Leading up to WrestleMania 34, storylines were strongly favoring Roman Reigns as WWE’s next big star. With a compelling storyline that included his battle with leukemia and his return to the ring, fans were primed for a big moment when Reigns finally won the Universal Championship. Many believed that the victory would symbolize the passing of the torch from Brock Lesnar, the established champion, to Reigns, the future of WWE.
However, as the match neared, Vince McMahon made a controversial decision to change the outcome. Instead of letting Reigns win, McMahon chose Lesnar to retain the championship. This last-minute change left Lesnar, who was ready to pass the torch to Reigns, furious. According to reports, Brock saw great potential in Roman and believed he was ready to become the top man in WWE.
After the match, Brock’s frustration exploded. When he returned backstage, he threw the Universal Championship belt at Vince McMahon, a clear sign of his displeasure with the decision. It wasn’t just about losing the match; it was about WWE missing out on a chance to create a new star and a lack of communication and respect from management. Lesnar’s actions reflect underlying tensions within WWE regarding creative direction and talent development.
It’s important to consider Brock Lesnar’s position. As a veteran of the business, he understands the importance of developing new stars. Having been in the business for years, he recognizes that Roman Reigns has the potential to be the face of WWE. Retaining the title not only undermines Reigns’s momentum, but also belittles Lesnar’s desire to elevate the next generation of wrestlers. Many fans and insiders believe that Brock doesn’t deserve the hate he receives for this incident; Instead, it highlighted his commitment to the industry and his desire for WWE to grow sustainably.
In the months following WrestleMania 34, the fallout from this incident continued to ripple across WWE. While Brock Lesnar remained a dominant force, the company struggled to make Roman Reigns the top star they envisioned. The mixed reactions from fans and critics underscored the complexity of WWE’s storytelling and the challenges of managing its talent dynamics.