Brock Lesnar made a stunning return to WWE at the close of night two of SummerSlam 2025 on August 3 at MetLife Stadium, marking his first WWE appearance in over two years[1][3]. His surprise attack on John Cena immediately set up a potential high-profile showdown as Cena nears retirement, but backstage reactions have been mixed due to Lesnar’s controversial association with the ongoing Janel Grant lawsuit against WWE and Vince McMahon[4].
According to sources close to WWE, Lesnar’s return was cleared weeks in advance by WWE’s legal team despite the sensitive legal context[2]. Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer revealed that WWE Legal gave the green light around four weeks prior to SummerSlam, though the exact reasoning remains undisclosed, sparking speculation about possible settlement talks or arbitration in the lawsuit involving former staffer Janel Grant[2]. Grant’s lawsuit originally identified a “world-famous athlete and former UFC heavyweight champion” linked to misconduct allegations during contract negotiations in 2021, later revealing Brock Lesnar by name in an amended filing[4].
The legal drama stems from Grant’s claims that Vince McMahon requested she provide “personalized sexual content” for Lesnar as part of his contract discussions. While Lesnar himself is not a named defendant in the lawsuit, the controversy has cast a shadow over his WWE reintegration[4]. A spokesperson for Janel Grant issued a strong statement following Lesnar’s SummerSlam return, alleging that WWE’s decision to bring him back so publicly is an “attempt to sweep misconduct under the rug” that “will backfire” by drawing further scrutiny and criticism to the company[Original Reference].
Despite the off-screen turmoil, WWE creatively tied Lesnar’s return to ongoing storylines. Lesnar’s shock entrance after Cody Rhodes regained the undisputed WWE Championship from John Cena set the stage for a heated rivalry between “The Beast Incarnate” and Cena, who is on his final year as an in-ring performer[3][4]. Lesnar’s impact finisher, the F-5, delivered to Cena as SummerSlam closed, sent the crowd into a frenzy but also reignited debate among fans and insiders about his role post-controversy[1][3].
WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H recently confirmed that Lesnar’s comeback was influenced by Cena’s desire for “one more match” against him, indicating that the company sees both lucrative and narrative value in the reunion despite the divisive circumstances[4]. The secrecy surrounding Lesnar’s SummerSlam appearance was carefully managed—reports state Lesnar was flown into New Jersey on Saturday and kept under wraps until the main event on Sunday night[2].
The wrestling community remains sharply divided. While some fans welcomed the return of one of WWE’s biggest stars, others voiced discomfort and opposition due to the ongoing allegations tied to Lesnar’s name[4]. Industry observers are watching closely to see how WWE balances the star power Lesnar brings with potential legal and reputational risks.
It is still unclear when Brock Lesnar will next appear on WWE programming or how prominently he will be featured as the fallout from the lawsuit continues. However, sources indicate that WWE is preparing for a storyline that could bring renewed attention to Lesnar’s controversial past alongside his in-ring future[2][4].
In the wake of SummerSlam, the Janel Grant spokesperson’s remarks underscore growing calls for WWE accountability amid broader scrutiny of the company’s handling of past misconduct allegations. This latest chapter in Lesnar’s career highlights a complex intersection between entertainment, legal battles, and corporate image management in professional wrestling’s biggest global company.
Fans and industry insiders should expect further developments both inside and outside the ring as WWE navigates Brock Lesnar’s return under the weight of ongoing legal and ethical questions.
Sources: WWE.com, Bleacher Report, ESPN, TMZ, Wrestling Observer Radio, Wrestling Headlines original article.