On the second night of SummerSlam, WWE shocked fans by bringing back Brock Lesnar, marking his first television appearance since defeating Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2023. Originally slated to return at the 2024 Royal Rumble, Lesnar’s comeback plans were halted after his involvement in a sex trafficking lawsuit filed by Janel Grant against WWE executives, including Vince McMahon and John Laurinaitis. The lawsuit alleges McMahon offered Lesnar sexual encounters with Grant to persuade him to sign a new contract.
After John Cena lost the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam, Lesnar immediately entered the ring and delivered an F-5 to Cena, leaving the audience stunned as the event ended.
Triple H Suggests Cena Had a Say in Lesnar’s Return
Following the surprising return, Triple H claimed that Brock Lesnar was on John Cena’s wishlist, indicating Cena wanted to face Lesnar before retiring. This statement fueled speculation about Cena’s involvement in orchestrating Lesnar’s comeback for the high-profile showdown.
John Cena Clears the Air on His Involvement
Contrary to Triple H’s remarks, John Cena has denied having any say in the decision to bring Brock Lesnar back. In an interview with Adam’s Apple, Cena addressed Lesnar’s return and the mixed reception it received from the audience. While he did not directly mention Triple H’s comment, Cena emphasized he does not choose his opponents and simply competes against whoever WWE assigns.
“I’ve been saying the same thing for 25 years. They deal ’em, I play ’em. I’m just really excited. We’ve got like 12 of these things left.I think SummerSlam was an indication from the audience where everybody kind of knows where we’re closing our book, and just because I close my book in December, that doesn’t mean the WWE closes its book.They got to continue their programming going forward. So they’re just trying to make the most exciting shows for the fans.A dozen of them (appearances) I got left. They deal ‘em, I play ‘em.” —John Cena, Wrestler
Cena reiterated that his role is to perform on the schedule WWE provides, highlighting that despite his retirement approaching later this year, WWE’s programming will go on. He insisted that the company aims to deliver compelling shows, and he simply follows booking decisions made by WWE management.
Upcoming WWE Appearances and Status Updates
John Cena is confirmed to appear on the August 8 edition of SmackDown, alongside the new Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. However, there has been no official announcement about Brock Lesnar’s presence on the same show. Meanwhile, speculation continues over Lesnar’s future engagements with the company amid ongoing legal controversies.
Additional WWE Developments After SummerSlam
Beyond Lesnar’s return, WWE made a number of strategic decisions following SummerSlam. A highly anticipated match between Seth Rollins and LA Knight was removed from the SummerSlam card, surprising many fans who expected the bout.
Due to the strong ticket sales and audience turnout at SummerSlam, WWE is reportedly planning more two-night premium live events (PLEs) in the future to capitalize on the momentum generated by the recent shows.
Separately, Triple H praised former President Donald Trump during a recent visit to the White House, sharing positive comments about the experience and its significance.
On the talent front, Jade Cargill revealed her motivation for joining WWE over AEW, aiming to build a legendary status in the Stamford-based promotion. Meanwhile, a former WWE star declared that the majority of fans want Vince McMahon back, despite McMahon’s resignation from TKO’s Board in January 2024 and his absence from WWE operations since then.
In contract news, a four-time WWE champion officially became a free agent following his release in May 2025, signaling possible shifts in the wrestling roster.
Women’s World Champion Naomi also faces a major title defense on WWE Raw, underscoring the ongoing intensity of championship competition within the company.
Finally, Karrion Kross, who suffered a defeat at SummerSlam, appears close to exiting WWE, marking the end of another chapter in the promotion’s evolving lineup.
The Impact of Lesnar’s Return and What Lies Ahead
Brock Lesnar’s sudden SummerSlam comeback has reignited debates about WWE’s creative direction and the company’s handling of veteran stars like Lesnar and Cena. While Lesnar’s involvement in a high-profile lawsuit clouds his future, his reappearance has already created significant buzz among fans and commentators alike. Cena’s denial of influence in Lesnar’s return highlights the distinction between performer agency and corporate decision-making within WWE.
With several marquee talents facing uncertainty and WWE focusing on expanding its premium live event schedule, the company appears determined to maintain audience interest through dynamic storytelling and unexpected moments. Monitoring how WWE navigates ongoing legal issues alongside booking decisions will be crucial in understanding its trajectory in the coming months.
