Brock Lesnar’s unexpected return to WWE at SummerSlam 2025 has ignited debate about its effects on the advancement of female wrestlers within the company. The Beast Incarnate reemerged to attack John Cena shortly after Cena lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes, raising questions about how this move aligns with efforts to improve conditions for women in wrestling.
Concerns Raised About Women’s Progress Following Lesnar’s Return
During a segment on Wrestling Observer Radio, former wrestler Lance Storm and analyst Bryan Alvarez weighed in on Lesnar’s comeback at SummerSlam. Storm highlighted that since Vince McMahon’s departure from WWE, the environment for female performers has notably improved. He pointed out that under Triple H’s leadership, women have gained more respect, higher pay, and star status without being objectified.
“And Vince (McMahon) was removed, and Hunter (Triple H) has made things so much better. Women are making way more money. Women are legitimate stars. Women aren’t objectified like they used to be. Women can wear non-revealing outfits and still be big stars,” said Storm.
Storm questioned whether Lesnar’s return might undermine these advances for the female roster, particularly amid ongoing legal disputes like Janel Grant’s lawsuit involving Vince McMahon and WWE. He asked whether bringing Lesnar back supports WWE’s goals for a respectful and safe workplace or if it signals a regression.
“Does this support your move to improve and make a respectful and safe environment for women in your company? Or does it detract from that and make it feel like you are going backwards?” he added.
Lesnar’s dramatic attack on John Cena, culminating in an F5 finishing move, electrified the crowd at MetLife Stadium as SummerSlam drew to a close.
Paul Heyman’s Perspective on Lesnar’s Reaction and WWE’s Direction
Paul Heyman, a WWE Hall of Famer and longtime associate of Lesnar, addressed the return during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. Heyman dismissed the backlash and emphasized that the reaction of the live audience spoke volumes about Lesnar’s significance to WWE fans.
“Everything in life is met with criticism. I don’t pay attention to that. He’s here. That is the reality of the fact. He’s here, and if you were in MetLife Stadium on Sunday, you would understand that return meant a lot to that audience. That audience was jacked to see Brock Lesnar come out and to see him F5 John Cena. Nobody left MetLife Stadium saying, ‘Oh God, they brought back Brock?’. People were just going nuts. That is our paying audience, and they are happy to see him,” said Heyman.
As WWE continues to develop storylines, the future interactions between John Cena and Brock Lesnar will likely remain a focal point heading into upcoming events.
Implications of Lesnar’s Return on WWE’s Evolving Culture
Brock Lesnar’s comeback illustrates the tension between maintaining WWE’s traditional high-profile male stars and the company’s efforts to elevate its female talent. While Lesnar’s return energized many fans, it also sparked an important conversation about whether such moves align with the progress made under the new management led by Triple H. How WWE balances these priorities could shape its reputation and the experiences of its women wrestlers in the months to come.
