More on Brock Lesnar’s WWE Return & Contract Status

As noted before, Brock Lesnar made his return to WWE during this past Saturday’s SummerSlam 2021 event in Las Vegas. Following the end of the Universal Championship match between John Cena and Roman Reigns, Lesnar made his surprise return and confronted Reigns to close out the show.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Lesnar’s appearance on the show was a last minute decision made by WWE officials. Meltzer reported that his sources close to the situation stated that WWE and Lesnar had managed to agree to a deal at the last minute for a variety of reasons. Those reasons reportedly included needing to appease FOX, respond to CM Punk’s high profile debut in AEW, and John Cena leaving for filming commitments.

In regards to FOX, Meltzer reported that WWE wanted to get a deal done with Lesnar as a way to keep FOX happy due to FOX officials had been very upset over WWE not doing more to sign Punk away from AEW. Punk reportedly had a very positive relationship with FOX which was another reason behind the network’s recent displeasure towards WWE.

Meltzer also reported that the rumors of AEW being interested in signing Lesnar were not true based on his sources close to the situation. Vince McMahon reportedly was unaware of this during contract negotiations but his priority was less about fearing Lesnar could go to AEW and more about needing a big news story that weekend to counter Punk’s AEW debut.

In regards to WWE’s plans for the Lesnar vs. Reigns feud, Meltzer reported that WWE officials originally had plans for the two to potentially feud at much a later date, either as early as next year’s WrestleMania event if The Rock was unavailable or as late as the following year’s WrestleMania event.

PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that WWE’s current plans are for Lesnar to be a top babyface star for the SmackDown brand going forward.

In regards to Lesnar’s newest contract with WWE, Fightful Select reported that their sources within the company stated that it is “roughly a year and a half” in length and for at least eight matches. It was also reported that the terms of Lesnar’s contract allows changes to be made if needed with additional negotiations.