Brock Lesnar’s explosive return to WWE at SummerSlam 2025 stunned fans worldwide, delivering a massive F5 to John Cena in the event’s closing moments and officially reigniting one of wrestling’s hottest rivalries. However, the comeback has also sparked significant controversy due to Lesnar’s connection to the ongoing Janel Grant lawsuit against WWE and former CEO Vince McMahon. In a candid interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Paul Heyman addressed the backlash surrounding Lesnar’s surprise comeback and shed light on the behind-the-scenes circumstances that enabled his return.

Lesnar returned to WWE television after nearly two years away, appearing unannounced at MetLife Stadium on August 4, 2025, at SummerSlam Night 2. The moment came immediately following John Cena’s loss of the undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes, as Lesnar’s iconic music hit and he stunned Cena with his signature F5 finisher. This marked Lesnar’s first WWE appearance since being sidelined in early 2024 amid fallout from the sexual trafficking lawsuit filed by Janel Grant, which implicated WWE leadership and mentioned Lesnar in an amended complaint—though he is not a defendant in the case.

According to reports from Fightful and CBS Sports, WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H (Paul Levesque) confirmed that John Cena personally requested Lesnar’s involvement for his retirement tour’s final chapter, with Cena’s wish guiding the creative direction. Cena himself has stated in interviews that he is “playing whoever WWE deals” him while preparing for his final remaining matches. Yet, backlash from fans and insiders erupted online, with many questioning the wisdom of spotlighting Lesnar given the sensitive nature of the lawsuit.

Paul Heyman, who has long acted as Lesnar’s advocate and mouthpiece within WWE, openly addressed the uproar during his sit-down with Ariel Helwani. Heyman revealed that WWE’s legal department had cleared Lesnar for his return at least four weeks prior to SummerSlam. Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer also confirmed this timeline, noting speculation that ongoing litigation may be nearing arbitration or settlement stages, giving WWE the confidence to proceed. Heyman emphasized that “the decision was made with full legal awareness and strategic consideration” and that the company prioritized storytelling alongside compliance.

Backstage sources shared with PWMania that Lesnar was flown in quietly the day before SummerSlam and kept out of the spotlight until his dramatic reveal in the main event. The secrecy underscores WWE’s efforts to maintain the element of surprise, despite the legal and public relations risks involved. WWE.com’s official coverage highlights Lesnar’s return as a monumental moment for the company’s marquee event, with plans to build a high-stakes Cena vs. Lesnar program for the upcoming months.

However, the controversy is far from settled. TMZ and other outlets noted that some fans expressed outright hostility towards Lesnar’s re-emergence, citing the allegations mentioned in the Grant lawsuit, which include claims that former WWE executives tried to leverage their power for illicit purposes involving Lesnar and others. While Lesnar is not legally accused, his association has fueled debate over WWE’s management and ethical standards in recent years.

Industry observers see Lesnar’s return as a calculated risk by WWE to boost ratings and fan interest amid transitional challenges following the McMahon era. CBS Sports pointed out that Lesnar’s comeback “officially completes the TKO-ification of WWE,” referencing the company’s ownership changes and shifting creative landscape. Wrestling news site SEScoops reported that legal clearance from WWE’s counsel was critical to moving forward, indicating that internal confidence in Lesnar’s status helped pave the way.

As Lesnar re-enters the WWE fold, the coming weeks will reveal the extent to which the company can navigate the complicated mix of fan excitement and ethical controversy. John Cena’s retirement storyline now carries added weight with Lesnar as a key antagonist, promising marquee matches that could define the era. Yet WWE’s choices have ignited debate over balancing compelling programming with corporate responsibility.

In the words of Paul Heyman on The Ariel Helwani Show, “We’re telling a story that’s bigger than anyone in the ring — but we also understand the concern and scrutiny. Brock’s return was vetted thoroughly, legally and creatively. Fans will soon see why this moment was worth the wait.” As the fallout continues, WWE insiders expect the Lesnar-Cena saga to dominate headlines and social media discourse, cementing SummerSlam 2025 as a pivotal turning point for the company’s future.

Sources: WWE.com, Fightful, Wrestling Observer Radio, TMZ, CBS Sports, PWMania, Ariel Helwani Show