On 27th September 2025, WWE fans were met with mixed emotions following events that called into question Brock Lesnar’s immediate future with the company. After his much-anticipated return at SummerSlam 2025 in New Jersey and a headline match at Wrestlepalooza in Indiana, Lesnar’s performance failed to meet expectations. This underwhelming reception, paired with new reports of a hiatus, casts doubt on the three-time Universal Champion’s presence on WWE programming for the near future.
The news of Brock Lesnar WWE hiatus comes amid widespread disappointment from both critics and fans, creating a turbulent atmosphere around the star’s career moving forward.
Lesnar’s Return and Wrestlepalooza Match Draw Criticism
Brock Lesnar reemerged at the SummerSlam event in 2025, reigniting a rivalry with John Cena. His return was marked by a dominant display where Lesnar executed six F5 finishing moves to defeat Cena in the middle of the ring. The buildup culminated in a match at Wrestlepalooza, held in Indiana, intended to capitalize on their longstanding feud.
However, the match did not resonate with the audience or critics. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter assigned a two-star rating to the bout, emphasizing its lackluster quality. ESPN also gave the overall show a “C+” grade, reflecting the general consensus of dissatisfaction with the event’s main attraction. This represents a notable setback for Lesnar, whose earlier matches often attracted higher praise despite occasional criticism.
Official Reports Confirm Lesnar’s Upcoming Absence from TV
Following the underwhelming Wrestlepalooza, Fightful Select has reported that Brock Lesnar will be stepping away from WWE television for a significant period. The 48-year-old, known as The Beast Incarnate, is scheduled for a hiatus from WWE’s weekly programming, signaling a break in his on-screen appearances at least through the early parts of 2026.
Although WWE’s creative team reportedly has plans in place for Lesnar’s eventual return, the timing remains unclear. This pause in Lesnar’s presence leaves fans and analysts uncertain about how or when he will be reintegrated into WWE storylines, underscoring an unsettled chapter in his wrestling career.
Other Major WWE Stories: Kevin Owens and Jacob Fatu
Amid the Brock Lesnar WWE hiatus news, other WWE superstars have also been making headlines. Kevin Owens, who was sidelined earlier this year due to a neck injury that required surgery, was recently seen showing a remarkable physical transformation. Spotted at Universal Studios with his wife, Owens appeared noticeably leaner, prompting speculation about his readiness to return to in-ring competition after a lengthy recovery period.
Meanwhile, Jacob Fatu, also returning to WWE programming after a brief absence, made an impact on SmackDown. Fatu’s hiatus followed his loss to Solo Sikoa at SummerSlam and a failed attempt to regain the United States Championship in a Steel Cage match. Despite rumors linking his absence to backstage controversies involving Rikishi and Raja Jackson, Fatu ended these speculations with a forceful return, confronting Drew McIntyre and delivering a finishing move with a medical boot to close his segment.
Wrestler Ash by Elegance Forced to End Career Due to Injury
In other significant wrestling news, Ash by Elegance, formerly known to WWE fans as Dana Brooke, announced an untimely end to her in-ring career. Since her 2023 release from WWE under Triple H’s creative leadership, she found success with TNA Wrestling, forming her own faction, The Elegance Brand, and capturing both the Knockouts Tag Team and Knockouts World Championships.
At Victory Road, Ash revealed she must vacate her title due to an unspecified injury forcing her permanent retirement from wrestling.
“I am no longer able to compete and do what I love to do. So, with that being said, I am stepping away from in-ring competition and with a heavy heart, I have to forfeit this title,”
Ash said.
An immediate title match followed, resulting in NXT’s Kelani Jordan being crowned the new TNA Knockouts World Champion, closing the chapter on Ash’s decorated wrestling run.
The Broader Impact of Lesnar’s Hiatus on WWE’s Landscape
Brock Lesnar’s reported hiatus creates a ripple effect across WWE’s schedule and creative planning, given his status as a marquee attraction. Lesnar’s unpredictability and immense drawing power have historically shaped major storylines and pay-per-view events. With his departure from television for an extended period, WWE may face challenges filling the vacuum his absence creates, intensifying pressures on other top stars like John Cena and Drew McIntyre to carry prominent narratives.
The decision to pause Lesnar’s appearances after a critically panned comeback match highlights the volatile nature of WWE’s talent utilization and underscores a restless atmosphere among fans and insiders alike. While assurances exist for his eventual reintegration, the uncertainty surrounding the timing and nature of Lesnar’s return has left the WWE universe in a state of anxious anticipation.
As the wrestling world watches and speculates, the Brock Lesnar WWE hiatus marks a pivotal moment that could reshape the company’s competitive landscape over the coming months.
Kevin Owens and his wife Karina at Universal Studios 🎢 pic.twitter.com/mffbG7ACJt
— WrestlingWorldCC (@WrestlingWCC) September 26, 2025
