Former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar made a surprising return to <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE at SummerSlam 2025, marking his first appearance in nearly two years. His comeback, highlighted by a striking long-haired look, garnered widespread attention, including from UFC icons Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, who praised Lesnar’s renewed presence in the wrestling world.
During a recent episode of the Good Guy / Bad Guy podcast, both UFC legends reflected on Lesnar’s appearance on the second night of SummerSlam. Cormier expressed his disbelief and excitement, stating,
“SummerSlam was good. It delivered, it really did, especially on night two because the Beast came. I couldn’t believe I saw Brock [Lesnar] back.”
Sonnen added that the subtle transformation in Lesnar’s look played a significant role in his reintroduction to WWE fans, applauding the promotion’s strategy.
“They pop for him. Daniel [Cormier], I’m really glad that happened, actually. But they pop for him, man. And it works. Long-haired Brock [Lesnar]. Like, whenever you bring a guy back, you got to tweak him. Even if it’s only a little bit, they tweaked him a little bit with the hair. I thought it worked.”
“The Beast Incarnate” Returns as a Dominant Force
Cormier further reflected on Lesnar’s physical condition and ability to reclaim a top spot within WWE’s ranks after his hiatus.
“I thought it worked. I thought he looked tremendous. He looks huge going back out there and still looks like a guy that could run the WWE.”
This evaluation suggests that Lesnar’s SummerSlam return was designed not just as a nostalgic moment but as a genuine signal that he remains a prime contender in professional wrestling.
Frank Mir’s Reflection on Facing Lesnar in His UFC Debut
Beyond wrestling, Brock Lesnar once held the UFC heavyweight title, showcasing his versatility in combat sports. His debut fight in the octagon was against Frank Mir at UFC 81, a match remembered for the pressure Mir felt going into the bout.
In a conversation with Matt Serra, Mir described the weight of expectations placed on him, recalling,
“It was [a lot of pressure], but I didn’t realize the amount of pressure I was in until I got to the fight. One of the other fighters on the card had said to me, ‘Hey, man, you’re representing MMA. You got to make sure you beat the pro wrestler’. And at that point, I kind of stopped and I was like, ‘Whoa, wait a minute. You guys think [Lesnar] is a pro wrestler? The guy’s an NCAA champ’. So that actually made me very apprehensive.”
Mir’s comments shed light on how Lesnar’s reputation bridged both professional wrestling and MMA, influencing perceptions during his UFC start.
The Broader Importance of Lesnar’s WWE Comeback
Brock Lesnar’s reappearance at SummerSlam marks an important moment for WWE, as the company capitalizes on his crossover fame and athletic legacy. The fresh long-haired look not only refreshed his persona but also helped boost fan excitement and engagement. For UFC observers like Cormier, Sonnen, and Mir, the return underscores Lesnar’s enduring influence across fighting disciplines. Looking ahead, this comeback could lead to high-profile matches that leverage Lesnar’s unique standing in both MMA and pro wrestling spheres, keeping audiences eager for what lies next.
