For fans still saying, "Why is Brock Lesnar facing Kofi Kingston?"...not sure what else to tell you other than, it's a house show. WWE decided to use the fact that Lesnar wanted to be in Japan anyway as a way to create some new Network content.
The Beast Incarnate is a draw by himself. If you're a Japanese fan, you only get one shot a year to see WWE talent live. This is the first chance you've had to see the former IWGP Heavyweight champ since he left for the UFC, let alone returned to pro wrestling. WWE could have announced Barry Horowitz as his opponent and still generated a buzz about Brock's appearance.
Tomorrow (July 4, 2015)'s Beast in the East special is a way to experiment with original wrestling content for the streaming service. With rumors that this could be an ongoing effort, the question is if Vince McMahon will change up his proven WWE Live formula of babyfaces winning in shows that are light on continuity with Raw or SmackDown in order to attract more subscribers to the Network.
My guess is that Beast in the East and any similar events in the future will feature one or two matches or angles that "matter" - a function that the NXT title match between Kevin Owens and Finn Bálor serves on this weekend's show from Ryogoku Kokugikan - while otherwise adhering to the house show model. For many, that would be a selling point, as performers and fans can be refreshed from watching something that feels different than what we get on the average Sunday, Monday and Thursday nights.
If that's right, the outcome of the matches from today's Tokyo live event may guide fans wondering what they'll see out of the show...
- Neville defeated Kofi Kingston with a Red Arrow as good guys with pop-inducing finishers go over wins out over any desire to make The New Day member look strong heading into his match with Lesnar
- Cesaro beat King Barrett
- Lucha Dragons defeated New Day & Los Matadores in a Triple Threat
- Dolph Ziggler beat Kane in a Tokyo Street Fight
- Nikki Bella retained her Divas title in a win over Tamina Snuka (who replaced Naomi on the tour at the last minute)
- Finn Bálor defeated Chris Jericho in what's been described as the match of the night
- John Cena won via disaqualification over Kevin Owens when the NXT champ low blowed the U.S. titleholder when frustrated that he couldn't beat him with multiple finishers. Cena hit an AA afterwards to stand tall.
Will WWE vary from this formula, risking disappointing the Japanese live crowd in favor of creating "must see" content for subscribers?
We'll find out tomorrow. Let us know what you think right now in the comments below.