Brock Lesnar made a shock return to WWE at SummerSlam 2025, attacking John Cena in the closing moments of Night 2. The appearance marks his first since 2023, when he was quietly removed from programming after being named in the high-profile Janel Grant lawsuit involving Vince McMahon. Although Lesnar was never a defendant, the lawsuit alleged he was offered Grant for a sexual encounter during contract negotiations.
Lesnar's return has sparked widespread outrage online, with many questioning WWE's timing and ethics. The company quietly cancelled its post-SummerSlam press conference, a move fans believe was intended to avoid uncomfortable questions about Lesnar's comeback. WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H later claimed the appearance was part of Cena's retirement 'wish list', but the decision has left many unconvinced.
Triple H states that John Cena essentially wanted Brock Lesnar during his retirement tour:
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) August 4, 2025
“One of the first things I said to him [Cena] is who do you want, and how, and we’re working through that.” pic.twitter.com/ShlYPkGerW
Fan Reaction
Brock Lesnar's name is mentioned and cited 44 times in Janel Grant's amended complaint against WWE and Vince McMahon. The complaint alleged Vince McMahon tried using Grant for sex favors to get Lesnar under a new contract. pic.twitter.com/BhF1BOb98N
— B. J. Bethel (@BJBethelTweets) August 4, 2025
Brock got a weird case why is he around
— Ed. (@DepressedDETN) August 4, 2025
It all makes sense
— Nav (@Navtreaks) August 4, 2025
Summerslam Minneapolis 2026
Brock’s Retirement Match#SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/e7gzgsRjKl
bringing back sexual predator brock lesnar the same week you take a hard stance on supporting trump all over your product is certainly… a choice
— Deonte DDJ (@deonteddj) August 4, 2025
“Any update on my good friend Brock?” pic.twitter.com/ny6ekl0bra
— Patrick The Heel (@patricktheheel) August 4, 2025
KNOWN SEXUAL PREDATOR BROCK LESNAR JUST RETURNED ON THE SECOND BIGGEST SHOW OF THE WWE CALENDAR I REPEAT KNOWN SEXUAL PREDATOR BROCK LESNAR JUST RETURNED ON THE SECOND BIGGEST SHOW OF THE WWE CALENDAR
— khi (@stymead) August 4, 2025
Just wanna say this, TKO clearly cares a lot about their sponsors and advertisers. They literally fired Vince McMahon just hours after Slim Jim pulled its sponsorship.
— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) August 4, 2025
So if WWE has brought back Brock Lesnar, it’s clear he’s been cleared and found not guilty.#SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/ryDbblqMke
I'm not gonna lie, I've just seen like numerous reactions on YouTube and of streamers etc.
— Ceaser Wrestling (@CeaserWrestles) August 4, 2025
just realized that the only haters for Brock Lesnar are on twitter.
Go, cry me a river! LMAO 😭#SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/nfrg8d6vsb
Despite wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer reporting that Lesnar was cleared by WWE legal four weeks ago, the backlash continues. Fans have taken to social media to criticise WWE for prioritising shock value over accountability. Whether Lesnar's return leads to further appearances or backlash in future arenas, one thing is clear the controversy surrounding him hasn't gone away.
