The epic showdown between Brock Lesner and Cody Rhodes was one of the major clashes in the SummerSlam 2023.
The two superstars have been feuding for months, trading some of the best wins and losses, insults and injuries, and putting on some of the most thrilling matches in recent history.
Who emerged victorious in their final clash at the summer’s biggest party? Read on to find out!
1. Who Emerged Victorious?
The answer is Cody Rhodes! Yes, you read that right. The American Nightmare finally slayed the Beast Incarnate with three consecutive Cross Rhodes, ending their match at an all-time high!
Earlier in the match, Rhodes took a massive beating from Brock Lesnar amid a barrage of suplexes. The tides turned when Rhodes found an advantage and evened the odds with help from an exposed turnbuckle.
It was a hard-fought victory for Cody, who showed incredible resilience and determination to overcome the odds and defeat one of the most dominant forces in WWE history.
2. Only Pride was on The Line
There was no stipulation for this match, which was surprising considering the intensity of the rivalry between the two.
Roman Reigns has not defended the WWE Universal Championship for over 100 days now—a historic stat in its own right—with zero defenses since his win over Rhodes.
Many fans expected some unique condition or consequence for this match, such as a no-disqualification, a last man standing, or even a career vs career match.
However, it was a straight-up one-on-one contest, with nothing but pride and glory on the line.
3. How did the Match End?
The match ended with a spectacular sequence of moves that exhausted and battered both men. Lesnar switched gears and went for a kimura, and Rhodes tried to defend but almost failed.
The fans erupted as Rhodes managed to grab the bottom rope to force a break, followed by him trying out a kimura.
Lesnar teased, tapping out before powering out of the hold. The match finally ended with a barrage of brutal Cross Rhodes by Cody on Lesner. This targeted attack was enough for him to get a three-count out of Brock Lesner!
After the match, Rhodes offered a handshake, and after a head-to-head standoff, Lesnar raised Cody’s hand and even hugged him.
A moment of respect and sportsmanship to cap off an amazing match!
4. Our Thoughts on the Ending
We think the ending was good in terms of storytelling and drama. It was satisfying to see Cody finally get his revenge on Lesnar, who had humiliated him many times in the past.
It was also exhilarating to see Cody survive Lesnar’s onslaught of suplexes and submissions and deliver three Cross Rhodes in a row to put him away – a fitting end to a rivalry that has spanned over several months and events!
However, some fans might argue that the ending was not good in terms of booking and logic. Cody winning over Lesnar made Lesnar look weak and diminished his aura of invincibility.
Another chink in the armor is that Cody has lost to Roman Reigns twice before, while Lesnar has defeated Reigns multiple times in the past.
Fans might also say that Cody winning over Lesnar did not help anyone else on the roster, as it did not elevate any new stars or create new opportunities.
5. Is their Feud Over?
It seems like their feud is over, at least for now. After their match at SummerSlam 2023, both men showed respect and admiration for each other, indicating that they had settled their differences and moved on. There is no indication that they will face each other again anytime soon, as they have different goals and paths in WWE.
Cody might go after Roman Reigns again for the WWE Universal Championship or pursue other titles or rivalries. On the other hand, Lesnar might take some time off from WWE or return to challenge someone else for supremacy.
However, never say never in WWE. They might cross paths again in a Royal Rumble, a Survivor Series, a WrestleMania, or another exhibition match just for the fans.
Until then, we can only enjoy and appreciate the amazing matches they have given us, and we hope for more to come.
6. About WWE
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., doing business as WWE, is an American professional wrestling promotion. A global integrated media and entertainment company, WWE has also branched out into other fields, including film, American football, and various other business ventures.
WWE shows are sports entertainment, featuring story line-driven, scripted, and partially choreographed matches; though including moves that can put performers at risk of injury, even death, if not performed correctly. It was founded in 1953 as the Capitol Wrestling Corporation and is the largest wrestling promotion in the world. It is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.
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