Brock Lesnar has officially signed a new WWE contract after several months as a free agent, marking his return to the company. His comeback was confirmed following a hiatus during which he was not under an active agreement, despite continuing to be paid from a previous contract for some time.
Details About Lesnar’s Previous Contract and Free Agency
According to Dave Meltzer’s report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Lesnar’s prior WWE contract expired after a two-year break when he was not actively featured. During the hiatus, WWE continued to compensate him under the old deal even though he was not being utilized. However, the contract could not be extended as with other wrestlers recovering from injury, because Lesnar was not injured and WWE’s decision was not to use him.
A correction regarding Brock Lesnar. Lesnar actually just signed a new contract to return. He was getting paid on his prior contract long after they stopped using him, but that deal did expire and he actually was a free agent for months until the new deal was signed,
—Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
They couldn’t extend the prior deal due to injury like with others because he wasn’t injured and it was their choice not to use him.
—Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Lesnar’s Return Amid Legal Complications
Lesnar made his WWE comeback appearance at SummerSlam, surprising fans by attacking John Cena in the storyline’s closing moments. This return had been cleared by WWE’s legal department despite his indirect involvement in an ongoing lawsuit filed by Janel Grant against Vince McMahon and WWE. The 2024 lawsuit alleges McMahon sent explicit material involving Grant to Lesnar and offered a personal encounter as part of a contract incentive in 2021, though Lesnar was not a defendant and the encounter never occurred.
Upcoming Matches and Speculation Around Lesnar’s WWE Future
Lesnar is expected to wrestle again later this month, with his first match since 2023 rumored to be against John Cena. The bout is anticipated to headline WWE’s WrestlePalooza event, an ESPN special scheduled for September 20 in Indianapolis, Indiana. There is also talk of Lesnar appearing on a forthcoming episode of SmackDown, which could lead to the official announcement of this highly anticipated match.
Implications of Lesnar’s Contract Renewal for WWE Programming
The signing of Brock Lesnar’s new WWE contract signals a significant push by WWE to feature one of its biggest stars prominently, despite the controversies surrounding him. This development is likely to impact upcoming WWE storylines, especially involving John Cena, whose retirement match and final appearances are also being planned. Lesnar’s renewed presence could heighten tensions and fan interest as he prepares for his in-ring return.
