WWE SummerSlam 2017: 5 Reasons Braun Strowman Should Win
By Bryan Heaton
2. Give The Beast A Break
Of course, the big monkey wrench in all of these “Why so and so should win the Universal Title” arguments is the Brock Lesnar situation. On July 31, Lesnar and Paul Heyman made a shocking proclamation on Raw. If The Beast Incarnate fails to successfully defend the title at SummerSlam, he’s going to leave WWE. For good. (wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more)
I don’t think anyone seriously believes that Lesnar would leave WWE “for good” after SummerSlam. His contract runs until WrestleMania 34 – why would he give up that payday? Not only that, but Brock makes some serious coin every time he appears on Raw or pay per view – and those Raw appearances are usually of the “stand around and look mean while Paul Heyman says some stuff” variety.
But due to the sporadic nature of Lesnar’s appearances, it’s in WWE’s best interests to do something to have a Universal Champion who could appear on television with some regularity. That sporadic nature of Brock’s appearances also works out for allowing someone to defeat him at SummerSlam – someone like Strowman.
Picture this: Strowman wins the Universal Championship by pinning, say, Roman Reigns. Lesnar is furious at losing a title – again – without being defeated. He keeps his word, and “leaves” WWE. Strowman takes the opportunity to talk himself up as new champion. He puts down Lesnar for “taking his ball and going home.” Come Survivor Series, or Royal Rumble, Lesnar has had enough and returns to take back his title. This sets up the inevitable WrestleMania 34 match between Reigns and Lesnar for the official coronation of “The Guy,” and Strowman is waiting in the wings to regain the Universal Championship.