WrestleMania 34: A Disputed Spear - Controversy Clouds Reigns vs. Lesnar
WrestleMania. The Grandest Stage of Them All. A night where dreams are realized, rivalries culminate, and the course of WWE history is altered. WrestleMania 34, however, was a spectacle tinged with controversy. The main event, a clash between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship, left a sour taste in the mouths of many fans.
This article delves into the events leading up to WrestleMania 34, analyzes the controversial main event, and explores the lasting impact it had on the WWE Universe.
The Players: The Fan Favorite vs. The Beast Incarnate
Roman Reigns, the company's chosen "golden boy," had been a polarizing figure for years. Despite his undeniable athleticism and charisma, a portion of the audience rejected his constant main-event pushes.
Brock Lesnar, on the other hand, was a different story. "The Beast Incarnate" was a force of nature, a legitimate combat athlete with a reputation for dominance. His unpredictable appearances and explosive offense made him a constant threat, a guaranteed box-office draw.
A Simmering Resentment: The Road to WrestleMania
The tension between Reigns and Lesnar had been simmering for months. Reigns, the Universal Champion at the time, had defeated Lesnar at WrestleMania 33 in a lackluster match. Lesnar's subsequent sporadic appearances fueled the resentment amongst fans who felt he wasn't committed to WWE.
The Royal Rumble Controversy: A Spark Ignites
The 2018 Royal Rumble match served as a catalyst for the controversy. Fans overwhelmingly favored Braun Strowman, a monstrous powerhouse, to win the Rumble and challenge for the championship. However, in a move that drew boos and outrage, Reigns controversially entered the match late and eliminated Strowman, securing his place at WrestleMania.
Fan Backlash Intensifies: A Divided Audience
The decision to have Reigns challenge Lesnar again only intensified the negativity. This culminated in a toxic atmosphere surrounding the main event at WrestleMania 34. The crowd was noticeably split, with loud boos for Reigns and cheers for Lesnar.
The Match Itself: A Technical Showcase Overshadowed by Chants
The match itself was a technical display of athleticism. Lesnar dominated the early goings with his signature suplexes, showcasing his raw power. Reigns displayed impressive resilience, countering Lesnar's offense and hitting a series of impactful moves.
However, the constant chants of "Boring!" and "This is awful!" overshadowed the in-ring action. The audience's disapproval was palpable, turning the main event into a spectacle of negativity rather than a celebration of athleticism.
A Disputed Finish: The Spear of Controversy
The climax of the match proved even more controversial. After a back-and-forth sequence, Reigns unleashed a Spear on Lesnar, a move that has secured him numerous victories. However, the referee seemed hesitant in making the three-count, leading to confusion and frustration amongst the fans.
The Replay and the Confirmation: A Hollow Victory
After a video replay, the referee confirmed the pinfall victory for Reigns. However, the damage was done. The controversial finish, coupled with the hostile audience reaction, left a cloud of doubt over the legitimacy of the result.
The Aftermath: A Fractured Fanbase and Questions Unanswered
The aftermath of WrestleMania 34 exposed a deep rift within the WWE Universe. Fans who supported Reigns felt the negativity was undeserved, while those opposed to his constant main-event pushes believed the result was a slap in the face.
A Turning Point for Reigns: Embracing the Heel Role
This event arguably marked a turning point for Roman Reigns. He began acknowledging the boos, embracing his role as the villain. This shift in character eventually led to his critically acclaimed heel turn in 2020, where he transformed into the ruthless "Tribal Chief."
The Legacy of WrestleMania 34: A Lesson Learned?
WrestleMania 34 serves as a cautionary tale for WWE. Pushing a wrestler the audience rejects can be detrimental to the overall product. The event highlighted the importance of listening to the fans and crafting storylines that resonate with them.
Beyond the Controversy: The Athletic Merit of the Match
Despite the negativity surrounding it, the match itself showcased the undeniable talent of both wrestlers. Reigns and Lesnar delivered a technically sound and physically demanding contest.
A Reminder of Lesnar's Dominance:
Lesnar's performance was a stark reminder of his dominance. His strength, agility, and finishing moves made him a credible threat to any champion.
A Match Overshadowed: Exploring the Missed Potential of Reigns vs. Lesnar at WrestleMania 34
The in-ring action at WrestleMania 34 deserved a better fate. Both Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar are incredibly skilled performers capable of delivering electrifying matches. However, the pre-existing animosity towards Reigns and the controversial finish overshadowed the match's athletic merit.
A Technical Showcase Lost in the Noise
The match itself was a textbook example of a hard-hitting brawl between two titans. Lesnar's devastating suplexes punished Reigns, while Reigns displayed remarkable resilience with near-falls and signature maneuvers like the Superman Punch. Their contrasting styles could have created a compelling narrative within the ring, showcasing power versus agility.
The Storytelling Potential: A Rivalry Untapped
There was a rich storytelling potential that went unexplored. Reigns' quest to solidify his championship reign against the unpredictable "Beast Incarnate" could have been a captivating narrative thread. However, the hostile crowd made it difficult to invest in either wrestler's journey.
The Missed Opportunity for Crowd Engagement
The negative crowd reaction hindered the wrestlers' ability to tell a story through their actions. Instead of building anticipation towards key moments, the constant boos drowned out the emotional beats of the match. This lack of audience engagement prevented the match from reaching its full potential.
A Glimmer of Hope: Seeds of a Future Character Shift
Despite the negativity, a subtle shift in Reigns' demeanor offered a glimpse into his future. One could argue that the audience rejection began to plant the seeds for his eventual heel turn. His defiant reactions to the boos hinted at a potential character evolution that would later be embraced to great acclaim.
Lesnar's Uncertain Future: A Bridge Uncrossed
This match also highlighted Brock Lesnar's unpredictable schedule. His sporadic appearances left fans unsure of his commitment to WWE. While his presence undoubtedly generated excitement, the lack of a consistent storyline with Reigns prevented the rivalry from reaching its full potential.
A Missed Chapter: The Road Not Taken
WrestleMania 34 could have been the culmination of a captivating rivalry. Reigns' desperation to prove himself against the dominant Lesnar could have been contrasted with Lesnar's sporadic appearances and hunger for a quick victory.
This narrative tension, if allowed to simmer and unfold organically, could have led to a series of memorable encounters, culminating in a highly anticipated and satisfying conclusion at WrestleMania.
Looking Back: Lessons Learned and A Legacy of Controversy
WrestleMania 34's main event serves as a valuable lesson for WWE. Blindly pushing a wrestler the audience rejects can be detrimental. It highlights the importance of organic storytelling that resonates with the fans.
However, the match itself shouldn't be completely dismissed. Beneath the layers of controversy lies a solid display of athleticism and a glimpse into the potential of a rivalry that could have been truly epic. The legacy of Reigns vs. Lesnar at WrestleMania 34 remains a reminder of both the power of storytelling in professional wrestling and the significant impact the audience can have on the overall experience.
The Final Word: A Rivalry Revisited?
While the circumstances surrounding their WrestleMania 34 clash were less than ideal, the undeniable talent of both Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar leaves the door open for a potential rematch. If the opportunity arises in the future, with a more receptive audience and a well-developed storyline, this rivalry could finally deliver the epic encounter it always promised.