The WWE Universe was left stunned after Brock Lesnar’s electrifying return at SummerSlam 2025, delivering an emphatic F-5 to John Cena in the show’s closing moments. This surprise comeback continues to dominate conversations across wrestling media, with WWE Hall of Famer JBL recently sharing his thoughts on Lesnar’s resurgence and what the former Beast Incarnate deserves credit for.

According to sources from the Something to Wrestle podcast, JBL expressed respect for Lesnar’s unique contributions to WWE, emphasizing his dominance and crossover appeal. Despite Lesnar’s controversial absence following the allegations related to the Janel Grant lawsuit earlier this year, JBL remarked that Lesnar’s physical presence and ability to draw mainstream attention remain pivotal to WWE’s product. JBL underscored that Lesnar deserves recognition for consistently elevating the energy of any show he headlines, a quality that few wrestlers can match[1].

Lesnar’s unexpected reappearance at MetLife Stadium during SummerSlam shocked even the WWE backstage personnel. Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp revealed that the return was one of the best-kept secrets internally, with even writers and production crew unaware that Lesnar’s music would cut through the arena’s atmosphere shortly after Cody Rhodes reclaimed the WWE Championship from John Cena[1]. This level of secrecy amplified the impact felt by both fans and insiders alike.

The return also has significant narrative weight, especially as Cena is currently on his retirement tour, and WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H confirmed that Cena requested one final match against Lesnar. This storyline renewal not only promises to bring high stakes back to WWE programming but also reintroduces a historic rivalry that has delivered some of wrestling’s most memorable moments in recent history[2].

However, the reaction to Lesnar’s return has been mixed. While many fans erupted in excitement, others expressed reservations due to Lesnar being named in an amended complaint in the 2024 lawsuit, which alleged inappropriate activity during contract negotiations with WWE’s Vince McMahon. It is important to note that Lesnar himself is not a defendant in the lawsuit. Yet, the controversy had previously distanced him from WWE programming for nearly two years, making his re-entry a notable development in both his career and WWE’s broader narrative landscape[2].

Backstage sources close to WWE have indicated that Lesnar’s comeback was carefully strategized not only for shock value but to inject star power into upcoming WWE storylines as the company looks to maintain momentum and strong viewership following SummerSlam. According to a WWE insider speaking to Wrestling Headlines, Lesnar’s ability to overshine segments and elevate other talent’s statuses is unmatched, which is why WWE was highly motivated to bring him back despite the surrounding controversies. The insider noted, “Brock is a monster who draws attention like no one else. The moment his music hits, the arena changes. WWE needed that spark again”[1].

Brock Lesnar’s return was visually highlighted by the thunderous F-5 delivered to Cena, a move that instantly set the tone for his reentry and rejuvenated interest in future WWE events. Footage from WWE’s official YouTube channel captures the intensity of the moment, underscoring the raw power Lesnar still wields at 48 years old[3].

JBL’s comments resonate as an endorsement that while Lesnar’s path to this point has been tumultuous, his influence on WWE’s marketplace and in-ring product is undeniable. The wrestling legend highlighted Lesnar’s unique balance of legitimate athleticism, star charisma, and ability to draw pay-per-view buys and mainstream headlines. According to JBL, “You have to give Brock credit; he made WWE feel bigger. He was the guy companies tried to build around, and he did that with an unmatched ferocity”[1].

As WWE moves forward, fans and pundits alike will be watching how this Lesnar resurgence shapes the coming months, especially in light of John Cena’s approaching retirement and Cody Rhodes’ reign as WWE Champion. Sources close to WWE management assert that this return signals more big moments ahead, possibly culminating in a blockbuster Lesnar vs. Cena match that could headline WrestleMania or other major events.

In summary, Brock Lesnar’s SummerSlam 2025 return shocked the pro wrestling world and ignited debate amid its legal backdrop. WWE Hall of Famer JBL praised Lesnar’s historical contributions and his undeniable talent for elevating WWE’s spectacle, while insiders reveal WWE’s calculated effort to maximize Lesnar’s star power in upcoming storylines. Though mixed reactions persist, the consensus acknowledges that Lesnar remains a major drawing force and an integral part of WWE’s entertainment landscape moving forward.

For the latest updates on Brock Lesnar’s WWE journey and other breaking wrestling news, stay tuned to WWE.com and trusted outlets such as Fightful and Wrestling Headlines.

Sources:

• Something to Wrestle podcast, JBL comments on Lesnar’s return[1]
• Fightful Select report on internal secrecy of Lesnar’s SummerSlam reappearance[1]
• WWE.com and WWE’s official YouTube channel for match highlights[3]
• TMZ coverage detailing the lawsuit and reactions surrounding Lesnar’s return[2]