Brock Lesnar‘s position in the main event of SummerSlam Night One was reportedly a WWE creative decision rather than one requested by the former WWE Champion.
According to PWInsider, Brock Lesnar’s Hell in a Cell match against Oba Femi had originally been scheduled to open the show. However, during SummerSlam week, WWE officials moved the bout into the closing slot, citing the significance of the Hell in a Cell stipulation and Lesnar competing in his hometown of Minneapolis.
The report adds that WWE sources indicated Lesnar had no involvement in changing the match order or the overall format of the show.
The update revises earlier reports suggesting Lesnar may have pushed to headline the event. PWInsider’s Mike Johnson had previously noted that Lesnar’s hometown appearance may have influenced the decision and said there was a belief among some people he had spoken to that Lesnar requested the final match. The latest report states WWE sources disputed that claim.
The change to the running order was reportedly made only hours before the event, with CM Punk‘s World Championship defence against Cody Rhodes having been considered the marquee match throughout the build to SummerSlam.
CM Punk Addressed Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi Replacing His Match In The Main Event
Speaking at the post-show press conference, CM Punk said he had no issue with where his match was placed on the card.
“Of course I had feelings about that, but I’m not one of these guys that has it in their contract that I have to end the show. Whether I’m first, whether I am before intermission, whether I am the popcorn match, CM Punk is always the main event.”
Brock Lesnar ultimately fell to Oba Femi inside Hell in a Cell before remaining in the ring after the match to endorse Femi as the future of WWE.
