Cain Velasquez lasted just 88 seconds vs Brock Lesnar at WWE Crown Jewel because he ‘needs knee surgery’

WWE FANS were left fuming as Cain Velasquez lasted just 88 seconds against Brock Lesnar at Crown Jewel - but that was always the plan.

The former UFC heavyweight champions clashed in Saudi Arabia on Thursday night, but Velasquez was squashed on his WWE in-ring debut, tapping out in under two minutes.

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Fans online were in disbelief after the mighty-quick finish, but according to The Wrestling Observer an injury to Velasquez’s knee meant the match could not go on too long.

The ex-UFC champion needs to have surgery on his knee immediately, though it’s not clear when he will do so.

As Velasquez’s injury is so bad, the WWE decided to avoid as much wrestling in his match against Lesnar, instead having the pair stand up and trade punches and kicks before the submission finish.

It was reported before the 36-year-old signed with Vince McMahon that he would need knee surgery following injuries that plagued his MMA career.

But Velasquez signed a lucrative three-year deal with the WWE, though his future as a regular talent is still undetermined.

He is, however, still scheduled to team with Rey Mysterio to face Andrade and Drew McIntyre at a WWE live event in Mexico City on Saturday, November 30.

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Problems from the Crown Jewel event have carried over to this Friday’s SmackDown in Buffalo.

SmackDown is in jeopardy as Saudi Arabia flight delays mean only 12 wrestlers have flown back to the US.

But according to Pro Wrestling Sheet, delays "have lasted for hours" and WWE stars have been "stuck on a plane".

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