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Lesnar embarrassed, Rhodes returns & Orton injured
Inside: WrestleMania 43 plans and more
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Brock Lesnar’s second SmackDown appearance in years was memorable for all the wrong reasons, as The Beast Incarnate suffered a hilarious wardrobe malfunction during his segment. After crashing John Cena’s farewell appearance to set up their blockbuster WrestlePalooza 2025 showdown, Lesnar found himself face-to-face with R-Truth. In true comedic fashion, Truth introduced himself as “Ron Cena,” John’s brother, which cracked Brock up just as it did during their iconic 2020 RAW exchange.
But the comedy didn’t stop there—when Lesnar hoisted Truth up for an F5, his pants ripped wide open, leaving the crowd in stitches. Instead of brushing it off, Lesnar leaned into the moment, proudly pointing out his ripped pants to the fans. It was a rare moment where one of WWE’s most intimidating stars showed his lighter side, making the segment both embarrassing and unforgettable.
 Cody Rhodes finally made his long-awaited return to SmackDown tonight after weeks of absence. The Undisputed WWE Champion had been sidelined since Drew McIntyre’s brutal assault on August 8, where a Claymore sent him crashing through the announce desk. Since then, McIntyre repeatedly mocked Cody’s absence while continuing his rampage on the blue brand. Tonight, after Drew defeated Randy Orton in singles action, he looked to repeat the same post-match assault. However, Cody’s music hit, and the American Nightmare stormed the ring to a thunderous ovation. He laid into McIntyre with furious strikes before grabbing the mic to issue a high-stakes challenge — Drew McIntyre vs. Cody Rhodes at Wrestlepalooza. This adds another blockbuster match to an already stacked card. |  WWE has now confirmed Randy Orton suffered an injury during his SmackDown main event clash with Drew McIntyre. The Viper was visibly struggling after landing awkwardly on his knee in the middle of the bout, and later picked up another knock that left him bleeding and clearly in pain. On commentary, Vic Joseph highlighted the incident, noting Orton was walking gingerly and appeared to have “tweaked his knee a little bit.” While the full extent of his injury hasn’t been disclosed yet, WWE’s on-air acknowledgment suggests that it could impact his availability heading into Wrestlepalooza season. |
FROM THE RUMOR MILL
Triple H’s confirmation that WrestleMania 43 will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2027 has set the wrestling world buzzing, and now there’s an update on two of WWE’s biggest legends: Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock. While early reports suggested Saudi Arabia might simply host a “WrestleMania-branded” show similar to the Greatest Royal Rumble, it’s now official that the flagship event itself will be held there for the first time in history.
Following this announcement, Fightful Select reported on the status of both legends. Earlier in the day, speculation grew that Stone Cold Steve Austin was keeping himself fit with a possible appearance in mind for WrestleMania 43. As for The Rock, while no concrete plans have been revealed yet, his name naturally looms large in discussions about such a historic show, especially given his sporadic yet impactful WWE returns in recent years. The update suggests that both men are being considered as major attractions for the Saudi show, raising expectations of a blockbuster lineup.
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John Cena’s Farewell Tour is shaping up to be one of the most emotional story arcs in WWE history, and his Wrestlepalooza clash with Brock Lesnar on September 20 could be the most important chapter yet. The two rivals have defined eras in WWE, and their renewed battle carries the weight of nostalgia and finality. With Cena nearing the end of his career, the match is already high-stakes—but there may be an unexpected twist on the horizon.
Reports and speculation suggest that Gunther, the two-time World Heavyweight Champion, could play a pivotal role in Cena’s fight against The Beast. Gunther’s involvement would make sense on multiple levels: it adds intrigue to Cena’s chances of overcoming Lesnar, it furthers Gunther’s own reputation as a dominant, calculating presence, and it sets up fresh storylines heading into WWE’s fall calendar. If Gunther does indeed step in, it could provide Cena with the lifeline he needs to secure one last iconic victory against his most destructive rival.
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ANALYSIS CORNER
Since Triple H assumed creative control of WWE’s main roster, the product has undergone a noticeable transformation. His approach has centered on long-term storytelling, strong character development, and a “what’s best for business” philosophy. This shift has revitalized weekly programming, creating must-see moments that have drawn both casual viewers and diehard fans back into the fold. Many superstars who were previously overlooked or underutilized have finally been given the spotlight, flourishing with compelling arcs and renewed fan interest.
That said, not every talent has benefited equally from this new direction. Some performers, despite having the in-ring ability, charisma, and fan support, continue to struggle under Triple H’s regime. Whether due to inconsistent booking, limited television time, or simply being caught in crowded divisions, their potential has yet to be fully realized. This uneven balance highlights the challenge of managing a large roster—while many have thrived in the current era, a select few are still searching for their breakthrough moment.
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