Brock Lesnar was a free agent for several months before returning to WWE television. A new report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter clarifies his previous contract had fully expired. This counters the widespread assumption that WWE was paying him to remain at home during his recent hiatus.
WWE’s decision not to use Lesnar on programming stemmed from his implication in the lawsuit filed against Vince McMahon. Because Lesnar was not injured, the company had no contractual mechanism to extend his deal, which allowed it to expire.
The company re-engaged with Lesnar only after its legal team cleared him for a return. Following that clearance, WWE presented Lesnar with a new offer.
He and the company then agreed to terms on a completely new contract. The deal was reportedly signed just before SummerSlam and is for “very limited dates.”
His return under the new agreement occurred at SummerSlam on August 3. Lesnar appeared after the main event to attack John Cena, setting up an expected match between the two at WrestlePalooza.
The build to that match may continue as soon as tonight. Reports indicate Lesnar was scheduled to travel to Chicago for the September 5 episode of SmackDown, one of only two appearances Cena has scheduled before the premium live event.
Cena has publicly stated his readiness to face whomever the company chooses for his retirement tour. “They deal ‘em, I play ‘em,” he said.