Although WWE made history with the first-ever 2-night SummerSlam, it’s the final 5 minutes that have cast a black cloud over the event for thousands as Brock Lesnar made his shock return to the company amid controversy.
As a disclaimer, this article was originally set to be a full review of the Premium Live Event that took place over August 2 and 3. However, it doesn’t feel right to praise was what a very strong show, especially on night 2, given what took place right at the end. Following the surprise Seth Rollins cash in on CM Punk to close out night 1, the second night felt much more exciting and fast-paced in what was set to be a wholesome crescendo. Naomi, Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY put on a great opener, followed by the TLC match that was a spot-filled demolition derby. While Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria’s no DQ match and Solo Sikoa vs. Jacob Fatu in a steel cage were both predictable, neither felt out of place on one of the biggest shows of the year.
Although Dominik Mysterio vs. AJ Styles was the only match where a DQ could occur on the Sunday card, both men put on a humorous display with great callback spots to the late, great Eddie Guerrero with a finish paying homage to the Hall of Famer. And then, it was time for the main event…
Following a 40-minute match that saw John Cena and Cody Rhodes go to war in a street fight, The American Nightmare prevailed over the Hollywood star to win back the WWE Championship in what was Cena’s final SummerSlam appearance. Given that Cena turned babyface just a couple of days prior, the ending of the show allowed the 17-time World Champion to have that emotional final SummerSlam moment in front of the fans. But then Lesnar’s music hit.
Brock Lesnar WWE Return Marred By Controversy
A mixture of shock and delight rang through MetLife Stadium as many took to social media to let their feelings be known one way or another. Michael Cole shouted over commentary that we hadn’t seen the former WWE Champion in years. Lesnar then ran into the ring, hit Cena with an F5 and stood tall in what was a similar ending to SummerSlam 2021. On the next episode of Raw, Michael Cole stated that the powers that be made the decision a few weeks ago that it was time for Lesnar to come home. Conveniently, there has not been an explanation on TV as to why Lesnar has been away for so long.
As many fans are aware, and the root of the majority of the fan backlash, Lesnar was first implicated as part of the Janel Grant lawsuit filed against Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis and WWE back in January 2024, which remains ongoing at the time of writing. While Lesnar was not named at first, he was referred to as “a world-famous athlete and former UFC Heavyweight Champion” who WWE were negotiating a new deal with. Given the nature of the description, fans quickly figured out that Lesnar was the person referred to, and was directly named in an amended filing.
It should be noted that although Lesnar has not been named as a defendant in the case, his involvement in the Grant vs. McMahon lawsuit remains a factor. According to the allegations, Grant was offered to Lesnar sexually to persuade him to sign a new deal, which also included Grant making explicit videos. The fact that Lesnar returned while still a part of the lawsuit is the source of the outrage from one side, with the other side using the innocent until proven guilty as their counterargument. However, when it comes down to it, WWE doesn’t care how the fans feel, despite claiming otherwise in their many documentaries.
Although social media amplifies opinions in the modern age, this isn’t the first time that the company has been hit with scandal. From the steroid scandal to the Chris Benoit murder suicide and the aforementioned Grant vs. McMahon lawsuit, WWE has been hit time and time again and still remains on top as the world leader in the professional wrestling world. Although it could be argued that company never learns from its past decisions, maybe it has on a more financial level.
Despite the many times there have been fan backlash to decisions made inside and outside of the ring, fans still pack the arenas, buy the merch and tune in every week. Although many claim that this is the point where they are done with WWE, it’s very unlikely that the bottom line will be affected. No one is looking to refund their tickets to upcoming shows, WrestleMania 42 will once again set a gate record due to eye-watering ticket prices, and new Brock Lesnar merch will sell by the truckload. Fans can be offended all they want by whatever takes place on TV and the decisions made behind closed doors, such as the releases and ongoing Saudi deals, but there is no amount of fan backlash that will stop them from moving forward with controversial practices. Yes the WrestleMania 40 plans with Cody Rhodes was changed after social media traffic, but that was likely more due to The Rock being concerned about his own image as opposed to fear of losing fans.
On a personal note, I was surprised that Lesnar came back while the lawsuit remained ongoing, but also not surprised that WWE had made what was definitely a tone deaf decision. Additionally, I received a very angry message from someone who very casually watches wrestling, expressing their disgust over seeing Lesnar back on TV. The fact remains that Lesnar has been named in a very serious and very distressing lawsuit that contains allegations of sexual assault, something that many fans have sadly experienced. Additionally, from a TV standpoint alone, aside from a possible Gunther match at no point over the past 2 years have I ever thought that WWE needed Brock Lesnar back given the stacked roster they already have.
If Fan Opinion Doesn’t Count, Then What Does?
As has been mentioned multiple times in this article, the fans’ opinion is pretty much irrelevant to how WWE conducts its business. Ultimately, it is the sponsors who have the final say. It was Snickers who forced WWE to drop The Fabulous Moolah name from the Women’s battle royal at WrestleMania 34 and Slim Jim pulling its Royal Rumble sponsorship that led to McMahon’s resignation. Unless some major sponsors take action, and none have at the time of writing, Lesnar is here to stay, regardless of what the fans think.
Fans will say that this is the end of their WWE fandom and will focus on the smaller shows moving forward. If they follow through on this, here’s hoping that a larger spotlight is shone on the likes of AEW, TNA and the smaller promotions to showcase many styles to the world. But ultimately WWE is, and always will be, the worldwide leader in sports entertainment, and sadly, there is no amount of fan backlash that will make them change course. As Eric Bischoff famously said, controversy creates cash.
The views published in my article are solely my own.
Featured image: WWE
