This year’s SummerSlam was nothing short of electrifying. Over 50,000 wrestling aficionados converged under one roof, bearing witness to wrestling’s finest in their element. Yet, one duel resonated with them more profoundly, presenting a climax few could have predicted: Brock Lesnar vs. Cody Rhodes.
The saga between The Beast and The American Nightmare spanned over months. A vicious onslaught by Lesnar on The American Nightmare post-WrestleMania set the wheels in motion. They battled with unbridled ferocity, trading wins as the animosity between the two grew each time they clashed. The wrestling world was torn – allegiance split between the predatory might of Brock and the enduring spirit of Cody.
But Summerslam offered more than a simple resolution. Cody Rhodes stood tall, not just as the victor, but as a warrior who had earned the grudging respect of the beast incarnate, Brock Lesnar. What transpired at the climax of their brawl wasn’t just unscripted, but unprecedented. The Beast Incarnate, known for his cold, ruthless demeanor, took off his pair of gloves in a symbolic gesture and not just acknowledged Rhodes’s prowess but embraced him, lifting the arm of The American Nightmare in a salute to his worth.
Since then, audiences have been speculating. What happens now that Brock has feuded with the top stars of Monday Night RAW and Friday Night SmackDown? Is he going on a hiatus to continue his usual Modus Operandi? Or, perhaps, this babyface turn is a sign of something new and different for Lesnar?
Already, Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio has confirmed that Lesnar is only taking a break for a “little while” before returning to perform at Payback and Fastlane, scheduled for September 2 and October 7, respectively.
With Lesnar already booked for both events, it’s only fair to wonder, who’s his next target?
The WWE Universe is no stranger to Lesnar’s character evolution. Though not a full-time player, his narrative arcs have always been pivotal, becoming major storylines regardless of a title being at stake. Lesnar’s respect for Rhodes was an unexpected event but it demonstrated The Beast’s deeper ethos. For Brock, respect isn’t given but earned through resilience and prowess, virtues Cody displayed abundantly.
Now, with this new chapter unveiled, Lesnar’s next move is now the talk of the town. The rise of LA Knight , a wrestler gaining immense traction, makes him potential feud material. Would Brock test him as he did Rhodes and maybe even put him over? It’s unlikely that this will happen twice in a single year, but who knows? Alternatively, Seth Rollins, the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, has history with Lesnar. Their decade-long rivalry, punctuated by intense clashes, could very well reignite, providing WWE fans with yet another epic for the ages.
Besides, we’re pretty sure that Lesnar probably hasn’t forgotten that time Seth Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank contract at WrestleMania 31.
Yet, the most tantalizing possibility is the Judgment Day. Finn Balor, Dominik Mysterio, Damian Priest, and Rhea Ripley might cross paths with Brock. The scenario paints a riveting picture: The Beast, hunting them down, one by one. Can this faction, with its combined might and strategy, overpower the relentless aggression of Brock Lesnar? This David vs. Goliath narrative holds potential to become WWE’s next magnum opus.
Beyond these narratives, there’s an underdog – Bronson Reed. This Australian Goliath, having showcased his prowess on NXT, has recently returned to the wrestling scene under Triple H’s creative direction.
Lesnar’s inclination towards dueling with titans makes Reed a potential candidate. The Beast’s raw power versus Reed’s Tsunami might be the physicality-driven narrative fans didn’t know they needed.
We’d love to throw Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton into the mix but we’re pretty sure their still-recovering bodies won’t do well against multiple trips to Supplex City.
Yet, with all these potential directions, the truth remains uncertain. Whatever the direction, WWE is poised on the cusp of yet another thrilling storyline with The Beast at its epicenter. One thing is sure; when The Beast decides to emerge from his hibernation, the wrestling world will pause, watch, and marvel.
