Dave Meltzer, in the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, addressed speculation about the finish of Brock Lesnar’s match against John Cena at WWE Wrestlepalooza. Taking place as Lesnar’s first bout since 2023, the match ended with Lesnar achieving a commanding victory, reminiscent of their encounter at SummerSlam 2014. Despite circulating rumors that Cena was originally supposed to win but that plans changed late, Meltzer confirmed there were never serious talks of Lesnar losing this match.
We were told that was not the case, and that Lesnar was not brought back to lose his first match. There are always discussions and the idea may have been broached for Cena to win, as most expected, but it was never a serious discussion or ever the planned finish,
Meltzer wrote.
The Strategy Behind Lesnar’s Dominant Victory
The match’s goal centered on presenting Lesnar as an overwhelming force, providing a final high-profile meeting with Cena while emphasizing Cena’s resilience regardless of the outcome. Meltzer explained that WWE invested heavily to bring Lesnar back as a monster character, anticipating that a future competitor would be the one to finally defeat him. Lesnar’s initial loss is expected to be reserved for rising stars such as Jacob Fatu or Bron Breakker, unless Cody Rhodes requires a new opponent, in which case Rhodes would eventually secure a win.
The match was all about making Lesnar as strong as possible, getting a last match with Cena, and the feeling Cena more than anyone, is bullet proof no matter what they do with him. They are spending a ton to get Lesnar and the idea is to make him a monster and have someone slay the monster. It would be more valuable saving the big and first Lesnar loss for Jacob Fatu or Bron Breakker, unless Cody Rhodes needs a challenger and if they feud, in the end, Rhodes does have to get a win.
Wrestlepalooza’s Historic Context and Upcoming Matches
Lesnar versus Cena was the opening contest for WWE’s new Premium Live Event (PLE) era on ESPN at Wrestlepalooza. The bout featured a reunion between Lesnar and longtime manager Paul Heyman, who introduced Lesnar to the ring. Heyman currently manages The Vision faction, which includes Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and the World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins.
WWE reportedly does not intend for Lesnar and Cena to face off again before Cena concludes his retirement tour. Following Wrestlepalooza, Cena has only five remaining appearances on his farewell schedule. His next match will be against AJ Styles at Crown Jewel: Perth on October 11.
