As previously discussed, the initial SummerSlam plan called for Daniel Bryan to defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Brock Lesnar. However, with Bryans injury, a new champion had to be found. Of course, the easiest and most established choice to carry the title in the interim was John Cena. While SummerSlams championship main event went off without a hitch, Brocks title win has left many in WWE scratching their heads. Although Lesnar once again becoming WWE Champion has been the plan all along -- despite the change in opponent -- the company is unsure of how to handle his reign from here on out. The current plan calls for Lesnar to lose the championship to Roman Reigns at next years WrestleMania, in the hopes of creating another major star and classic Mania moment. While that plan is undoubtedly still in place, seven months is a long time for Brock to hold the title -- especially considering his current contract stipulations and usual part-time status. But before Reigns can vie for the title, Lesnar is set to defend it against John Cena in a rematch at the Night of Champions pay-per-view. Yahoo! Sports is reporting that there are two tentative plans in place for the September 21st PPV. One plan would see Cena overcome the Beast Incarnate -- albeit in controversial fashion. Potentially, WWE could set up some sort of stipulation match between the two competitors that would allow for Lesnar to be defeated without being pinned or having to submit. This obviously seems to be the less likely choice, as it could potentially undo any momentum Brock currently has. The other possible outcome would see Lesnar once again triumph over John Cena. However, the plan calls for Brock to leave the company following the victory, creating a storyline wherein the Authority would realize the error of their ways in allowing the Beast to become champion. Reportedly, this idea calls for Lesnar to sit out until the buildup to WrestleMania 32 in Santa Clara, California. In the meantime, the Authority would reluctantly recruit Roman Reigns to bring the title back to the confines of the WWE. Both ideas have potential downfalls, as Brock losing in any fashion to Cena after decimating him so badly could see Lesnars momentum derailed. Meanwhile, if Brock were to defeat Cena and leave for months on end, the WWE would be without its major champion -- a potentially destructive decision that would see the company attempting to promote any and all house shows, television programs, and PPVs without their main title holder. It will be interesting to see what direction WWE decides to go at Night of Champions and in the weeks following. One thing is for certain: Roman Reigns is destined to the be next top guy in the world of WWE. His WrestleMania moment seems imminent, and despite WWE once again booking themselves into a tight corner, they will continue to build -- in whatever fashion -- toward Reigns rise to the top. Let us know what you think WWE should do with Brock Lesnar and how they should handle his title reign in the comments below.
Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.
