The return of Brock Lesnar to World Wrestling Entertainment created a legitimate buzz around the company thanks to Lesnar's success in UFC. When the Beast Incarnate was programmed with John Cena right out of the gate, many expected that the Minnesotan would defeat Cena and begin a climb towards the WWE title. And for 99-percent of the match, that is what appeared likely. It was that pesky one-percent that took the wrestling world by surprise and led to the first positive reaction Cena had experienced in Chicago in nearly a decade. Lesnar brutalized Cena in what was a brutal, violent and ugly main event. He busted the leader of the Cenation open and worked over his arm with a chain and his trademark Kimura Lock. Cena sold like pro for Lesnar, making everything the former WWE champion did look much more punishing and effective. The story told throughout the match, which played up the cocky and arrogant nature of Lesnar, played a key role in the finish. With Cena all but finished, Lesnar hit the ropes, dove off of the steel steps that he had brought into the ring, and collided with Cena. In the process, both men hit the floor and Lesnar's knee slammed hard into the mat. Undeterred, he returned to the ring and repeated his action. This time, Cena blasted him in the face with a steel chain, entered the ring and delivered the Attitude Adjustment on the ring steps for the pinfall victory. As much as the Chicago crowd hated Cena, they invested themselves in the story the performers were telling and popped huge when he caught Lesnar with the chain shot. The win did nothing to really hurt Lesnar as he entered right into a feud with Triple H. He would defeat The Game on two separate occasions, defeated CM Punk at SummerSlam 2013 and dispatched of Big Show before picking up the biggest win of all-time as he ended The Undertaker's legendary Streak at WrestleMania 30.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
