Speculation regarding Brock Lesnar’s long-term future with WWE is once again a major talking point following comments from his long-time rival, John Cena.
While rumors of a retirement match at SummerSlam 2026 have gained traction, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has clarified that these plans are currently “working plans” rather than finalized decisions. Meltzer reported that while he cannot confirm a specific date, internal discussions for 2026 have centered on retirement runs for several high-profile legends.
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“There is a story going around that Lesnar will retire at SummerSlam 2026,” Meltzer noted. “I can’t confirm that date, but I have at least heard that the working plans for 2026 would be the WWE retirement runs for Lesnar, Styles, and potentially Jericho if he signs.”
According to the report, AJ Styles is currently the only superstar with a firmly committed retirement year, though his specific exit date remains unknown. Meltzer explained, “I didn’t get the impression it was locked in except for Styles, who has made it clear it will be in 2026, but not when. But the Lesnar name has been talked about, which is probably where the story came from.”.
Potential Location For Brock Lesnar’s Retirement Match
Credit: WWE
The rumors were further fueled by John Cena’s recent appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet. Cena suggested that Lesnar’s “sunset” moment would likely take place in Minnesota, the state where Lesnar’s athletic career began as an NCAA Heavyweight Champion.
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This aligns perfectly with WWE’s official announcement that Minneapolis will host the first-ever two-night SummerSlam at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 1 and 2, 2026. Cena spoke highly of the “Beast Incarnate’s” legacy, stating, “Brock is a once in a genre. There will be one Brock Lesnar in wrestling, and that’s from like carnival time to the time we shut the lights out.”
Lesnar’s current WWE status is as a high-level “special attraction,” working a very limited schedule since his return at SummerSlam 2025. After a period of absence due to legal complications earlier in the year, he returned to decisively defeat John Cena at the inaugural Wrestlepalooza event on September 20, 2025.
Cena admitted he took the lopsided loss to help build Lesnar into a “mountain” for a future star to eventually conquer during his retirement tour.
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