Brock Lesnar’s 2-year absence from WWE programming didn’t come with a pay cut. In fact, according to the Wrestling Observer, The Beast continued to be one of the company’s top earners during the entire stretch he was off-screen. Lesnar was never formally suspended, and his WWE contract remained active at all times. The decision to keep him fully compensated is seen as a clear sign that WWE had no intention of ending their relationship with him. The Observer noted that if the company had wanted to cut ties, they would have done so rather than pay him at his usual rate while inactive.
The faith WWE showed in Lesnar appears to have been based on the expectation that he would eventually be cleared to return. That clearance reportedly came about a month before his actual comeback, though the news was kept tightly under wraps to preserve the surprise.
By keeping him on the payroll, WWE demonstrated confidence in his long-term value, even as speculation swirled about whether he’d ever compete for them again. Behind the scenes, WWE never saw his legal situation as a career-ending obstacle – only as a temporary hurdle before bringing back one of their most bankable stars.
According to Sports Illustrated, WWE pays Lesnar $5 million per year.
Interesting Reason Behind WWE’s Legal Team Clearing Brock Lesnar for a SummerSlam Return
Brock Lesnar’s shocking return at SummerSlam 2025 wasn’t a creative decision alone – it was only possible after WWE’s legal team decided to remove the hold on him. The move raised questions backstage and among fans about what led to that sudden change in stance.
According to the Wrestling Observer, the timing has a lot to do with WWE’s perception of ongoing legal matters tied to Vince McMahon. While Janel Grant’s attorneys maintain that nothing is certain and a judge has confirmed the investigation into McMahon is still active, the prevailing belief within WWE is that no criminal case against McMahon exists.
This belief reportedly took shape earlier in the year, around the time the SEC concluded its separate investigation into McMahon in January. However, the civil trial connected to Grant’s lawsuit is still moving forward.
The Observer suggested that WWE may now consider Lesnar’s legal risk minimal. If the lawsuit ends up in arbitration, Lesnar’s name becomes irrelevant in the proceedings. Likewise, if WWE expects the matter to settle out of court, any references to him in the case would likely have little impact on the company.
In short, it appears the company’s legal department is now confident enough to allow Lesnar back into storylines – believing that whatever comes next in the McMahon case won’t affect his standing in WWE.
Also Check Out: Fan Hit With Brock Lesnar’s Pyro At SummerSlam (Video)
