Could the Polarizing Brock Lesnar Leave WWE Forever?

In the closing moments of this year’s SummerSlam, John Cena got back to his roots and gave Cody Rhodes the respect he rightfully deserved. After besting Cena in a solid street fight, Rhodes returned the favor and embraced him in a hug without any low blow kicks (alla Elimination Chamber), thus thanking Cena for his years of commitment and dedication to both the sport of Professional Wrestling and WWE as a company.

While Cena was basking in the goodwill of the grateful fans, the music of the Beast Incarnate, Brock Lesnar, played. The fans understandably erupted in shock, and for good reason, as they were certainly not expecting the return of the best friend of former alleged human trafficker in chief, Vince McMahon.

Unlike the feelings of shock and excitement that accompanied CM Punk’s grand return at Survivor Series 2023, Lesnar’s return induced feelings of shock and disgust, reminding fans what a shameless company WWE is. There comes a certain breaking point where the powers that be at a sports promotion need to take a bold stand and do the morally right thing despite fans’ desires.

Obviously, the beast incarnate is a big draw for wrestling fans; his successful career speaks for itself and was undoubtedly aided by his close friend, Vince McMahon. If the wrestling industry is serious about leaving the previous boss in the past, then it must also wash its hands of his unjust business practices as well. Failure to do so will result in history repeating itself. Even without a CEO allegedly running a human trafficking ring, fans should be able to have faith that they are not giving their money to a morally bankrupt company.

All of this begs the question: just where is rock bottom for WWE in terms of not letting disgraced wrestlers return to the company? If Lesnar can get the green light from WWE’s legal team, then there’s no reason why someone like Matt Riddle can’t make his grand return. There is also no reason why a new up-and-coming wrestler like Bron Breaker, Gunther, Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, or Tommaso Ciampa can’t take Lesnar’s place of putting on banger matches, and arguably do a much better job at it.

Likewise, when newer talent needs to be pushed, other legacy wrestlers could easily fill that role better than Lesnar could. The replacement could be Rusev, Sheamus, Finn Bálor, either of the Uso brothers, Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre, or the tribal chief Roman Reigns.

End Of My Brock Lesnar Rant

At 48 years of age, Lesnar has already had a legendary career; however, that does not mean his legal baggage should be ignored. WWE desperately needs to set an example that being a highly talented professional athlete does not exempt you from consequences. Barring someone who seemed to be an extension of McMahon’s will and clouded judgment would be a good first step to having a strong moral high ground. This kind of example could resonate and spread to other major league sports companies.