• Ex-WWE Personality Is Back After The Vince McMahon Scandal
The man once known for “People Power” is making a surprise return to the public eye. John Laurinaitis, the former WWE Head of Talent Relations and former General Manager of RAW and SmackDown, has announced his first public appearance in over two years. The move marks a significant shift for Laurinaitis, who has remained in the shadows since being named in Janel Grant’s high-profile $ex trafficking lawsuit.
The return is set for March 14, at Big Time Wrestling’s March Mayhem event in Ohio. In a video, Laurinaitis utilized his old television persona to promote what will be his first-ever public autograph signing. “I suggest that everybody watch me there,” he stated in the video, “otherwise I will have to wish you the best in your future endeavors.”
John Laurinaitis is backpic.twitter.com/hGW8IDpGnC
— WrestleFeed (@WrestleFeedApp) February 13, 2026
While the appearance may catch some by surprise given the severity of the allegations made against him, Laurinaitis’s legal standing changed dramatically last spring.
In May 2025, he reached a confidential settlement with Grant and was officially dismissed from her lawsuit with prejudice — meaning the claims against him cannot be refiled. As part of that agreement, Laurinaitis flipped on his former boss, agreeing to provide evidence and cooperate with the legal team targeting Vince McMahon and WWE.
A statement from Grant’s attorneys at the time described his cooperation as a “pivotal next step” in their quest for accountability.
RELATED: Janel Grant To Speak Publicly On February 19, Issues Statement
• WWE Has Changed Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania 42 Opponent
As previously noted, WWE announced that Brock Lesnar will return to RAW on February 23. This will be The Beast’s first appearance on the red brand in 2026.
Lesnar last appeared on WWE programming at Royal Rumble 2026. He lasted in the Men’s Royal Rumble for only 5 minutes. He eliminated 3 men: Oba Femi, Ilja Dragunov, and Rey Fenix. The 2-time Royal Rumble winner was eliminated by Cody Rhodes and LA Knight in the end.
In an update from the Wrestling Observer, Brock Lesnar vs. LA Knight is the current plan for WrestleMania 42. There were reports about Lesnar facing Gunther at the Show of Shows this year, but it looks like WWE is going in a different direction.
Knight has been feuding with The Vision for a while now, and Lesnar is linked to The Vision through Paul Heyman. Lesnar even teamed up with The Vision for WarGames at Survivor Series 2025.
• WrestleMania 42 Card Is Being Re-Evaluated
With just two months remaining before WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, internal concern over ticket sales has triggered significant movement behind the scenes.
According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, WWE leadership recently held a meeting involving multiple departments after it became clear that sales are trailing well behind last year’s pace. As of mid-February, roughly 36,000 tickets have been distributed per night at Allegiant Stadium. At the same stage ahead of WrestleMania 41, the company had moved approximately 10,000 more tickets per night before ultimately closing near 60,000 each evening.
Rather than adjusting pricing, WWE is reportedly doubling down on premium rates while instructing departments to develop aggressive promotional strategies to boost momentum heading into March.
The slower sales have not only impacted marketing discussions, but also creative direction.
In an update from the Wrestling Observer, the card for WrestleMania 42 is now being re-evaluated. The decline in ticket movement has led to fresh debates over creative plans, with differing opinions emerging on the overall direction of the show. A previously established game plan had already been adjusted once, and further revisions are said to be likely.
There is reportedly frustration within WWE creative, as several changes have been made in a short span of time. One individual noted internally that the company should be sticking to a firm plan this close to the event rather than continuing to pivot.
Outside the company, another decision has drawn attention locally. WWE is said to be enforcing a strict 50-mile blackout radius around Allegiant Stadium, preventing bars, restaurants, and sportsbooks from hosting WrestleMania watch parties — even if they are willing to pay commercial licensing fees. The policy is viewed as an effort to funnel more fans toward stadium ticket purchases instead of offering lower-cost viewing alternatives.
The restriction has reportedly frustrated Las Vegas business owners and officials, who paid a substantial site fee to bring WrestleMania back to the city with the expectation that the event would drive widespread economic activity, not just benefit the stadium itself.
With sales lagging compared to last year’s record-setting pace and creative plans in flux, the road to WrestleMania 42 appears to be more unsettled than usual this close to the event.
The only match officially confirmed for WrestleMania 42 so far is CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Also Read: No Big Push Expected For SmackDown Star After Royal Rumble Showing
