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What's the story?
WWE Superstar Brock Lesnar hit the headlines last week when he missed Monday Night Raw then appeared at a house show in Chicago, Illinois, for a house show match against Kane that barely lasted 30 seconds.
The fans in attendance at Minneapolis, Minnesota's live event last night, though, got a bit more of "The Beast Incarnate"!
Only a bit, though...
In case you didn't know...
Lesnar has been criticised heavily for his work schedule over the past five years and change after negotiating a pretty genius, lucrative, part-time in 2012. The WWE Universal Champion has even been accused of "not turning up" even when he's actually in the ring, with a string of lacklustre performance, most notably at WrestleMania against Dean Ambrose.
"The Beast Incarnate" continues to be a draw, though, making headlines wherever he goes - and has put on some instant classics, both in his match with AJ Styles and his Triple Threat Match with Brock Lesnar and Kane more recently.
The heart of the matter
Well, tonight's show saw The Beast make his return to his hometown of sorts, a place where Lesnar attended college and enjoyed so much success in Minneapolis. His opponent/victim for the night? The current WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz.
As per Cageside Seats, WWE had a bit of fun before the match at the expense of the WWE Universe, too, when they hinted that Lesnar had in fact not turned up again. When the former UFC star's theme music hit, an entire minute passed before Lesnar made his way from behind the curtain.
Miz had also cut a scathing heel promo on the town beforehand to just further enhance Brock's babyface pop - and the crowd were treated to more than half a minute of Brock this time for their efforts.
Lesnar delivered a total of six German suplexes and three F-5’s in one minute and 19 seconds, and you can see the entire match below.
What's Next?
Lesnar is advertised to return to television this week on Raw, at the Little Caesar's Arena in Detroit, Michigan.
It is pretty certain, however, that we won't see The Beast compete on television again until WrestleMania when he defends the Universal Championship against Roman Reigns.
Author's Take
Well, I think this is genius, particularly WWE playing Brock's music and waiting before he made an appearance to just leave the fans wondering. I've previously spoken about how I personally think this is all a work - right down to Brock meeting Dana White.
I've also spoken about how genius Roman Reigns' promo was when Brock allegedly no-showed - and it's all got me really invested in the rivalry! I can't wait to see what happens on Raw this week!
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