Brock Lesnar’s WWE return at SummerSlam 2025 in New Jersey shocked fans after a two-year absence, reigniting his presence in the wrestling world. The unexpected comeback, occurring at the event affectionately known as The Biggest Party of the Summer, has fueled curiosity about the true motivations driving The Beast Incarnate’s reappearance.
Lesnar’s last match before his return was also at SummerSlam in 2023, held in Detroit, where Cody Rhodes defeated him and paid respect by raising his hand. Following that, Lesnar’s involvement became complicated due to his name surfacing in the Janel Grant lawsuit, which led to his removal from WWE programming and halted his appearances. Despite rumors that TKO had banned him from WWE due to the lawsuit, the company secretly arranged his late-night flight to New Jersey to conceal his presence, amplifying the element of surprise.
The Role of Brock Lesnar in John Cena’s Farewell Journey
One significant factor behind Brock Lesnar’s WWE return is his close connection to John Cena’s farewell tour. Since both debuted in 2002, Lesnar and Cena have been among WWE’s most intense rivals. They emerged from the same celebrated wrestling class at Ohio Valley Wrestling, alongside future stars like Randy Orton, Batista, Shelton Benjamin, Charlie Haas, and Rico.
Lesnar has a history of surprise returns to challenge Cena, such as his comeback on RAW after WrestleMania 28 in 2012, marking his first return after an eight-year gap starting in 2004. Their series of brutal matches includes SummerSlam 2014, when Lesnar dominated Cena with 16 German suplexes and two F5 finishers, capturing the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
With Cena’s retirement approaching, Lesnar’s return at SummerSlam seems strategically timed to build toward a final showdown between the two legends. This anticipated match could take place at one of Cena’s remaining marquee appearances, including Clash in Paris on August 31 or Crown Jewel in Australia on October 11, providing international audiences a chance to witness their rivalry one last time.
WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Triple H, confirmed that Cena personally advocated for Lesnar’s return to be part of his farewell tour, making a concluding Lesnar-Cena matchup all but certain.
The Pursuit of Another World Championship Title
Another compelling reason for Lesnar’s resurgence is his ambition to claim another world championship. At SummerSlam 2023, Cody Rhodes emerged as the Undisputed WWE Champion by defeating Lesnar, a loss Brock is undoubtedly eager to avenge. Rhodes now holds the premier title in sports entertainment, setting the stage for a fierce rivalry fueled by Lesnar’s desire for redemption and championship glory. It is notable that Lesnar last held the WWE Championship in 2022.
“Both nights of #SummerSlam 2025 ended with shocking moments.Night 1 — Seth Rollins is not hurt and cashes in MITB on CM Punk to become World ChampionNight 2 — Brock Lesnar returns pic.twitter.com/LWCdlzlXFP” —Wrestle Ops
Lesnar may also aim to secure the newer World Heavyweight Championship, which differs from the historic Big Gold Belt. This title scene includes figures he shares a contentious history with, such as his former advocate Paul Heyman, current champion Seth Rollins, and CM Punk, whom Lesnar defeated at SummerSlam 2013. Additionally, Roman Reigns could play a wildcard role, as Lesnar has long sought to face the Original Tribal Chief again.
Potential Setup for Brock Lesnar’s Own Retirement Match
At 48 years old, Brock Lesnar approaches the twilight of his wrestling career, which could make this return a precursor to final farewells. Initially retiring in 2020 after WrestleMania 36, Lesnar returned a year later and remains remarkably intense despite the years. His appearance at SummerSlam 2025 may signal preparations for a permanent retirement match in 2026 or soon after.
Lesnar has an extensive roster of potential opponents to pass the torch to, with Gunther being a prime candidate. Gunther, who views Lesnar as his “final boss,” previously clashed with him at the 2023 Royal Rumble, setting the stage for a high-profile match that could headline WrestleMania 42. Such a bout might represent Lesnar’s last in the ring.
Additionally, Bron Breakker stands out as another fitting contender. Paul Heyman, who once guided Lesnar, has labeled Breakker “The Next Big Thing,” echoing the accolades given to Lesnar in his early career. This parallel may spark a compelling rivalry due to their comparable physical dominance.
Beyond these prominent names, Lesnar might face rising stars like Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, and Bronson Reed, or rekindle historic conflicts with veterans such as Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Randy Orton. Each scenario offers a meaningful way for Lesnar to conclude his WWE legacy.
Brock Lesnar’s return to WWE at SummerSlam 2025 is a moment laden with implications. Whether to join John Cena’s farewell tour, pursue new championship heights, or to establish his own retirement narrative, Lesnar’s presence promises major developments that will captivate wrestling fans worldwide and set the tone for WWE’s forthcoming events.
