In a significant update on Brock Lesnar’s standing, former UFC Champion Daniel Cormier has claimed that the former multi-time world champion is currently on a “banned list” within WWE. The statement adds a new layer to Lesnar’s nearly two-year absence from company programming, which began after his name was implicated in the lawsuit filed against Vince McMahon.
During a recent appearance on Demetrious Johnson’s Mightycast podcast, Cormier directly addressed Lesnar’s status.
“Brock is on the banned list right now. Brock got into so much trouble. You know what Brock did? I ain’t telling you on-air what Brock did. Brock is in so much trouble,” Cormier stated.
Lesnar has not appeared on WWE television since facing Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam in 2023. His prolonged hiatus is directly connected to the federal lawsuit filed by former WWE employee Janel Grant, which alleges sex trafficking and sexual misconduct by Vince McMahon. The suit alleges that McMahon attempted to traffic Grant to Lesnar during contract negotiations in 2021. Plans for Lesnar’s return for the 2024 Royal Rumble were reportedly canceled once his name became associated with the case.
Despite Cormier’s claim and the ongoing legal issues, WWE has recently taken actions that fueled fan speculation about a potential return. Lesnar’s signature “Beast Flannel Shirt” was recently added back to the company’s official online shop, and WWE’s YouTube channel has uploaded several of his past matches.
However, wrestling journalists maintain that there are no current creative plans for his return, and WWE has no intention of bringing him back until the legal case is fully resolved. While Lesnar is confirmed to still be under contract with WWE, Cormier’s comments suggest his status within the company is on an indefinite and unofficial hold.
Cormier also reflected on his own history with Lesnar, revealing that a planned UFC fight between them never materialized because Lesnar used the potential bout as leverage for a more lucrative WWE contract.
“Brock played us. Brock played us, bro. Brock came with the idea, he always has an open door because he is such a big star… WWE paid him more to stay,” Cormier explained.