Brock Lesnar made a stunning return to WWE SmackDown on September 5, 2025, abruptly ending the United States Championship match between John Cena and Sami Zayn and reigniting his fierce rivalry with Cena. Lesnar’s interference, marked by multiple brutal F5 finishers, prevented Cena from reclaiming the title and confirmed a high-stakes showdown at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza event on September 20 in Indianapolis[3][5].
Lesnar’s return came as a shock to fans who had witnessed a back-and-forth, high-energy contest between Cena and Zayn. The match itself had significant historical resonance, as Sami Zayn’s main roster debut over a decade ago was famously against John Cena in a United States Open Challenge. On this night, Zayn revived that spirit with his own version of the challenge, inviting Cena to be the first challenger for his US title[3][5].
The bout captivated the 16,600-strong crowd at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, with Cena fighting valiantly amidst cheers, attempting to solidify his farewell tour narrative. However, Lesnar’s dramatic return changed everything. As the match neared its conclusion, Lesnar forcefully disrupted the referee’s count, preventing a potential Cena victory. He then delivered an F5 to Sami Zayn, followed by two consecutive F5s to Cena, leaving the WWE Universe stunned and the arena in chaos[3][5].
According to WWE.com and reports from wrestling news outlets such as Fightful and Wrestling Inc., Lesnar’s return was carefully planned to maximize impact. Having been off WWE television for nearly two years following his previous SummerSlam appearance in 2023, Lesnar’s sudden reappearance serves as a canonical ramp-up toward Wrestlepalooza. Sources close to WWE revealed that Lesnar’s contract was renegotiated with limited dates, emphasizing quality over quantity for his appearances, and that the company wanted to position him as a dominant force set to overshadow Cena’s farewell run[1][2][5].
Backstage, a WWE insider told Wrestling Inc.: “Lesnar’s return is all about delivering shock and awe. They want to make sure that John Cena’s send-off isn’t just about celebration—it’s about toughening up his legacy with a final brutal chapter against Brock.” This aligns perfectly with the narrative trajectory unfolding on SmackDown, where Lesnar is depicted as the ultimate obstacle to Cena’s farewell attempts[1][3].
The confrontation ended with Lesnar delivering a menacing message directly to Cena, appearing on camera after the assault and promising to meet in the Wrestlepalooza main event on September 20, set to take place at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana[3].
This announcement sets the stage for one of the year’s most anticipated matches, pitting two of WWE’s biggest superstars—the retiring icon Cena and the unstoppable Beast Incarnate Lesnar—against each other in what promises to be a memorable clash. The match at Wrestlepalooza will not only be a high-profile finale for Cena’s WWE tenure but also an opportunity for Lesnar to cement his status as the top antagonist in WWE’s current storylines[3][4].
The fallout from Lesnar’s return also impacts the ongoing US Championship rivalry. Sami Zayn, who was performing strongly before being F5’d out of contention, remains embroiled in the feud, though his title reign now faces significant pressure with Lesnar’s looming dominance threatening to overshadow all challengers[3].
This development follows Brock’s previous absence during which he was reportedly a free agent for several months before signing a new WWE contract. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer noted that WWE’s legal clearance of Lesnar was critical for his return, and his new deal includes restrictions designed to preserve his aura of unpredictability and lethality[2].
Fans can expect further explosive moments in the build-up to Wrestlepalooza. Lesnar’s reemergence brings fresh intensity to the farewell narrative for Cena, who has been on a highly publicized retirement tour. Tuesday’s SmackDown, September 12, is already rumored to host additional storyline developments, including championship matches that will solidify the company’s direction heading into the event[4].
In sum, Brock Lesnar’s sudden reinstatement on WWE SmackDown, his ruthless interruption of the Cena-Zayn US title match, and the subsequent confirmation of a Wrestlepalooza showdown mark a major turning point in WWE’s 2025 storytelling. This dynamic collision of legacies—Lesnar as the relentless Beast, Cena as the culmination of an era—has created enormous buzz in the wrestling community, with fans eagerly anticipating the fallout and the ultimate contract signing moments at Wrestlepalooza[3][5].
As WWE inches closer to September 20, all eyes remain fixed on Lesnar and Cena as their intense saga promises to redefine the farewell for one of wrestling’s greatest icons while cementing the enduring menace of The Beast Incarnate.
Reported by a WWE insider and corroborated by Fightful, Wrestling Inc., and WWE.com