LESNAR vs REIGNS II of 2022

https://cdn3.whatculture.com/images/2022/06/a7029d29e2941a1a-600x338.jpg

NOTES on BOOKING the MATCH

WWE decided to bring Brock Lesnar back into the mix once it became clear that Randy Orton wouldn't be able to work SummerSlam.

Fightful Select are reporting that Brock's comeback wasn't exactly a last-minute deal though - WWE were aware of Randy's injury situation "about three weeks ago", and secretly hatched plans to install Lesnar as Roman Reigns' next opponent on the biggest pay-per-view of the summer.

Now, Brock and Reigns will collide on 30 July.

Lesnar made his latest return following Roman's hotly-contested main event vs. Riddle. The 'Tribal Chief' won that match, but then had a smile wiped from his face when Brock's familiar entrance music refrain blasted over the speakers.

'The Beast' was all smiles himself, then hit the ring and smashed Reigns with his trademark F5 move before WWE's cameras faded to black and SmackDown ended. Meanwhile, the announcers barked about how monumental this all was.

WWE waited until after the show to announce SummerSlam's main event.

It's looking likely that Orton will miss the rest of 2022 through injury, which is a bit of a bummer. He'd have been a fine rival for Roman.

THE LAST MAN STANDING STIPULATION

What's more, WWE has tagged a 'Last Man Standing' stipulation onto the bout.

This, for reference, will be the third time Roman and Brock have worked a match since Crown Jewel in October 2021. Reigns picked up the win on that occasion over in Saudi Arabia, and he beat Lesnar yet again at WrestleMania 38; that victory unified both the WWE and Universal Titles under Roman's banner.

Unless the company wants to end Reigns' long dominance at the top of cards, then he'll beat Brock for a third consecutive time at SummerSlam. Who knows if creative can squeeze another clash between the two titans after that.

They've already booked Lesnar vs. Reigns a ton over the years.

The 'Last Man Standing' stip should, at least, guarantee some brawling fun next month. WWE will certainly be banking on a lively headliner after being forced to change plans due to Randy Orton's injury.






THANKS to

JAMIE KENNEDY of WhatCulture.com