Brock Lesnar‘s controversial seven-second WWE title win, in which he quickly defeated Kofi Kingston for the championship, has drawn sharp criticism from a former champion. The lightning-fast victory on SmackDown in October 2019 at Fox left many fans and wrestling insiders frustrated, questioning the motives behind such a brief match and the abrupt end to Kingston’s reign.
The Sudden End of KofiMania Stirs Backlash
Brock Lesnar’s victory over Kofi Kingston on the SmackDown debut broadcast for Fox marked one of the most debated moments in recent wrestling history. Lesnar captured the WWE Championship just seconds after the bell rang, immediately shutting down the celebrated KofiMania that began with Kingston’s triumph at WrestleMania 35. WWE management aimed to escalate interest for a match between Lesnar and former UFC opponent Cain Velasquez, but the rapid manner in which Kingston lost the title left many feeling it undermined his achievements.
Previously, Lesnar had established himself as a dominant force in WWE, first seizing the championship in 2002 at SummerSlam by defeating The Rock, making him the youngest to do so at the time. Over his career, Lesnar has accumulated seven WWE Championship wins and three Universal Championship titles, earning legendary status in the company. However, the manner of his 2019 title win stood out for all the wrong reasons among fans and wrestlers alike, many considering the outcome a disservice to Kingston’s resilience and the emotional investment of his supporters.
MVP Expresses Strong Disapproval of WWE’s Booking Decision
MVP, now wrestling in AEW, openly criticized WWE’s move to end Kofi Kingston’s title reign so swiftly, highlighting deep-seated frustration within the wrestling community. On the Markin’ Out podcast, MVP delivered an unfiltered reaction:
“I thought that was just stupid killing Kofi off. I don’t know, I could be completely wrong, I feel there was some measure of disingenuousness with that. I can’t say exactly why. I thought there was no need to do that to Kofi. I thought that was ridiculous. A lot of people felt that way.”
—MVP, AEW Star
His remarks reflect the emotional turmoil experienced by many who felt the quick defeat was disrespectful to Kingston’s hard-fought journey and WWE title legacy. MVP’s comments connected with viewers frustrated by the abrupt shift in storyline direction and the perceived lack of respect for a popular champion.
Kingston’s Championship Hopes Dimmed for Years
After losing the title to Brock Lesnar in such a rapid fashion, it took Kofi Kingston nearly two years before he was granted another opportunity to compete for the WWE Championship. His next chance came at Money In The Bank 2021, where he challenged Bobby Lashley but was ultimately unsuccessful in regaining the gold. The long wait and the unsuccessful title shot only heightened the sense of injustice felt by those who were invested in Kingston’s inspiring rise during KofiMania.
Impact on WWE and Its Stars
Kofi Kingston’s abrupt loss and the handling of Brock Lesnar’s controversial seven-second WWE title win continue to be a source of agitation within the wrestling world. The match has become a touchpoint in discussions about WWE’s booking decisions, with figures like MVP and fans expressing ongoing discontent.
Other WWE stars and events have also drawn attention around the same period, with individuals such as Triple H, R-Truth, and Vince McMahon involved in significant storylines, but none have sparked as much controversy as the swift conclusion of KofiMania on SmackDown. The widespread intensity of opinions reflects the far-reaching significance of the event, with many still hoping WWE will take greater care with title matches and the legacies of its top stars in the future.
