WWE Co-defendant Laurinaitis Settles, Agrees to Testify Against McMahon

John Laurinaitis, former WWE head of talent relations and co-defendant in a sexual abuse and trafficking lawsuit filed by ex-employee Janel Grant, has reached a confidential settlement with Grant and agreed to cooperate by providing evidence in her ongoing lawsuit against former WWE CEO Vince McMahon. Laurinaitis's dismissal from the suit was confirmed in a court filing and joint statement by his and Grant's attorneys, marking a significant development in the case and increasing pressure on McMahon and WWE. Grant alleges that McMahon coerced her into sexual acts, trafficked her to other men, and that Laurinaitis engaged in similar abuse. McMahon stepped down as TKO Group Holdings chairman in January 2024 amid these allegations and has denied them, though he previously paid a multimillion-dollar settlement in a related misconduct case. Legal analysts suggest Laurinaitis's cooperation could be detrimental to McMahon's defense, as insiders indicate Laurinaitis had earlier claimed to be a victim himself before switching sides. WWE and McMahon's legal teams have not publicly commented on the latest developments.