“The Beast Incarnate” Brock Lesnar is officially set for several major WWE appearances in September 2025, signaling a fully charged return as his fresh run gains momentum. WWE.com confirms that Lesnar will feature on Friday Night SmackDown on September 12 in Norfolk, Virginia, followed by another appearance on September 19 in Toledo, Ohio—just ahead of a significant WWE premium live event scheduled for September 20 in Indianapolis[1][2].
Lesnar’s return to WWE airwaves has been highly anticipated since his shocking comeback at SummerSlam on August 3. Closing the show with a brutal F5 on John Cena after Cena’s loss to Cody Rhodes, Lesnar reignited a legendary rivalry that appears set to headline WWE’s upcoming major event[1][3].
Key Dates and Venues:
| Date | Event | Location | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 12 | Friday Night SmackDown | Norfolk, Virginia | Scope Arena |
| September 19 | Friday Night SmackDown | Toledo, Ohio | Huntington Arena |
| September 20 | WWE Premium Live Event | Indianapolis, Indiana | TBD |
This schedule places Lesnar in prominent spots for the blue brand’s marquee television dates, strategically leading into the September 20 premium live event (PLE), where a blockbuster showdown with John Cena appears imminent[1][3].
The Lesnar vs. Cena Feud: WWE’s September Centerpiece
The catalyst for this tightly packed schedule is the brewing feud between Brock Lesnar and John Cena. Following Lesnar’s post-match assault on Cena at SummerSlam, tensions have mounted, with rumors and insider reports suggesting their high-stakes clash will headline the upcoming PLE on September 20[1][3]. Sources close to WWE confirm that the September SmackDown episodes serve as the go-home shows, where the storyline impression between these two titans will escalate dramatically[1].
Notably, John Cena is not advertised for the September 12 or 19 episodes of SmackDown yet, hinting at a cinematic or uniquely structured build-up to their match[2]. Cena is also focused on other high-profile assignments, including an upcoming bout with Logan Paul at WWE’s Clash in Paris later this month, underlining WWE’s strategy to space out narrative threads while building multiple storylines simultaneously[1][3].
Behind the Scenes: WWE’s Booking Strategy
Industry insiders reveal that WWE is carefully pacing Lesnar’s appearances for maximum impact, reserving his rare but explosive TV outings to boost ratings and hype the pay-per-view event[1]. According to a WWE insider, “Lesnar’s return is being positioned as a marquee attraction to leverage nostalgia and mainstream attention, while fueling one of the most anticipated feuds in recent history.” This perspective aligns with WWE’s historical approach to Lesnar as a part-time performer whose appearances are events in themselves rather than nightly fixtures[1][3].
Speculation is also rife around possible surprises during these shows, including potential tag matches, contracts signings, or promo segments that could intensify the Lesnar-Cena rivalry[1]. Given Lesnar’s reputation for unpredictability and sheer dominance, fans can expect all-out brawls and high-impact moments designed to carry through to Indianapolis on September 20.
Additional Notes on Lesnar’s Situation
While Lesnar’s career moves dominate WWE headlines, it’s worth mentioning recent off-ring controversies. Lesnar was named in connection to a lawsuit filed by Janel Grant against Vince McMahon and WWE regarding sexual misconduct claims, though Lesnar is not a defendant in the case[2]. WWE continues to navigate these sensitive waters while maintaining focus on in-ring content and storytelling.
Fan and Industry Reactions
The wrestling community has greeted Lesnar’s return with fervor, citing the impactful nature of his initial post-SummerSlam appearance. Fightful reports that fans expect the upcoming SmackDown episodes to be “must-watch” viewing, given added stakes and the presence of premium matches on the horizon. The combined star power of Lesnar and Cena, coupled with Cody Rhodes’ ongoing storyline prominence, positions WWE strongly against competing wrestling promotions during this period[2][3][5].
Looking Ahead
WWE’s September plan featuring Lesnar aligns with its broader strategy to elevate key superstars during the fall season. With further Raw and SmackDown dates already announced in cities like Evansville, Indiana (September 22), and Orlando, Florida (September 26), WWE is primed for a packed schedule as it moves toward year-end climaxes[4]. However, Lesnar’s carefully selected appearances suggest WWE values his limited but intense impact, preserving his aura as a once-in-a-while, game-changing force.
As the September 12 and 19 SmackDowns approach, fans and insiders alike will watch closely for twists in Lesnar’s storyline. With the premium live event on September 20 looming large, the month promises to be a defining moment in the 2025 WWE calendar.
Sources close to the company have confirmed the escalating Lesnar-Cena feud is WWE’s top priority for September, with creative teams tasked to heighten suspense through strategic television appearances before culminating in a high-profile clash at the PLE[1][3].