John Cena recently revealed that his planned 17th World Championship win at WWE SummerSlam 2021 was altered at the last minute due to the unexpected return of Brock Lesnar. The shift in plans came together just hours before the event, dramatically changing the intended outcome of Cena’s match against Roman Reigns.
Speaking on the No Contest Wrestling podcast, Cena detailed how the evening was initially scripted to culminate in a title victory for him. However, the arrival of Lesnar, confirmed only five hours before the show, necessitated a change in direction. This unexpected development ultimately led to Reigns retaining his championship and setting the stage for a confrontation with Lesnar.
“That night was supposed to go very different,” Cena explained. “In the last moment, we had a surprise guest booked and he came out after the match was over. They didn’t secure Brock until 5:00 PM that day.” The original plan, according to Cena, involved him winning the title, only for the match to be restarted, allowing Reigns to regain the championship.
Cena described a planned high-intensity match designed to build to his victory, emphasizing a no-holds-barred approach with numerous finishers. “I was going to win 17. We were going to have someone come out and restart the match and Roman was going to take it back,” he said. “The way we put together the match was we were going to give him a hell of a match, everything out the door, no rules, no nothing, like tons of finishers, all this stuff because I was going to win and then Roman was going to take it back.”
The last-minute nature of Lesnar’s signing significantly impacted the creative direction of SummerSlam. Fightful reported that WWE did not finalize the deal with Lesnar until just hours before the event.
This revelation provides insight into the often-fluid nature of professional wrestling’s scripting process, where plans can change rapidly based on unforeseen circumstances. The situation highlights the importance of adaptability within WWE’s creative team and the impact a single talent’s availability can have on major events.
Lesnar’s return to WWE after a two-year absence was a significant moment for the company. TheSportster detailed the reasons behind his departure and subsequent return, citing a desire for a more flexible schedule and a focus on other ventures.
The altered SummerSlam finish ultimately served to reignite the rivalry between Reigns and Lesnar, leading to further high-profile matches and storylines. While Cena’s planned 17th title reign was postponed, the unexpected turn of events contributed to a compelling narrative that captivated WWE fans.
As WWE continues to build towards WrestleMania, the landscape of championship contenders remains dynamic. The impact of Lesnar’s presence and the ongoing dominance of Roman Reigns will undoubtedly shape the storylines and outcomes of future events. Fans can expect further twists and turns as the road to WrestleMania unfolds.
What are your thoughts on the last-minute changes to SummerSlam 2021? Share your opinions in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow wrestling fans!
