Brock Lesnar makes shocking, controversial return at WWE SummerSlam to confront John Cena
The 'Beast Incarnate' is officially back in WWE.
Nearly two years away from the ring, Brock Lesnar finally made his return at Sunday night's SummerSlam—and he immediately made his presence known.
Just before that, John Cena had suffered an emotional defeat against Cody Rhodes in a street fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Standing alone in the ring, soaking up the crowd's 'Thank you, Cena' chants and knowing his final run would end with retirement this December, the arena suddenly exploded with energy.
Lesnar's music hit.
He walked down the ramp wearing his trademark cowboy hat and jeans, locking eyes with Cena. It was a chilling callback to their epic 2012 feud, back when Lesnar returned from the UFC aiming right at WWE's biggest star.
He slowly circled the ring without taking his eyes off Cena. The crowd was buzzing, totally into it.
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Cena looked shaken—and for good reason. His past had returned to haunt him.
Lesnar tipped his hat at ringside, then charged into the ring and slammed Cena with a powerful F-5 right in the center of the mat. The message was clear: Lesnar is back, and he's here to make a statement—not just relive old times.
He's here for unfinished business.
Cena's farewell tour has already seen a few twists—including a brief heel turn—but he's firmly back in babyface territory. With his rivalry with Rhodes seemingly behind him, it's now Lesnar who stands in his way. If Sunday night was any indication, this could be the final chapter in one of WWE's most iconic rivalries.
Lesnar's return hasn't come without some controversy, however.
Lesnar's last WWE appearance came at SummerSlam 2023, where he also suffered a loss to Rhodes. Much of his absence was linked to his name popping up in an ongoing lawsuit involving Vince McMahon.
Last January, former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit accusing McMahon of sex trafficking and abusive sexual acts. Lesnar's name appears in the lawsuit as someone McMahon allegedly offered Grant to for sexual favors.
Wrestling Observer Radio's Dave Meltzer reported that WWE's legal team cleared Lesnar about four weeks ago. He speculated that WWE might feel confident the case is heading toward arbitration or nearing a settlement—both scenarios that would reduce Lesnar's legal exposure and clear the path for his return.
Putting the controversy aside, there's no question Lesnar's comeback is a huge moment for WWE.
With SummerSlam 2026 taking place in Minneapolis—Lesnar's hometown—it's easy to imagine this leading up to a retirement match. If that's the case, we could be witnessing the final run of Cena's career and the last chapter in one of WWE's most memorable rivalries.
If Lesnar has his way, Cena's farewell tour might end the same way it just restarted—with an F-5.
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