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John Cena recently revealed that his planned 17th World Championship win at WWE SummerSlam 2021 was altered at the last minute due to the unexpected return of Brock Lesnar. The shift in plans came together just hours before the event, dramatically changing the intended outcome of Cena’s match against Roman Reigns.

Speaking on the No Contest Wrestling podcast, Cena detailed how the evening was initially scripted to culminate in a title victory for him. However, the arrival of Lesnar, confirmed only five hours before the show, necessitated a change in direction. This unexpected development ultimately led to Reigns retaining his championship and setting the stage for a confrontation with Lesnar.

“That night was supposed to go very different,” Cena explained. “In the last moment, we had a surprise guest booked and he came out after the match was over. They didn’t secure Brock until 5:00 PM that day.” The original plan, according to Cena, involved him winning the title, only for the match to be restarted, allowing Reigns to regain the championship.

Cena described a planned high-intensity match designed to build to his victory, emphasizing a no-holds-barred approach with numerous finishers. “I was going to win 17. We were going to have someone come out and restart the match and Roman was going to take it back,” he said. “The way we put together the match was we were going to give him a hell of a match, everything out the door, no rules, no nothing, like tons of finishers, all this stuff because I was going to win and then Roman was going to take it back.”

The last-minute nature of Lesnar’s signing significantly impacted the creative direction of SummerSlam. Fightful reported that WWE did not finalize the deal with Lesnar until just hours before the event.

This revelation provides insight into the often-fluid nature of professional wrestling’s scripting process, where plans can change rapidly based on unforeseen circumstances. The situation highlights the importance of adaptability within WWE’s creative team and the impact a single talent’s availability can have on major events.

Lesnar’s return to WWE after a two-year absence was a significant moment for the company. TheSportster detailed the reasons behind his departure and subsequent return, citing a desire for a more flexible schedule and a focus on other ventures.

The altered SummerSlam finish ultimately served to reignite the rivalry between Reigns and Lesnar, leading to further high-profile matches and storylines. While Cena’s planned 17th title reign was postponed, the unexpected turn of events contributed to a compelling narrative that captivated WWE fans.

As WWE continues to build towards WrestleMania, the landscape of championship contenders remains dynamic. The impact of Lesnar’s presence and the ongoing dominance of Roman Reigns will undoubtedly shape the storylines and outcomes of future events. Fans can expect further twists and turns as the road to WrestleMania unfolds.

What are your thoughts on the last-minute changes to SummerSlam 2021? Share your opinions in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow wrestling fans!

NEW ORLEANS – The Tulane Green Wave beach volleyball team is poised for a strong 2026 season, having secured a place among the nation’s top 20 programs in both major preseason polls. The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Coaches Poll ranks Tulane at No. 20, while the TruVolley poll places the Green Wave at No. 18. This recognition comes just days before the team kicks off its campaign at home.

UCLA leads the nation, topping both polls and receiving 12 first-place votes in the AVCA ranking, according to Sports Illustrated. Stanford, Cal Poly, USC, and TCU round out the AVCA’s top five. The TruVolley top five mirrors the AVCA poll with a slight adjustment, swapping TCU and USC’s positions.

The Green Wave’s success is built on a foundation of experienced leadership. The 2026 roster boasts six senior players – three true seniors and three graduate students. Graduate students Amirah Ali, Emma Morris, and Giorgia Walther will be key contributors, alongside true seniors Molly Trodd, McKenzie Cutler, and Sam O’Connor. Morris and Trodd previously demonstrated their skill on the national stage, having competed in the AVCA Pairs National Championship during the fall, alongside teammates Skylar Ensign and Katie Hansen.

Tulane will launch its season by hosting the Green Wave Invitational at White Sands Volleyball Courts this weekend. The team is scheduled for five matches, beginning with a contest against No. 12 LSU on Friday, February 20, at 8:30 a.m. CT.

Green Wave Invitational Schedule

The Green Wave Invitational will provide an early test for Tulane, facing a challenging schedule that includes a matchup against a ranked opponent in LSU. Fans can find ticket information for Tulane’s volleyball, football, and basketball seasons by calling 504-861-WAVE (9283), visiting TulaneTix.com, or stopping by the ticket office at the James W. Wilson Jr. Center.

Experienced Leadership Drives Tulane’s Success

Head Coach Eyal Zimet has guided the Green Wave to increasing success in his tenure. In 2025, his team achieved a 24-13 record, securing 13 sweeps and a victory over a ranked opponent, South Carolina, as noted in his staff profile on the Tulane Athletics website. The team’s strong senior class is expected to play a pivotal role in continuing this upward trajectory.

The AVCA rankings, as detailed on the AVCA website, reflect the competitive landscape of collegiate beach volleyball. UCLA holds the top spot, followed by Stanford, Cal Poly, USC, and TCU. Tulane’s inclusion in the top 20 demonstrates the program’s growing prominence within the sport.

Follow Tulane beach volleyball for updates throughout the season on social media: @GreenWaveBeach on Instagram, @GreenWaveBeach on Twitter, and @GreenWaveBeach on Facebook.

The Green Wave Club supports Tulane Athletics, providing resources for student-athletes to excel. Donations can be made by calling (504) 865-5356, emailing [email protected], or visiting GreenWaveClub.com.

As the Green Wave prepares to face LSU and the rest of the competition at the Green Wave Invitational, the team aims to build on its preseason ranking and establish itself as a force in collegiate beach volleyball. The opening weekend will provide a crucial early indicator of their potential for the 2026 season.

Share your thoughts on the Green Wave’s prospects for the season in the comments below!