10 Times WWE Tried Too Hard To Be REAL

During the main event of SummerSlam 2016, WWE brass gave the green light to a brutal act so realistic it even caused a stir backstage.

As with many of 'The Beast's' matches, Brock Lesnar was largely dominant over Randy Orton, although both men did serious damage to each other ringside. After a flurry of big moves and F-5s, the former UFC Heavyweight Champion became frustrated with 'The Viper' and decided to go bare-knuckle, using unprotected elbow shots to split open Orton's skull.

A stomach-churning stream of blood poured out onto the mat as officials broke up the fight, declaring Lesnar the winner via TKO. Backstage, Chris Jericho confronted 'The Beast,' concerned that he had gone off-script.

Later on, Orton explained to FOX Sports that everything played out as planned, although he wished he could have been booked stronger. The only thing slightly off was the damage Lesnar's elbows caused. It should have been a clean-cut but ended up being a wide laceration.

Some fans would have hoped WWE learned from the past that performers don't need to suffer and take unnecessary risks for the sake of entertainment. What played out at SummerSlam was a blatant attempt to get a little color on a major PPV. It would have been almost better if Orton had broken the "no-blading" rule instead. Ultimately, Lesnar didn't need the bump from the stunt, and it did little to help a returning 'Viper's' momentum.