Brock Lesnar is not being talked about right now. His name is not being thrown around on WWE programming, he’s not being hyped online in any significant way, and right now, he’s really nothing more than a shadow. It’s hard to believe that a 286-pound silverback gorilla can actually find a way to disappear, but that’s exactly what he’s done.
But fans shouldn’t confuse disappearing with hiding. The Beast Incarnate will be back, and he will destroy everything in his path. It’s what he does, and when it comes to complete destruction, there is quite simply no one better than Brock Lesnar.
That’s both good, and bad, for fans. It’s good because watching Brock wreck people is fun. Suplex City is a punishing place, and when a guy gets there, he feels it for the rest of his career. Working The Undertaker is still considered to be a career-defining moment for Superstars, but the same can now be said of working Lesnar as well.
But it’s bad for fans because Brock is likely sitting back sharpening his teeth right now. That’s because WWE has chummed the main event waters with new prey. That prey comes from NXT, and they are currently hitting the menu of The Beast Incarnate.
Lesnar the character has got to be salivating at the prospect of new stars to feast upon. The New Era of the company has been the talk of WWE fans since WrestleMania 32, and it’s made for some exciting television. Kevin Owens versus Sami Zayn, the rise of AJ Styles, the debut of Enzo and Big Cass, it’s all there for fans. But it’s also all there for Brock Lesnar.
He’s beaten everyone that WWE has put in front of him. From Undertaker to Triple H to John Cena, Lesnar has been consistent in his domination, and no one has been able to stop him. There were no opponents left for Brock to beat, and no opponents left to test him either.
But the New Era means that Lesnar the talent has got to be happy as well. After all, he’s got someone to work now. He’s got a new roster to work now, and there’s nothing better for a wrestler than wrestling. Getting in the ring with young and hungry talents that want to make a mark, is the best way for a guy to boost his own game.
Of course, Brock didn’t exactly need motivation to put on a show. He’s pretty good at that despite who he’s in the ring with. However, any fan that is loving what WWE is doing lately may not be too happy when Brock does indeed come back.
Much like Cena, Lesnar is not in the habit of losing. So while dream matches like Brock versus Owens are happening, fans would do well to remember that. Winning and losing may not always be that important in the grand scheme of things, but for anyone hoping that WWE’s new generation is now taking over, it’s actually very important.
The whole point of a new era is evolution. Fans want to see the new talents come in and establish themselves; build their careers from the ground up, and take the company by storm. They want to see different storylines, fresh matches, and events that will resonate for years to come. Fans want the future now.
But that future cannot happen if veteran stars continue to rule the day. That is especially true for Lesnar, who has made a career out of beating WWE mainstays. Those talents have built their legacies, they’ve established their careers, and their win/loss records are not adversely affected by a loss to Lesnar.
In many instances, those stars can be considered on the same playing field as Brock. But in terms of the NXT guys that have been called up, no one has been tested like this before, or since, coming to WWE. A loss right now for any of them versus Brock would be nothing but a bad sign, and would surely cause many fans to revolt in protest.
It would not be meant to disrespect Brock of course. The company has done an amazing job of building him as the monster that he is today, and he has filled the role perfectly. Despite what critics have ever said about him, Brock is a pro and is a born entertainer. He’s also very good in the ring, and may be the one true credible professional wrestler on the roster. He plays it like a shoot, and he never breaks character. Kayfabe may be dead, but not for Brock Lesnar.
But fans know that if he steamrolls over Owens, or Zayn, or Styles, or any other young star that challenges him, then WWE’s talk of a new day will be just talk. This is not to suggest that Lesnar should roll over and die; if a guy wants to prove himself against Brock, then he should do just that. But at some point Lesnar himself must be conquered.
Until that day comes, it’s up to WWE to give the fresh stars their opportunities, while continuing to promote Brock as the main event monster they need him to be. The two will cross paths eventually, and only time will tell if it’s good for the New Era or it’s a bloodbath of epic proportions. Either way, the Beast will feast; it’s going to happen sooner or later.
Tom Clark can regularly be found on Sportskeeda. His podcast, Tom Clark’s Main Event, is available on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Android, Windows Phone and online here
