Cody Rhodes sees what Brock Lesnar brings to WWE.
Rhodes, the new Undisputed WWE Champion, joined Matt Barrie on SportsCenter to discuss ESPN’s new agreement to host WWE PLEs beginning in 2026. During the conversation, Barrie asked Rhodes about Brock Lesnar’s return to the company.
Lesnar attacked John Cena after he lost the WWE title to Rhodes on Sunday night. This was his first appearance on WWE TV since losing to Rhodes at the 2023 SummerSlam event in Detroit. Rhodes was asked to highlight what value Lesnar adds to WWE, and the champion pointed out how Lesnar represents the “sport-meets-entertainment” direction that WWE is headed in.
“I mean, Brock, in terms of athleticism, one of the things — we held tryouts going into SummerSlam weekend. You have so many NIL athletes, so many people who are coming from the world of sport. Tiffany Stratton’s a great example of someone who is on our roster now who came from the world of sport and has grown into becoming a professional wrestler and part of this sports entertainment.
“Brock’s somebody who is an NCAA Champion, a UFC Heavyweight Champion. He fits right in with the direction that WWE is going in terms of sport meeting entertainment,” Rhodes added.
Cody Rhodes was also quick to remind Barrie about holding a win over Lesnar.
“Also, I should point out that the last person who beat Brock Lesnar is standing right here, so… I need that moment,” he joked.
How have others reacted to Brock Lesnar’s return?
Many people did not expect to see Brock Lesnar back on TV due to his being named in Janel Grant’s open lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE. He was originally referenced, but Lesnar was specifically named 44 times in an amended version of Grant’s lawsuit. Grant claimed Vince McMahon tried to use sexual encounters with her to entice Lesnar into re-signing with WWE.
The alleged encounters never took place, as a snowstorm reportedly prevented Lesnar and Grant from meeting in person. Despite being named in the lawsuit, Lesnar did nothing illegal by Grant’s own admission. However, it’s worth noting that Brock Lesnar has not been cleared of all wrongdoing, as Grant’s team hopes to share more information about all parties involved during the discovery phase.
Brock Lesnar’s return has seen a mixed reaction from the pro wrestling world. Some fans have threatened to boycott WWE over it, while some people, like Lance Storm, have questioned the message it sends to WWE’s female locker room. Others who are more closely connected to WWE, like Triple H, shared their excitement over having Lesnar “home” again.
Grant’s legal team issued a statement after Lesnar’s return, which can be viewed here.
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