Ex-UFC Star Slams WWE For Depending On Veterans, Calls Brock Lesnar A ‘Relic’
The dramatic appearance of Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam has once again sparked a heated debate among wrestling enthusiasts. While the loud cheers from the audience confirmed his lasting popularity, MMA veteran Chael Sonnen criticised WWE’s approach, accusing the promotion of depending on “legend juice” instead of focusing on rising talent.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Sonnen was direct in his remarks: “We had a relic in Brock come in and squash a relic in Cena.” He pointed out that rather than showcasing upcoming talent, WWE keeps banking on ageing stars, which may temporarily sell tickets but does little to create genuine excitement or build long-term interest in newer names.
Sonnen mentioned Dominik Mysterio and Gunther as examples of wrestlers who are being ignored. According to him, the current WrestleMania line-up features top-notch performers who deserve more attention. He particularly praised Gunther, saying that he “is right there” with legends like Kurt Hennig and comes close to icons such as Bret Hart and Seth Rollins. Still, Gunther remains stuck in the mid-card scene, waiting for a breakthrough opportunity that might never come.
Sonnen cautioned that waiting for a big break from management is not the right strategy. “If Gunther looks at it now and thinks, ‘Okay, that guy’s a hit, and I’ll be treated the same when I’m 50,’” he said, “then he’s missing the whole point.” For Sonnen, making it big in wrestling is all about timing and drive—things WWE needs to foster in young stars rather than locking away in its list of legends.
Adding to the complexity is Brock Lesnar’s legal troubles. Though no formal charges have been brought against him in the Janet Grant lawsuit, his involvement has cast a shadow over WWE’s decision to put him back in the spotlight. Critics feel that pushing Lesnar despite the controversy sends the wrong signal. A spokesperson for Grant told USA Today that Lesnar’s comeback felt like “an attempt to sweep misconduct under the rug,” echoing views that WWE is prioritising showmanship over responsibility.
WWE’s top officials have mostly avoided commenting on the matter and have instead kept the spotlight on Lesnar’s upcoming showdown with John Cena. Even the post-SummerSlam press meet was quietly scrapped to dodge uncomfortable queries.
But as Sonnen’s criticism shows, this issue goes beyond just one night’s booking. It raises a larger question about WWE’s overall direction: will the company keep leaning on its old stars, or will it finally invest in its next generation of superstars?
In a time when fans demand both freshness and honesty, repeating the same acts with semi-retired legends may no longer work. To ensure its future stars don’t remain sidelined, WWE must find a better balance between honouring its past and building its tomorrow.
