4 reasons Brock Lesnar winning the Universal Championship is best for business

This past Friday at WWE Crown Jewel, Brock Lesnar shocked the WWE Universe by becoming the first ever two-time WWE Universal Champion. The result came as something of a surprise to a lot of the fans, with many expecting Braun Strowman to finally get his hands on the company’s top prize.

Within seconds of the final bell ringing, Twitter was ablaze with fans letting their feelings be known about the decision, with many believing that Lesnar’s first reign, which came to an end at SummerSlam, was an absolute disaster that did nothing but ruin the credibility of the belt.

While fans may be outraged at the decision to put the title back on Lesnar, it really shouldn’t come as that much of a surprise.

Lesnar carried the belt for over 12 months before dropping it to Reigns at SummerSlam, and during that time, the belt remained largely off television. Given the surprising nature of Roman Reigns’ departure from the company, taking the belt away from weekly programming may actually turn out to be a very astute move on the part of the company.

With that in mind, let's take a look at four reasons why Brock Lesnar winning the Universal Championship is best for business.

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#4 It buys the WWE time

The WWE need time to figure out who can fill Roman Reigns' boots

Roman Reigns' announcement that he would have to take time away from the WWE to battle leukemia came as a massive shock to the WWE Universe, and it has also, presumably, thrown WWE's creative team into panic mode.

Reigns was quite clearly viewed as the WWE's top guy and he was likely heavily featured in their plans for WrestleMania. His announcement will have no doubt left WWE creative with a massive task on their hands, and when you look at it like that, the decision to have Lesnar win the Universal belt actually makes a lot of sense.

As with his previous reign, Lesnar will probably spend the majority of his time as Champion away from television, and that actually provides the WWE with some breathing space when it comes to their plans for the belt.

Presumably, the plan was for the belt to be involved in the Shield split, and if that is the case, having the belt away from television and elevating Ambrose Vs Rollins to the top of the card means that they can still go ahead with some of those plans.

The belt's absence also buys them time to build a star as their next top guy, without the pressure of forcing the belt onto someone who is unproven as a champion. Reigns' shoes at the top of the card are big ones to fill, and if nothing else, Lesnar has a proven track record as champion in the company.

Had the WWE put the belt on Strowman and his run had failed, they would have found themselves in even more trouble, and with WrestleMania season just around the corner, Lesnar is a much more conservative choice by the WWE.

#3 It could damage Braun Strowman in the long-run

Strowman's victory needs to come at the right time

Sometimes, us wrestling fans need to be careful what we wish for.

When Edge retired from the WWE back in 2011, fans were desperate to see the WWE put the World Title that Edge had vacated on his long-time friend, Christian. WWE creative duly obliged, and then instantly regretted their decision, removing the belt from Christian just two days later.

While this did ultimately lead to an excellent feud between Randy Orton and Christian, fans will always remember Christian as the guy who could only be on top once Edge was out of the picture.

Unlike Christian, there is plenty to suggest that Braun Strowman is more than ready for a run with the top belt, but had he won the belt and then dedicated his victory to Roman Reigns, would history ultimately view him the same way it does Christian? It's difficult to say, but Strowman's first win should feel organic, and not something that has had to come as a result of someone else having to vacate the belt.

#2 It's not the right time for Braun Strowman

Strowman's character has undergone too many changes in recent weeks

Braun Strowman is one of the most over superstars in the WWE, there is no denying that, but this is not the right time for the WWE to crown him as their top guy.

The Monster Among Men was on a red-hot streak throughout late 2017/early 2018 but his recent heel/face turns have not done him any favours.

His heel turn post-SummerSlam was an ill-judged move and the sudden decision to have him turn face again didn't exactly make a lot of sense either. As a result of this, Strowman's character has lost a lot of momentum, and putting the title on him now would not be the right decision. He is at a bit of a crossroads from a character perspective, and a lot of the WWE Universe is still unsure as to exactly what role he is playing.

Instead, the WWE should spend the next few months building him back up as one of the top faces on Monday nights before they consider putting the Universal Title around his waist.

#1 Brock Lesnar is a proven draw

Lesnar is one of the biggest draws in the WWE

One of the biggest complaints WWE fans make is that the company doesn't listen to its fanbase, and the decision to have Brock Lesnar win the Universal Title at Crown Jewel is a very clear example of that.

That being said, though, what do we know? When it comes down to it, the WWE is a business and Brock Lesnar, whether the more dedicated fans like it or not, is a huge draw for the company.

Lesnar has proven himself time and time again in both the WWE and UFC as a serious moneymaker for the company, and with WrestleMania just around the corner, why would they take the risk and put the belt on anyone other than him?

If rumours of The Rock wrestling at WrestleMania are true, then the WWE would be crazy to book him against Braun Strowman as opposed to Brock Lesnar. The Rock Vs Brock Lesnar is exactly the kind of bout that will make the company millions, The Rock Vs Braun Strowman, on the other hand, would fail to come close in comparison.