Brock Lesnar Retirement Angle Leading To Babyface Turn With One More Match Expected

Brock Lesnar leaving his boots in the ring at WrestleMania 42 looked like the end of an era, but new details suggest WWE has a very different long-term plan — one that includes turning him into a fan favorite before he finally walks away.

The moment at WrestleMania instantly had fans believing Lesnar was done after he removed his boots and gloves following his loss. Behind the scenes, there is belief that the farewell moment was real, but not necessarily final. WWE sources still expect Lesnar to wrestle one more time before officially ending his career.

During WrestleVotes Radio, the situation was explained in detail, including how WWE is still hoping to bring Lesnar back for one final match — possibly at SummerSlam in Minneapolis, a location tied closely to his background.

"There is a strong belief within WWE that Brock Lesnar was genuinely saying goodbye when he left his boots and gloves in the ring this past Sunday at WrestleMania. With those we spoke to believing Lesnar is ready to call it a career. However, many also feel that before it's all said and done, he will have one final match at this year's SummerSlam. Lesnar, who attended the University of Minnesota and has been billed from Minneapolis, Minnesota throughout his entire WWE career, has only wrestled two televised matches in the state, with the last taking place in January of 2004. One contact told us the company is more than hopeful he will be on the card come August 1st and 2nd at U.S. Bank Stadium downtown Minneapolis."

That potential farewell location makes sense given Lesnar’s long connection to Minnesota. SummerSlam taking place in Minneapolis gives WWE the chance to give him a sendoff in front of a hometown crowd, something that would carry major emotional weight if it happens.

At the same time, discussion about Lesnar’s direction made it clear that WWE is not positioning him as a villain heading into the final stretch of his career. Instead, the current creative direction appears to be shifting him into a fan-favorite role as the retirement story unfolds.

During Wrestling Observer Radio, the idea of Lesnar turning babyface was addressed directly when the topic came up about how fans reacted to him at WrestleMania and what WWE plans to do next.

"Are they trying to turn Brock Lesnar into a baby face?"

"Yes, obviously. Yes."

That confirmation lines up with how the crowd reacted to Lesnar at WrestleMania, where he received a strong response despite the emotional tone of his exit. The shift toward a babyface role also supports the idea that WWE wants fans fully behind him for whatever comes next. The retirement angle itself also appears to leave room for at least one more match before the final goodbye happens.

"He is retiring… there’s going to be… maybe one more match."

That final match speculation has already sparked talk about a potential showdown tied into current storylines. Gunther’s ongoing connection with Paul Heyman and the teased favor that still remains unresolved has fueled discussion that Lesnar could return for one last major fight before stepping away for good.

For now, Lesnar’s boots in the ring remain one of the most memorable visuals from WrestleMania 42, but the story clearly isn’t finished. With WWE now steering him toward a babyface role and planning what could be his final match, the company appears focused on giving him a sendoff that fans can fully rally behind.

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