What’s the story?
Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Universal Champion Brock Lesnar is not expected to defend his Universal Championship at the next Raw pay-per-view, Extreme Rules. The only show specifically advertised with Lesnar’s appearance is WWE Great Balls of Fire.
In case you didn’t know...
Lesnar won the Universal Championship after defeating Goldberg at WrestleMania 33. Lesnar landed 10 German Suplexes and an F-5 to become the 4th man to hold the Universal Championship.
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It is rumoured that Lesnar will hold the championship until WrestleMania 34 where he and Roman Reigns are expected to fight in the main event, though Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer claims that those plans could change.
The heart of the matter
Cage Side Seats reported that Lesnar was expected to be around more during his reign as the Universal Champion, but the Wrestling Observer claims that the only shows he’s a lock for are Great Balls of Fire and SummerSlam.
If this report is to be believed then Lesnar’ championship reign is more likely to resemble his 2014-2015 title reign where he made limited appearances outside of pay-per-views like SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, and WrestleMania.
What’s next?
Rumours are circulating that Braun Strowman will be Lesnar’s first opponent, so expect to see the Mountain Among Men and The Beast Incarnate collide at Great Balls of Fire. Also, the Wrestling Observer claims that Strowman and Lesnar could have a rematch at SummerSlam which could indicate a potential title change.
Author’s take
On paper, having Brock Lesnar as your world champion would make a lot of sense. He’s one of the biggest stars in UFC and WWE history plus an intensity and legitimacy that few men can match. However, the rumours of Lesnar not defending his title at the next Raw pay-per-view are disappointing.
Fans already got a title reign with Lesnar where he didn’t really defend the title. To repeat the exact same circumstances with only one new opponent lined up seems to be redundant.
Hopefully the next time we see Lesnar, he’ll be having a great match in a great title defence.
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