WWE Fans Wanted Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena — Here’s Why We’re Getting Logan Paul Instead
When the lights went out at SummerSlam and Brock Lesnar made his thunderous return after two years, fans thought they knew exactly where this was headed — a long-awaited clash between The Beast Incarnate and The Cenation Leader John Cena. But just one week later, WWE Creative has taken the road nobody saw coming, and not everyone’s thrilled about it.
From Dream Match to Left Turn
The August 8 episode of WWE SmackDown opened with Cena addressing his SummerSlam heartbreak — losing the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes, then being mauled by Lesnar without a single word spoken. Fans were bracing for a Lesnar showdown announcement, but instead, Logan Paul’s music hit.
Paul, one of WWE’s fastest-rising stars and undeniably impressive in the ring, stepped up to challenge Cena for WWE Clash in Paris on August 31. Before Cena could answer, Drew McIntyre blindsided him, prompting Cody Rhodes to rush in for the save. The chaos ended with Cena officially accepting Paul’s challenge for the premium live event.
To sweeten the night’s TV drama, WWE booked Cena and Rhodes vs. Paul and McIntyre for later on SmackDown — but the bigger story was already out. But where in the world is Brock?
Why We Aren't Getting Lesnar vs Cena, at Clash
The decision to book John Cena vs. Logan Paul at Clash in Paris instead of the long-anticipated Brock Lesnar showdown feels like a calculated move — but one that comes at the fans’ expense. For years, the WWE Universe has clamored for one more Cena vs. Lesnar collision, and after Brock’s shocking return at SummerSlam, the stage seemed set. Instead, WWE is using Cena’s farewell tour as a platform to help “get Logan Paul over” — not just as a celebrity attraction, but as a respected, legitimate in-ring competitor.
Paul’s undeniable athleticism and ability to deliver high-caliber matches mean he has a bright future, but many fans can’t help but feel shortchanged when the Beast vs. Franchise dream match is left on the table. WWE’s long-term storytelling likely has its sights set on a future marquee event — perhaps Survivor Series or even WrestleMania — for the Lesnar-Cena finale, especially with Lesnar’s known travel limitations (more big money to travel) keeping him out of Paris. In the meantime, Cena will give the rub to one of WWE’s most marketable rising stars, with the hope that the Paris showdown cements Logan Paul as more than just a crossover act. Strategic? Yes. Satisfying for fans right now? Not entirely.
Why Fans Are Frustrated
This is not the match fans thought they were getting. Cena vs. Lesnar has the makings of a generational final chapter — especially with Cena’s farewell tour in full swing. Instead, WWE swerved into a match that, while fresh, feels like a detour from a much bigger payoff.
Paul’s athleticism and knack for the spotlight make him one of the most exciting young performers today. But following Lesnar’s silent, menacing return with a match announcement that completely skips The Beast has many feeling like they were played. The crowd wanted a fight two years in the making — not another celebrity clash. But that right there is the exact reason why the match was made, and honestly it is a good move for the long run and the future of Logan Paul as an ongoing superstar in the WWE. It will pay off (in the long run), and it will be a great match, believe it or not. If you don't know the entire history of Logan Paul, he will do anything to prove himself, and he always does just that. It should be an extremely entertaining and dramatic match. WWE creative is playing this smart by keeping Lesnar off television and not mentioning anything—making the next appearance of "The Beast" that much more daring and dramatic.
Event Details
WWE Clash in Paris 2025 will emanate from the Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre, France on August 31. It will be one of Cena’s final singles bouts before his retirement later this year.
Also confirmed for the card: Naomi defends the WWE Women’s World Championship against Stephanie Vaquer.
Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
This might go down as one of WWE Creative’s most questionable calls in recent memory. Brock Lesnar’s return was the kind of lightning-in-a-bottle moment you must capitalize on immediately, and pairing him with Cena during the farewell tour would have been a ticket-seller worldwide. Instead, we get Logan Paul — a phenomenal athlete and future main-eventer, but not the emotional, high-stakes matchup fans were expecting. WWE could still pivot, but right now, it feels like a major missed opportunity.
