Brock Lesnar shows up at SmackDown after walking out, dismantles Austin Theory (Video)

Jan 29, 2022; St. Louis, MO, USA; Brock Lesnar celebrates after winning the Royal Rumble match during the Royal Rumble at The Dome at America's Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2022; St. Louis, MO, USA; Brock Lesnar celebrates after winning the Royal Rumble match during the Royal Rumble at The Dome at America's Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brock Lesnar reportedly walked out of SmackDown before the show but returned just in time, destroyed Austin Theory, and saved WWE. 

On a tumultuous day within WWE that saw longtime CEO and Chairman Vince McMahon announce his retirement at 77 years old, the aftermath of that decision seemed as if it could have even bigger immediate effects as it pertains to Brock Lesnar.

Lesnar, who was scheduled to headline SmackDown on Friday night by making his return to programming ahead of his SummerSlam match with Roman Reigns, reportedly walked out on the show after the McMahon news broke. Not only did that leave him no longer in the plans for the show but potentially left WWE looking for a replacement at the upcoming PPV.

During the final segment of SmackDown, however, Austin Theory was beating down Madcap Moss in the ring when Lesnar’s music hit. Sure enough, he came down to the ring and did what he often does: Beat the absolute hell out of whoever is in his sights — Theory, in this case.

Brock Lesnar showed up at SmackDown and saved WWE from embarrassment

After Lesnar’s resurfacing, Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer and SI, who first reported the news that Lesnar had left SmackDown, cleared up what happened as he said that the Beast Incarnate was talked into coming back.

While it obviously made for an unexpected ending to SmackDown and gave fans a sigh of relief, Brock Lesnar not walking out completely (as it seemed he might) is actually a massive blessing for WWE.

With his absence, the rumors circulating from some sources were that Goldberg would be the replacement to face Reigns at SummerSlam. And for as little as fans truly want to see Brock vs. Roman for another round in the squared circle, they want to see Goldberg-Roman even less.

So for now, all is well with Lesnar, WWE and the SummerSlam main event. With the way Friday went, however, it feels like a lot can happen between now and Saturday, July 30.

Next. Vince McMahon retires: WWE fans react in pure shock. dark

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