The greater the risk, the greater the reward. But what’s conveniently ignored in the axiom is the prospect of failure. The WWE is taking huge risks heading into the next few months with the brand split, SummerSlam and of course, the little issue of Brock Lesnar’s return to the UFC.
The brand split’s influence on one of the biggest PPVs of the year might create some excitement, but how far that holds true for Lesnar’s third annual PPV appearance is debatable. The former UFC and WWE World Heavyweight Champion will carry five years of ring rust into his bout with a man who knocked heads off shoulders en route to a title shot.
This might be the why the WWE’s announcement of Lesnar’s opponent at SummerSlam will be contingent on his fight with Mark Hunt, according to cagesideseats.com. It must be remembered that regardless of whether Lesnar wins or loses against Mark Hunt, a medical suspension for injuries sustained during or revealed after the fight is a very real possibility.
Lesnar opens as the underdog heading into the fight, understandably. The 38-year-old lost both his last two fights, way back in December 2011. It must be allowed that Lesnar was depleted by various illnesses in that period, but his long absence and the fact that Mark Hunt has knocked out both his last two opponents leave fans doubting if “The Beast” can come out on top.