WWE SummerSlam 2025 will be remembered for its electrifying finale—not for a championship victory, but for the sudden, seismic return of Brock Lesnar, who stormed the ring to attack John Cena moments after Cena’s grueling battle with Cody Rhodes[3]. The Beast Incarnate’s music hit, the crowd erupted, and Lesnar delivered a brutal F-5 to one of the most decorated superstars in WWE history, leaving the wrestling world buzzing[4]. But the aftermath wasn’t just about shock value—it reignited a perennial debate: Does WWE’s reliance on a part-time legend like Lesnar signal a lack of new stars, or is it a savvy move that elevates the entire roster?
The Moment That Shook the WWE Universe
SummerSlam’s main event was a war—John Cena and Cody Rhodes battled for 37 minutes in an Undisputed WWE Title Street Fight, with Cena ultimately falling short[3]. As Cena soaked in the crowd’s applause, seemingly bidding farewell to the spotlight, Lesnar’s unmistakable entrance theme brought the stadium to its feet. Lesnar, absent from WWE programming for nearly two years, charged the ring and flattened Cena with a thunderous F-5, closing the show with one of the most talked-about moments of the year[4].
The visceral reaction—cheers, gasps, and social media frenzy—underscored Lesnar’s unmatched ability to command attention. “My reaction was exactly what I thought it was gonna be, which was, if there had been a roof on this place, it wouldn’t be here anymore,” WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque said on the SummerSlam post-show[3]. “The dynamic in the room in WWE changes when The Beast is here.”
Why Lesnar’s Return Sparks Debate
For some fans, Lesnar’s return is a reminder of WWE’s golden era—a throwback to when larger-than-life characters collided in epic showdowns. But others see it as a crutch: a sign that WWE is leaning on established names instead of building new ones. The critique isn’t new. Every time a legend like Lesnar, The Rock, or John Cena reappears, some argue that the company is highlighting a shortage of homegrown talent ready to carry the mantle.
But is that criticism fair in 2025?
The Case for Lesnar as a Draw, Not a Stopgap
Lesnar’s return is undeniably a ratings and ticket-seller. The mere hint of his presence changes the energy of an event, and SummerSlam was no exception. According to a WWE insider, “There’s no one on the roster right now who can create that kind of buzz in an instant. It’s not about filling a gap—it’s about delivering a moment that only Brock can deliver.”
This perspective is echoed by leadership. “When you’re Brock Lesnar, you sort of can, when that music hits, and you walk down that aisle, it doesn’t matter where he is. He sort of does what he wants to do,” Levesque told ESPN[2]. “We’re thrilled to have ‘The Beast’ back… A massive, massive moment for our WWE fans, something that they thought they wouldn’t get to see.”
Lesnar’s star power is undeniable, but his role is also highly specialized. He’s a premium attraction, reserved for the biggest stages, and his appearances are designed to maximize impact without overshadowing the weekly grind that defines WWE’s television product.
The Depth of the Current WWE Roster
Despite Lesnar’s headline-grabbing return, WWE’s current roster is arguably deeper and more diverse than at any point in the past decade. Stars like Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, and Gunther are carrying major storylines, selling out arenas, and driving merchandise sales. The emergence of NXT call-ups and international signings has injected fresh energy into the product, and the Women’s and Tag Team divisions are thriving.
Sources close to Cody Rhodes note that the locker room views Lesnar’s return as a “shot in the arm,” not a threat. “Everyone knows Brock is a special attraction. He’s not here to take anyone’s spot—he’s here to put butts in seats and eyes on screens. That benefits everyone,” the source said.
Lesnar’s Role in Elevating New Talent
History shows that Lesnar’s presence often elevates those around him. His matches with rising stars—such as Drew McIntyre, Bobby Lashley, and even Rhodes—have helped legitimize new main eventers. A well-booked program with Lesnar can be a career-defining moment, and there’s every reason to believe WWE plans to use his return to help transition Cena into retirement while spotlighting the next generation.
John Cena himself addressed the situation candidly: “I think SummerSlam was an indication from the audience where everybody kind of knows we’re closing our book,” he said in a street interview[1]. “And just because I close my book in December, that doesn’t mean the WWE closes its books. They have to continue their programming going forward. So, they’re just trying to make the most exciting show for the fans, man. I got a dozen of them left. They deal ’em, I play ’em.”[1]
The Controversy Surrounding Lesnar’s Return
Lesnar’s return wasn’t without controversy. His name was mentioned in the Janel Grant lawsuit involving former CEO Vince McMahon, though Lesnar himself was not a defendant. WWE initially distanced itself from him after the allegations surfaced, making his SummerSlam comeback all the more surprising[1]. The decision to bring him back—despite the baggage—speaks to WWE’s willingness to prioritize marquee moments, a strategy that has always been part of sports entertainment.
According to a production source, “The reaction in the building was overwhelmingly positive. The controversy is there, but at the end of the day, WWE is in the business of moments, and Lesnar delivers those like no one else.”
What’s Next for Lesnar—and WWE?
In the weeks following SummerSlam, WWE will have to navigate the delicate balance of capitalizing on Lesnar’s star power while continuing to build its full-time roster. Early indications suggest Lesnar’s feud with Cena will be short-term, setting the stage for new rivalries and fresh main events.
Triple H’s vision for WWE under the TKO Group appears to be one of coexistence: legends returning for special attractions, while the next generation carries the day-to-day load. “We hit him up, and said, ‘Time to come home.’ And he was into it, and here we are,” Levesque said[2]. The message is clear: Lesnar’s return is a bonus, not a necessity.
The Verdict: A Moment, Not a Trend
Brock Lesnar’s shocking return at SummerSlam was a masterstroke of sports entertainment—a moment designed to shock, delight, and provoke conversation. It does not, however, signal a lack of stars in WWE. If anything, it highlights the company’s ability to leverage its past while investing in its future.
The true test will be how WWE uses Lesnar’s star power to elevate the current roster. If history is any guide, the ripple effects of The Beast’s comeback could benefit everyone—from established stars to up-and-comers hungry for their shot at the spotlight.
For now, the WWE Universe can enjoy the spectacle, knowing that the arrival of a legend doesn’t dim the shine of the new—it simply makes the show that much brighter.