Brock Lesnar is the current reigning and defending WWE World Heavyweight champion. The man known as The Beast Incarnate is perhaps the most physically dominant champion that fans have seen in quite some time thanks to how he has been presented.
But despite how untouchable he seems and how strong he looked against John Cena, the fact is that some fans are likely very critical of his limited work schedule. However, it is that schedule that will actually strengthen the company's top prize.
It's a criticism that fans have surely made many times in the past: WWE's penchant for using seasoned veterans as part-time Superstars. From Chris Jericho to Rob Van Dam to The Rock, several past champions have returned to the fold in WWE. Each man has contributed, and each man has been given an ample amount of spotlight.
Jericho is used mostly to help younger Superstars, most notably Fandango and Bray Wyatt. Rob Van Dam is utilized fairly regularly, perhaps more for his star power in matches against guys like Cesaro. The Rock was brought back as a top-level main event star, used against Cena at WrestleMania 28 and 29.
But Lesnar is a different animal altogether. He is a veteran, but he has not been used to get younger talents over and is not utilized regularly on TV. Lesnar is a main event killing machine, and he does nothing but bring attention to the WWE product every time he comes back.
His combination of power, athleticism and intensity sets him apart from all other Superstars. His ability to make an immediate impact the moment he hits the ring is unlike any fans have ever seen.
Though his first run back in 2000 only lasted four years and his current run has been on and off for the past two years, the fact is that Lesnar is the man that WWE wants. The company obviously has faith in him, especially considering that he is the newly crowned champion of the world.
Credit: WWE.com
Lesnar pins Undertaker at WrestleMania 30.
But WWE's faith was truly shown at WrestleMania 30 when Lesnar beat The Undertaker and ended The Streak.
For 21 WrestleManias, The Deadman was victorious. With each passing year, Taker's legacy grew, and his legend became more storied. And all of that came to an end at WrestleMania 30 thanks to Lesnar. The Beast Incarnate conquered The Phenom and brought his undefeated streak at the Showcase of the Immortals to an end.
Lesnar took the biggest win of his career and all the momentum it carried with it straight to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The company now has The Beast in the top spot, right where it wants him.
But even though he is in that top spot, he is still a part-time Superstar. And the truth is that's a good thing.
Credit: WWE.com
Lesnar with the new WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
The frustration that some fans have with this type of scenario is understandable. Indeed, after Lesnar won the belt, many of the WWE faithful likely had flashbacks of The Rock appearing live via satellite. However, that should not be the concern now. This title change is not just about getting Lesnar over; it's about getting the championship over as well.
Lesnar will almost certainly not be seen as often as past champions like CM Punk. And he certainly will not be seen several times during the course of each program the way Cena typically is. That will cause his appearances to mean more.
Lesnar will be more valuable, and his time on TV will be much more anticipated than if he were there every week. He has no chance of being overexposed, and the truth is that he could be viewed more as an old-school champion than probably anyone else in recent memory.
Much like the NWA world champion back when Jim Crockett Promotions was running in the 1980s, Lesnar's TV time will be precious. Televised title defenses should be prohibited entirely. Lesnar should be used now as he always has been—as a big-fight performer.
With Paul Heyman speaking in his absence and WWE running vignettes, Lesnar will not be forgotten. He will also not have the heat that perhaps Rocky had, as Lesnar is a heel and not expected to make anyone happy.
Lesnar can essentially come to work and just destroy at will. And when he's done, he can just leave once more.
This will do nothing but strengthen the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. It will be viewed as a true top title, and the matches worked to earn it will further legitimize Lesnar's reign. The Beast will become an even hotter commodity than he is now, and the strap around his waist will be worth even more.
But despite how untouchable he seems and how strong he looked against John Cena, the fact is that some fans are likely very critical of his limited work schedule. However, it is that schedule that will actually strengthen the company's top prize.
It's a criticism that fans have surely made many times in the past: WWE's penchant for using seasoned veterans as part-time Superstars. From Chris Jericho to Rob Van Dam to The Rock, several past champions have returned to the fold in WWE. Each man has contributed, and each man has been given an ample amount of spotlight.
Credit: WWE.com The Rock |
But Lesnar is a different animal altogether. He is a veteran, but he has not been used to get younger talents over and is not utilized regularly on TV. Lesnar is a main event killing machine, and he does nothing but bring attention to the WWE product every time he comes back.
Brock Lesnar's Limited Schedule Will Strengthen the WWE World Championship |
Though his first run back in 2000 only lasted four years and his current run has been on and off for the past two years, the fact is that Lesnar is the man that WWE wants. The company obviously has faith in him, especially considering that he is the newly crowned champion of the world.
Credit: WWE.com
Lesnar pins Undertaker at WrestleMania 30.
But WWE's faith was truly shown at WrestleMania 30 when Lesnar beat The Undertaker and ended The Streak.
For 21 WrestleManias, The Deadman was victorious. With each passing year, Taker's legacy grew, and his legend became more storied. And all of that came to an end at WrestleMania 30 thanks to Lesnar. The Beast Incarnate conquered The Phenom and brought his undefeated streak at the Showcase of the Immortals to an end.
Lesnar took the biggest win of his career and all the momentum it carried with it straight to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The company now has The Beast in the top spot, right where it wants him.
But even though he is in that top spot, he is still a part-time Superstar. And the truth is that's a good thing.
Credit: WWE.com
Lesnar with the new WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
The frustration that some fans have with this type of scenario is understandable. Indeed, after Lesnar won the belt, many of the WWE faithful likely had flashbacks of The Rock appearing live via satellite. However, that should not be the concern now. This title change is not just about getting Lesnar over; it's about getting the championship over as well.
Lesnar will almost certainly not be seen as often as past champions like CM Punk. And he certainly will not be seen several times during the course of each program the way Cena typically is. That will cause his appearances to mean more.
Lesnar will be more valuable, and his time on TV will be much more anticipated than if he were there every week. He has no chance of being overexposed, and the truth is that he could be viewed more as an old-school champion than probably anyone else in recent memory.
Much like the NWA world champion back when Jim Crockett Promotions was running in the 1980s, Lesnar's TV time will be precious. Televised title defenses should be prohibited entirely. Lesnar should be used now as he always has been—as a big-fight performer.
With Paul Heyman speaking in his absence and WWE running vignettes, Lesnar will not be forgotten. He will also not have the heat that perhaps Rocky had, as Lesnar is a heel and not expected to make anyone happy.
Lesnar can essentially come to work and just destroy at will. And when he's done, he can just leave once more.
This will do nothing but strengthen the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. It will be viewed as a true top title, and the matches worked to earn it will further legitimize Lesnar's reign. The Beast will become an even hotter commodity than he is now, and the strap around his waist will be worth even more.