Report: Brock Lesnar's WWE Return Was A Last-Minute Deal

Brock Lesnar's WWE return was a last-minute deal, according to a new report.

The Beast Incarnate hadn't appeared in WWE since his contract expired after WrestleMania 36, but Lesnar returned to the company in the post-main event angle at SummerSlam. He is reportedly under contract for around 18 months and will wrestle at least eight times.

Dave Meltzer noted in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Lesnar's return "was literally a last-minute deal." The company decided to bring him back for several reasons related to FOX, John Cena leaving and CM Punk's AEW debut.

According to Meltzer, the relationship between FOX and WWE has been up and down because SmackDown is used to promote Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming service. FOX also had a good relationship with CM Punk from their time working together on WWE Backstage and the TV network was "very upset" WWE didn't try and re-sign The Second City Saviour.

As a result, WWE decided they needed to bring Lesnar and Lynch back as soon as possible.

Lynch and Lesnar joining SmackDown had unintended consequences, though, as NBCU and USA Network officials are reportedly less than thrilled that Monday Night Raw did not benefit from either of the returns.