At WWE SummerSlam 2025, the wrestling world witnessed an electric moment as Cody Rhodes regained the Undisputed WWE Championship after an intense street fight against John Cena. However, the biggest shock of the night came moments later when Brock Lesnar made a surprise return, delivering an F-5 to Cena before the show went off the air[1][3]. In a recent interview, Rhodes shared his thoughts on Lesnar’s unexpected comeback and how it aligns with WWE’s evolving narrative.

Speaking candidly about Lesnar’s return, Cody Rhodes emphasized how “Brock fits right in with the direction WWE is going.” The reigning WWE Champion acknowledged that Lesnar’s raw power and unique aura make him a perfect fit in the current product, which blends intense in-ring action with compelling storylines. Rhodes conveyed that Lesnar’s presence elevates the stakes for everyone involved and adds a fresh layer of unpredictability moving forward[1].

The Build-Up and The Surprise Return

The main event of SummerSlam Night 2 was a brutal, high-energy battle between Cody Rhodes and John Cena. The street fight saw both superstars use an array of finishing moves and even weapons in their quest for victory. Ultimately, Rhodes secured the win by pinning Cena following a Cross Rhodes, cementing his spot once again at the pinnacle of WWE[3].

The post-match scene was heartfelt, with Cena passing the title belt back to Rhodes and the two embracing, marking Cena’s solid babyface turn. However, the celebration was abruptly interrupted as Lesnar’s music hit, sending shockwaves through the audience. Overcoming expectations, Lesnar stormed to the ring and delivered a devastating F-5 to Cena, leaving fans and wrestling insiders stunned[1][2].

According to Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp, the decision to bring Lesnar back was so tightly guarded that even most WWE staff and producers were kept in the dark until the moment unfolded live[2]. This secrecy helped preserve the impact of the surprise and demonstrated WWE’s commitment to delivering moments that captivate fans worldwide.

Why Is Brock Lesnar’s Return Significant Now?

Lesnar last competed for WWE at SummerSlam 2023, losing decisively to Rhodes. Since then, Lesnar had been notably absent from WWE programming, partly due to external legal issues and his own selective schedule. His persona had been somewhat sidelined, making the 2025 return even more jarring and storyline-rich[2].

Rhodes shed light on why Lesnar’s return makes sense in the present WWE landscape. “Brock is a special talent. His unpredictability and powerhouse style offer something different in a landscape where WWE aims to blend athleticism with strong storytelling,” Rhodes explained[1]. He added that Lesnar’s return can serve as a catalyst for new rivalries and elevate existing ones, creating layered narratives for fans to engage with.

Moreover, there’s speculation that Lesnar’s reappearance might kickstart fresh feuds or alliances, potentially involving Cena and Rhodes again. The WWE Universe could see compelling multi-man storylines or even faction dynamics involving these top stars.

backstage Insight and Future Implications

Sources close to WWE, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Lesnar’s return was planned carefully to maximize impact while aligning with WWE’s broader vision for the next year. One WWE insider told Wrestling Inc, “Brock is back with a purpose. WWE sees him fitting into high-profile storylines that complement the rising stars and established veterans alike. Cody’s reign and character evolution give the perfect backdrop for Brock to reassert his dominance.”

Meanwhile, Fightful’s reporting highlighted that Lesnar’s return was not widely anticipated internally, suggesting WWE values preserving surprise elements as a core part of its booking strategy[2].

From a storytelling perspective, Rhodes noted that Lesnar’s comeback introduces an element of chaos and excitement that WWE fans crave. “The Beast embodies power and intensity, which raises the bar for all performers. That challenges me, Cena, and others to step up and deliver at the highest level,” Rhodes said in a recent interview shared on WWE.com[1].

Fan and Media Reaction

The wrestling community’s reaction to Lesnar’s return was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising WWE for the unexpected twist after a hard-fought and emotionally charged main event between Rhodes and Cena. Media outlets like CBS Sports and ESPN emphasized the historic nature of that SummerSlam finish, calling it “one of the most memorable conclusions in recent WWE history”[1][5].

The surprise factor and the effective secrecy surrounding the moment were lauded as examples of WWE’s renewed focus on creating buzzworthy and buzz-sustaining moments in a highly competitive entertainment market.

What to Expect Next?

With Brock Lesnar back on the scene, the path forward is ripe with possibilities. Wrestling analysts speculate that WWE might revisit Lesnar’s pursuit of championship gold or embroil him in alliances and rivalries that blur traditional lines between heroes and villains.

Cody Rhodes, meanwhile, seems ready to embrace the challenge, stating, “Having Brock back makes the WWE landscape more thrilling. I’m prepared to defend the championship against whoever steps up, and Brock is undoubtedly among the biggest threats this year.”

Lesnar’s surprise F-5 on Cena at SummerSlam has already ignited rumors about potential multi-man matches or tag team bouts involving these main event players, promising an exciting buildup to upcoming pay-per-views[4].

In conclusion, Cody Rhodes’ comments reveal a clear backstage endorsement of Brock Lesnar’s return as an alignment with WWE’s creative ambitions. The presence of “The Beast” intensifies the competition and provides valuable star power to a roster hungry for dynamic storytelling. As WWE progresses through the remainder of 2025, fans can expect fresh rivalries, astonishing in-ring action, and captivating narratives—anchored by the undeniable force that is Brock Lesnar.