Vince McMahon Felt Like An “Adopted Father” To WWE Legend

A former World Champion has reflected on their connection with Vince McMahon.

In January 2024, Janel Grant filed a lawsuit against Vince McMahon, WWE, and John Laurinaitis, containing allegations of sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Although he wasn’t named in the original suit, the scandal has also engulfed Brock Lesnar.

Grant, a former WWE employee, claims Vince McMahon offered Lesnar sexual encounters with her as part of contract negotiations.

Following the filing, McMahon quit his role on the TKO Group Board of Directors, and he’s remained largely out of the spotlight since.

WWE Hall Of Famer Saw Vince McMahon As A Father Figure

Given the severity of the allegations against him, the relationships between McMahon and the wrestlers and staff he employed during his time running the company. One such star who feels McMahon was more than a boss is former World Champion JBL.

On a recent episode of Something To Wrestle With, the WWE Hall of Fame revealed he’s spoken with McMahon within the last year, before giving more details on their relationship.

“We never really were texting guys, or we never were, you know, phone call guys. He called me if he needed something, and I’d call him if I needed something. He would always answer the phone, and, of course, I always answer for him.”

JBL went on to admit that he, like many others, looked at McMahon as a father figure.

“He’s my boss, but was much more than that to me. I felt like a lot of guys did. So many people talk about Vince as if they felt almost like he is an adopted father or older brother. I was the same, and I’m not special in that regard. A lot of guys felt the same way about him.”

JBL isn’t the only former WWE star to reflect fondly on their time working with the disgraced WWE Chairman in recent weeks, after Carmella said she “loved” working with Vince McMahon.

Meanwhile, on May 7, 2025, Judge Sarah F. Russell accepted Janel Grant’s updated lawsuit against WWE, Vince McMahon, and John Laurinaitis. McMahon and the other defendants continue to push to move the case to arbitration.

McMahon and Laurinaitis continue to deny any wrongdoing.

H/t to WrestlingNews.Co