Brock Lesnar’s shocking WWE return at SummerSlam 2025 came after months of uncertainty, as it has been confirmed that the “Beast Incarnate” was a free agent before signing a brand-new contract with WWE. According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer and multiple insider sources, Lesnar’s previous WWE deal fully expired during his two-year absence, making him a free agent for several months before agreeing to a restricted-appearance deal just prior to SummerSlam[1][2][3].

Lesnar’s Contract Timeline Revealed: From Free Agent to SummerSlam Return

Contrary to earlier reports that WWE had kept Lesnar under contract and paid during his hiatus, Meltzer clarified that while Lesnar was initially paid under his prior contract, it eventually expired because WWE chose not to use him on programming—and because he was not injured, WWE was legally unable to extend or freeze that contract like they might have with other wrestlers[1][2][4]. This meant Lesnar was effectively unsigned and a free agent for months leading up to his August 3rd comeback at SummerSlam.

Sources close to WWE’s backstage operations also revealed that the company’s legal team conducted a thorough review before clearing Lesnar for a return, particularly in light of his name being mentioned in the high-profile Janel Grant sex trafficking lawsuit involving Vince McMahon and WWE executives. While Lesnar himself is not a defendant in the case, WWE exercised caution and only presented him with a new contract after their clearance, emphasizing limited dates and appearances to mitigate risk[1][2][4].

The New Contract: Limited Dates and Strategic Booking

The recently signed deal reportedly offers Lesnar very limited dates, a sign WWE plans to use the multi-time world champion sparingly but strategically, maximizing impact without committing to a heavy schedule[3]. This aligns with his high-profile attack on John Cena at SummerSlam, signaling the start of a major storyline heading into WrestlePalooza and beyond.

A WWE insider told Fightful, “They’re not locking him down for a full-time run—this is about big moments and marquee matchups. The new agreement reflects those priorities and Brock’s willingness to stay fresh and unpredictable.” According to WWE.com and reports from SmackDown tapings, Lesnar’s next scheduled appearance was set for September 5 in Chicago, one of just two pre-WrestlePalooza dates planned as part of John Cena’s retirement tour buildup.

WWE’s Strategic Clearance and Long-Term Plans

Behind the scenes, WWE’s legal and creative teams spent months vetting Lesnar’s situation, particularly given the sensitive nature of the lawsuit. Meltzer noted that WWE wanted to ensure Lesnar’s return would not generate further controversy or legal complications, which is why the decision to offer him a new contract came only after legal clearance and extensive internal discussions[1][5].

Despite the risk, WWE views Lesnar as a valuable asset who can deliver compelling ratings and fan interest. His pairing with John Cena — one of the company’s biggest stars — fits WWE’s long-term vision for Cena’s retirement storyline. Cena himself has publicly expressed readiness to face any challenge WWE presents during his farewell tour, making Lesnar an ideal antagonist for the high-stakes narrative[3]. Cena’s recent comments, “They deal ‘em, I play ‘em,” underline his acceptance of this storyline direction.

Context Surrounding Lesnar’s Hiatus and Return

Lesnar’s nearly two-year hiatus from WWE programming followed the controversial SummerSlam 2023 loss to Cody Rhodes. Plans initially existed for Brock to return earlier in 2024, but those were postponed amid the fallout from the Janel Grant lawsuit that implicated WWE leadership and mentioned Lesnar’s name tangentially[4]. His absence fueled speculation, with some mistakenly believing he remained under contract and was simply being paid without appearing on TV.

However, Meltzer corrected these assumptions in his recent Wrestling Observer Newsletter, emphasizing that WWE’s choice not to use Lesnar meant his contract expired naturally. His return required a fresh deal reflecting a different business dynamic than past full-time agreements[1][2][4]. This approach allows WWE to capitalize on Lesnar’s drawing power while managing legal sensitivities and storyline timing.

What This Means For WWE and Lesnar’s Future

WWE’s renewed relationship with Brock Lesnar via a short-term, limited-appearance contract signals a shift in how the company handles top stars with complex external issues. This modus operandi, blending cautious legal clearance with big-impact bookings, may become a blueprint for working with other veteran wrestlers who have intermittent availability or controversies.

Fans can expect Lesnar to appear in headline moments rather than weekly programming, heightening anticipation and ensuring each appearance is significant. His upcoming matches, particularly against John Cena, are poised to draw considerable attention, with WWE leveraging nostalgia and star power during a period of high competition from rival promotions.

Summary

• Brock Lesnar’s prior WWE contract fully expired during his two-year absence, making him a free agent for several months[1][2].
• WWE legally could not extend his contract since he was not injured and his lack of appearances was a company decision[1][4].
• After WWE’s legal team cleared him, Lesnar signed a new limited-dates contract shortly before SummerSlam 2025[1][3][4].
• His return featured a surprise attack on John Cena, setting up a major feud for Cena’s retirement tour[3].
• WWE plans to use Lesnar strategically in marquee moments and has scheduled only a handful of appearances[3].
• This new approach reflects WWE’s focus on balancing star power with legal caution and business strategy[5].

According to a WWE insider familiar with the negotiations, “Lesnar’s comeback was always in the cards but getting the details right behind the scenes took time. The new contract fits the modern WWE: big dates, big matches, and fresh surprises.”

This latest development highlights how WWE adapts contracts and storylines to evolving challenges while continuing to deliver compelling entertainment for its global fanbase.

This report is based on information aggregated from Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Wrestling Headlines, Fightful, WWE.com, and multiple industry insider sources as of early September 2025.