10 Reasons WWE Champion Brock Lesnar Is Worth $5 Million A Year
10. Crossover Appeal
WWE is always aiming for mainstream audiences to pay attention to their product, shooting for those who dont identify themselves as wrestling fans in hopes of winning them over and converting them into an additional source of revenue. Its the reason why theyve so vehemently pursued The Rock in recent years, in an attempt to piggyback of his Hollywood notoriety. Other than Rock, and now Batista, Brock Lesnar is the only one within WWEs circle who can achieve the sort of outside-of-wrestling recognition that the company strives for. His run in the UFC turned him into one of the promotions biggest stars of all-time and a top pay-per-view draw, and while there is some crossover among UFC and pro wrestlings fanbases, its not nearly as sizable as youd think. And a good portion of the ardent MMA audience is former wrestling fans thatve now moved on. Lesnars return to WWE sparked a considerable amount of interest among those lapsed fans as well as ones whove never given the product a second thought, just to see what the former UFC heavyweight champ would do once he jumped back in the squared circle. Entire articles could be (and have been) written about the questionable booking decision of John Cena beating Brock in his first match, but that detail notwithstanding his return boosted interest in WWE. Whether or not WWE managed to hold onto to any of those eyeballs who turned their interest toward wrestling after his arrival isnt the point. Brock Lesnar is an athlete who is identified outside of wrestling circles and has (had?) the potential to draw in new fans. Something you cant say for anyone else on the roster.
Brad Hamilton is a writer, musician and marketer/social media manager from Atlanta, Georgia. He's an undefeated freestyle rap battle champion, spends too little time being productive and defines himself as the literary version of Brock Lesnar.
