10 Ways MMA Has Influenced Modern WWE
9. Title Fight Intros (The Reigning, Defending!)
Perhaps this is just something that Paul Heyman does for Brock Lesnar, but as far as title fight intros go, Heyman's way of introducing the Beast at WWE events while he was champion was straight out of the UFC. In fact, it was so similar, it might as well have been Bruce Buffer yelling it.
"The reigning, defending, undisputed WWE champion of the world - BROCK LESNAR!" - that's not at all different from how UFC champions are introduced at the start of their fights. It's a nod to how important the title is, and what a big deal the person holding it is.
In a wrestling world were there are so many titles some get retired and unretired seemingly on a whim, making this sort of fuss over a title bout is actually a smart move. It puts the focus back where it should be, and helps add to that big match feel.