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What’s the story?
On a recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Radio, the possible reason behind Brock Lesnar not partaking in Bruno Sammartino’s 10-bell salute on RAW was discussed.
Apparently, Lesnar’s absence from the segment is being noted as a corporate decision. Besides, Lesnar’s manager Paul Heyman’s connection with the situation has also been expounded upon.
In case you didn’t know…
Bruno Sammartino was a performer who is considered to be one of the greatest to have ever competed inside a professional wrestling ring.
Sammartino passed away on April 18th, 2018, and the WWE honored his memory on Monday Night RAW—organizing a 10-bell salute for Sammartino, with the entire RAW roster including Vince McMahon present on the entrance ramp.
The heart of the matter
Veteran professional wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer noted that Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman were not present during the aforementioned segment—with Meltzer now pointing out that their absence from the segment was probably just a corporate decision.
Meltzer added that the WWE wanted to keep Lesnar & Heyman special, and away from the segment. He alluded that the idea of Lesnar & Heyman not participating in the segment was probably the latter’s idea—as Vince McMahon pays considerable heed to Heyman’s advice.
Additionally, it was noted that the whole idea behind WWE’s booking of Lesnar is that the latter isn’t booked like any other WWE Superstar—which in turn makes Lesnar a special attraction.
Furthermore, Meltzer explained that none of the people on the current WWE roster had the emotional connection with Sammartino that Paul Heyman did—what with the fact that Heyman grew up with Sammartino; watching the latter’s matches at The Garden.
What’s next?
WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar is set to defend his title against Roman Reigns in a Steel Cage Match at WWE’s Greatest Royal Rumble PPV.
The aforementioned event takes place tonight (April 27th, 2018) at the King Abdullah International Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Author’s take
The WWE seem to have handled Brock Lesnar perfectly thus far.
Besides, it is indeed common knowledge that Lesnar is incredibly respectful towards legends of the past, despite his menacing on-screen persona suggesting otherwise.
