The Real Reason WWE Paid Brock Lesnar Millions to Stay Home

According to a report by Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Brock Lesnar was always signed to WWE, not suspended, and fully paid, during his two-year absence before returning at SummerSlam. They noted:

"Lesnar was still, even though not used, fully paid during that time period and was among the highest-paid wrestlers in the company. He was never suspended, and obviously kept under contract. "If what he did was going to end their relationship with him, he’d have been let go. That’s the reality. He was always going to return when legal cleared him. Legal cleared him about one month prior to the show, which was kept secret, and allowed for the return."

To say this is unusual would be an understatement. Considering his rumored salary (somewhere in the $10 - $12 million per year range), to pay him while the company felt uncomfortable using him is basically WWE paying him not to go anywhere. If, one day, he was cleared to return, WWE didn't want any obstacles standing in the way.

Typically, inactive talent is released or suspended. At the very least, time is added to their contract to make up for time away. Things were likely different for Lesnar.

Why Would WWE Pay Lesnar So Much For Nothing?

WWE’s decision was linked to his status as a top draw. WWE awaited legal clearance related to a 2024 misconduct lawsuit by Janel Grant, in which Lesnar was not a defendant. Clearance came a month before his secretive SummerSlam 2025 return. In other words, it seems like WWE always knew that Lesnar would be back one day, and they were willing to pay him to be available whenever they called.

The move reflects WWE’s strategy to protect and pay for marquee talent, with Lesnar’s drawing power being enough to make back any losses. They paid him millions of dollars not to show up on WWE programming, but now that he's back, he's essentially an ATM machine.

That's when you know how important you are to a company. When you're connected to a legal controversy and the company doesn't feel comfortable putting you on television, they'll pay you nearly $25 million to keep the phone on.