Brock Lesnar is reportedly set to return to WWE television soon, with plans to appear on the September 5 SmackDown event in Chicago. This potential return follows his surprising comeback at SummerSlam, where Lesnar shockingly attacked John Cena shortly after Cena lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes. The Brock Lesnar WWE return plans had initially targeted the 2024 Royal Rumble, but those plans were postponed amid controversy.
Lesnar’s earlier return efforts were derailed after his involvement was mentioned in a lawsuit filed by Janel Grant against Vince McMahon, WWE, and John Laurinaitis. Allegations in the suit claim that McMahon allegedly offered Lesnar sexual favors with Grant as a condition to secure a new contract. Although Lesnar is named in this lawsuit, he is not listed as a defendant, and WWE continues to cooperate with ongoing legal matters.
According to Fightful Select, WWE is keen to bolster the September 5 SmackDown broadcast as it builds momentum toward the upcoming Wrestlepalooza event, and Lesnar’s appearance could play a crucial role in that buildup.
Possible Final SmackDown Appearance for John Cena
The September 5 taping may mark John Cena’s last SmackDown appearance before his scheduled retirement in December, according to reports. This return of Brock Lesnar could set the stage for another intense clash, with Lesnar potentially removing Cena from the SmackDown roster as Cena transitions to Monday Night Raw. Wrestling Observer Live’s Bryan Alvarez has confirmed Cena will be exclusive to Raw going forward.
If confirmed, Cena’s first and last SmackDown matches will both have taken place in Chicago, a symbolic bookend to his presence on the show. Cena’s retirement date approaches rapidly, with seven appearances remaining, though details for his final two events, including his retirement match, remain undisclosed.
Alongside these developments, WWE may also feature the return of AJ Lee on the same SmackDown episode. CM Punk has been officially confirmed as part of the roster for the night, adding further star power to the event.
Additional Wrestling News Highlights
Cody Rhodes recently revealed a personal motivation for choosing Seth Rollins as his WrestleMania 38 opponent, marking his first WWE match since re-signing with the company. Elsewhere, a WWE Hall of Famer has shared details about Vince McMahon’s secretive 80th birthday celebration, including McMahon’s surprising costume choice for the event.
A ten-time WWE champion has admitted that leaving professional wrestling was necessary for their own survival. In other developments, WWE has officially confirmed AJ Lee’s return, scheduled for the Wrestlepalooza event. Controversy surrounds AJ Lee, too, given an ex-WWE star’s provocative comments about her personal life.
Nick Hogan, son of Hulk Hogan, is pursuing legal action related to a documentary about a sex tape that nearly ended his father’s career. Meanwhile, Tiffany Stratton disclosed when she met a prominent WWE star who later became a close friend. Lastly, Ronda Rousey has expressed frustrations with WWE’s culture and Vince McMahon, revealing that her departure was influenced by these issues.
What These Developments Mean for WWE’s Future
Brock Lesnar’s prospective return at SmackDown signals WWE’s attempt to heighten interest amid a tense and uncertain atmosphere. Lesnar’s involvement, especially considering the pending legal challenges surrounding McMahon and company figures, adds a complex layer to WWE’s ongoing storylines and television programming. The transition of John Cena to Raw and the strategic build to Wrestlepalooza highlight WWE’s efforts to manage star power while advancing key narratives.
As WWE continues to navigate controversies and shifting talents, fans can expect the coming weeks to be pivotal. Lesnar’s return could reignite rivalries and shape the path towards major pay-per-view events, defining WWE’s direction in a difficult period for the company.
