Triple H has been under intense scrutiny following Brock Lesnar’s return to WWE, spotlighting concerns about the company’s creative direction. Lesnar, who returned at SummerSlam 2025 after several years away, has only participated in three matches, including dominant victories at Wrestlepalooza, Survivor Series, and the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble. Recently, after a brief break, Lesnar appeared on WWE RAW to issue an open challenge for a bout at WrestleMania, leaving fans and critics questioning the storylines crafted around “The Beast Incarnate.”
Former WWE Writer Vince Russo Criticizes Triple H’s Creative Team Harshly
On his podcast The Brand, former WWE head writer Vince Russo voiced severe criticism towards Triple H and the current writing staff for their apparent lack of direction with Brock Lesnar. Russo expressed frustration over the absence of a clear opponent or narrative leading into WrestleMania, urging that those responsible be dismissed for their failure to properly utilize one of WWE’s top stars.
“So now here we are. How many weeks away is WrestleMania? … WrestleMania is five weeks away…whatever. Let’s give them eight weeks. Let’s give them two extra weeks. It doesn’t matter. Here we are, bro. And they don’t have an opponent for Brock Lesnar. He’s going to do the open challenge.When I hear open challenge, bro, and I’m a casual fan, here’s the first thing I’m saying. When I hear open challenge, the first thing in my mind is, ‘Oh bro, it’s going to be the goof that accepted Randy Orton’s open challenge… what’s his name again?’ … Joe Henry.Well, the last time they did this, if I’m a casual fan and I’m tuning in, Joe Henry answered the call. So they’re going back to that same well again. And any casual fan who saw the last time is sitting there saying, ‘Oh, who’s it going to be this time?’ They’re just absolutely clueless.Bro, if you don’t have an opponent and a program for Brock Lesnar going into WrestleMania, every single person in that freaking room needs to be fired.They came up with the best they had — open challenge for six different shows upcoming that he’s booked for. So who are the marquee, who’s it going to be matches? And there’ll be a comedy one, there’ll be a serious one, there’ll be a nostalgia one. It’s just for the pops, like opening a present. That’s what it is. Who’s in the mystery box?” – Vince Russo, former WWE head writer
Russo’s remarks highlight a growing discontent with WWE’s creative approach to Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania storyline, emphasizing that an open challenge feels like a recycled and uninspired tactic rather than a meaningful buildup. Given Lesnar’s stature and past dominance over WWE legends like John Cena and Randy Orton, the perceived lack of a compelling opponent or fresh narrative has intensified negative reactions.
Context Around Brock Lesnar’s Recent WWE Appearances
Since his high-profile return at SummerSlam 2025, Brock Lesnar’s appearances have been spaced out yet impactful, including a decisive win over John Cena at Wrestlepalooza, leading his team to victory in the Men’s WarGames at Survivor Series, and competing at the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble. However, Lesnar’s recent absence for a few weeks raised speculation before his surprise RAW comeback, where he announced the open challenge, which is now at the center of the ongoing debate about WWE’s booking decisions.
Recent Developments and Other WWE Storylines
While Brock Lesnar’s storyline faces criticism, WWE continues to celebrate notable achievements and navigate challenging plotlines elsewhere. AJ Styles was confirmed as the newest inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2026, marking a significant milestone for the company. Meanwhile, other talents like Royce Keys and Sol Ruca have encountered uphill battles; Keys remains largely inactive since his Royal Rumble debut, and Sol Ruca suffered a devastating betrayal before her NXT Women’s Championship match.
WWE’s roster has also been grappling with intense moments outside the ring. Liv Morgan recently spoke out about her frustration following an unfortunate incident during Raw in June 2025, reflecting the real emotions behind the scripted performances. Meanwhile, speculation surrounds Chris Jericho and his role in an ongoing WWE mystery involving a wooden box leading up to the Elimination Chamber event.
The Significance of the Current Booking and What Lies Ahead
The controversy surrounding Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania booking underscores tensions in WWE’s creative direction, especially under Triple H’s leadership. Lesnar remains one of the industry’s biggest draws, but a lack of compelling opponents or storylines risks diminishing his impact and disappointing fans. The open challenge tactic, while generating short-term curiosity through mystery, carries the danger of appearing like filler rather than a buildup to a marquee WrestleMania confrontation.
As WrestleMania approaches, WWE faces pressure to deliver a satisfying resolution for Brock Lesnar’s storyline that honors his status and captivates the audience. The choices made in these next few weeks will influence how WWE fans perceive the company’s creative vision moving forward and its ability to balance star power with engaging narratives.
