Brock Lesnar is confirmed to return to WWE competition at the inaugural Wrestlepalooza Premium Live Event (PLE) on Saturday, taking place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This match will see Lesnar face John Cena as part of Cena’s farewell tour, putting an end to months of speculation about Lesnar’s WWE future. The Brock Lesnar WWE return follows his shocking appearance at SummerSlam 2023, which reignited debate around his ongoing involvement with the company.
Lesnar, often called The Beast Incarnate, is preparing to meet Big Match John in what is expected to be their final encounter. Despite rumors linking Lesnar to AEW and questions raised after his last bout — a loss to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam — he had not wrestled since, partly due to his implication in a lawsuit filed by Janel Grant that named WWE executives Vince McMahon and John Laurinaitis as defendants. Some reports suggested Lesnar’s WWE career might be over, while others speculated that ESPN or WWE partners pushed for his reappearance. However, these rumors have been publicly refuted.
Clarification from ESPN on Lesnar’s WWE Appearance
During the first WWE-ESPN media call held to promote Wrestlepalooza, questions about Lesnar’s involvement amid the ongoing lawsuit were addressed. Jon Alba asked ESPN executives about Brock Lesnar’s booking on the Wrestlepalooza card and if the network intervened in talent selections. ESPN made it clear that it does not influence WWE’s creative decisions or dictate which wrestlers appear at events, including those broadcast on ESPN platforms.
Executives emphasized that WWE retains full control over storylines and talent appearances, confirming all bookings come from WWE’s discretion. This places the company entirely responsible for deciding Lesnar’s participation, not ESPN or any external partner. This firm stance dismisses claims that Lesnar’s return was demanded by media partners or influenced by outside interests.
Match Details: Lesnar vs. Cena in a Final Showdown
At Wrestlepalooza, Brock Lesnar will take on John Cena for their final singles match, capping off a longstanding rivalry that has spanned approximately 40 encounters since both became WWE mainstays. The event is set to take place in Indianapolis, Indiana, with the match not expected to headline the show — sources suggest CM Punk and AJ Lee will face Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch in the main event.
Lesnar and Cena, both original members of The OVW 4 along with Batista and Randy Orton, have fought one another 18 times in singles competition. Lesnar currently leads their head-to-head record by 16 wins to Cena’s 2. Cena’s rare victories over Lesnar include a win at Extreme Rules 2012 and his final win at Night of Champions 2014, where he retained the WWE Championship via disqualification.
Lesnar is advertised for the Friday go-home episode of SmackDown from Toledo, Ohio, while Cena is not currently scheduled to appear. However, a promotional segment is anticipated to build up anticipation for their Wrestlepalooza confrontation.
Significance and Outlook for WWE’s Future Events
Brock Lesnar’s confirmed WWE return at Wrestlepalooza signals the company’s commitment to using high-profile names during major live events, especially amid controversy and legal challenges. His involvement adds star power to what is WWE’s first collaboration with ESPN under their new broadcasting partnership, setting a serious tone for upcoming events. Lesnar facing Cena in their final match not only marks the closure of a notable rivalry but also reflects WWE’s approach to storytelling despite outside distractions.
Looking ahead, WWE’s ability to control creative decisions and manage talent appearances carefully will likely continue shaping its product and partnerships. The refusal of ESPN to influence booking decisions reaffirms WWE’s autonomy, especially for marquee matches involving significant figures like Lesnar and Cena.
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
ESPN execs are asked by @JonAlba about Brock Lesnar being on the show while mentioned in the active lawsuits against WWE and Vince McMahon.
ESPN says that WWE maintains creative control as it relates to their storylines, and talent. ESPN clarifies to Alba that they don't request… pic.twitter.com/199zEpsWEI
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) September 17, 2025
