5 fallouts from the recent wave of WWE releases

#3 Is WWE making way for a big return like Brock Lesnar?

Brock Lesnar

Brock Lesnar hasn't been seen on TV since dropping the WWE Championship to Drew McIntyre back at WrestleMania 36. It was the end of a storyline that started at the 2020 Royal Rumble where McIntyre eliminated Lesnar.

The Beast has made a lot of money working on a limited basis for WWE. His contract reportedly expired last September. In the past, Lesnar has also played both the UFC and WWE against each other while negotiating deals.

During the no-crowd era of the pandemic, some rumors stated that Lesnar would be back when the fans are back. WWE announced that fans would return in person in July. Many of the releases could have been in preparation to sign a returning part-timer.

Goldberg still wrestles two matches a year and the Beast usually only comes back for title programs. Lashley wants a dream match with Lesnar. With the return of fans, his wishes could become a reality when it comes to facing the Beast in the ring.

This is it @DMcIntyreWWE. You lose, you’re done! No third or fourth or fifth rematches. D O N E 👊🏾👊🏾👊🏾 #WWERaw @WWE pic.twitter.com/yuo6vJnsAH

— Bobby Lashley (@fightbobby) June 8, 2021

Returning to the road brings an uptick in revenue for WWE. With the additional money made from touring, will that lead to WWE trying to sign a few well-known free agents? Daniel Bryan is currently without a contract, while Tessa Blanchard and Davey Boy Smith Jr. are also untethered to a big promotion.

No matter what reason is given for the wave of releases, big-name Superstars were going to return once touring resumed. SummerSlam is arguably the second biggest PPV of the year, so WWE often tries to pull out all the stops to put on a huge show.

JUST ANNOUNCED: WWE @SummerSlam is coming to Allegiant Stadium on 8/21! pic.twitter.com/hPBSseOK30

— Allegiant Stadium (@AllegiantStadm) June 5, 2021

Money in the Bank will be the first big PPV featuring the return of a full-capacity live audience. Pandemic restrictions have been lifted all over the United States and WWE will try to capitalize on those changes.

Losing the likes of Braun Strowman, Aleister Black and Ruby Riott is disappointing for fans. WWE may feel more comfortable relying on part-time stars rather than elevating several newer stars. It could very well be related to the return of big names like Lesnar.