At WWE No Mercy 2017, two of WWE’s most physically dominant forces, Brock Lesnar and Braun Strowman, collided in an intense battle for the Universal Championship. The match was a true clash of titans, pitting Lesnar’s experience and explosiveness against Strowman’s sheer size and raw power.
The Build-Up: Monster vs. Beast
Braun Strowman had been on a path of destruction throughout 2017, decimating everyone in his way, including Roman Reigns in multiple brutal encounters. At SummerSlam 2017, he put on a dominant performance in a Fatal 4-Way Match for the Universal Championship, where he manhandled Brock Lesnar, power-slamming him through announce tables and forcing medical personnel to stretcher him out.
Despite this, Lesnar returned mid-match and retained his title, but Strowman had proven he was the biggest threat to Lesnar’s reign. In the weeks that followed, Strowman continued to dominate the Universal Champion, leading to their highly anticipated one-on-one showdown at No Mercy.
The Match Begins – Strowman Overpowers Lesnar
From the opening bell, Strowman wasted no time imposing his dominance. He charged at Lesnar, shoving him into the corner and unleashing a flurry of powerful strikes. Within minutes, Strowman had tossed Lesnar across the ring like a ragdoll, sending a clear message that he was in control.
The crowd roared as Strowman hit a massive chokeslam followed by a running powerslam, going for an early cover. But Lesnar miraculously kicked out at two, surviving the early onslaught.
Lesnar Tries to Fight Back
Lesnar, a man who rarely finds himself overwhelmed, struggled to mount an offense. He attempted a German suplex, but Strowman immediately shrugged it off. The Monster Among Men was unphased, ragdolling Lesnar multiple times, proving that even Suplex City wasn’t enough to contain his power.
But Lesnar refused to back down. Using his speed and experience, he targeted Strowman’s legs, bringing the big man to one knee. The Beast Incarnate then managed to land a series of German suplexes, finally taking some control.
The Turning Point – Lesnar Locks In the Kimura
Strowman attempted another running powerslam, but Lesnar countered with a tight Kimura Lock in the center of the ring. This was a rare technical move from Lesnar, and it proved to be a game-changer. Strowman, despite his monstrous size, began to show signs of weakness, struggling to reach the ropes.
Although he eventually broke the hold, Strowman’s arm was visibly weakened, slowing him down for the rest of the match.
The Finish – F-5 Out of Nowhere
As Strowman tried to recover, Lesnar capitalized. The champion dug deep and, in a stunning show of strength, hoisted Strowman onto his shoulders and delivered a devastating F-5 in the middle of the ring.
Lesnar went for the cover—1… 2… 3!
Brock Lesnar retained the Universal Championship, surviving one of the most physically punishing matches of his career.
Aftermath – A Controversial Ending
While Lesnar remained champion, many fans felt the match ended too abruptly, as Strowman had dominated most of the bout. The fact that Lesnar won with just one F-5 left some disappointed, especially considering Strowman’s dominant build-up leading into the match.
Despite the loss, Strowman’s star power continued to rise, proving he was a legitimate main-event player. However, it wouldn’t be until years later that he would finally hold the Universal Championship.
Though short, this match was an intense battle between two of WWE’s most physically imposing superstars, cementing Strowman as a monster and Lesnar as a resilient champion.
