Brock Lesnar is set to make his first in-ring appearance in two years by taking on John Cena at WWE Wrestlepalooza in Indianapolis. The Beast made a surprise return at the end of SummerSlam, signaling that he intends to challenge Cena before the 17-time WWE Champion retires. This Brock Lesnar John Cena showdown is generating intense anticipation as both competitors have storied histories and much to prove.
Context Behind Cena’s Final Year and Their Rivalry
Cena is on a retirement tour with less than four months remaining in his WWE career. Given the significance of this final stretch, every match is expected to carry weight. Lesnar and Cena have been fierce adversaries for years, making this clash a fitting moment for both to either cement a legacy or craft a new chapter in their rivalry. Cena’s previous opponents on this farewell journey have included key figures like Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and Randy Orton, each representing different stages of his career and personal storylines.
Possible Outcomes for the Climactic Battle
There are several potential conclusions that WWE could script for this matchup, each with different implications for both Lesnar and Cena.
One scenario could see Cena overcoming the odds to secure a victory, possibly extending a hand to Lesnar in a show of respect. This outcome fits the narrative of two legendary athletes closing their careers with mutual recognition and honor.

Another option is a dominant Lesnar victory, where he quickly defeats Cena in a short, brutal contest. Lesnar’s style does not favor long matches, and a crushing win could reinforce his image as one of WWE’s most formidable figures despite his age. This could also serve as a springboard for future storylines, such as a confrontation between Lesnar and rising stars like Gunther.
A third possibility involves a hard-fought, competitive match that maintains the credibility of both men. Cena might withstand repeated attacks from Lesnar, keeping fans on edge before eventually succumbing. This would allow Cena to exit with dignity while setting up a dramatic post-match beatdown from Lesnar to regain his intimidating persona. Such attacks after a loss help preserve the victors’ threat level going forward.
Finally, the match might end with a surprising moment of sportsmanship, such as Lesnar showing unexpected respect by embracing or shaking hands with Cena. This would play on their parallel careers and shared history, presenting Lesnar as a more complex figure—a “tweener” capable of shifting alliances and challenging a broad spectrum of WWE stars, including Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, CM Punk, or Gunther.
Significance of This Match for WWE’s Future
This showdown will help determine how John Cena’s retirement story unfolds and potentially shape Brock Lesnar’s next phase in WWE. Given Lesnar’s absence from competition and Cena’s final tour, their encounter holds symbolic weight beyond the ring. A memorable finish could create lasting narratives for both men and set the stage for upcoming rivalries and events at Wrestlepalooza and beyond.
