10 Times WWE Attempted To Use A Real Life Situation To Their Advantage (And Failed)
2. Brock Lesnar Vs. Cain Velasquez II
Whenever WWE try to introduce MMA-style “real fight” feel to their product, the results are seriously mixed. For every Ronda Rousey, there’s a Raw Underground. Still, there have certainly been several MMA athletes who have successfully made the jump to professional wrestling, and in another lifetime, Cain Velasquez could have been one of them.
The two time UFC heavyweight champ had pedigree and charisma, and it’s not hard to see him fitting into the industry, especially paired up with a veteran like Rey Mysterio. Unfortunately, his presence seemed like little more than an opportunity for Brock Lesnar to get his win back.
Lesnar had fallen to Velasquez in legitimate competition in 2010, taking Lesnar’s title in the process. The Beast Incarnate had evidently been stewing on this for the best part of a decade, and Cain was booked to tap to Lesnar in just over two minutes.
It’s hard to see this as anything other than a boost to Brock’s ego. He didn’t need this, it certainly didn’t help establish a new performer in Velasquez, and it wasn't the least bit fun to watch. A missed opportunity, and no doubt an incredibly expensive one at that.