ESPN has addressed rumors regarding their involvement in Brock Lesnar’s WWE return, clarifying that they did not request or influence his comeback. The wrestling star, widely known as The Beast Incarnate, made headlines recently with his return to WWE after a two-year break. This comes amid growing anticipation for his upcoming match against John Cena at Wrestlepalooza, which is set to be the first premium live WWE event broadcast on ESPN.
Lesnar’s last WWE match was in August 2023 at SummerSlam, where he was defeated by the current Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes. Following this, Lesnar stepped away from the ring amid his involvement in a lawsuit filed by Janel Grant against Vince McMahon. Despite this hiatus, he reemerged dramatically this year at SummerSlam, interrupting Cena after his championship loss to “The American Nightmare” to deliver a powerful F-5 move.
Lesnar recently appeared on SmackDown twice, renewing his fierce presence. In one instance, he attacked Sami Zayn and John Cena during a United States Championship bout. The following week, he confronted R-Truth—a childhood hero of Lesnar’s—before delivering another F-5.
WWE Maintains Full Creative Control Over Talent Appearances
During a WWE-ESPN media call, reporter Jon Alba posed a question to ESPN executives about whether the network had pushed for Lesnar’s involvement in the Wrestlepalooza event. ESPN representatives made clear that creative decisions, including which wrestlers appear on WWE shows, rest entirely with WWE.
“I asked about Brock Lesnar’s involvement in WWE WrestlePalooza. ESPN says WWE has full creative control over who appears on shows, and it falls within their jurisdiction, not ESPN’s,” Jon Alba, reporter
This statement was echoed in Alba’s tweet on September 17, 2025, emphasizing that ESPN does not dictate WWE talent bookings and that such choices remain firmly under WWE’s authority.
Upcoming Match and Potential Storylines
Brock Lesnar is preparing to step back into the ring for the first time in three years at Wrestlepalooza, where he will face off against John Cena. WWE analyst Sam Roberts recently shared his predictions, suggesting Cena, known as the Leader of the Cenation, deserves a victory over Lesnar as part of his retirement tour. Roberts also speculated that the rivalry could evolve into a WarGames match, pitting team Cena against team Lesnar in a high-stakes showdown.
Lesnar’s Recent WWE Appearances Signal an Intense Comeback
Lesnar’s reemergence has stirred excitement and tension within the WWE universe. His unexpected return at SummerSlam, followed by disruptive attacks on notable wrestlers such as Sami Zayn and R-Truth, underscores the aggressive approach he seems to be taking. This comeback not only highlights his physical dominance but also sets the stage for intense storylines leading up to Wrestlepalooza.
Context Around Lesnar’s Hiatus and Legal Background
The hiatus that began after Lesnar’s 2023 match stemmed partly from his involvement in Janel Grant’s lawsuit against former WWE chairman Vince McMahon. This legal situation, alongside other factors, contributed to his time away from WWE programming. Despite the challenges, Lesnar’s return has been impactful and symbolically significant for WWE’s narrative and its fanbase.
Wrestlepalooza’s Significance for WWE and ESPN Partnership
Wrestlepalooza marks a pivotal moment as the first premium WWE live event broadcast via ESPN. Lesnar’s presence in the card magnifies the event’s importance, drawing attention from wrestling enthusiasts and highlighting the evolving relationship between WWE and ESPN. This event is likely to set the tone for future collaborations and broadcast arrangements.
Additional Wrestling News Highlights
Elsewhere in the wrestling world, various stories capture ongoing shifts and emotional developments. An AEW star and his partner are expecting their first child, bringing a personal milestone to the wrestling community. Paul Heyman has publicly commented on AJ Lee’s unexpected WWE return after a decade, sparking discussion among fans and insiders alike. Meanwhile, an AEW wrestler has claimed credit for MJF’s attainment of the AEW World Championship, showcasing the dynamics behind title changes.
In WWE-related updates, a Hall of Famer has not ruled out returning to the company after more than ten years away, while a former WWE star recently accused the promotion of appropriating his ideas for another wrestler. Jim Ross expressed excitement about Bryan Danielson’s new role in AEW, seeing it as a continuation of the legacy left by previous greats. Fans also noted the absence of Big E at NXT Homecoming, despite his backstage presence, and Ricochet shared candid thoughts on why he left WWE, believing the company did not make enough effort to retain him.
The Road Ahead for Brock Lesnar and WWE Fans
Brock Lesnar’s return carries significant weight not only for the storyline but also for WWE’s fan engagement and business strategy, especially as the company expands its reach through ESPN broadcasts. How the Wrestlepalooza match unfolds against John Cena—and the potential WarGames match that may follow—will likely shape the closing chapters of Lesnar’s in-ring career. WWE’s control over all creative decisions ensures that this narrative remains firmly in their hands, even as fans eagerly anticipate what comes next.
I asked about Brock Lesnar's involvement in WWE WrestlePalooza.
ESPN says WWE has full creative control over who appears on shows, and it falls within their jurisdiction, not ESPN's.
— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) September 17, 2025
