Brock Lesnar made a surprising return to WWE during SummerSlam 2025 by attacking John Cena just after Cena lost the Undisputed Championship to Cody Rhodes. This shocking event is setting the stage for a renewed rivalry between Lesnar and Cena, likely culminating in a high-profile match at an upcoming pay-per-view. The Brock Lesnar WWE return impact has generated intense reactions across the wrestling world.
While some fans welcomed Lesnar’s comeback, many expressed disappointment and frustration, feeling alienated by the decision to bring him back. The mixed reception has fueled heated debates within the WWE fanbase, with some turning their attention to competing promotions as a result.
AEW Dynamite Sees Significant Viewer Spike Amid WWE Turmoil
The backlash to Lesnar’s return appears to have benefited rival promotion AEW, which reported a surge in viewership for this week’s episode of Dynamite. The show drew 711,000 viewers and scored a 0.18 rating among adults aged 18-49, marking one of the highest-rated broadcasts of the year. Many analysts suggest that disenchanted WWE fans seeking an alternative wrestling experience are tuning into AEW in response to WWE’s controversial booking decisions involving Lesnar.
Lesnar’s presence remains divisive, particularly among those critical of WWE’s Stamford leadership. The increase in AEW’s audience underscores the shifting dynamics in professional wrestling as viewers reassess their loyalties.
Earlier Lawsuit Brings Allegations Against WWE Leadership and Lesnar
Last year, former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit accusing then-CEO Vince McMahon of coercing her into a sexual relationship and subjecting her to continuous assault. Grant’s legal complaint also alleged that McMahon pressured her into having sexual encounters with Brock Lesnar and John Laurinaitis, naming Lesnar 44 times throughout the documents. These serious claims have cast a shadow over several prominent WWE figures and intensified scrutiny of the company’s internal culture.
Industry Criticism Aimed at WWE’s Booking Strategy Under Triple H
Vince Russo, a former WCW personality, recently criticized WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H for reinstating Lesnar, accusing him of relying on predictable tactics to garner fan reactions. Speaking on Sportskeeda’s BroDown podcast, Russo described Triple H’s booking style as repetitive and manipulative, saying it prioritizes quick audience pops over long-term storytelling and fan satisfaction.
“Listen, man, we beat this to nauseam. Triple H is a one-trick pony. Pop, pop, pop. Pop in the match with the big move, pop in the match with the kick out, pop with Brock Lensar, pop with Money in the Bank cash-in. And then what do they do? They take the big moment and they put it over on social media so they can tell you 75 million people watched Brock Lesnar return. Oh my God, that’s his card. I mean that’s how Triple H books,” said Russo.
The timing of Brock Lesnar’s next WWE appearance remains uncertain, though fans are hoping he will feature in a major upcoming pay-per-view event to fully capitalize on this controversial return.
