Top Stars Taking Time Off From WWE After SummerSlam 2023

WWE stars set for breaks after SummerSlam 2023 defeats.

by Andy H Murray
Ronda Rousey
WWE

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.

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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.

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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.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.