Former WWE Universal Champion Braun Strowman is back in action after more than a year away from the ring.
The former WWE star made his in-ring return at Great Lakes Championship Wrestling’s Blizzard Brawl, marking his first wrestling match since departing WWE in 2025.
While it wasn’t inside a WWE ring, “The Monster Among Men” proved he still hasn’t forgotten how to clear the path.
Braun Strowman returns to action at GLCW Blizzard Brawl
Strowman returned to competition at GLCW’s Blizzard Brawl event in Ashippun, Wisconsin. Teaming with Kal Herro, he competed in a two-on-three handicap match against Tony Evans, Drew Hernandez, and Tommy Boy. Strowman and Herro emerged victorious, giving the former Universal Champion a winning return.
The bout marked Strowman’s first match since the April 18, 2025, episode of SmackDown. This also emerged as his first appearance after his WWE contract expired in July 2025.
Although this was his first independent booking since leaving WWE, GLCW wasn’t unfamiliar territory. Strowman previously wrestled for the promotion during his time away from WWE in 2021 and 2022, making Blizzard Brawl something of a homecoming.
His return follows a difficult stretch that included significant health challenges. Earlier this year, Strowman revealed that a severe illness caused him to lose 36 pounds and kept him off WWE television for several weeks before his departure.
Even away from the ring, he remained in the spotlight through his USA Network series Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman. The show has been renewed for a second season, with 12 additional episodes on the way.
Strowman also recently admitted that he misses professional wrestling, saying, “I miss the ring. Don’t get me wrong, I miss being in the ring. I miss being in the locker room with the boys. I miss the pop. I miss the fans.”
Like a monster rising after a long count, Strowman’s return opens the door to new opportunities. Whether that means more independent appearances or another run with a major promotion remains to be seen.
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