Brock Lesnar, the 10-time world champion, made a striking return to WWE at SummerSlam 2023, generating intense reactions across the wrestling community. His comeback came amid ongoing legal controversy involving the Janel Grant lawsuit, which had previously caused WWE to minimize his presence on shows like RAW and SmackDown. Despite this, WWE moved forward with Lesnar’s return after a thorough review by their legal team.
Jimmy Korderas, a former WWE official, shared his perspective on this decision during an episode of The Wrestling Time Machine, hosted by Mac Davis. Korderas emphasized that WWE’s parent company, TKO, likely conducted extensive due diligence before allowing The Beast back into the spotlight, especially considering the company’s significant new television deal with ESPN.
“I just thought the moment was huge. You heard the reactions, it was incredible. I know everybody is talking about the potential fallout because of all the allegations going on. But I find it hard to believe that if it was an actual issue with TKO, they would bring him back. I don’t think they would risk alienating potential sponsors, or even now that they’ve got this new deal with ESPN. I don’t think they’d risk it. They must have confidence that Brock Lesnar is pretty much gonna be in the clear after this thing.” —Jimmy Korderas, Former WWE Official
The Impact of Lesnar’s Aggressive Return on WWE Storylines
Lesnar’s reappearance was marked by an intense moment where he delivered a brutal F5 move to John Cena, reigniting a fierce rivalry. Cena addressed the incident on a recent SmackDown episode, signaling his readiness to face Lesnar head-on. This confrontation has set the stage for a high-profile showdown between these two wrestling icons in the near future.
The dynamics surrounding this return have left wrestling fans and insiders feeling uneasy, considering the underlying legal issues. Nonetheless, WWE’s decision to reintegrate Lesnar suggests a strong belief within the company and its legal advisors that Lesnar’s controversies will not jeopardize their partnerships or sponsor relations.
What Lies Ahead for WWE and Brock Lesnar’s Role
The return of Brock Lesnar not only intensifies WWE’s roster but also tests the company’s ability to manage public perception amid controversy. With WWE signing a major deal with ESPN, the company appears confident that Lesnar’s involvement will not hinder these business arrangements. Fans can expect a tense and closely watched rivalry as Lesnar and Cena prepare for their upcoming clashes, which will likely dominate WWE programming in the coming months.
