Top Stars Taking Time Off From WWE After SummerSlam 2023
WWE stars set for breaks after SummerSlam 2023 defeats.
Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey will both be taking time away from WWE following their SummerSlam 2023 defeats.
Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that after putting Cody Rhodes over at SummerSlam, Lesnar will be taking a break. There is no word on how long, exactly, 'The Beast Incarnate' will be gone, but this wasn't a farewell - Lesnar is planning on returning to WWE.
An unscripted SummerSlam 2023 moment saw Lesnar show respect to Rhodes after their third singles match of the year. Brock shook Cody's hand, hugged 'The American Nightmare', and raised his arm aloft after suffering the defeat, which Triple H confirmed during the post-show press conference wasn't part of the plan.
Rousey is also stepping away following her MMA Rules clash with real-life friend Shayna Baszler. Meltzer states in the Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online Daily Update that Ronda isn't "expected back at any specific date," hence the way Shayna finished her at SummerSlam, with Rousey passing out while locked in a Kirifuda Clutch.
That Ronda would be stepping away from WWE was reported prior to SummerSlam, though working with Baszler was understood to be something Rousey wanted to accomplish before doing so.