Speculation mounts over Brock Lesnar’s potential WWE comeback as SummerSlam 2024 approaches, with fans analyzing subtle cues suggesting the former Universal Champion’s return. Lesnar, absent since losing to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2023, endorsed Rhodes before stepping away, but industry watchers now identify multiple signals hinting at his reemergence.
WWE’s digital strategy has drawn attention, with the company revisiting Lesnar’s past SummerSlam clashes on its YouTube channel. Historical uploads featuring bouts against Randy Orton, John Cena, and Rhodes align with WWE’s pattern of teasing returns through archival content. While routine promotions for the August event are expected, the focus on Lesnar’s legacy has fueled rumors of a larger narrative at play.
Merchandise shifts offer another clue. Lesnar’s signature flannel shirt briefly appeared on WWE’s online store on July 12—coinciding with his birthday—though listed as unavailable. Such moves often accompany heightened visibility for stars, as seen with recent merchandise updates for others like Karrion Kross. While not definitive, the nod to Lesnar’s branding suggests ongoing discussions within WWE and parent company TKO about his role.
The placement of Goldberg’s retirement match also raised eyebrows. His farewell on Saturday Night’s Main Event XL, rather than a premium live event like SummerSlam or WrestleMania, sparked theories that WWE reserved a marquee moment for a bigger draw. Lesnar, a frequent SummerSlam headliner with matches against Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, could fill that void, avoiding overshadowing Goldberg’s exit had both appearances overlapped.
Timing symbolism adds to the intrigue. WWE often acknowledges historical milestones, such as Cody Rhodes’ recent reference to his 2023 Royal Rumble win during a SmackDown episode in San Antonio. Lesnar’s last match occurred at SummerSlam 2023; a 2024 return would align with WWE’s penchant for anniversary-driven storytelling, albeit one year later rather than the two cited in original analyses.
Promotional teases further amplify expectations. Recent WWE programming featured Rhodes and Seth Rollins invoking “The Beast” in their promos—a term synonymous with Lesnar. Such references, coupled with Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa’s mentions of Roman Reigns before his return, mirror patterns used to foreshadow major comebacks. Insiders suggest these nods would likely be scrubbed if Lesnar’s return weren’t under consideration.
As SummerSlam expands to two nights in New Jersey, WWE’s creative team, led by Triple H, faces pressure to deliver seismic moments. Lesnar’s star power and history with the event make him a plausible candidate to reignite storylines. While WWE has not confirmed his involvement, the accumulation of contextual clues keeps anticipation high, underscoring the unpredictability that defines professional wrestling’s biggest stages.
