WWE Legend Tommy Dreamer Criticizes Brock Lesnar’s Infamous Victory Over The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXX
In professional wrestling, few moments have had the lasting impact and generated as much debate as Brock Lesnar ending The Undertaker’s legendary WrestleMania winning streak. The shocking result at WrestleMania XXX in 2014 has been discussed and analyzed for years by both fans and industry veterans alike.1
Recently, WWE legend Tommy Dreamer, a key figure in the wrestling world, added his voice to the discussion during an episode of Busted Open Radio, where he shared his thoughts on the infamous match and criticized its outcome.
Table of Contents
The Significance of The Undertaker’s Streak
For over two decades, The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak was one of the most revered accomplishments in the WWE universe. Starting at WrestleMania VII in 1991, The Undertaker began a remarkable unbeaten run at the event, defeating iconic opponents like Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and Kane.
The Streak took on a life of its own, with each year’s WrestleMania match featuring The Undertaker becoming a marquee attraction in its own right.
Brock Lesnar’s Unforgettable Victory
When Brock Lesnar faced The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXX, most fans expected another hard-fought victory for The Phenom. However, after a grueling battle, Lesnar shocked the world by pinning The Undertaker and ending the streak.
As the referee counted to three, the crowd in New Orleans’ Superdome was left in stunned silence. The result felt unreal — as if one of wrestling’s most sacred traditions had been abruptly shattered.
Tommy Dreamer’s Criticism of the Match Finish
During his discussion on Busted Open Radio, Tommy Dreamer revisited the match that has remained a focal point of controversy. Dreamer, who has been a part of the wrestling industry for decades and has seen the evolution of WWE’s storytelling, took issue with how the match played out.
He voiced his opinion that the finish, while shocking, was a misstep in terms of long-term storytelling and legacy preservation.
Also Read: Tommy Dreamer Lauds AEW Original with Bret Hart Comparison
Brock Lesnar’s Dominance After Breaking The Undertaker’s WrestleMania Streak
Brock Lesnar was already a huge name in WWE and mixed martial arts long before he broke The Undertaker’s iconic WrestleMania streak. However, his shocking victory at WrestleMania XXX in 2014 marked a turning point in his career, transforming him into one of the most feared and dominant forces in WWE history.2
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The win not only cemented Lesnar’s legacy but also gave WWE an opportunity to build him into an even more imposing figure, which they successfully did in the months and years that followed.
Lesnar’s Megastar Status Before the Streak
Even before facing The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXX, Lesnar had already established himself as one of WWE’s top stars. He burst onto the WWE scene in 2002 and quickly made an impact, winning the WWE Championship within just five months of his debut and becoming the youngest WWE Champion in history at the age of 25.3
After several successful years in WWE, Lesnar left the company in 2004 to pursue a career in mixed martial arts (MMA). His move to the UFC was highly successful, as he became the UFC Heavyweight Champion and one of the biggest pay-per-view draws in the sport.
Breaking The Undertaker’s WrestleMania Streak
The decision to have Brock Lesnar break The Undertaker’s legendary 21-0 WrestleMania streak was one of the most shocking and controversial moments in WWE history.
When Lesnar pinned The Deadman at WrestleMania XXX, the audience was stunned into silence, unable to believe that The Undertaker’s two-decade-long winning streak had come to an end. It was a moment that would go down in history, and for Lesnar, it turned him into a legitimate “Beast Incarnate.”
The Epic Squash Match Against John Cena
- After defeating The Undertaker, WWE wasted no time in capitalizing on Lesnar’s newfound momentum. At SummerSlam 2014, Lesnar faced John Cena for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in what became one of the most memorable matches in modern WWE history.
- The match wasn’t a back-and-forth contest, as many expected. Instead, it was a complete squash match, with Lesnar decimating Cena from start to finish.
- Lesnar dominated Cena throughout the match, delivering a brutal onslaught of German suplexes that left Cena helpless.
- The match, which lasted just over 16 minutes, saw Lesnar deliver 16 suplexes and two F-5s to the face of WWE, completely dismantling Cena in a way that had never been seen before.
- The result was a decisive victory for Lesnar, as he captured the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and solidified his position as the most dominant force in WWE.
Also Read: WCW Legend Konnan Reveals He Was Offered AEW Contract, but Chris Jericho Rejected Him
Tommy Dreamer: The Heart and Soul of ECW
Thomas Laughlin, better known by his ring name Tommy Dreamer, is one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling, particularly for his time in the Philadelphia-based Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) promotion.
Born on February 13, 1971, Dreamer’s career has spanned over three decades, making him a pivotal figure in wrestling history. Known as the “heart and soul” of ECW, Dreamer’s legacy is rooted in his resilience, toughness, and unwavering dedication to the hardcore style of wrestling.
Early Life and Wrestling Beginnings
Tommy Dreamer was born in Yonkers, New York, where he developed an early interest in professional wrestling. Like many young fans of the sport, he grew up idolizing larger-than-life figures such as Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair.
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Uncle @bullyray5150 has gotten another HOF induction
Tonight’s songs are dedicated to #ECW#BOAfterDark #AEWDynamite pic.twitter.com/qvZiSkUMfs— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) August 22, 2024
However, Dreamer’s wrestling journey didn’t follow the typical path of traditional wrestling stars. After training with renowned wrestling schools in the early ’90s, he made his debut in the independent wrestling circuit. His early performances displayed a blend of technical skills and a deep understanding of in-ring storytelling.
Joining ECW: The Birth of a Hardcore Icon
In 1993, Tommy Dreamer made his way to ECW, then known as Eastern Championship Wrestling, which would later rebrand as Extreme Championship Wrestling.
At the time, ECW was a small promotion operating in Philadelphia, but it was quickly gaining a reputation for its gritty, no-holds-barred approach to professional wrestling. Unlike mainstream promotions like WWE, ECW emphasized a hardcore style that pushed the boundaries of violence and creativity in professional wrestling.
The “Heart and Soul” of ECW
Tommy Dreamer’s moniker as the “heart and soul” of ECW is not just a title but a reflection of his loyalty and contributions to the promotion. Throughout the ’90s, Dreamer became one of ECW’s most beloved stars, often putting his body on the line in some of the most violent and memorable matches in wrestling history.
Tommy Dreamer’s Early Professional Wrestling Career
Thomas Laughlin, famously known by his ring name Tommy Dreamer, embarked on his professional wrestling journey with significant dedication and passion. Born on February 13, 1971, Dreamer’s rise to prominence in the world of wrestling is a testament to his perseverance and love for the sport.
His early years in the business laid the foundation for a career that would eventually make him one of the most beloved figures in wrestling, particularly in the hardcore and extreme wrestling style.
Training with Johnny Rodz
Dreamer’s professional wrestling career began under the tutelage of the legendary wrestling trainer Johnny Rodz. Rodz, a WWE Hall of Famer known for training some of the top wrestlers of his generation, helped mold Dreamer’s in-ring skills and instill the foundational wrestling knowledge he would carry throughout his career.
Training with a figure like Rodz gave Dreamer a strong technical base, which he would later mix with the hardcore style he became famous for in ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling).
International World Class Championship Wrestling (IWCCW)
After completing his training with Rodz, Dreamer made his first notable foray into the world of professional wrestling by joining International World Class Championship Wrestling (IWCCW).
At the time, IWCCW was a regional promotion that provided a platform for many young talents to hone their craft and make a name for themselves in the business. Dreamer entered the promotion under the ring name T.D. Madison, portraying one-half of a storyline brother tag team alongside G.Q. Madison.
The Transition to Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW)
Although his time in IWCCW was fruitful, it was not until Dreamer’s move to Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in 1993 that his career truly took off. ECW, which was initially known as Eastern Championship Wrestling, was quickly becoming known for its revolutionary and often violent approach to professional wrestling.
The promotion was developing a cult following in Philadelphia, attracting fans who were disillusioned with the more polished and scripted wrestling styles of mainstream promotions.
Tommy Dreamer’s Net Worth: A Career Built on Hardcore Wrestling
Tommy Dreamer, born Thomas Laughlin, has had a long and storied career in professional wrestling. With decades of dedication to the sport and his iconic role as the “heart and soul” of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), Dreamer is considered one of the most respected figures in the industry.
Throughout his career, Dreamer not only wrestled but also promoted wrestling events and even made appearances as an actor. As of 2024, Tommy Dreamer’s estimated net worth stands at $1.5 million.
The ECW Factor: Passion Over Profits
While many wrestlers have seen their fortunes grow thanks to multi-million-dollar contracts with promotions like WWE, Tommy Dreamer’s career is a testament to the passion-driven nature of ECW, where the love for wrestling often overshadowed financial incentives.
ECW was known for its gritty, extreme style, and its stars were more focused on delivering unforgettable performances than amassing huge salaries. Dreamer was one of ECW’s key figures, putting his body on the line night after night in violent, hardcore matches that endeared him to fans.
WWE and Mainstream Success
After ECW closed its doors, Dreamer joined WWE, where he finally began earning more substantial salaries. WWE’s worldwide reach and financial stability meant that Dreamer could negotiate better pay for his talents. He became a mainstay of WWE’s Hardcore Division, where his brutal, weapons-filled matches aligned perfectly with his ECW roots.
Dreamer’s time in WWE also helped him connect with a larger audience, leading to additional opportunities such as merchandising and autograph signings, which continue to generate income for him today.
House of Hardcore: Building a Legacy
One of Dreamer’s most significant contributions to the wrestling world post-ECW has been the creation of House of Hardcore (HOH). As both a wrestling promoter and performer, Dreamer has used HOH to carry on the spirit of ECW and hardcore wrestling.
While HOH is not a massive financial juggernaut like WWE or AEW, it has found a loyal audience that appreciates Dreamer’s old-school approach to wrestling.
FAQ’S
1. What was Brock Lesnar’s dominant win?
Ans: Brock Lesnar’s dominant win refers to a recent match in which he overpowered his opponent in typical Lesnar fashion. Known for his sheer strength and athleticism, Lesnar has a history of delivering decisive victories in WWE, and this match was no exception.
2. Why was Lesnar’s win called a “historic mistake”?
Ans: A veteran WWE star reportedly labeled the win as a “historic mistake” due to its impact on WWE storylines or the development of other talent. The veteran might have argued that Lesnar’s win hindered the growth or momentum of rising stars, leading to criticism about how the match was booked.
3. Who is the veteran WWE star who made this statement?
Ans: The specific veteran star’s identity may vary based on the timing of the event, but it is likely to be someone with considerable experience and insight into the wrestling business, such as a Hall of Famer or a long-time competitor. Veterans like Kurt Angle, The Undertaker, or Mick Foley have previously voiced their opinions on WWE decisions.
4. What is the context of the “mistake” in WWE booking?
Ans: The “mistake” could refer to the decision to have Lesnar win in a dominant fashion, possibly at the expense of a younger or emerging talent. WWE fans and insiders sometimes criticize the use of part-time or established stars like Lesnar to win over newer talent, which can stunt their growth or derail long-term storytelling.
5. What has been the reaction to this criticism from fans and WWE insiders?
Ans: Reactions are likely mixed. Some fans may agree with the veteran star, believing that WWE should focus on building new talent rather than relying on Lesnar’s dominance. Others, especially Lesnar fans, may support his victories, citing his star power and credibility as essential to WWE’s success.
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