Citing that he is almost at the time where his booking schedule is complete, Brock Lesnar is once again going to take time off from WWE and the wrestling business. Just as in years past, expect the Beast Incarnate to re-emerge when the time is right and the former WWE World Champion is in position to capitalize on the moment, potentially with a title in the picture.
WWE benefitted from Lesnar’s presence from the start of the year, but now, after three pay-per-view events and Roadblock, expect the big man to slither away from competition.
When he returns is anyone’s guess, but SummerSlam will not be complete without him and his mouthpiece, Paul Heyman. Upon his return, what happens to him, and more importantly, who will be the wrestler who steps up and accepts the challenge?
Here are five potential wrestlers who could face Lesnar upon his return.
Face Bray Wyatt or Braun Strowman
Injuries prevented Wyatt from facing Lesnar at WrestleMania 32. Strowman has been rumored to be an opponent for Lesnar for some time. Whomever the company picks from the Wyatt Family, the feud with the “family” should be epic, nonetheless.
Wyatt is the opponent who makes more sense, in my opinion. However, these wrestlers, despite talent and a great backstory, are being buried by the company for unknown reasons. At some point, Wyatt will become a face, potentially as the replacement to The Undertaker. The verbal assault by the Eater of Worlds and Paul Heyman, the advocate for Lesnar, could be some of the best Theater we have seen in some time.
The fans want it badly. Hopefully the creative team sees this and makes it happen.
Chase Roman Reigns
Lesnar and Reigns still have unfinished business. WWE hasn’t truly addressed Lesnar’s missed opportunity. Now, with Reigns as champion and the fans all but up in arms about him walking around with the title, this might be a good opportunity to revisit this feud.
The fans love Lesnar, which could be a solid program that turns Reigns heel. If Reigns has a change of heart and can get over with the fans by beating Lesnar, this might be enough for him to break “even” with the WWE Universe.
The fact Lesnar already ran though Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins is still on the mend makes this matchup a smart one from a business standpoint. I do not see Lesnar winning the title from Reigns, but at least he gets a shot at trying to recapture what was his in the first place.
Renew Rivalry with John Cena
I don’t see Cena challenging for the WWE World Title when he returns to the ring. There is a history between these two that dates back years. Each time they lock up, it is a war. Even at 250 pounds, Cena looks so small in comparison to the larger, more athletic Lesnar.
The war they had at Extreme Rules still gives me chills. It was one of the first times I saw MMA tactics used in a “wrestling” format. Lesnar tries to run through his opponents, but in this case, The Champ is a formidable match.
Will Lesnar’s aggressiveness be too much for Cena and his surgically repaired shoulder? This could be the tune up both men need before they set their sights on challenging for the company title once again.
Fight Kevin Owens
First, he must get rid of Sami Zayn. There is something to be said for renewing old rivalries. Owens and Zayn have good chemistry and fans who are not familiar with their backstory are about to see it live and in living color. Old friends who are now foes. The wounds are still fresh and Zayn feels like he must seek revenge.
The fans who do know the story and watched it unfold are thrilled to see the “fight” continue on the main roster.
But once the feud is over, or put on hold, who is left for Owens? He has said on an occasion or two he would like to face Lesnar – a passing of the torch kind of feud. Lesnar is the past and present bully on the schoolyard. Owens is the future bully everyone should fear.
Challenge Randy Orton
When the Apex Predator returns to action, he is going to need a dance partner. Lesnar would be an ideal opponent. The two have history and in this case, could set up a solid match at SummerSlam.
All too often, WWE is quick to put veterans together in a program because neither has an opponent. This might be that case, but it works so well in this case. Lesnar gets plenty of pops as a babyface, but he is still a ruthless aggressor who abuses his opponents and pummels them into submission. Orton’s character is better as a heel.
How will Orton respond to a challenge from such a rugged opponent in his first real test? Can the two create enough magic to keep the fans interested and entertained?
