Brock Lesnar will face Omos at WrestleMania 39 next month, but this isn’t the match WWE originally had in mind.
Last week, Omos laid out the challenge to the Beast Incarnate, who most recently competed against Bobby Lashley at WWE Elimination Chamber.
On this week’s Raw, Lesnar accepted the challenge and laid out MVP, Omos’ manager, in a message to the Nigerian giant.
Nixed Match
Fans have been surprised by WWE’s decision to go ahead with this match, which was not even being hinted at just a few weeks ago.
Prior to WWE Elimination Chamber, Bray Wyatt stated that he would face the winner of Lesnar Vs. Lashley at WrestleMania 39.
Fightful Select has learned that a match between Lesnar and Wyatt was pitched for the April two-night event, but Brock turned the idea down.
No specific details were given as to why the former Universal Champion refused the match with Wyatt.
It was confirmed to Fightful that Brock Lesnar personally approved the Omos match.
Other Options
In December 2022, it was reported that GUNTHER was being lined-up as Lesnar’s WrestleMania 39 opponent, and the two did have an altercation in the Men’s Rumble match.
Fightful adds that while GUNTHER was also pitched for Lesnar, this match was nixed and that the match had already been scrapped when news in December came out.
At the time that the GUNTHER-Lesnar match was a possibility, there was no mention whatsoever of the Intercontinental Championship being a factor in the match.
Bobby Lashley was also pitched as an opponent for Lesnar at WrestleMania, though the All Mighty will seemingly be facing Wyatt instead.
Vince McMahon
In a tweet, Wrestle Votes implied that Vince McMahon personally had a hand in making the Lesnar-Omos match a reality.
I’m told the highly anticipated, very compelling (??) Brock Lesnar vs Omos WrestleMania matchup was the idea of one specific, powerful person who pushed it through. pic.twitter.com/VpcdEFsLzJ
Fightful hasn’t confirmed that internally, but sources close to Lesnar had indicated that “could be true.”
While sources in WWE have stated that McMahon has no official capacity with the creative department, one anonymous talent has stated that they believe the Executive Chairman has more of an influence on creative than publicly believed.
Brock Lesnar will indeed be wrestling Omos at the biggest event of the year for WWE, WrestleMania 39.
On last week’s episode of WWE Raw, there was a segment where Omos and MVP laid the challenge out for ‘The Nigerian Giant’ to face “The Beast.” On this week’s show, they invited Lesnar to appear to answer the challenge, and he did when he showed up at MVP’s Lounge.
They traded some words before MVP sold Lesnar on a match with Omos. They had a drink to celebrate the match being made official, but MVP accidentally spit moonshine in Lesnar’s face. Lesnar laid out MVP with an F5 before leaving the ring.
WWE presents the WrestleMania 39 premium live event on April 1 and 2, 2023, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, CA that will air on Peacock. WWE will be announcing more matches for this show in the coming weeks. Here is the updated card:
Updated WWE WrestleMania 39 Card
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes
WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley
Brock Lesnar could be in for quite the intriguing match at WrestleMania 39.
During the 2/20 edition of Monday Night RAW, former United States Champion MVP was shown backstage. MVP called Brock Lesnar a ‘coward’ for ‘intentionally’ getting disqualified during Lesnar’s match against Bobby Lashley during the Elimination Chamber premium live event.
However, MVP wasn’t alone as Omos appeared alongside the long-time U.S. Champion. On Omos’ behalf, MVP laid out a challenge to Brock Lesnar for a match against Omos at WrestleMania 39. MVP called out Lesnar for next week’s show and told Lesnar to show up and respond to the challenge if he had the ‘intestinal fortitude’.
A major match-up many have been expecting for WrestleMania this year is currently up in the air.
At Elimination Chamber, Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley had their third singles bout. The latest showdown between the pair followed ‘The All Mighty’ making quick work of, and eliminating, ‘The Beast Incarnate’ from the men’s Royal Rumble match last month.
In a sprint-paced brawl, the two heavyweight monsters quickly got their spots in. Lesnar then got DQ’d for a surprise low blow just shy of the five-minute mark. The post-match antics saw the former UFC Heavyweight Champion obliterate both Lashley and the referee with F-5s.
The chaotic finish has left fans expecting a final, blow-off bout between the pair with a decisive finish. Their original clash at last year’s Royal Rumble win ended with a tainted Lashley win after Paul Heyman betrayed Lesnar. Their second bout saw Lesnar win with a surprise pinfall when he was locked in The Hurt Lock at Crown Jewel back in November.
Is Bray Wyatt vs. Brock Lesnar On The Cards For WrestleMania?
On the go-home SmackDown before Elimination Chamber, Bray Wyatt expressed his interesting facing the winner of Lesnar vs. Lashley III.
While Lesnar lost the bout via DQ, Wyatt very curiously specified he wants to face whoever “walks out alive” of the bout. Despite his loss, Lesnar was certainly not the worse for wear figure after his bout with Lashley.
The controversial ending of Lesnar/Lashley III was reportedly booked to keep the feud chugging along this year. However, according to a recent report from Fightful Select, the continuation of the feud may wait until after WrestleMania.
Considering Wyatt’s promo and Lesnar’s curious booking at Elimination Chamber, it looks like the big man may well be butting heads with Wyatt and Uncle Howdy very soon.
Would you like to see Bray Wyatt face either Brock Lesnar or Bobby Lashley at WrestleMania?
WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash believes Bobby Lashley is missing something as a superstar.
Since returning to the company in 2018, Lashley has had great success in WWE. He left the company in 2008 to pursue other opportunities like MMA. He has won the Intercontinental Championship and WWE Championship twice since his comeback. Although he’s had a tremendous second run in WWE, Lashley still has his critics.
Nash has shared his thoughts on Lashley on his podcast Kliq This, which was aired on Ad Free Shows. He believes that Lashley may be too nice of a person, which prevents him from being taken as a threat compared to Brock Lesnar.
“I love Bobby, he’s a sweetheart,” Nash said. “He just always seems to be missing something. I don’t know what it is … I think he comes across, to me, like he is a nice guy. He’s not a killer. Bobby Lashley is not a killer, you know? He’s the nice f****** guy. Where Brock Lesnar, who’s a nice guy, he, he just has that something in him. If you said, ‘Please, I’ve had enough,’ I think Bobby would stop. I think Brock would stomp you two more times.”
Kevin Nash
Is Another Bobby Lashley vs. Brock Lesnar Match Happening Soon?
The attack led to their second match at Crown Jewel on Nov. 5, 2022, which Lesnar won. However, WWE made sure Lashley attacked “The Beast Incarnate” after the match to extend the feud. Lesnar took some time off until he returned to attack Lashley again to prevent him from winning the United States Championship at Raw is XXX on Jan. 23. In response, Lashley eliminated Lesnar from the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble match on Jan. 28.
Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar
Both wrestlers have one win against each other, which sets up a match to end the year-long feud. WWE could have the third encounter between Lashley and Lesnar in April at WrestleMania 39. Lashley also wanted this as he challenged his rival to a match at WrestleMania in May of last year.
While it could be a big match at WWE’s biggest show of the year, the company could decide to go a different route. However, it makes sense for the feud to end soon.
Are you interested in a third match between Lashley and Lesnar?
WWE has confirmed that The Beast Incarnate Brock Lesnar will be competing at Elimination Chamber. He will be going up against Bobby Lashley.
Lashley eliminated Lesnar from the Royal Rumble match last month. Brock cut a promo on this week’s Raw mentioning how it has been bothering him.
He challenged the All Mighty for a match at the upcoming PLE and presented a ‘multi-million-dollar contract’. While Bobby Lashley did come out, he refused to sign a contract saying that things will be done on his terms.
This angered Brock Lesnar who then delivered an F5 to Lashley and placed the contract on his chest. Lesnar delivered another F5 on fan demand before leaving.
Elimination Chamber Updated Match Card
WWE has announced a contract signing segment for next week’s Raw to make this match official. Including this bout, here is the updated match card for Elimination Chamber:
WWE Universal Championship Match: Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn
Elimination Chamber Match For US Title: Austin Theory vs. Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Johnny Gargano vs. Bronson Reed vs. Montez Ford vs. Damian Priest
Elimination Chamber Match To Determine #1 Contender For Raw Women’s Title: Raquel Rodriguez vs. Liv Morgan vs. Nikki Cross vs. Asuka vs. Natalya vs. Carmella
Mixed Tag Team Match: Beth Phoenix and Edge vs. Finn Balor and Rhea Ripley
Singles Match: Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley
Elimination Chamber will be taking place on Saturday, February 18 from Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
WWE Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER is ready to step back in the ring with Brock Lesnar, calling the Beast Incarnate his final boss.
The Austrian powerhouse has been on a role since joining WWE in 2017, and was the longest reigning NXT UK Champion.
After his main roster call-up last year, GUNTHER captured the Intercontinental Championship in June, which he holds to this day.
The Beast Vs. Der Ring General
During the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble match, GUNTHER and Brock Lesnar would have a brief face-off that thrilled the Houston audience.
Speaking on the Rob Brown show, GUNTHER speculated on a one-on-one match with WWE’s Beast.
“Brock is a one-in-a-million guy, one in ten million. I always liked those guys that have stood out from the pack. I stopped watching wrestling for a while when I was a teenager and then I got back into it again when I started training.
“There was a time when Brock was young and he was wrestling Eddie (Guerrero) and Big Show and Kurt Angle, and the guy was fantastic. I always loved his matches and was very impressed with that and also with the recent years in WWE.”
“That’s my end boss.”
GUNTHER on Brock Lesnar.
“I always thought it would a thing for wrestling and my style, that’s my end boss. I’ve been portrayed as the end boss in wrestling for a lot of guys, but I think Brock could be my end boss. I really hope the match goes down at some point.”
Future Plans
The Imperium leader is hopeful for another match with Lesnar, but his more immediate future will feature two other former champions.
Despite reports last December of GUNTHER Vs. Lesnar for WrestleMania 39, a more recent report has said it will be GUNTER, Drew McIntyre and Sheamus this April.
Both men have spoken about dethroning GUNTHER, and an Intercontinental Championship win for Sheamus will earn him the Grand Slam.
WrestleMania 39 is quickly approaching and fans are eagerly anticipating the highly-anticipated matches that will be taking place at the event. One match in particular that was in the rumor mills was the potential match-up between Brock Lesnar and Gunther.
However, according to a new report from Dave Meltzer at The Wrestling Observer, any talk of a match between Lesnar and Gunther is completely false.
Lesnar made his return as the 12th entrant in the Royal Rumble this year. He performed impressively, by quickly eliminating a number of participants in the match. However, his momentum ended after he came face-to-face with Gunther. Then Bobby Lashley came to eliminate The Beast Incarnate in a shocking manner.
While Lesnar’s post-elimination performance at the Royal Rumble was planned, some parts of it caught those around him by surprise. Lesnar’s unplanned attack on referee Eddie Orengo, which involved throwing him over the barricade, was a particular highlight that earned the Beast Incarnate some heat backstage. Despite this, sources within WWE have indicated that Lesnar is unlikely to face any serious consequences for his actions, as he is still held in high regard and is unlikely to face any real repercussions.
While there has been a lot of speculation about Lesnar’s next move, many fans were hoping for a match between Lesnar and Gunther after their intense stare-down during the Royal Rumble. However, the report from The Wrestling Observer confirms that this match is not in the cards and that the focus will instead be on Lesnar’s ongoing rivalry with Bobby Lashley.
Lesnar has been confirmed to be working both Montreal and WrestleMania, with the potential for another match against Lashley. While rumors of Lesnar’s match with Gunther have been debunked, it was also noted that Steve Austin, who had been contacted for Lesnar, has declined to participate in the show.
Montreal, Quebec will be an interesting location for Lesnar to perform at Elimination Chamber, as the former WWE Champion is now a Canadian citizen. Fans can expect a raucous reaction for Lesnar as he steps into the ring in front of his home country. According to The Wrestling Observer, “While not confirmed, one would expect Bobby Lashley vs. Brock Lesnar on the show because otherwise, Lashley should be in the men’s Chamber match.”
Brock Lesnar’s time in the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble match was short and sweet, but earned the Beast Incarnate some backstage heat.
After returning to WWE programming on the Raw is XXX episode, costing Bobby Lashley his United States Championship match against Austin Theory.
Lashley (who returned to WWE in 2018 in the hopes of facing Lesnar,) got a (controversial) win over Brock at Royal Rumble 2022, with Lesnar getting his win back (also in controversial circumstances) at WWE Crown Jewel. Entering the Royal Rumble last weekend, Lesnar scored three eliminations before his shocking elimination by Lashley.
The former WWE Universal Champion lasted less than three minutes in the Rumble match but earned heat backstage over his actions after his elimination. Fightful Select reports that while a post-elimination freakout by Lesnar was planned, some of what happened caught many by surprise.
Some in the ring were not prepared for Lesnar’s spot with the steel steps, and the spot where Lesnar threw a piece of the announcer’s table in the ring was also unplanned.
The spot that earned Lesnar some heat was an unplanned situation when referee Eddie Orengo was thrown over the barricade.
Sources in WWE told Fightful that it was initially believed that Orengo may have injured his foot, and his status remains unclear at this time.
Orengo was supposed to raise the hand of Cody Rhodes, the winner of the Men’s Rumble match, but that was changed as he needed to sell Lesnar’s attack.
No Punishment?
While Brock’s actions caught many off-guard, the former Universal Champion is unlikely to face any serious consequences.
One source told Fightful “heat is a relative term for Brock Lesnar. He’s not going to get in trouble.”
The source added that WWE is under a new regime, but Lesnar’s standing seemingly stays the same, and said that while not everyone was mad backstage, some were.
Former WWE talent Marc Mero has revealed he hasn’t spoken to his ex-wife Sable since they split.
Mero competed in the then WWF (now WWE) from 1996 to 1999. During his run in the company, he worked alongside his ex-wife Sable, who became a superstar in the 90s. The two left the company in 1999 after Sable alleged sexual harassment. She also filed a 100 million dollar lawsuit in June against the WWF for sexual harassment and unsafe working conditions, which the company and she settled in July 1999.
After some time away from the company, Sable returned to the WWE in 2003. During the time, Mero and Sable were still married until she had an affair with Brock Lesnar. The couple would get divorced, and Sable would go on to marry Lesnar years later.
In an interview with Wrestling NewsCo Steve Fall, Mero shared what led to the divorce and that he has not spoken with Sable since they split almost two decades ago.
“…So she went back to wrestling, and she had to apologize to certain people. I think it was the Undertaker or Stone Cold, or certain people that Vince made sure that she apologized to because a lot of people were upset that she was coming back, and she did that and made amends and went back and had to do what Vince asked her to do,” said Mero.
He continued, “…Unfortunately, she fell in love with a wrestler while we were still married and found out about it, and that’s when I filed for divorce and moved on with my life.”
Marc Mero Holds No Grudges Towards Sable
Although Sable had an affair with Lesnar, Mero doesn’t hold any grudges against them. Mero has gone on to become a motivational speaker. This is an occupation he believes wouldn’t be possible without dealing with his life after the divorce.
“I’ve never spoken to her since then, and if I could ever say anything to her, it’s just two words, thank you.”
– Marc Mero to ex-wife Sable
If it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t have this incredible life that I have today because I never would’ve been a speaker. I mean, I never would’ve gone down this route, so I think sometimes people that live with bitterness anger, or unforgiveness, man, it’s just a cancer that destroys you,” said Mero.
Sable left the WWE in 2004, and she and Lesnar went on to have children and remain married. Mero is active in his community and works with schools to help the youth as a motivational speaker.
Both Mero and Sable seem to be in a good space in their lives.
Bobby Lashley couldn’t help but ‘dunk’ on Brock Lesnar after eliminating him from Saturday night’s men’s Royal Rumble match.
Lashley cut a promo on SmackDown and warned the entire WWE Universe that he plans on being the last man standing in San Antonio. As he was speaking, Lesnar emerged from the crowd and viciously attacked the Almighty with an F5. The Beast declared his entry into the Rumble, setting the stage for another clash between these two heavyweights.
Having won Rumble in 2003 and 2022, Lesnar was considered one of the favorites the moment he was announced as a participant. In the hours leading up to the Rumble, Lashley warned WWE Superstars to stay out of his way.
He wrote, “I’m getting rid of Brock tonight, and THEN I’ll take care of the rest of you!”
Lashley Eliminates Lesnar
Brock Lesnar entered the Royal Rumble at #12 and went on a rampage. He flung Chad Gable, Santos Escobar and Angelo Dawkins out of the ring with ease. The next entrant into the Rumble was Bobby Lashley at #13. Two combustable forces like this do not co-exist for long. It all came to ahead when Lashley stunned the Alamodome by eliminating Lesnar.
As you can see below, Lesnar did not handle it well.
On Sunday morning, Lashley took a moment to mock Lesnar on Twitter. He told the former UFC Heavyweight champion to kiss his ass. It’s one thing to talk trash to Brock Lesnar. It’s another thing to antagonize him when he’s already riled up.
This isn’t what fans had originally expected, as many believed it would have been Reigns Vs. The Rock, but that match is now unlikely to happen.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said there has been talks in WWE about Austin facing Brock Lesnar this April.
“The match that was pitched was not with Roman Reigns. It was Brock Lesnar, but as you can tell, pretty much from the show tonight [Raw is XXX] it’s not happening. It’s not on. Something could happen now [but it’s not on at this time.]”
Dave Meltzer.
Meltzer added that talks of Lesnar Vs. Austin is nothing new and was happening backstage as far back as early December when reports broke that Lesnar Vs. GUNTHER was the WrestleMania plan.
“It’s been talked about, probably for months. Because I know when they had that Brock Lesnar-GUNTHER thing came up, I was told immediately it’s not happening, or that’s not the idea right now. Maybe it’s going to happen. But the idea [for Lesnar’s WrestleMania opponent] was a secret. Austin was that secret.”
Lesnar Vs. Lashley
On last night’s Raw 30th anniversary episode, Brock Lesnar made his TV return, costing Bobby Lashley a shot at the U.S. title.
On his show, Meltzer said that all signs are pointing to Brock Vs. the All Mighty at WrestleMania.
“The match is not on. It looks like it’s going to be Lesnar with Lashley, based on the show tonight. I don’t have that confirmed if it’s a WrestleMania match. Obviously, both will likely be in the Rumble, probably feud. Whether that means Montreal where the Pay-Per-View is there [Elimination Chamber 2023] or WrestleMania, I don’t know, but it seems like it’s probably something to do with WrestleMania.”
When speaking about Roman Reigns and a potential match with Austin, Meltzer said we should have a clearer picture after this weekend’s Royal Rumble.
“As far as Roman Reigns goes, I don’t know, but I figure that whatever Roman Reigns’ situation [for WrestleMania] will be, we will know on Saturday night, based on who wins the Rumble match.”
Brock Lesnar is back and he is in the feeding mood.
WWE celebrated 30 years of Monday Night Raw this week with a show full of legends. There were a number of veterans who made an appearance on the episode including people like The Undertaker and DX.
The main event of the show saw Austin Theory defending the United States Championship against Bobby Lashley in No Disqualification match. The All Mighty had won a Six Way Elimination match last week to earn the title shot.
Towards the ending of the bout, Lashley sent Theory into a steel chair at the ring post. Lashley followed it with a number of moves including a superplex off the top.
Theory tried to low blow Bobby Lashley but the former WWE champion managed to send him through a table that had previously been set up.
This is when Brock Lesnar’s music hit and the Beast Incarnate made his return. He delivered an F5 to Lashley and another one to Austin Theory.
Theory landed on top of the All Mighty and got the pin. Lesnar then left the ring and the show ended with the former world champion standing at the stage.
Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar have faced each other a couple times with both the stars having a win over the other. The latest encounter suggests that we will be seeing the rubber match between the two sooner rather than later.
Dax Harwood was not happy when Brock Lesnar squashed Kofi Kingston to end his WWE Title run.
On the newest episode of “FTR with Dax Harwood,” Harwood offered his thoughts on the first-ever episode of SmackDown Live on FOX. The episode featured the return of Brock Lesnar, who challenged then-WWE Champion Kofi Kingston for the title.
Lesnar squashed Kingston for the title in seconds in the main event of the night. Putting an end to Kingston’s historic and memorable run as WWE Champion. Harwood explained why this upset him.
“I was very, very upset,” Dax Harwood said. “I remember that I texted Kofi, and actually it was a group text with the three of them, The New Day and myself and Dan [Cash Wheeler], and I apologized to him and said, I’m so sorry this happened to you, man. We’re so upset. I can’t believe this is for real. Not because of obviously anything with Brock but how much we had worked and how hard he had worked to get to this point.
“Dude, especially when we were working with him, with Randy, I saw him outside of Vince’s office or go into Vince’s office every single week to try to make things better, to try to make his championship run better. He worked so hard to be a great champion, and I think a lot of people, maybe they think, oh, man, his championship run wasn’t successful because, you know, whatever.
“It wasn’t for lack of trying because I saw him every week, man. Try his damnedest to make something of nothing, and it broke all of our hearts, the whole locker room. It broke all of our hearts that that’s where the championship was being taken. Because not anything to do with Brock. But because Kofi had worked so hard. And seeing someone work so hard for so long to get this opportunity taken away from him.”
Kofi Kingston
The match is something that Kingston himself has spoken on since. Kingston admits he’d have at least liked a longer match with Lesnar if he was to drop the title. He also would’ve liked the opportunity for a rematch, which is customary for a champion after dropping the title.
However, Kingston didn’t receive that rematch opportunity after all. With that being said, Kingston says he doesn’t dwell on it, nor should he, as he’s still one-third of one of the most successful factions in WWE tag team history.
Today, Brock Lesnar is both one of the most famous and most credible wrestlers in the world. Yes, he’s an eleven-time world champion and two-time WWE Royal Rumble winner, but his combat credentials go much deeper for a successful career in amateur wrestling that included an NCAA Division I Heavyweight Championship, as well as his past as a UFC Heavyweight Champion.
After main eventing WrestleManias, ending The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania, and so much more, it can be difficult to remember a time when Lesnar was a relative unknown. In 2002, the WWE machine got behind Lesnar like no talent before or since as he enjoyed a monster rookie year.
For most wrestlers winning the King of the Ring tournament marks a career highlight. For The Beast, it was just one milestone, often forgotten because he accomplished several bigger things in his first year in the business, not to mention his storied career to follow.
Brock Lesnar Defeated Four Established Stars To Win WWE King Of The Ring
Before the King of the Ring tournament, Brock Lesnar had already established himself as a force in WWE. His first appearances saw him decimate mid-card talents like Spike Dudley, Maven, and Al Snow in impromptu run ins, and his first major feud saw him single-handedly dispose of The Hardy Boyz. Winning the King of the Ring, however, marked Lesnar’s first formal accolade of his WWE career.
Lesnar won a tournament qualifying match on Raw, beating veteran Bubba Ray Dudley in under five minutes, and then handily defeated former WCW Champion Booker T in the quarterfinals to win his way onto the King of the Ring PPV. From there, Lesnar beat fellow big man Test and, most impressively at the time, Rob Van Dam in the tournament final. These victories shored up Lesnar as more than just another big guy who got an impressive debut, but rather someone WWE was positioning as a legit main eventer.
Brock Lesnar’s King Of The Ring Run Was Intended To Be Even More Epic
Three out of the four men Brock Lesnar beat in his King of the Ring run would go on to win world championships and wind up in the WWE Hall of Fame. That’s an impressive run for anyone. However, the plans were for Lesnar to pull off an even more shocking and noteworthy victory in his qualifying match.
Indeed, Lesnar’s first obstacle to qualify for the tournament was supposed to be Stone Cold Steve Austin. Austin has discussed the matter at length, including on his podcast and WWE’s documentary Stone Cold Steve Austin: The Bottom Line on the Most Popular Superstar of All Time.
The match was presented an already discontented Rattlesnake at the relative last minute. He has consistently suggested he was fine with putting over Lesnar, but if he were to do so, it should have been in a heavily promoted PPV match, not a free TV bout that would damage Austin’s credibility without doing major business for WWE or even Lesnar himself.
Austin infamously walked out from WWE over this creative impasse—a choice that remains polarizing to this day. It’s nonetheless interesting imagine if Lesnar’s accomplishments in his first months had also included beating this additional all-time legend of the business.
Brock Lesnar’s King Of The Ring Run Was One Plot Point In A Sensational Summer
Though Brock Lesnar did not get to defeat Stone Cold Steve Austin on his road to becoming King of the Ring, The Beast did defeat two of the three other names that tend to come up most often in conversations of the biggest draws in WWE history. After winning the crown, it didn’t take long for Lesnar to be positioned as the number one contender to the WWE Championship.
Yes, The Next Big Thing officially lost to Rob Van Dam at the following month’s PPV, Vengeance, via disqualification. He bounced back, though, a couple weeks later when he not only defeated, but decimated Hulk Hogan in a match on SmackDown that saw Lesnar render him unconscious with a bear hug.
From there, Lesnar achieved new heights, becoming the youngest WWE Champion of all time—a record that still stands—when he beat The Rock in decisive fashion in the main event of SummerSlam.
WWE hardly ever pushes anyone the way they did Brock Lesnar over the summer of 2002. On one hand, one could read that as a knock on the company for not getting behind any stars like they did The Next Big Thing, but there’s also a legitimate case that Lesnar’s potential was truly unique and that he’s made good on it across two decades to follow.
Cain Velasquez apparently wasn’t too comfortable with working with former UFC opponent Brock Lesnar for their WWE match.
Velasquez recently took part in an interview on Konnan’s podcast where he discussed what it was like working alongside “The Beast” back in 2019 during their feud. The pair faced off for the WWE Title at the 2019 Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia.
The match lasted just over a minute, with Lesnar winning via submission. Velasquez admitted he was “a little uncomfortable” working with Lesnar to plan the match.
“Yeah, professional and I would say it was a little uncomfortable [planning the match with Brock Lesnar]. I’m just so new to the wrestling world but everyone that I’ve worked with has been amazing as far as, you take care of everybody.
“We really do try to put in some good things in there where everyone gets what they want out of it and making it just for the fans. Working with Brock was interesting man, that’s all I’m gonna say. It was very different.
“You kind of just learn from your life and okay, this is what this was. I know for next time if something else ever happens for next time but… [Velasquez laughed] With Brock, that’s kind of what it was and again, the best thing about what I do now with wrestling is I can bring my family in and they’re true fans of it, you know? And that is the best.”
Rey Mysterio with Cain Velasquez
This isn’t the first time Lesnar and Velasquez met in competitive fashion. Their first interaction came back in 2010 when the duo headlined UFC 121 in a heavyweight title fight. Lesnar was defending his then-UFC heavyweight title against the young up-and-comer Velasquez.
The fight ended in the first round with Velasquez getting the TKO victory and earning his first UFC heavyweight title. Of course, years later in WWE, Lesnar would get his revenge inside the WWE ring.
It’s safe to say that 2022 has been one of the wildest years in the history of WWE.
From mass releases to the shock retirement of Vince McMahon, this is a year that none of us will ever, ever forget.
But with 2022 drawing to a close, attention turns to 2023, and a whole new year of matches to look forward to.
Here are five of the most anticipated matches of WWE in the new year.
5: Brock Lesnar Vs. GUNTHER
It has been reported that GUNTHER Vs. Brock Lesnar is in the works for WrestleMania 39.
Can you say PHYSICAL?!
In 2022, there are few names in WWE who have made an impact quite like our reigning Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER.
Debuting on the main roster earlier this year, the Austrian powerhouse wasted no time in winning his title from Ricochet, a title he has held for over 200 days.
It was reported recently that right now, WWE’s plan for WrestleMania 39 is for GUNTHER to face Brock Lesnar, in what could be the most hard hitting match we’ve seen in decades.
GUNTHER’s in-ring strength has never been in doubt, while Lesnar is a once in a lifetime athlete who’s 2022 has shown he still has a love for wrestling.
Whether the title is on the line or not, GUNTHER Vs. Lesnar has all the markings of an instant classic, and a match fans are eager to see.
4: Bray Wyatt’s First Match Back
Bray Wyatt returned with a ton of buzz, but WWE needs to pull the trigger with a match soon.
At Extreme Rules, WWE’s excellent White Rabbit build paid off with the return of Bray Wyatt, fifteen months after his controversial release from the company.
Since then, Wyatt has feuded with LA Knight, though his attentions seem to be more focused on the presence of the mysterious Uncle Howdy.
For all of Wyatt’s talk and promos though, Bray is yet to wrestle, something that has not gone unnoticed by fans.
It has been rumored that Wyatt will face Knight in a ‘Pitch Black’ match at the Royal Rumble, though whatever the rules are for said match is unclear.
I guess you could say that with the Pitch Black match, we’re ‘in the dark!’ (I crack myself up.)
While Bray returned with all the momentum in the world, it does feel like some of the shine has come off, and WWE needs to pull the trigger on a match for him soon.
Wyatt’s first match back is hotly anticipated, if nothing else than fans want to see what he can do in the ring as this new character, and we can only imagine his match will come in 2023.
3: Edge’s Final Match
Edge will have the chance to end his career on his own terms next year.
It’s hard to believe that next month will be the third anniversary of Edge’s startling return to wrestling.
In April 2011, fans (and Edge himself) had resigned themselves to the fact that his career was over, tragically cut short by neck issues.
This year has seen Edge compete six times, a slight dip from the ten matches in 2021, but next year may see his final match.
After competing in his native Toronto earlier this year, Edge strongly implied that he will be retiring the next time WWE comes to Canada, which is expected for mid-2023.
If so, then we are not long away from Edge’s final match, and hopefully WWE will give it the build and gravitas it deserves.
Edge’s return to wrestling has been nothing short of miraculous, but the Rated-R Superstar now has the chance to end his in-ring career again, this time on his own terms.
2: Roman Reigns Vs. Cody Rhodes
From the moment Cody Rhodes returned, there has been speculation on a match with Roman Reigns. (via WWE)
From the moment Cody Rhodes’ platform was raised at WrestleMania 38, this was a match fans anticipated.
The idea of Rhodes Vs. Reigns was cemented the following night when the American Nightmare spoke about his WWE return, and his desire to become World Champion.
Sure, Rhodes’ injury may have delayed those plans, but it is clear that Cody is destined to hold gold soon.
With rumors of Rhodes returning as part of the Men’s Rumble match, a match he is a favorite among many to win, a match with Reigns seems a matter of when, not if.
But this match will resonate for another reason. It will be WWE’s top star against someone for years considered the face of AEW.
The fact that Cody is in WWE now at all remains mind-blowing, and him facing Reigns has the substance to be an all-time great story, even if there’s one more for the Tribal Chief that fans are anticipating even more…
1: The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns
The Rock & Roman Reigns could be the biggest match WWE has held in a decade.
The People’s Champion Vs. The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
The Brahma Bull Vs. The Tribal Chief.
The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns.
Not since The Rock Vs. John Cena in 2012 has there been this level of excitement for a match, one that WWE has yet to confirm.
Both Reigns and Rock have teased for years that a match between them could happen, but never has it seemed more likely.
From Reigns being at his very best, to Rock’s movie filming schedule being suspiciously free for the first quarter of the year, all the signs are pointing to this match finally happening.
The Rock, now 50 years old, is not the spring chicken he once was, and if not next year, than this match, nor any other match with him, may never happen.
If WWE wants The Rock Vs. Reigns, then 2023 is the time, in what would be the biggest fight we’ve seen in years.
Jim Ross has shared his experiences of the now-infamous Brock Lesnar Vs. Goldberg match at WrestleMania 20 in 2004.
For the March 14, event, the two powerhouses faced off in the first singles match between the two, which had been one of the most hotly-anticipated matches on the show.
Days prior to WrestleMania, it was reported that both men were leaving WWE after the event, and fans turned on both men for the match.
Feeling Bad
The match is considered one of the worst bouts of both men’s careers, with Goldberg and Lesnar giving a deliberately underwhelming performance in response to the crowd.
Jim Ross had previously served as WWE’s Head of Talent Relations, and was tasked with called the disastrous match.
Speaking on the latest episode of Grilling JR, Ross said that it would have been impossible for the match to go well, given the opinion by fans before the bell was rung.
“They were dead. The jury had already declared their verdict before the trial had started. We’re done. I felt bad for those guys. I really did. I signed Brock. I helped sign Goldberg. I liked both guys for various reasons.
“They both had a lot of similar characteristics as far as physicality. I’ll tell you that for as good an athlete as Goldberg was, he wasn’t in Lesnar’s league in terms of being a pure athlete.”
“I love those guys, and I felt so bad for them.”
Jim Ross.
Lesnar and Goldberg would later return to WWE (in 2012 and 2016 respectively) and would have far better matches at Survivor Series 2016 and WrestleMania 33.
The Rattlesnake
To amp up the star power for this match, WWE brought in ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin to officiate the WrestleMania 20 bout.
Austin, realising that the crowd had turned, delivered both men stunners after the match, earning the only cheers from the audience inside Madison Square Garden.
On his show, Ross said it was a wise move on the Texas Rattlesnake’s behalf.
“Thank God Austin was there, because those two stunners at the end, one to each guy, was money. It finally gave the guys something to embrace and cheer for.”
Jim Ross.
When Ross’ co-host Conrad Thompson asked him about if he spoke to either Brock or Goldberg, JR questioned what exactly he could have said on the night.
“They were making a ton of money, and they didn’t want to be there. What more could I do? Pay them more money to rent their services? Not their heart, not their soul, not their passion, but to rent their services. It was not the time to do that.”
Goldberg would beat Lesnar in the match, considered to be one of the worst bouts in the 38-year history of WrestleMania.
Brock After WWE
Lesnar’s departure from WWE came less than two years after his main-roster debut, and because he had big plans for the gridiron.
Part of Brock’s decision to leave was because he wanted to compete in the NFL, and would later be signed to the Minnesota Vikings.
Ross said that while Lesnar was not picked for the official team, he was still impressive with how far he got.
“For Lesnar to get a chance to go try out for the [Minnesota] Vikings and almost make the team. I mean, he was the last cut and he hadn’t played football since high school. We’re talking about the National Football League here. He was an extraordinary athlete. And he still is.”
After his Football dreams did not pan out, Lesnar returned to wrestling, competing in NJPW before finding success in the UFC which he joined in 2007.
There have been several reports about WWE’s plans for WrestleMania 39 and the company looking to bring back past stars. Now, the question of who Brock Lesnar will be wrestling at the company’s biggest event of the year has been answered.
WrestlingNews.co reports that Lesnar is Gunther is planned for the show. One person familiar with creative plans stated Lesnar vs. Gunther is one of the matches listed internally for the event.
Gunther has talked about wanting the match with Lesnar because he feels a match with him would be his biggest possible challenge. He called it his dream match and spoke highly of Lesnar’s mind for the business.
Lesnar’s Other Dates
(via WWE)
The report added that Lesnar is scheduled to work the Royal Rumble in January and Elimination Chamber in February.
WWE is still months away from WrestleMania 39, and while plans can change, the report stated Triple H has all of the top matches laid out. Also, unlike under creative by Vince McMahon, “people in the company are not seeing the scripts being ripped up like before and chances are that, barring an injury, the current WrestleMania plans will not change.”
Brock Lesnar was once interested in crossing the line to work for TNA Wrestling. This is according to Kurt Angle, who has been friends with him for years due to their amateur wrestling backgrounds and pro wrestling careers.
Throughout 2003, they had some classic matches over the WWE Title, including Lesnar winning the championship from Angle at WrestleMania 19.
In 2007, Angle wrestled Lesnar for one final time in a match for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. That could’ve been different if Lesnar got the money he wanted from TNA Wrestling.
The Talk
While speaking on the latest episode of his Kurt Angle Show podcast, Angle revealed that Lesnar reached out to him about potentially joining TNA Wrestling in 2007.
“Okay, Brock calls me. He’s not in WWE,” Kurt Angle recalls. “He says, ‘Listen, man, can you get me in TNA? —’ I probably shouldn’t even be saying this, but you know what, Brock doesn’t care. So he said, ‘Hey, what are you making?’ I told him what I was making and he said, ‘If you can get me that, I’ll come. I approached TNA, and they said, ‘No, we’re not going to give him that kind of money.”
Angle said that he thinks TNA was at the top of their budget and couldn’t give any more money out at the time. He stated the Carter Family funded the venture for a long time and when TNA started making their own money, it wasn’t enough for them to be able to afford Lesnar.
Angle added that “TNA would have lit up” if a deal could have been reached to bring in Lesnar.
Lesnar would not return to professional wrestling until 2012 when he returned to WWE on the WWE Raw after WrestleMania 28 as he focused on his MMA career.
Brock Lesnar has worked with some of the biggest names in the history of the wrestling business although he has been known to be hard to work with.
Jon Moxley, formerly known as Dean Ambrose, has spoken openly about Lesnar not wanting to do anything wild in their WrestleMania 32 match in 2016.
On the latest edition of the Oh You Didn’t Know podcast WWE Hall of Famer Road Dogg spoke about Lesnar and this is where he claimed that The Beast didn’t want to work with Kevin Owens.
The Story
(via WWE)
This was brought up when discussing Lesnar facing AJ Styles at Survivor Series instead of Jinder Mahal after Lesnar said he didn’t want to work with Kevin Owens:
“I want to clarify, it is not that he did not want to work with Jinder. It’s that he really thought he could have a better match with AJ. So I just wanted that to be clear. Like because look, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Brock saying I don’t want [to], I’m not working with that guy. Well, I did, I did hear that with Kevin Owens, but only him.”
Road pointed out how Lesnar had a good amount of pull due to the relationship he has with Vince McMahon.
“Look, Brock is that kind of talent, like I just talked about, has a special relationship with Vince. And so apparently they had a conversation and, and a decision, a creative decision was made. We’re gonna go with AJ Styles as a champion into this tournament at Night of Champions.”
WWE has been force to rethink its plans for one of the company’s top ongoing storylines.
Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley have been feuding on television for almost a year. The rivalry has been underway for far longer than that, as Lashley has been calling out The Beast Incarnate since 2017.
The two heavyweights have now wrestled twice in a WWE ring. Lashley defeated Lesnar for the WWE Champion at January’s Royal Rumble. Lesnar scored a victory over Lashley at Crown Jewel. It was a heated contest that could have gone either way.
Plans for Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley
With each man holding a win over the other, fans are wondering when we’ll see the rubber match. According to Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE planned for the 3rd fight to go down at the WWE Day 1 premium live event originally scheduled for January 1st from Atlanta, GA.
That show has since been canceled. WWE will host a non-televised live event from Atlanta during Christmas week, but the next Day 1 event won’t be happening any time soon.
It remains to be seen if/when WWE will pull the trigger on a third match between Lesnar and Lashley. The split results of first two matches raises the stakes next time around.
WWE’s next premium live event will be the Survivor Series, followed by the 2023 Royal Rumble. Survivor Series could be an ideal setting for Lesnar vs. Lashley 3, but that depends what else WWE had in store for Lesnar in the months ahead.
We’ll see if WWE is still interested in telling the final chapter of the Lesnar vs. Lashley feud, or if Lesnar transitions to a higher-profile WrestleMania program early next year.
Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley squared off in the ring for the second time only in their careers.
The match was booked at the WWE Crown Jewel premium live event from Saudi Arabia. It opened the show and saw Lashley jump from behind. Lashley speared him through the barricade.
Lesnar with some german suplexes and even a near fall for an F5. It was mostly dominated by Lashley, who had him in The Hurt Lock submission hold, but Lesnar pushed off the turnbuckle and landed on Lashley for the pinfall win.
Post-match, Lashley attacked Lesnar and put him in The Hurt Lock again.
Their first match took place at the Royal Rumble in January, where Lashley beat “The Beast” for the WWE Title.
However, Lashley lost the title at the Elimination Chamber event in Saudi Arabia in February but was never pinned or submitted as WWE did an injury angle to get Lashley out of the match as he was dealing with a shoulder injury. Lesnar ended up winning the match and the title before losing it to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 38 in a winner take all match.
Although Lashley previously called out Lesnar for a match at WrestleMania 39, the company decided to book the match at this event.
WWE set up the match in early October when he appeared on WWE TV for the first time since SummerSlam where he lost to Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, where he attacked Lesnar.
Lesnar later appeared on Monday Night Raw, only for Lashley to call him out and they brawled, with Lashley gaining the upper hand after spearing Lesnar through a ringside barricade. They have eventually pulled apart after Lashley put Lesnar through the announcer’s table.
For years, fans and Bobby Lashley had wanted to see him share the squared circle with Brock Lesnar under the WWE banner.
That dream became a reality at WWE Royal Rumble 2022, where Lashley challenged Lesnar for the WWE Championship. Thanks to some interference from Roman Reigns, Lashley scored the win.
Although they were booked in an Elimination Chamber Match the next month, it wasn’t what fans had hoped to see as Lashley was removed from the bout due to an injury. Lesnar ended up winning the WWE Title.
Fast forward to last month, WWE started the feud again and booked a rematch between the two stars at Crown Jewel.
Lashley on Lesnar
(WWE)
Speaking with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri, Lashley was asked to describe how he feels about the build to this bout compared to the first match.
“I like the buildup because I think the buildup is really important because of what happened last time. There wasn’t that real resolution to anything except me pinning him. This time is going to be a lot more hype. I think that it’s not going to be the last time. I think that is so much more that Brock and I can actually get into. So I think that this feud is going to be a feud that’s going to keep going, and it’s going to keep looking different, and there is going to be a lot more involved with it.”
Lashley stated that Lesnar wants to fight and is the type of person that’s just going to let somebody beat him up two times in a row and then not even come to avenge it, so the feud will continue in his eyes.
Brock Lesnar returned to WWE and attacked Bobby Lashley on a recent edition of WWE RAW.
The All Mighty was set to defend the US Title against Seth Rollins but Brock’s music hit instead. Lesnar marched to the ring and attacked the champion.
Seth Rollins then capitalized on a weakened Lashley and defeated him to become the United States Champion.
Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar battled at the Royal Rumble PLE earlier this year. Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns interfered in the match and The All Mighty picked up the victory.
WWE Crown Jewel 2022 Preview
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The #AllMighty Era resets and the NEW @WWE Champion’s reign begins!
Keep taking me lightly Brock. The longer this match goes, you’ll see you can’t keep up with me.
Jim Cornette Previews Lesnar vs. Lashley at WWE Crown Jewel
Wrestling legend Jim Cornette previewed the upcoming match between Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley on episode 455 of The Jim Cornette Experience.
The 61-year-old noted that the crowd in Saudi Arabia will likely be behind Brock Lesnar, which is the exact opposite reaction that WWE is going for.
They suddenly had Brock reappear and switch heel out of nowhere.
He just beat the sh** out of Bobby Lashley, the babyface, and the people cheered madly while he did it.
So, unfortunately, I think they are probably going to cheer Brock against Lashley, even though it is supposed to be set up to be exactly the opposite.
Bobby was a stronger heel, and also could take care of himself better as a heel with the manager and the group, because he’s not an over-the-top personality.
They are going to gravitate to Lesnar because he’s a f***ing freak of various natures.
I’m looking forward to seeing it from an athletic standpoint, but I think it will probably accomplish exactly the opposite of what they apparently want, which was Brock to turn heel on Lashley.
