The public courtroom fight between Janel Grant, Vince McMahon and WWE is officially over. A federal judge closed the case on July 27, 2026, terminated every remaining motion and cleared the way for the dispute to continue behind closed doors in private arbitration.
Judge Sarah F. Russell issued the order three days after Grant, McMahon and WWE filed a joint stipulation dismissing the federal action with prejudice.
“The parties have filed a stipulation of dismissal pursuant to Rule 41(a)(1)(A)(ii). Accordingly, the Clerk is respectfully directed to terminate all pending motions as moot and to close the case.”
The court also issued a separate order declaring several pending motions moot, including motions to compel and a motion seeking permission to file additional material. With the dismissal already entered, there was no longer a federal case for the judge to rule on.
This does not mean Grant has withdrawn her allegations or that McMahon and WWE have admitted wrongdoing. The agreement specifically protects each side’s right to continue pursuing its claims and defenses through arbitration.
“Plaintiff, Defendant World Wrestling Entertainment, LLC, and Defendant Vincent K. McMahon stipulate and agree that this action and all claims pled herein are hereby dismissed with prejudice, but without prejudice as to the Parties’ rights to pursue their claims and defenses in arbitration in accordance with their agreement to arbitrate.”
Grant originally filed the lawsuit in January 2024, accusing McMahon of sexual assault and trafficking while claiming WWE enabled or concealed his conduct. McMahon denied wrongdoing, and WWE disputed the allegations. John Laurinaitis was initially named as a defendant before later being removed from the case.
Grant’s legal team previously fought against arbitration, arguing that the 2022 nondisclosure agreement and its arbitration provision should not be enforced. All sides ultimately agreed to move the entire dispute out of federal court.
The docket now shows the case as closed, with no pending motions left for the court to consider. The legal battle can continue, but future filings, hearings and testimony may no longer be available to the public.
What do you think about the Janel Grant case moving from federal court into private arbitration? Leave your thoughts and feedback in the comments.
