Braun Strowman can have value wherever he performs

WWE has made several cuts in the last year, blaming it on the COVID-19 pandemic. There were many names that surprised fans when there were seen on the list, but Braun Strowman was perhaps the most surprising. Not because he was a fan favorite, but he remained near the top of the card for years, even though he wasn’t utilized in the best fashion. Now, Strowman’s name has come back up as a potential re-signing with the promotion which raises the question as to whether that’s the right move or if he’d fit well in another organization.

After Strowman was cut from the WWE, it was revealed that part of the decision-making was due to his large contract. Strowman knew his worth to the company and negotiated a large contract when the opportunity came. As the WWE leaned on “cost-cutting” measures, that made his contract a target to help the company save funds – even as 2020 was the best revenue-generating year to date.

In recent days, there have been rumors growing that WWE leadership is looking to potentially bring him back to the roster. That doesn’t elicit much praise from fans, as previously mentioned Strowman wasn’t used in the best manner. Even still, there have been moments where he was over with the fans and if that Strowman was permanent he would be an asset to any company that could get him to sign on the dotted line.

AEW fans initially balked at the idea of Strowman signing with their beloved company. To many, there’s a sense of “purity” around the wrestling product that AEW creates. To some, Strowman represents the “sports entertainment” aspect of the industry and that causes fans to turn away from the idea of him being in the ring with the likes of The Elite, Jungle Boy, Darby Allin, and everyone else on the roster. While that is an understandable ideal, it ignores the point that there is a level of entertainment that Strowman could bring if used properly over time.

Braun Strowman: Where should he go next?

Strowman could even turn up in New Japan. Both Hulk Hogan and Brock Lesnar enjoyed brief but successful runs in Japan. They were booked as giant monsters that squashed opponents in their run to the title. Strowman could be pushed in the same fashion, but one would expect a lot of “blowbacks” from the vocal portion that takes to social media to express their disgust with things that happen in their favorite promotions. Could he thrive if given the opportunity? How would he do against the likes of Shingo Takagi, Kota Ibushi, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and others? Perhaps fans should hope to see that outcome instead.

But the WWE should be seen as the leader in the potential race to bring Strowman aboard. The reason being is because they have the familiarity with him as a performer and the resources to outbid the other groups that may not be willing to sign him to such a large deal that he may command. There was a moment where Strowman could have been built into a massive star as he and Roman Reigns continued to pummel each other week after week. WWE failed in that opportunity, but if they bring him back, perhaps it’s time to see that run-through.

Braun Strowman is perhaps the biggest free agent that was created when the WWE went on a spree of cuts in the last year. He may turn back up in a WWE ring sooner rather than later, but perhaps he has value in other major organizations like NJPW and AEW. Either way, the Monster Among Men will have an impact wherever he shows up.