4 Ups & 3 Downs Of Brock Lesnar Vs. Randy Orton At WWE SummerSlam 2016

3. Up: It's A Huge, High Profile Match For Both Returns

Brock Lesnar Randy Orton
WWE.com

It’s hard to tell what WWE’s post-brand split landscape will look like, and matches like this might not even be possible when the July 19th draft leaves WWE’s talent roster scattered across two separate shows.

In Lesnar vs. Orton, WWE have made the biggest match possible with the talent available to them, and a perfect first match to announce for one of the company’s biggest shows of the year.

WWE couldn’t have booked a more high profile return for Randy Orton. Wrestling Brock Lesnar almost guarantees that The Viper is returning as an instant major player in a main event scene sorely lacking in star power. This match positions Orton within touching distance of WWE’s top spot and ensures his 2016 return will live long in the memory.

This is a huge match for Brock too. If he defeats Mark Hunt this weekend, he returns to WWE an all-conquering, dual-sport hero, bringing a whole new level of buzz and excitement with him. If he loses, a victory over a highly thought-of opponent on one of WWE’s signature PPVs is a perfect way to rebound.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.