Brock Lesnar declined a request from Shane McMahon to participate in a specific spot at the 2022 Royal Rumble, surprising many within the WWE locker room. Known for his dominant presence, Lesnar made a memorable return at SummerSlam this year by delivering an F-5 to John Cena, further fueling anticipation for a potential rematch.
Lesnar’s Stance at the 2022 Royal Rumble Locker Room
Former WWE United States Champion Matt Riddle recently shared insights about backstage dynamics before the 2022 Royal Rumble. During an interview with TMZ Sports, Riddle recounted how Lesnar asserted his position with the locker room and declined Shane McMahon’s proposal for a Royal Rumble segment. Lesnar told the roster they would “do business” for him, referencing a prior arrangement with Bobby Lashley.
“I remember being in that locker room because there’s a bunch of people, Shane McMahon, a bunch of people were there. We had different ideas and plans and dude he (Brock) came in and was like, ‘I just did business for Bobby Lashley. You guys are all going to do business for me.’ And then Shane McMahon mentioned and asked if he could pick him up for a spot and Brock just looked at him like, ‘No,'” Riddle said. [From 28:42 – 29:07]
This interaction highlighted Lesnar’s commanding influence backstage during that period. The phrase “doing business” in WWE terms refers to losing a match, indicating that other wrestlers were expected to put Lesnar over at the Royal Rumble.
The 2022 Royal Rumble Outcomes and Lesnar’s Role
The Royal Rumble event in 2022 was significant for Brock Lesnar, as he lost the WWE Championship to Bobby Lashley. Lashley then capitalized on his victory by entering the Royal Rumble match last at number 30 and eliminating five opponents, including Shane McMahon, to win the men’s Rumble. Lesnar’s presence loomed large, but his interactions in the match and behind the scenes demonstrated his continued dominance in WWE.
Prospects of a Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena Rivalry
Following Lesnar’s SummerSlam assault on John Cena, speculation has mounted about a series of matches between the two iconic wrestlers. Reports suggest their initial confrontation is scheduled for an event in Indianapolis next month, with plans hinting at multiple encounters. Lesnar is currently advertised for two consecutive SmackDown appearances on September 12 and 19, setting the stage for their looming clash.
Significance of Lesnar’s Decisions and Upcoming Events
Brock Lesnar’s refusal to cooperate with Shane McMahon’s Royal Rumble request underscores his strong position within WWE and his control over how he is featured in storylines. This incident, coupled with his recent attack on Cena and upcoming matches, signals that WWE intends to leverage Lesnar’s star power in high-profile events. Fans can expect the rivalry with John Cena to be a major WWE storyline heading into the fall, further amplifying excitement around the Brock Lesnar Royal Rumble narrative.
