The wrestling community was surprised this week when Brock Lesnar made his dramatic return to WWE. He appeared after John Cena’s segment in what commentators described as an electrifying moment at the Meadowlands.
The surprise comeback comes despite serious allegations from former UFC champion Daniel Cormier that Lesnar has been effectively blacklisted by TKO Group Holdings, the parent company that owns both WWE and UFC.
“Brock is on the ban list right now,” Cormier revealed during a recent appearance on the Mighty Cast podcast. The former two-division champion’s cryptic comments suggested something far more serious than typical business disagreements, though he remained tight-lipped about specifics. “I ain’t telling you on air what Brock did,” Cormier stated, leaving fans and industry insiders to speculate about what could have caused such a dramatic falling out.
The revelation adds context to Lesnar’s mysterious absence from both companies over the past year. His last WWE appearance was a loss to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam in August 2023. Despite being reportedly scheduled for the 2024 Royal Rumble, those plans were abruptly cancelled just days before the event.
Cormier’s frustration runs deeper than mere speculation—he has personal stakes in this controversy. The former heavyweight champion revealed that Lesnar had initially shown genuine interest in a UFC return for what would have been a blockbuster heavyweight showdown.
“Brock played us, man,” Cormier said bluntly, explaining how the anticipated clash fell apart when WWE allegedly offered Lesnar a more lucrative deal. “The WWE paid him more to stay,” he noted.
WWE’s Chief Content Officer Triple H had previously maintained an ambiguous stance on Lesnar’s status, stating in April 2024 that “Brock is not gone from WWE. He’s just home being Brock.” However, by August, his tone had shifted considerably, suggesting that any future involvement would depend entirely on Lesnar’s personal decisions.
The situation became more complicated when Lesnar’s name surfaced in connection with the high-profile legal case involving former WWE executive Vince McMahon. While Lesnar is not a defendant in the proceedings, his association with the matter may have contributed to his extended absence.
For wrestling fans witnessing Lesnar’s return alongside Cena, the moment represented more than just nostalgia. The dynamic between the two superstars was described as anything but friendly.
Cormier’s missed opportunity for what could have been a career-defining payday against one of combat sports’ most recognizable figures now seems even more significant. The potential UFC bout would have generated massive pay-per-view numbers, similar to Lesnar’s 2016 return against Mark Hunt, which drew impressive viewership despite subsequent complications.
