Brock Lesnar stunned WWE fans with an unforeseen return at SummerSlam Sunday when he launched an unprovoked assault on John Cena. This attack deviated from his usual pattern, as Lesnar has historically confronted opponents primarily over championship stakes. Yet this time, he targeted Cena who had just lost the Undisputed WWE Title to Cody Rhodes.
Lesnar’s previous surprise attack on Rhodes two years ago was different in context. At that time, he was barred from contesting the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship while Roman Reigns held it, and the World Heavyweight Championship entered the picture only after his conflict with Rhodes had started. This raises the question: what motivated The Beast to single out John Cena after his defeat?
Could Brock Lesnar Be The Rock’s Enigmatic Third Man?
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has emphasized that every gesture and detail in his WWE appearances carries significance. Referencing his 2024 Bad Blood performance, he highlighted how his countdown taunt communicated a deeper message. On October 5, 2024, at the PLE event, The Final Boss appeared unexpectedly after the main event featuring Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and Jimmy Uso.
The Rock counted to three, followed by a cutthroat symbol, then left without explanation, leaving fans guessing if the three men in the ring were the intended reference. However, speculation is growing that the “three” could hint toward a different trio, potentially including Brock Lesnar as the mysterious third man.

The Significance of The Rock’s Two-Finger Gesture at Elimination Chamber 2025
After the main event of Elimination Chamber 2025 on March 1, Cody Rhodes promoted his upcoming Undisputed WWE Championship match against John Cena at WrestleMania 41. The Rock made a surprise appearance with Travis Scott, inviting Rhodes to join him as a corporate champion and “sell his soul.” Rhodes declined the offer, prompting Cena’s apparent relief as he shared a friendly moment with Rhodes.
The Final Boss then made a cutthroat motion and held up two fingers while looking at Cena, who suddenly darkened in expression. The Rock and Scott then launched an aggressive assault against Rhodes, marking a shocking heel turn. Surprisingly, The Rock abruptly withdrew from the storyline soon after, leaving the narrative unresolved and damping the momentum.
With Cena’s unanticipated face turn just two nights before SummerSlam, some fans theorize The Rock was displeased with Cena defying his command. This theory points to Brock Lesnar’s return as possibly orchestrated by The Rock to neutralize Cena, especially amidst Lesnar’s involvement in the ongoing lawsuit filed by Janel Grant against former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
The Rock’s Continuing Influence on WWE’s Evolving Storylines
Despite backlash for missing WrestleMania 41 and speaking out on The Pat McAfee Show, The Rock has insisted that his Final Boss persona can reemerge unpredictably in WWE programming. Meanwhile, reports indicate WWE’s falling out with Travis Scott, who was removed from WWE 252K, suggesting he may no longer play a role in these storylines.
Brock Lesnar’s comeback sets up a rekindled rivalry with John Cena, considered by many—including longtime fans—as one of Cena’s greatest adversaries. This confrontation could serve multiple purposes: advancing Cena’s farewell tour or paving the way for The Rock’s Final Boss character to return to the spotlight.
Questions remain whether Lesnar’s return mirrors The Rock’s mysterious plans or if it signals a new chapter in WWE’s high-stakes drama. As tensions escalate, the upcoming events promise significant developments in this gripping saga.
