May 6, 2024 Observer Newsletter: John Laurinaitis changes his story, WWE Draft & roster recap

John Laurinaitis, who would have been a key figure in the Janel Grant lawsuit against Vince McMahon, Laurinaitis and the WWE, has seemingly flipped to siding with McMahon based on a statement from lawyer Edward M. Brennan on 5/2.

“John Laurinaitis has filed a Motion today fully joining in and adopting Vince McMahon’s motion to compel arbitration. Mr. Laurinaitis corroborates Mr. McMahon in publicly declaring that Ms. Grant’s allegations of sexual abuse and coercion in her Complaint are completely unfounded. My client will fight these false allegations together with Mr. McMahon in the proper forum, arbitration.”

Previously Brennan released statements that backed up Grant’s side, but claiming he, like Grant, was the victim of McMahon.

“Mr. Laurinaitis denies the allegations in the misguided complaint and will be vigorously defending these charges in Court, not the media,” Laurinaitis’ lawyer Edward Brennan told VICE News in February. ““Like the Plaintiff, Mr. Laurinaitis is a victim in this case, not a predator. The truth will come out.”

Brennan had previously called the Grant complaint well written but that Laurinaitis was coerced into the situation by McMahon, just like Grant was.

By stating that he sided with McMahon and that no sexual abuse or coercion took place, it hurts the Grant argument.

It would make sense for Laurinaitis to want everything in arbitration because a sympathetic jury and everything in public would bring with it far more publicity regarding McMahon, but also a sympathetic jury could be more unfavorable from a financial standpoint to McMahon and Laurinaitis provided the jury believed Grant.

Those close to McMahon have stated that they believe her story will fall apart once she’s deposed.

Other stories this week include:

• A full analysis of the WWE Draft and the new rosters
• A preview of WWE Backlash in France
• Lots more

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