WWE's 15 Hottest Stars Of The Summer Since 2001
14. Brock Lesnar - 2002
2002 was truly a changing of the guard for WWE. That year saw the debuts of future headliners including John Cena, Batista, and Randy Orton, but it was Brock Lesnar who ascended to a level of super stardom faster than any of the aforementioned athletes.
Mere months into his arrival on the WWE scene, Lesnar became the 2002 King of the Ring, earning himself a shot at the WWE Championship at SummerSlam. He embarked on an undefeated streak in singles competition from the moment he debuted in WWE and seemingly no one could conquer him.
Rob Van Dam tried, but failed. Hulk Hogan also attempted to, but received a brutal bearhug from The Beast for his efforts. The Rock, the then-WWE champion, stepped up to the plate against Lesnar at SummerSlam, and despite coming close to securing the victory, he was ultimately unsuccessful. The Next Big Thing laid him out with an F5 to claim his premier WWE Championship, culminating the Summer of Lesnar in a major way.
SummerSlam 2002 is arguably the greatest installment in the event's history, but Lesnar's historic win will forever be the night's most memorable moment.