At SummerSlam 2025, Brock Lesnar made a comeback that caught many WWE fans by surprise, ending a period of low visibility for the former World Champion. Drew McIntyre, a key figure in WWE and a former rival, shared his reaction to Lesnar’s sudden return during a recent interview, highlighting the significance of the moment in the context of their history and the WWE landscape.
Lesnar had largely remained absent from WWE programming after becoming involved in a high-profile sex trafficking lawsuit filed by Janel Grant against Vince McMahon, WWE, and John Laurinaitis earlier in 2024. While he was initially slated to appear at the 2024 Royal Rumble event, those plans were canceled due to the ongoing legal situation.
Behind the Scenes: WWE’s Position on Brock Lesnar Throughout His Absence
Despite the controversy surrounding Brock Lesnar, WWE reportedly never intended to sever ties with the star. Sources reveal that he was never suspended and maintained his full pay during his absence, reflecting his continued value to the company. WWE appeared prepared to wait until their legal department cleared him before facilitating his return, indicating that Lesnar’s reemergence was anticipated internally.
Drew McIntyre’s Personal Take on Lesnar’s Return
In his conversation with The West Sport, Drew McIntyre described his straightforward reaction to seeing Lesnar back in action. He recalled just finishing an appearance and arriving home in Nashville when he watched the footage of Lesnar’s comeback, responding simply, “There he is.” McIntyre emphasized Lesnar’s enduring reputation as “the beast” and recognized the media attention he generates, while also referencing their past encounter at WrestleMania where McIntyre defeated Lesnar for the WWE Championship in just five minutes.
“I just thought, ‘There’s Brock. There he is.’ I didn’t think anything crazy. I just saw him come out. I had finished my last appearance, I got in a plane. I believe I just arrived home in Nashville, where I saw it, and I went, ‘Oh, there he is.’ Brock is back. He’s the beast, he causes a lot of headlines, and most importantly, he’s also the guy I beat in the main event of WrestleMania for my first WWE Championship in five minutes.” —Drew McIntyre, WWE Superstar
Context of Brock Lesnar’s Return: Legal Battles and WWE’s Handling
Brock Lesnar’s absence followed closely on the heels of a lawsuit that brought intense scrutiny to WWE‘s leadership. The legal issues involving Vince McMahon and associates including John Laurinaitis led to a cautious approach by WWE regarding Lesnar’s appearances. Despite speculation that the company might distance itself from the star, the evidence suggests otherwise, with Lesnar continuing to be among the highest-paid WWE performers during this period.
Lesnar’s attack on John Cena during SummerSlam marked a turning point, signaling WWE’s shift to reintegrate him into ongoing storylines and regain momentum for the star’s presence in the promotion.
Implications of Lesnar’s Return for WWE’s Storylines and Future Events
Brock Lesnar’s comeback at SummerSlam has significant implications for upcoming WWE programming and rivalries. Given his history with Drew McIntyre and other top performers, Lesnar’s return introduces new potential matchups and narrative directions. WWE’s decision to bring back a high-profile figure amid legal challenges suggests the company’s commitment to maintaining its star power despite external pressures.
With Lesnar once again active, fans can anticipate renewed competition at forthcoming events, possibly leading to headline matches and heightened media attention, bolstering WWE’s visibility and viewership.
