Brock Lesnar stunned WWE fans worldwide with a surprise return at the 2025 SummerSlam event, but his comeback has immediately stirred controversy off-screen. Just days after Lesnar ended the show by delivering his signature F-5 to John Cena, the legal representatives of former WWE employee Janel Grant issued an official statement addressing the former UFC champion’s return amid ongoing litigation involving WWE.

At SummerSlam 2025, held at MetLife Stadium on August 3, Brock Lesnar appeared unexpectedly after the intense main event, where Cody Rhodes reclaimed the undisputed WWE Championship in a brutal street fight against John Cena[1][3]. As Cena absorbed the crowd’s tribute during what is believed to be his final in-ring year, Lesnar’s music hit, sending the arena into a frenzy before he attacked Cena with an F-5, bringing the night to a shocking close[1][4].

Behind the scenes, however, Lesnar’s return was not publicly anticipated. Fightful Select reported that WWE officials went to great lengths to keep Lesnar’s comeback a secret, flying him into Minnesota the day before and transporting him discreetly via private plane to New Jersey. He was only spotted backstage just minutes before the main event was underway[2]. Such secrecy fueled rumors, especially given Lesnar’s legal entanglements linked to the Janel Grant lawsuit.

Janel Grant, a former WWE employee, is part of a high-profile lawsuit filed against WWE and its former chairman Vince McMahon, alleging serious workplace misconduct. Brock Lesnar has been named in the lawsuit documents as an individual related to the case, although he is not formally a defendant in the suit. Considering this context, the timing of Lesnar’s return raised immediate concern among Grant’s legal team.

In a statement released Monday, Grant’s lawyers expressed disappointment over Lesnar’s reappearance on WWE programming without any apparent resolution or acknowledgment of the lawsuit issues[reference article]. “While WWE continues its entertainment spectacle, the very real implications of misconduct alleged in the ongoing case cannot be ignored. Mr. Lesnar’s return comes at a sensitive time, and we urge accountability beyond the ring,” the spokesperson said.

Sources close to WWE confirmed to ESPN and Fightful that the company’s legal department conducted internal reviews before greenlighting Lesnar’s participation to mitigate risks associated with the outstanding litigation. However, those measures have not quelled criticism from advocacy groups and fans who expect WWE to take a stand on these serious allegations[1][2].

The silent cancellation of WWE’s typical post-SummerSlam press conference also fueled speculation that backlash over Lesnar’s involvement influenced the decision. Many attending media personnel were left without official commentary from WWE officials on the matter[2].

Industry insiders believe Lesnar’s return is part of a longer-term storyline, possibly a fresh rivalry with John Cena as Cena’s in-ring career appears to near its conclusion. Yet, it remains unclear how WWE plans to balance its entertainment narrative with ongoing legal controversies. “WWE has always walked a fine line between spectacle and real-world issues,” commented a wrestling journalist on a popular podcast shortly after SummerSlam. “But bringing back Lesnar now is a bold move that could impact the company’s public image significantly.”

Beyond summer storylines, the situation underscores tensions within WWE as it seeks to maintain fan enthusiasm while navigating serious legal challenges. Wrestlers and backstage personnel are reportedly divided on how to address the fallout, with some championing transparency and others favoring a focus on business as usual.

Lesnar’s return, while electrifying from a performance perspective, thus embodies a pivotal moment for WWE. As the legal proceedings unfold, Grant’s legal team and advocacy organizations will closely monitor WWE’s actions towards addressing allegations linked to workplace culture and personal conduct at the company.

WWE fans and media will be watching upcoming shows closely to see how Lesnar’s return impacts on-screen narratives and what off-screen repercussions may arise. With John Cena and Cody Rhodes positioned at the center of ongoing storylines, Brock Lesnar’s re-emergence adds both star power and complexity to WWE’s landscape amid unprecedented legal scrutiny.

Official updates from WWE.com remain limited, but continued reporting from outlets like ESPN, Fightful, and CBS Sports will provide real-time insights. For now, the wrestling world is left to digest one of the most startling and contentious SummerSlam moments in recent memory, as the Beast Incarnate steps back into the spotlight amid a charged legal environment.

[Sources: ESPN, Fightful Select, CBS Sports, WWE.com, Wrestling News]