One WWE Hall of Famer admits he was left both surprised and confused by Brock Lesnar’s sudden return to WWE television following what appeared to be an emotional retirement at WrestleMania 42.
Speaking on an episode of “83 Weeks,” Eric Bischoff questioned the timing and presentation of Brock Lesnar’s comeback just weeks after the former WWE Champion left his boots and gloves in the ring following his loss to Oba Femi. Bischoff said Lesnar’s emotional reaction after WrestleMania felt genuine and not like a scripted performance.
“When he took off his stuff, that emotion was real,” Bischoff said. “Brock is not an actor. Brock is a beast and an animal of an athlete, but he’s not an actor.”
The former WCW executive added that Lesnar’s return so quickly without significant buildup felt strange to him, especially given WWE’s lack of promotional teasing beforehand. Bischoff suggested the situation came across as “reactionary and random,” while speculating that something may have changed behind the scenes shortly after WrestleMania.
Bischoff theorised that Lesnar may have reconsidered retiring, or that contractual and financial discussions potentially altered WWE’s plans.
Brock Lesnar Returned On The May 18 Episode Of WWE Raw To Attack Oba Femi
Brock Lesnar resurfaced on the May 18 episode of WWE Raw, attacking Oba Femi with multiple F5s before leaving the arena. Later in the show, Paul Heyman revealed that Lesnar was technically still retired, but had agreed to return for one final match against Femi at WWE Clash in Italy on May 31.
The rematch was later made official during Saturday Night’s Main Event after Heyman presented Raw General Manager Adam Pearce with a contract already signed by Lesnar.
Femi previously defeated Lesnar in quick fashion at WrestleMania 42 using a sit-out powerbomb, leading to the emotional post-match scene that many believed marked the end of Lesnar’s in-ring career.
