Brock Lesnar Retires From Wrestling, Ends WWE Career

Brock Lesnar has retired.

The WWE star announced the end of his storied wrestling career on Tuesday, Aug. 4 on "The Pat McAfee Show." His decision comes after he wrestled Oba Femi in the main event of SummerSlam 2026 night one on Saturday, Aug. 1, which took place in his home state of Minnesota.

"I'm here today to to to do this interview to let the world and everybody know that that I am retired, and I wanted to say a big thank you to everybody. Saturday was a very emotional day for for me," he said. "Saturday for Brock Lesnar, that's it. That's it for me in the squared circle, and for everything else too."

Brock Lesnar speaks during SummerSlam at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 1, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The announcement confirms what was heavily speculated to happen this year for the "Beast Incarnate." After he first faced Femi and lost at WrestleMania 42 in April, he stood in the ring and took off his gloves and boots while he and longtime manager Paul Heyman emotionally embraced in a moment that indicated he was calling it a career.

He actually admitted to McAfee he figured he was done at that point but "he still had some fuel in the tank," leading to his return a month later to reignite the feud with Femi, which led to a win in the second match at Clash in Italy.

It all led to SummerSlam 2026 in Minneapolis, where Lesnar attended school and was a standout collegiate wrestler at the University of Minnesota. The third matchup against Femi was a Hell in a Cell match, and Femi conquered Lesnar to officially best the veteran in their trilogy.

There was belief Lesnar would want to end his career at home, and that was further cemented by what happened after the match. Lesnar returned to the ring and gave Femi a hug and took the microphone to tell the entire audience he was the future of WWE.

Nothing was officially confirmed immediately afterward by Lesnar or WWE until the announcement three days later.

5 "I spent the last two days in bed. I got run over by a Nigerian nightmare dump truck Saturday night, and yeah, it's time," Lesnar said, adding he is ending his career in all of combat sports with no desire to compete in anything else.

A national championship-winning wrestler for the Golden Gophers and one-time preseason player with the Minnesota Vikings, Lesnar has had a decorated WWE career that began in 2002. Dubbed as "The Next Big Thing," Lesnar immediately rose up the company with his high level intensity, power and athleticism. That same year, he won the WWE Undisputed Championship to become the youngest WWE Champion at age 25.

He remained a top name for the remainder of his career, transitioning to UFC in 2008 and succeeding there, becoming UFC Heavyweight Champion with a 5-3-1 mixed martial arts career. Lesnar returned to WWE in 2012 and had notable feuds with John Cena, Roman Reigns and The Undertaker, including one of the most shocking moments in wrestling history when he snapped The Undertaker's 21-0 WrestleMania streak at WrestleMania 30 in 2014.

While he was undoubtedly one of the biggest stars of this generation, he did undergo some controversy. He was named in the Vince McMahon sex trafficking and sexual assault lawsuit filed in January 2024 by a former WWE employee Janel Grant. In the suit, she alleged McMahon offered Lesnar sexual encounters with Grant as an incentive to re-sign with the company. It is also alleged there were plans for an encounter, but it never happened. The suit was dismissed in July.

When the suit was filed, Lesnar was taken off of WWE programming and was away for two years before returning for his final run at SummerSlam 2025.

In WWE, he is a 10-time WWE champion − one of eight wrestlers to ever reach that mark − a two-time Royal Rumble winner and winner of both King of the Ring and Money in the Bank.

Vaughn Evelyn Levesque, Daughter Of Stephanie McMahon And Triple H, Sings ‘God Bless America’ At WWE SummerSlam

Vaughn Evelyn Levesque, the daughter of Stephanie McMahon and Triple H kicked off WWE SummerSlam by singing “God Bless America.”

This was her official WWE TV debut.

Triple H is the Chief Creative Officer in WWE, while Stephanie is no longer an official employee of the company, she still makes various on-screen appearances.

Triple H Sends Strong Message to Frustrated WWE Talent After SummerSlam

Triple H didn't hold back during the WWE SummerSlam Night 1 post-show press conference.

While the WWE Chief Content Officer addressed several major news items coming out of the event, his strongest comments were directed toward criticism surrounding television time and talent who believe they deserve bigger opportunities. Asked about frustrations within the roster, Triple H delivered a pointed response, emphasizing that earning a spot on WWE programming is part of the business.

Triple H has faced his biggest year of criticism yet as pressures mount from WWE fans and TKO executives.Getty Images

Triple H Says WWE Superstars Must Earn Their Spot

In what felt like an opportunity to get a few things off his chest, Levesque explained that every WWE superstar wants more television time, but opportunities are not simply handed out. Instead, he stressed that performers must continue proving themselves, maximize every opportunity they're given, and ultimately earn their place on television.

The remarks stood out as one of the most candid moments of the nearly hour-long post-show and are likely to spark discussion among both fans and wrestlers in the days ahead.

Triple H says he wishes fans wouldn’t criticise his booking, get invested in stories instead

WWE's Chief Content Officer doesn't understand why fans are more concerned with the behind-the-scenes aspect rather than their programming.

Triple H, who now goes by Paul Levesque, took over the creative reins from his father-in-law, Vince McMahon, after the latter resigned from the company in 2022.

And while the company experienced a creative and commercial boom during the first two years of his tenure, the last few years have been marred by negative critical reception.

Speaking on SiriusXM's Busted Open Radio, WWE COO Paul 'Triple H' Levesque was asked about the criticism he has faced recently for the company's perceived creative decline.

Levesque suggested that fans should place their misguided passion towards investing in the WWE Superstars and their storylines rather than the creative process.

"I wish sometimes we could put that passion into the talent now as opposed to when somebody gets heat in our business, it's like 'God, why would they write that that way?'

"As opposed to 'that no good piece of c— did this.' There's something to saying that innocence of not knowing and 'it still being real to me, d—–.'

"But it is what it is. I love that. I love the hate. I love the love. It's all passion for what we do."

Triple H and WWE created current fan backlash with poor decisions It is hard to understand why Levesque is so opposed to criticism of creative given that he was the first to enjoy the success and positive critical reception during their initial boom period.

When WWE's creative was being applauded under his tenure, Levesque rarely asked fans to focus their passion toward the talent and the programming.

On top of that, WWE's partnership with Netflix has given fans unprecedented access to the behind-the-scenes workings of the company and their programming.

Through 'Unreal,' which is centred around Levesque and his creative team, fans now have a figure to attribute blame to when the programming is incoherent, inconsistent, or uninteresting.

Levesque and the WWE's creative force should focus more on trying to address the criticism and improve the product rather than insulating themselves from criticism.

source: yahoo sports

WWE NXT To Begin Streaming On ESPN Unlimited In August

On Tuesday, ESPN announced that CW Sports will launch live streaming on the ESPN app beginning Tuesday, August 4 as part of the ESPN Unlimited plan. In April, it was reported that The CW Network, home of "NXT", and ESPN would start a partnership that put CW Sports events on ESPN Unlimited. At the time, a launch date was not announced.

"NXT" will air its first episode live on August 4 and all future episodes will air live on the app for ESPN Unlimited subscribers. NXT PLEs will also air on the app beginning with "NXT Heatwave" on August 30. ESPN began airing WWE PLE's last September with Wrestlepalooza. The two-night SummerSlam event will air on ESPN on August 1 and 2.

In a press release when the original partnership was announced, CW President Brad Schwartz said, "Joining forces with ESPN is a monumental next step in the evolution of CW Sports. The CW now offers more than 800 hours of premium live sports per year. This agreement extends the reach of CW Sports and enables us to capture audiences across the best of broadcast and the best of streaming, ensuring fans can access live CW Sports wherever they are and on whatever device they prefer."

More than 800 hours of live CW sports content will broadcast and stream on the ESPN app, including NASCAR, bull riding, college football, and college basketball. Fans can activate their ESPN Unlimited subscription through their TV or mobile providers. A standalone subscription is also available. "NXT" will still air live on The CW.

Happy Birthday Triple H

Paul Michael Levesque
July 27, 1969

Janel Grant Agrees To Arbitration Plan With WWE & Vince McMahon, Case To Be Dismissed

It was a little more than a month ago when Janel Grant, WWE, and Vince McMahon filed a joint motion to have Grant's lawsuit against both parties moved to arbitration. Now another development suggests that, more than ever, the situation is heading towards a conclusion. Taking to X early Tuesday morning, Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics posted a filing by Grant's lawyer Ann Callis, confirming that Grant, McMahon, and WWE had agreed to go to private arbitration.

That is not the final matter on the case, however, as Grant, McMahon, and WWE are all expected to file to dismiss the lawsuit, with prejudice, in the next five days. A filing to dismiss with prejudice will mean that Grant cannot refile a lawsuit against McMahon at a later date. Once that process is complete, a judge will have to approve of the filing, an approval that will likely be seen as a formality given the agreement between all parties.

The agreement ends the legal aspect of a scandal that began in 2022, when the Wall Street Journal reported that McMahon was being investigated by the WWE Board of Directors for payments made to Grant and other women to cover up McMahon's relationships with them. The scandal became big enough that McMahon would retire just months after these revelations, though he returned to WWE in January 2023, resuming his role as WWE Chairman. Grant's identity remained a mystery until January 2024, when she filed her lawsuit accusing McMahon of sex trafficking and abuse during their relationship. The lawsuit led to McMahon resigning from WWE days later.

WWE & Sirius XM Announce New WWE Radio Channel

Closing in on nearly two decades now, "Busted Open Radio" has been a staple of SiriusXM and arguably the biggest radio show to focus on pro wrestling in North America. But it will now become a part of Sirius' new pro wrestling crown jewel; a WWE station. In a Thursday morning press release, WWE and Sirius announced the launch of WWE Radio, a 24/7 station. The channel will launch officially on Monday, July 27, ahead of WWE SummerSlam that weekend. WWE Radio will air out of Sirius channel 156, effectively taking over "Busted Open's" slot on Sirius going forward.

It will not be the end of "Busted Open," however, as the program will continue on under the WWE Radio banner, with hosts Dave LaGreca, Bully Ray, Mark Henry, Tommy Dreamer, and Nic Nemeth all staying on. Other "Busted Open" related content will remain, including "Busted Open After Dark," while other shows such as "Notsam Wrestling Live" with Sam Roberts, "Cheap Heat Live" with Peter Rosenberg, "The Hart Beat with Natalya" and "Off the Ropes," featuring Henry, Dreamer, and former WWE star Jinder Mahal, will be added. Other WWE podcasts will also air on WWE Radio every day at 4 p.m., including Cody Rhodes' "What Do You Want To Talk About?" and Undertaker's "Six Feet Under."

With SummerSlam occurring just days later, WWE Radio will feature plenty of content surrounding the two night event, LaGreca, Bully, Henry, Dreamer, Roberts and Rosenberg, will host several live shows in the leadup. SummerSlam itself will also be available to listen to on WWE Radio, with "NXT" commentators Vic Joseph and Booker T. Future WWE PLEs will also be available to listen to on WWE Radio, as will "select audio simulcasts of WWE's weekly flagship television programming."

I'm sure there will be some people who see this news about WWE Radio today effectively taking over "Busted Open Radio" and be surprised. I am not surprised at all about this news...with one caveat. "Busted Open" becoming part of the WWE umbrella as a part of its media branch doesn't shock me at all; what does shock me is how transparent everyone involved is finally being about it. Perhaps I am the wrong person to point this out; with a few exceptions, my opinion of "Busted Open" and some of the opinions that come out of it from hosts Dave LaGreca, Tommy Dreamer, Mark Henry, and especially Bully Ray, is extremely low. But part of the reason it is low is because, at least over the last few years, it seems like the show has done little to be impartial, and has often come across WWE affiliated in everything but name.

Now, at least, they don't even have to pretend that that isn't the case. By being under the WWE Radio banner, "Busted Open" can now operate out in the open as the WWE service it's pretty much been. Now when Bully Ray compares some "Raw" angle to a five minute scene in a "Star Wars" movie, he can do so knowing it's happening while he's under the WWE umbrella once more. Good for him and the rest of them I suppose. For some, this will definitely hurt the credibility of "Busted Open" to some degree, but for many, myself included, this was just a natural progression of where this popular program was going. So again I say; one shouldn't be surprised that this day arrived. WWE and "Busted Open" were always destined to be under one banner. The only surprise is that they all decided to make it "official official" as it were.

WWE’s Private Jet Listed for Sale at $10.5 Million

WWE is getting ready to say goodbye to one of its most recognizable travel assets. The company's 2008 Bombardier Global 5000 private jet has officially been listed for sale.

Over the years, the jet has appeared in countless behind-the-scenes videos, documentaries, and social media posts. Fans have often seen Superstars and company executives using it to travel to major shows and business events.

Thanks to its recent refurbishment, the aircraft is still in excellent shape. That could make it an attractive option for anyone seeking a luxury, long-range private jet with modern features.

Features included with WWE's private jet The asking price of the jet is $10.495 million. It is currently based in White Plains, New York, and received a major refurbishment from Bombardier in December 2023. WWE hasn't explained why it is selling the plane.

According to the listing, the jet can carry up to 13 passengers and comes with several premium upgrades. These include Starlink and Jetwave internet, an updated cabin system, improved cockpit displays, and advanced flight features like HUD, EVS, and SVS.

The aircraft has reportedly been operated by two U.S. owners under Part 91 regulations. It has no reported damage history and is fully up to date on maintenance.

The aircraft description says:

"Hagerty Jet Group is proud to present this 2008 model Bombardier Global 5000 s/n 9245 for sale on behalf of WWE Jet Services. It is one of the most turnkey large-cabin opportunities on the market. Completely refurbished by Bombardier's Tucson facility in December 2023 with all new designer paint, interior."

The listing also says that all WWE branding and logos will be removed before the sale is completed. So far, WWE hasn't said whether it plans to replace the jet or use a different travel setup for executives and talent.

Jeff Jarrett Sympathizes With Triple H's Position As Head Of WWE Creative

As Jeff Jarrett put it best: "Servant leadership isn't easy." So, he gives recognition where it matters most. And that's towards WWE's Head of Creative and Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque. When asked how Triple H fares in his ascent from being a former in-ring talent to his now high pressure roles backstage, Jarrett thinks the WWE Hall of Famer is doing a remarkable job.

"Fantastic," the TNA and WWE Hall of Famer said on "The Ariel Helwani Show." "Because I don't know who he has to answer to. I mean, I truly don't know – does he have to make fill in the blank happy today...Look, when you're in that seat, you always got to appease a top talent, a top babyface, a top heel...that's part of the game. But at the end of the day, you still got the stick. Paul's got how many people above him with bigger sticks? That ain't easy...You don't get groomed by the chairman himself and not walk away."

Following the retirement of his father-in-law and former Chairman and CEO of WWE Vince McMahon, Levesque is just days away from celebrating four years of calling the creative shots in WWE. During an interview with Cody Rhodes on "What Do You Wanna Talk About," "The Game" revealed that while he's learned how to stand firm in this position, the hardest part still is taking accountability for decisions that aren't fully his own.

credit "The Ariel Helwani Show" Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

Details On Club WWE, Annual Membership Costs $99

WWE fans. Are you ready? "Club WWE," the Stamford-based promotion's newest membership program will commence this Friday.

In an email sent on Monday to those already on the "Club WWE" waitlist, WWE confirmed that the annual price to join this insider's service is $99 ($8.25 per month). Those who sign up for this service immediately (labeled as "founding members") will receive exclusive offers, including a package of unique and exclusive items, as well as discounted ticket offers to SummerSlam on Saturday, August 1 through Sunday, August 2, at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Additionally, founding members will get first-look experiences/scoops through its digital half of the membership, and a points-based reward system every time they make purchases on digital and physical goods.

"Club WWE" was first revealed in April, with retiree WWE Superstar John Cena promoting the membership. This program is intended to enhance the WWE Universe experience by offering 24-hour pre-sale ticket access, shop features (including the reveal of John Cena's "Never Seen 17" collection), bonus digital content, and members-only community forums for fans to connect with others online.

To learn more on how to sign-up, visit wwe.com/clubwwe.

Details On Deposition From WWE Board Members About Vince McMahon Investigation

It was a month ago that Janel Grant took to Instagram to post the deposition of former WWE Board member Michelle McKenna from the now settled WWE shareholder lawsuit. Said deposition revealed that McKenna was of the belief that WWE President Nick Khan had been the one to leak information regarding Grant and then WWE Chairman Vince McMahon's relationship to the Wall Street Journal in 2022, triggering a series of events that led to Grant filing a lawsuit against McMahon. Last Friday, in the latest edition of the "Wrestling Observer Newsletter," Dave Meltzer provided more information regarding McKenna's deposition, as well as the deposition of another former board member, Jeffery Speed.

The deposition of McKenna, who joined the WWE board on September 15, 2022, revealed that she was under the belief that McMahon couldn't be brought back after he "retired" in July following the original Wall Street Journal article. McKenna answered "no" to whether she had been under the impression McMahon and Grant had an affair, and "yes" to whether she saw their relationship as sex abuse and sexual trafficking. 

This would confirm that the WWE board knew of Grant's accusations against McMahon well before the lawsuit was filed in 2024, despite claims to the contrary by McMahon's then lawyer Jerry McDevitt. As McKenna remained with the board till after the WWE/Endeavor merger, it would also mean she voted against McMahon's return in December 2022, before changing her mind and voting yes in January 2023 following McMahon's forceful reentry into the company.

As for Speed's deposition, he confirmed that the board's investigation into McMahon revealed the text messages McMahon sent to Grant, as well as messages involving Grant and Brock Lesnar. Speed claimed the messages were read out loud to the board, describing them as very graphic. However, while he noted files were found during the investigation, the board was ultimately not shown the photos. Unlike McKenna, Speed was removed from the board in early 2023 when McMahon returned to power.