Brock Lesnar sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe with a surprise appearance on the September 5, 2025, episode of SmackDown, addressing his vicious attacks on John Cena since his explosive return at SummerSlam. The Beast Incarnate, who had been absent from WWE television since 2023, stormed back into the spotlight in August, blindsiding Cena after his loss to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam. On SmackDown, Lesnar interrupted Cena’s United States Championship match against Sami Zayn, delivering a brutal F-5 to both competitors and setting the stage for their highly anticipated clash at Wrestlepalooza on September 20. In a chilling promo, Lesnar issued a dire warning to Cena, promising to inflict unprecedented pain in what could be one of the final matches of Cena’s storied career.

The Allstate Arena in Chicago erupted as Lesnar’s music hit, marking his first WWE TV appearance since his SummerSlam return. Cena, in his final SmackDown match before retirement, was locked in a competitive bout with Zayn, paying homage to rivals like Kurt Angle and CM Punk with their signature moves. As Cena appeared poised to win, Lesnar stormed the ring, yanking the referee out to halt the pinfall and unleashing chaos. He delivered an F-5 to Zayn before turning his attention to Cena, hitting him with two devastating F-5s. The crowd, initially stunned, booed loudly as Lesnar exited, only to be met with a backstage promo that sent chills down spines. “John, at Wrestlepalooza, I’m not just gonna beat you—I’m gonna break you,” Lesnar growled, staring into the camera. “You’ll feel pain you’ve never known.”

This ongoing feud, reignited at SummerSlam, has captivated fans, with Lesnar’s attacks signaling a personal vendetta. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter notes that Lesnar’s return was strategically planned to maximize impact, capitalizing on Cena’s retirement tour to create a blockbuster storyline. Their history is storied—Lesnar holds a 4-2 edge in one-on-one matches, with their last singles encounter at Night of Champions 2014 ending in a disqualification victory for Cena. The Wrestlepalooza match, set for September 20 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, marks Lesnar’s first in-ring action in two years and is poised to be a defining moment in Cena’s farewell tour, which concludes in December 2025.

Lesnar’s SmackDown promo was a masterclass in intensity. Dressed in his signature black attire and cowboy hat, he spoke directly to Cena, dismissing his legacy as “overrated” and vowing to make Wrestlepalooza a “massacre.” The warning resonated on social media, with #LesnarVsCena trending on X as fans shared clips of the confrontation. Some praised Lesnar’s menacing presence, while others rallied behind Cena, hoping the 17-time world champion could defy the odds. The event’s significance is amplified by its broadcast on ESPN and Netflix, marking a new era for WWE’s Premium Live Events.

Cena, who announced his retirement at Money in the Bank 2024, has been on an emotional journey, wrestling in iconic venues and facing top stars. His SmackDown match in Chicago, where he debuted 23 years ago, was meant to be a nostalgic farewell to the blue brand. Lesnar’s interference, however, turned sentimentality into chaos, reinforcing his role as the ultimate disruptor. Backstage reports suggest Cena was aware of Lesnar’s return but unprepared for the promo’s intensity, which sources describe as “vintage Beast.” WWE’s creative team is reportedly banking on this feud to draw massive viewership, with Wrestlepalooza competing against AEW’s All Out on the same day.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. For Cena, a victory over Lesnar would cement his legacy as he nears retirement. For Lesnar, it’s a chance to reassert his dominance after a two-year hiatus. Fans speculate on the match’s outcome, with some wondering if Cena’s rumored heel turn could play a role. Regardless, Lesnar’s warning has set the tone for a brutal encounter. As Wrestlepalooza approaches, the wrestling world is abuzz, anticipating whether Cena can overcome The Beast or if Lesnar will deliver on his promise of pain, etching another unforgettable chapter in their storied rivalry.