Former WWE personality Jim Ross on Brock, UFC 100
Lesnar’s post match, unscripted remarks did not completely surpirse me. Those that do not personally know Lesnar as do I need…
Lesnar’s post match, unscripted remarks did not completely surpirse me. Those that do not personally know Lesnar as do I need to understand that his level of intensity and fury is scary. Brock has said many things in private conversations that I have been a part of that would make one do a double take. He is an intimidating, emotional jock who has been known for speaking first and thinking later. I don’t think Brock is an inherently evil person whatsoever but his level of competitiveness can be dangerous. It’s like Brock “moonsaulting” at Wrestlemania 19 in Seattle against Kurt Angle when being advised not to prior to the bout. Lesnar was told that men his size don’t do top rope Moonsaults which was the wrong thing to say to the former NCAA All American and National Champion. Lesnar came close to tragically ending his athletic career that night while defying logic and doing what others told him that he could not do.
Lesnar, as I pointed out a couple of days ago, loves to be jeered…the louder the better. Brock takes his game to another level when he knows that it’s him against the world. Former OU and Dallas Cowboys Coach Barry Switzer went into the College Football Hall of Fame and won three National Titles and a Super Bowl with that coaching style, “it’s us against the world and the world wants to see us lose.”
When Lesnar, who detested the travel and emotional demands of WWE’s schedule, was the most “hated villain” on the roster he was at his happiest in sports entertainment.
Plus, let’s not forget that some people genuinely enjoy being a badass bully. Lesnar, in a ring, mat, or octagon, embraces that persona. Brock may say that he did not like school but the South Dakota farm boy is far from being a dumb jock. Lesnar has plenty of common sense and knows, as Eric Bischoff wrote, that controversy does in deed create cash.
The UFC knows that as well. All great promoters get that basic element of selling tickets and pay per views.
UFC told a compelling story that had a 17 month arc beginning with Lesnar’s first match, the tap out loss to Mir, culminating strategically with the main event at UFC 100 that was built on the time tested story of retribution and revenge, two basic human instincts. Long, story telling arcs are gold whether it be in MMA, boxing, or in pro wrestling.
Lesnar is seemingly so detested right now by MMA purists and fanatics that they will continue to pay big money to see someone humble Lesnar and “kick his ass.” Even the Russian, Fedor, will likely be the crowd favorite against Lesnar if that fight ever happens.
