Cody Rhodes recently addressed Brock Lesnar’s comeback to WWE, which took place right after Rhodes defeated John Cena to win the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam 2025. Rhodes explained why he believes Lesnar’s return aligns well with the company’s new direction.
During an interview on ESPN, Rhodes highlighted Lesnar’s unique achievements as both an NCAA Champion and a UFC Heavyweight Champion. He emphasized that Lesnar embodies the blend of sport and entertainment that WWE is currently emphasizing, making the 48-year-old a fitting figure for the promotion‘s evolving identity.
“Brock [Lesnar] is somebody who is a NCAA Champion, UFC Heavyweight Champion, he fits right in with the direction that WWE is going in terms of sport meeting entertainment,” he said. —Cody Rhodes, WWE Champion
Brock Lesnar’s return occurred immediately after the high-stakes title match between Rhodes and Cena. Following Rhodes’ victory, Lesnar surprised fans by attacking Cena and delivering his signature F5 finishing move, marking a dramatic moment as the event wrapped up.
Debate Over Fan Enthusiasm for Lesnar’s WWE Return
Not everyone shared the excitement about Lesnar’s comeback. Vince Russo, a former WWE writer, expressed confusion over the fan reaction during this year’s SummerSlam. Speaking on Sportskeeda Wrestling’s Legion of RAW podcast, Russo criticized the audience for repeatedly responding enthusiastically to the return of past legends like Lesnar.
Russo noted that Lesnar’s last WWE appearance was at SummerSlam 2023, where he lost to Rhodes, and referenced Lesnar’s mention in Janel Grant’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon. Russo questioned why fans continue to get hyped by recycled storylines involving veteran stars.
“Bro, these wrestling fans have to be the lowest, stupidest, dumbest common denominator on the planet. How many times are we going to go Cena to Rock to Brock Lesnar to Undertaker back to Lesnar back to Taker? How many freaking times? And then, I’m reading the comments, ‘Holy sh*t!’ Bro, they have played this card ten freaking times, guys. What is wrong with these people? Seriously, I don’t know. Are they brain-dead? What is wrong with them?” —Vince Russo, former WWE writer
Uncertain Future for Cody Rhodes After SummerSlam Win
With Rhodes now holding the Undisputed WWE Championship and Brock Lesnar back in the picture, WWE’s storyline landscape is in flux. Rhodes’ victory over Cena and Lesnar’s immediate return create numerous possibilities for upcoming angles and rivalries. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the promotion will build upon these developments, as the roles of the company’s veteran stars continue to evolve amid shifting fan expectations.
Lesnar’s arrival underscores WWE’s ongoing strategy of merging athletic achievement with entertainment spectacle, a direction that Rhodes publicly supports as reflective of the organization’s changing identity.
