In the world of professional wrestling, the idea of a legitimate shoot fight between two of the biggest names in the industry has long been a topic of speculation and debate. Recently, a shocking revelation has come to light, courtesy of Dave Meltzer’s Wrestling Observer Radio, shedding new light on a proposed showdown between Brock Lesnar and Heavyweight Boxing Champion Lennox Lewis. The proposed encounter, heavily backed by none other than WWE’s top honcho, Vince McMahon, has left fans and insiders alike wondering what could have been.
The Genesis of a Groundbreaking Concept
According to sources close to the matter, the idea of a Lesnar vs. Lewis shoot fight emerged during Brock’s inaugural WWE tenure in the early 2000s. Lesnar, who was then just beginning to make waves in the wrestling world, was reportedly being groomed for stardom. As his popularity soared, the notion of pitting him against Lewis, one of the most formidable figures in the boxing world, began to take shape.
Vince McMahon’s Enthusiasm for the Concept
Vince McMahon, known for his unorthodox approach to promoting wrestling events, was said to be instrumental in pushing the Lesnar vs. Lewis shoot fight concept forward. According to Meltzer, McMahon was enamored with the idea of merging the worlds of professional wrestling and boxing, creating a spectacle that would captivate a broader audience.
“Vince saw this as an opportunity to transcend the boundaries of wrestling and tap into the massive following of boxing fans,” a WWE insider revealed. “He genuinely believed that a legitimate shoot fight between Lesnar and Lewis would draw in unprecedented viewership numbers and establish WWE as a major player in the combat sports landscape.”
The Hurdles and Consequences of a Shoot Fight
While the prospect of a Lesnar vs. Lewis shoot fight was tantalizing, there were several concerns that ultimately led to its demise. Key stakeholders, including Lewis’ management team and WWE’s own talent relations department, were reportedly hesitant to proceed with the idea due to the risks involved.
“Brock Lesnar was a relatively new talent at the time, and promoting him in a legitimate shoot fight against someone of Lewis’ caliber would have been a considerable gamble,” a source close to WWE’s talent relations department stated. “There were concerns about the potential consequences of a loss for Lesnar, both in terms of his physical well-being and his career trajectory within the company.”
The Road Not Taken
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the Lesnar vs. Lewis shoot fight concept, it ultimately failed to materialize. While the idea may have seemed groundbreaking at the time, it was ultimately deemed too high-risk for both parties involved.
“Vince’s enthusiasm for the project never wavered, but in the end, it was a combination of factors that led to its demise,” the WWE insider reflected. “The risks associated with a shoot fight outweighed the potential rewards, and the project was relegated to the backburner.”
Looking Back on a What-If Scenario
The near-miss Lesnar vs. Lewis shoot fight will forever be etched in the annals of WWE history as one of the most intriguing “what if” scenarios in the industry. While it may have seemed like a bold and innovative idea at the time, the risks involved ultimately proved too great to overcome.
As the wrestling world continues to evolve, it’s fascinating to consider the possibilities of what could have been. Perhaps someday, we’ll see a similar mashup of professional wrestling and combat sports, but for now, the Lesnar vs. Lewis shoot fight remains a tantalizing footnote in the WWE’s rich and storied history.
This article has been written with the intention of providing a detailed and informative look at WWE’s most intriguing “what if” scenario.