Brock Lesnar to Retire in 2026? John Cena Drops Big Hint About The Beast’s Future
WWE fans are already emotional as John Cena prepares to step into the ring for the final time this Saturday. But it looks like Cena’s goodbye could trigger a wave of major retirements — and one huge name might be next: Brock Lesnar.
During his recent media appearances, Cena quietly added fuel to the growing rumor that The Beast Incarnate could hang up his boots in 2026. Here’s everything that’s buzzing around Lesnar’s future.
Cena Opens Up About His Controversial Loss to Brock at Wrestlepalooza
Cena’s retirement tour has been anything but smooth. From April’s failed heel turn to the chaos of SummerSlam, fans have been on an emotional rollercoaster. And just when it felt like Cena’s tour was finally stabilizing, Brock Lesnar exploded back onto the scene.
At SummerSlam, Brock returned after a long absence and destroyed Cena in a shocking, one-sided match — one that also overshadowed WWE’s big ESPN debut. Fans were confused. Why book Cena, in his farewell year, to lose like that?
Cena finally explained the truth during his interview with Chris Van Vliet.
“I Wanted Brock to Look Strong” – Cena Explains the Booking
According to Cena, this wasn’t some burial or bad creative. This was Cena doing what he has always done: elevating the next major attraction.
Cena said:
“He’s a beast. It’s his first time back. I’ve sat in this seat before — after he beat the Streak, after he came back for Roman, and so on. It’s okay. Sometimes your team gets blown out.”
Cena made it clear:
Brock’s return wasn’t random. WWE brought him back for one final run — and Cena wanted to make sure The Beast looked like a true monster again.
Is SummerSlam 2026 Brock Lesnar’s Final Match?
This is where things get interesting.
Brock’s career has been tied to SummerSlam for decades — his first WWE Title win, multiple returns, and now maybe… his final goodbye?
Cena hinted that Brock’s last match could happen at SummerSlam 2026 in Minneapolis, his home state.
Cena suggested that his own loss to Brock may have been the beginning of Lesnar’s farewell tour:
“If this is his last run — and I think it is — then somebody has to build that mountain for him to climb. And I’m on my way out.”
This is the strongest clue yet that WWE is preparing Brock’s final storyline.
Brock Lesnar’s New Contract Ending in 2026?
Another major clue: Brock’s contract situation.
Lesnar abruptly disappeared from WWE TV in 2023 after serious allegations surfaced involving Vince McMahon and Janel Grant. Many assumed his career was over.
But in 2025, The Beast shocked everyone by returning — reportedly signing a new WWE contract, according to Paul Heyman.
If that contract began around SummerSlam 2025…
…a 1-year deal would naturally expire right around SummerSlam 2026.
This fits perfectly with Cena’s hints.
It wouldn’t be the first time Brock signed a one-year contract. When he returned in 2012, that comeback also started with a one-year deal before he negotiated extensions.
So the signs are lining up.
So, Is Brock Lesnar Retiring Next Year?
Nothing is official yet. WWE hasn’t announced anything, and Brock is known for keeping his future close to his chest.
But here’s what we know:
- Cena believes Brock is on his final run
- Brock has only wrestled two matches since returning
- His contract may expire next year
- SummerSlam 2026 is in Minnesota — Brock’s home
Put all that together, and it looks like Brock Lesnar’s final match may be just months away.
The Beast might finally be preparing to ride off into the sunset… and WWE fans should get ready for another emotional goodbye.
