Brock Lesnar last competed at SummerSlam PLE in August, where he lost to Cody Rhodes. Lesnar has competed in almost every event in Saudi Arabia. However, WWE didn’t use him for Crown Jewel in November. Instead, the company kept Lesnar as a surprise appearance for the Royal Rumble match.
On January 25th, former employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit against WWE, Vince McMahon, and John Laurinaitis. Grant mentioned a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and WWE star in the lawsuit. The Wall Street Journal later named the star Brock Lesnar.
PWInsider reported that The Beast had not traveled to Florida for the Royal Rumble. Sources told PWInsider that Lesnar had been withdrawn from the event. An NXT talent would be used in Lesnar’s place.
PWInsider also noted that Endeavor is well aware that Brock Lesnar’s appearance will hurt the company’s reputation.