Former WWE paralegal Janelle Grant’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE faced a key legal decision from Judge Sarah F. Russell, who denied Grant’s request for early access to records and depositions. However, Judge Russell emphasized that this denial isn’t final, allowing Grant to renew her discovery requests later, particularly in response to a formal arbitration request from the defense.
In a ruling issued Friday night, Judge Russell stated that Grant had not demonstrated “good cause” for obtaining discovery before McMahon and WWE file a motion to compel arbitration, but she noted that the question of discovery’s necessity could be revisited based on future filings. According to POST Wrestling’s summary of the judge’s order:
“Plaintiff [Grant] seeks discovery to support several arguments for avoiding arbitration. The court does not weigh in on the strength of any further claims or defenses that may be raised against the defendants’ motion to compel arbitration. However, the court cannot determine from the current record if discovery is required to resolve those issues. Therefore, plaintiff has not met the burden to justify discovery before responding to the defendants’ motion to compel arbitration.”
Judge Russell also indicated that she may reconsider allowing limited discovery once McMahon and WWE formally push to shift the case to private arbitration, as stipulated under a $3 million non-disclosure agreement signed by the parties.
This decision breaks a seven-month impasse in the litigation and resets the procedural timeline. The judge instructed both parties to update and schedule upcoming deadlines, which include arbitration filings, oral arguments, and potentially a meeting with a magistrate judge to explore settlement options.
The lawsuit, which began in January 2024 following McMahon’s abrupt resignation from WWE and TKO, accuses him of sexual trafficking and assault, with allegations that WWE was grossly negligent in enabling the abuse. McMahon has denied all accusations. Meanwhile, John Laurinaitis, initially named in the suit, was dropped from the case in May 2025 after reaching a confidential settlement with Grant.
Though this ruling primarily addresses procedure, it sharpens the focus on the forthcoming legal showdown and whether the case will be publicly aired or confined to private arbitration behind closed doors.
Should this matter stay in public court or proceed privately through the NDA’s arbitration clause? Will justice be fully served either way? Share your thoughts below.
Fan Take: This ruling is crucial for WWE fans because it determines whether one of the company’s most serious allegations will be transparent or kept under wraps. The outcome could set a precedent for how WWE handles internal disputes and accountability, potentially shaping the sport’s future culture and public image.
