Brock Lesnar’s opening segment on SmackDown was one of the most talked-about moments of the week, thanks to R-Truth and an unexpected wardrobe malfunction. However, for one former WWE head writer, the segment highlighted a creative flaw that can’t be ignored.
The moment in question kicked off last night’s SmackDown, where Lesnar was quickly interrupted by R-Truth. In a comedic turn, Truth declared he was there to defend his “older brother” John Cena, even introducing himself as “Ron Cena.” The confrontation ended when Lesnar hit Truth with an F5, a move so forceful it ripped Lesnar’s own jeans, to the amusement of the live crowd.
But according to Vince Russo, speaking on his BroDown podcast, the segment masked a fundamental storytelling error. Russo’s criticism stems from Lesnar explicitly stating he was “looking for John Cena” at the top of the show, a plot point that WWE creative completely abandoned for the rest of the broadcast.
“What does Brock Lesnar say to R-Truth at the very top of the show? What does he say to him? I’m looking for John Cena. If you’re going to say that, you’ve got to pay it off,” Russo stated. “You can’t say at the top of the show, I’m looking for John Cena and not pay it off… You cannot set the stage that Brock Lesnar is there to find and confront John Cena, and that never happens.” (h/t Sportskeeda)
Next week’s Wrestlepalooza will feature Lesnar facing Cena in a scheduled match.