Such is the case with Brock Lesnar losing to John Cena at Extreme Rules.
When it happened, I immediately fell in line with the naysayers and criticized the decision. It was money being tossed out the window in my eyes. How could Vince have Brock lose his first match back and still expect him to be worth anything going forward?!
Apparently, this was the one case where wins and losses did matter. Every other time, “smarks” will claim they don’t.
I was unaware, then, of just how limited Brock’s appearances would be. When I heard he had a signed a one-year contract, I assumed we’d get a more steady and consistent dose of appearances and matches. I was wrong. After his upcoming match with Triple H, it wouldn’t surprise me if we don’t see him again until next year, just in time for WrestleMania.
Vince McMahon is treating Lesnar like the Rock, but different. They are both working part-time schedules and expected to put other talent over at this point of their careers. Rock beat Cena, but that’s the difference, as Rock is at least expected to work Cena one more time. Lesnar won’t.
Rock also cares for the business, and that’s more than I can say for the former UFC champion.
If I’m Vince, and I know that Lesnar/Cena is one time only, who goes over is an easy decision to make. The fact that you and I both expected more out of Brock doesn’t change things. We simply didn’t have enough information at the time.
Now that we do, “I” understand why Cena went over. Why can’t you?
