A prominent WWE figure has hinted at who might be Brock Lesnar‘s final opponent in the ring, sparking surprise among fans. Lesnar, 48, first returned to WWE action in August at SummerSlam after a two-year hiatus and has since made limited appearances, keeping speculation about his concluding match alive.
Lesnar’s Recent WWE Journey and Current Status
After his comeback, Lesnar defeated John Cena at Wrestlepalooza the following month, a bout that received mixed reactions. Before this return, Lesnar had been absent from WWE programming, especially after being named in Janel Grant’s sex trafficking lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE, although he is not a defendant in the case.
With John Cena officially retired and AJ Styles planning to end his career in 2026, Lesnar’s career longevity remains uncertain. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter recently noted that Lesnar retiring in 2026 seems plausible. He is expected to compete at WrestleMania 42 in April, as indicated by his prominent presence in the event’s promotions.
His participation in the upcoming Royal Rumble was uncertain until he confirmed his entry during a segment on WWE co-commentator Pat McAfee’s show.
Potential Matchup Against Gunther and Career Implications
Reports in December suggested WWE was considering pitching Lesnar against Gunther at a major upcoming event, informally called ‘The Shows of Shows.’ Gunther, an Austrian wrestler and two-time former world champion, recently bested John Cena in his retirement match and will face AJ Styles at the upcoming Royal Rumble.
Bully Ray Dudley, a WWE ambassador and part of the “LFG” reality series focused on emerging talent, expressed confidence that Gunther would eventually be the one to end Lesnar’s in-ring career. Speaking on ‘Busted Open Radio,’ Dudley laid out a scenario:
“Look at what is on the table for Gunther in the next six months. The potential. Let’s look at the short-term to get Gunther to where we ultimately want him in the long-term. Retire AJ at the Rumble, bring back Brock, retire Brock at SummerSlam in his home [state] of Minnesota. You have now done everything that you could possibly do to make Gunther a monster who can be next level credible World Heavyweight Champion in the future.”
In addition to retiring Cena, Gunther also defeated Goldberg in what was Goldberg’s final match in 2025. His growing reputation as “The Career Killer” on WWE television adds a layer of credibility to the idea that he could challenge Lesnar at the end of his career.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Before Lesnar’s extended break, fans speculated that a Lesnar versus Gunther showdown could take place at WrestleMania 40, competing for the Intercontinental Championship. Gunther notably became the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion in WWE history, holding the title for 666 days before dropping it to Sami Zayn at WrestleMania 41.
The suggested plan of having Gunther retire top stars like AJ Styles and eventually Lesnar at landmark WWE events would elevate Gunther’s standing as a leading figure, positioning him solidly as a top-tier World Heavyweight Champion. Lesnar’s final match is expected to carry significant weight, especially if it occurs at SummerSlam in Minnesota, his home state.
Looking Ahead to WWE’s Upcoming Major Events
The buildup to WrestleMania 42 and the Royal Rumble continues to engage WWE fans, with Lesnar’s confirmed presence adding extra anticipation. Gunther’s rising dominance and the proposed retirement storyline involving Lesnar will be key narratives in WWE’s future programming.
As Lesnar approaches the twilight of his career, the potential passing of the torch to Gunther represents a significant moment for WWE’s evolving landscape and may signal the rise of a new generation of champions.
