The Double Edge Sword #01: Brock Lesnar
by , 04-08-2012 at 09:46 PM (5836 Views)
Hey, I haven't done a blog here in awhile so I figured I try something different. I figured I'd do a series that would look at the pros and cons of certain issues, wrestlers, and anything else relevant to the sport and entertainment of wrestling. I figured I'd tackle a recent topic in the wrestling world; Brock Lesnar's return to the WWE. Is it good for business or is it just for a cheap thrill?
Pros:
- Brock is an established star in both the WWE and UFC.
- He was fairly popular in his two-three years with the company, having been the champion at least twice. He even main evented a Wrestlemania against Kurt Angle for the championship.
- He had Paul Heyman's guiding hand. Paul has the golden touch with certain wrestlers and Brock was one of them.
- I frequently hear or read about ratings for the WWE's shows. That they have been lower now than in recent years. Brock's return would certainly help ratings now.
- He has a history with the biggest stars in the company: Undertaker, Cena, Angle, Eddie Guerrero, and The Rock just to name a few, so he can rise to the occasion and be relied on to be in the final match of a show or PPV.
- His current contract is rumored to have him show up at least once a month, in person, at events. That's more appearances than The Rock's busy schedule allows, so it will help get him over and be easier for him to be relevant with the fans.
- His return can keep John Cena busy and away from the title, making CM Punk the top babyface to keep the title on, giving fans something new and Punk the push he deserves.
And now the Cons:
- He left on poor terms with the WWE. Granted Madison Square Garden fans tend to be informed on issues on the dirt sheets, but getting booed during your last match. On PPV. At Wrestlemania. That doesn't sound good on paper, so we will have to see if his warm reaction in Miami was a fluke or not.
- He disliked the travel schedule. When he became champion, the WWE Champion was to appear on both brands at the beginning of the roster split. People say that he asked (or complained) for a lighter traveling schedule, so they split the WWE Undisputed Championship into the World Heavy Weight Title and the WWE Championship Title.
- Paul Heyman is no longer with the company. When he first appeared, Brock had Heyman do all of his talking. When they broke up, it became clearly apparent that Brock had very little natural charisma and speaking skills. He can definitely wrestle, but that's only half a great wrestler (in theory at least). Is he more charismatic now?
- He may have legitimate dislike with and from current wrestlers. He and John Cena may not have seen eye-to-eye back in 2002-2003 and not just in the ring. Brock may not have liked working with the relatively new Cena at the time and may not have sold moves as well as he could have. Have they buried the hatchet in the present? Also, current wrestlers may not like working with a guy who (a) walked out to play football, (b) wasn't 100% committed when he was with the company, (c) is only back for perhaps a year with special perks.
- The WWE should try to start promoting new talent and relying on them to carry the company. Are they sure Brock is in the best position to help with that philosophy. Can he make guys look good and create a launch pad for the next TOP heel or face?
- Is Brock 100% healthy? Or as healthy as he can be? It was rumored that Brock had difficulty getting over his bout with diverticulitis while in UFC and he kept having some kind of medical issue. Now, the WWE is an entirely different beast from UFC, but if Brock can't stay relatively healthy, he shouldn't be used as a big draw.
- How much of an effect will Brock actually have on ratings? This one is kind of minor, but ratings do play a part on WWE management's decisions. One of their "fail-safe" plans was to make Cena the center of attention or make him the champ if ratings saw a noticeable drop if he was removed from either position. Can Brock help the ratings in any way? And can it be on a regular basis, not just for when he is actually wrestling?
Well, there you have it. Agree? Disagree? Agree to Disagree?






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