The Beast Returns: Why Brock Lesnar is Important in John Cena's WWE Farewell Tour

Time of India

2 days ago

Over all odds, Brock Lesnar returns. And yes, it was one of the most shocking things ever to happen in
, at least in recent history. Of course, several WWE fans have been waiting for the Beast's return, but it was unlikely considering the ocean of controversy attached to his name.
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However, WWE has a firm response, and as John Cena's retirement tour is about to end with making him the face again, a worthy villain for his storyline was much needed.
Following his rivalry with Cody Rhodes, a new chapter to his final saga was in the making, with Lesnar headlining the beginning of the chapter.
Is Brock Lesnar the final piece of the puzzle for John Cena's WWE Farewell Tour?
Yes, sort of. Here's why. John Cena has done it all, well, almost everything on his bucket list in his final tour in his professional wrestling career.
He showed the world that he could be a standout heel, but the final piece of the puzzle was missing, and WWE intended to honor the wish of the future Hall of Famer.
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In perspective, Cena's rivalry with CM Punk was done at the Night of Champions 2025, while it was not as expected for many fans, the chapter was closed, and Cena does not have much time on his hands to extend his rivalry with his long-time pal. Then comes Cody Rhodes.
The American Nightmare ended Cena's championship reign and, surprisingly, the 17-time champ turned face.
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Who's next? Cena certainly needed a worthy heel like Lesnar. Of course, it is fitting considering the long history between the two. Both have been at the top of the food chain, retaining their dominance over the years as A-listers. Now, Lesnar was what Cena needed to prove that his retirement tour was not going to be stale.
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Lesnar made a shocking return to WWE at SummerSlam after being away for two years, attacking John Cena right after the main event. The unexpected comeback has split opinions among fans, and the reaction behind the scenes isn't much different. Some in WWE reportedly aren't happy to see him back, especially with past allegations still lingering.
According to Fightful Select, there are 'very mixed emotions' backstage, though no one seems ready to stage a walkout.
The move caught nearly everyone off guard, with WWE keeping Lesnar's return under wraps — even Cena's personal cameraman, Stu, had no idea.
WWE was far from honoring anyone's feelings concerning The Beast's return. Paul Heyman, Lesnar's former manager and a long-time pal, hailed the move as one of the finest treats WWE fans have received in recent times.
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Speaking to Adam's Apple, Cena showed no bitterness toward the attack, instead embracing the moment as part of his planned goodbye.
'I've been saying the same thing for 25 years: They deal 'em, I play 'em,' he said. 'They've got to continue their programming… for the dozen of them I got left, they deal 'em, I play 'em.' His focus is on delivering for fans in the matches that remain.
Triple H confirmed that facing Lesnar was at the top of Cena's 'wishlist' for his farewell run. 'This is John Cena's wishlist…it's him writing the last chapter of his book,' he said.
From the start, Triple H asked, 'Who do you want, and how?'—and Lesnar was the answer.
Why does Brock Lesnar's return matter?
For WWE, Lesnar's presence changes the game. 'The dynamic… changes when 'The Beast' is here,' Triple H told reporters. 'Anything you thought was happening goes out the window.' Beyond the shock factor, the company views Lesnar's return as a 'massive' moment for fans who thought they'd seen the last of him.
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Both Cena and Lesnar are reportedly scheduled for Friday Night SmackDown in Montreal, marking their first face-to-face since SummerSlam. That meeting will officially set the stage for what could be one of the most defining matches of Cena's career. And, it will help him close his WWE story exactly the way he envisioned.