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All the titles were on the line at Grandest Stage of Them All. Many titles changed hands, and we got some new champions, while some retained their belts successfully. The most coveted prize of the red brand changed hands as Vince McMahon gave us a new Universal Champion.
Seth Rollins made history at Metlife Stadium on Sunday when he grabbed the most prestigious prize of WWE's flagship show. Surprisingly, the Universal Championship match opened the show. However, Lesnar launched a brutal attack on Rollins before the bell even rang.
Lesnar's early assault suggested that the Beast Incarnate was eager to end the match quickly, after Rollins took down Lesnar on Raw last week. Rollins was unable to muster any offense during Lesnar's barrage. The WWE Universe lost hope of a new champion following the early attack and several people thought that Rollins might not have the wherewithal to burn down Suplex City, like he promised he would.
We saw a rehash of Rollins' strategy from Raw last week as he took a shortcut to take down the Beast. Rollins subsequently delivered three Stomps to pin the Beast Incarnate. A shocked Paul Heyman looked on as Rollins won his maiden Universal Championship at the biggest pay-per-view of the year.
Here we discuss three possible factors that led to this booking decision.
#3 Seth Rollins is a great in-ring performer
There is no denying that Seth Rollins is a spectacular performer inside the squared circle and is one of the best athletes in Vince McMahon's billion-dollar company. The Architect has been a part of many amazing matches in his career. Since he is a top-tier athlete, he certainly deserves to hold the most coveted prize of the red brand.
Rollins was a big name on the Independent Circuit before signing for WWE, and is a veteran of the industry. The recently crowned Universal Champion has numerous moves in his arsenal, and he is undeniably one of the best technical wrestlers in WWE, if not the best. Rollins is an impressive high-flyer who is immensely swift in the squared circle.
The Beast-slayer could produce excellent matches every week, and Vince McMahon would love to have such a champion, elevating both himself and the championship. Considering Rollins won Match of the Year in 2014 and Superstar of the Year in 2015, his credibility as a champion cannot be questioned.
#2 Brock Lesnar could be leaving WWE
Brock Lesnar lost the Universal Championship to Roman Reigns at Summerslam last year, losing the belt after 504 days. Many people speculated that he might leave WWE last year. However, Lensar made a shocking return at Crown Jewel where he reclaimed the Universal Championship.
Lesnar appeared at UFC 226 where he confronted Daniel Cormier. The two men might fight this year, and Lesnar could be eyeing a longer-lasting return to the Octagon. Paul Heyman referenced this at WrestleMania by saying that Lesnar might catch a jet to "Las Vegas, where my client is ultimately appreciated." Moreover, Lesnar looked in great shape at the Showcase of the Immortals, and he could be preparing for an upcoming UFC stint. Following the loss at Metlife Stadium, Vince McMahon might not give him another contract after WrestleMania.
#1 Mr. McMahon wants a full-time Universal Champion
Seth Rollins is a full-time superstar who performs every week, while Lesnar is a part-timer. During his long reign as champion, he did not defend belt regularly - making appearances at only the most important pay-per-views and events. The WWE Universe was tired of a part-time Universal Champion who did not show up nearly enough to make the championship mean something. The ratings were sub-standard when Lesnar was Champion last year.
It is no secret that the ratings get affected when the champion does not compete and defend his belt regularly. As a matter of fact, Lesnar defended the Universal Championship only once after winning the belt at Crown Jewel. Lesnar fought Daniel Bryan at Survivor Series which was a non-title bout, and his only title defence was at Royal Rumble where he defeated Finn Balor.
Considering Rollins is not a part-timer, we will see the Universal Championship on RAW every week. Moreover, the Architect will defend the belt on every pay-per-view.
