DISCUSSION - Is it possible for Brock Lesnar to be used in the same way as The Rock?

[Heyman]

DISCUSSION - Is it possible for Brock Lesnar to be used in the same way as The Rock?

Ok,

So we know that The Rock is now a Hollywood actor, and will only work 1 or 2 dates in the WWE per year. Prior to this however (i.e. 2003), The Rock could atleast devote 6 weeks-2 months to the WWE per year (he was in the WWE a little before No Way Out, and left at Backlash in 2003).

Anyways - do you think it's possible that the WWE can do something SIMILAR with Brock Lesnar?

Assuming that Lesnar makes the NFL one day, I'm thinking that he could work for the WWE for atleast a month or so (or not even that long). I'm pretty sure Lesnar would like the idea of being a part of Wrestlemania.......where he'd receive a large payoff.

The thing about Brock Lesnar, is he still perceived to be an almost unbeatable monster.

When he comes back to the WWE, he can always get a few SOLID victories, before JOBBING to an up-and-coming superstar (i.e. John Cena, Randy Orton, etc.).

Lesnar can be the INVERSE of The Rock. Just as The Rock is used to put over up-coming heels, Lesnar can be used to put over up-coming faces.

Due to Lesnar's association with the NFL, I think it could attact atleast a decent amount of attention if he made WWE appearances......especially if Lesnar enjoyed a good degree of SUCCESS in the NFL.

Personally - I think it would be a shame if Lesnar wasn't used in some capacity within the WWE. The WWE invested a LOT of time in building up Lesnar, and I'm sure Lesnar could help up-and-comers over.

[CBright7831]

After the shit Lesnar said about only being in wrestling for the money, I hope the fui[][/i]cker stays in that cave of his for the rest of eternity.

[Heyman]

Originally Posted by CBright7831 After the shit Lesnar said about only being in wrestling for the money, I hope the fui[][/i]cker stays in that cave of his for the rest of eternity.

Hulk Hogan ultimately became (or started off as?) a selfish money hungry bastard as well. HOWEVER - Hulk Hogan still had perhaps the most memorable match in the history of the WWE with The Rock a few years ago.

While Hogan was perceived as a guy who was 'passed his prime' (as is The Rock now when he fights), Lesnar will NOT be. Not only is Lesnar young, but the fans will know that he is an NFL football player......a sport which is just as...or MORE..physically grueling than wrestling. Lesnar will still have his MUSCLE MASS, and the fans will still perceive Lesnar to be in his prime (which will make his JOBBING look even more significant).

If Lesnar becomes a star in the NFL (and I wouldn't be surprised if he did), he will become an even bigger draw within the WWE.

[CBright7831]

Originally Posted by Heyman Hulk Hogan ultimately became (or started off as?) a selfish money hungry bastard as well. HOWEVER - Hulk Hogan still had perhaps the most memorable match in the history of the WWE with The Rock a few years ago. While Hogan was perceived as a guy who was 'passed his prime' (as is The Rock now when he fights), Lesnar will NOT be. Not only is Lesnar young, but the fans will know that he is an NFL football player......a sport which is just as...or MORE..physically grueling than wrestling. Lesnar will still have his MUSCLE MASS, and the fans will still perceive Lesnar to be in his prime (which will make his JOBBING look even more significant). If Lesnar becomes a star in the NFL (and I wouldn't be surprised if he did), he will become an even bigger draw within the WWE.

I don't care about Hogan either. If you don't respect/love the business, then you lose all respect from me.

[The Naitch]

I'd love to see a Brock/Orton feud (while Orton was in his peak) same goes with John Cena. But if Brock doesn't want to job, he should stay away from wrestling

[Heyman]

Originally Posted by The Naitch But if Brock doesn't want to job, he should stay away from wrestling

Hell - NOBODY wants to JOB. You think Hulk Hogan wanted to JOB to The Rock, Angle, Taker, Triple H, and Lesnar a few years ago? NO!

However - Hogan loves his paycheck a lot more and hence, he did those JOBS. I'm pretty sure that Lesnar would as well (with enough money involved).

HMMM, you bring up an interesting idea that just popped up in my head.

Say Lesner makes it to the NFL. Then he and the WWE work this angle where he would come back for a "Sellout" storyline. This storyline would first start off by Brock being interviewed by someone in the NFL. He talks about his career thus far and then the guy asks him about the WWE. Brock says that he used the company as a ground to launch his football career. He says the company never used him right as he should of been headlining all the shows and he basically says the WWE can go to hell. Then they air the footage on Raw and Vince..or hell maybe Vince and Bischoff together come out and say Brock was just a quitter and a coward and he couldn't handle the big boys of the WWE.

Then you have weekly promos of Brock working out with his team or whatever where is he sh**ing on the WWE and bad mouthing them all over the place. This brings out a main wrestler to stand up and challenge Brock to come back and see if he really is the best. I would go with Angle.

Then Brock would appear on Raw with some guys from the NFL and say the same old sh** which brings out Kurt and are ready to sqaure off, but the NFL guys attack Kurt, which allows Brock to get in cheapshots. Well you see where I'm going.

The only thing with this is that I've seen WM 11 and I saw what happens when you bring NFL guys into wrestling. They should try and stay away from stuff like that. Just use the NFL guys as Brock's "Boys" or whatever, but not as wrestlers.

Just an idea.

[Heyman]

Originally Posted by Loose Cannon HMMM, you bring up an interesting idea that just popped up in my head. Say Lesner makes it to the NFL. Then he and the WWE work this angle where he would come back for a "Sellout" storyline. This storyline would first start off by Brock being interviewed by someone in the NFL. He talks about his career thus far and then the guy asks him about the WWE. Brock says that he used the company as a ground to launch his football career. He says the company never used him right as he should of been headlining all the shows and he basically says the WWE can go to hell. Then they air the footage on Raw and Vince..or hell maybe Vince and Bischoff together come out and say Brock was just a quitter and a coward and he couldn't handle the big boys of the WWE. Then you have weekly promos of Brock working out with his team or whatever where is he sh**ing on the WWE and bad mouthing them all over the place. This brings out a main wrestler to stand up and challenge Brock to come back and see if he really is the best. I would go with Angle. Then Brock would appear on Raw with some guys from the NFL and say the same old sh** which brings out Kurt and are ready to sqaure off, but the NFL guys attack Kurt, which allows Brock to get in cheapshots. Well you see where I'm going. The only thing with this is that I've seen WM 11 and I saw what happens when you bring NFL guys into wrestling. They should try and stay away from stuff like that. Just use the NFL guys as Brock's "Boys" or whatever, but not as wrestlers. Just an idea.

Cool idea.

Not sure which team Lesnar will play for, but I think it would be cool to see him (supported by his teammates) make an appearance on WWE TV. DEFINITELY a potential ratings getter.

As far as Kurt Angle goes, I think he is done as a full-time wrestler. It would be better for an up-and-comer to go against Lesnar (i.e. Cena).

[The Naitch]

please, no more Angle

Orton and Cena

[The Naitch]

Coincidence to have another NFL vs WWE match at Mania 21, 10 years after the original LT/Bam Bam match.

Yeah, Cena would be better because he's one of those guys that can rally the fans behind him real quick. For some reason, when I wrote that I drew a blank on top wrestlers in the WWE and all I could think of was Angle.

[The CyNick]

In theory its a good idea, use Lesnar to put over some guys, makes sense.

However, I dont think it would work. If he were to make it on an NFL squad I dont think they'd want to see him injured taking bumps. Also, I'm pretty sure in the NFL guys can just get cut, so if Brock were to get hurt he might lose out on a payday, which isn't worth it for wrestling. At least with Rock he doesn't have to worry too much, because a slight injury isn't going to effect his movie career.

[Heyman]

Originally Posted by The CyNick In theory its a good idea, use Lesnar to put over some guys, makes sense. However, I dont think it would work. If he were to make it on an NFL squad I dont think they'd want to see him injured taking bumps. Also, I'm pretty sure in the NFL guys can just get cut, so if Brock were to get hurt he might lose out on a payday, which isn't worth it for wrestling. At least with Rock he doesn't have to worry too much, because a slight injury isn't going to effect his movie career.

I can't remember exactly when the NFL training camp/pre-season/season starts, but it's quite far away from the end of March. Although anything is possible, I highly doubt that Lesnar would sustain an injury (in the WWE) which would put him out of action for 4-5 months following WM.

I'm pretty sure that the WWE would be cautious with him as well (i.e. no stupid 'shooting star presses' for Lesnar).

[PureHatred]

Jesus Christ, Heyman, are you already assuming that Lesnar is going to succeed? So it's that easy to go from a good high school player to not playing competitive football for 8 plus years to walking onto an NFL football field and becoming a "star????" Give me a ****ing break. This is by far the stupidest of the manypremises for your discussions. Lesnar's NFL "career" will be over before the next Super Bowl and then the WWE will have a monster heel that the fans can't help but hate.

[Heyman]

Originally Posted by PureHatred Jesus Christ, Heyman, are you already assuming that Lesnar is going to succeed?

I believe that there is a good chance.

At 6'6 295 lbs (from where I hear, he wants to be a tight end), Lesnar definitely has the physical prowess to play that position.

The guy is not just a big PYLON either. From what I hear, he can run 40 yards in 4.65 seconds (which is PHENOMENAL for a guy his size).

I think Lesnar's chances are as good as any.

[The CyNick]

Originally Posted by Heyman I believe that there is a good chance. At 6'6 295 lbs (from where I hear, he wants to be a tight end), Lesnar definitely has the physical prowess to play that position. The guy is not just a big PYLON either. From what I hear, he can run 40 yards in 4.65 seconds (which is PHENOMENAL for a guy his size). I think Lesnar's chances are as good as any.

The main reason why people think he will fail in the NFl is because he hasn't played football since high school, and it takes "football msrats" to make it. It'll come down to whether or not he can pick up the game at a high level is a short period of time. But obviously physcially he has all the tools to make it.

[Heyman]

Originally Posted by The CyNick The main reason why people think he will fail in the NFl is because he hasn't played football since high school, and it takes "football msrats" to make it. It'll come down to whether or not he can pick up the game at a high level is a short period of time. But obviously physcially he has all the tools to make it.

I may be mistaken, but Quarterback and 'Offensive line' are the only two positons which require a LARGE degree of intelligence. I'm not saying that the other positions (like tight end) are COMPLETEY DEVOID of needing intelligence, but I don't think it's exactly rocket science.

Not sure if this is a good example or not, but Lesnar adjusted from college NCAA wrestling to professional sports-entertainment wrestling rather easily.

[Rock Bottom]

LoL at the thought of The Rock being past his prime.

[The Ravishing One]

[PureHatred]

You clearly know nothing about football. He has had no official workouts so these times you speak of are meaningless. Later this month he's going to hold an official try-out, and then there can be a real assessment of his chances. He isn't a prospect at his age. He has no actual experience. He is a good athlete, a great athlete, and there are literally thousands of great athletes out there with more experience and skill trying to get in the NFL.

Wrestling isnt a sport. it's scripted. the idea that just because he's a great athlete Brock is going to be able to make the transition to NFL player is patentedly stupid. He is a huge, huge longshot to even make a roster, let alone be a star.

[Heyman]

Originally Posted by PureHatred there are literally thousands of great athletes out there with more experience and skill trying to get in the NFL.

Are all of these 'thousands' of great athletes 6'6 295lbs? (which can run 40 yards in 4.62 seconds). Tell me - which tight end is BIG and FAST like that?

As far as the mental part of the game is concerned, I don't think it will take too long for Lesnar to adjust. It's like learning how to drive a car.....awkward at first, but you get used to it through time.

If you're a tremendous athlete with tremendous metal toughness (both of which Lesnar has), then you've conquered half the battle.

[The CyNick]

Its unlikely that Lesnar would suffer a major injury in the ring, but he already has back, neck and rib problems (among others) which could be made worse in the ring. There's no way he would risk even a small injury (which could continue to nag him and become worse throughout the football season) just for the WWE. It wouldn't make sense.

In terms of football taking smarts, dude you need to watch an NFL game before you talk $hit like that. Every position requires a great deal of knowledge, not just about your plays (where to line up, where to move after the sanp, the snap count itself, audibles, etc) but you also have to know what your opponent is likely to do so you can react faster. Lesnar would have to prove he can do that, which takes more than just a great body and being an elite athlete.

Look at it like this, if Warren Sapp decided he wanted to become a pro wrestler, would you say he has a good shot at making it? I mean I know wrestling is different, because you can push him even if he sucks in the ring. But imagine if the only way he could get in the company is if he could wrestle even a mediocre match in the WWE. And lets say Sapp had done some amatuer wrestling in high school, would you say he's got a good chance of making it in the WWE? I doubt it, it would be a long shot, a very long shot.

That said, I think Lesnar has a shot, and I wont be like some other people on here hating on him because they are giant marks, but I think if he were to make it it would be a huge surprise. I wish him luck though.

[Heyman]

Originally Posted by The CyNick That said, I think Lesnar has a shot, and I wont be like some other people on here hating on him because they are giant marks, but I think if he were to make it it would be a huge surprise. I wish him luck though.

A few questions:

1) If Lesnar's attempt to make the NFL doesn't pan out, do you think he'll come back to the WWE?

2) If Lesnar comes back to the WWE, would Raw or Smackdown be his destination? One of Lesnar's final motivations in leaving the WWE, was that he had achieved everything. Would RAW give him a new goal and brand new motivation? He has NEVER feuded with the likes of Jericho, Edge, Benoit, Triple H, and Shawn Michaels.

[The CyNick]

Originally Posted by Heyman A few questions: 1) If Lesnar's attempt to make the NFL doesn't pan out, do you think he'll come back to the WWE? 2) If Lesnar comes back to the WWE, would Raw or Smackdown be his destination? One of Lesnar's final motivations in leaving the WWE, was that he had achieved everything. Would RAW give him a new goal and brand new motivation? He has NEVER feuded with the likes of Jericho, Edge, Benoit, Triple H, and Shawn Michaels.

1) Yeah I would think so. He might take some time off, so maybe he wouldn't be back till say Summerslam 05, but yeah if the football thing doesn't work he'll need a payday,a nd Vince will welcome him back with open arms.

2) I dont think going to RAW would change anything for him, if anything it would be worse because he doesn't like politics and HHH is the master at that. However there would be some fresher matches for him on RAW. On SD he could still do a program with Eddie (saying Eddie never beat him fairly), also a feud with Cena could be really beneficial. But that said, who knows what SD and RAW will look like by then, so its hard to predict right now.

[PureHatred]

Originally Posted by Heyman Are all of these 'thousands' of great athletes 6'6 295lbs? (which can run 40 yards in 4.62 seconds). Tell me - which tight end is BIG and FAST like that?

I'm going to ignore for the moment this phantom 40 time you're talking about.

As to your question:

Ummmm..Tony Gonzalez, Todd Heap, Teyo Johnson, Jeremy Shockey, Kevin Winslow, Alge Crumpler, Shannon Sharpe...then you start talking about the tight ends that aren't necessarily fast but are just mean as hell and can use their size to separate from defender but happen to have hands like pianists: Bubba Franks, Doug Jolley, Anthony Becht, Freddie Jones. Anyway, like I said, you really don't know what the hell you are talking about.

Originally Posted by Heyman As far as the mental part of the game is concerned, I don't think it will take too long for Lesnar to adjust. It's like learning how to drive a car.....awkward at first, but you get used to it through time. If you're a tremendous athlete with tremendous metal toughness (both of which Lesnar has), then you've conquered half the battle.

He played high school football for a school that had like 600 people in it. It's a quantum leap to the NFL. Mentally, he would have a hard time going to a Division II college, let alone learning how to be an NFL player. Damn it, if this is as easy as it sounds, why isn't every big beefy guy doing it? Why are there so many football players that failed and became wrestlers and not the other way around??

And Brock isn't that mentally tough. His biggest complaint about the WWe ws the trael grind. That won't improve. And he already stated through his agent that he won't play in NFL Europe, the CFL, or Arena. So he's willing to work and sacrifice, but only as long as its not that much work and sacrifice.

[big_bluto]

Originally Posted by PureHatred And Brock isn't that mentally tough. His biggest complaint about the WWe ws the trael grind. That won't improve. And he already stated through his agent that he won't play in NFL Europe, the CFL, or Arena. So he's willing to work and sacrifice, but only as long as its not that much work and sacrifice.

Got to disagree with you on this one.
Brock isn't looking for the easy way out on this one - he's looking to be at the top tier. He wants to play in the NFL, not the minor leagues.
The travel won't be a patch on what he had to cope with in WWE, as he will be playing half his season at home, and most of his training will be there too.

Good luck to the guy!
If he's trying to do something that hasn't been done before, then more power to him!
If he fails, then at least he can say he's tried.
That's more than most can say!

[PureHatred]

Originally Posted by big_bluto Got to disagree with you on this one. Brock isn't looking for the easy way out on this one - he's looking to be at the top tier. He wants to play in the NFL, not the minor leagues. The travel won't be a patch on what he had to cope with in WWE, as he will be playing half his season at home, and most of his training will be there too.

The point is, most people who really want to be in the NFL are willing to work their way up through the "minor leagues" if that's what it takes. it may seem like a cheap shot, but this is another example of Lesnar not wanting to pay his dues.

[The CyNick]

Originally Posted by PureHatred And Brock isn't that mentally tough. His biggest complaint about the WWe ws the trael grind. That won't improve. And he already stated through his agent that he won't play in NFL Europe, the CFL, or Arena. So he's willing to work and sacrifice, but only as long as its not that much work and sacrifice.

Another thing I'll add is that Brock was making over a million dollars per year with the WWE, so he's turning his back on a lot of money to persue the NFL career. But if he cant make the NFL, why would he go to the CFL or NFL Europe, live away from home all season, and make like a tenth of what he could make going back to the WWE. So I think at this point he wants to play football, but only if it is with the NFL, becaus eif he cant make it there, he might as well go back to Vince and get his million dollar contract back.

Yeah, you can be the greatest athlete in the world as far as physical stature goes, but if you don't got "it" mentaly, you're fk'ed in Pro Sports. You have to be very smart on the field or rink or whatever as you have to always think one step ahead of your opponent. You have to know where you are on the field at all times and where all of your teamates are. It is very hard to be a Pro Sports athlete.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I think Lesnar could be an ace up the sleeve for the WWE. Image two years from now, an in his prime Orton is World Heavyweight Champion, talking about how he is the best ever.

Lesnar comes back talking about how he was the most dominate WWE Champion ever and challenges Orton. Bingo, you have an instant WM main event.

[PureHatred]

Like I said, he wants to play in the NFL, just not enough to really sacrifice. Lord, even Michael Jordan, when he wanted to try to play baseball, at least was willing to play in the minor leagues. He went from lear jets and luxury suites to cris-crossing these tiny little nowhere towns on a team bus and staying in Motel 6's.

So that's great Brock has wrestling to fall back on, butif this was something he really had his heart set on, then why come to it with the attitude of: if at first I don't succeed, I might as well quit?

[HeartBreakMan2k]

The only reason some of you are pissed is that Brock was living your dream, for the money, not because it was his. He turned what you love into, oh I don't know a job. A way to make a very nice living. Now that he's going to try and do something he cares about, you can't understand how he couldn't love the buisness.

Hell, most of you liked Brock or at the very least entertained by him. (most, I know some never were.) The day you found out he was leaving, you couldn't stand him. Fickle as hell. Forget the fact that he entertained you for the time he did, let's focus on how he doesn't love the position that you would love to be at.

And like I've pointed out in other threads, before I get blasted with "Oh he didn't want to job to Eddie cause of his size." Let me run down a list: Hogan, Austin, HBK, Bret Hart, and Ric Flair all refused to job to someone at some point and time, rather it was valid reasoning or not, it wasn't was best for buisness at the time. It was selfish motives, pride if you will. That's the way the buisness works, it's not great but it's the truth. At least Brock did the job, finished out a commitment with the company (trust me, if he walked than WWE would have been a bit fucked with Mania.), unlike Austin (twice) and HBK (Damned if I know how many times.)

[Krow]

No, it's not possible for Brock Lesnar to be used in the same way as The Rock.

There. As Chief Inspector Clouseau would say, "Ze case ees solvéd."

[HeartBreakMan2k]

Oh and as far as him being used like The Rock... honestly I'm not sure. I'd like to say yes, but Brock was never the draw Rocky was. Nor did he have the fan base. If he comes back soon, and he doesn't leave for overly long periods of time (so that he stays fresh in fans minds) than yeah, maybe it could work. However if his absences are as long as some of The Rock, he won't have nearly the build up he once had.

Another question you have to ask yourself, would he really want to risk injury in WWE if he had an NFL contract... and would the NFL actually allow it to happen if he did?

[What Would Kevin Do?]

Brock doesn't have the same "it" factor that The Rock has. When Rock comes back, people no they are going to be entertained, not only in the ring, but on the mic... People look forward to seeing The Rock, not only in the ring, but on the mic. Rock seems to leave people wanting more, and anticipating his return... In Brock's case, I don't think people would anticipate his return...

[John la Rock]

**** Brock Lesnar. He didn't give a shit about the WWE or the fans. He was only in it for the money and nothing else