Brock Lesnar’s shocking return at the conclusion of SummerSlam was a masterfully kept secret. A new report from Fightful has revealed the extreme and elaborate lengths WWE went to in order to hide “The Beast Incarnate” and preserve the surprise for his attack on John Cena.
The stunning return came after the main event of Night Two on Sunday, August 3rd. Cody Rhodes defeated John Cena in a brutal Street Fight to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship.
How WWE Kept The Return A Secret
According to the report, WWE’s plan to hide Lesnar was a covert operation. It is believed that Lesnar was flown privately into Teterboro airport in New Jersey on Saturday, a smaller airport that would attract less attention. He was then “hid throughout the day” to avoid being seen by anyone.
The plans for the post-match angle were also kept on a strict need-to-know basis. Many of WWE’s own writers and producers were not told about the finish or Lesnar’s involvement.
The report notes that the intense secrecy had many backstage speculating that a surprise was coming, but most believed it would be The Rock, not Lesnar. The company also canceled its traditional post-show press conferences for the weekend, a move that is now seen as part of the strategy to prevent any leaks.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 03: Brock Lesnar celebrates after slamming John Cena during the WWE 2025 SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium on August 03, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 03: Brock Lesnar celebrates after slamming John Cena during the WWE 2025 SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium on August 03, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The Beast vs. The Champ: A Violent History
Brock Lesnar’s return to target John Cena immediately reignites one of the most violent and iconic rivalries of the modern era. The two first clashed upon Lesnar’s return to WWE in 2012, in a legendary, brutal match at Extreme Rules that saw Cena score a shocking upset.
Their most infamous encounter, however, took place at SummerSlam in 2014. In a shocking and dominant performance, Lesnar completely demolished Cena, delivering 16 suplexes in a one-sided beatdown to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. That match solidified Lesnar’s “Beast Incarnate” persona. This new program, set to be a major part of Cena’s 2025 farewell tour, will serve as the epic rubber match to their historic feud.
A Shocking End To SummerSlam
Last night’s main event saw Cody Rhodes finally “finish the story” for a second time, defeating the vicious heel John Cena to win back his championship. However, the celebration was cut short by the sound of Brock Lesnar’s music. “The Beast” stormed the ring and, after a brief staredown with the new champion, turned his attention to the defeated Cena, hoisting him up and laying him out with a thunderous F-5 to close the show.
