is strongly believed to be Lesnar.
As a result of the allegations and major sponsor Slim Jim pausing their affiliation with the brand, Vince McMahon announced that he would be resigning from his position as WWE CEO and from the TKO Holdings Board of Directors. Following the resignation, Slim Jim announced that they would resume the partnership, sponsoring the Undisputed Championship Fatal 4-Way match. The impact of the lawsuit would continue throughout the week as Lesnar was nowhere to be seen during the event.
On the day of the Royal Rumble, reports came to light that Brock Lesnar was not in Florida and had been taken out of the match, with the internal term used being “withdrawn.” As was seen on the show, Bron Breakker entered the match at number 20 and would put on a powerful display, including eliminating The Nigerian Giant Omos and having a face-off with Gunther. As was reported the day after the show, Bron Breakker was the replacement for Brock Lesnar and took part in the same spots that Lesnar would have, including being eliminated by Dominik Mysterio.
As reported by Dave Meltzer, the original plan for Lesnar was to see the former World Champion face Mysterio in Australia before advancing to WrestleMania to face Gunther, presumably with the Intercontinental Championship at stake.
It is currently unknown if Breakker will continue to be a part of the spots that were originally marked for Lesnar going into Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania. However, following his appearance in the Royal Rumble Bron Breakker has hinted that he is now a part of the main roster.
Looking to remove as many traces of Lesnar as possible, WWE Shop has majorly discounted nearly all of Lesnar’s merchandise.
Will Brock Lesnar Ever Return?
An update on Lesnar’s status with the company has been provided on Wrestling Observer Radio. While it is widely believed that the former World Champion will be absent for a lengthy period of time, some are of the belief that he will never return. However, there is still a belief that a return is not out of the question:
“It appears that Brock Lesnar is not going to be around for a while. Some people think ever. When it comes to talent, I hate to say forever because most of the time it’s not the case, especially if somebody can draw. They always seem to find a way back.”
In a further update, a major partner has removed any existence of Brock Lesnar.