In one of the most unexpected moments of the year, Brock Lesnar returned to WWE during the main event of SummerSlam 2025, ending an 18-month absence from the company that began after his name surfaced in a high-profile lawsuit involving WWE and former chairman Vince McMahon.

Lesnar’s return came at the end of the John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes match for the Undisputed WWE Championship. While Rhodes had just secured the victory, Cena remained in the ring, soaking in the crowd’s adulation. That’s when Lesnar made his stunning appearance.

According to Fightful, Lesnar’s return was kept under the strictest secrecy. Not only were writers, producers, and even production staff kept in the dark about Lesnar’s involvement, but many backstage initially believed that The Rock might be the mystery appearance teased for the night. Lesnar reportedly flew privately to Minnesota and then Teterboro, New Jersey on Saturday, and was hidden throughout the day at MetLife Stadium. He arrived backstage just as the main event was underway.

Lesnar has not appeared on WWE programming since early 2024, when his name was listed in a January lawsuit filed against WWE and Vince McMahon, which alleged sex trafficking and other misconduct. While Lesnar is not a defendant in the case and is not accused of the most serious allegations, WWE promptly pulled him from all future programming for the time.

Fightful also noted that John Cena has strongly pushed to face Brock Lesnar as part of his ongoing retirement tour, which appears to be a driving factor in Lesnar’s return. Cena is expected to feature prominently on SmackDown throughout August, and the Lesnar program is expected to be a major focal point.

As of this writing, WWE has not officially commented on Lesnar’s return or the legal case, and no public “clearing” of any wrongdoing has occurred. Lesnar is not currently facing any legal action or prosecution.