WWE Rumors: Braun Strowman vs. Brock Lesnar is not happening at Payback

What’s the story?

Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar came face-to-face on the Raw after WrestleMania 33, and it was implied they would have a match for the WWE Universal Championship. However, Dave Meltzer is suggesting that it won’t happen at WWE Payback.

The Context

Lesnar defeated Goldberg at WrestleMania 33 in just under five minutes. This came after Goldberg took care of the Beast Incarnate in sound fashion in their previous two meetings. When Paul Heyman and Lesnar came out to talk about the next challenge for Lesnar, Strowman answered the call instead of Heyman’s target, Roman Reigns.

That led WWE fans to think Lesnar would defend his Universal title at Payback.

The heart of the matter

Dave Meltzer is reporting that Lesnar and Strowman will not wrestle at Payback, but that is currently the direction that Vince McMahon has in mind. This will be the first time the two have a match. Meltzer also said that WWE would not waste one of The Beast’s appearances at Payback

What’s next?

Since Lesnar called out Reigns, it’s fair to think Strowman and the Big Dog could wrestle for the no. 1 contender spot at Payback. That way, the WWE can hold off on having Lesnar appear at a show that doesn’t mean that much.

Author’s take

Bringing together Reigns and Strowman to fight the Beast Incarnate does little for me, but it could do a lot for the casual audience moving forward. If we’re intending on suspending disbelief, then Reigns already beat Strowman. So, why would they have to wrestle again to determine the number one contender for the WWE Universal Championship?

The next question lies with Lesnar’s paid appearances. When will he show up next?

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