Judge Denies Janel Grant’s Early Discovery Request in Vince McMahon Trafficking Case

Judge Sarah F. Russell has ruled on a key motion in the lawsuit filed by former WWE paralegal Janel Grant against Vince McMahon and WWE. Grant’s request for early discovery has been denied—but not permanently shut down.

In a decision filed Friday evening, Russell stated that Grant had not demonstrated “good cause” to receive records or take depositions before McMahon and WWE file their expected motions to compel arbitration. However, Russell made it clear that Grant can renew the motion later, specifically when responding to the defense’s formal arbitration request. According to the judge’s order via POST Wrestling:

“Plaintiff [Grant] seeks discovery to support several grounds for avoiding arbitration. The court expresses no opinion as to the merits of these forthcoming arguments, or any other grounds that Plaintiff may choose to assert in opposition to Defendants’ Motions to Compel Arbitration. But the court has determined that it cannot evaluate from the current record whether discovery from Defendants is required to resolve the applicability of defenses Plaintiff may raise to arbitration. Thus, Plaintiff has not met her burden to show good cause for taking discovery before responding to Defendants’ Motions to Compel Arbitration.”

The judge added that once McMahon and WWE formally file to move the case into private arbitration—as dictated by the $3 million NDA Grant signed—then she will reconsider whether limited, mutual discovery is warranted.

This ruling ends a seven-month lull in the case and resets the legal clock. Russell ordered both sides to coordinate and schedule future deadlines for arbitration motions, oral arguments, and a possible meeting with a magistrate judge to discuss a potential settlement.

The lawsuit, filed in January 2024, triggered Vince McMahon’s abrupt resignation from WWE and TKO corporate roles. In it, Grant alleges McMahon sexually trafficked and assaulted her, and that WWE enabled the abuse through gross negligence. McMahon has denied all claims.

John Laurinaitis, initially named in the lawsuit, was removed from the case in May 2025 following a confidential settlement with Grant.

This recent court ruling represents only a procedural step, but it keeps the spotlight firmly on the legal battle ahead—and whether this case will stay in the public eye or be pulled behind the curtain of private arbitration.

Should this case be handled in public court or through private arbitration as the NDA outlines? Do you think the full truth will come out either way? Share your thoughts in the comments.