Paul Heyman Fiercely Defends Brock Lesnar’s Controversial Comeback at WWE SummerSlam 2025

Paul Heyman targets the naysayers on Brock Lesnar's WWE return and asks them to get over it.

Paul Heyman Fiercely Defends Brock Lesnar’s Controversial Comeback at WWE SummerSlam 2025

Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman (via WWE)

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On Night 2 of SummerSlam 2025, WWE fans witnessed the unthinkable as Brock Lesnar made his shocking return to the ring after nearly two years away. In a jaw-dropping finale, ‘The Beast Incarnate’ laid out John Cena with a brutal F-5, moments after Cena had lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes in a 37-minute street fight.

The moment Lesnar’s music hit, the crowd inside MetLife Stadium erupted,  a clear reflection of his enduring star power. Still, not everyone welcomed the former UFC Champion back with open arms. For those unfamiliar with the background, Lesnar’s name was linked to the ongoing Janel Grant lawsuit involving Vince McMahon. When the suit was first filed in January 2024, Lesnar was only rumored to be involved. 

WWE responded by removing him from all creative plans, including a highly anticipated Royal Rumble return that year and a WrestleMania 40 match against Gunther. That all escalated even further in February 2025, when Grant officially named Lesnar in the lawsuit, putting his WWE future in serious doubt. In the months that followed, the company dropped subtle hints about a potential comeback. Now, those teases have become reality: Lesnar is officially back!

It’s worth noting that while Lesnar was named, he is not a defendant, as confirmed by court documents. However, his ties to TKO Group Holdings and its affiliated companies have continued to raise eyebrows. In the wake of his return, Paul Heyman, Lesnar’s longtime friend and on-screen advocate, stepped in to defend his former client. Appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show, Heyman addressed the criticism directly:

Everything in life is met with criticism, I don’t pay attention to that. If you were in MetLife Stadium on Sunday, you would understand that return meant a lot to that audience. That audience was shocked to see Brock Lesnar come out and to see him F-5 John Cena. Nobody left MetLife Stadium going, ‘Oh God, they brought back Brock.’ People were just going nuts. That’s our paying audience. They’re happy to see him, I’m happy to be part of a team that presents him.

Paul Heyman via The Ariel Helwani Show

Heyman also stood by WWE’s decision to bring Lesnar back, expressing full support for the company’s direction.

There’s always going to be critics of anything that we do, and very few people ever make it to the top in life without either making mistakes or having skeletons in their closet. Obviously, the decision was made, it’s time to bring back Brock Lesnar. Whatever that decision is based on, I respect it. If there are critics of it, get over it. He’s here and he’s going to be here and you ain’t going to be able to cancel him.

Paul Heyman via The Ariel Helwani Show

Pointing to the deafening cheers in MetLife, Heyman insisted the fans had spoken loud and clear. 

And I’m happy to have him back because the audience is happy to have him back. If we brought him back and the audience rebelled against it, I wouldn’t be happy to have him back.

Paul Heyman via The Ariel Helwani Show

There’s no denying that Lesnar’s return has sparked interest and debate. While some fans remain skeptical, others, including top WWE names like Triple H, Cena, and Cody Rhodes, have spoken positively about his comeback. At some point, WWE may shed light on why their legal team cleared Lesnar to return just a month ago. That explanation could help sway public perception.

But ultimately, whether the company’s stance comes across as calculated or controversial, the true test lies ahead: How will Brock Lesnar’s return impact WWE’s business and Cena’s farewell tour, which now has just four months left?

Cody Rhodes strongly backs Brock Lesnar’s return to the WWE

Paul Heyman wasn’t the only one to support Brock Lesnar’s WWE comeback. Cody Rhodes, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion and Lesnar’s last opponent, also weighed in, praising Lesnar’s impact on the industry and what he represents.

Brock Lesnar and Cody Rhodes
Brock Lesnar and Cody Rhodes (via WWE)

Rhodes, who closed out an iconic trilogy against Lesnar at SummerSlam 2023, spoke to ESPN about how ‘The Beast Incarnate’ fits into the modern WWE landscape.

I mean, Brock, in terms of athleticism, one of the things….Brock’s somebody who is an NCAA Champion, a UFC Heavyweight Champion. He fits right in with the direction that WWE is going in terms of sport meeting entertainment. Also, I should point out that the last person who beat Brock Lesnar is standing right here, so… I need that moment.

Cody Rhodes via ESPN

Rhodes’ comments echo a broader sentiment among WWE leadership: that Lesnar still has immense value as both a performer and a draw, especially as the company continues to evolve into a hybrid of high-level sport and blockbuster entertainment, with their latest ESPN PLE deal reflecting just that. 

At the moment, WWE appears to be building toward a showdown between Lesnar and Cena, but it remains to be seen whether Rhodes and ‘The Beast’ will reignite their intense rivalry. Lesnar, often dubbed “Mr. SummerSlam,” is closely associated with the event, and fittingly, this year’s Premium Live Event is set to take place in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Now 48 years old and in the twilight of his career, Lesnar’s return raises another question: could WWE be preparing a retirement run for one of its most dominant and influential champions of all time?

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