Triple H may have subtly replaced Brock Lesnar with another top WWE star for major storyline
It has been over a year since we last saw Brock Lesnar on WWE television. The Beast Incarnate's last appearance was at SummerSlam 2023, where he locked horns with Cody Rhodes. After The American Nightmare managed to defeat the former champion, Lesnar broke his character in a rare moment, raising Rhodes’ hand in a 'passing the torch' moment, which was unplanned.
Recently, speculations around Brock Lesnar’s WWE return have reached their peak. Fans and pundits have predicted multiple scenarios and possibilities that could ultimately lead to the return of The Beast Incarnate.
A Former champion made his return to WWE at Bad Blood 2024
However, it seems the Stamford-based promotion might have given up on the comeback of Brock Lesnar and replaced him with a former champion in a major storyline he was supposed to compete in. The former champion in question is Goldberg.
Hall of Famer made his return to the company after almost two and a half years at Bad Blood 2024, and he even had a heated confrontation with Gunther, who disrespected him and humiliated him in front of his wife and son. Toward the end of the segment, Triple H raised his hand, and Goldberg said, “You are next, boy,” apparently addressing The Ring General.
What were the canceled plans for Brock Lesnar last year?
Last year, before Brock Lesnar was allegedly alluded to in Janel Grant’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon, the company had major plans for Gunther vs. Brock Lesnar. Reportedly, they had massive ideas to book their bout at WrestleMania 40. Now, it seems the Triple H-led creative has given up on this match, and Goldberg was signed in place of The Beast Incarnate for the storyline.
Lesnar was reportedly scheduled to make a return at Royal Rumble 2024 in a traditional Rumble match. Later, Bron Breakker took his spot and was eliminated by Dominik Mysterio. The company also had plans to book Dirty Dom vs. Lesnar at Elimination Chamber.
Does WWE really even need Brock Lesnar?
WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff described his views and troubles following Brock Lesnar's return. The 69-year-old questioned whether the multi-time champion wanted to wrestle another match at the Stamford-based promotion.
While discussing this on his 83 Weeks Podcast, Eric Bischoff expressed that Brock Lesnar has already earned loads of money from his incredible career in professional wrestling and his other business ventures and might not feel the hunger to step foot again inside the WWE ring.
"No way to know, man. Brock's unique. Brock's got enough money he could live the next three lives... His kids will never be able to spend the money that Brock has made, and beyond the money, Brock has farming. That's his joy, that's his passion, that's where Brock is at peace based on what I've heard. I don't know Brock that well, and man, I don't know; he doesn't need to, so it's a question of does he want to, and at some point, you just don't want to anymore. What's Brock gonna do that he hasn't done a dozen times in the last dozen years?" he said.
Keeping Eric's statement in mind, the question that came up was whether World Wrestling Entertainment needed him back. The former UFC champion has done all that can be achieved in the industry, from creating a GOAT legacy to earning whopping paychecks. On the contrary, the Stamford-based promotion is also stacked with superstars and has a lot of legends planned for future names like The Rock, John Cena, and now even Goldberg.
Additionally, bringing back Lesnar before the case reaches any conclusion might lead to a major backlash from fans and mainstream media, which the TKO-owned company would likely want to avoid.
It remains to be seen when Brock Lesnar returns to WWE, takes someone on a ride to Suplex City, and ends it with an F5, or if the promotion has actually given up on the possibility of his return anytime soon.