The Significance Of The Beast

Brock Lesnar has resigned to the WWE for a multi-year deal. This is the second time in a row that Brock has signed a multi-year deal with the company, and who could blame him? Vince drops millions of dollars in his bank account, Brock works 25-30 days a year, wrestles 4 times a year, and gets to be home with his family 90% of the year. Who wouldn't take that deal? To be fair, having Brock back in WWE hasn't seemed to provide the huge ratings or merch sales boost that WWE expected, but I think Vince sees Brock as a worthy investment regardless. Brock has never been a big media guy, and that doesn't seem likely to change, but his announcement on ESPN that he has closed the door on a MMA return, and would be staying with WWE for multiple years rocked all social media and delighted wrestling fans all over.

The question remains, what does this mean for WWE going forward? Who are some potential opponents for Brock? How many years is included in this particular multi year deal? With regards to the amount of years in Brock's resigned contract, I'm going to guess 2-3 years, with 2 years being the logical option as WrestleMania 33 is rumored to be in Minneapolis, Brock's hometown.

"Brock re-signs with @WWE." #CongratsToUs pic.twitter.com/nltmx4UCsp

— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) March 24, 2015

As far as what's next? And potential opponents? Here's my view:

There is no reason for Brock to lose to Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania 31. The most bland main event in WWE history, in terms of excitement for the match and build, should end with Brock victorious. Last year, Brock ended the Undertaker's streak and I cannot imagine throwing that away just to put Reigns in a title picture that he obviously isn't ready for. However, knowing WWE, Reigns will win, Rollins will cash in, and we get Rollins vs Reigns for the title afterwards as Brock takes his normal three-month vacation with great pay. This does nothing for the company in essence, if Brock is going to stay in WWE for another two years. I would like to see Brock vs Daniel Bryan at Summerslam for the WWE Title, and Brock even said himself that he looks forward to working with Bryan in the future, getting us closer to the reality of seeing the match we all really wanted at WrestleMania 31.

Now, we don't know if Brock's contract calls for a few more dates than before, but if I'm WWE, I'm making sure that this investment is 100% worth it, and using him as much as we can within the 2 years. Unlike The Rock, Brock's part time schedule isn't because he's busy doing 45 other things, its because he just doesn't want to work that much. Now, at 25 dates a year, that's no way to really build a huge feud, so if I'm WWE, I'm asking for 35-40 dates along with 5-6 matches per year.

Vince is backing up the money truck, the least Brock can do is add 5-10 more dates to the contract and 1-2 extra matches. I would say that its more than necessary at this moment. Brock returning initially made him a special attraction, but now that effect has wore off some. He is still a huge attraction, but the wrestle once, disappear for months, wrestle once, repeat disappearance shit has gotten old after three years.

Brock has committed to WWE for multiple years and canceled out MMA, so I believe that he should give the WWE a bit more as far as appearances go. Brock wrestling at Royal Rumble, Wrestlemania, Extreme Rules (or Money In The Bank), Summerslam, Night of Champions (or Hell In A Cell), and Survivor Series is what's best for business. It gives the fans more Brock Lesnar, which they want, while not over saturating his appearances/matches. A strategy that if utilized correctly, will be perfect. Now, the final question, and most important question would have to be, who can Brock face over the course of these next few years?

Daniel Bryan

This is the match that everyone wants. Bryan vs Brock. David vs Goliath. This is the money match. Bryan vs Brock could end up as an all time classic and if anyone should hand Brock his first loss since WrestleMania 29, it should be Bryan.

Randy Orton

In all seriousness, this match needs to happen. It should have happened at the Royal Rumble instead of Cena getting a shot at the title. But, WWE and their usual bullshit comes to mind. However, I fully expect a Brock vs RKO match, and I can't wait to see it. It will be extreme and intense.

Rusev

In the future, after say the Orton and Bryan matches (Ed. Note: and potentially barring Rusev losing to Cena at WrestleMania), a big match between a face Brock and mega heel Rusev could provide a great showdown.

The Rock

This match needs to happen as well. A lot of people are saying "this isn't 2002," and you're right. It isn't. Brock Lesnar is a mainstream household name, The Rock is one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, and both are considered legends in this business. Yes, we saw Brock vs Rock in 2002. We also saw Undertaker vs Brock in 2002 and 2003. We saw Brock vs Cena in 2003 as well. The Rock was the one who helped get Brock over the top by losing cleanly to him, some 13 years ago at Summerslam 2002. Their careers since have both taken an interesting turn, and with all those years passed, I think it'd be perfect for one last match between the two in front of 100,000 plus at WrestleMania 32.

Dean Ambrose

Dean is one of the most over guys in the company period and he's positioned as a lunatic character wise. He's also selling merch considerably well, and has the vocal chops to spar with Brock's advocate Paul Heyman. The match between the two would be physical, brutal and I would love to see these two go at it.

Bray Wyatt

This might be the most exciting potential feud here. Heyman vs Wyatt on the mic? The New Face of Fear versus The Beast? This is MONEY. I'M SOLD!

Seth Rollins

I rather enjoyed the interactions with Brock and Seth Rollins leading up to the Rumble and would love to see him go one on one with Brock. That match would be great.

Cesaro

The ship hasn't sailed on this. With proper booking, decent build up, and more, I think Brock vs Cesaro could be a classic.

Closing thoughts:I'd keep Brock away from Cena, HHH, Taker, Sting, Ryback, Big Show, Kane, Mark Henry, and even Sheamus, to be honest. Let him work with the majority of the new blood, the quicker guys, the more sound wrestlers, with one huge attraction match against The Rock and call it a career. Brock is best with booked with great in ring performers, as this was evident in 2002-2003. Brock excelled against the Benoits, Edges, Rocks, Takers, Guerreros, and of course Angles of that era, but bored against the bigger men or older wrestlers. It is vital to keep Brock with fresher talent and let the magic happen.

Where does Brock go from here? Only he and the WWE know, but the whole world is intrigued. And that is special in its own right. Long Live The Beast.

@TrueGodImmortal

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Eyes on the Ring 2:40 PM  No comment

Royal Rumble Predictions from Jon and Nathan

Royal Rumble predictions

It’s that time of the year when things get interesting in the WWE Universe.  The Royal Rumble has always been the start of Wrestlemania season. Stars, careers, and legacy have been made at the Royal Rumble.  It doesn’t matter how big you are or which number you enter at, because anyone has an equal change of winning and advancing to the main event of Wrestlemania in the process.  So Nathan and I will give you our thoughts on who we think can overcome the odds and win the Royal Rumble.  (Maybe this year we will keep a running tab and have a twitter bet) there are several key things that typically happen in this match that shape both Wrestlemania and future careers.  Who will throw out the most superstars?  Who will last the longest?  Who will be the first to enter?  Who will be entrant #30?  Who will be the final four?  While the Royal Rumble is the focus of the pay per view there are some interesting matches that will lead up to the main event.  So without any further hesitation, here we go with the predictions to this Sunday’s show.

Kick Off

A New Day vs. Cesaro, Tyson Kidd, and Adam Rose

Jon: New Day is definitely the opposite of what the Shield and the Wyatt Family were, and are not at all what most fans expected when the group was formed. Even more mystery surrounds their opponents, while Kidd and Cesaro have been put together in a tag team, Adam Rose’s addition is baffling to say the least.  The New Day have some good momentum right now and a win here will continue that for them and possibly turn this into an interesting rivalry.

Jon’s Prediction: A New Day

Nathan: This match seemed a bit thrown together because ever since the Shield came to be, the WWE has always had a prominent six man tag team match included on pay per views.  Ever since the Shield was split up this past June, they have done what they could to include a six-man tag match on every WWE RAW, Smackdown, and Pay Per View because they can’t seem to get past the formula.  I’m still scratching my head while trying to figure out why Adam Rose was added to this match, but it is what it is and he’s only one of six participants in this match.  I’m really torn on what to predict for this one, because on one hand Cesaro is my favorite wrestler in the company right now (oops I said wrestler hopefully Vinnie Mac doesn’t find out), but something tells me that WWE will go with the obvious and have A New Day win the match and continue the wave of momentum that they are on at the moment.

Nathan’s Prediction: A New Day

The Bella Twins vs. Paige and Natalya

Jon: This is basically the battle of Total Divas, and rather than dwell on what’s wrong with this match, I’m simply picking the Bella’s to win.

Jon’s Prediction: The Bella Twins

Nathan: I don’t know what Jon is talking about because this could be the best match of the show in my opinion… Okay, no it’s not going to be.  I’m sick and tired of Total Divas ruining my wrestling and the fact that all of the Divas have stupid characters, because the WWE can’t write a script for a woman who is not crazy and or a slut and or something else that I don’t care about.  I really like Natalya and Paige, so I’m hoping they will win and given WWE’s recent treatment of their champions, my hope is that Natalya will end up pinning whichever Bella is the Divas champion (it really doesn’t matter does it?). If I’m wrong I’m wrong but it would be a good way to do something different with the Divas division.

Nathan’s Prediction: Paige and Natalya

The Miz and Damien Mizdow vs. The Uso’s ©
WWE Tag Team Championship Match

Jon: The Usos should retain their titles. Not only are they the better team, but there is a great feud between The Miz and Mizdow on the horizon (hopefully).  Mizdow has stolen the spotlight and is clearly a fan favorite with his gimmick as a stunt double.  It’s only a matter of time before the self centered Miz gets fed up and turns his back on Mizdow.

Jon’s Prediction: The Usos

Nathan: I really would like to disagree with Jon here but the fact is that I can’t in my right mind do so.  Miz and Mizdow already were the tag team champions and they lost the belts before their reign ever really got started.  So I’ll echo what Jon said and say that The Uso’s will retain the titles and that the person that takes the fall in this match between Miz and Mizdow will get beaten up by the other member, and that we will get a Miz vs. Sandow feud in the near future (can we get X-Dow from Monday please?  That was awesome).  

Nathan’s Prediction: The Uso’s

The Ascension vs. The New Age Outlaws

Jon: I, for one have never been a big fan of the Ascension. Not that I hate them, they just haven’t done anything to make me a fan. Their matches in NXT against Balor and Itami were good but the bulk of the credit doesn’t go to Konnor and Viktor.  Their call up has been lackluster to say the least.  Several squash matches and promos that have been similar to Demolition,  have yet to help them connect with a wider audience.  This match also says a lot of about the state of the WWE tag team division.  The Outlaws will lose and give the Ascension a much needed “rub” to help make them a credible tag team.  There just aren’t many credible tag teams outside of the Uso’s, Goldust and Stardust, and Miz and Mizdow in the WWE right now.  I hope the Ascension can use this victory and start to inject some excitement into the tag team division.

Jon’s Prediction: The Ascension

Nathan: Wow, there sure are a lot of tag team matches on this card (where’s Teddy Long when you need him?)  This match isn’t something I really care about because A it was thrown together last minute and B I can’t figure out why The New Age Outlaws keep coming back, besides the fact that they’re Triple H’s buddies. I mean honestly, that’s the only realistic reason I can think of at least.  Hopefully The Ascension will be able to get the win here and look strong in the process, because let’s face facts, they have been treated like absolute trash since being called up to the main roster.  Not only are they essentially a knock off of 80’s tag teams, they are a team I could care less about.  When they were in NXT they didn’t impress me , and ever since making their way to the main roster they have yet to do so.  Monday’s stunt didn’t help with them getting beaten up by a bunch of legendary tag teams and JBL continuously trying to ruin them while on commentary.  I honestly don’t know how we as fans are supposed to view the Ascension, but that’s not our fault, it’s the company’s fault for booking them the way they have.

Nathan’s Prediction: The Ascension

John Cena vs. Seth Rollins vs. Brock Lesnar ©
Triple Threat match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Jon: The World Heavyweight Title is on the line and Brock has his work cut out for him.  Seth Rollins has proved to be just as vicious as he is cunning.  Seth has hit both Brock and Cena with a curb stomp.  That doesn’t seem like the smartest thing Seth has done, but he has proven that he is always a step ahead.  Cena is desperate to prove that he can not only beat  Brock Lesnar, but win a big match once again while being a thorn in the Authority’s side.  What’s interesting is what role Paul Heyman will play in this match.  Specifically has he made a side deal of some sort with the Authority that will keep Brock Lesnar as champ?  I’m hoping for something bold and unprecedented to happen, Seth not only wins the title but he does it without cashing in the Money In The Bank contract.

Jon’s Prediction: Seth Rollins

Nathan: This match to me is the hardest match on the card to predict, because there are so many aspects going into the match.  Seth Rollins is in this match as the challenger and he is also the current Money In The Bank briefcase holder.  Which means that even if he were to lose this match he could cash in on whoever does win and walk away with the title.  Who would he cash in on if that happens is the real question and how vulnerable would they have to be?  I’m thinking it’s definitely a possibility that Cena wins the title here and gets his sweet 16^th title reign, which would tie Ric Flair’s record.  However if that were to happen then Roman Reigns could easily win the Royal Rumble and I don’t want that to happen and I don’t think it will.  If Seth Rollins were to win, would he win the match outright or would he lose the match by not being the one to be pinned and then cash in on whoever does take the fall in the match between Lesnar or Cena?  It’s time for me to stop messing around though because I think that Brock Lesnar will retain the title and go on to the main event of Wrestlemania against the winner of the Royal Rumble match.

Nathan’s Prediction: Brock Lesnar

30 Man over the top rope Royal Rumble Match

Jon: This is a crapshoot as to who wins, especially if you ignore the rumors on the Internet. The first entrant will be Daniel Bryan, after all what else can The Authority do to him to prevent him from winning. While the record Roman Reigns set in last year’s Royal Rumble will stay intact, Rusev will eliminate the most people this year. The coveted #30 will go to Bray Wyatt. The last four be will Bray Wyatt, Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose and Daniel Bryan. Bryan will spend the most time in the match and will eliminate Reigns to win the Royal Rumble and go on to main event WM31.

For my money Daniel Bryan wins and proves the last chapter in his underdog story has yet to be written. 

Jon’s prediction: Daniel Bryan

Nathan: Like Jon said this match is a total crapshoot as there could be multiple winners that they could go with.  You have Reigns, Ambrose, Wyatt (dark horse?), and Ziggler that could all possibly win.  However there is only one man who can win this match and his name is Daniel Bryan.  I have a feeling that Daniel Bryan could draw number one and be the third guy to go from number one to win the entire thing (After Shawn Michaels and what’s his name that won in 2004).  There is the Reigns factor of this match meaning how far will he go if he doesn’t end up winning the entire thing?  How many people will he eliminate?  And will they make Roman Reigns look Strong?  That last one was a joke but I hope for the sake of the company that they don’t have Reigns win and try to force something to happen that shouldn’t happen just yet.  Enough of the rambling I’ll go with Daniel Bryan to be the winner of the 2015 Royal Rumble match which will give us a David vs. Goliath main event come Wrestlemania 31 in the form of Daniel Bryan the man who never officially lost the WWE Championship vs. Brock Lesnar the current Reigning and defending (well not so much defending) WWE Champion who broke the Undertaker’s Streak last year at Wrestlemania and hasn’t been pinned for almost two years.

Nathan’s prediction: Daniel Bryan

There you have it, ladies and gentleman, you now know where me and Jon stand on our Royal Rumble predictions and what we think will happen and/or what we would like to have happen at the event.  This year marks the 28^th annual Royal Rumble event and it’s one that drums up a lot of excitement.  This is when the Road to Wrestlemania begins and where we find out who will be in the main event of Wrestlemania 31 and we can start to piece together the rest of the card for the most part.  So until Sunday be sure and follow Jon on twitter @BigJonDaLegend and also myself @Headliner5.  Also be sure to follow Eyes On The Ring on twitter @EyesOnTheRing.  If you have anything to add or thoughts on the show in general please let us go by dropping both myself and Jon a message on twitter or by going to Facebook.com/EyesOnTheRing and letting us know your thoughts there.  Last but not least visit EyesOnTheRing.blogspot.com as Jon, myself and the rest of the Eyes On The Ring bring you all of the latest wrestling news and opinions.

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Eyes on the Ring 11:00 AM  No comment