Vince McMahon is heading into private arbitration with Janel Grant, but the financial fallout may barely leave a mark on the former WWE chairman.
During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer discussed the case moving out of Connecticut federal court and predicted that the final result may amount to little more than a financial slap on the wrist for McMahon.
Grant, McMahon and WWE agreed to move their entire legal dispute into private arbitration. Grant is expected to dismiss the public lawsuit with prejudice, while all sides retain the right to continue pursuing their claims and defenses behind closed doors.
Nobody knows what the arbitrator will ultimately decide. Meltzer still predicted that the best possible financial result for Grant may be receiving the remaining money she claims McMahon owes her under their 2022 nondisclosure agreement.
Grant claimed McMahon agreed to pay her $3 million but stopped after making the first $1 million payment. Meltzer suggested that arbitration could end with Grant receiving the unpaid portion of that deal rather than landing a massive financial judgment.
“In this case, it’s not going to even be a big dollar amount. I mean, I can’t say it’s not going to be a big dollar amount. I don’t know what the arbitrator will rule, but I’m guessing that, at best, the arbitrator is going to rule that she gets the rest of the money that’s in that contract that she should get.”
Meltzer acknowledged that the remaining money would still be significant. His point was that even a multimillion-dollar result would barely register against McMahon’s personal fortune.
“It’s something, but it’s not like Vince can’t pay it. It’s a check to Vince. It’s not life-changing for him whatsoever. It’s a slap on the wrist, as all of these things have ended up being on an economic and everything level.”
That prediction comes with an important distinction. Meltzer was speculating about the possible outcome, not revealing a decision that has already been made. The arbitration has not concluded, and there is no confirmed financial award or settlement amount.
The move to arbitration also makes it harder for the public to learn what happens next. Federal lawsuits create public filings, hearings and written rulings. Arbitration usually takes place privately, meaning evidence, testimony and any eventual financial resolution could remain confidential.
Grant accused McMahon of sexual abuse and trafficking and alleged that WWE enabled or concealed his conduct. McMahon has denied wrongdoing, while WWE has disputed Grant’s claims. Moving the case into arbitration does not mean Grant withdrew her allegations, and it does not mean McMahon or WWE admitted wrongdoing.
The public court battle may be disappearing, but the legal fight is not over. Meltzer’s belief is that even if Grant secures the rest of the money from her agreement, the financial hit may amount to little more than a minor penalty for McMahon.
Do you think arbitration will end with a financial slap on the wrist for Vince McMahon, or could the final outcome be much more serious? Leave your feedback in the comments.
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