WWE News: Brock Lesnar Officially Set To Break CM Punk's Record

What's the story?

As of 4th May 2018, Brock Lesnar has held the Universal Championship for 397 days. His next title defence is expected to be at Money In The Bank, which is on 17th June. With it being approximately 44 days left until the PPV, Lesnar will walk into his next title defence reigning for 441 days, effectively beating CM Punk's record-breaking WWE championship reign of 434 days.

In case you didn't know...

CM Punk's 434 title reign is currently the longest world championship reign of the modern era. His reign began at Survivor Series 2011, where he beat Alberto Del Rio to kick-start his WWE title run. He would reign as champion throughout 2012 until eventually dropping it to The Rock in January 2013 at the Royal Rumble.

Brock Lesnar won the Universal Championship from Goldberg at WrestleMania 33 and hasn't dropped the title since. It would be an understatement to say that it came as a shock when he defeated Roman Reigns at the main event of WrestleMania 34. For over a year, it was rumoured that the year-long title reign of Lesnar was done to coronate Roman Reigns. However, that turned out not to be the case and many wondered why. It was revealed that Brock Lesnar signed a new contract with WWE, though it's rumoured to be a per appearance deal.

At the Greatest Royal Rumble, Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns had a rematch inside a steel cage, which Lesnar won by sheer technicality.

The heart of the matter

Brock Lesnar is now officially going to be the longest reigning world champion of the modern era. This won't sit well with many fans, who valued CM Punk's title reign, and many who even felt that The Rock shouldn't have been the one to end his lengthy run as WWE Champion.

However, with Lesnar set to touch 441 days at Universal Champion, the question begs: Who will take it off him? The answer appeared to many as Roman Reigns, and with the uncertain finish to their steel cage match, it does give the option of them having a rematch, but by now, fans have grown tired of their feud, which started around February.

An obvious, alternate option would be Braun Strowman. He has all the momentum on his side as a babyface, and he's easily one of the top fan favourites in the entire company. Adding to this, he's just come off a huge win, outlasting 49 other men to win the Greatest Royal Rumble match. Will WWE do the right thing and pull the trigger on him? We're yet to find out.

What's next?

The fact of the matter is, Brock Lesnar's next title defence itself is unconfirmed. It's just rumours and assumptions that state that The Beast Incarnate will defend the Universal Championship at Money In The Bank.

Author's take

Without a shred of doubt, Braun is the guy who should take the title off Lesnar. He's got the crowd and all the momentum behind him. However, the unfortunate reality is that it doesn't matter how hot a babyface is, WWE will always choose Roman Reigns. History has proven it. In 2015, it was Daniel Bryan who was the fan-favourite. But Roman Reigns pinned him at Fastlane. In 2016, it was Dean Ambrose, and Roman Reigns pinned him at Fastlane. This year, it was Braun Strowman..and..well, you get the drift.

Only time will tell. Whatever be the case, fans are ready to see a full-time champion again, whether it's Braun Strowman, Roman Reigns or Seth Rollins.

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