WrestleMania 34, held in 2018, featured a main event clash that still ignites debate among wrestling fans: Brock Lesnar versus Roman Reigns. This wasn't just another match; it was the culmination of a long-brewing rivalry, a battle of behemoths, and a moment that was supposed to solidify Reigns as the undisputed top guy in WWE. However, the actual event and its aftermath left a lot of fans scratching their heads. Let's dive deep into the buildup, the match itself, and the reactions that followed.

The Road to WrestleMania

The rivalry between Lesnar and Reigns had been simmering for years. The first major confrontation occurred at WrestleMania 31 in 2015, where Reigns was poised to defeat Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. However, Seth Rollins famously cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, turning the match into a triple threat and ultimately pinning Reigns to steal the victory. This moment was shocking and memorable, but it also delayed the inevitable one-on-one showdown between Lesnar and Reigns that everyone knew was coming.

Fast forward to 2018, and the stage was finally set. Lesnar, the dominant Universal Champion, had been on a destructive path, mowing down opponents with brutal efficiency. Reigns, meanwhile, had been steadily climbing the ranks, overcoming challenges and solidifying his position as a top star. He won the 2015 Royal Rumble, a feat often seen as a predictor of future WrestleMania main events. The narrative was clear: Reigns was being groomed to be the face of WWE, and defeating Lesnar was the final step in that coronation.

The buildup to WrestleMania 34 was intense. Reigns consistently emphasized that Lesnar was merely a part-timer, someone who didn't truly care about the WWE Universe or the wrestling business. He painted himself as the dedicated workhorse who was always there for the fans, ready to defend the championship week in and week out. This resonated with some fans who were tired of Lesnar's infrequent appearances and perceived lack of commitment. However, others saw Reigns' character as forced and inauthentic, rejecting the idea that he was the rightful heir to the throne.

The animosity between the two wrestlers was palpable in their promos and backstage segments. Lesnar, with his advocate Paul Heyman by his side, exuded an aura of invincibility. Heyman masterfully played the role of hype man, constantly reminding everyone of Lesnar's unparalleled strength and dominance. He warned Reigns that he was stepping into the lion's den and that he would be torn apart. Reigns, in turn, tried to project confidence and determination, vowing to dethrone Lesnar and bring the Universal Championship back to the full-time roster.

The Match: A Disappointing Climax

The match itself, unfortunately, did not live up to the hype. What was expected to be an epic battle turned into a relatively short and one-sided affair. Lesnar dominated much of the match, delivering a series of German suplexes and F5s. Reigns, while showing resilience, seemed overwhelmed by Lesnar's relentless assault. The crowd, sensing that something was off, began to grow restless. The energy that had been building for weeks slowly dissipated as the match progressed.

There were moments where Reigns mounted a comeback, hitting Superman punches and spears, but Lesnar consistently kicked out, further solidifying his dominance. The ending came somewhat abruptly, with Lesnar hitting one final F5 to secure the victory. The crowd was stunned. This wasn't the coronation they had been expecting. Instead, they witnessed Lesnar retain his championship, leaving Reigns lying in defeat.

The reaction to the match was overwhelmingly negative. Fans expressed their disappointment on social media, criticizing the match's length, pacing, and overall lack of excitement. Many felt that Reigns had been buried, his momentum completely stalled. The decision to have Lesnar retain the championship was also questioned, as it seemed to contradict the long-term narrative of establishing Reigns as the top star.

Some speculated that the match was intentionally designed to elicit a negative reaction, perhaps as a way to generate sympathy for Reigns or to set up a future rematch. Others believed that Lesnar's contract situation, which was reportedly up in the air at the time, played a role in the outcome. Whatever the reason, the match fell far short of expectations and left a lasting negative impression on many fans.

The Aftermath and Lingering Questions

The aftermath of WrestleMania 34 only added to the confusion and frustration. Reigns continued to feud with Lesnar, challenging him for the Universal Championship at subsequent pay-per-views. However, he consistently came up short, further damaging his credibility. It wasn't until SummerSlam 2018 that Reigns finally defeated Lesnar to win the Universal Championship, but even that victory felt anticlimactic after months of failed attempts.

The entire storyline, from the initial buildup to the eventual conclusion, was plagued by inconsistencies and questionable booking decisions. Reigns' character, which was intended to be heroic and inspiring, often came across as forced and unnatural. The constant attempts to push him as the top guy, despite the mixed reactions from the fans, created a sense of disconnect and resentment.

One of the biggest criticisms of the Lesnar-Reigns rivalry was the lack of a clear narrative. While the initial storyline focused on Reigns' desire to dethrone the part-time champion, it quickly devolved into a series of repetitive matches with little emotional investment. The constant interference from Paul Heyman and other wrestlers further muddied the waters, making it difficult for fans to connect with the story on a deeper level.

Looking back, the WrestleMania 34 match between Lesnar and Reigns represents a missed opportunity. It had all the ingredients to be a classic, a defining moment in both wrestlers' careers. However, due to a combination of poor execution and questionable booking, it ended up being a disappointment. The match serves as a reminder that even the most talented performers can be undermined by a weak storyline and a lack of creative direction.

Ultimately, the legacy of this match is one of unrealized potential. It's a case study in how not to build a main event, how not to capitalize on a long-term rivalry, and how not to satisfy the expectations of a passionate fanbase. While both Lesnar and Reigns have gone on to achieve great success in their careers, the WrestleMania 34 match remains a blemish on their otherwise impressive resumes.

Fan Reactions and the IWC (Internet Wrestling Community)

The Internet Wrestling Community (IWC) exploded after the match. Forums, social media, and wrestling podcasts were flooded with angry and disappointed reactions. The hashtag #CancelWWENetwork was even trending for a while, showcasing the extreme dissatisfaction of some fans. It wasn't just the result of the match, but the way it was executed that drew so much ire. The feeling was that WWE had disrespected the fans' intelligence and wasted a golden opportunity to create a truly memorable WrestleMania moment.

Many fans argued that Reigns was simply not ready to be the top guy, despite WWE's persistent attempts to push him into that role. They felt that his character was bland, his promos were uninspired, and his in-ring skills were not on par with other top stars like AJ Styles or Daniel Bryan. The constant comparisons to John Cena, another polarizing figure in wrestling, only added to the negativity surrounding Reigns.

Others pointed to Lesnar's performance as a contributing factor to the match's failure. While Lesnar is undoubtedly a dominant and intimidating force, his matches often follow a predictable formula, relying heavily on German suplexes and F5s. This formula can become repetitive and boring, especially when it's not supplemented by a compelling storyline or engaging character work. In the case of WrestleMania 34, Lesnar's reliance on his standard moveset further contributed to the match's overall lack of excitement.

Furthermore, the IWC criticized WWE's booking decisions leading up to the match. The constant changes in the storyline, the repetitive matches, and the lack of a clear direction all contributed to the sense that the rivalry was aimless and uninspired. Many fans felt that WWE was simply going through the motions, trying to force a narrative that wasn't resonating with the audience.

Lessons Learned (or Not?)

The WrestleMania 34 main event serves as a valuable lesson in the importance of storytelling, character development, and fan engagement. WWE has often struggled to connect with its audience on a deeper level, relying instead on predictable storylines and forced pushes. The Lesnar-Reigns rivalry is a prime example of this, showcasing the dangers of prioritizing corporate agendas over creative storytelling.

One of the key takeaways from this experience is the importance of listening to the fans. WWE often operates in a bubble, insulated from the opinions and preferences of its audience. This can lead to disastrous booking decisions, as evidenced by the negative reaction to the WrestleMania 34 main event. By paying attention to the fans' feedback and incorporating their ideas into the storylines, WWE can create a more engaging and satisfying product.

Another important lesson is the need for consistent character development. Reigns' character, in particular, suffered from a lack of clear direction and purpose. He was constantly portrayed as the heroic underdog, but his actions often contradicted this narrative. By developing a more consistent and relatable character, WWE could have garnered more support for Reigns and made his eventual victory over Lesnar more meaningful.

In conclusion, the Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns match at WrestleMania 34 was a colossal disappointment. It failed to live up to the hype, alienated a large portion of the fanbase, and ultimately damaged the careers of both wrestlers involved. While both Lesnar and Reigns have moved on to achieve greater success, the memory of this ill-fated match continues to linger, serving as a cautionary tale for WWE and a reminder of the importance of delivering on fan expectations. It underscores the need for compelling narratives, authentic character development, and a willingness to listen to the audience. Whether or not WWE has learned these lessons remains to be seen, but the WrestleMania 34 main event will forever be remembered as a missed opportunity and a stain on the legacy of both Lesnar and Reigns. Guys, let's hope future WrestleManias deliver more satisfying main events!