Brock Lesnar Returns WWE SmackDown Sets Wrestlepalooza Showdown

Brock Lesnar made a surprising return to WWE SmackDown on September 5, 2025, interrupting a match between John Cena and Sami Zayn and attacking both with his signature F5 move, ending the match in a no-contest. Lesnar had been a free agent for months after his previous contract expired but recently signed a new deal with WWE, marking his official return at SummerSlam 2025. John Cena's final match is now scheduled to take place in Washington, DC, rather than Boston, due to Boston not bidding high enough to cover WWE's hosting costs, with the event designed as a major tourism destination weekend. WWE veteran Vince Russo criticized the creative handling of Lesnar's return, highlighting the lack of explanation for his motives and noting the booking was influenced by competition with Friday Night Football. Russo also remarked that WWE strategically placed Lesnar's return at the start of SmackDown and ended with Lee's return to maximize audience engagement. Cena is set to face Lesnar in a singles match at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza event later this month.