7. WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match: John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar (SummerSlam 2014)
When Brock Lesnar returned to World Wrestling Entertainment in April 2012, he immediately targeted John Cena, who had risen to the top of the industry in the Beast Incarnate's eight-year absence. His huge F5 of Cena sparked a feud between the two industry giants that culminated in a match at Extreme Rules. Despite a dominant performance by Lesnar, Cena capitalized on a single opening and upset the former UFC heavyweight champion. The loss did not affect Lesnar long-term as he netted wins over CM Punk, Triple H and Big Show before becoming the first man to ever defeat The Undertaker at WrestleMania. It was that win that catapulted Lesnar into WWE World Heavyweight title contention and set up a monumental rematch against Cena at SummerSlam 2014. As it turned out, the rematch would be even less competitive than the original. Lesnar demolished, destroyed and disgraced Cena in front of an international viewing audience, en route to his first championship reign in eight years. After sixteen German suplexes, Lesnar but the outmatched and overwhelmed Cena out of his misery with the F5. Despite the punishment he was forced to endure on August 17, Cena immediately invoked his rematch clause, setting up a third epic bout between the two for September 21 at Night of Champions.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
