Brock Lesnar’s unexpected return to WWE sparked intense debate among fans immediately, yet WWE’s Paul Heyman dismissed the uproar as largely insignificant. Heyman emphasized that despite criticism, Lesnar’s comeback is a done deal and fans should accept his presence in the company.
During a recent discussion on The Ariel Helwani Show, Heyman revealed that the decision to reinstate Lesnar was made swiftly and that he was only involved after the contract was finalized. Heyman highlighted that Lesnar’s return had a significant impact on the crowd at MetLife Stadium, reflecting strong fan support for his comeback.
That happened real quick. A couple weeks. I mean, at least to my knowledge, I got tagged into it after the deal was done…Everything in life is met with criticism, I don’t pay attention to that. I don’t pay attention to it. He’s here. That’s the reality of the fact. He’s here and if you were in MetLife Stadium on Sunday, you would understand that return meant a lot. That audience was jacked to see Brock Lesnar come out, and to see him F-5 John Cena. Nobody left MetLife Stadium going ‘Oh my god, they brought back Brock Lesnar.’
—Paul Heyman
Heyman stressed that despite some negative reactions, the attendees were overwhelmingly excited to see Lesnar’s appearance and his signature move on John Cena, suggesting that the live audience’s enthusiasm contrasted with online criticism.
Heyman Highlights Widespread Criticism as Part of Public Life
Paul Heyman further addressed criticism by comparing it to broader historical and cultural patterns, noting that no influential individual or leader has ever been universally praised. He cited religious figures and political leaders as examples of universally criticized icons, framing Lesnar’s critics as part of this common human tendency.
People were just going f—king nuts. That’s our paying audience; they’re happy to see him. I’m happy to be a part of a team that presents him. Everyone has criticism in life. There are people that criticize Jesus, there are people that criticize Moses, there are people that criticize Muhammad, there are people that criticize God or Gods. There is no president that has ever existed with a 100% approval rating.
—Paul Heyman
This perspective underscores Heyman’s firm stance that criticism is inevitable but ultimately inconsequential in the long run of Lesnar’s career and his return to WWE’s spotlight.
Respect for the Decision to Reinstate Lesnar Amid Mixed Reactions
Heyman expressed respect for the leadership’s choice to bring Lesnar back, emphasizing that the crowd’s positive reaction validated the decision. He admitted that critics will always exist but maintained that Lesnar cannot be canceled or removed from the WWE landscape.
Whatever that decision is based on, I respect it. If there are critics of it, get over it. He’s here and he’s gonna be here and you ain’t gonna be able to cancel him.
—Paul Heyman
Heyman continued by acknowledging the challenges anyone faces when reaching the top, noting that most succeed despite flaws or past mistakes. He made it clear that Lesnar’s return would have been problematic if the audience had rejected him, but since fans embraced him, Heyman remains supportive of the decision.
Obviously, the decision was made, it’s time to bring back Brock Lesnar, Whatever that decision is based on, I respect it. If there are critics of it, get over it; he’s here. He’s going to be here and you ain’t gonna be able to cancel him. And I’m happy to have him back, because the audience is happy to have him back. If we brought him back and the audience rebelled against it, I wouldn’t be happy to have him back, I’d be like, Oh man, this doesn’t work. But it works. So I’m happy about it.
—Paul Heyman
Lesnar’s Return at SummerSlam Marks a Pivotal WWE Moment
The return of Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam, held at MetLife Stadium, proved to be a major event for WWE, demonstrating the company’s strategy of leveraging star power despite controversy. Heyman’s unwavering support and recognition of fan excitement highlight how integral Lesnar remains to WWE’s entertainment appeal, regardless of criticism from some quarters.
Looking ahead, Lesnar’s ongoing presence is expected to fuel further storylines and draws for WWE, with Heyman set to continue playing a pivotal role in navigating the complex reactions and maintaining Lesnar’s significance in the company’s future.
