10 Best Debuts In WWE History

9. Brock Lesnar

Chris Jericho
WWE.com

Sometimes, a professional wrestler’s debut is all about shock and awe. Few wrestlers exemplify this more than Brock Lesnar. A Paul Heyman discovery, Lesnar first appeared on WWE television the night after WrestleMania X8. Spike Dudley, Maven, and Al Snow were wrestling when The Next Big Thing hopped the barricade and obliterated all three, showcasing his immense power, and immediately establishing him as the WWE’s most destructive force.

Lesnar’s arrival coincided with the “Ruthless Aggression” era really kicking-off, and as a monster heel, he was an immediate hit. Heyman was the perfect mouthpiece: already familiar to WWE fans through the Invasion, Heyman’s presence added real weight to Lesnar’s act, and while he did all the hard work on the microphone, Brock could stick to crushing the opposition.

Brock Lesnar entered WWE like a wrecking ball, and it’s a role he still occupies to this day. Him and Heyman have proven to be a perfect wrestler/manager combination, and their chemistry helped Brock to one of the most impressive rookie years in WWE history. Just five months after debuting, Lesnar defeated The Rock to become WWE World Champion, and despite his current troubles, The Beast Incarnate remains WWE’s most fearsome competitor.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.