"The Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar made his stunning and highly controversial return to WWE at SummerSlam 2025. In a moment that few saw coming, Lesnar interrupted what was set to be an emotional farewell for John Cena, delivering a thunderous F5 to the 17-time World Champion and immediately changing the landscape of WWE.
Lesnar's return marks his first appearance in WWE programming since SummerSlam 2023, where he faced Cody Rhodes. His prolonged absence had been a subject of widespread speculation, particularly due to his name surfacing in the Janel Grant lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE. Reports indicated that WWE's legal department had pulled him from television, and his future with the company seemed uncertain, with many believing his career in WWE was over.BROCK. LESNAR. IS. BACK.
— WWE (@WWE) August 4, 2025
HERE COMES THE PAIN! 👊 pic.twitter.com/uR2z9RVoZu
However, The Beast defied all expectations. Following a hard-fought Street Fight at SummerSlam 2025, which saw Cody Rhodes defeat John Cena to regain the Undisputed WWE Championship, the atmosphere was thick with emotion. As Cena soaked in the adulation of the MetLife Stadium crowd, seemingly taking a final bow after a monumental performance, Lesnar's iconic music hit.
The crowd erupted in a mix of shock, disbelief, and a resounding pop as Lesnar slowly made his way to the ring. Without a word, he circled the ring, fixing his gaze on a recovering John Cena. The tension was palpable before Lesnar hoisted Cena onto his shoulders, delivering a devastating F5 that left the WWE legend incapacitated. Lesnar then exited, leaving the WWE Universe with more questions than answers and a clear message: The Beast is back.
The decision to bring Lesnar back, especially given the ongoing legal issues where he is named in the Janel Grant lawsuit, has sparked immediate and intense backlash across social media. Many fans and pundits have voiced their outrage, questioning WWE's judgment and the implications of this return on the company's efforts to reform its image.
Despite the controversy, WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H addressed Lesnar's return on the SummerSlam post-show, revealing that John Cena himself desired Lesnar's involvement in what is reportedly Cena's retirement tour. "My reaction was exactly what I thought it was gonna be, which was, if there had been a roof on this place, it wouldn't be here anymore," Triple H stated, emphasizing the undeniable impact Lesnar has on the WWE dynamic.
The history between Brock Lesnar and John Cena is storied, marked by brutal encounters that have defined eras of WWE. From their intense clash at Extreme Rules 2012 to the unforgettable dismantling of Cena at SummerSlam 2014, their rivalry has always been a major draw. Lesnar's unexpected return now opens the door for another chapter in this epic saga, potentially culminating in a highly anticipated final showdown before Cena concludes his career.
While the ethical concerns surrounding Lesnar's return are significant and continue to be debated, there's no denying the immediate impact it has had on the WWE landscape. The Beast Incarnate's presence fundamentally alters the dynamic, injecting an unpredictable element into storylines and setting the stage for what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to John Cena's illustrious career. The wrestling world now waits with bated breath to see how this controversial return unfolds and what destruction Brock Lesnar will unleash next.
