The unthinkable has occurred. The Streak has been broken.
The consensus among fans was that if The Streak were to end, then an up-and-coming superstar like Roman Reigns or Bray Wyatt should be “The One” to defeat The Undertaker at WrestleMania.
Coupled with the poor build-up and Lesnar’s established rep as a star, the belief was that ‘The Beast’ would be “just another victim” (to quote Taz). He didn’t need the title of “Streak Conqueror” to his already lofty trophy cabinet.
After the jaw-dropping outcome, Lesnar now holds that honour (whether people like it or not), but how should WWE capitalize on Lesnar’s historic feat? Brock’s appearance on the Raw after WM did not indicate the’ The Beast’s future direction. Here’s seven scenario’s WWE could utilize for Lesnar.
vs Taker at WrestleMania 31: Career vs Career
Much like when Undertaker sought vengeance against Triple H for the beat down ‘The Game’ inflicted on him at WrestleMania 27, surely Taker would want revenge against Lesnar for ending his precious Streak.
In this scenario, The Undertaker returns in the run-up to ‘Mania 31, demanding a match with Lesnar. ‘The Beast’ approves, but only if Taker puts his career on the line. Taker goads Lesnar into agreeing to the same stipulation. Lesnar - full of confidence after already beating Taker at ‘Mania, acquiesces to Takers demands. In the build-up, WWE could reveal that Taker has never beaten Lesnar one-on-one (a fact WWE didn’t bring up in the run-up to WM30).
Undoubtedly, an Undertaker WM match’s most significant selling point is gone, but WWE in 2015 would be all-but-out of the Pay-Per-View business. Getting fans to buy the WWE Network for $9.99 is their priority; the days of trying to shift a WrestleMania for $60 are over; WWE PPV’s are essentially just monthly specials; a marquee match at WrestleMania has less importance.
Lesnar’s contract expires at ‘Mania 31, and if the rumours are true, ‘The Beast’ is clamouring for a return to the UFC. The consensus among wrestling fans is that The Undertaker would retire when someone breaks The Streak, so if he were to return for one more match at Mania 31, it would undoubtedly be his last.
One’s man career will come to an end; it’ll be a can’t miss encounter.
vs Kane
On the ‘Mania after Raw, Stephanie McMahon told Kane to forget about “what happened to your brother at WrestleMania.” It’s been a long time since WWE mentioned Kane and The Undertaker’s relationship, so there could be a reason for Steph’s seemingly throwaway comment.
Kane would slowly start to defy The Authority. Finally, after he’s had enough of being Triple H and Steph’s lapdog, Kane would tear off his suit and revert to “The Monster.” He would reveal that his anger is not directed against The Authority but against the man who ended his brother’s career, Brock Lesnar.
Kane would demand a match with Lesnar. Paul Heyman agrees, but with one caveat, ‘The Big Red Monster’ would have to put his career on the line. Kane is winding down his in-ring contributions, and what better way for Kane to bow out than in a headline match with Brock Lesnar. After despatching Kane, Lesnar and Heyman would have even more to crow about, ending both of The Brothers of Destruction’s careers.
WWE could also concoct a reason for why Kane joined The Authority in the first place.
vs. the WWE World Champion at WrestleMania 31
After some time away from WWE, Lesnar (alongside Heyman) makes a surprising return on Raw, decimating 3MB/Zack Ryder or some other disposable talent. Heyman lists Lesnar’s numerous accolades (again), including his most impressive – ending The Streak. But there is one more thing Lesnar wants to accomplish: Becoming WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And he wants to lift the title in the main event of WrestleMania 31. The Authority would have no choice but to accept.
This challenge would nullify the Royal Rumble, but WWE has already butchered the Rumble winner’s prize over the years. The winners of the past nine Rumbles have only main-evented WrestleMania three times and won once. Fans will primarily watch the event on the WWE Network – which should be accessible to the rest of the English speaking world by Jan 2015, so buyrates would not be a priority. WWE can change the Rumble prize to a World Championship match at Elimination Chamber, opening up a bigger pool of potential winners, creating a more exciting match.
No one can argue with Lesnar’s credentials; he won the biggest prize in all of WWE. A match in the main event losing to whoever the champion is (hopefully, still Daniel Bryan) would be a fitting farewell for Lesnar.
vs Cesaro
Cesaro’s baffling switch to the Paul Heyman camp could be a set-up for a Cesaro vs Lesnar match at SummerSlam. A match between the two would be a spectacle and a career-making moment for Cesaro. Brock has only fought “stars” since his return to WWE in 2012. A match against an up-and-comer like Cesaro would be a fresh feud the vocal WWE hardcores can get behind.
The likeable ‘King of Swing’ could be a valuable asset for WWE in Europe with his ability to speak six different languages; he could become the biggest star in Europe since Bret Hart. A victory over Lesnar would be a boon for Cesaro, but it’s unlikely WWE will allow ‘The Swiss Superman’ to defeat Lesnar right after The Beast ended The Streak. But a competitive showing by Cesaro would be enough to establish him as a main-eventer in WWE.
The sight of Cesaro giving Lesnar a Cesaro Swing would be a career-maker by itself.
vs CM Punk II
Punk walked on WWE after this year’s Royal Rumble for a multitude of reasons. One of those could have been that his much-anticipated feud with Lesnar ended. Lesnar ended with a one-and-done match, which Punk lost. However, a way to tempt Punk back would be to dangle a rematch with Lesnar in front of him.
The previous feud between the two didn’t meet the expected heights. The second time around, I’m sure both men would set out to tell a more compelling story. Heyman is currently at the top of his game on the microphone. A verbal duel between him and Punk over CM’s genuine walk-out would be must-watch TV.
Lesnar’s monster aura is even more enhanced after accomplishing what Punk couldn’t, beating The Streak. The match between the two at SummerSlam last year was voted Match of The Year by many publications. However, the two are capable of bettering their SS bout.
vs Batista
A long-time dream match that has yet to materialize in WWE (the two clashed in OVW when both were rookies).
This scenario would involve Lesnar turning babyface on Heyman. Considering that WWE has Lesnar for a limited number of dates, WWE doesn’t have the luxury of doing a ‘slow burn.’ Instead, they could do the turn in one long segment. Here’s how it would play out: Lesnar and Heyman are in the ring. Heyman is gloating, referring to himself as the greatest manager of all time and the man who beat The Streak. This boast will irk Lesnar as he is the one who pinned Taker. Heyman would argue that Lesnar would be nothing without him. Lesnar would be fuming, and the crowd will be clamouring to see Lesnar destroy Heyman. Right when Lesnar is going to attack Heyman, Batista runs in from behind and clocks Lesnar. Batista reveals himself as the newest Paul Heyman Guy.
There is the potential, though, of the match divulging into a giant mess. When two’ power guys’ like Batista and Lesnar clash, the results are not usually pretty, Lesnar vs Goldberg being a prime example. Although, WWE’s vindictive match layout is considered the primary reason for the poor quality of the bout.
If WWE layouts a compelling match and if both men perform in front of an appreciative crowd, this dream match may be a classic.
vs Bryan – WWE World Championship at SummerSlam
The most logical and likely match to make for SummerSlam. Lesnar’s storyline reason for returning this year was to win the WWE World Title before he got sidetracked by The Undertaker.
After defeating Batista, Orton and Triple H in the spring and summer, The Authority would be at their wits ends on how to strip Daniel Bryan of the belts. In enters Lesnar.
Bryan can match anyone’s style; this would be a classic bout and one where the outcome could go either way. WWE would be insane not to do this match.
