wrestling / Columns

Who Can Slay The Beast?

September 22, 2014 | Posted by Len Archibald

Once again, I want to thank everyone for the discussion about what constitutes a Babyface in Professional Wrestling. The Art of Wrestling series that I am doing will be a monthly series, so you will need to wait another three weeks before the next installment. The comments section did continue to solidify my personal feelings about John Cena: when the dust settles, he will be considered one of the most unique superstars to grace pro wrestling simply based on the insane reaction he gets from both his fans and detractors. Keep bringing the fire, guys! By the way, I don’t know what an “anti-Watry” is, but I’ve been called that twice and I will take it as a compliment (I think.)

WWE Night of Champions has come and gone. Despite the overbooked mess that was the main event between Brock Lesnar and John Cena, between last night and SummerSlam, Cena, the WWE’s poster child of resiliency for nearly 10 years has been treated more like a jobber on an edition of WWF Superstars on Saturday morning than a 15-time world champion. Lesnar’s performances this year have been so dominant and lopsided that the immediate feeling is that there may literally be no one in the current WWE landscape that can defeat him in the near future. With WrestleMania 31 looming, the WWE Superstars that could realistically take on The Beast is truly far and between. Who could step up to the challenge? Who could the fans legitimately buy as a threat? There are options. Some are plausible with a little build up. Some may be considered downright insulting when factors like height and weight difference come into play. I have taken upon myself the unenviable (well, not really) task of breaking down future opponents for The Beast.

Roman Reigns

Let’s start with the obvious: Roman Reigns is being groomed to be “The Man”. There is no doubt about it. His singles push was kick-started at the 2014 Royal Rumble when he eliminated more competitors than anyone else in history. He has been booked to dominate in victories against Randy Orton and pretty much anyone else who has come within his path. It seems all but destined for Reigns to be the man to meet face to face with Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania – and possibly dethrone him.

Roman Reigns’ aesthetic makes it easy for fans to buy him as a viable threat to the 1 in 21-1. He is a large man and carries an explosive moveset. His Superman Punch is being booked as a potential match ender. Reigns’ spear has become the most protected finisher in the WWE – he hits you with that, the match is over. Reigns has been gaining a following on a consistent clip (even if right now it seems as if that following is seeping into the same segment that cheers John Cena.) His cool demeanor is a complete contrast to Lesnar’s animalistic brutality and can play a psychological factor as a superstar who is not easily fazed by The Beast.

The first-time matchup between Reigns and Lesnar could have a real atmosphere to it as the fans will be ready to see a) someone take Lesnar down for good and b) someone new ascend to the top of the WWE for the foreseeable future. We know that the WWE is in fact, in a transitional period where both the company and the fans are searching for that one superstar to replace John Cena as the flagbearer. Is Reigns truly the one? He is receiving the obligatory bandwagon backlash far earlier than normal for a superstar getting the monster-face push. Both fans and even former WWE officials have chimed in stating the young Samoan has not shown enough either in the ring or on the microphone to be ready to be the face of the WWE…yet. It seems as we are experiencing the WWE circa 1993-1994 when the company was dead set on making Lex Luger their “new Hulk Hogan” when the fans cared more about Bret Hart instead which culminated to The Best There Is ascending to the top of the mountain. The WWE feels they have found their replacement for John Cena in Roman Reigns – but the fans have either kept their faith in Daniel Bryan while he is away or have begun to place their faith in Reigns’ Shield ally, Dean Ambrose. There is a lot of time until WrestleMania, and as we all know, anything can happen. Even though my WrestleMania 31 “fantasy card” placed Reigns vs. Lesnar as the main event, I do think we may be on a collision course for another triple-threat where Reigns’ mettle is tested (and perhaps even protected) as he challenges Lesnar for the WWE Title with Daniel Bryan looming as the uncrowned champion who never lost his title. Time will truly tell (especially not Reigns will be out for at least a month recovering from hernia surgery – and I know how that hurts.)

The Rock

Now we get to the other “obvious” choice – and the one that according to reports Vince McMahon is salivating over. There is no doubt in my mind that The Rock returning to the WWE to take a shot at The Beast at WrestleMania is the most financially viable match to put on. You want a sell-out? You want a confrontation that will generate its fair share of mainstream attention? You want a match that will create a spectacle and an atmosphere where fans will be on their feet the entirety of the match? Brock vs. Rock is it.

The Rock has never, ever received his WWE Title rematch with Brock Lesnar when he lost the title at SummerSlam 2002. This is a match THIRTEEN years in the making. The Rock is a bonified A-List movie star, while Lesnar was the UFC’s first true crossover star. The two have a history of going beyond their already lofty expectations. From the psychological point of view of the fans, there are those who would pay money to see Brock destroy The Brahma Bull and send him to Hollywood for good, just as there are fans who would drop top dollar to see The Rock exclaim that “It doesn’t matter” that Brock ended the Undertaker’s streak and take out The Beast. Also, if there is a better potential verbal joust than The Rock and Paul Heyman, please tell me because I am missing out. The match speaks for itself.

The Rock has built an aura around him that makes him seem bulletproof. A certain fellow Canadian writer coined the term “Mount Perpetually Over” – a phrase reserved for those who no matter what they try to draw the ire of the fans as a heel, or whatever terrible issues they endure in their personal lives – when their entrance music hits in a professional wrestling environment, fans will lose their minds and cheer them because of either the quality of their performances over a length of time or the sheer peak of their popularity simply transcends beyond that of professional wrestling itself. The Rock stands on the summit of that, along with Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Randy Savage, Chris Jericho, The Ultimate Warrior, The Undertaker and Ric Flair (as much as some may not want to admit it, in about 10 years, John Cena will be there as well. If CM Punk stayed, he probably would have reached there. Personally, I would add Kurt Angle to the list.)

But I digress, as this is about Rock vs. Brock II. The Rock, because he’s The f’n Rock would be bought as a viable threat to nearly anyone on the planet, Hollywood resume or not. Of course, it is that same resume that might prevent him from ever becoming WWE Champion again.

Randy Orton

Of all the potential matchups that face Lesnar in the future, this is the one that is the most intriguing to me as well as the one that I am absolutely floored the WWE did not capitalize on after Lesnar had his first encounter with Triple H. Of all potential competitors, Randy Orton is the most natural foil for Lesnar based on a history and unspoken rivalry that writes itself.

Randy Orton holds the honor of being the youngest WWE World Champion in history, an honor that dethroned Brock Lesnar of that title. In fact, it was Orton, not Cena that was first chosen as “The One” to replace Brock after his departure. Cena and Batista eventually surpassed him in popularity, but that does not change who the higher-ups at the WWE first bet their horse on.

While Brock tore through the WWE as a force of nature on his rise to the top, Orton, through tenacity, cockiness and natural ability set him towards his destiny in Toronto at the 2004 SummerSlam. Orton is the pretty-boy to Brock’s brutality. Orton’s in-ring style is “methodical” and based on psychology compared to Brock who just runs roughshed through his opponent. The two styles are begging to clash, and I think the match up could be a classic. When Orton is motivated and with the right opponent, he brings it. Don’t expect a lot of chinlocks in a match with Lesnar – Orton would have to adjust his style in a way that might surprise detractors because he would have no choice.

There are also a few other psychological factors to consider as to why and Orton/Lesnar match is a true money match and why Orton could realistically slay The Beast. Orton was sidestepped out of his natural rematch for a one-on-one WWE World Title opportunity. Not only that, who was it that ignored his pleas to get his title shot? Who was it that took away Orton’s first title reign? Who did Brock defeat twice and never gave his so-called protégé even a sniff to avenge him? If one has followed the ongoing story of Randy Orton in the WWE, there has always been one constant: Orton stands in Triple H’s shadow and breaking away from his mentor is what drives him. It’s the catalyst for the “voices” in his head. Having the upper hand on the man who ultimately took away his WWE “innocence” is what Orton is all about. TWICE, Triple H chose Batista over Orton to follow in his footsteps. NEVER has Triple H shown any real faith in Orton’s ability as a one-on-one competitor and fully meet his potential. What better way to silence Triple H once and for all than to vanquish the man who essentially ended Triple H’s full-time in-ring career? Orton is the Legend Killer after all. What better way to re-claim that moniker than to defeat the ultimate legend. Orton should have been the one to break the Undertaker’s streak. He should have been the one to break John Cena. There are several psychological layers that would make the Orton/Lesnar matchup one for the ages.

Can Orton take Brock down? It is not out of the realm of possibility. Orton is a sociopath, afterall. Orton knows how to dig deep and find a dark place to get the job done. He has a finisher that 99% of the time that once it is hit, the match is over. And if the RKO doesn’t work, Orton’s punt has been built up enough to conceivably knock Lesnar senseless.

Batista

If you don’t think a Batista vs. Brock Lesnar match isn’t a license to print money – especially now in the wake of the success of Guardians of the Galaxy, I don’t know what to tell you. Once Lesnar made his return in 2012, small rumblings of a “dream match” between Batista and Brock began to surface. The two have never crossed paths, and the prospect of seeing two near 300-pound hosses go at it would guarantee Vince McMahon would put his best foot forward in regards to building the matchup.

Would the success Batista found in playing Drax the Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy parlay into him returning and actually staying as a face this time, or could The Animal return with an even bigger ego and do more to embrace the “Bootista” persona that caught fire in the last few months of his current run? Would the WWE ever DARE attempt to sell a potential marquee heel vs. heel match and *gasp* allow the fans to cheer who they want?

In the rules of the WWE universe, Batista would have a realistic shot of vanquishing Lesnar. Batista has the size and the strength to match The Beast, but does not have Brock’s amateur background. The notion of Brock tossing Batista around like a ragdoll and vice-versa could make for a truly unique and entertaining power match.

Cesaro

There are two particular matchups for Brock Lesnar that I am not sure if the WWE has even considered, but should because the potential for a stunning feud and matches is unlimited. Brock going blow-for-blow with the Swiss Superman is one of them. The storyline already writes itself based on past history: Cesaro was a Paul Heyman guy who was unceremoniously dumped in favor of Brock Lesnar and to prove that he is the superior athlete, Cesaro challenges the champ. Simple. So obvious that unless WWE creative is able to see the forest from the trees, probably won’t happen.

Cesaro was in an enviable spot once WrestleMania 30 rolled around; his weekly feats of strength, Cesaro Swing and positive showings in the ring was gaining him quite a following. After what seemed to be a face turn by turning his back on Zeb Colter and Jack Swagger and winning the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal (to a huge pop, nonetheless), Cesaro seemed poised for a monster push. The prospect of aligning himself with Paul Heyman was a promising one, but for some reason the WWE did not pull the trigger. Was Cesaro a face or a heel? He could have worked the tweener role and took on all comers, or even could have served as CM Punk 2.0 as a performer who was quickly outpacing the demands of his advocate, thereby not needing Heyman anymore. This would have led to Heyman unleashing The Beast on Cesaro. Again, simple.

If we ever do get this match, we could be in store for a potential MOTYC. Cesaro can flat out go in the ring and can easily be bought as someone who can match Lesnar’s amateur credentials. The idea of testing the zenith of The King of Swing’s freakish strength against Lesnar would be a story too good to pass up. Lesnar can dish out unrelenting punishment against his opponents, but how would he fare against someone who just could match him in the strength department despite being a “smaller” competitor? Even though it is not discussed much, I believe Lesnar is one of the best sellers working today and seeing him get rocked by multiple European uppercuts would be a joy to watch. I can already hear the reaction of Cesaro just setting Lesnar up for a Swing. Cesaro would not have to win – he just needs a great showing to impress the fans enough to buy him as a legitimate World Title threat the rest of his career.

Sheamus

Brock Lesnar vs. Sheamus is the other match the brass in the WWE may not realize could be a potential classic. In my humble opinion, from his debut in 2006 to today, Sheamus is the performer who has improved more by leaps and bounds than anyone else on the current WWE roster. The Celtic Warrior received a lot of hate when he arrived on the scene, first based out of politics (he’s Triple H’s workout buddy!) then based on speed of push (he won the WWE title in his first year! He doesn’t deserve it!) then based on the perception of what the WWE looks for in a superstar (He’s another one of Vince McMahon’s lumbering gorillas; all size, no talent!) Something strange happened, though – very quietly over the years, Sheamus developed a reputation of becoming a quality performer, and through his series of matches with Daniel Bryan, grew into a WRESTLER.

Extreme Rules 2012 will go down as one of the best WWE pay-per-views in company history. While John Cena and Brock Lesnar was embroiled in one of the most unique spectacles in history, and CM Punk and Chris Jericho put on an excellent Street Fight that harkened back to the best days of the Attitude Era, it was Sheamus and Daniel Bryan that reminded fans that, yes – what we come to see is wrestling – in their 2 out of 3 Falls match that was ripe with psychology, mat-based grappling and a hot crowd. For me personally, this was the match that opened my eyes and realized in the grand scheme of things, the WWE has really screwed Sheamus over. It’s a shameful thing, lobster head.

This is one of those matchups that would not need much in the way of a backstory other than Lesnar is the Beast and the Champ, and Sheamus simply wants to beat the best to be the Champ. A Sheamus/Lesnar match would be a hard-hitting, stiff-as-hell slugfest that those who live and die for Japanese Strong Style could get behind. Lesnar would toss Sheamus around like he is a blow up doll. Sheamus would pummel Lesnar’s chest red. The two competitors work extremely close, so I can see someone getting busted open hardway (or a broken nose, something is bound to break between the two.) I do think something fascinating would happen as well – Sheamus has shown that he may be the most adaptable big man in the business today. If he needs to brawl, he’ll kick your ass and look convincing doing it. If he needs to grapple, Sheamus can perform go behinds, break down body parts and apply a sweet Cloverleaf (and why the WWE has not allowed him to adapt that as his permanent submission finisher is one of the unresolved mysteries in life.) If The Celtic Warrior needs to match Lesnar Suplex for Suplex, he can do just that. As much as I am interested in many of the potential matchups listed, for me Sheamus vs. Lesnar is the most intriguing because there are so many intangibles in place.

Russev

What?! No, I’m serious. Russev provides an interesting opponent for the Beast Incarnate, not only as a man who could potentially match Brock in power and explosiveness, but could in fact be a catalyst for an unexpected turn of events in Lesnar’s dominant reign as WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

Russev is the one superstar who could realistically turn Brock into a true babyface character. Obviously the story writes itself. Russev dominates all competitors. Lana continues to deride the U.S. Their confidence grow enough that they feel after defeating everyone put in front of them, they have no more worlds to “conquer”. They have proven Russian dominance over the United States.

Yeah, I got goosebumps thinking of the pop Lesnar would get once his music starts. Brock is an ALL-AMERICAN NCAA Champion. Even though he is the BEAST, he is still an American. Have him bring up his roots as a farm boy in Minnesota and his upbringing. Have Paul Heyman and Lana just tear each other apart on the microphone (you know you’re already giddy about it), with Paul emphasizing his New York roots and of course, the FREEDOM of being able to create ECW in Philadelphia. Have Russev be the first man since Lesnar found his invulnerability to really take it to him and take him down. A well-placed cheap kick to the face could set Lesnar up for The Accolade. Imagine the cheers Brock would get from fans begging him to break out. He makes an attempt…He S-L-O-W-L-Y begins to break it, but Russev’s own brute strength is not enough. That’s all you need. Since Russev carries a wrestling background of his own, have Jack Swagger act as a “special trainer” for Lesnar as a man who knows what it’s like to be taken down from Russev. License to print money.

You have the match and one of two things could conceivably happen: Brock MURDERDEATHKILLS Russev to the delight of the U.S.A. and he becomes a white-hot babyface, perhaps forcing The Conqueror to consider his role in the WWE since the feud could potentially make so much money that Vince or Triple H would want to turn Lesnar into their modern-day Bruno Sammartino, or Russev actually WINS – and puts Brock on a chase for his country…which strangely enough, could make the WWE even MORE money. The idea is so simple that we all know that it will never happen.

At the end, it could lead to an event that no one expected: a Face Lesnar taking on a heel competitor – or a Face/Face confrontation at WrestleMania. It could be a surprising turn of events.

Dean Ambrose

Other than Brock Lesnar himself – at this moment, Dean Ambrose is the hottest WWE Superstar walking. The leader of the “Lunatic Fringe” is at a stage right now in his career where anything he does is met with the adoration of fans – casual and non-casual alike. When Ambrose arrived on the scene with the rest of The Shield, fans who followed the former Jon Moxley chomped at the bit to see how his unhinged persona would translate on a grand stage. So far, it has been a resounding success – and it is Ambrose, more than both Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins – that is considered to be the breakout star of the trio. The comparisons to Roddy Piper, Terry Funk and Brian Pillman are apt; Ambrose carries the air of a full-on anarchist that flies by the seat of his pants and allows the chaos boiling inside to drive his actions. Ambrose can be anywhere, anytime, ready to raise hell and doesn’t mind getting into a brawl.

Those traits have drawn other comparisons to another superstar who thrives on chaos – and this comparison is the reason why he just may be a viable option to take down Brock Lesnar: Stone Cold Steve Austin. Just like The Rattlesnake, Ambrose is a no-nonsense, take-no-prisoners brawler. Like Austin, Ambrose’s actions defy face/heel dynamics, as shown during the way-better-than-expected Lumberjack Match at SummerSlam, attacking anyone who stood in his way. Like Austin, Ambrose carries an air of unpredictability on the microphone and in the ring. Like Austin, Ambrose’s character should be a full on heel, but his resiliency (“is that all you got?”) has displayed the traits of a face who, even when the chips are down will not falter because his pride won’t allow it. These traits – along with his rapidly growing fanbase makes Ambrose a great contender for The Beast. What Ambrose lacks in size and strength, he makes up in spades with speed and CRAZY. While Brock’s sit-up, no-sell and mockery of The Undertaker at SummerSlam showed that Lesnar is a psychopath who feeds on pain, Ambrose can match – nay – possibly outdo Lesnar when it comes to being a competitor who thrives on battle that is totally off his rocker.

Is it “realistic” for Ambrose to defeat Brock? Not necessarily, but Ambrose has shown flashes of Cena-like defiance and is enough of a wild-card who would not hesitate use a foreign object to stun Lesnar just long enough for a 3-count…and be cheered for it. Place me on the bandwagon of those who believe Ambrose has all the tools to be the “true” next major babyface of the WWE. He is a throwback to the tough as nails, no-nonsense, take-on-all-comers professional wrestler, with enough of a rebellious streak to endear him to superfans and casual fans willing to tune in to see what chaos he has in store for his next victim. Ambrose would be a MADE MAN defeating Brock, and if his fanbase continues to grow organically at the pace it is, fans could be hanging from the rafters to see him crowned as the next big thing over “The Next Big Thing”.

Daniel Bryan

If all else fails on the current push for Roman Reigns, this is pretty much the guaranteed backup. Before Daniel Bryan was put on the sidelines and had to relinquish his newly won WWE World Heavyweight Title, the plans were originally for him and Lesnar to clash at SummerSlam. In the long run, though – the current situation may have been for the best.

Bryan has still not been able to truly celebrate his WM XXX victory, nor has not been able to be tested with a full out reign as the #1 face of the WWE. He never lost his title. The fans are still rabid for him in spite of his absence. The Authority is still making his life hell through his wife. Brock Lesnar was the mercenary hired to finally appease The Authority when they could not lock down a champion that could represent what was “Best for Business” and Bryan was the catalyst in all that. After Brock obliterates the competition, having Daniel Bryan return at the Royal Rumble, win and set up a first time encounter between The Beard and The Beast could make for a compelling encounter.

Yes, I already read you: Bryan is too small. It would be unrealistic for him to defeat the man who destroyed John Cena. Take into account a few factors that differentiate the Bryan/Lesnar matchup to a Cena/Lesnar matchup and why Bryan could conceivably win:
• Bryan’s reputation is based on his mat-wrestling, complete with submissions and counters.
• Bryan is quicker than John Cena, and can maneuver around Lesnar better.
• Bryan’s size would actually be an asset as they can tell a story that he can slip by Lesnar
• His running knee has been built as a killer. Sometimes all it takes is one direct, well-timed shot and Lesnar can be taken out.

Most of all, the WWE thrives on the David/Golliath dynamic, and no better underdog story could be told than Bryan literally having to overcome the single-worst year of his life professionally and personally and defeating the world beater to re-ascend to the throne that was never taken away from him.

No One

To be honest, given the situation – I feel the absolute best option in regards to building up the future of the company and at the same time realistically coming up with an option to finally topple Lesnar is for NO ONE to beat him at WrestleMania 31, as stated in my “fantasy” column. Brock Lesnar’s aura is too great at this time. I understand my opinion will be decried and heaped upon. I know that we live in a world of instant gratification and long-term storytelling in professional wrestling is no longer the norm. Perhaps it is my own old-school mentality. I do believe that whoever Lesnar’s challenger is coming up short will work wonders for everyone in the long run in the following ways:

1) Theoretically, if that man is Roman Reigns, the man pushed as Superman is now vulnerable and has a reason to chase: Redemption. It is always easier for fans to back a horse that strives for a comeback. Being tested on the big stage only to lose gives Roman a whole other year to hone his craft and gain a more organic connection with the audience that could be frothing to have him gain revenge on Lesnar by the time WrestleMania 32 rolls around.
2) Lesnar literally defeating all comers will truly put the entire roster of WWE Superstars on an even playing field for the first time since before the ascension of Cena, Batista and Orton in 2005. The door is now completely wide open to test out any performer and give a real opportunity to step up. You want to face Lesnar at WM 32? Convince the WWE Universe over the course of 2015 why you DESERVE it.
3) Having Lesnar hold on to the title for a year and a half allows his legend to grow further. This is the man who defeated the Undertaker’s Streak and destroyed John Cena. I think it is not out of the realm of possibility that he should have a longer title reign than CM Punk, who he also destroyed at last year’s SummerSlam. Lesnar should be a world-beater. The more he wins, the more fans will pay money to see him lose – even if there is an air of cynicism that he won’t.
4) By the time WM 32 rolls around, the WWE will arguably boast the best roster of performers they have had since 2000. From the current talent to the crop of those in NEXT, with so many styles and options for the fans to choose from, the WWE would be at ground zero to create several viable new stars based solely on competing with each other to be “The One”.
5) Brock’s dominance could theoretically tear down the face/heel dynamic as everyone would compete to take him down since he is considered an outsider. If we truly are in a “reality era”, the reality would be that anyone and everyone, Face or Heel would salivate at the opportunity to be the one to finally dethrone Lesnar. How cool would it be to see a year-long story built around several different opponents challenging The Beast, each being able to exploit singular cracks and weaknesses on their way to losing, culminating in the build up to that one performer who could put all the pieces together and take Lesnar down for good.
6) I know it is said all the time, but a part-time champion will eventually force the WWE to place a greater emphasis on secondary titles. It might even make them important again as those secondary Champions can make a legitimate claim to be the next in line to go for the Champ.
7) It continues the trend and allows the audience to get used to the fact that the WWE Champion is indeed – as it should be – a special attraction. This forces WWE Creative to think outside the box in regards to building other PPV events and superstar rivalries.

As I like to note, the way I feel about modern professional wrestling and what I feel can work to engage the audience is so far away from the WWE’s culture and ideas that it isn’t funny. That’s why I am here and the WWE is making the big bucks. All I can do is speculate. What I can admit though, is that Brock Lesnar has breathed a new life in the WWE World Heavyweight Title fans have not seen for years. There was a time where the WWE Champion was an attraction, set apart from the rest of the roster, but still considered the benchmark that every superstar wanted to achieve. With Brock living in another universe away from the rest of the WWE roster, the WWE has an opportunity to create multiple storylines that intersect all with the singular goal of crowning the one who can finally slay The Beast.

Len Archibald is the former Executive Director of the Northwest Ohio Independent Film Festival, and is a current movie reviewer for WLIO in Lima, Ohio.

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