Brock Lesnar made a dramatic comeback at WWE SummerSlam 2025, reigniting a bitter rivalry with John Cena during the blue brand’s programming. The Brock Lesnar WWE return unfolded earlier this month when The Beast Incarnate interrupted a United States Championship Open Challenge hosted by Sami Zayn, assaulting both Cena and Zayn. This incident marked the beginning of Lesnar’s renewed presence and tension on WWE television.
Following this attack, Cena pursued his conflict with Lesnar persistently on Monday Night RAW; however, Sami Zayn’s response on the following SmackDown episode was notably absent. Zayn chose to ignore the confrontation entirely, which has raised questions about his booking on the show.
Controversy Over Sami Zayn’s Booking After Lesnar’s Attack
On Behind The Turnbuckle Studios’ “The Coach and Bro Show,” former WWE writer Vince Russo criticized the way WWE management has handled Sami Zayn’s portrayal since Lesnar’s return. Russo highlighted the disconnect between WWE’s apparent support of Zayn as United States Champion and the cautious image created by the lack of response to Lesnar’s aggression.
“Keep in mind, we’re pushing Sami Zayn. He’s the United States Champion. I think he’s going to a future [World] champion. The following week, Brock Lesnar opens up the show [had a segment with R-Truth], Sami is nowhere in sight. Immediately after that, we interview Sami in the back. No mention of Brock Lesnar or what Brock Lesnar did to him last week, or nothing. Here’s what it tells me as a viewer, he’s afraid of Brock Lesnar, and he’s not looking for Retribution or a receipt,” Russo said.
Vince Russo’s observation suggests that Sami Zayn’s inaction could undermine his status, casting him as hesitant or fearful of Lesnar’s might rather than a confident titleholder ready for a challenge.
Lesnar Targets Retired Wrestler on Latest SmackDown Episode
After taking some time off following SummerSlam, Brock Lesnar reappeared on WWE SmackDown where he escalated his assault on John Cena during a title match against Sami Zayn. In an unexpected move on the most recent episode, Lesnar carried broadcast personality Michael Cole into the ring and cornered him. This segment ended with Lesnar delivering two F5 finishing moves on color commentator Corey Graves, an action that shocked viewers given Graves’ long retirement from wrestling over ten years ago.
This aggressive tactic involving Graves might have been designed to generate buzz ahead of another notable appearance. Speculation suggests WWE could be paving the way for Pat McAfee’s return, as he is scheduled to appear at WWE Wrestlepalooza in Indiana soon.
Implications of Lesnar’s Return and Future WWE Storylines
Brock Lesnar’s unexpected reentry into WWE programming has immediately shifted the competitive dynamics on the blue brand, particularly through his interactions with John Cena and the uneasy positioning of Sami Zayn. Lesnar’s aggressive moves—especially involving non-wrestling personalities—underscore his role as a dominant force and storyline catalyst in the company’s main roster.
Meanwhile, criticisms about Sami Zayn’s cautious portrayal highlight an underlying tension in how WWE balances star pushes with believable character motivations. The hesitance to have Zayn confront Lesnar directly may affect fans’ perceptions of both wrestlers’ credibility.
As WWE moves forward, fans can expect continued developments in the Lesnar-Cena rivalry, potential escalations involving Sami Zayn’s championship defenses, and possible surprises tied to upcoming events like Wrestlepalooza, where returning stars like Pat McAfee could further intensify storylines.
