Paul Heyman sharply criticized AEW star Jon Moxley regarding the backlash surrounding his match with Brock Lesnar, highlighting tensions that still linger years after their encounter. Heyman addressed the troubled history between the two wrestlers and the resulting unpopularity of their bout during WrestleMania 32 in 2016, emphasizing how conflicts affected the match’s quality.
Background of the Brock Lesnar and Jon Moxley Rivalry
In 2016, Jon Moxley, then wrestling as Dean Ambrose, squared off against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 32 in a No Holds Barred Street Fight. The match concluded with Lesnar pinning Moxley after delivering his signature F5 move onto a stack of steel chairs. However, the lead-up to this match was strained, as Moxley sought a full hardcore environment, while Lesnar was reluctant to fully engage with certain dangerous elements like thumb tacks. This friction backstage and differing match styles contributed to a difficult working relationship.
Paul Heyman’s Strong Criticism of Moxley’s Approach
During a segment on Inside the Ropes, Heyman did not hold back in blaming Moxley for taking liberties against Lesnar, which he argued worsened their in-ring chemistry. Heyman particularly referenced Moxley’s controversial comments on Steve Austin’s Stone Cold Podcast, questioning his attitude and preparation for the match.
“Come on. Did you see his performance on the Stone Cold podcast? Did it p*ss off Steve Austin? Did it p*ss you off, too? And you think he didn’t come into the match with Brock Lesnar with the same attitude? Ask Braun Strowman what happens when you take liberties with Brock Lesnar. Ask Randy Orton what happens when you take liberties with Brock Lesnar. Ask the Undertaker what happens when you take liberties with Brock Lesnar,” Heyman exclaimed.
Heyman reiterated that Lesnar is known for not tolerating unprofessional behavior or deviations from the agreed match plan, warning that such actions lead to poor outcomes inside the ring. He implied that Lesnar’s reaction to any perceived disrespect or improvisation is severe and uncompromising.
“If that’s what happened—because I’m not telling you that’s what it was—I’m just throwing out a conspiracy theory for you to think about. You mess with Brock Lesnar, the match is not going to be that good. You’re just going to get your a*s kicked. You’re going to get stretched. You’re going to get thrown around, dumped on your head, and Brock Lesnar is going to go out and eat dinner and call you when it’s all over. That’s it.,” he emphatically revealed.
Brock Lesnar’s Recent SmackDown Incident Reinforces His Intimidating Presence
On the latest SmackDown episode in Norfolk, Virginia, Brock Lesnar faced R-Truth in a tense confrontation. R-Truth attempted to provoke Lesnar by claiming a fictional family connection to John Cena, but Lesnar ignored the taunts. After some back-and-forth, Lesnar executed an F5 on R-Truth, during which his pants ripped, exposing the wardrobe malfunction to the live audience. This moment added an unexpected twist to an already intense segment.
This segment contributed to the ongoing storyline ahead of Lesnar’s scheduled match against John Cena, known as The Cenation Leader, at WrestlePalooza on September 20th in Indianapolis, Indiana. The buildup remains charged with strong rivalries and aggressive interactions.
Significance of the Heyman-Moxley Dispute in the Context of Brock Lesnar’s Career
Paul Heyman’s remarks underline the challenges of working with Brock Lesnar, who has maintained a reputation for being a demanding and unforgiving competitor inside the ring. The criticism aimed at Jon Moxley highlights the complexities behind the scenes that can influence the reception and execution of high-profile wrestling matches. Given Lesnar’s dominant status in WWE, conflicts like these affect not only performers but also fans’ perceptions of their matches.
Looking ahead, the lessons from the Lesnar-Moxley feud may shape future interactions and professional conduct around Lesnar, especially as he continues to headline major events like WrestlePalooza. Maintaining respect and clear communication appears critical in ensuring both the quality and safety of matches involving the former UFC champion and WWE megastar.
