Brock Lesnar’s WWE return news has reignited excitement as he prepares to reappear on WWE programming following a period of exclusion caused by serious allegations involving Vince McMahon. Lesnar made a notable comeback at SummerSlam 2025, and is now rumored to appear on SmackDown and face John Cena at WrestlePalooza.
Lesnar’s Dramatic SummerSlam Comeback and Upcoming SmackDown Appearance
After being sidelined in 2024 due to his involvement in the Vince McMahon sexual assault and trafficking lawsuit, Brock Lesnar surprised fans with his return at SummerSlam 2025. He entered the arena to a roaring crowd shortly after Cody Rhodes defeated John Cena. Lesnar immediately delivered his finishing move to Cena before exiting, generating shock and excitement among the audience.
Reports from Fightful Select reveal that Lesnar is expected to be in Chicago for the September 5th SmackDown event, suggesting he may appear on WWE’s blue brand tomorrow. Internal WWE sources confirm that Lesnar’s participation in SmackDown was planned, hinting at a bigger storyline. WrestleVotes adds that this episode of SmackDown is slated to be John Cena’s final appearance, motivating WWE to stack the show with significant moments and star appearances, including Lesnar’s anticipated return.
Controversy and Past Restrictions Surrounding Lesnar’s WWE Status
Before his unexpected comeback, Brock Lesnar was reportedly placed on WWE’s ‘banned list,’ a claim brought to light by UFC veteran Daniel Cormier during a podcast interview earlier this year. Speaking on the Mighty podcast before SummerSlam 2025, Cormier described Lesnar’s complicated standing with WWE.
“Brock is on the banned list right now. Brock got into so much trouble. You know what Brock did? I ain’t telling you on-air what Brock did. Brock is in so much trouble.” —Daniel Cormier, UFC veteran
“Brock played us. Brock played us, bro. Brock came with the idea, he always has an open door because he is such a big star. I was on a Brock Lesnar card at UFC 200. I fought Anderson [Silva]. Sold 1.4 million pay-per-views. Brock actually came and WWE paid him more to stay. They paid him more to stay. We danced the dance for a while. It could have been Brock and I when I fought Derrick Lewis in New York. They paid him so much to stay. He was such a big star there that he could make money to go do that and do nothing but suplex, or fight me in an Octagon and I’m going to try and kill him. He made the best choice.” —Daniel Cormier, UFC veteran
Cormier’s remarks underline the tension between Lesnar’s UFC and WWE careers, touching on the financial incentives that kept him in WWE despite opportunities elsewhere. The mention of Lesnar’s “banned list” status suggests internal conflicts related to his off-screen behavior and involvement in controversial circumstances.
Implications of Lesnar’s Return for WWE and Future Storylines
Brock Lesnar’s imminent return to WWE, especially on a major SmackDown episode featuring John Cena’s departure, could signal an intense chapter in WWE programming. His presence in Chicago sets the stage for a high-profile showdown at WrestlePalooza, potentially reigniting rivalries and captivating fans.
Given Lesnar’s complex history and ties to both WWE and UFC, his return carries significant weight within wrestling circles. WWE’s decision to reintegrate a figure previously shrouded in controversy reflects their focus on star power and compelling narratives. Fans and critics alike will be closely watching how this development unfolds in the coming weeks.
