Brock Lesnar made headlines with his shocking return at SummerSlam 2025, appearing moments after Cody Rhodes dethroned John Cena to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion. “The Beast Incarnate” marched down to the ring and laid out Cena with a brutal F5, instantly igniting what appears to be the final chapter in their long-running rivalry. But behind the scenes, Lesnar’s comeback wasn’t just a creative decision—it was a legally calculated move that’s been in the works for weeks.
According toWrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer, Lesnar was quietly cleared by WWE’s legal team roughly four weeks before his return. The delay in bringing him back reportedly stemmed from concerns surrounding the ongoing Janel Grant lawsuit, in which Lesnar’s name was indirectly tied to allegations against Vince McMahon. While WWE had previously stayed silent on Lesnar’s future, it appears they were simply waiting for the legal green light.
“It wasn’t a moral decision to keep him off TV,” Meltzer explained. “It was purely legal. The moment the lawyers said yes, he was back in the fold.”
Interestingly, Meltzer also revealed that WWE chose not to hold its usual post-SummerSlam press conference this year specifically to avoid media questions about Lesnar’s return and the legal situation surrounding it. Despite the controversy, Lesnar was never suspended or released during his absence. He remained under contract the entire time—and continued receiving his regular pay.
“They never fired Brock. He was always under contract. He was always getting paid,” Meltzer added.
While Lesnar’s return has received a mixed reaction from fans and critics alike, there’s no denying the buzz it’s generated heading into the fall. With Cena now locked into a farewell feud with his longtime rival, WWE is betting big on nostalgia and star power to carry the story forward—controversy and all.
Night 2 of WWE SummerSlam 2025 delivered the fireworks fans hoped for—and then some. Triple H opened the show with a passionate speech, declaring this the biggest SummerSlam in history. With the crowd fired up, the action kicked off with a stacked Women’s World Title triple threat and never let up. Let’s run down the biggest moments from an absolutely wild night in Cleveland.
Naomi made special ring entrance with her father playing guitar.
Naomi Retains in High-Octane Triple Threat
WWE Women’s World Championship Naomi (c) def. Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY
The three-way bout between Naomi, Rhea Ripley, and IYO SKY was nonstop chaos from bell to bell. Naomi fought off both challengers with creativity and resilience, using everything from a split-legged moonsault to a crafty low enzuigiri to stay alive.
A mid-match Asai moonsault by SKY leveled both opponents on the floor, and a massive Avalanche Riptide from Ripley nearly sealed it—until Naomi snuck in with a schoolboy roll-up on Rhea, grabbing a handful of tights to keep her title in dramatic fashion.
TLC legends the Hardy Boyz and Dudley Boyz were in the crowd.
Wyatt 6 Survives Absolute Mayhem to Retain the Tag Titles
TLC Match – WWE Tag Team Championship Wyatt 6 (Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy) (c) def. #DIY, Street Profits, Motor City Machine Guns, Andrade & Rey Fenix, Fraxiom
The 25th anniversary of TLC got the tribute it deserved—and then some. In a wild six-team brawl featuring ladders, chairs, and more broken tables than a Dudley Boyz reunion, chaos reigned supreme. From Candice LeRae, B-Fab and Nikki Cross got involved. Candice taking a horrific ladder bump off a ladder in the ring through a ladder on the outside, to Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy fending off high-flying challengers at every turn, this was a match filled with carnage. Erick Rowan also got involved.
After Uncle Howdy interfered to wipe out DIY, the path was cleared for Lumis and Gacy to reclaim their place atop the tag division, retrieving the titles to remain champions.
Becky Lynch Survives a War Against Lyra Valkyria
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship – No DQ Match Becky Lynch (c) def. Lyra Valkyria
This No Disqualification showdown got violent fast. Crowbars, toolboxes, steel chairs, and even fire extinguishers came into play as both women went to war. Valkyria showed incredible heart, fighting back even after being zip-tied, slammed into exposed steel, and blasted with a wrench.
Bayley made a shocking run-in late in the match, refusing to help Lynch but accidentally taking out Lyra instead. That allowed Becky to hit the Manhandle Slam and score the win, ending Valkyria’s hopes of another title shot while Lynch holds the gold.
Solo Sikoa Escapes Jacob Fatu in Brutal Cage Match
WWE United States Championship – Steel Cage Match Solo Sikoa (c) def. Jacob Fatu
Two of WWE’s most dangerous heavy-hitters collided inside the steel, and the result was every bit as brutal as fans expected. Jacob Fatu seemed poised for victory, surviving interference from The Bloodline and breaking free from handcuffs at one point. But when Talla Tonga smashed the door into both men, it gave Solo just enough of an edge to crawl out and retain his United States Title.
Post-match, Fatu got a measure of revenge by moonsaulting off the cage onto the pile of Bloodline members below.
Dominik Mysterio Steals One From AJ Styles
WWE Intercontinental Championship Dominik Mysterio (c) def. AJ Styles
AJ Styles came close to dethroning Dominik multiple times, but in true Mysterio fashion, Dom escaped with the title intact thanks to underhanded tactics. A loaded boot and a distracted ref helped him survive a grueling contest filled with classic reversals, near-falls, and a failed Eddie Guerrero chair trick.
Styles had the Calf Killer locked in multiple times, but Mysterio’s slipperiness (literally slipping out of his boot at one point) saved him once again. A frog splash sealed the deal after a ref bump, keeping the gold around Dirty Dom’s waist.
Stephanie McMahon in the ring to announce tonight’s attendance at 60,561 and the combined attendance of 113,722 for both nights of SummerSlam
Cody Rhodes Ends John Cena’s SummerSlam Legacy in a Street Fight Epic
WWE Undisputed Championship – Street Fight Cody Rhodes def. John Cena (c)
In what may have been John Cena’s final SummerSlam match, he and Cody Rhodes tore the house down in a violent, emotionally charged street fight. Cena brought out steel steps, slammed Cody through announce tables, and even delivered an Avalanche AA through a table. But Cody refused to stay down.
Late in the match, Rhodes used a detached turnbuckle rod to pummel Cena, then survived two more Attitude Adjustments before finally landing an Avalanche Cody Cutter through a table and a series of Cross Rhodes to capture the WWE Undisputed Championship.
Post-match, Cena handed Rhodes the title and raised his hand before taking in one last ovation—until Brock Lesnar suddenly hit the ring and delivered a shocking F-5 to Cena, sending a disturbing message on the final note of the show.
Other Notables:
Celebrities like Jelly Roll, Michelle McCool, Tyrese Haliburton, Mr. Iguana, Psycho Clown and other stars were shown in the audience.
WWE made history with the first-ever two-night SummerSlam, and Night 1 delivered a mix of wild brawls, emotional moments, and a jaw-dropping ending no one saw coming. Hosted by Cardi B — who made her entrance in full glam with a black bustier and feathered cape — the show kicked off in grand fashion. Let’s get into everything that went down in a jam-packed night from top to bottom.
Bloodline (Roman Reigns & Jey Uso) def. Bron ‘n Bron Connection (Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed)
Opening the night with a fight, all four men tore into each other before the bell even finished ringing. Chaos reigned early on as Breakker and Reed took turns targeting Reigns outside the ring, including Breakker eating the announce desk on a missed dive.
Jey Uso held his own until Roman got the hot tag, lighting things up with a rare tope con giro to the outside and his signature Superman Punch. But the Brons weren’t backing down — a Death Valley Driver from Reed and a furious spear from Breakker (intended for Uso but intercepted by Roman) brought the crowd to a fever pitch.
In the end, Reigns and Uso’s chemistry proved superior. After Roman absorbed the spear meant for Jey, the Bloodline put Reed away with a 1D and a top-rope splash for the win.
Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair def. Judgment Day (Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez)
New WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions
Bliss and Flair were firing on all cylinders from the jump, but Judgment Day played the numbers game early, isolating Charlotte and hitting tandem moves to keep her grounded.
A hot tag to Bliss turned the tide, and the closing stretch saw bodies flying, near-falls piling up, and everyone hitting signature offense. Bliss broke up a Pop Rox attempt, and Flair nailed Raquel with a big boot before Alexa finished it with Sister Abigail DDT on Perez.
New champs crowned, and the celebration was surprisingly wholesome for two of WWE’s most decorated women.
Papa John’s Segment – LWO, Alpha Academy, and New Day
Because no WWE show is complete without a sponsor segment, several fan-favorite stables brawled over the last slice of pizza… until Nikki Bella saved the day with more pies.
Sami Zayn def. Karrion Kross
In a match built around personal ideology, Zayn and Kross fought to prove who truly “understands” Sami Zayn. This was gritty and emotional, with both men trading big shots and the steel pipe teasing a turning point.
Ultimately, Sami refused to compromise, tossed the weapon away, and hit the Helluva Kick to put Kross down clean. Kross was forced to admit — Zayn was right all along.
Tiffany Stratton (c) def. Jade Cargill
WWE Women’s Championship
Power met athleticism as Jade and Tiffany put on a fast-paced, back-and-forth battle. Cargill dominated early with high-impact offense, but Stratton showed resilience and ring IQ, reversing a top-rope Jaded into a victory roll before sealing the deal with her Prettiest Moonsault Ever.
The champ retains, but Cargill proved she’s still a major threat in the women’s division.
A unique tag match with plenty of star power — and a whole lot of heart. Jelly Roll, the unlikely fan favorite, took a beating early from McIntyre and Paul but refused to quit. After a brutal Prime Splash through the announce table, it looked like he was out for good.
But Jelly Roll hobbled back down the ramp and tagged in with a second wind, hitting big slams on both heels and nearly stealing the win. In the end, McIntyre’s Claymore and Paul’s frog splash were enough to secure the victory.
The crowd gave Jelly a standing ovation for his effort — and yeah, he earned it.
CM Punk def. GUNTHER (c)
WWE World Heavyweight Championship – Title Change
This was the kind of match fans dream of: CM Punk bringing fire and grit, GUNTHER bringing brutality and precision. Early on, Punk played defense, constantly trying to avoid GUNTHER’s legendary chops and slams. The Ring General punished him with corner chops, tree-of-woe beatdowns, and the Gojira Clutch.
But Punk refused to stay down, absorbing more punishment than most mortals could handle. He finally bloodied GUNTHER on the announce table, then came back inside and hit two Go to Sleeps to win the gold.
CM Punk is the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion — or so we thought.
Seconds after Punk’s win, Seth Rollins, in crutches and a leg brace, made his way out with Paul Heyman holding the Money in the Bank briefcase. But it was all a ruse — Rollins threw off the brace, attacked Punk, and cashed in.
Seth Rollins def. CM Punk (c)
WWE World Heavyweight Championship – Money in the Bank Cash-In
One Blackout (Curb Stomp) later and just like that — Seth Rollins is your new WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Rollins celebrated with Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and Paul Heyman as Punk lay in the ring, stunned and betrayed.
Other Notes:
Michael Cole announced a crowd of 53,161 and delivered a eulogy for Hulk Hogan that steered heavily toward his SummerSlam legacy.
AAA’s Triplemania XXXIII will air on WWE’s YouTube channel with English commentary.
Celebrity sightings included Cardi B (again), Stephanie McMahon, and AAA’s Psycho Clown, Mr. Iguana, and La Yesca.
The leader of the Cenation is back — and not just physically. On the August 1st edition of WWE SmackDown in Newark, New Jersey, John Cena completed a full-circle return to his roots, shedding his brief heel persona in emotional and dramatic fashion just days before his highly anticipated SummerSlam street fight against Cody Rhodes.
The Undisputed WWE Champion opened the show, but before he could utter a word, Cody Rhodes’ music hit, signaling yet another high-tension moment in their ongoing feud. What followed, however, wasn’t a typical verbal brawl — it was a moment of reflection, humility, and redemption from Cena.
Referencing their chaotic contract signing last week — which saw Rhodes put Cena through a table and forcibly sign the match contract — Cena shocked the crowd by thanking Rhodes instead of retaliating. According to Cena, that act of aggression was the wake-up call he didn’t know he needed.
“I told Cody I was exhausted… that the match was going to be too much,” Cena said. “But he didn’t listen. He made me face it. And for that, I thank him.”
Cena didn’t hold back in admitting that he had lost his way over the last several months. Alluding to his controversial heel run, he confessed to having bought into the idea of “making shocking TV” and losing touch with the performer — and person — he truly is.
“I didn’t want to ruin wrestling. Everyone knows how much I love this,” Cena told the live crowd. “I was so hung up on what people might think tomorrow, I forgot how stupid I looked today.”
In a heartfelt declaration, Cena told fans to mark their calendars: August 1, 2025 — the night John Cena “came back” to WWE, not just as a competitor, but as the hero fans grew up cheering for.
Rhodes, ever the showman with a flair for theatrics, responded by grabbing two beers from ringside and welcoming Cena back. The two shared a brief toast in the ring, blending camaraderie with intensity as the Newark crowd roared in approval.
With emotions running high and the stage set, all eyes now turn to SummerSlam, where Cena and Rhodes will settle their differences in a brutal street fight. One thing is clear: the John Cena walking into this match isn’t the jaded champion we’ve seen in recent months — it’s the fired-up icon who thrives on hustle, loyalty, and respect.
During WWE’s SummerSlam Kickoff event on Friday, the Phenomenal One got fans talking with a surprising comment about his future. While hyping up his upcoming showdown with Dominik Mysterio, Styles hinted that this year’s premium live event might be his last.
“If I’m being honest with you guys, this might be my last SummerSlam,” Styles admitted to the crowd, via Fightful. “So, I plan on tearing the house down one last time at SummerSlam for you guys.”
It was a candid and emotional moment from the veteran, who’s no stranger to stealing the show on WWE’s biggest stages. While he didn’t make anything official, the 47-year-old former WWE Champion made it clear he’s approaching this match with a sense of finality — and motivation.
Styles is set to face Dominik Mysterio on night two of WWE SummerSlam this Sunday. With the possibility of it being his final outing at the “Biggest Party of the Summer,” fans can expect AJ to bring everything he’s got.
Whether it’s truly the end of his SummerSlam legacy or just another chapter in his incredible career, one thing’s for sure — AJ Styles plans to make it unforgettable.
With SummerSlam 2025 set to take over MetLife Stadium this weekend, WWE is navigating the final stretch with just a few bumps in the road—both literal and figurative.
Weather Slows Set Construction—But Not for Long
Set construction at MetLife briefly hit pause on Thursday when stormy weather rolled through the area, causing a two-hour delay. According to Fightful Select, work resumed by 4:45 PM local time, and WWE isn’t expecting any further issues before the big show.
Despite widespread travel delays across the Tri-State area this week, WWE officials say there’s no concern about talent or staff arrivals being affected. Everyone is still expected to be on hand for the blockbuster event.
WWE Stars Stay Active Ahead of the Big Night
As part of the company’s community outreach, Big E, R-Truth, and others visited a local Boys & Girls Club in New Jersey, continuing WWE’s ongoing tradition of giving back during major event weekends.
Meanwhile, the media blitz was in full effect Friday. Top stars including Bron Breakker, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Raquel Rodriguez, Roxanne Perez, Aleister Black, Lyra Valkyria, Solo Sikoa, and R-Truth were spotted making rounds across national outlets to promote the show.
Jelly Roll Reveals Injury from Early Training
Country music star and special SummerSlam guest Jelly Roll revealed this week that he suffered an injury early in his training for the event. Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up, he said he broke his pinkie finger during his first week of preparation.
“Listen, that ‘wrestling is fake’ stuff has got to go out the door,” Jelly Roll said. “There’s no fake way to land on a piece of plywood in front of 60,000 people… It’s a constant collision, dude.”
Despite the injury, Jelly Roll is still expected to appear at SummerSlam in some capacity, though WWE hasn’t officially confirmed whether he’ll be competing or playing a more entertainment-focused role.
First Ever Two-Night WWE SummerSlam – Saturday August 2nd & 3rd, 2025 – Metlife Stadium East Rutherford, New Jersey – 6pm ET/3pm PT
CARD
SummerSlam Saturday:
World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther (c) vs. CM Punk
Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill
Women’s Tag Team Championship: Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss
Roman Reigns & Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed
Jelly Roll & Randy Orton vs. Logan Paul & Drew McIntyre
Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross
SummerSlam Sunday:
WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. Cody Rhodes
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. AJ Styles
United States Championship: Solo Sikoa (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria
Women’s World Championship: Naomi (c) vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Iyo Sky
WWE Tag Team Championship – TLC Match: The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacey & Dexter Lumis) (c) vs. The Street Profits vs. Motor City Machine Guns vs. Fraxiom vs. Johnny Gargano & Tommasso Ciampa vs. Andrade & Rey Fenix
With SummerSlam 2025 just days away, WWE’s production crew is racing against the clock — and the elements. As Superstars get ready for “The Biggest Party of the Summer,” the weather in the tri-state area has thrown a wrench into the ambitious plans to transform MetLife Stadium into a two-night spectacle.
Set to take place August 2 and 3 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, SummerSlam’s setup was hit hard by intense storms on Thursday. According to Fightful Select, severe weather forced construction to halt temporarily, with crews ordered to evacuate the field at approximately 2:15 p.m. ET. A protective shelter was also brought in to cover the partially constructed set, which reportedly features a multi-tiered stage design.
New Jersey and parts of New York were placed under a State of Emergency, as heavy rainfall and flash flood warnings blanketed the area. The inclement weather also disrupted air travel, with numerous flights into Newark and New York airports delayed or canceled — adding yet another logistical headache for WWE ahead of its biggest summer event.
Despite the setbacks, WWE officials remain confident that the set will be completed in time for Saturday night’s kickoff. Construction crews are reportedly on standby, ready to resume work as soon as conditions improve.
Meanwhile, the SummerSlam weekend is still expected to deliver a loaded card. Friday night’s SmackDown will go down at the Prudential Center in Newark, featuring Giulia defending the WWE Women’s United States Championship against Zelina Vega.
On night one of SummerSlam, CM Punk is slated to challenge GUNTHER for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in what’s expected to be a hard-hitting showdown. Then on night two, Cody Rhodes will put his Undisputed WWE Championship on the line against John Cena in a massive main event that promises to be a generational clash.
Weather may have slowed things down, but WWE is pushing full steam ahead. The countdown to SummerSlam is still on — rain or shine.
Drew McIntyre is officially back on American soil, and his WWE SummerSlam 2025 status is no longer in question.
In a video shared on social media, McIntyre confirmed he’ll be teaming with Logan Paul at this year’s SummerSlam — putting to rest speculation about his availability. The clip also featured a cheeky dismissal of The Miz’s offer to step in as Logan’s new tag partner, with Paul responding to the idea with a definitive “hell no.”
McIntyre, never one to shy away from humor, joked that country music star (and apparent heel for the night) Jelly Roll tried to stop him from making the trip. But, thanks to Logan Paul’s connections, a private jet was dispatched to bring the Scottish Warrior back in time.
Now, the match is set: Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre will go toe-to-toe with the unlikely duo of Jelly Roll and Randy Orton in what’s shaping up to be one of SummerSlam’s most unpredictable showdowns.
Whether fans are tuning in for the celebrity crossover appeal, the ongoing tension with Orton, or just to see if Jelly Roll can hang in the ring, this tag team clash is bound to get people talking.
With WWE SummerSlam just around the corner and marquee matches like Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena and CM Punk vs. Gunther already locked in, one of Night 1’s more buzzworthy bouts could be in jeopardy—thanks to a surprising real-world issue.
According to a report from Fightful Select, Drew McIntyre is currently stranded in the UK due to a passport mishap that prevented him from boarding his flight back to the U.S. McIntyre, who resides in Nashville, had traveled to England for a friend’s wedding, only to be blocked from flying home after he was unable to use his British passport.
The issue stems from travel restrictions that require U.S. residents to enter the country with an American passport, something McIntyre apparently didn’t have on hand. Though frustrating, WWE insiders reportedly believe the issue will be sorted out in time for the show. Still, with the clock ticking, concern is creeping in.
McIntyre himself took to social media to vent, posting a video filmed somewhere in the English countryside. “Does that look like an American scenic countryside? No! I’m in England still,” he quipped, clearly irritated but staying in character. The Scottish Warrior even threw some classic heel shade at his SummerSlam tag team opponent Jelly Roll, accusing the country star of pulling strings to keep him grounded.
“You realized when I took off my shirt on SmackDown, you went, ‘Oh my God, oh the horror, I’m screwed!’” McIntyre said, laying blame at Jelly Roll’s feet for sabotaging his training week. He then promised vengeance upon his return, finishing with a shot at the musician’s weight in typical villain fashion: “Eventually, you’re gonna gain all that weight back and look like one of these f***ers,” he said while pointing his camera at a herd of cows.
The planned match would see McIntyre team with Logan Paul against Randy Orton and Jelly Roll, in what WWE has marketed as a celebrity-laced showdown. While Logan Paul and Jelly Roll are expected to bring the entertainment factor, McIntyre’s real-life passport problems might delay—or even derail—the moment.
For now, it’s a waiting game. If Drew can resolve the travel snag, expect him to show up at SummerSlam angrier than ever—and ready to take it out on Jelly Roll.
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