Jim Ross said he was only slightly surprised to see John Laurinaitis scheduled for an independent signing event, calling it a straightforward financial decision for the former WWE executive.
“It’s a payday. That’s the one thing. He’s not doing it for his humanitarian efforts. He’s doing it for the payday,” Ross said on the latest Grilling JR. “I’m sure he’s going to be a compelling guest. He’s certainly easy to ask questions of.”
Laurinaitis is scheduled to appear at Big Time Wrestling’s March Mayhem event in Chillicothe, Ohio on March 14. It marks his first public appearance in over two years and his first independent signing ever.
The Janel Grant Lawsuit
Laurinaitis had been out of the public eye since January 2024, when former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a federal lawsuit alleging sexual assault and sex trafficking against Vince McMahon, Laurinaitis, and WWE. The lawsuit accused McMahon and Laurinaitis of coercing Grant into sexual acts during her time as a WWE employee and using a $3 million nondisclosure agreement to keep her silent.
McMahon resigned from TKO, WWE’s parent company, shortly after the lawsuit was filed. He has denied the allegations.
Laurinaitis was dismissed from the lawsuit in May 2025 after reaching a confidential settlement with Grant. As part of that settlement, he agreed to cooperate and provide evidence against McMahon and WWE. A joint statement released through Grant’s legal team at the time read: “John Laurinaitis has agreed to cooperate and provide evidence in Janel Grant’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE. His agreement to a confidential settlement is a pivotal next step toward holding McMahon and WWE accountable. Mr. Laurinaitis looks forward to moving on with his life.”
Grant’s lawsuit against McMahon and WWE remains active. The parties have agreed to a June 2026 hearing on whether the case will be moved to private arbitration.
Grant spoke publicly for the first time in February 2026 at a Capitol news briefing in Hartford, Connecticut, hosted by the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence. She said she was alive “by a series of miracles” and spoke about the impact of NDAs on survivors of workplace misconduct.
Laurinaitis Frames Return as Tribute to His Brother
In a recent appearance on the Two Man Power Trip podcast, Laurinaitis said the timing of his return is personal. The event coincides with the Road Warriors being inducted into the Ohio Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, with a tribute match in their honor. Laurinaitis’ brother was Road Warrior Animal, who passed away in September 2020.
“The reason I’m doing it is because it’s kind of ironic – the Road Warriors are being inducted into the Ohio Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, and there’s going to be a tribute match in their honor,” Laurinaitis said. “So it’s really special that my first appearance will be something that honors my brother.”
Ross: “Maybe That Opens the Door”
Ross was direct about the financial motivation. “Laurinaitis needs a payday. I’m sure he saved money. I’m sure he’s okay. I don’t say he needs the money out of some negative feedback from me, but it’s a payday. There’s the same reason I make my appearances. I like getting paid,” he said.
Ross said the appearance could lead to more. “Hopefully that’ll be successful for Laurinaitis, and he’ll have a good payday. And then maybe that opens the door to other signings. That’s where this is headed,” he said.
Laurinaitis served as WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent Relations and was also known on screen as the General Manager of Raw and SmackDown. Before his WWE executive career, he wrestled in All Japan Pro Wrestling under the name Johnny Ace, where he was a multiple-time tag team champion.
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