Brock Lesnar is set to appear on WWE SmackDown episodes on September 12 and September 19, according to promotional graphics on WWE.com, fueling speculation about his involvement in major September events following his SummerSlam 2025 return[2][4]. These appearances come amid reports of an unannounced WWE premium live event (PLE) slated for September 20—rumored to feature a marquee Lesnar vs. John Cena headline match competing directly with AEW All Out.

Lesnar’s surprise comeback at SummerSlam on August 3 was marked by a shocking attack on Cena, reigniting one of WWE’s most intense rivalries after a two-year hiatus in which Lesnar was notably absent from programming[1][3]. This marked his first WWE TV appearance since SummerSlam 2023 when he lost to Cody Rhodes. The present promotional activity suggests WWE is moving quickly to build this storyline, with the September 12 and September 19 SmackDown events from Norfolk, Virginia (Scope Arena), and Toledo, Ohio (Huntington Center), respectively, positioned to escalate the feud[1][4].

Though Lesnar is featured prominently in the graphics for these dates on WWE’s official website ticket pages, he is not yet listed under the “Featured Superstars” section, leaving some ambiguity about the nature of his appearances[2]. Fightful Insider sources confirm WWE executive Paul Levesque (Triple H) and CEO Nick Khan have been in contact with Lesnar for weeks, with Levesque describing the return as a planned “time to come home” moment that was meticulously timed for maximum impact[2].

This buildup gains significance given that Cena, who announced his retirement from active competition at the end of 2025, reportedly has just 11 matches left on his schedule. Industry reports suggest the Lesnar match could be one of Cena’s final high-profile bouts, intensifying fan anticipation and adding gravitas to the September PLE[3][4].

The lead-up to these SmackDown episodes and the rumored September 20 event is also colored by Lesnar’s controversial past two years. In January 2024, Lesnar’s name appeared in an amended civil lawsuit involving Vince McMahon’s alleged misconduct and sexual trafficking accusations (involving WWE employee Janel Grant). Lesnar was never charged and is not a defendant, but the lawsuit references McMahon’s attempt to use Lesnar as a lure for contract negotiations. The lawsuit has currently been placed on hold pending judicial decisions on its public airing or private arbitration[2].

Despite the controversy, Lesnar remains a major draw for WWE, with his live SummerSlam return reaction described as electric from the audience, albeit mixed among the online wrestling community[2]. The closing segment of SummerSlam had Lesnar deliver his signature F5 to Cena, signaling clear intent that their renewed rivalry will headline upcoming WWE events.

John Cena, meanwhile, is not advertised for the September 12 or 19 SmackDown episodes as of now, nor for the rumored September PPV, but industry insiders expect Cena to ramp up his presence as the showdown approaches[1]. Reports indicate WWE is scheduling the Lesnar-Cena match on a day that will go head-to-head with AEW’s All Out in Toronto, setting the stage for a historic wrestling ratings war[3][5].

Backstage sources confirm the significance of these dates: “WWE has been carefully plotting Brock’s comeback story for months,” said a WWE insider. “The September SmackDown shows are crucial to building the Lesnar-Cena match narrative, especially with the PPV directly competing against AEW. WWE is sparing no expense to make this moment huge.”

Lesnar’s next SmackDown appearances are expected to feature intense promos and possibly physical confrontations designed to reignite one of wrestling’s most storied rivalries. Fans can anticipate that WWE will use these episodes to restore Lesnar’s dominant aura on TV and generate momentum for the September 20 premium live event.

Summary of Key Details:

• Lesnar promoted for WWE SmackDown on September 12 (Norfolk, VA) and September 19 (Toledo, OH)[1][2][4]
• Rumored main event: Lesnar vs. John Cena at a new WWE PLE scheduled for September 20, competing with AEW All Out[3][5]
• Lesnar returned at SummerSlam 2025 after a two-year absence, attacking Cena in a high-profile angle[1][2]
• Lesnar’s involvement controversial due to association with the Vince McMahon lawsuit but remains a top WWE draw[2]
• Cena’s retirement looming with limited matches left, making this feud a final marquee rivalry for him[3][4]
• WWE executives Paul Levesque and Nick Khan coordinated Lesnar’s return and build carefully[2]

This storyline and scheduled appearances underscore WWE’s strategic efforts to leverage Brock Lesnar’s star power against AEW’s ambitious expansion. Fans should watch the September SmackDown episodes closely as they will likely shape the final months of John Cena’s wrestling career and define WWE’s counter-programming against AEW’s major fall event.