Fans were stunned by Brock Lesnar’s unexpected comeback at SummerSlam 2025, but not everyone within WWE shared the excitement. After being absent from all WWE content for over a year, Lesnar made a dramatic return on SummerSlam night, sending the crowd into a frenzy. However, behind the scenes, feelings were mixed and complicated.
Sean Ross Sapp from Fightful Select revealed during a Q&A that emotions ran high backstage when Lesnar came back. He explained, “It’s a very complicated feeling. Not everyone is brushing it off, but if people are asking whether they will leave the company, I don’t think that’s happening.”
Lesnar’s return follows the controversy surrounding Janel Grant’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon. While McMahon hasn’t been formally charged, Grant alleges that McMahon forced her to send sexually explicit content to Lesnar, including a demand for a urination video during contract talks. Though Lesnar hasn’t been accused of any wrongdoing, WWE reacted by banning any mention of his name on TV and scrapping his WrestleMania match with Gunther. Earlier this year, a WWE insider told Ringside News, “He will not appear on WWE programming until the legal matters are resolved.”
The atmosphere shifted in recent months as WWE began cautiously reintroducing Lesnar’s presence. Paul Heyman mentioned him in a Hall of Fame speech, followed by Michael Cole referencing him during the King and Queen of the Ring event. After receiving legal clearance, Lesnar was flown to New Jersey the night before SummerSlam. Michael Cole noted on Raw, “A few weeks ago I said, ‘I believe it’s time to go home.’ Brock Lesnar said he would do it, and here we are.”
While fans were surprised, Grant’s legal team promptly issued a statement to Ringside News condemning WWE’s leadership for allowing abuse and failing to hold those responsible accountable. They said, “For too long, abuse was allowed to flourish under WWE’s leadership. Rather than correcting this wrong, WWE did nothing to ensure that the person in charge was held liable.” They also added, “We look forward to all facts, including those involving Mr. Lesnar, to be revealed in the proper courts. Meanwhile, we will continue to expose details about McMahon and other abuses within WWE.”
In summary, although Lesnar’s return has energized WWE’s on-screen product, it raises more questions than answers. WWE took a significant risk bringing him back, but whether this move will pay off or cause internal fallout remains to be seen.
Fan Take: Brock Lesnar’s return is a huge deal for WWE fans craving big moments, but the shadow of serious legal issues adds a complex and uneasy dynamic. How WWE navigates this could redefine the company’s direction and trust with its audience moving forward.
