Just one week ago, at SummerSlam, Brock Lesnar destroyed John Cena in a one-sided contest to become the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Lesnar first won the title twelve years ago today, defeating The Rock at the 2002 edition of the so-called Biggest Event of the Summer. Brock last held the title in February of 2004, losing the championship to Eddie Guerrero at No Way Out of that year. While its been nearly a decade since the former UFC fighter held the most coveted prize in sports entertainment, the plan for Brock to become champion has been in place for some time. However, not everything went according to the original plan. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter recently stated that the original idea was for Lesnar to defeat and decimate Daniel Bryan at SummerSlam -- similar to how he laid waste to John Cena. Supposedly, this would have been to bring Bryan and his ravenous fans back to reality. However, the internet darlings neck injury derailed this proposal. In the interim, it was decided that Cena would carry the belt until his demise at the hands of Lesnar. However, as previously reported, Lesnar is expected to carry the WWE Championship until next years WrestleMania -- emanating from Levis Stadium in Santa Clara, California on March 29th. There, the plan calls for Brock to be usurped by the WWEs latest major star, Roman Reigns. Regardless of the change in plan due to Daniel Bryans injury, the proposed feud and WrestleMania match between Reigns and Lesnar has reportedly been in place since WrestleMania XXX. Shortly before or following the Showcase of the Immortals, the plan was put in place. Before this program was set in stone, however, there was said to be some internal debate between Triple H and Vince McMahon. Supposedly, McMahon wanted to see The Rock return and challenge Lesnar for the title at Mania, while Hunter thought Reigns was the better option. McMahons thinking was that the proposed contest between The Rock and Brock would be a major marquee event and would draw well. Triple H, on the other hand, felt it would be better to go with the up-and-coming Roman Reigns. Only time will tell what exactly will happen, but for now, it seems that plans are in place for Reigns to vanquish Lesnar at next years WrestleMania. However, Daniel Bryans inevitable return could throw a potential wrench in the system, similar to how his growing popularity upset WrestleMania XXXs original plans. Still, its interesting that WWE wanted to see Bryan destroyed at SummerSlam -- and the fans with him -- in an attempt to bring him back to reality. Do you think Brock Lesnar defeating Daniel Bryan would have been best for business, or are you happy with SummerSlams outcome? Let us know your thoughts 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.
