The wrestling world remains unsettled in the aftermath of Brock Lesnar’s controversial win over Kofi Kingston, a seven-second match on SmackDown in 2019 that remains a flashpoint among stars and the wrestling community. WWE’s decision to have Lesnar quickly defeat Kingston following his remarkable title run has prompted ongoing criticism from both industry insiders and fans invested in the emotional journey known as Kofimania.
Industry Reactions and Enduring Backlash
This booking decision has ignited passionate responses from respected figures within the industry, notably MVP, who voiced strong disapproval over how Kingston’s narrative was handled.
“I thought there was no need to do that to Kofi. I thought that was ridiculous. A lot of people felt that way,”
said MVP. —MVP, AEW Star
Kingston’s ascent to the WWE Championship at WrestleMania captured widespread attention, symbolizing a hard-fought victory for perseverance and representation, both for fans and for Kingston himself. His abrupt loss to Lesnar on national television is widely considered one of the most contentious moments in recent WWE history, prompting debates around the importance of storytelling and respect for a champion’s journey.
Additional Stories Shaping the Wrestling Landscape
Elsewhere in professional wrestling, former WWE superstar Tegan Nox has publicly expressed her hope to join All Elite Wrestling following her 2024 release from WWE. Although she has an established history in NXT and a desire to reignite her rivalry with Toni Storm, Nox stated that there currently is no known interest from AEW’s management in bringing her on board.
“I would love to go there. There’s so many people there that I want to wrestle. Like, I really want to tangle up with Toni again. I wrestled Toni for many years on the indies, so I’d like to revisit that…But as far as I know, I don’t think there’s any interest from them, which is a shame. But I would love to go there,”
said Nox. —Tegan Nox, Former WWE Superstar
Meanwhile, Eddie Kingston, who suffered a torn ACL and meniscus during a match with Gabe Kidd at NJPW Resurgence, has shared updates on his challenging recovery.
“I tried to find some ‘motivational’ quote, but let’s be real, sh*t sucked and I hate doing it, but it has to be done,”
said Kingston on Instagram. —Eddie Kingston, Professional Wrestler
AEW Developments Feature Talent Moves and Rivalries
AEW recently welcomed English wrestler Alex Windsor, a move announced after her match for the IWGP Women’s Title at Pro-Wrestling: EVE’s London event. Backstage reports noted Windsor had engaged in discussions with All Elite Wrestling for some time, and her relationship with top star Will Ospreay adds further intrigue to her arrival.
Thunder Rosa caused a stir by challenging Britt Baker to a Hair vs. Hair match at All In: Texas, a proposal issued publicly and without clearance from Tony Khan’s creative team. Insider Sean Ross Sapp revealed the move was not approved or planned by AEW management, suggesting that Rosa acted independently, seeking to rekindle a high-profile rivalry heading into a major event.
The Impact and Ongoing Discussion
Brock Lesnar’s rapid win over Kofi Kingston continues to fuel debate about the value placed on long-term narratives and the emotional stakes in professional wrestling. The incident remains a reference point for conversations about creative decisions, respect for champions, and audience investment. With influential voices such as MVP speaking out on the matter and the topic still surfacing in wrestling circles, the Fallout from this booking choice appears far from over.
As the wrestling industry evolves, moments like the Brock Lesnar controversial win over Kofi Kingston stand as reminders of the deep connections fans have with their favorites and the lasting effects that a single match can have on performers, storylines, and the broader wrestling community.
