WWE Extreme Rules 2012 Results: Brock Lesnar and WWE Embrace Shoot Wrestling

As the dust settles from WWE Extreme Rules 2012, many members of the WWE Universe are shell shocked after the main event of John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar.

What unfolded in the headlining bout was something foreign to many wrestling fans—Brock Lesnar shoot wrestled John Cena in their extreme rules match, utilizing his MMA background to "legitimize" the WWE.

Shoot wrestling is popular in other countries, particularly Japan, and draws heavily on legitimate fighting techniques to enhance the wrestling experience. WWE has steered clear of "strong style" throughout its existence, but tonight they opened a door that I personally feel could lead to another boom in professional wrestling.

Lesnar started the match with a double leg take down and strong elbows to Cena's skull, one of which legitimately cut John Cena open. From there, it was knees to the body, ground and pound from full mount and even multiple kimura attempts.

Instead of stomping Cena while he was down, Lesnar opted to knee him in the ribs. Lesnar also seamlessly transitioned from a Muay Thai knee to an Irish Whip into the steel steps when outside of the ring.

The promotion for this Extreme Rules Match heavily hinted at Lesnar's MMA background being "extreme," and it played out as such. It was no mistake that in video packages containing Lesnar's training clips, we saw him working on the very kimura he utilized in the match.

This style of wrestling most certainly shocked the viewers at home, and the commentary crew worked to inform the viewers of what they were seeing. Booker T noted Brock's "ground and pound" while Michael Cole correctly called out multiple kimura attempts.

Go figure, it came across as some of the best work in the booth in a long time, as the team had to call the action more than they had to bicker and add analysis.

Although Lesnar was bested by Cena, fans will not soon forget the beating Lesnar dished out, as Cena may be sidelined for the immediate future thanks to the match.

Time will tell how the WWE Universe reacts to shoot style in mainstream wrestling, but it's obvious that this is how Lesnar will wrestle while he is with the company, and the fans will become more and more educated as he continues to wrestle.

With Superstars like WWE Champion CM Punk, and former World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan, training in mixed martial arts, Lesnar isn't the only one on the WWE roster who could benefit from incorporating legitimate fighting techniques into their wrestling.

Could we be looking at the next step in the evolution of the WWE?