Brock Lesnar made a triumphant return to WWE at SummerSlam, shocking fans and the wrestling world. This wasn’t the first time The Beast had made a dramatic comeback to the company, as he has done so on three separate occasions. Let’s take a look back at the three times Lesnar shocked the world with his return to WWE.
#1 Brock Lesnar’s first return in 2012
After a tumultuous exit from WWE following WrestleMania 20, Lesnar made a surprising return on April 2, 2012, on an episode of RAW. He immediately targeted John Cena, setting the stage for a fierce rivalry. This return marked the beginning of a dominant run for Lesnar, blending his WWE persona with elements from his time in UFC to create a truly unstoppable force in the ring.
#2 Lesnar’s second return in 2021
After a successful run that culminated at WrestleMania 36, where he lost to Drew McIntyre, Lesnar left WWE with no contract in place. However, he returned in 2021 with a new look and attitude, captivating fans as a babyface. His feud with Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes during this run showcased his versatility and dominance in the ring, solidifying his status as one of WWE’s top stars.
#3 The latest return at WWE SummerSlam 2025
Following a hiatus from WWE and rumors of a potential return at Crown Jewel, Lesnar’s name became embroiled in controversy due to the Vince McMahon sex trafficking lawsuit. Despite the negative publicity, The Beast made a shocking return at SummerSlam 2025, attacking John Cena and setting up a new feud. This unexpected comeback once again solidified Lesnar’s status as a game-changer in the world of professional wrestling.
With each return, Brock Lesnar has redefined his character and cemented his legacy as one of WWE’s most formidable competitors. Fans can’t wait to see what The Beast has in store for his next chapter in the squared circle.