After a three-year break following his loss to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2023, Brock Lesnar made a shocking comeback to WWE at this year’s Biggest Party of the Summer event, Wrestlepalooza, where he decisively defeated John Cena. This marked their first one-on-one match in over a decade, with Lesnar overwhelmingly dominating the 48-year-old Cena in an unexpected display.
With Cena now scheduled to face AJ Styles at Crown Jewel later this year, speculation about a potential continued rivalry between him and Lesnar appears to be fading, opening the door for new challengers to step forward.
Tommy Dreamer Endorses Gunther as Brock Lesnar’s Next Major Opponent
Former WWE star Tommy Dreamer recently shared his perspective on Brock Lesnar’s future opponents during an appearance on the Busted Open podcast. Dreamer suggested that with John Cena nearing retirement, WWE needs a fresh star to engage with Lesnar in high-profile feuds moving forward.
He specifically identified Gunther, a former World Heavyweight Champion, as the ideal candidate to take on Lesnar. Dreamer emphasized the potential impact of this rivalry not only on Lesnar’s legacy but also on Gunther’s career trajectory.
“Brock doesn’t need the rub of anybody. If this is a statement for GUNTHER, obviously I look at the future of WWE 2026 … a main drawing person is no longer going to be with us and that person’s name is John Cena, where these big matches we have, what we can be doing will no longer be available. So if this is a match for GUNTHER and Brock, I’m all in on it because if it’s somebody who could use that rub to beat the man who beat everybody, that is something that could definitely benefit a GUNTHER.” – Tommy Dreamer, Former WWE Star
The End of an Era: Cena’s Upcoming Match at Crown Jewel
John Cena’s scheduled bout against AJ Styles at Crown Jewel marks a turning point in WWE storylines as many believe it will be one of Cena’s final major matches. This shifting dynamic signals a period of transition for WWE’s marquee events, prompting speculation about which stars will fill the void left by Cena’s eventual departure.
Implications of a Brock Lesnar Gunther Feud on WWE’s Future
The possibility of Brock Lesnar facing Gunther highlights WWE’s efforts to build fresh rivalries that captivate audiences and maintain strong ratings. Lesnar’s dominance and reputation as “The Beast Incarnate” make any opponent’s victory over him a career-defining moment, which could elevate Gunther’s status significantly.
With other WWE veterans like Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, and Tommy Dreamer involved in shaping the current wrestling landscape, a new top-tier feud could stabilize WWE’s marketability and fan engagement in the coming years.
Additional WWE Industry Developments
Several other storylines and controversies continue to generate attention within professional wrestling. Tony Khan has shared his candid opinions about AEW maintaining a competitive edge against WWE, while critiques have surfaced regarding Jade Cargill’s progress in WWE. Additionally, WWE announced a major invasion event featuring NXT versus TNA, signaling ongoing inter-promotional battles.
Questions persist about the influence of legendary performers like The Undertaker in WWE Hall of Fame inductions, and Shawn Michaels has recently responded to an important NXT title win. Meanwhile, Sami Zayn continues to defend his United States Championship on SmackDown through weekly open challenges.
Also, WWE has implemented name changes for two prominent stars on Raw, reflecting broader shifts in branding and character development on the roster.
Why a New Rivalry Between Gunther and Brock Lesnar Matters
As John Cena prepares for what could be his final high-profile matches, WWE faces the challenge of identifying fresh rivalries that can replace the excitement he brought to the ring. A Brock Lesnar Gunther feud promises to create fresh narratives within WWE, pitting Lesnar’s unmatched power against Gunther’s rising dominance. This could reshape main event dynamics and attract new viewers while preserving the dramatic tension WWE fans expect.
Moving forward, WWE’s choice to promote Gunther into this prominent spotlight could signal a strategic push toward developing new stars who possess the ability to carry the company’s marquee events beyond current veterans’ eras.
MESSAGE. SENT.
Brock Lesnar just DESTROYED John Cena at #Wrestlepalooza!
Stream Wrestlepalooza RIGHT NOW on the @espn App: https://t.co/jKAIj8nxxt pic.twitter.com/cLhUMQ3JDA
— WWE (@WWE) September 20, 2025
