Brock Lesnar’s Shocking WWE Return as a Babyface? Fans Think He’s Coming Back to End the ‘Next Big Thing’ — Here’s What We Know

For over two decades, Brock Lesnar has stood as one of the most dominant forces in WWE history. Known for his brute strength, explosive speed, and larger-than-life presence, Lesnar has carved out a legacy as one of wrestling’s most fearsome heels. But recent rumors suggest something unprecedented may be on the horizon — a babyface return for the Beast Incarnate. Could this be the twist fans never expected? And is it true that he’s coming back to destroy the new ‘Next Big Thing’ before it even begins?

As whispers grow louder across wrestling forums and social media, one thing is clear: something big is brewing in WWE’s creative pipeline, and Brock Lesnar might be at the center of it once again. This time, however, he might not be the destroyer… but the savior.

Brock Lesnar’s History with WWE: From Rookie Phenom to Part-Time Beast

When Brock Lesnar first arrived in WWE in 2002, he was instantly billed as the ‘Next Big Thing’ — a moniker that proved prophetic. He dominated legends like The Rock, Kurt Angle, and The Undertaker, becoming the youngest WWE Champion at the time. His combination of collegiate wrestling pedigree and MMA-style aggression made him unlike anything fans had ever seen.

For years, Lesnar was the company’s ultimate attraction. Whether it was his shocking victory over The Undertaker at WrestleMania 30, ending the legendary undefeated streak, or his feuds with stars like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and John Cena, Lesnar remained the WWE’s apex predator. However, he always played the role of the monster heel, a part he seemed born to inhabit.

But things began to shift in recent years.

The Unexpected Face Turn: Seeds Planted in Lesnar’s Cowboy Persona

Following WrestleMania 38, Brock Lesnar began appearing with a cowboy hat, grinning ear-to-ear, cutting loose promos, and interacting with the crowd in a more humorous, laid-back style. This version of Lesnar — often referred to as ‘Cowboy Brock’ — was a far cry from the cold, merciless brute fans had grown used to.

Though he was still booked as a destructive force in the ring, his mic work, facial expressions, and natural charisma slowly began to win over the audience in an entirely different way. Chants of “Let’s go Brock!” became more frequent. His feud with Roman Reigns, though intense, carried an undercurrent of sympathy for Lesnar, especially when aligned against the manipulative Bloodline faction.

Some even started to ask — could Brock Lesnar be heading toward a full babyface turn?

The Suspicious Silence: Lesnar’s WWE Absence and Contract Freeze

In early 2024, Brock Lesnar quietly disappeared from WWE programming. The last time fans saw him was during a chaotic Royal Rumble segment, where he reportedly went off-script, leading to what many described as backstage tensions. Rumors swirled about disciplinary actions, especially in the wake of broader investigations into corporate conduct within the WWE and its partnerships.

Many believed that Lesnar’s contract had been frozen, either due to legal concerns or internal politics. The silence was deafening. Lesnar didn’t appear at WrestleMania 40, wasn’t involved in SummerSlam discussions, and had no merchandise updates — an ominous sign for someone once considered WWE’s biggest draw.

But recent signs indicate that the beast may be returning. And not as the same beast we once knew.

The Rise of the New “Next Big Thing”: Is Lesnar’s Return a Warning Shot?

While Brock Lesnar was absent from the squared circle, WWE began pushing a new monster — a young powerhouse fresh from NXT with an MMA-like build, amateur wrestling background, and a cold, calculated demeanor. Though WWE has not officially given him the title of the Next Big Thing, fans online quickly made the comparison, referring to him as “Lesnar 2.0.”

This rising star — rumored to be Bron Breakker or even Gable Steveson, depending on how creative pivots — has been mowing down mid-carders, building a near-unstoppable streak. The commentary has subtly referenced comparisons to Lesnar’s early run, and insiders claim this is no accident. WWE seems to be setting the stage for a clash of generations.

And that’s where things get interesting. Sources backstage suggest that Brock Lesnar has been approached for a return storyline — one in which he returns not to dominate the main roster as before, but to protect it from a newer version of himself. A symbolic passing of the torch, or perhaps, a rejection of it.

Is the Beast Coming Back to Slay His Own Legacy?

If true, this would be one of the most poetic angles in WWE storytelling history. Imagine Brock Lesnar, once the embodiment of chaos and destruction, stepping back into the ring not as the monster to be feared, but as the veteran trying to prevent a new monster from becoming what he once was. It flips the script completely.

This role would essentially cast Lesnar as a babyface — a protector of the roster, a gatekeeper who has learned from his own past mistakes. Not a saint, but a savage with a conscience.

It also mirrors the structure of great wrestling storytelling: the idea that the villain eventually becomes the hero when someone even worse arrives. Think Stone Cold Steve Austin turning face in the face of Mr. McMahon’s tyranny, or The Rock’s slow transformation from corporate heel to fan-favorite.

If Lesnar truly returns in this role, it would represent a massive shift in WWE’s creative direction — and offer a new layer to a character many thought had already peaked.

The Fan Reactions: Hope, Suspicion, and Hype

Online forums like Reddit’s r/SquaredCircle, Twitter/X, and YouTube comment sections have exploded with speculation. The idea of babyface Brock Lesnar is polarizing. Some fans are thrilled by the potential character depth, while others fear it might soften one of wrestling’s last true monsters.

But even among skeptics, the idea of Lesnar going head-to-head with a new, young version of himself is universally seen as intriguing. It carries emotional weight — a final battle between who he was and who he could have been, had he continued down the same path without reflection.

Moreover, if Lesnar loses, it could serve as a powerful way to put over the new talent while adding dignity to Lesnar’s eventual departure. If he wins, it could extend his career in a surprising new direction. Either outcome feels meaningful — a rarity in the often cyclical world of professional wrestling.

When Could the Return Happen? Timing and Teasers

The most likely target for this return would be WWE Survivor Series 2025 or the Royal Rumble 2026. WWE loves its surprise returns at the Rumble, and Brock Lesnar’s music hitting at #30 would absolutely blow the roof off any arena — especially if it comes right after the Next Big Thing just cleared the ring.

Some insiders suggest that WWE has already recorded promotional material teasing Lesnar’s comeback. Production crews were reportedly seen filming a mystery promo on a secluded ranch in Saskatchewan — a known location associated with Lesnar’s private life.

Even Paul Heyman — Lesnar’s longtime advocate — dropped a cryptic line in a recent promo about “monsters learning how to evolve,” which many took as a direct nod to Lesnar’s possible character change.

What This Could Mean for WWE’s Future Storytelling

If WWE pulls the trigger on this storyline, it could mark a creative renaissance for its main-event scene. With Roman Reigns having cooled off after his historic title reign and Cody Rhodes solidifying his status as a top babyface, the company is in need of fresh, emotionally driven rivalries.

A reformed Brock Lesnar fighting to stop someone from repeating his mistakes adds nuance and depth to a roster often criticized for one-dimensional storytelling. It invites fans to rethink what they know about their heroes and villains — a hallmark of great television, not just wrestling.

It could also pave the way for Lesnar’s Hall of Fame induction, positioning him not just as a mercenary but as a wrestler who came full circle. In doing so, WWE would be giving him the kind of layered legacy afforded to the likes of The Undertaker, Triple H, and Shawn Michaels — all of whom had transformative final chapters.

Final Thoughts: The Beast’s Last Evolution?

As of now, nothing is confirmed. WWE, true to form, has neither denied nor confirmed the Brock Lesnar return rumors. But the puzzle pieces are aligning. A mysterious production, a rising young threat, fan theories running wild — and a gaping hole in WWE’s storytelling just waiting for a legend to fill it.

Whether Brock Lesnar returns as a heel, babyface, or something in between, one thing is certain: his reappearance will shake the foundations of the WWE Universe. And if he does come back not to destroy, but to redeem — to stop the ‘Next Big Thing’ before it becomes the Next Big Monster — it could be the most shocking and satisfying turn in his already legendary career.

Until then, fans will keep watching, speculating, and waiting for that familiar guitar riff to hit… Because when it does, the game changes all over again.