Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman: Dissecting Their Universal Championship Full Match Showdowns

Nov 2, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 141 views

Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman: Dissecting Their Universal Championship Full Match Showdowns

The annals of WWE history are replete with iconic rivalries, but few captured the imagination and delivered pure, unadulterated spectacle quite like the clash between Brock Lesnar and Braun Strowman. Billed as “The Beast Incarnate” against “The Monster Among Men,” their encounters for the Universal Championship were a testament to power, brute force, and the insatiable desire for dominance. Fans clamored to witness a Brock Lesnar vs Braun Strowman Universal Championship full match, anticipating bone-rattling action and a true test of strength. This article delves into their defining Universal Championship battles, examining the build-up, the pivotal moments, and the lasting legacy of their monster-sized rivalry.

The anticipation surrounding a Brock Lesnar vs Braun Strowman Universal Championship full match was always palpable. It wasn’t just a contest of technical skill or high-flying acrobatics; it was a battle of behemoths, two individuals who seemed destined to collide over the most prestigious prize on Monday Night Raw. From their initial confrontations to their championship showdowns, every interaction between Lesnar and Strowman felt like a main event, promising a level of physicality rarely seen in modern wrestling. Their rivalry was expertly crafted, establishing Strowman as a credible threat to Lesnar’s seemingly unbreakable reign and igniting a fervent desire among the WWE Universe to see who would emerge victorious in these colossal encounters.

The Genesis of a Monster Rivalry: Setting the Stage for Universal Gold

The rivalry between Brock Lesnar and Braun Strowman for the Universal Championship didn’t just appear overnight; it was meticulously cultivated, born from a series of destructive encounters that established Strowman as a legitimate challenger to Lesnar’s throne. The genesis of this monumental clash can be traced back to SummerSlam 2017, where Strowman, along with Roman Reigns and Samoa Joe, challenged Lesnar in an exhilarating Fatal 4-Way match for the Universal Championship. While Lesnar ultimately retained, Strowman’s performance was nothing short of dominant. He annihilated Lesnar, driving him through two announce tables and forcing him to be stretchered out, only for Lesnar to return to the match and secure the victory. This shocking display of strength immediately positioned Strowman as the most credible threat to Lesnar’s reign, igniting a fervent desire among fans to witness a dedicated Brock Lesnar vs Braun Strowman Universal Championship full match.

Following SummerSlam, Strowman continued his reign of terror, targeting Lesnar and making it clear that he was coming for the Universal Championship. His destructive tendencies were unmatched; he routinely demolished opponents and left a trail of chaos in his wake. The narrative was simple yet compelling: could anyone stop The Monster Among Men? The answer, many believed, lay with The Beast Incarnate. The build-up to their first singles encounter for the title at No Mercy 2017 was intense. Strowman interrupted Lesnar’s segments, delivered brutal beatdowns, and even flipped an ambulance with Lesnar inside during a memorable segment, showcasing his unparalleled power. These acts solidified Strowman’s status as a top-tier antagonist and painted him as a genuine challenger capable of dethroning the seemingly invincible champion. The promos leading up to the match were concise but impactful, with Paul Heyman, Lesnar’s advocate, attempting to belittle Strowman while simultaneously acknowledging the monstrous threat he posed. The imagery of Lesnar, a man known for conquering giants, facing a force of nature like Strowman was incredibly compelling. This narrative built significant anticipation for their first one-on-one Universal Championship encounter, promising a raw, physical spectacle that would determine the true alpha of Monday Night Raw.

The core of the rivalry was the fundamental question: Could Strowman’s raw, untamed power overcome Lesnar’s seasoned brutality and legitimate fighting background? Lesnar, a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and multi-time WWE World Champion, was accustomed to dominating his opponents with a blend of amateur wrestling prowess and devastating strikes. Strowman, on the other hand, was a force of pure, destructive might, seemingly impervious to pain and capable of tossing men around like rag dolls. This clash of styles, combined with the personal animosity that had been brewing since SummerSlam, created a captivating storyline. Every segment, every confrontation, only served to heighten the stakes and leave the audience craving the inevitable Brock Lesnar vs Braun Strowman Universal Championship full match. The stage was set for a memorable chapter in WWE’s modern era, a collision of titans that promised to deliver a visceral experience unlike any other.

No Mercy 2017: The Beast vs. The Monster Among Men’s First Solo Dance

At No Mercy 2017, the WWE Universe was treated to what many hoped would be the definitive Brock Lesnar vs Braun Strowman Universal Championship full match. This was their first one-on-one encounter for the prestigious title, and the atmosphere was absolutely electric. Fans were eager to see if The Monster Among Men could finally dethrone The Beast Incarnate. The match itself began exactly as anticipated: with an immediate, brutal exchange of power. Strowman wasted no time, using his immense strength to dominate the opening minutes, landing a devastating running powerslam early in the match, which had the crowd on the edge of their seats. This early offensive by Strowman underscored his threat and made it clear that Lesnar was in for the fight of his life.

The narrative of the match was simple but effective: Lesnar trying to find a way to take down the seemingly indestructible Strowman, while Strowman aimed to overwhelm Lesnar with sheer force. Strowman’s onslaught continued, hitting multiple powerful strikes and powerslams. Each time Strowman hoisted Lesnar for a powerslam, the audience collectively gasped, sensing a potential title change. However, Lesnar, ever the resilient champion, demonstrated his veteran instincts and an almost superhuman ability to absorb punishment. He weathered the storm, absorbing Strowman’s most impactful moves, a testament to his legendary toughness. Lesnar began to target Strowman’s left arm, applying submissions and delivering brutal strikes, attempting to chop down the colossal challenger. This strategic shift showcased Lesnar’s intelligence in the ring, moving away from a head-on power struggle he might lose and instead focusing on wearing down his larger opponent.

Despite Strowman’s early dominance and repeated attempts to put Lesnar away, The Beast Incarnate found his opening. After struggling to lift Strowman for his signature F-5, Lesnar finally managed to execute the devastating maneuver. One F-5 proved to be enough. To the surprise of some fans who had witnessed Strowman kick out of more, Lesnar pinned Strowman to retain his Universal Championship. The match, though shorter than some expected, was a masterclass in impactful storytelling, focusing on intensity and high-impact moves rather than a prolonged technical battle. It highlighted Lesnar’s ability to endure and capitalize on a single moment, solidifying his reign while still keeping Strowman looking strong by demonstrating his incredible power throughout. The ending, while decisive, left room for speculation about future encounters, as Strowman hadn’t been thoroughly dismantled, only defeated by Lesnar’s ultimate finisher. It was a Brock Lesnar vs Braun Strowman Universal Championship full match that, while brief, packed a significant punch and set the tone for their future rivalry.

The outcome at No Mercy ignited debates among fans and critics alike. Some argued that Strowman’s momentum was blunted, while others believed it solidified Lesnar’s position as the undisputed top dog of WWE. Regardless, the match showcased both men’s strengths: Strowman’s raw, unbridled power and Lesnar’s veteran cunning and unparalleled explosiveness. It was a brutal encounter that lived up to the hype in terms of physicality, even if it didn’t stretch to the epic length some desired. This match served as a crucial chapter in their rivalry, proving that while Strowman was a monster, Lesnar was The Beast who could conquer any challenge, even a monstrous one.

Royal Rumble 2018 and Beyond: The Rivalry Evolves

While No Mercy 2017 was their first Brock Lesnar vs Braun Strowman Universal Championship full match in a singles capacity, their rivalry for the Universal Championship continued to evolve and intensify, most notably at Royal Rumble 2018. This time, the stakes were even higher as Brock Lesnar defended his title in a Triple Threat match against both Braun Strowman and Kane. The inclusion of Kane, the legendary “Big Red Machine,” added an extra layer of chaos and destruction to an already combustible mix. The dynamics of a Triple Threat allowed for more unpredictable action and provided avenues for both Lesnar and Strowman to showcase their dominance against multiple opponents. The build-up to this event focused on the sheer power of the three men, particularly the animosity between Lesnar and Strowman, who had unfinished business from No Mercy.

The match at Royal Rumble 2018 was a spectacle of destruction. Right from the opening bell, the three titans went to war, delivering a series of brutal exchanges. Strowman once again proved his incredible power, even managing to put Lesnar through an announce table with a running powerslam, a recurring theme that highlighted Strowman’s ability to inflict serious damage. The Monster Among Men was relentless, demonstrating his ability to fight off two formidable opponents simultaneously. There was a memorable spot where Lesnar delivered a series of stiff chair shots to Strowman, a desperate act by The Beast to neutralize his most formidable foe. Despite the punishment, Strowman continued to fight, emphasizing his resilience and determination to capture the Universal Championship.

However, Lesnar, being the cunning champion, found his moment amidst the chaos. After Strowman dispatched Kane, Lesnar capitalized on Strowman’s momentary distraction, hitting him with a devastating F-5 to retain the Universal Championship. While Strowman wasn’t pinned directly after a single F-5 this time, the outcome once again saw Lesnar walk away with the gold. This match further cemented Lesnar’s reign as a dominant champion who could overcome seemingly insurmountable odds, even against two of the largest competitors in WWE. It also continued the narrative of Strowman being incredibly powerful but just falling short of the ultimate prize when it mattered most against Lesnar.

Their paths crossed again, notably at Crown Jewel 2018, where Lesnar regained the Universal Championship from Strowman in a shockingly short match, largely due to interference from Baron Corbin before the bell, allowing Lesnar to quickly defeat a weakened Strowman. This particular encounter, though brief, showcased the recurring theme: Strowman’s immense power was often thwarted by external factors or Lesnar’s opportunistic cunning. The Brock Lesnar vs Braun Strowman Universal Championship full match narrative had evolved from a straightforward clash of titans to a story of Lesnar’s almost unbreakable championship aura, contrasted with Strowman’s incredible but ultimately unfulfilled pursuit of the Universal Championship against him. Their rivalry, spanning multiple pay-per-views and featuring some incredibly physical moments, left an indelible mark on the Universal Championship landscape, cementing both men as titans of the WWE and delivering memorable, high-impact encounters that fans still talk about today. The question of whether Strowman could ever truly defeat Lesnar cleanly for the title remained a persistent and captivating storyline throughout their entire feud.

The Lasting Impact and Legacy of the Beast vs. Monster Rivalry

The Brock Lesnar vs Braun Strowman Universal Championship full match series, while perhaps not reaching the five-star technical clinic status of some other encounters, etched itself into WWE history as a defining rivalry of its era. The lasting impact of this clash of titans lies primarily in how it elevated Braun Strowman to legitimate main event status and further solidified Brock Lesnar’s legendary reign as the Universal Champion. Strowman, prior to this feud, was a rising force, but his confrontations with Lesnar proved he could hang with The Beast Incarnate, endure unimaginable punishment, and dish out just as much. Despite not winning the Universal Championship from Lesnar, Strowman’s stock soared, transforming him from a monster heel into a beloved, formidable babyface who consistently challenged the perceived impenetrable top of the mountain.

The legacy of their Universal Championship encounters is multifaceted. Firstly, it reinforced Lesnar’s unique position in WWE. His ability to defeat Strowman, a man who seemed unstoppable, emphasized his legitimacy as a once-in-a-generation athlete and an unparalleled champion. Lesnar’s victories, often achieved with a singular, decisive F-5, showcased his surgical precision and devastating power, demonstrating that while Strowman was a monster, Lesnar was the ultimate conqueror. The matches, characterized by brutal physicality and high-impact moves, delivered on the promise of a spectacle, fulfilling the audience’s desire to see two of the biggest, strongest men in professional wrestling collide head-on for the most prestigious prize on Raw.

Secondly, the rivalry was instrumental in shaping the Universal Championship lineage during Lesnar’s dominant run. His reign, often criticized for its part-time nature, gained significant credibility by overcoming a force like Strowman. It showcased that the Universal Championship was protected and that only the absolute elite could hold it against such fierce competition. The booking of Strowman as a perpetual, credible challenger, even in defeat, ensured that the title always felt important and that Lesnar’s reign was constantly under threat. This dynamic kept the WWE Universe invested, consistently tuning in to see if this would be the night The Monster Among Men finally dethroned The Beast.

Finally, the Brock Lesnar vs Braun Strowman Universal Championship full match narrative serves as a prime example of effective monster vs. monster storytelling in WWE. It wasn’t about intricate submissions or elaborate sequences; it was about raw power, larger-than-life personalities, and the visceral thrill of two behemoths trying to tear each other apart for gold. Their chemistry, though often limited to powerful strikes and signature moves, was undeniable, creating a unique brand of excitement. While their individual championship matches might be criticized for their length or outcome by some, taken as a collective, the rivalry built a compelling narrative of perseverance, dominance, and the enduring quest for ultimate power in WWE. The impact on both men’s careers and the overall landscape of the Universal Championship makes their brutal encounters an unforgettable chapter in wrestling history.

Conclusion: The Enduring Thrill of Lesnar vs. Strowman

The series of Brock Lesnar vs Braun Strowman Universal Championship full match encounters stands as a compelling testament to the power of unique character dynamics and high-impact wrestling. While The Beast Incarnate ultimately maintained his stranglehold on the Universal Championship in their direct title clashes, the rivalry with The Monster Among Men elevated both competitors and delivered some of the most memorable, physically intense moments of their respective careers. Fans tuned in, week after week and pay-per-view after pay-per-view, to witness the raw power and explosive aggression that defined this titanic struggle for WWE’s top prize.

From Strowman’s ambulance-flipping antics to Lesnar’s shocking resilience, every chapter in their feud contributed to a larger narrative of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object. The question of who could truly defeat Brock Lesnar was always at the forefront, and Strowman, with his unparalleled strength and destructive tendencies, felt like the most legitimate answer for a significant period. While The Monster Among Men never quite captured the Universal Championship directly from Lesnar, his performance in these high-stakes full matches cemented his status as a perennial main eventer and a fan favorite, capable of tearing down any obstacle in his path.

The legacy of Brock Lesnar vs Braun Strowman for the Universal Championship is not just about the outcomes, but about the journey—the sheer spectacle, the bone-rattling physicality, and the enduring question of who truly held dominion over Monday Night Raw. These matches, though varying in length and external factors, consistently delivered on the promise of a colossal showdown, proving that sometimes, all you need are two larger-than-life individuals hell-bent on destruction to create unforgettable WWE history. Their rivalry remains a highlight in the modern era, reminding us of the enduring thrill of The Beast clashing with The Monster for ultimate supremacy.