Is The Return of Brock Lesnar At SummerSlam 2025 What’s ‘Best For Business?’

In the main event on Night 2 of SummerSlam 2025, John Cena and Cody Rhodes put on a classic, old-school type of performance, which would have made guys like Dusty Rhodes, Macho Man Randy Savage, and others smile from the heavens above. What happened after the match was something that no one in the wrestling world knew of and/or was prepared for: the return of Brock Lesnar.

The artificial roof blew inside MetLife Stadium when Lesnar’s music hit, and the facial expression on Cena was priceless. The crowd absolutely lost it, and if there was a moment where commentary, specifically Michael Cole, nailed a reaction, it was the moment when he said “holy sh*t.” That’s exactly what everyone in the arena and likely at home were thinking when Lesnar came out. But the question surrounding Lesnar’s return is a simple one: Is his return what’s “best for business?”

John Cena Losing The Title Needed An Immediate Follow-Up

Sunday’s main event between Cena and Rhodes was a tip of the cap to old school wrestling, as it felt like a 2025 version of Ric Flair vs. Sting from the ’80s. Cena was a heel for the last few months, and although many felt it didn’t work, the WWE stuck with it as long as they could, which ended on Friday’s SmackDown. Fans were still unsure if the face switch was real, but when Cena’s music hit on Sunday with the “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect” feel to it, that’s when everyone knew it was real.

Just like I mentioned on the preview of Night 2, before the match began, there were distinct similarities with the WrestleMania 28 match between The Rock and Hulk Hogan, where the heel (Hogan) got the loudest ovation. Cena received the huge ovation while the pure babyface Rhodes received mixed reactions. Throughout the whole match, Cena was getting all of the support while Rhodes continued to get mixed reactions, with the boos sounding louder than the cheers. But just like Rock-Hogan, Cena hit Rhodes with his signature finisher multiple times, but couldn’t put Rhodes away.

Rhodes finally dug deep and did everything he needed to so that he could secure the victory. After multiple cross-rhodes finishers, Rhodes got the 1-2-3 and had his hand raised. This truly felt like the “passing of the torch” as Cena gave it his all while also demanding 100% from Rhodes to make sure he was ready to take the mantle as the face of the company. In true wrestling tradition, Rhodes quickly left the ring as he left Cena to receive all of the “flowers” from the crowd. The question everyone was asking themselves was: Where does Cena go from here now that he isn’t the undisputed champion?