Revision as of 09:06, 11 February 2007 view sourceArthur80 (talk | contribs)48 edits →Personal information and trivia← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 22:02, 16 January 2025 view source Starangel19 (talk | contribs)187 edits →Early life: I added a significant informationTags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit | ||
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{{Short description|American professional wrestler (born 1977)}} | |||
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{{cleanup|October 2006}} | |||
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{{Infobox Wrestler | |||
{{Use American English|date=May 2024}} | |||
|name=Brock Lesnar | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}} | |||
|image=Brock Lesnar in 2003.jpg | |||
{{Infobox person | |||
|img_capt= Brock Lesnar in 2003 | |||
| |
| name = Brock Lesnar | ||
| image = Brock Lesnar in March 2015.jpg | |||
|real_height= 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vikings.com/player_detail_objectname_brock_Lesnar.html |title=Minnesota Vikings.com - Brock Lesnar Stats |accessdate=2007-01-22}}</ref> | |||
| image_size = | |||
|real_weight= 285 lb (129 kg) to 295 lb (134 kg) | |||
| caption = Lesnar in 2015 | |||
|height= 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) | |||
| birth_name = Brock Edward Lesnar | |||
|birth_date=], ] | |||
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1977|7|12}} | |||
|death_date= | |||
|birth_place=] | | birth_place = ], U.S. | ||
| occupation = Professional wrestler, mixed martial artist, American football player | |||
|resides=] | |||
| years_active = {{ubl|2000–2007; 2012–present|(professional wrestling)|2004 (football)|2007–2011; 2016 (MMA)}} | |||
|billed=] | |||
| spouse = {{marriage|]<br />|2006}} | |||
|trainer=]<br />]<br />] | |||
| children = 4 | |||
|debut=] | |||
| module = {{Infobox professional wrestler | |||
|death_date = | |||
| |
| child = yes | ||
| names = '''Brock Lesnar'''<ref name="SlamBio">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/lesnar.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429201156/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/lesnar.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 29, 2015|title=Brock Lesnar Bio|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|first1 =John|last1=Milner|first2=Frederik|last2=Heinen|access-date=March 9, 2019}}</ref> | |||
|}} | |||
| height = 6 ft 3 in<ref name="WWEbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/brock-lesnar|title=Brock Lesnar bio|publisher=]|access-date=August 7, 2015}}</ref> | |||
| weight = 286 lb<ref name="WWEbio"/> | |||
| billed = ]<ref name="WWEbio"/> | |||
| trainer = {{ubl|]<ref name="Cagematch"/>|]<ref name="Cagematch"/>|]<ref name="Cagematch"/>|]<ref name="Cagematch"/>|]<ref name="Cagematch">{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=669&gimmick=Brock+Lesnar|title=Brock Lesnar|publisher=Cagematch.net|access-date=March 27, 2015}}</ref>}} | |||
| debut = October 11, 2000<ref name="Cagematch"/> | |||
}} | |||
| module2 = {{Infobox martial artist | |||
| child = yes | |||
| name = | |||
| image = | |||
| image_size = | |||
| alt = | |||
| caption = | |||
| other_names = | |||
| height = 6 ft 3 in | |||
| weight = 265 lb | |||
| weight_class = ] | |||
| reach_in = 81 | |||
| style = Wrestling | |||
| wrestling = ] ]<ref name=UFCprofile>{{cite web|title=Brock Lesnar – Official UFC Fighter Profile|url=https://www.ufc.com/athlete/brock-lesnar|publisher=]|access-date=March 7, 2012}}</ref> | |||
| stance = Orthodox | |||
| fighting_out_of = ], Canada | |||
| team = DeathClutch Gym | |||
| trainer = {{ubl|Marty Morgan<ref name="Wetzel">{{cite web|last=Wetzel|first=Dan|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news;_ylt=ArGvbAykYTgiXrh_Sj9_BFE9Eo14?slug=dw-lesnar100709&prov=yhoo&type=lgns|title=Enigmatic Lesnar defies definition|work=sports.yahoo.com|date=October 8, 2009|access-date=October 8, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503023058/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1335754751|archive-date=May 3, 2012}}</ref>|MMA: Greg Nelson, ]<ref name="ChicagosMMA.com">{{cite news|url=http://chicagosmma.com/2010/10/erik-paulson-brock-lesnar-will-be-150-ready-for-cain-velasquez/|title=Erik Paulson: Brock Lensnar Will Be 150% Ready for Cain Valsquez|work=ChicagosMMA.com|date=October 10, 2010|access-date=October 14, 2010}}</ref>|Boxing: Peter Welch<ref name="Gross">{{cite magazine|last=Gross|first=Josh|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/josh_gross/07/02/lesnar.carwin/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100705140815/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/josh_gross/07/02/lesnar.carwin/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 5, 2010|title=No bout bigger than Lesnar-Carwin|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=July 2, 2010|access-date=July 3, 2010}}</ref>|Jiu-Jitsu: ]<ref name="Ozório">{{cite web|last=Ozório|first=Carlos|url=http://www.graciemag.com/en/2010/07/comprido-and-his-work-with-brock-"ill-bet-my-job-on-him"/|title=Comprido and his work with Brock: 'I'll bet my job on him!'|work=graciemag.com|date=July 6, 2010|access-date=July 6, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102233606/http://www.graciemag.com/en/2010/07/comprido-and-his-work-with-brock-%E2%80%9Cill-bet-my-job-on-him%E2%80%9D/|archive-date=January 2, 2013}}</ref>}} | |||
|rank = Blue belt in ] under ]<ref name="Hywel Teague">{{cite news|url=http://www.flograppling.com/article/42734-rodrigo-comprido-medeiros-promotes-brock-lesnar-to-blue-belt-in-jiu-jitsu|title=Rodrigo 'Comprido' Medeiros Promotes Brock Lesnar To Blue Belt In Jiu-Jitsu|publisher=FloGrappling|author=Hywel Teague|date=June 17, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Jesse Holland">{{cite news|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2016/6/17/11964052/video-brock-lesnar-is-huge-again-earns-brazilian-jiu-jitsu-blue-belt-ufc-200-mma|title=Video: Brock Lesnar is huge again, earns Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt ahead of UFC 200|publisher=MMAmania.com|author=Jesse Holland|date=June 17, 2016}}</ref> | |||
| mma_win = 5 | |||
| mma_kowin = 3 | |||
| mma_subwin = 1 | |||
| mma_decwin = 1 | |||
| mma_loss = 3 | |||
| mma_koloss = 2 | |||
| mma_subloss = 1 | |||
| mma_decloss = | |||
| mma_draw = | |||
| mma_nc = 1 | |||
| occupation = | |||
| students = | |||
| club = | |||
| school = | |||
| url = | |||
| boxrec = | |||
| sherdog = 17522 | |||
| footnotes = | |||
| updated = | |||
| medaltemplates = | |||
{{MedalSport|]}} | |||
{{Medal|Country|the|}} ] | |||
{{MedalCompetition|]}} | |||
{{MedalGold|2000 St. Louis|285 lb}} | |||
{{MedalSilver|1999 State College|285 lb}}}} | |||
| module3 = '''Professional football career''' | |||
{{Infobox NFL biography | |||
| embed = yes | |||
| name = | |||
| image = | |||
| image_size = | |||
| caption = | |||
| number = 69<ref name="Cards"/> | |||
| position = ] | |||
| high_school = Webster | |||
| college = ] | |||
| undraftedyear = 2004 | |||
| pastteams = * ] (])* | |||
}} | |||
| module4 = {{Infobox military person | |||
| embed = yes | |||
| allegiance = {{Flag|United States}} | |||
| branch = {{tree list}} | |||
* ] | |||
** ] | |||
{{tree list/end}} | |||
| serviceyears = 1994 | |||
| unit = ]<br>] | |||
| rank = | |||
| battles = | |||
}} | |||
| module5 = | |||
}} | |||
'''Brock Edward Lesnar''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|ɛ|z|n|ər}} {{respell|LEZ|nər}}; born July 12, 1977) is an American ] and former ], ], and professional ] player. As a professional wrestler, he is currently signed to ] but as of 2023 is on hiatus from active competition. Often regarded as one of the most prolific ] athletes in the world, Lesnar is the only person to have won the primary heavyweight championships of WWE, ] (UFC), ] (NJPW),<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/22110307/crossing-mma-fighters-pro-wrestlers-transitioned-one-world-other |title = Crossing over: MMA fighters and pro wrestlers who transitioned from one world to the other|date = October 5, 2019}}</ref> the ] (IGF), and the ] (NCAA).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/2/Sherdog-Official-Mixed-Martial-Arts-Rankings-27767|title=Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings: Heavyweight|access-date=October 27, 2010|publisher=sherdog.com|date=October 27, 2010}}</ref> | |||
'''Brock Edward Lesnar''' (born ], ]) is an ] ] and former ], best known for his ] career in ] (WWE). He left wrestling to pursue a career in the ] where he played in the ]. He has also competed in ] and is currently under contract with ]. | |||
Lesnar competed in ] for the ], winning the ] in 2000. He soon signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, renamed WWE in 2002), rising to industry prominence in mid-2002 by winning the ] at age 25, setting the record for the youngest performer to win the championship. In 2004, Lesnar departed WWE to join the ] of the ] (NFL), but was cut from the team during pre-season. He returned to wrestling and signed with NJPW in 2005 where he won the ]. Lesnar later departed NJPW and continued to be promoted as the IWGP Heavyweight Champion in the IGF before taking a hiatus from wrestling to pursue a career in ] (MMA). Years later in 2012, he re-signed with WWE; his 504-day first reign with the ] is the seventh-longest world championship reign in the promotion's history and he holds the record for most reigns as Universal Champion at three. He also won the ] twice (] and ]), the ] (]), the ] (]), and has headlined several ], including WWE's flagship event ] five times (], ], ], ], and ]), nine ]s (], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]); in addition, he also ended ]'s ] in ]. | |||
==Early career== | |||
Before entering professional wrestling, Lesnar wrestled at Webster High School in Webster, South Dakota. Coached by John Schiley, he qualified for the state wrestling tournament several times, but was unable to get first place. Lesnar said those frustrating losses in high school probably fueled his rise to stardom. | |||
Lesnar began his MMA career for ] in 2007, and signed with the UFC in 2008. He quickly won the ], but was sidelined with ] in 2009. On ] in 2010, Lesnar defeated ] UFC Heavyweight Champion ] to unify the heavyweight championships and become the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion. After a couple of losses and further struggles with diverticulitis,<ref name="MMAWeekly.com">{{cite news|url=http://mmaweekly.com/former-ufc-heavyweight-champion-brock-lesnar-undergoes-surgery-hopeful-for-early-2012-return|title=Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar Undergoes Surgery; Hopeful for Early 2012 Return|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=May 28, 2011}}</ref> Lesnar retired from MMA in 2011.<ref name="espn.go.com">{{cite news|title=Brock Lesnar retires after UFC 141 loss|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/7406718/brock-lesnar-retires-first-round-loss-alistair-overeem-ufc-141|newspaper=ESPN {{!}} Mixed Martial Arts|date=December 31, 2011}}</ref> He returned at '']'' in 2016 to defeat ], but his victory was overturned to a no-contest after he tested positive for a banned substance on UFC's anti-doping policy. He then retired from MMA for the second time in 2017. A box office sensation, he competed in some of the bestselling pay-per-view ] in promotion history, including headlining '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''. He also co-headlined ''UFC 200'', briefly being the main headliner before that spot was given to ] vs. ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://thesportsdaily.com/2017/11/17/top-selling-ufc-ppvs-of-all-time-fox11/|title=Top Selling UFC PPVs of All-Time | The Sports Daily|newspaper=The Sports Daily|date=November 17, 2017|access-date=December 19, 2019|last1=Draper |first1=Alan }}</ref>{{Professional wrestling sidebar}} | |||
Lesnar later attended the ] on a full wrestling scholarship, where his roommate was fellow professional wrestler ] who also served as Lesnar´s assistant coach. Lesnar won the 2000 ] wrestling championship as a heavyweight after placing second in 1999. Prior to joining the ], Lesnar also wrestled at ] in ]. After the successful end to his college career, Lesnar was offered tryouts in the ] aswell as being trained for the ], but was more convinced by ] and the WWF, who believed he could have the same success as Olympic ] ] did, recalling his many trash-talkings of Iowa and other various schools. Surprising some, Lesnar choosed WWF and was sent to its developmental territory, ]. Lesnar finished his amateur career as a four time all-American, two time big-ten Champion and the 2000 NCAA heavyweight champion with a record of 106-5 overall in four years of college. | |||
== Early life == | |||
==World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment == | |||
Brock Edward Lesnar<ref>{{cite web |title=Brock Lesnar |url=http://en.espn.co.uk/ufc/sport/player/7468.html |publisher=ESPN |access-date=March 22, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Brock Lesnar WWE News, Rumors, Photos & More |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/player/brock-lesnar |publisher=Sportskeeda |access-date=March 22, 2023}}</ref> was born in ], on July 12, 1977,<ref name="SlamBio"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Brock Lesnar MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography |url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Brock-Lesnar-17522 |publisher=Sherdog |access-date=March 22, 2023}}</ref><ref name="deathclutch">''Death Clutch: My Story of Determination, Domination, and Survival'' by Brock Lesnar ({{ISBN|978-0062023117}})</ref> the son of Stephanie and Richard Lesnar.<ref name="deathclutch" /> Even though his surname is Slovenian, he is of German descent,<ref> Stated here that Lesnar's paternal great-grandmother was born in Germany. ]. Retrieved October 15, 2015.</ref> and grew up on his parents' dairy farm in Webster.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sZ_C66kg8uAC&pg=PT848|title=Legends of Pro Wrestling|isbn=9781613213148|last1=Hornbaker|first1=Tim|date=July 3, 2012|publisher=Sports }}</ref> He has two older brothers named Troy and Chad, and a younger sister named Brandi.<ref name="deathclutch"/> At the age of 17, he joined the ] and was assigned to an office job after his ] was deemed hazardous to his desire to work with explosives.<ref name="deathclutch"/><ref name="Brock Lesnar interview">{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0KFY/is_12_21/ai_112350861/pg_3 |title=Brock Lesnar interview |publisher=Flex |access-date=April 22, 2007 |first=Jim |last=Schmaltz |year=2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030024208/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0KFY/is_12_21/ai_112350861/pg_3 |archive-date=October 30, 2007 }}</ref> He was discharged after failing a computer typing test and later worked for a construction company.<ref name="deathclutch"/> | |||
After joining WWF development in 2000, Lesnar formed a ] known as the '''Minnesota Stretching Crew''' (a reference to the ]) with his former college roommate and assistant coach, ] in its Ohio Valley Wrestling territory. It was there where Lesnar upped his weight to 295 chiseled pounds (he'd wrestled at 285 as an amateur). Lesnar and Benjamin won the ] on three occasions and together appeared in ] while still in OVW. Lesnar wrestled several ]es in 2001 and 2002 before being called up to the main roster. | |||
== Amateur wrestling == | |||
===Main roster (2002-2004)=== | |||
Lesnar attended Webster High School, playing ]<ref name="deathclutch"/> and competing in ], placing third in the state championships his senior year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://argusleader.com/story/sports/2016/09/27/sports-heroes-brock-lesnar/87936896/| title= Sports Heroes:Brock Lesnar|date=September 27, 2016|access-date=September 1, 2021}}</ref> He then went to ] where in 1997, his freshman year, he placed 5th in the 275 lb. division of the ] (NJCAA). In 1998, his sophomore year, he won the 275 lb championship.<ref name="SlamBio"/><ref>{{cite web |title=NJCAA Placewinners |url=https://almanac.mattalkonline.com/njcaa-all-americans/ |website=Mat Talk Online |date=October 13, 2016 |access-date=July 25, 2023}}</ref> After two years at Bismarck State College, Lesnar transferred to the ] on a wrestling scholarship, where he was roommates with future WWE colleague ], who was also his assistant coach.<ref name="deathclutch"/> | |||
Lesnar debuted on WWF television on the ], ] episode of ], attacking ], ] and ] in the course of a match. He was accompanied by ], who was seen giving ] to Lesnar. After the World Wrestling Federation was renamed World Wrestling Entertainment, Lesnar was ] to the ''RAW'' brand of WWE. Later, Heyman was confirmed to be Lesnar´s agent, and gave Lesnar the nickname "The Next Big Thing". | |||
Lesnar won the 2000 ] (NCAA) Division I heavyweight wrestling championship his senior year after being the runner-up to ] the year prior. He finished his amateur career as a two-time NJCAA ]n, the 1998 NJCAA Heavyweight Champion, two-time NCAA All-American, two-time ] Champion and the 2000 NCAA Heavyweight Champion, with a record of 106–5 overall in four years of college.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.karmaswrestlingretro.com/lesnar.html|title=Brock Lesnar profile|publisher=Karmas Wrestling Retro|access-date=April 22, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070324044439/http://karmaswrestlingretro.com/lesnar.html|archive-date=March 24, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
After establishing himself as a monster through a couple of ] during matches, he began a ] with the ]. Lesnar was seen giving ] his signature ] on the steel ramp, which left an angered ] wanting revenge on Lesnar. The two squared off at ] in Lesnar's first official televised match. Lesnar dominated Hardy and won the match by knockout. The next night he faced Matt Hardy, defeating him in the same fasion. At ], Lesnar once again gained the upper hand on the Hardy Boyz tag team before tagging his partner, Heyman, in to take the win. | |||
== Professional wrestling career == | |||
In ], Lesnar won the ] tournament, defeating ] in the final round. This victory earned him a shot at the ] at ]. | |||
=== World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (2000–2004)=== | |||
==== Ohio Valley Wrestling (2000–2002) ==== | |||
In 2000, Lesnar signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and was sent to its developmental territory ] (OVW), where he first met future friend and manager ].<ref name="PaulHeymanDVD1">{{cite AV media|title=Ladies and Gentleman, My Name is Paul Heyman Disc 1|publisher=WWE}}</ref> OVW booker ] paired Lesnar with his former college roommate ] in October 2000.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Alvarez Mancha |first1=Francisco |title=Razón por la que Brock Lesnar formó equipo con Shelton Benjamin |url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/97805-razon-por-la-que-brock-lesnar-hizo-equipo-con-shelton-benjamin |website=solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com |date=April 23, 2021 |publisher=Solowrestling |access-date=April 24, 2021}}</ref> They were known as The Minnesota Stretching Crew and won the ] on three separate occasions.<ref name="OVW tag"/> Lesnar wrestled several ]es in 2001 and 2002 before being called up to the WWF's main roster.<ref name="SlamBio"/> | |||
==== The Next Big Thing (2002–2003) ==== | |||
On ], 2002, Lesnar joined the ] brand. After an angle with ], which saw Lesnar hand Hogan his most convincing defeat in history in August 2002, Lesnar began feuding with the Undisputed Champion ]. | |||
Lesnar debuted on WWF television on the March 18, 2002, episode of '']'' as a ], attacking ], ] and ] during their ] match, while also being accompanied by Paul Heyman, who was seen giving instructions to Lesnar.<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|year=2003|page=106}}</ref> When the ] was introduced in the WWF, Lesnar was ] to the ] ].<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books |year=2003 |page=102}}</ref> Later, Heyman was confirmed to be Lesnar's agent and gave Lesnar the nickname "The Next Big Thing".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalledger.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi?archive=22&num=18700|title=Brock Lesnar|work=National Ledger|access-date=March 21, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210091703/http://www.nationalledger.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi?archive=22&num=18700|archive-date=December 10, 2008}}</ref> Lesnar's first ] was with ]. He defeated ] by ] after Hardy did not respond to ] ] at ] on April 21, his first official televised match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-brock-lesnar/page-7|title=10 things you didn't know about Brock Lesnar|work=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work="Wrestling's historical cards"|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=125}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', Lesnar faced off against Jeff's brother, ], and defeated him in the same fashion.<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|year=2003|page=32}}</ref> Lesnar and ] lost to The Hardy Boyz at the UK-based ] on May 4 after Stasiak was ], but Lesnar attacked all the participants after the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/dark-pegasus-video-review-insurrextion-2002/|title=Dark Pegasus Video Review: Insurrextion 2002 – 411MANIA|website=411mania.com}}</ref> At ] on May 19, Lesnar and Heyman defeated The Hardy Boyz. This was also the first ] held after the WWF was renamed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). | |||
In June 2002, Lesnar won the ] ], defeating ] in the first round, ] in the quarter-finals, ] in the semi-finals and ] in the finals at King of the Ring on June 23,<ref name="KOTR02">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/kingtny2.html#2002|title=King of the Ring 2002 Tournament Brackets|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|date=June 3–23, 2002|access-date=August 19, 2010}}</ref> earning him a shot at the ] at ]. At ] on July 21, Lesnar lost to Van Dam in a ] match by disqualification. On July 22, Lesnar joined the ] ].<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|year=2003|pages=198–199}}</ref> After a quick feud with ] in August 2002, Lesnar defeated ] at SummerSlam on August 25 to become the new WWE Undisputed Champion and youngest WWE Champion at age 25.<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|year=2003|page=200}}</ref> He also became the second fastest professional wrestler to win the WWE Championship since his debut (126 days) behind only ] (113 days).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/node/27352813/page-10|title=The 10 fastest rises to the WWE World Heavyweight Title|website=WWE|access-date=December 19, 2019}}</ref> At the time, the WWE Undisputed Championship was being defended on both brands, so Raw General Manager ] expected Lesnar to return on ''Raw'' the following night. SmackDown! General Manager ] declared that Lesnar was only required to defend the title on SmackDown! shows and events, prompting Bischoff to establish a new championship for the Raw brand (the ]); the WWE Undisputed Championship was then renamed the WWE Championship.<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|year=2003|pages=220–222}}</ref> | |||
At the main event of ], Lesnar defeated The Rock to become the new and final ]. Lesnar, at age 25, was then the youngest WWE Champion ever (], he is still technically the youngest WWE Champion ever, but ] is the youngest world champion in WWE history, having won the ] at 24). Due to the requirements of the WWE Undisputed Championship being defended on both shows, ''RAW'' general manager ] expected Lesnar to be able to return on ''RAW'' the next night. However, ''SmackDown!'' general manager ] announced that Lesnar's contract required that he would defend the title only on SmackDown!, forcing Bischoff to separate the ] from the ] and in turn making the title lose its "Undisputed" name. | |||
]]] | |||
Lesnar's rapid rise to the top of WWE in 2002 led to a match between him and ] at ]. It ended in a double disqualification leading to Lesnar retaining the title. The next month, at ], in what some say is the ] of wrestling and the match that "made" Brock Lesnar, he faced The Undertaker again, this time in a ] match. Hype leading up to the match (for the WWE Championship) was tremendous and intense as Lesnar with Heyman broke the Undertaker's hand with a propane tank. Despite Heyman begging Stephanie McMahon not to let The Undertaker use his cast as a weapon, the request was denied and the match would go on as planned. It was a brutal match with both wrestlers "donning crimson masks" - their faces covered in thick blood (Undertaker's blood loss was particularly memorable, as he never stopped bleeding after he had ]). Even Paul Heyman, who was outside of the cage, felt the Undertaker's wrath as Undertaker beat him up through holes in the cage. Sometime during the match Undertaker had grabbed Paul and pulled him back and forward into the cell. In return, Brock got Heyman to take his belt and tie it around the cast of the Undertaker and hold it against the cell while Brock hit the cast numerous times with a chair until Heyman's belt broke. At a certain point, after Undertaker had taken advantage of his cast, Lesnar gained control and removed the cast, leaving Undertaker's broken hand at his mercy. This would prove to be the turning point of the match. The match ended when Lesnar reversed an attempted Tombstone into his F-5 for the win. After the match, Lesnar climbed to the top of the cell and held his title up high for all to see. This match was the main reason Eric Bischoff created the ] in order to top the Hell in a Cell match between The Undertaker and Lesnar. Six days after his Hell in a Cell match with The Undertaker, Lesnar succesfully retained his WWE title in a ] with Heyman at the ] pay-per-view against ]. | |||
Lesnar's rapid rise to the top of WWE in 2002 led to a feud with ], which involved a match at ] on September 22.<ref name="pwi111">{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work="Wrestling's historical cards"|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|pages=110–111}}</ref> The match ended in a double ], with Lesnar retaining the title. Lesnar faced The Undertaker again at ] on October 20, this time in a ]. Leading up to the match, in the ], Lesnar broke The Undertaker's hand with a propane tank.<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|year=2003|page=281}}</ref> Despite Heyman begging McMahon not to let The Undertaker use his cast as a weapon, the request was denied and the match went on as planned.<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|year=2003|page=285}}</ref> At No Mercy, Lesnar defeated The Undertaker in the Hell in a Cell match to retain the title, thus ending their feud.<ref name="pwi111"/> He retained the WWE Championship in a ] with Heyman against ] at ] on October 26.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work="Wrestling's historical cards"|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|pages=111–112}}</ref> | |||
Lesnar's next opponent was ] and Heyman was convinced more than anyone that Lesnar could not win, trying to talk him out of defending the title.<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|year=2003|page=290}}</ref> Lesnar refused and defended the championship against Big Show at ] on November 17. At Survivor Series, Heyman ] on Lesnar, allowing Big Show to chokeslam him onto a steel chair and pin him to win the WWE Championship, resulting in Lesnar's first ] loss in WWE. This led to Lesnar turning ] for the first time.<ref name="pwi112">{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work="Wrestling's historical cards"|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|pages=112–113}}</ref> Following Survivor Series, Heyman made it clear that Lesnar would not get a rematch, and had snuck a special clause saying so into his contract.<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|year=2003|pages=341–342}}</ref> To gain his revenge on Big Show and Heyman, Lesnar interfered in Big Show's first title defense, which came against ] the next month at ] on December 15, where Lesnar executed the ''F-5'' on Big Show, which enabled Angle to win the WWE Championship. On the following episode of ''SmackDown!'', Angle introduced Heyman as his manager and, despite promising Lesnar a title shot earlier in the evening, declared that Lesnar still would not get it. Lesnar's rivalry with Heyman and Big Show resumed, which culminated in a match at the ] on January 19, 2003, with the winner being placed into the ] later in the evening. At the Royal Rumble, he defeated Big Show and entered the Royal Rumble match as the #29 entry. He eliminated Matt Hardy and ] (] and Lesnar's former OVW teammate ]), who at the time, were mentored by Angle as a three-man stable. He eliminated The Undertaker last and won the Royal Rumble match, which guaranteed him a WWE Championship match at ] on March 30 since he was a SmackDown! wrestler.<ref name="pwi112"/> After the Royal Rumble, Lesnar and ] defeated Angle, Haas and Benjamin in a three-on-two handicap match at ] on February 23, despite Team Angle injuring their partner, ], backstage before the match.<ref name="pwi112"/> At WrestleMania, Lesnar defeated Angle to win his second WWE Championship; during the match, he ] a ] (a move he had used numerous times in OVW) and landed on his head and neck, resulting in a ]. This forced Angle (who entered the match with a broken neck) and Lesnar to improvise the finish of the match. | |||
Lesnar´s next opponent was ]. Heyman was convinced more than anyone that Lesnar couldn't win, trying to talk him out of defending the title. Lesnar refused, and went on to lose the championship in ] at the ] pay-per-view to The Big Show in 4 minutes when, after giving an F-5 to the 500-pounder, he was betrayed by Heyman. This was Lesnar's first ] loss in WWE. | |||
] at ]]] | |||
==== WWE Champion, various feuds and departure (2003–2004) ==== | |||
Following ''Survivor Series'', Heyman made it clear that Lesnar would not get a rematch, even going so far as to sneak a special clause in his contract. Prior to entering the Royal Rumble on ], ], Lesnar faced The Big Show in a qualification match where the winner could enter the Rumble and the loser could not. Despite interference from Paul Heyman, Lesnar defeated The Big Show with an F-5. He entered the Rumble as the #29 entrant where he would win by eliminating The Undertaker last. | |||
After WrestleMania, Lesnar turned his attention to ], who had returned from injury in February 2003 after an ''F-5'' into a ringpost from Lesnar, with Cena claiming that Lesnar nearly ended his career and even named his new finishing move the "'']''" as a jab at the new champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/j/john-cena.html|title=John Cena profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|quote=Brock Lesnar defeated John Cena, then gave Cena an F-5 into the ringpost, injuring his knee!|access-date=April 21, 2007}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=March 2019}} The feud ended in a match at ] on April 27, where Lesnar defeated Cena to retain the WWE Championship. On the following episode of ''SmackDown!'', Lesnar resumed his rivalry with Big Show after, in the storyline, Big Show injured ] during their match at Backlash. Big Show's attack resulted in Mysterio being carried out on a ] and backboard, and Big Show took Mysterio off the stretcher and swung the backboard into the ringpost, compounding the injury.<ref name="pwi112"/> Lesnar called out Big Show, who demanded that Lesnar put his title on the line against him. This led to a ] for the WWE Championship at ] on May 18, which Lesnar won.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/2003/results|title=Full Event Results|publisher=WWE|access-date=September 27, 2017}}</ref> During a rematch on the June 12 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Lesnar lifted Big Show off the top-rope in a ] which caused the ring to collapse on impact.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030612.html|title=SmackDown! results – June 12, 2003|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=April 21, 2007}}</ref> As Lesnar and Big Show continued their rivalry, Kurt Angle returned from his neck surgery and began to form a more friendly rivalry with Lesnar, as the two were allies, yet contenders for the title. At the first-ever SmackDown! brand-exclusive pay-per-view on July 27, ], Lesnar lost the WWE Championship to Angle in a ] involving Big Show, after he was pinned by Angle. | |||
] after their WWE Championship match at ]]] | |||
After winning the ] match in ], Lesnar spent the next two months feuding with ]. Angle had Paul Heyman and Team Angle (Shelton Benjamin, Lesnar's former partner, and ]) behind him, but Lesnar overcame these opponents. The match between Lesnar and Angle going into '']'' proved a historical moment as it marked the first time in WWE history that two accomplished amateur wrestlers (Angle with his Olympic gold medal and two NCAA Heavyweight Championships, Lesnar with his 2000 NCAA Heavyweight Championship) met in a ring. Lesnar regained the ] in the main event of ''WrestleMania XIX'' from Kurt Angle. Toward the end of the match, he botched a ]; despite having landed the move successfully several times in OVW, in this match he overestimated the distance he was capable of jumping for the move and under-rotated, slamming his head into Angle's side and ribcage. This stunned Lesnar and forced Angle to improvise the finish of the match. Lesnar suffered a severe ] from the botched move. | |||
Lesnar continued to aggressively pursue the WWE Championship despite his friendship with Angle. ] became involved in the angle, at first berating Lesnar, who had involved himself in McMahon's rivalry with ], for losing to Angle. This all turned out to be a ] that came into focus on the August 7 episode of ''SmackDown!''. That night, Lesnar and McMahon were to face each other in a ] with Angle as the ] as per McMahon's orders on the previous week's program. During the match, Lesnar had passed out due to a staged backstage incident and McMahon was set to pin him, but Angle refused to allow McMahon to win that way. As the two men began to argue, Lesnar attacked Angle with an ''F-5'' and kept attacking Angle while McMahon watched and celebrated with him afterward, ] ] once again in the process.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Torch_Today_2/article_72489.shtml|title=WWE Smackdown Results August 7, 2003|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 2, 2013}}</ref> At ] on August 24,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030807.html|title=SmackDown! results – August 7, 2003|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=April 21, 2007}}</ref> Lesnar lost to Angle after ] to the ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work="Wrestling's historical cards"|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|pages=113–114}}</ref> On the September 18 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Lesnar defeated Angle in an ] to win his third WWE Championship<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/3044541405 |title=WWE: Inside WWE > title History > WWE championship > 20030918 – Brock Lesnar |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 21, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050715020205/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/3044541405 |archive-date=July 15, 2005 }}</ref> by a final score of five to four, thus ending their long-standing feud.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030918.html|title=SmackDown! results – September 18, 2003|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=April 21, 2007}}</ref> | |||
Lesnar successfully defended his newly won title against the debuting ] on the October 9 episode of ''SmackDown!''. He returned to feud with The Undertaker, as Lesnar had previously cost The Undertaker the title in a match against then-champion Kurt Angle on the September 4 episode of ''SmackDown!'', which granted him a shot at Lesnar's title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030925.html|title=SmackDown! results – September 25, 2003|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=April 21, 2007}}</ref> At ] on October 19, Lesnar defeated The Undertaker in a ] after interference from ] and ].<ref name="pwi114">{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work="Wrestling's historical cards"|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=114}}</ref> After Paul Heyman returned to WWE as SmackDown! General Manager, Lesnar aligned himself with Heyman. With ] coming up, he challenged Angle to a ]. Lesnar chose Big Show as his first teammate, with Heyman adding a returning ] and a debuting ] to bring the team number to four. Angle chose ] and ] (] and ]) to join his team. Faarooq was injured during a match with Lesnar and Angle's team was forced to find a replacement for him. Lesnar's team picked ] to fill the fifth and final spot for them after he attacked John Cena, who refused to accept an invitation to join Lesnar's team. Cena instead joined Angle's team and Angle added ] as the fifth member (Lesnar had legitimately injured Holly the year before and he had not wrestled since).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/031030.html|title=SmackDown! results – October 30, 2003|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=April 21, 2007}}</ref> On November 16 at Survivor Series, Lesnar was eliminated after Benoit forced him to tap out to the '']''. His team lost the match.<ref name="pwi114"/> On the December 4 episode of ''SmackDown!'', he defended the WWE Championship from Benoit after Benoit passed out to Lesnar's debuting ], the ].<ref name="ringcollapse">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/listthis/mostmemorablesdmoments/sdmoments2|title=Bringin' Down The House|last=McAvennie|first=Mike|date=April 27, 2007|publisher=]|access-date=December 8, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081229065935/http://www.wwe.com/inside/listthis/mostmemorablesdmoments/sdmoments2|archive-date=December 29, 2008}}</ref> | |||
Following ''Wrestlemania'', ] had begun targeting Lesnar for almost ending his career (by using the F-5 to propel his leg into a ring post) after a previous match between the two. This led to Cena receiving a title match at ]. Lesnar successfully retained his title against Cena. Earlier at the ''Backlash'' pay-per-view an incident took place where The Big Show in a match with ], injured Mysterio badly resulting in Mysterio being carried out on a ]. This incident led to Lesnar renewing his feud with Big Show, which led to a ] at ] for the title. Lesnar successfully retained his title with help from Rey Mysterio and a ]. While continuing his feud with Big Show, Lesnar also feuded with the ] and the ] and was also involved in a famous ''SmackDown!'' moment when he lifted Big Show over in a ] which caused the ring to collapse on impact.<ref></ref> At ] Lesnar lost his title to Kurt Angle in a ] ] that also involved Big Show. | |||
] during a '']'' taping in February 2004]] | |||
At ], Lesnar (this time a ]) lost to Kurt Angle in their rematch when Angle made Lesnar ] to the ]. Angle was the first (of two wrestlers) to gain a submission victory over Lesnar. ] was the only other wrestler to make Lesnar tap out at ] (this, however, was a ten person ]). Lesnar did face Benoit in singles bout 2 weeks later after Survivor Series for the WWE title on ''SmackDown!'' Lesnar won after Benoit ] to Lesnar´s debuting ] submission hold. | |||
Survivor Series in November 2003 also marked the first time Lesnar met ] from the Raw brand. After Lesnar claimed in a backstage interview that he could beat anybody in the world, Goldberg interrupted the interview and introduced himself to Lesnar, shaking hands with him before leaving with a staredown.<ref name="pwi114"/> Lesnar followed this rivalry with a feud involving Hardcore Holly.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/031211.html|title=SmackDown! results – December 11, 2003|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=April 21, 2007}}</ref> In the storyline, Holly wanted revenge on Lesnar for legitimately injuring his neck during a previous match between the two in 2002 which left Holly in need of neck surgery and out of action for a year. At the ] on January 25, 2004, Lesnar defeated Holly to retain the WWE Championship.<ref name=RR2004>{{cite web|title=Royal Rumble 2004|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/1988118/results|work=Full Event Results|publisher=]|access-date=March 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228020320/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/1988118/results/|archive-date=December 28, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Later in the Royal Rumble match, Lesnar attacked Goldberg with an ''F-5'', enabling Kurt Angle to eliminate him by throwing him off the top rope.<ref name="pwi114"/> | |||
Lesnar defended the WWE Championship against ] at ] on February 15. Goldberg attacked Lesnar with a ] while the referee was unconscious, allowing Guerrero to get a near-fall on Lesnar. Lesnar then attempted an ''F-5'' on Guerrero but Guerrero reversed it into a ] on the title belt and executed a ] to win the WWE Championship. An angry Lesnar then began feuding with Goldberg, blaming him for losing his title, and a match was set up between the two at ] on March 14.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work="Wrestling's historical cards"|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=115}}</ref> During the feud with Goldberg, Lesnar was also at odds with ], who was shown suggesting to Goldberg that he attack Lesnar at No Way Out.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040202.html|title=Raw results – February 2, 2004|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=April 21, 2007}}</ref> After Lesnar attacked Austin on the February 23 episode of ''Raw'' and stole his ], Austin was inserted as the special guest referee for the WrestleMania match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040304.html|title=SmackDown results – March 4, 2004|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=April 21, 2007}}</ref> On the March 4 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Lesnar defeated Hardcore Holly in his last match on a weekly WWE televised show until 2019. Behind the scenes, it was widely known that the match was Goldberg's last in WWE. Only a week before WrestleMania, rumors surfaced that Lesnar too was leaving WWE to pursue a career in the ] (NFL).<ref name=DrehsESPN>{{cite web|last=Drehs|first=Wayne|title=Grappling with his future|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1830855|publisher=]|access-date=December 27, 2013|date=June 29, 2004}}</ref> As a result, Lesnar's match with Goldberg became a fiasco as the fans at Madison Square Garden jeered and heckled both of them vociferously.<ref name=PowellWMXX>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=John|title=WrestleMania XX bombs|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/03/15/382634.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630131007/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/03/15/382634.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 30, 2015|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]|access-date=March 7, 2012|date=March 15, 2004}}</ref> Goldberg defeated Lesnar after a '']'' and both men subsequently received '']'' from Austin.<ref name=PowellWMXX/> After WrestleMania XX, Lesnar left WWE, citing burnout, injuries, poor creative decisions, an addiction to alcohol and painkillers and the rigorous travel schedule as reasons for his departure. | |||
The second rematch between Lesnar and Angle was an ]. Lesnar defeated Angle with five falls to four, making him a 3-time WWE Champion. The match, overall, was considered their best and it won PWI Match of the Year honors for 2003. Angle and Lesnar also won Feud of the Year honors for their war over the WWE Championship and their matches at ''WrestleMania'', ''Vengeance'' and ''SummerSlam'', as well as the Iron Man Match on ''SmackDown!'' | |||
=== Japanese promotions (2005–2007) === | |||
Lesnar´s first challenger for his newly won title was The Undertaker. Lesnar had previously cost Undertaker the title in a match against the then champion Kurt Angle, this granted him a shot at Lesnar´s title. At ], Lesnar defeated Undertaker in a ], making it his second straight successful No Mercy WWE Title match against Undertaker. | |||
On October 8, 2005, Lesnar won the ] on his debut match in a three-way match with ] and ] at a ] (NJPW) show in the ].<ref name="IWGP title">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/htiwgp.html|title=I.W.G.P. Heavyweight Title History|last1=Duncan|first1=Royal|last2=Will|first2=Gary|access-date=March 21, 2008|publisher=Soli'e Title Histories|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404091344/http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/htiwgp.html|archive-date=April 4, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Lesnar is one of the few American wrestlers to have held this title.<ref name="IWGP title"/> He won the match by pinning Chono after an ''F-5'', which he had renamed the ''Verdict'' since WWE owns the ] on the ''F-5'' name.<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/b/brock-lesnar.html|title=Brock Lesnar profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=April 22, 2007}}</ref> After the match, Lesnar stated that this name was referring to his ] against WWE, who filed a ] for a temporary ] to prevent Lesnar from continuing to work with NJPW on December 6, but the court did not grant it. Following that, he had two non-title victories against ] and ].<ref name="WWE-legal">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1137877436&subaction=list-archive&|archive-url=https://archive.today/20080209134350/http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1137877436&subaction=list-archive&|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 9, 2008|title=New Japan Pro Wrestling news – (December 25, 2005 – January 20, 2006)|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|access-date=April 26, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1135582068&subaction=list-archive&|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060218195526/http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1135582068&subaction=list-archive&|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 18, 2006|title=New Japan Pro Wrestling news – (December 6, 2005 – December 23, 2005)|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|access-date=April 26, 2007}}</ref> Lesnar successfully defended the championship on January 4, 2006, against former champion ].<ref name="WWE-legal" /> On January 13, WWE once again filed an ] against Lesnar to stop him from defending the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, which was also not enforced as he went on to retain his championship against former ] Grand Champion ] on March 19, at the Sumo Hall.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1145025962&subaction=list-archive&|archive-url=https://archive.today/20080209143520/http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1145025962&subaction=list-archive&|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 9, 2008|title=New Japan Pro Wrestling news – (March 9, 2006 – April 8, 2006)|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|access-date=April 26, 2007}}</ref> Lesnar had another successful title defense against ] on May 3. This was the first American vs. American title match in NJPW since ] vs. ] in 1990.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1147261899&subaction=list-archive&|archive-url=https://archive.today/20080209143527/http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1147261899&subaction=list-archive&|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 9, 2008|title=New Japan Pro Wrestling news – (April 10, 2006 – May 5, 2006)|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|access-date=April 26, 2007}}</ref> On July 15, NJPW stripped Lesnar of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship as he did not return to defend it due to ] issues. A tournament was held on July 16 to determine the new champion, which was won by ]. Lesnar continued to possess the physical IWGP Heavyweight Championship belt until late June 2007.<ref name="NJPW title">{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1153643478&subaction=list-archive&|archive-url=https://archive.today/20080209134354/http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1153643478&subaction=list-archive&|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 9, 2008|title=New Japan Pro Wrestling news – (June 28, 2006 – July 19, 2006)|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|access-date=April 26, 2007}}</ref> | |||
Approximately one year later on June 29, 2007, Lesnar defended his ] against ] ] in a champion vs. champion match, at the debut event of the ] (IGF). IGF promoter ] had stated Lesnar was the "proper" IWGP Heavyweight Champion as he was not defeated for the title. Angle made him tap out to the ankle lock to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship as recognized by IGF and ] (TNA).<ref name="NJPW title" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/56486/Kurt-Angle-Beats-Brock-Lesnar-In-Japan.htm|title=Kurt Angle Beats Brock Lesnar In Japan|access-date=July 27, 2007|date=June 29, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703051243/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/56486/Kurt-Angle-Beats-Brock-Lesnar-In-Japan.htm|archive-date=July 3, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> This was Lesnar's last match as a professional wrestler until 2012, when he re-signed with WWE. | |||
Lesnar realigned himself with Paul Heyman after Heyman became general manager of ''Smackdown!'', and formed Team Lesnar (Lesnar, Big Show, ], ] and ]), the largest faction ever combined. Lesnar also had a brief feud with ]. In this storyline, Holly wanted revenge on Lesnar for (legitimately) breaking his neck during a previous match between the two in 2002. During that match, Brock went for a ], but Holly, believed by some to be uncooperative with rookies, supposedly ] mid-lift so that Lesnar couldn't get him all the way up.<ref></ref> Holly compounded the difficulty of the move by not lifting up at the waist. During the struggle, Lesnar (intentionally or unintentionally) planted Holly on his head, leaving him in need of neck surgery and out of action for a year. Lesnar never apologized and even showed insult to injury after the incident. The feud was closed when Lesnar defeated Holly in 6 minutes to retain the WWE Championship at the ]. In February he faced ] for the title at ] in a match where Guerrero was the underdog as Lesnar at this time had become an unstoppable beast. Lesnar kept overpowering Guerrero, constantly ] him and telling him that he is nothing. Even the ] stated that Guerrero didn't seem to have a chance of winning the title. However ] interfered and attacked Lesnar, allowing Guerrero to win the WWE title. | |||
=== Return to WWE (2012–2020, 2021–present)=== | |||
Before losing the WWE Championship to Guerrero, Lesnar had begun a feud with ''RAW'''s Goldberg. A match between the two had been highly anticipated from Lesnar's debut, due to their similar ] and their undefeated streak; Goldberg with his impressive well over 100 victories and only six official singles defeats in his ] career, and Lesnar with his 106 wins and only five losses in his amateur career in college, not to mention their undefeated streak in WWE. Lesnar even received loud Goldberg chants by the crowd in some of his early matches and was even compared to Goldberg already in his amateur career in college, as the Goldberg of the ]. The feud began at ], when both men were champions of their respective brands. Lesnar claimed in a backstage ] that he could beat anybody in the world, then Goldberg interrupted the interview and introduced himself to Lesnar, ] with him before leaving with a staredown. At the ''Royal Rumble'', Lesnar and Goldberg once again got into a backstage confrontation, this time it was Lesnar interrupting an interview, Goldberg ended up referring to Lesnar a coward. Later in the rumble match, Lesnar attacked Goldberg and delivered an F-5, enabling Kurt Angle to eliminate him. On ''Smackdown!'' Lesnar mocked Goldberg. On ''Raw'' Goldberg was determined to get revenge on Lesnar. At ''No Way Out'', Goldberg showed up and got into a brawl with Lesnar, which ended with Goldberg reversing an attempted F-5 into his ] and getting escorted out of the building by security. Later in Lesnar's match against Guerrero, while the referee was down, Goldberg showed up again and ] Lesnar, allowing Guerrero to capitalize and pin Lesnar after a ] to win the WWE title. This set up an interbrand match for '']'' between Lesnar and Goldberg. | |||
==== Return and ending The Streak (2012–2014) ==== | |||
] upon his return in April 2012.]] | |||
].]] | |||
Lesnar returned to WWE on April 2, 2012, on ''Raw SuperShow'', as a ], by confronting and delivering an ''F-5'' to John Cena.<ref name="Raw040212">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_59908.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 4/2: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WM28 fall-out, how will Cena respond to Rock loss?, two big title matches|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=April 2, 2012|access-date=April 11, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Larnick|first=Eric|title=WWE Raw Recap: Brock Lesnar Returns, The Rock Wants World Title|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-larnick/wwe-raw-recap-april-2-2012_b_1400156.html|work=]|access-date=April 11, 2012|date=April 3, 2012}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw SuperShow'', ] ] revealed that he signed Lesnar to bring "legitimacy" back to WWE and become the "new face of the WWE". Laurinaitis also scheduled Lesnar to face Cena at ] in an ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE News: Stipulation added to Cena-Lesnar Extreme Rules PPV main event (w/Analysis)|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_60434.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 21, 2012|date=April 16, 2012}}</ref> At Extreme Rules on April 29, Lesnar lost to Cena despite dominating the match.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Extreme Rules PPV Report 4/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Brock-Cena, Punk-Jericho in Chicago|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_60881.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 30, 2012|date=April 29, 2012}}</ref> | |||
The following night on ''Raw SuperShow'', WWE's Chief Operating Officer Triple H refused to give in to Lesnar's unreasonable contract demands (which included being given his own personal jet and having ''Raw SuperShow'' renamed to ''Monday Night Raw Starring Brock Lesnar''), resulting in Lesnar attacking him and breaking his arm with a ] in storyline.<ref name=afterwards>{{cite web|last=Scannell|first=Robin|title=Raw Storyline Tracker – Complete Over the Limit build-up: Cena-Laurinaitis, Triple H-Lesnar, Punk-Bryan, Big Show "fired," more!|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_61618.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 12, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Raw4-30">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/30: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw Starring Brock Lesnar – PPV fall-out, Triple H returns|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_60937.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402192320/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_60937.shtml|archive-date=April 2, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The next week on ''Raw SuperShow'', Paul Heyman returned as Lesnar's legal representative; he claimed that Lesnar was quitting WWE<ref name=afterwards/> and was suing WWE for breach of contract.<ref name=afterwards/><ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 5/14: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Cena & Triple H return, final PPV hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_61412.shtml|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=October 10, 2012}}</ref> At ] on June 17, Triple H challenged Lesnar (who was not present) to a match at ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_62544.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE No Way Out PPV Report 6/17|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=June 17, 2012|date=June 17, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620080247/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_62544.shtml|archive-date=June 20, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> which Lesnar refused.<ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 6/18: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #994 – PPV fall-out, Johnny says good-bye, Hunter-Heyman|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_62576.shtml|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=October 10, 2012}}</ref> Stephanie McMahon later goaded Heyman into accepting the match on Lesnar's behalf on July 23 at '']''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/23: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #999 – WWE recognizes 1,000 episodes, WWE Title match, Lesnar, Rock, DX, wedding|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63621.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=July 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430212343/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63621.shtml|archive-date=April 30, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 8/13: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Brock-Hunter contract signing turns physical, Punk-Cena, final Summerslam hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64255.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=October 11, 2012}}</ref> At SummerSlam on August 19, Lesnar defeated Triple H by ] after once again breaking his arm in storyline.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bishop|first=Matt|title=Lesnar snaps Triple H's arm at SummerSlam|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2012/08/19/20118431.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925185452/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2012/08/19/20118431.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 25, 2015|work=SLAM! Sports|publisher=]|access-date=October 11, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Martin |first=Adam |title=WWE: Triple H suffers "broken arm" at Summerslam |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1345485116 |publisher=WrestleView |access-date=October 11, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024023327/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1345485116 |archive-date=October 24, 2012 }}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Lesnar declared himself the new "King of Kings" and said that he would depart from WWE after his victory over Triple H, stating that he had conquered everything in the company.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 8/20: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Punk-Cena, Lesnar opens show, Triple H "speculation," Jericho farewell|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64450.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=October 11, 2012|quote=Next, Cole introduced a tout from Lesnar saying he came to WWE, conquered everything, and now is leaving and never coming back, which drew some cheers from the live Raw crowd.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430175157/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64450.shtml|archive-date=April 30, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Video – Lesnar says he's leaving WWE|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_64475.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=October 11, 2012}}</ref> | |||
During the feud with Bill Goldberg, Lesnar also was feuding with ''RAW'''s ] (who was shown suggesting to Goldberg that he attack Lesnar at ''No Way Out''). When Lesnar attacked Austin on Raw and stole his ], Austin was inserted as the Special Guest Referee for the ''WrestleMania'' match. Behind the scenes, it was widely known that the match would be Goldberg's last in WWE, however only a week before ''WrestleMania'', rumours surfaced Lesnar too was leaving, in order to pursue a career in the ]. As a result, Lesnar´s dream match with Goldberg became a fiasco as the fans at Madison Square Garden jeered both wrestlers with very loud and distinct chants of "]" and "you sold out." Neither man was thought to have given his best effort in the match in what was supposed to be a clash of titans, and crowd support was mostly given to special referee Austin. Lesnar was said to be particularly shaken by this reaction and after another goodbye chant by the crowd after the match, he gave them (aswell as Austin) ]. Because both men were leaving WWE, it was clear that the only man who would go ] in the match would be Austin. Although Goldberg won the match, both men were given a ] by Austin on their way out. | |||
]'s ] in 2014.]] | |||
==National Football League== | |||
Lesnar returned on the January 28, 2013, episode of ''Raw'', confronting ] who was about to fire Heyman, and despite Heyman's pleas, Lesnar attacked McMahon with an ''F-5'',<ref>{{cite web|title=Raw results: The Rock brings the reign and Brock Lesnar brings the pain on Raw Roulette night|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-01-28/wwe-raw-results-26087919/page-13|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|publisher=WWE|access-date=January 29, 2013}}</ref> breaking McMahon's pelvis in storyline.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sources: Mr. McMahon suffers broken pelvis due to Brock Lesnar attack|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-01-28/mr-mcmahon-injury-update-after-brock-lesnar-attack-26088187|work=WWE|access-date=January 29, 2013}}</ref> The following week during ]'s ''Miz TV'' talk show, ''Raw'' Managing Supervisor ] revealed herself as the one who signed Lesnar to a new contract to impress McMahon.<ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 2/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WWE explains many things, Punk-Jericho main event, Bruno HOF Video (updated w/Box Score)|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_68402.shtml|access-date=November 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312084454/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_68402.shtml|archive-date=March 12, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> On the February 25 episode of ''Raw'', Lesnar once again attempted to attack McMahon, only to get into a brawl with the returning Triple H, which resulted in Lesnar legitimately having his head split open and requiring eighteen stitches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-02-25/wwe-raw-results-26094181|title=Paul Heyman's fight against Mr. McMahon degenerated into a brawl between Brock Lesnar and Triple H|publisher=WWE|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|date=February 25, 2013|access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', Triple H issued a challenge to Lesnar, requesting a rematch with him at ], which Lesnar accepted but only after Triple H signed a contract and Lesnar named the stipulation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69088.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 3/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live "Old-School Raw" – Taker returns, Rock-Cena in-ring confrontation, WM29 hype, more|website=pwtorch.com|access-date=December 19, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results3/11: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WWE recognizes Bearer by incorporating him into Taker-Punk, Lesnar challenges Hunter, no Cena, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69177.shtml|access-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130321110028/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69177.shtml|archive-date=March 21, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> After Triple H signed the contract and assaulted Heyman, the stipulation was revealed as ] with Triple H's career on the line.<ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 3/18: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Hunter signs WM29 contract, IC Title match, more WM29 developments|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69381.shtml|access-date=April 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322023557/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69381.shtml|archive-date=March 22, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> At WrestleMania on April 7, Lesnar lost to Triple H after a '']'' onto the steel steps.<ref>{{cite web|last=Myers|first=Thomas|title=Wrestlemania 29 results: Brock Lesnar pinned by Triple H after steel step Pedigree|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2013/4/7/4194998/wrestlemania-29-results-brock-lesnar-pinned-triple-h-steel-steps-pedigree-wwe|work=MMAMANIA|access-date=April 8, 2013|date=April 8, 2013}}</ref> On the April 15 episode of ''Raw'', Lesnar attacked 3MB (], ], and ]) before Heyman challenged Triple H to face Lesnar in a ] at ],<ref>{{cite web|title=Brock Lesnar takes care of 3MB and then a rematch is set up against Triple H for Extreme Rules |url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/brock-lesnar-attacks-3mb-paul-heyman-proposes-a-steel-cage-match-against-triple-26107914 |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 17, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130418114337/http://www.wwe.com/videos/brock-lesnar-attacks-3mb-paul-heyman-proposes-a-steel-cage-match-against-triple-26107914 |archive-date=April 18, 2013 }}</ref> which Triple H accepted the following week.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70160.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/22 (First Hour): Hunter Pedigrees Heyman, Jericho vs. Ziggler, more|website=pwtorch.com|access-date=December 19, 2019}}</ref> At Extreme Rules on May 19, after interference from Heyman, Lesnar defeated Triple H to end their feud.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE Extreme Rules results and reactions from last night (May 19): Believe in Gold|url=http://www.cagesideseats.com/2013/5/20/4347158/wwe-extreme-rules-results-and-reactions-from-last-night-may-19-believe-in-gold|date=May 20, 2013}}</ref> Lesnar returned on the June 17 episode of ''Raw'', attacking Heyman's fellow client ] with an ''F-5''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71353.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 6/17 (Hour 3): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Henry delivers fake retirement speech for the ages, Punk vs. Del Rio, Lesnar is back|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=June 17, 2013|access-date=June 18, 2013}}</ref> Despite the accusations from Punk, Heyman claimed that he was not behind Lesnar's attack on him.<ref>{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|title=Raw results: Money in the Bank takes shape, Punk confronts Heyman and Bryan chases The Viper in a Street Fight|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-06-24/wwe-raw-results-26126028/page-10|work=WWE|access-date=June 25, 2013}}</ref> Heyman turned on Punk in July,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://heymanhustle.com/blogs/23-news/168306-cm-punk-paul-heyman|title=Breaking News: Paul Heyman Double Crosses CM Punk at WWE Money In The Bank|date=July 15, 2013|access-date=July 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727035654/http://heymanhustle.com/blogs/23-news/168306-cm-punk-paul-heyman|archive-date=July 27, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> and claimed that Punk could not beat Lesnar, which led to Lesnar making his return and attacking Punk on the July 15 episode of ''Raw''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71984.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/15 (Hour 3): Punk-Heyman epic promo exchange, Jericho vs. RVD, Cena picks his Summerslam PPV opponent|website=pwtorch.com|access-date=December 19, 2019}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', Punk challenged Lesnar to a match at ] on August 18, where Lesnar defeated Punk in a no disqualification match.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_72778.shtml|title=Calwell's WWE SSlam PPPV Results 8/18 (Hour 2): Lesnar vs. Punk brutal fight|website=pwtorch.com|access-date=December 19, 2019}}</ref> | |||
After his final match at '']'', Lesnar sidelined his career in WWE to pursue a career in the ].<ref></ref> This move upset many people, as WWE had invested heavily in Lesnar. World Wrestling Entertainment confirmed Lesnar´s departure on their official website WWE.com by the statement, "Brock Lesnar opts to put WWE career on hold | |||
Brock Lesnar has made a personal decision to put his WWE career on hold to prepare to tryout for the National Football League this season. Brock has wrestled his entire professional career in the WWE and we are proud of his accomplishments and wish him the best in his new endeavor." Lesnar told a Minnesota ] that he had three wonderful years in WWE, but had grown unhappy and had always wanted to play pro football, adding that he didn't want to be 40 years old and wondering if he could have made it in football. In a interview about starting with the NFL Lesnar made the statement {{Cquote2|This is no load of bull, It’s no WWE stunt. I am dead serious about this... I ain’t afraid of anything, and I ain’t afraid of anybody. I’ve been an underdog in athletics since I was 5. I got zero college offers for wrestling. Now people say I can’t play football, that it’s a joke. I say I can. I’m as good an athlete as a lot of guys in the NFL, if not better... I’ve always had to fight for everything. I wasn’t the best technician in amateur wrestling. But I was strong, had great conditioning, and a hard head. Nobody could break me. As long as I have that, I don’t give a damn what anybody else thinks.}} Lesnar played in the ], where he created controversy in some games by starting minor fights and getting heat with the Chiefs for a sack on QB ], which drew a big response from the crowd of 6,000. Huard was knocked silly, and had to go to the sidelines and sit out a few plays. Giving hard hits to QB's in scrimmages violates an unwritten understanding, and the Chiefs were not too happy with him. His actions got him featured on ] on more than one occasion. After playing in a few pre-season games, Lesnar was eventually cut from the team after not showing up for practices due to a injury sustained by a motorcycle ride during the summer of 2004. He declined to accept an invitation to play as a representative of the Vikings in ]. He made no attempts to sign with an ] or ] team. Lesnar is listed as a ] in '']''. There was a producer-made model of Lesnar in Madden NFL 2005. | |||
On the December 30 episode of ''Raw'', Lesnar returned with Heyman to challenge the winner of the upcoming WWE World Heavyweight Championship match between ] and John Cena at the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_75386.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 12/30: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live 2013 finale – Bryan gives up and gives in, Brock Lesnar returns, Shield shows cracks, more|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=December 30, 2013|access-date=August 24, 2016}}</ref> Lesnar then dared any wrestler who disapproved of that notion to challenge him, which was answered by ]. The ensuing brawl ended with Lesnar delivering an ''F-5'' to Henry.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brock Lesnar returns to Raw and makes a challenge|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2013/1230/568784/brock-lesnar-returns-to-raw-and-makes-a-challenge/|access-date=December 31, 2013|date=December 31, 2013}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', Henry challenged Lesnar again, only to have Lesnar dislocate his elbow with the Kimura lock in storyline, which led Big Show to confront Lesnar,<ref>{{cite web|last=Nemer|first=Paul|title=WWE Raw Results – 1/6/14 (Old School RAW, WWE Legends)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/45948-wwe-raw-results-1-6-14-old-school-raw/|work=Wrestleview|date=January 7, 2014|access-date=September 17, 2016}}</ref> thus starting a feud which was settled at the Royal Rumble on January 26, 2014, where Lesnar defeated Big Show after attacking him with a steel chair before the match began.<ref>Archived at {{cbignore}} and the {{cbignore}}: {{cite web|title=Brock Lesnar dislocates Mark Henry's elbow: Raw, Jan 6, 2014|website = ]| date=January 6, 2014 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jri-0iUGti4|access-date=January 10, 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On the February 24 episode of ''Raw'', Heyman stated that Lesnar had requested a match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at ], but received an open contract to face anyone else of his choosing instead. ] then returned and attacked Lesnar with a ] through a table, setting up their match at WrestleMania XXX.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|title=Raw: Longer matches and a dramatic return in Green Bay|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/02/25/21493241.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710171552/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/02/25/21493241.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 10, 2015|work=SLAM! Wrestling|publisher=]|access-date=February 25, 2014}}</ref> At WrestleMania on April 6, Lesnar defeated The Undertaker after executing three ''F-5''s, ending ] at 21, a feat that was described by '']'' as being "the most ] result since the ]".<ref>{{cite news|last=Sin|first=Ben|url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2014/04/07/undertaker-streak-wwe-wrestlemania|title=WWE Stars React to the End of the Undertaker's Streak|date=April 6, 2014|access-date=June 9, 2015|publisher=]|website=si.com/}}</ref> | |||
==Lawsuit with WWE== | |||
Lesnar had previously signed a no-compete clause in order to be released from his contract with WWE, which prohibited him from working for any other sports entertainment or mixed martial arts companies before ]. Lesnar had anticipated leaving wrestling entirely, but his inability to secure a career in professional football led to him challenging this ruling in court. WWE responded by demanding damages as a result of Lesnar allegedly breaching the agreement by appearing at a ] show in ]. In ], the two sides dropped their claims and entered negotiations to renew their relationship. Recently, WWE had offered Brock a contract, but on ], ], WWE's official website reported that Lesnar has withdrawn from any involvement with the company. | |||
==== WWE World Heavyweight Champion (2014–2015) ==== | |||
The lawsuit was entered into settlement on ], ], but talks broke down. | |||
], across the ring from ] at the ] pay-per-view in September 2014]] | |||
At ] on August 17, Lesnar defeated John Cena to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship; during the match he delivered sixteen suplexes (most of which were ]es) and two ''F-5''s to Cena, who barely managed any offense.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE SummerSlam PPV Results 8/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Cena vs. Lesnar|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_80257.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=August 17, 2014|access-date=August 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819082244/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_80257.shtml|archive-date=August 19, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In a rematch at ] on September 21, Lesnar was disqualified due to ] interfering, but retained his championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_80844.shtml|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE NOC PPV Report 9/21|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 21, 2014|date=September 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924044919/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_80844.shtml|archive-date=September 24, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Later in the year, Rollins reunited with ] and was added to Lesnar and Cena championship match at the ] on January 25, 2015, making it a triple threat match,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Keller|first1=Wade|title=Keller's WWE Raw report 12/29: Lesnar and Heyman show up, Ziggler vs. Rusev in a champion vs. champion match, Edge & Christian host, Bryan's big announcement|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_82500.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=December 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230161915/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_82500.shtml|archive-date=December 30, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> which Lesnar won despite (storyline) breaking a rib during the match.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Royal Rumble PPV Report 1/25: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Lesnar vs. Cena vs. Rollins for WWE Title, Royal Rumble, post-PPV Network show|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_82945.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=January 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150127230727/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_82945.shtml|archive-date=January 27, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Lesnar's next challenger was ], who had won the Royal Rumble match to earn a title match at ] on March 29.<ref>{{cite web|title=UFC Quick Quote: Dana White expects a call from Brock Lesnar when his WWE contract expires|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2015/3/1/8128401/ufc-quick-quote-dana-white-expects-a-call-from-brock-lesnar-when-his-wwe-expires-mma|date=March 2015}}</ref> During his main event match against Reigns, Lesnar delivered multiple suplexes and was heard exclaiming, "Suplex City, bitch!" and thereafter "Suplex City" became one of his signature catchphrases and merchandise motifs. After Lesnar and Reigns traded a few ], Rollins cashed in his ] while the match was in progress, making it a triple threat; Rollins then pinned Reigns to win the title after delivering a ''Curb Stomp''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Seth Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank contract and def. Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns to become WWE World Heavyweight Champion|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/31/brock-lesnar-roman-reigns-27042102|publisher=WWE|access-date=March 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223062020/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/31/brock-lesnar-roman-reigns-27042102|archive-date=February 23, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Lesnar tried to invoke his rematch clause and subsequently attacked commentators ], ] (JBL) and ], as well as a cameraman after Rollins refused the rematch, which led to Stephanie McMahon suspending Lesnar indefinitely in storyline.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_84201.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 3/30|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=March 30, 2015|access-date=August 8, 2015|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150802012230/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_84201.shtml|archive-date=August 2, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On ], ], Judge Christopher Droney stated that unless WWE gave him a good argument between then and ], ], he would rule in favor of Brock Lesnar, giving him a summary judgment. This would have enabled Lesnar to work anywhere he wanted immediately. WWE was later granted a deadline postponement. WWE reportedly doesn't want to settle out of court with Lesnar, and didn't want to take any actions that might be seen as "backing down". | |||
Lesnar returned on the June 15 episode of ''Raw'', being chosen by The Authority as the number one contender to Rollins' WWE World Heavyweight Championship at ].<ref name="Raw6152015">{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE RAW Results – 6/15/15 (Lesnar is the new #1 contender)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/54849-wwe–-raw-results-6-15-15-live-results-from-cleveland|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=June 15, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Herzog|first1=Kenny|title='WWE Raw': Brock Lesnar's Hunting Season Begins|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/news/wwe-raw-brock-lesnars-hunting-season-begins-20150616|magazine=]|date=June 16, 2015|access-date=July 31, 2016}}</ref> On July 4, Lesnar made his first non-televised wrestling appearance for WWE since his 2012 return, defeating ] at ] live event in Tokyo in a quick winning effort; he also delivered ''F-5''s to Kingston's ] stablemates ] and ] after the match.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Network Special Report 7/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of "Beast in the East" – Lesnar's in-ring return, Owens vs. Balor for NXT Title, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_86018.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=July 4, 2015|access-date=July 31, 2016}}</ref> At Battleground on July 19, Lesnar dominated Rollins, delivering thirteen ]es, but mid-pinfall, after performing an ''F-5'', he was attacked by The Undertaker (who incapacitated Lesnar with a chokeslam and two '']),'' thus ending the match with Lesnar winning by disqualification and Rollins retaining the championship.<ref name="MITB">{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=WWE PPVs Caldwell's WWE Battleground PPV Report 7/19: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV – Rollins vs. Lesnar, Cena vs. Owens III, Orton returns home, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_86322.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=July 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722175332/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_86322.shtml|archive-date=July 22, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On ], 2006, World Wrestling Entertainment announced on their official website WWE.com, "WWE and Lesnar have mutually come to a settlement and have decided, due to its confidentiallty, not to discuss the details of the case." | |||
==== Suplex City (2015–2017) ==== | |||
On ], 2006, A federal judge dismissed Lesnar's lawsuit against WWE after both parties requested for the case to be dismissed. | |||
] during their match at ]]] | |||
The following night on ''Raw'', The Undertaker explained that he had attacked Lesnar not for ending his WrestleMania streak, but rather for Lesnar allowing Heyman to constantly taunt him about it, which led to the two brawling throughout the arena and a WrestleMania rematch being scheduled for ] on August 23,<ref>{{cite web|title=The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2015/the-undertaker-vs-brock-lesnar-27682861|publisher=WWE|access-date=August 18, 2015}}</ref> where The Undertaker controversially defeated Lesnar. The timekeeper rang the bell as The Undertaker had supposedly submitted to Lesnar's Kimura lock, though the referee had not seen any submission. In the ensuing confusion, The Undertaker hit Lesnar with a ] and applied his '']'' submission hold, in which Lesnar passed out.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=The Undertaker def. Brock Lesnar|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2015-undertaker-vs-brock-lesnar-27682861|newspaper=WWE|access-date=August 23, 2015}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Lesnar and Heyman challenged The Undertaker to an immediate rematch, only to be confronted by ] (who mocked Lesnar about his defeat); Lesnar responded with five German suplexes and an ''F-5''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 8/24: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – SSlam fall-out, big returns, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_87136.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=May 27, 2016}}</ref> | |||
At ] on October 25, Lesnar defeated The Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match after a low blow and ''F-5'' onto the exposed ring floor, ending their feud.<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-hell-in-a-cell-2015/56660-wwe-hell-in-a-cell-ppv-results-10-25-15-live-from-los-angeles|title=WWE Hell in a Cell PPV Results|date=October 25, 2015|access-date=October 25, 2015|publisher=Wrestleview}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Jones|first=Elton|title=WWE Hell in a Cell 2015: The Results & Highlights You Need to Know|url=http://heavy.com/sports/2015/10/wwe-hell-in-a-cell-2015-the-results-highlights-you-need-to-know/|work=]|date=October 25, 2015|access-date=May 29, 2016}}</ref> The match was later voted "Match of the Year" during the ] ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=12/21 WWE Raw "Slammys" Results – Caldwell's Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2015/12/21/1221-wwe-raw-slammys-results-caldwells-complete-report/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=December 21, 2015|access-date=June 3, 2016}}</ref> | |||
==New Japan Pro Wrestling (2005-2006)== | |||
On ], 2005, Lesnar won the ] in a three-way match at a ] show in the ], which included the then-champion ] and ]. He won the match by pinning Masahiro Chono after an F-5, which he had renamed the '''''Verdict''''', since WWE owns the trademark on the '''''F-5''''' name. After the match, he stated that this name was referring to his lawsuit against WWE. The match was his first pro wrestling match since leaving WWE. | |||
On the January 11, 2016, episode of ''Raw'', Lesnar returned, attacking The New Day, ] (Sheamus, ], ] and ]) and ], before performing an ''F-5'' on Roman Reigns.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE Raw Results – 1/11/16 (Brock Lesnar returns)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57400-wwe-raw-results-1-11-16-live-results-from-new-orleans|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=January 12, 2016|date=January 12, 2016}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', he brawled with Reigns until they were attacked by ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE Raw Results – 1/18/16 (Final hype for Royal Rumble)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57488-wwe-raw-results-1-18-16-live-results-from-columbus|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=January 19, 2016|date=January 19, 2016}}</ref> At the ] on January 24, Lesnar was the 23rd entrant, eliminating ] and The Wyatt Family minus Bray Wyatt before being eliminated by the Wyatt Family members he had eliminated first. He later defeated Wyatt and ] in a two-on-one handicap at the ] pay-per-view event.<ref>{{cite web|title=Triple H won the 2016 Royal Rumble Match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2016/royal-rumble-match-wwe-world-heavyweight-championship-28402653|publisher=WWE|access-date=January 25, 2016}}</ref> | |||
On ], 2005 WWE filed a ] for a temporary restraining order to prevent Lesnar from continuing to work with NJPW, but the court did not grant it, and thus Lesnar had two non-title victories against ] and ]. Lesnar successfully defended his championship on January 4, 2006 against former champion ]. | |||
On the January 25 episode of ''Raw'', Stephanie McMahon scheduled a triple threat match between Lesnar, Roman Reigns and ] for ] to determine who would challenge Triple H's for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=WWE Raw Results – 1/25/16 (The Rock, Fastlane main event)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57562-wwe-raw-results-1-25-16-live-results-from-miami|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=January 25, 2016}}</ref> In the following weeks, Lesnar was continuously provoked by Ambrose, with Reigns saving him from the subsequent attacks by Lesnar.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE RAW Results – 2/1/16 (Tag Team Main Event)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57635-wwe-raw-results-2-1-16-live-results-from-birmingham|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=February 1, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE Raw Results – 2/8/16 (Daniel Bryan retires from WWE)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57705-wwe-raw-results-2-8-16-live-results-from-seattle|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=February 16, 2016|date=February 9, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Martin|first1=Adam|title=WWE Raw Results – 2/15/16 (Big Show vs. Braun Strowman)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57788-wwe-raw-results-2-15-16-live-results-from-anaheim|work=Wrestleview|access-date=February 15, 2016}}</ref> At Fastlane on February 21, Lesnar dominated most of the match before he was put through two broadcast tables by Ambrose and Reigns; he lost the match after Reigns pinned Ambrose.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=2/21 WWE Fast Lane Results – Caldwell's Complete Live PPV Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/02/21/caldwellfastlaneppvreport/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=February 21, 2016|access-date=February 21, 2016}}</ref> Because of this, Lesnar attacked Ambrose in the parking lot as he was arriving at the arena. Ambrose returned later in the night, having hijacked an ambulance, and challenged Lesnar to a ] ] match at ] on April 3,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/02/22/feb22rawcaldwell/|title=2/22 WWE Raw Results|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=February 22, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 27, 2016}}</ref> where Lesnar defeated Ambrose after an ''F-5'' onto a pile of chairs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brock Lesnar def. Dean Ambrose|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/32/dean-ambrose-brock-lesnar-street-fight-results|publisher=WWE|access-date=April 17, 2016}}</ref> | |||
On ], 2006. WWE once again filed an injunction against Lesnar to stop him from defending the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship on ], but evidently this was not enforced (nor granted), as he would go on to have both a tag team match with ] against ] and ] at the Sumo Hall on ], 2006 which was won after a ] to Chōshū. | |||
] on ]]] | |||
On the July 7 episode of ''SmackDown'', it Lesnar was revealed as the returning ]'s opponent for ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/07/brock-lesnars-wwe-summerslam-match-officially-announced/|title=Brock Lesnar's WWE SummerSlam match officially announced|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=July 7, 2016}}</ref> Two days later on July 9, WWE allowed Lesnar to have a one-off fight for '']''. Lesnar failed two of his drug tests for this fight but was not suspended by WWE because he is not a full-time performer.<ref>{{cite web|last=Silverstein|first=Adam|title=Brock Lesnar will not face WWE suspension for recent failed drug tests|url=http://www.cbssports.com/general/news/brock-lesnar-will-not-face-wwe-suspension-for-recent-failed-drug-tests/|work=]|date=July 27, 2016|access-date=September 2, 2016}}</ref> On July 19 at the ], Lesnar was the #5 draft pick for the Raw brand.<ref name="2016WWEdraft">{{cite web|title=2016 WWE Draft results: WWE officially ushers in New Era|url=http://www.wwe.com/2016-wwe-draft-results|publisher=WWE|access-date=July 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720044640/http://www.wwe.com/2016-wwe-draft-results|archive-date=July 20, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Reports claimed that he would have been #1 had he not failed his UFC drug tests.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/blakeoestriecher/2016/07/23/this-week-in-wwe-biz-roman-reigns-failure-original-brock-lesnar-plans-john-cenas-impact-more/#66f8fb101086|title=This Week In WWE Biz: Roman Reigns' Failure, Original Brock Lesnar Plans, John Cena's Impact, More|date=July 23, 2016|last=Oestriecher|first=Blake|work=]|access-date=August 1, 2016}}</ref> Orton was drafted to SmackDown, thus making their match an interbrand match, while WWE billed their face-off as a match fifteen years in the making.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2016/randy-orton-brock-lesnar|title=Randy Orton vs. Brock Lesnar|last1=Clapp|first1=John|work=WWE|access-date=July 7, 2016}}</ref> Along with Heyman, Lesnar made his return to ''Raw'' on August 1 (his first appearance on WWE programming since WrestleMania 32), but during his segment Orton appeared and attacked Lesnar with an '']''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=8/1 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Live TV Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/01/aug1rawresultsfinal/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 1, 2016}}</ref> Lesnar then attacked Orton during his match the following night on '']'', performing an ''F-5'' on Orton.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Parks|first1=Greg|title=8/2 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Complete Live Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/02/82-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-complete-live-report/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 2, 2016}}</ref> At SummerSlam on August 21, Lesnar defeated Orton by ], leaving Orton with a forehead wound which required ten staples.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2016/brock-lesnar-vs-randy-orton-result|title=Brock Lesnar def. Randy Orton via TKO|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|work=WWE|access-date=August 21, 2016}}</ref> He then hit ] with an ''F-5''.<ref name="SSlam2016">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=8/21 WWE Summerslam Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Live Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/21/summerslam2016resultsfinal/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823124530/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/21/summerslam2016resultsfinal/|archive-date=August 23, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The end made many people believe Lesnar had gone ] due to the severity of Orton's head wound,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wong|first1=Kevin|last2=Andrews|first2=Xavier|title=Brock Lesnar Bloodies Randy Orton: Was it Scripted or Real?|url=http://www.complex.com/sports/2016/08/brock-lesnar-bloodies-randy-orton|work=]|date=August 22, 2016|access-date=September 2, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Tamburro|first=Paul|title=Did Brock Lesnar Shoot on Randy Orton in Bloody Summerslam Match?|url=http://www.craveonline.com/culture/1022989-brock-lesnar-shoot-randy-orton-bloody-summerslam-match|work=]|date=August 22, 2016|access-date=September 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826093401/http://www.craveonline.com/culture/1022989-brock-lesnar-shoot-randy-orton-bloody-summerslam-match|archive-date=August 26, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=De Menezes|first=Jack|title=WWE SummerSlam: Fans question if Brock Lesnar went off-script with 'deliberate elbow' to Randy Orton's head|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-summerslam-brock-lesnar-off-script-randy-orton-deliberate-elbow-video-head-injury-a7203596.html|work=]|date=August 22, 2016|access-date=September 3, 2016}}</ref> out of which ] confirmed that the ending was planned.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Meltzer|first1=Dave|title=Brock Lesnar, Chris Jericho in Heated Altercation at Summerslam|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/brock-lesnar-chris-jericho-heated-altercation-summerslam-219211|work=F4WOnline|access-date=August 23, 2016|date=August 22, 2016}}</ref> Lesnar was later storyline fined $500 for delivering an ''F-5'' to SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon and his assault on Orton.<ref>{{cite web|last=Schwartz|first=Nick|title=WWE fines Brock Lesnar $500 after brutal end to SummerSlam match|url=http://www.foxsports.com/wwe/story/wwe-fines-brock-lesnar-randy-orton-blood-082316|work=]|date=August 23, 2016|access-date=September 2, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160831104533/http://www.foxsports.com/wwe/story/wwe-fines-brock-lesnar-randy-orton-blood-082316|archive-date=August 31, 2016}}</ref> On September 24 at a ] in ], ], Lesnar defeated Orton in a no-disqualification rematch, with the match being billed as a Suplex City death match.<ref>{{cite news|title=Brock Lesnar defeats Randy Orton in SummerSlam rematch in Chicago|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/brock-lesnar-randy-orton-chicago-rematch-results|publisher=WWE|access-date=September 26, 2016}}</ref> | |||
On ], 2006 at the Sumo Hall, Lesnar retained his championship, defeating Akebono when Lesnar hit him with the championship belt and a ]. Some speculate this was because Akebono was too heavy to be hit with a Verdict. However, Akebono has an announced weight of 440 pounds, and Lesnar has done the move successfully on the Big Show, who weighs in at 507 pounds. During the match at about the 1 minute mark, Lesnar seems to attempt the move, but the referee visibly waves him off from trying. Although, towards the 3rd or 4th minute of the match, Lesnar successfully lifts Akebono for the Verdict only to have Akebono thwart the move by rolling off Lesnar's back. | |||
On the October 10 episode of ''Raw'', Heyman, on Lesnar's behalf, challenged ] to a fight after the pair had been feuding for several months through social media and during promotional work for the '']'' video game, which featured Lesnar as the cover star and Goldberg as the pre-order bonus.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=WWE Raw Results – 10/10/16 (Live from Oakland, Paul Heyman advertised to appear, Hell in a Cell hype)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/68109-wwe-raw-results-101016-live-oakland-paul-heyman-advertised-appear-hell-cell-hype/|work=WrestleView|date=October 10, 2016|access-date=October 10, 2016}}</ref> Heyman stated that Goldberg was the one blemish on Lesnar's WWE career, as Goldberg had defeated Lesnar at WrestleMania XX in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|title=Full WWE WrestleMania XX PPV Results – 3/14/04 from Madison Square Garden|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2004/1079325525.shtml|work=WrestleView|date=March 14, 2004|access-date=October 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209201042/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2004/1079325525.shtml|archive-date=February 9, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> On the October 17 episode of ''Raw'', Goldberg returned to WWE after a twelve-year absence and accepted Lesnar's request for a fight with their match later scheduled for ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE Raw Results – 10/17/16 (Live from Denver, Bill Goldberg returns to WWE answering Heyman's challenge)|date=October 17, 2016|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/68371-wwe-raw-results-101716-live-denver-bill-goldberg-returns-wwe-answering-heymans-challenge/|publisher=WrestleView|access-date=October 17, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2016/goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar|title=Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar|date=October 25, 2016|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|publisher=].com|access-date=October 25, 2016}}</ref> On the final ''Raw'' before Survivor Series, Lesnar and Goldberg had a confrontation for the first time in twelve years, resulting in a brawl with security after Heyman insulted Goldberg's family.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/69512-wwe-raw-results-111416-live-buffalo-survivor-series-go-home-lesnar-goldberg-mcmahon-bryan/|title=WWE Raw Results – 11/14/16 (Live from Buffalo, Survivor Series go-home, Lesnar, Goldberg, McMahon and Bryan)|date=November 14, 2016|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|work=WrestleView|access-date=November 14, 2016}}</ref> On November 20 at Survivor Series, Lesnar quickly lost to Goldberg in 1 minute and 26 seconds,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Adkins|first1=Greg|title=Goldberg def. Brock Lesnar|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2016/goldberg-brock-lesnar-results|work=WWE|access-date=November 20, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Survivor Series 2016 live review: Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar, three Team Raw vs. Team Smackdown elimination matches, IC and WWE Cruiserweight Title matches|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/11/20/powells-wwe-survivor-series-2016-live-review-goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-three-team-raw-vs-team-smackdown-elimination-matches-ic-and-wwe-cruiserweight-title-matches/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=November 20, 2016|date=November 20, 2016}}</ref> marking the first time in three years that Lesnar was pinned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/776417-wwe-survivor-series-result-goldberg-destroys-brock-lesnar-plus-footage-from-the-match|title=WWE Survivor Series: Goldberg crushes Brock Lesnar within two minutes|work=]|date=November 20, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2017}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', Goldberg declared himself the first entrant in the ] match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/69715-wwe-raw-results-112116-live-toronto-fallout-wwe-survivor-series-ppv-sunday-night/|title=WWE RAW Results – 11/21/16 (Live from Toronto, fallout from WWE Survivor Series PPV on Sunday night)|website=wrestleview.com|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|date=November 21, 2016|access-date=November 21, 2016}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', Heyman addressed the Survivor Series match, stating that they underestimated Goldberg and that the match was a humiliation and embarrassment for him and Lesnar, who would also be in the Royal Rumble as he has something to prove.<ref name="Raw11282016">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/11/28/kellers-wwe-raw-report-1128-live-coverage-charlotte-defends-sasha-banks-new-day-defends-anderson-gallows/|title=Keller's WWE Raw report 11/28: Live coverage – Charlotte defends against Sasha Banks, New Day defends against Anderson & Gallows|date=November 28, 2016|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=November 28, 2016}}</ref> Lesnar returned on the January 16 episode of ''Raw'' to confront other Royal Rumble participants, attacking ], Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns.<ref>{{cite web|title=Raw: Jan. 16, 2017|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2017-01-16#full-detail-40017770|publisher=WWE|access-date=January 27, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=WWE Raw: Jan. 23, 2017|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2017-01-23|publisher=WWE|access-date=January 27, 2017}}</ref> At the Royal Rumble on January 29, Lesnar entered at number 26 and went on to eliminate ], Dean Ambrose and ] before confronting Goldberg, who entered at number 28 and quickly eliminated Lesnar after a spear.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/2017-royal-rumble-match-results|title=Randy Orton won the 30-Superstar Royal Rumble Match|last2=Taylor|first2=Scott|website=wwe.com|publisher=WWE|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|access-date=January 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201200349/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/2017-royal-rumble-match-results|archive-date=February 1, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Lesnar successfully defended his title against the winner of the New Japan Cup, ], on ], 2006 in Fukuoka. This was the first American vs American title match in NJPW since ] vs ] in 1990. | |||
==== Year-long Universal Championship reign (2017–2018) ==== | |||
On ], 2006, New Japan Pro Wrestling announced that Brock Lesnar had been stripped of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship as he will no longer be returning to defend the title due to "]" issues". A tournament was held on ] to determine the new champion, which was won by ], the man Lesnar was originally scheduled to face. | |||
The following night on ''Raw'', Lesnar challenged Goldberg to a final match at ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/30/kellers-wwe-raw-report-130-ongoing-coverage-royal-rumble-fallout-including-owens-celebration-cut-short-ominous-strowman-news/|title=Keller's WWE Raw report 1/30: Ongoing coverage of Royal Rumble fallout including Owens celebration cut short by ominous Strowman news|website=pwtorch.com|last1=Keller|first1=Wade|access-date=January 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201183437/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/30/kellers-wwe-raw-report-130-ongoing-coverage-royal-rumble-fallout-including-owens-celebration-cut-short-ominous-strowman-news/|archive-date=February 1, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> On the February 6 episode of ''Raw'', Goldberg accepted Lesnar's challenge and was named number one contender for ]' ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/02/06/kellers-wwe-raw-report-26-samoa-joe-speaks-seth-rollins-update-latest-post-rumble-developments/|title=Keller's WWE Raw report 2/6: Samoa Joe signs his Raw contract, Seth Rollins update, Bayley vs. Jax, Goldberg, more|website=pwtorch.com|last1=Keller|first1=Wade|access-date=February 6, 2017}}</ref> which he won on March 5 at ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2017/kevin-owens-vs-goldberg-results|title=Goldberg def. Kevin Owens to win the Universal Championship|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|work=WWE|access-date=March 5, 2017}}</ref> thus turning his match with Lesnar into a title match.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylor|first1=Scott|title=Universal Champion Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar|date=March 5, 2017|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/33/brock-lesnar-vs-goldberg|work=WWE|access-date=February 6, 2017}}</ref> At WrestleMania on April 2, Lesnar beat Goldberg to win his fifth world title in WWE and became the first man to have won both the WWE Championship and the Universal Championship. Lesnar also became the second person to ] from Goldberg's ''Jackhammer'' and gave him the first ] singles loss of his professional wrestling career.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/33/goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-results|title=Brock Lesnar def. Goldberg to become new Universal Champion|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|work=WWE|access-date=April 2, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/04/02/powells-wrestlemania-33-live-review-undertaker-vs-roman-reigns-goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-shane-mcmahon-seth-rollins-vs-triple-h/|title=Powell's WrestleMania 33 live review: Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns, Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon, Seth Rollins vs. Triple H in an unsanctioned match|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403113529/http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/04/02/powells-wrestlemania-33-live-review-undertaker-vs-roman-reigns-goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-shane-mcmahon-seth-rollins-vs-triple-h/|archive-date=April 3, 2017|url-status=live|date=April 2, 2017}}</ref> After several weeks of feuding, Lesnar's first title defense came at the ] ] event on July 9, 2017, where he successfully retained against ], before defeating him a second time for the title at a house show. | |||
] before their ] match at ]]] | |||
==K-1 Hero's / Mixed Martial Arts (2006-present)== | |||
On the July 31 episode of ''Raw'', Lesnar was scheduled to defend his title in a ] at ] against Samoa Joe, ] and ]. Lesnar and Heyman stated that both would leave WWE should Lesnar lose the championship in the match.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/wwe/news/14203/10969455/brock-lesnar-threatens-to-leave-wwe|title=Brock Lesnar threatens to leave WWE|website=Sky Sports}}</ref> At SummerSlam on August 20, Lesnar retained the title by pinning Reigns.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Burdick|first1=Michael|title=Universal Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe vs. Braun Strowman (Fatal 4-Way Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2017/brock-lesnar-roman-reigns-samoa-joe-braun-strowman|work=WWE|access-date=July 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728174255/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2017/brock-lesnar-roman-reigns-samoa-joe-braun-strowman|archive-date=July 28, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', Lesnar was attacked by Strowman. The subsequent title match at ] on September 24 was won by Lesnar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-brock-lesnar-braun-strowman-battle-and-an-huge-return/|title=WWE Raw results, recap: Brock Lesnar, Braun Strowman battle and a huge return|date=August 22, 2017 }}</ref> Lesnar then defeated ] ] in an interbrand ] non-title match at ] on November 19. His next title defense was scheduled for the ] on January 28, 2018, where he successfully defended the title in a triple threat match against Strowman and ]. Lesnar then re-ignited his feud with Roman Reigns, who won the ] at ] on February 25 to become the number one contender to Lesnar's title at ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/blakeoestriecher/2018/02/25/wwe-elimination-chamber-2018-results-why-roman-reigns-is-the-right-choice-to-face-brock-lesnar/|title=WWE Elimination Chamber 2018 Results: Why Roman Reigns Is The Right Choice To Face Brock Lesnar|first=Blake|last=Oestriecher|website=]}}</ref> At WrestleMania on April 8, Lesnar pinned Reigns to retain the title in the main event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestlemania-results/101418-april-8-2018-brock-lesnar-roman-reigns/|title=WrestleMania 34 Results – 4/8/18 (Reigns vs. Lesnar, Styles vs. Nakamura, Rousey)|date=April 8, 2018|access-date=April 8, 2018|publisher=Wrestleview|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409171354/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestlemania-results/101418-april-8-2018-brock-lesnar-roman-reigns/|archive-date=April 9, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Rumors arose that Lesnar would leave WWE and rejoin the UFC.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/trentreinsmith/2018/04/04/brock-lesnar-is-headed-back-to-the-ufc-according-to-dana-white/#4a4e9b0f40f2|title=Brock Lesnar Is Headed Back To The UFC, Dana White Says|first=Trent|last=Reinsmith|website=]}}</ref> On April 9, Lesnar re-signed with WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/brock-lesnar-re-signs-with-wwe-will-face-roman-reigns-at-greatest-royal-rumble/|title=Brock Lesnar re-signs with WWE, will face Roman Reigns at 'Greatest Royal Rumble'|date=April 9, 2018 }}</ref> At the ] on April 27, he again defeated Reigns in a ] when Reigns speared Lesnar through the cage wall. As Lesnar escaped the cage first, he was declared the winner.<ref>{{cite web|last=Melok|first=Bobby|title=Brock Lesnar def. Roman Reigns in a Steel Cage Match to retain the Universal Championship|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/brock-lesnar-roman-reigns-results|work=WWE|access-date=March 6, 2019}}</ref> | |||
On ], 2006, Brock Lesnar appeared inside the ring after the final match of ] Las Vegas and has since signed a deal with the K-1/Hero's. He is currently training with Minnesota Martial Arts Academy under Greg Nelson coach to ] Lightweight champion ] and with University of Minnesota Head Assistant wrestling coach Marty Morgan. Brock Lesnar announced on ], ] in Las Vegas that he has joined the K-1 promotion and will have his first ] match in February ] <ref></ref>. ] then announced that he will serve as Lesnar's trainer <ref> </ref>. | |||
After the Greatest Royal Rumble, Lesnar was absent from WWE television for nearly three months. At ] on July 15, Raw General Manager Kurt Angle threatened to strip Lesnar of the Universal Championship if he did not show up to ''Raw'' the following night.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/wwe/news/14203/11438830/wwe-raw-brock-lesnar-to-be-stripped-of-universal-title|title=WWE Raw: Brock Lesnar to be stripped of Universal title?|website=Sky Sports}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Heyman agreed that Lesnar would defend his title at ]; Reigns became the number one contender later that same night.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2786656-roman-reigns-vs-brock-lesnar-set-for-wwe-summerslam-after-win-vs-bobby-lashley|title=Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar Set for WWE SummerSlam After Win vs. Bobby Lashley|first=Mike |last=Chiari|website=]}}</ref> On the July 30 episode of ''Raw'', Lesnar was at the arena but refused to appear in the ring. Angle threatened to fire Heyman if he could not persuade Lesnar to come to the ring. Throughout the broadcast, Heyman's attempts were unsuccessful. At the end of the show, after Angle had fired him, Lesnar appeared to attack Angle and choke Heyman.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-brock-lesnar-appears-relationship-with-paul-heyman-turns/|title=WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Brock Lesnar appears, relationship with Paul Heyman turns|date=July 31, 2018 }}</ref> Two weeks later, the dissension between Lesnar and Heyman was revealed to be just a ruse when Lesnar returning on the August 13 episode of ''Raw'' to attack Reigns.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/24370583/wwe-monday-night-raw-results-dean-ambrose-returns-aid-seth-rollins-paul-heyman-springs-trap-heading-summerslam|title=Monday Night Raw results – Dean Ambrose returns to help Seth Rollins, Paul Heyman springs a trap on Reigns|work=ESPN.com|access-date=August 18, 2018|language=en}}</ref> At SummerSlam on August 19, Strowman was at ringside ready to cash in his Money in the Bank contract on the winner. Lesnar incapacitated Strowman, allowing Reigns to capitalize on the distracted Lesnar and win the Universal Championship, ending Lesnar's title reign at 504 days. As of 2018, the reign was the sixth-longest world championship reign in WWE history and the longest since 1988.<ref name="SSlam2018">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE SummerSlam 2018 live review: Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe for the WWE Championship, Alexa Bliss vs. Ronda Rousey for the Raw Women's Championship, Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/08/19/powells-wwe-summerslam-2018-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-roman-reigns-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-samoa-joe-for-the-wwe-championship-alexa-bliss-vs-ronda-rousey-for-the-raw/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=August 19, 2018|date=August 19, 2018}}</ref><ref name="UniversalTitleRecord">{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/24367932/wwe-key-stats-tell-everything-need-know-summerslam-brock-lesnar-roman-reigns-main-event|title=Key stats that tell you everything about SummerSlam 2018 and its Lesnar-Reigns main event|date=August 13, 2018|last=Koontz|first=Joey|work=]|access-date=September 10, 2018}}</ref> | |||
==Championships and accomplishments== | |||
==== World championship reigns and first retirement (2018–2020) ==== | |||
*''']''' | |||
Lesnar returned at ] on September 16, interrupting the Hell in a Cell match between defending Universal Champion Reigns and Braun Strowman, kicking in the door and attacking both men, thus rendering the match a no-contest and costing Strowman his Money in the Bank cash-in match.<ref>{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|title=Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman ended in a No Contest (Hell in a Cell Match)|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2018/roman-reigns-braun-strowman-results|work=WWE|access-date=March 6, 2019}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', Acting General Manager ] scheduled Reigns to defend the Universal Championship in a triple threat match against Lesnar and Strowman at ] on November 2.<ref name="Raw09172018">{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=9/17 Powell's WWE Raw Live TV Review: Undertaker responds to Triple H, fallout from WWE Hell in a Cell including Brock Lesnar interfering in the main event|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/09/17/9-17-powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-undertaker-responds-to-triple-h-fallout-from-wwe-hell-in-a-cell-including-brock-lesnar-interfering-in-the-main-event/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=September 17, 2018|date=September 17, 2018}}</ref> After Reigns relinquished the title due to a legitimate ] relapse, the match was changed to a singles match between Lesnar and Strowman for the vacant title.<ref name="Raw10222018">{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=10/22 Powell's WWE Raw Live TV Review: Roman Reigns announces he has leukemia, forfeits the WWE Universal Championship, Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose for the Raw Tag Titles, Ronda Rousey and Nikki Bella contract signing for WWE Evolution, Triple H and Shawn Michaels appear|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/10/22/10-22-powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-drew-mcintyre-and-dolph-ziggler-vs-seth-rollins-and-dean-ambrose-for-the-raw-tag-titles-ronda-rousey-and-nikki-bella-contract-signing-for-wwe-evolution/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=October 22, 2018|date=October 22, 2018}}</ref> At Crown Jewel, Lesnar defeated Strowman in ] to become the first two-time Universal Champion, thanks to a pre-match attack from ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Melok|first=Bobby|title=Brock Lesnar def. Braun Strowman to win the vacant Universal Championship|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2018/brock-lesnar-braun-strowman-results|work=WWE|access-date=March 6, 2019}}</ref> | |||
:*Bison Open (1997) | |||
:*Bison Open (1998) | |||
:*] (1998) | |||
:*Big Ten Champion (1999) | |||
:*Ranked the #'''1''' ] in the Big Ten (2000) | |||
:*Big Ten Champion (2000) | |||
:*] (2000) | |||
After his title win, Lesnar was scheduled to face WWE Champion AJ Styles at ] in another Champion vs Champion non-title match. Five days before, Styles lost the WWE Championship to ] on ''SmackDown''. At Survivor Series on November 18, Lesnar overcame a late rally from Bryan to defeat him.<ref>{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|title=Universal Champion Brock Lesnar def. WWE Champion Daniel Bryan (Champion vs. Champion Match)|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2018/brock-lesnar-daniel-bryan-results|work=WWE|access-date=March 6, 2019}}</ref> Lesnar then successfully defended the title against ] via submission at the ] on January 27, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wortman|first=James|title=Universal Champion Brock Lesnar def. Finn Bálor|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2019/brock-lesnar-finn-balor-results|work=WWE|access-date=March 6, 2019}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', Lesnar attacked ] winner ] with six F-5s, setting up a title match for ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/01/28/12-28-wwe-raw-results-kellers-report-on-post-royal-rumble-episode-including-seth-rollins-rumble-victory/|title=1/28 WWE Raw Results: Keller's report on post-Royal Rumble episode including Seth Rollins Rumble victory|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|first=Wade|last=Keller|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=February 10, 2019}}</ref> At WrestleMania on April 7, Lesnar attacked Rollins before the match. Rollins then attacked Lesnar with a low blow while the referee was down and pinned Lesnar, ending his second reign as Universal Champion at 156 days.<ref name="WM35">{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WrestleMania 35 results: Powell's live review of Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair for the Raw and Smackdown Women's Titles, Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston for the WWE Championship, Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal Championship, Batista vs. Triple H, AJ Styles vs. Randy Orton|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/07/wrestlemania-35-results-powells-live-review-of-ronda-rousey-vs-becky-lynch-vs-charlotte-flair-for-the-raw-and-smackdown-womens-titles-daniel-bryan-vs-kofi-kingston-for-the-wwe-championship-b/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 7, 2019|date=April 7, 2019}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
:*] (1 time) | |||
At ] on May 19, 2019, Lesnar surprisingly replaced ] in the ]. Before the match, Zayn had been attacked backstage. Later, the match began with only seven of the scheduled eight participants. At the climax of the match, Lesnar ran in, took out ], who was on top of a ladder, and won the Money in the Bank contract, granting him either a Universal Championship or WWE Championship match at any time of his choosing within the next year.<ref name="MITB2019">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Money in the Bank results: Powell's live review of Seth Rollins vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Universal Championship, Kofi Kingston vs. Kevin Owens for the WWE Championship, Becky Lynch defends the Raw and Smackdown Women's Titles, two Money in the Bank ladder matches|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/05/19/wwe-money-in-the-bank-results-powells-live-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-kofi-kingston-vs-kevin-owens-for-the-wwe-championship-becky-lynch-defends-the-r/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=May 19, 2019|date=May 19, 2019}}</ref> After teasing cashing in on Universal Champion Seth Rollins and ] ] and failing an attempt to cash-in on Rollins at ] on June 7, Lesnar successfully cashed in his contract to win the Universal Championship from Rollins at ] on July 14 right after Rollins and ] ] had retained their respective titles against ] and ] in an ] ].<ref name="ER2019">{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WWE Extreme Rules results: Powell's live review of Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch vs. Baron Corbin and Lacey Evans in an Extreme Rules match for the WWE Universal Championship and the Raw Women's Championship, Kofi Kingston vs. Samoa Joe for the WWE Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/07/14/wwe-extreme-rules-results-powells-live-review-of-seth-rollins-and-becky-lynch-vs-baron-corbin-and-lacey-evans-in-an-extreme-rules-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-and-the-raw-womens-cham/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=July 14, 2019|date=July 14, 2019}}</ref> At ] on August 11, Lesnar lost the title back to Rollins, ending his third title reign at 28 days.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Seth Rollins def. Brock Lesnar to become the new Universal Champion|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2019/brock-lesnar-vs-seth-rollins-results|work=WWE|access-date=August 11, 2019}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
:*] (3 times) - with ] | |||
Lesnar and Heyman returned on the September 17 episode of ''SmackDown'' to challenge ] for the WWE Championship. Kingston accepted and Lesnar proceeded to ''F-5'' him.<ref name="SmackDown09172019">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/09/17/9-17-wwe-smackdown-live-results-barnetts-review-of-new-day-vs-randy-orton-and-the-revival-baron-corbins-king-of-the-ring-coronation-erick-rowans-sit-down-interview-shane-mcmahon-addressing/|title=9/17 WWE Smackdown Live Results: Barnett's review of New Day vs. Randy Orton and The Revival, Baron Corbin's King of the Ring coronation, Erick Rowan's sit-down interview, Shane McMahon addressing the firing of Kevin Owens|date=September 17, 2019|last=Barnett|first=Jake|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=September 19, 2019}}</ref> On ] on October 4, Lesnar quickly defeated Kingston in about eight seconds to win his fifth WWE Championship;<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 5, 2019 |title=Brock Lesnar beat Kofi Kingston in 9 seconds and WWE fans are stunned |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/10/brock-lesnar-beat-kofi-kingston-in-9-seconds-and-wwe-fans-are-stunned |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=For The Win |language=en-US}}</ref> this was Lesnar's first match on ''SmackDown'' in 15 years. After his victory, Lesnar was attacked by former UFC opponent ], making his WWE debut.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-oct-4-2019/article/brock-lesnar-def-kofi-kingston|title=Brock Lesnar defeated Kofi Kingston|publisher=]|access-date=October 4, 2019}}</ref> Lesnar was then scheduled to defend the WWE Championship against Velasquez at ] on October 31.<ref name="LesnarVelasquezStrowmanFury">{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/10/11/wwe-adds-two-big-matches-to-crown-jewel-in-saudi-arabia-on-oct-31-lesnar-vs-velasquez-and-strowman-vs-tyson-fury/|title=WWE adds two big matches to Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia on Oct. 31 – Lesnar vs. Velasquez and Strowman vs. Tyson Fury|date=October 11, 2019|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=October 11, 2019}}</ref> During the ], Lesnar was drafted to ].<ref name="Raw10142019">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=10/14 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of the WWE Draft night two, Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair to determine which brand gets the first pick, Braun Strowman and Tyson Fury contract signing, Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler vs. The Viking Raiders for the Raw Tag Titles|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/10/14/10-14-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-the-wwe-draft-night-two-becky-lynch-vs-charlotte-flair-to-determine-which-brand-gets-the-first-pick-braun-strowman-and-tyson-fury-contract-signing-robert/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 14, 2019|access-date=October 14, 2019}}</ref> At the Crown Jewel event, Lesnar defeated Velasquez in under five minutes via submission with the Kimura Lock. After the match, ] attacked Lesnar with a chair.<ref name="CrownJewel2019">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Crown Jewel results: Powell's live review of Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez for the WWE Championship, Seth Rollins vs. Bray Wyatt in a Falls Count Anywhere match for the WWE Universal Championship, Braun Strowman vs. Tyson Fury, Lacey Evans vs. Natalya|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/10/31/10-31-powells-wwe-crown-jewel-audio-review-seth-rollins-vs-the-fiend-bray-wyatt-in-a-falls-count-anywhere-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-brock-lesnar-vs-cain-velasque/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126081228/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/10/31/10-31-powells-wwe-crown-jewel-audio-review-seth-rollins-vs-the-fiend-bray-wyatt-in-a-falls-count-anywhere-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-brock-lesnar-vs-cain-velasque/ |archive-date=January 26, 2022|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 31, 2019 |access-date=October 31, 2019}}</ref> On the November 1 episode of ''SmackDown'', Lesnar and Heyman quit the brand in order to go after Mysterio, who had been drafted to Raw, thus transferring to Raw with the WWE Championship.<ref name="SmackDown11012019">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=11/1 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review the show featuring a makeshift crew caused by flight issues in Saudi Arabia following WWE Crown Jewel|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/01/11-1-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-the-show-featuring-a-makeshift-crew-caused-by-flight-issues-in-saudi-arabia-following-wwe-crown-jewel/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 1, 2019|access-date=November 2, 2019}}</ref> This led to Mysterio challenging Lesnar for the WWE Championship at ] on November 24, which was made official<ref name="Raw11042019">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=11/4 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of WWE Champion Brock Lesnar hunting for Rey Mysterio, Seth Rollins addressing the loss of the WWE Universal Championship to Bray Wyatt, NXT invasion?|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/04/11-4-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-wwe-champion-brock-lesnar-hunting-for-rey-mysterio-seth-rollins-addressing-the-loss-of-the-wwe-universal-championship-to-bray-wyatt-nxt-invasion/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 4, 2019|access-date=November 5, 2019}}</ref> as a ],<ref name="Raw11192019">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=11/18 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Seth Rollins vs. Andrade for a spot on Team Raw at Survivor Series, The Viking Raiders vs. Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins for the Raw Tag Titles, Natalya vs. Asuka, the brand's final push for Survivor Series|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/18/11-18-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-andrade-for-a-spot-on-team-raw-at-survivor-series-the-viking-raiders-vs-zack-ryder-and-curt-hawkins-for-the-raw-tag-titles-natalya-vs-as/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 18, 2019|access-date=November 19, 2019}}</ref> where Lesnar retained, despite Mysterio's son, Dominik's attempt to aid Mysterio during the match.<ref name="SSeries2019">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Survivor Series results: Powell's live review of Brock Lesnar vs. Rey Mysterio in a No Holds Barred match for the WWE Championship, "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE Universal Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Shayna Baszler vs. Bayley in a non-title match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/24/wwe-survivor-series-results-powells-live-review-of-brock-lesnar-vs-rey-mysterio-in-a-no-holds-barred-match-for-the-wwe-championship-the-fiend-bray-wyatt-vs-daniel-bryan-for-the-wwe-uni/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 24, 2019|access-date=November 24, 2019}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
:*] (]) | |||
:*] (]) | |||
:*] (]) | |||
Lesnar returned on the January 6, 2020, episode of ''Raw'' to declare that no one deserved an opportunity at the WWE Championship at the ], so instead he would enter the Royal Rumble match as entrant number one.<ref name="Raw01062020">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/01/06/01-06-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-brock-lesnars-return-andrade-vs-rey-mysterio-for-the-u-s-championship-the-viking-raiders-vs-the-street-profits-vs-luke-gallows-and-karl-anderson-in-a/|title=01/06 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Brock Lesnar's return, Andrade vs. Rey Mysterio for the U.S. Championship, The Viking Raiders vs. The Street Profits vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson in a Triple Threat for the Raw Tag Titles, first show of 2020|date=January 6, 2020|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=January 7, 2020}}</ref> At the Royal Rumble on January 26, Lesnar eliminated the first thirteen competitors he faced, tying the record for most eliminations in a Royal Rumble match, before being eliminated by ], who won the match.<ref name="RR2020">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt vs. Daniel Bryan in a strap match for the WWE Universal Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Asuka for the Raw Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/01/26/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-the-fiend-bray-wyatt-vs-daniel-bryan-in-a-strap-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-becky-lynch-vs-asuka-for-th/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=January 26, 2020|date=January 26, 2020}}</ref> After retaining the championship against ] at ] on February 27,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/videos/brock-decimates-ricochet-wwe-super-showdown-2020-wwe-network-exclusive|title=Brock decimates Ricochet: WWE Super ShowDown 2020 (WWE Network Exclusive)|website=WWE|access-date=February 27, 2020}}</ref> Lesnar ultimately lost the WWE Championship to McIntyre in the main event of ] Part 2 (which was taped on March 25–26 and aired on April 5).<ref>{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Drew McIntyre def. Brock Lesnar to become the new WWE Champion|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-36/brock-lesnar-vs-drew-mcintyre-results|work=WWE|date=April 5, 2020|access-date=April 5, 2020}}</ref> This was his final appearance until 2021 – it was later reported by several sources that Lesnar was not under contract with WWE after the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=139201|title=Major, Major WWE Star Is Currently a Free Agent|work=PWInsider|first=Mike|last=Johnson|date=August 31, 2020|access-date=September 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/brock-lesnar-contract-expired-wwe-free-agent/|title=Brock Lesnar is Currently a Free Agent|work=Pro Wrestling Sheet|first=Ryan|last=Satin|author-link=Ryan Satin|date=August 31, 2020|access-date=September 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/08/reports-former-ufc-heavyweight-champion-brock-lesnar-a-free-agent|title=Reports: Former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar a free agent|work=]|publisher=]|date=August 31, 2020|access-date=September 1, 2020}}</ref> Lesnar confirmed in March 2022 that he had initially retired from professional wrestling after WrestleMania 36, until deciding to return in 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2022/03/brock-lesnar-explains-why-he-came-out-of-retirement-for-wwe-return-in-2021/|title=Brock Lesnar Explains Why He Came Out Of Retirement For WWE Return In 2021|author=Mutter, Eric|date=March 9, 2022|accessdate=April 21, 2022}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
:*Most Improved Wrestler (2002) | |||
:*Feud of the Year (2003, vs. Kurt Angle) | |||
:*Most Improved Wrestler (2003) | |||
:*Best Brawler (2003) | |||
==== Second return and feud with Roman Reigns (2021–2022) ==== | |||
*''']''' | |||
Lesnar, now sporting a cowboy/farmer look with a beard and ponytail, returned as a face at ] in August 2021 and confronted ] ] after Reigns' successful title defense against ].<ref name="SSlam2021">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. John Cena for the WWE Universal Championship, Bianca Belair vs. Sasha Banks for the Smackdown Women's Championship, Bobby Lashley vs. Goldberg for the WWE Championship, Edge vs. Seth Rollins, Nikki ASH vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley for the Raw Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/08/21/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-john-cena-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-bianca-belair-vs-sasha-banks-for-the-smackdown-womens-championship-bobby-lashley-vs-gold/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 21, 2021|access-date=August 21, 2021}}</ref> During the ], it was revealed that Lesnar had become a free agent, allowing him to appear on any brand.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|date=October 1, 2021|title=Brock Lesnar Will Not Be Drafted, Announces He Is A 'Free Agent'|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/brock-lesnar-will-not-be-drafted-announces-he-free-agent|access-date=October 3, 2021|work=Fightful}}</ref> He then primarily appeared on ], and he and Reigns faced each other for the title at ] on October 21, which Lesnar lost after interference from ].<ref name="CrownJewel2021">{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WWE Crown Jewel results: Powell's live review of Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks vs. Bianca Belair for the Smackdown Women's Championship, Big E vs. Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship, Edge vs. Seth Rollins in a Hell in a Cell match, Goldberg vs. Bobby Lashley in a No Holds Barred match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/21/wwe-crown-jewel-results-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-brock-lesnar-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-becky-lynch-vs-sasha-banks-vs-bianca-belair-for-the-smackdown-womens-championshi/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 21, 2021|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref> On the following episode of ''SmackDown'', he started a locker room-clearing brawl with Reigns, resulting in an indefinite suspension by on-air authority figure ], whom Lesnar attacked.<ref name="SmackDown10222021">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/22/10-22-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-becky-lynch-and-charlotte-flair-swapping-title-belts-the-coronation-of-xavier-woods-as-king-of-the-ring/|title=10/22 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair swapping title belts, the coronation of Xavier Woods as King of the Ring|date=October 22, 2021|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=October 25, 2021}}</ref> On the November 26 episode of ''SmackDown'', it was announced his suspension had been lifted.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=November 26, 2021|title=11/26 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of the Black Friday Battle Royal for a future shot at the WWE Universal Championship, Drew McIntyre and Jeff Hardy vs. Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss, Ridge Holland vs. Cesaro|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/26/11-26-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-black-friday-battle-royal-for-a-future-shot-at-the-wwe-universal-championship-drew-mcintyre-and-jeff-hardy-vs-happy-corbin-and-madca/|url-status=live|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127015258/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/26/11-26-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-black-friday-battle-royal-for-a-future-shot-at-the-wwe-universal-championship-drew-mcintyre-and-jeff-hardy-vs-happy-corbin-and-madca/ |archive-date=November 27, 2021 }}</ref> On the December 3 episode of ''SmackDown'', it was announced that Lesnar would once again face Reigns for the title, this time at the ] event.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=December 3, 2021|title=12/3 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE Universal Championship, Brock Lesnar's return, Sheamus vs. Cesaro, King Woods vs. Jey Uso, Sasha Banks vs. Shayna Baszler|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/12/03/12-3-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-sami-zayn-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-brock-lesnars-return-sheamus-vs-cesaro-king-woods-vs-jey-uso-sasha-ba/|url-status=live|access-date=December 3, 2021|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204033423/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/12/03/12-3-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-sami-zayn-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-brock-lesnars-return-sheamus-vs-cesaro-king-woods-vs-jey-uso-sasha-ba/ |archive-date=December 4, 2021 }}</ref> The match was canceled after Reigns contracted ], and Lesnar was instead added to Raw's WWE Championship match at the event to make it a fatal five-way match.<ref name="Day1">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Day 1 results: Powell's review of Big E vs. Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan for the Raw Women's Championship, The Usos vs. Kofi Kingston and King Woods for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Edge vs. The Miz|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/01/wwe-day-1-results-powells-review-of-big-e-vs-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-vs-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-championship-becky-lynch-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-raw-womens-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 1, 2022|access-date=January 1, 2022}}</ref> At Day 1 on January 1, 2022, Lesnar won his sixth WWE Championship, defeating ], ], ], and defending champion ], who he pinned.<ref name="Day1"/> On the following episode of ''Raw'', Lesnar reunited with his advocate Paul Heyman.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=January 3, 2022|title=1/3 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Brock Lesnar's first appearance as the new WWE Champion, Big E vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins in a four-way for a shot at the WWE Championship, Damian Priest vs. Dolph Ziggler for the U.S. Title, AJ Styles vs. Omos|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/03/1-3-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-brock-lesnars-first-appearance-as-the-new-wwe-champion-big-e-vs-bobby-lashley-vs-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-in-a-four-way-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-cha/|url-status=live|access-date=January 6, 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104010644/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/03/1-3-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-brock-lesnars-first-appearance-as-the-new-wwe-champion-big-e-vs-bobby-lashley-vs-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-in-a-four-way-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-cha/ |archive-date=January 4, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=January 3, 2022|title=WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2022/wwe-title-match|url-status=live|access-date=January 6, 2022|website=WWE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104044214/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2022/wwe-title-match |archive-date=January 4, 2022 }}</ref> | |||
:*] (2002) | |||
:*] (2002) | |||
:*] (2003, versus ]) | |||
:*] (2003, versus Kurt Angle; a 60-minute ] on '']'') | |||
:*PWI ranked him #'''1''' in the 2003 PWI 500 | |||
At ] on January 29, he lost the WWE Championship to Lashley due to Reigns' interference and Heyman's betrayal (who realigned with Reigns), ending his sixth reign at 29 days, however later that night, he entered the Royal Rumble match as the surprise 30th entrant and won the match by last eliminating ] and becoming the fourth person to win from the #30 spot (after ] in ], ] in ], and ] in ]). This made Lesnar the ninth two-time Rumble winner, after his first win in 2003, while also making him the first person to lose their world championship and then win the Rumble in the same night. Among the other multi-time Rumble winners, Lesnar also set a record for the longest time between Rumble wins at 19 years. He also set the record for the least amount of time spent in the Rumble before winning it, being in the match for 2 minutes and 30 seconds and beating ]'s ] record by 5 minutes and 7 seconds.<ref name="RR2022">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal Championship, Becky Lynch vs Doudrop for the Smackdown Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/29/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-for-the-wwe-championship-roman-reigns-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-universal-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 29, 2022|access-date=January 29, 2022}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Raw'', Lesnar revealed he would challenge Reigns for the Universal Championship at ], and was also scheduled to compete in the ] for the WWE Championship on February 19 at ].<ref name="Raw01312022">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=1/31 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble fallout show, Brock Lesnar chooses his WrestleMania opponent, Ronda Rousey and new WWE Champion Bobby Lashley appear, Kevin Owens vs. Austin Theory and Rey Mysterio vs. AJ Styles in Elimination Chamber match qualifiers|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/31/1-31-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-fallout-show-brock-lesnar-chooses-his-wrestlemania-opponent-ronda-rousey-and-new-wwe-champion-bobby-lashley-appear-kevin-owens-vs-au/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 31, 2022|access-date=January 31, 2022}}</ref> Lesnar won the match to win the title for a seventh time by single-handedly eliminating all other opponents (Seth "Freakin" Rollins, ], ], and ]), except Lashley, who was removed early in the match due to a ]. This also converted his Universal Championship match against Reigns at WrestleMania into a ].<ref name="EC2022">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of two Elimination Chamber matches, Roman Reigns vs. Goldberg for the WWE Universal Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Lita for the Raw Women's Championship, Ronda Rousey and Naomi vs. Charlotte Flair and Sonya Deville|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/02/19/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-two-elimination-chamber-matches-roman-reigns-vs-goldberg-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-becky-lynch-vs-lita-for-the-raw-womens-champ/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=February 19, 2022|access-date=February 19, 2022}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', their Winner Takes All match was then stipulated as a ] match. Lesnar lost the WWE Championship to Reigns in the unification match at the event on April 3.<ref name="WM38N2">{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WrestleMania 38 results: Powell's live review of night two with Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar for the Unified WWE Championship, RK-Bro vs. The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy for the Raw Tag Titles, Edge vs. AJ Styles, Johnny Knoxville vs. Sami Zayn in an Anything Goes match, Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory, Bobby Lashley vs. Omos|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/03/wrestlemania-38-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-roman-reigns-vs-brock-lesnar-for-the-unified-wwe-championship-rk-bro-vs-the-street-profits-vs-alpha-academy-for-the-raw-tag-titles/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 3, 2022|access-date=April 3, 2022}}</ref> On the June 17 episode of ''SmackDown'', Lesnar once again returned to confront and attack Reigns after he successfully defended the ] against Riddle, renewing their rivalry.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=June 17, 2022 |title=6/17 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of Mr. McMahon's appearance, Roman Reigns vs. Riddle for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Madcap Moss vs. Happy Corbin in a Last Laugh match, Raquel Rodriguez vs. Shayna Baszler in a Money in the Bank qualifier |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/17/6-17-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-mr-mcmahons-appearance-roman-reigns-vs-riddle-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-madcap-moss-vs-happy-corbin-in-a-last-l/ |access-date=October 11, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> This resulted in a ] being made for the title at ], with WWE billing it as the ultimate finale to the feud.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar (Last Man Standing Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/roman-reigns-vs-brock-lesnar |access-date=October 11, 2022 |website=WWE |language=en}}</ref> At the event on July 30, Lesnar failed to beat Reigns for the title after interference from The Usos and Heyman.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 30, 2022 |title=WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar in a Last Man Standing match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch for the Raw Women's Title, The Usos vs. The Street Profits for the Undisputed WWE Tag Titles, Liv Morgan vs. Ronda Rousey for the Smackdown Women's Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/07/30/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-brock-lesnar-in-a-last-man-standing-match-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-bianca-belair-vs-becky-lynch-for-the-raw-womens/ |access-date=October 11, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
==Personal information and trivia== | |||
] | |||
*Lesnar joined the ] at the age of 17. | |||
==== Various feuds (2022–2023) ==== | |||
*At one point before getting into pro wrestling Lesnar used to train with ] in a ] in Minnesota. Both men would eventually join WWF in 2000. | |||
On the October 10 episode of ''Raw'', Lesnar made a surprise return, attacking ] Bobby Lashley and injuring his shoulder before his scheduled title defense against Seth "Freakin" Rollins, resuming their feud.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 10, 2022 |title=10/10 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Bobby Lashley vs. Seth Rollins for the U.S. Title, Johnny Gargano vs. Austin Theory, The Bloodline appear, DX's 25th Anniversary celebration |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/10/10/10-10-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-bobby-lashley-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-u-s-title-johnny-gargano-vs-austin-theory-the-bloodline-appear-dxs-25th-anniversary-celebration/ |access-date=October 11, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> At ] on November 5, Lesnar defeated Lashley despite Lashley dominating the majority of the match.<ref name="CJ2022">{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WWE Crown Jewel results: Powell's live review of Roman Reigns vs. Logan Paul and Jake Paul for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley, Bianca Belair vs. Bayley in a Last Woman Standing match for the Raw Women's Championship, Braun Strowman vs. Omos, Drew McIntyre vs. Karrion Kross in a cage match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/11/05/wwe-crown-jewel-results-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-logan-paul-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-bianca-belair-vs-bayley-in-a-last-wom/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 5, 2022|access-date=November 5, 2022}}</ref> Lesnar's next appearance occurred on ] on January 23, 2023, where he caused Lashley to lose his United States Championship match.<ref name="RawIsXXX">{{cite news |last1=Brookhouse |first1=Brent |title=WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Sami Zayn earns Bloodline redemption, Brock Lesnar returns at Raw is XXX |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-sami-zayn-earns-bloodline-redemption-brock-lesnar-returns-at-raw-is-xxx/live/ |access-date=January 24, 2023 |work=] |date=January 23, 2023}}</ref> At the ], Lesnar entered the Royal Rumble match at #12 eliminating ], ] and ] before being eliminated by Lashley.<ref name="RR2023">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss for the Raw Women's Championship, Bray Wyatt vs. LA Knight in a Pitch Black match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/01/28/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-bianca-belair-vs-alexa-bliss-for-the-raw-women/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 28, 2023|access-date=January 28, 2023}}</ref> At ] on February 18, Lesnar lost to Lashley by disqualification after he hit Lashley with a low blow and attacked both the referee and Lashley ending their feud.<ref name="EC2023">{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley, two Elimination Chamber matches, Edge and Beth Phoenix vs. Rhea Ripley and Finn Balor|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/02/18/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-sami-zayn-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-two-elimination-chamber-matches-edg/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=February 18, 2023|access-date=February 19, 2023}}</ref> | |||
*In January ], Lesnar was arrested for receiving a "large amount of ]". The charges were later dropped when police found that the pills were really not steroids.<ref></ref> | |||
On the February 20 episode of ''Raw'', ] challenged Lesnar to a match at ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Russell |first1=Skylar |title=Omos Challenges Brock Lesnar To Match At WWE WrestleMania 39 |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/omos-challenges-brock-lesnar-match-wwe-wrestlemania-39 |website=Fightful |access-date=February 20, 2023}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', Lesnar appeared on the "VIP Lounge" with Omos' manager ]; Lesnar accepted the challenge, then proceeded to attack MVP with an ''F-5''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rosa |first1=Francisco |title=Brock Lesnar Accepts Omos' Challenge for WWE WrestleMania 39 Match |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10067050-brock-lesnar-accepts-omos-challenge-for-wwe-wrestlemania-39-match |website=] |access-date=February 27, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Brock Lesnar vs. Omos |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/39/brock-lesnar-and-omos-to-battle-at-wrestlemania-39 |website=] |access-date=February 27, 2023}}</ref> At the event, Lesnar defeated Omos.<ref name="WM39N2">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=4/2 WWE WRESTLEMANIA 39 – NIGHT 2: Keller's report on Reigns vs. Cody, Belair vs. Asuka, Gunther vs. Sheamus vs. McIntyre, Balor vs. Edge, Lesnar vs. Omos|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/04/02/4-2-wwe-wrestlemania-39-night-2-kellers-report-on-reigns-vs-cody-belair-vs-asuka-gunther-vs-sheamus-vs-mcintyre-balor-vs-edge-lesnar-vs-omos/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=April 2, 2023|access-date=April 3, 2023}}</ref> | |||
*Lesnar is the first ] graduate to win a World Championship. | |||
On the April 3, 2023, episode of ''Raw'', the day after Night 2 of WrestleMania 39, Triple H introduced Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, accompanied by Paul Heyman and ]. ] interrupted and challenged Reigns to a rematch, only for Reigns to decline. Rhodes then challenged Reigns and Sikoa to a tag team match later that night, and Reigns accepted under the condition that Rhodes' partner was someone who competed at WrestleMania 39 but also that person could not challenge Reigns for his title as long as Reigns was champion. Lesnar answered, with the latter stipulation not applying to him as he was already banned from challenging Reigns for the title following their match at SummerSlam in 2022. However, the match never occurred due to Lesnar suddenly assaulting Rhodes before the match could begin, thus turning ] for the first time since 2020.<ref name="Raw04032023">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=4/3 WWE Raw results: Keller's report on the fallout from WrestleMania 39 including Cody Rhodes's loss, Bad Bunny chokeslammed through table|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/04/03/4-3-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-the-fallout-from-wrestlemania-39-including-cody-rhodess-loss/|date=April 3, 2023|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404035637/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/04/03/4-3-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-the-fallout-from-wrestlemania-39-including-cody-rhodess-loss/|archive-date=April 4, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> It was later reported that Lesnar was mad due to his position on the WrestleMania card, as his match had opened Night 2 instead of being in a main event slot. Rhodes addressed the attack the following week and challenged Lesnar to a match at ].<ref name="Raw04102023">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=4/10 WWE Raw results: Keller's report on Lynch & Lita vs. Raquel & Morgan for tag titles, Cody-Lesnar fallout|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/04/10/4-10-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-lynch-lita-vs-raquel-morgan-for-tag-titles-cody-lesnar-fallout/|date=April 10, 2023|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411191000/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/04/10/4-10-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-lynch-lita-vs-raquel-morgan-for-tag-titles-cody-lesnar-fallout/|archive-date=April 11, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> On the April 17 episode, Rhodes appeared ready to fight despite not being medically cleared to compete. To keep Rhodes from fighting Lesnar that night, ] made the match for Backlash official.<ref name="Raw04172023">{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/04/17/4-17-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-theory-vs-lashley-miz-vs-seth-trish-explains-herself-lesnar-appears/|title=4/17 WWE Raw results: Keller's report on Theory vs. Lashley, Miz vs. Seth, Trish explains herself, Lesnar appears|date=April 17, 2023|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 17, 2023}}</ref> Lesnar lost to Rhodes at ],<ref>{{cite web|author= Alfred Konuwa|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2023/05/06/wwe-backlash-2023-results-cody-rhodes-bloodies-and-beats-brock-lesnar/ |title=WWE Backlash 2023 Results: Cody Rhodes Bloodies And Beats Brock Lesnar |website=forbes.com |date=May 6, 2023 |access-date=May 6, 2023}}</ref> defeated Rhodes at ] by submission,<ref>{{cite web|last=Miller|first=Gregory|title=Brock Lesnar def. Cody Rhodes|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2023/cody-rhodes-vs-brock-lesnar-results|work=]|date=May 27, 2023|access-date=May 27, 2023}}</ref> and lost to Rhodes again at ] to end their feud. After the final match, Lesnar hugged Rhodes and shook his hand.<ref name="SSlam2023">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso in Tribal Combat for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title, Asuka vs. Bianca Belair vs. Charlotte Flair for the WWE Women's Title, Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor for the World Heavyweight Title, Brock Lesnar vs. Cody Rhodes|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/05/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-jey-uso-in-tribal-combat-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-title-asuka-vs-bianca-belair-vs-charlotte-flair-for-the-wwe-womens-ti/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 5, 2023|access-date=August 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806084938/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/05/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-jey-uso-in-tribal-combat-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-title-asuka-vs-bianca-belair-vs-charlotte-flair-for-the-wwe-womens-ti/|archive-date=August 6, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
*At the end of a house show in Canada in 2003, Lesnar revealed that he had a surprise for the crowd, ], coming out to greet the fans. Martel put Lesnar over as a legitimate star by shaking hands with him. | |||
====Vince McMahon scandal and hiatus (2024–present)==== | |||
*In 2003 Lesnar was heavily rumoured to fight ] in a WWE pay per view event. It was supposed to be a Champion vs Champion ] which all was pushed by ], however it was said that Lewis backed out in the last minute. | |||
According to several reports, Lesnar was scheduled to make his return to WWE at the 2024 ] event as a participant in the ]. During the match, he would have been eliminated by ] as part of the build to a match against Mysterio at ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/127212-wwe-brock-lesnar-detalles-dominik-mysterio-elimination-chamber-2024|title=Brock Lesnar y Dominik Mysterio iban a trabajar juntos en WWE Elimination Chamber 2024|date=January 29, 2024|website=solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com}}</ref> However, a lawsuit was filed a few days before the Royal Rumble by Janel Grant, a former employee at ] between 2019 and 2022. Grant alleged that WWE co-founder ] had coerced her into a sexual relationship and, along with WWE executive ] and an unnamed WWE wrestler "who was also a former UFC fighter", ] her and repeatedly sexually assaulted her in 2020 and 2021. The unnamed talent was later identified by '']'' as Lesnar.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Safdar |first1=Khadeeja |title=Vince McMahon Accused of Sex Trafficking by WWE Staffer He Paid to Keep Quiet |url=https://www.wsj.com/business/vince-mcmahon-accused-of-sex-trafficking-by-wwe-staffer-he-paid-to-keep-quiet-0b19b21c |access-date=January 25, 2024 |url-access=subscription |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=January 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240125190915/https://www.wsj.com/business/vince-mcmahon-accused-of-sex-trafficking-by-wwe-staffer-he-paid-to-keep-quiet-0b19b21c |archive-date=January 25, 2024}}</ref> As a result of the lawsuit, he was removed from the Royal Rumble and replaced by ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/127204-bron-breakker-sustituyo-brock-lesnar-wwe-royal-rumble|title=Bron Breakker habría sustituido a Brock Lesnar en Royal Rumble|date=January 28, 2024|website=solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com}}</ref> It was later reported that he was removed from WWE's creative plans ahead of their ] event, despite originally being planned to have a match against ] ] at the event.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/127232-wwe-brock-lesnar-combate-descartado-wrestlemania-xl-gunther|title=Brock Lesnar iba a enfrentar a Gunther en WrestleMania XL|date=January 29, 2024|website=solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com}}</ref> In February, he was removed from the '']'' video game.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/127320-brock-lesnar-es-eliminado-de-wwe-supercard|title=Brock Lesnar es eliminado de WWE Supercard|date=February 2, 2024}}</ref> He would also be removed from the cover of '']''{{'}}s "40 Years of WrestleMania" edition, as well as the playable roster, only being accessible through the game's Showcase Mode.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/127441-brock-lesnar-eliminado-wwe-2k24-40-years-of-wrestlemania|title=Brock Lesnar es eliminado de la portada de WWE 2K24 40 Years of WrestleMania|date=February 6, 2024|accessdate=February 7, 2024|website=solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Straw |first=Mike |date=February 22, 2024 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Brock Lesnar's WWE 2K24 Status |url=https://insider-gaming.com/exclusive-brock-lesnars-wwe-2k24-status/ |access-date=March 3, 2024 |website=Insider Gaming |language=en-US}}</ref> He was also removed from the introduction video of WWE's weekly programming, with ] replacing him.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1443685-brock-lesnar-replaced-by-la-knight-in-wwes-then-now-forever-opening-video-package|title=Brock Lesnar Replaced By LA Knight In WWE's 'Then, Now, Forever' Opening Video Package|date=February 10, 2024|website=Wrestlezone}}</ref> | |||
== Professional wrestling style and persona == | |||
*Lesnar and ] are good friends in real life. | |||
]'' against ]]] | |||
Since Lesnar's debut, he was portrayed as a powerhouse athlete. He is often called by his nickname "The Beast Incarnate" or simply "The Beast". During his initial run when he was consistently main-eventing, WWE was in what is labeled by the company and fans as the "Ruthless Aggression Era". His go-to ] for his entire career has been a ]<ref>{{Cite web | title = King of the Ring 02 | work = thehistoryofwwe.com | access-date = July 19, 2018 | url = http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/kotr02review.htm | archive-date = July 17, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180717154059/http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/kotr02review.htm | url-status = dead }}</ref> known as the ''F-5'' (or ''The Verdict'' when he wrestled outside of WWE).<ref>{{Cite web | title = WWE WrestleMania 34 results, recap, grades: Ronda Rousey stuns, Brock Lesnar retains in shocker | work = CBSSports.com | date = April 9, 2018 | access-date = July 19, 2018 | url = https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-wrestlemania-34-results-recap-grades-ronda-rousey-stuns-brock-lesnar-retains-in-shocker/ | quote = ...after kicking out of four F5 finishers from Brock Lesnar... | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180410193608/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-wrestlemania-34-results-recap-grades-ronda-rousey-stuns-brock-lesnar-retains-in-shocker/ | archive-date = April 10, 2018 | url-status=live | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="blea_Broc">{{Cite web | title = Brock Lesnar: 7 Fun Facts About the Next Big Thing | last = Pavloski | first = Daine | work = Bleacher Report | date = February 22, 2013 | access-date = July 19, 2018 | url = https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1539978-brock-lesnar-7-fun-facts-about-the-next-big-thing#slide0 }}{{unreliable source?|date=July 2018}}</ref> After his return in 2012, Lesnar focused on an MMA-oriented gimmick, sporting MMA gloves during his matches and adding the ] as a submission hold.<ref name="prow_PROW">{{Cite web | title = Jim Ross remembers late WWE star Owen Hart, Brock Lesnar's finisher isn't new to pro wrestling, Ross's own role behind the scenes in WWE | author =Jason Powell | work = prowrestling.net | date = May 7, 2012 | access-date = July 19, 2018 | url = https://prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/Jim_Ross_remembers_late_WWE_star_Owen_Hart_Brock_Lesnar_s_finisher_isn_t_new_to_pro_wrestling_Ross_s_own_role_behind_the_scenes_in_WWE_printer.shtml }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | title = The Lesnar Effect: How Brock Has Led WWE to a New Era of Wrestling Legitimacy | last = Shoemaker | first = David | work = Grantland | date = July 16, 2015 | access-date = July 19, 2018 | url = http://grantland.com/the-triangle/wwe-battleground-ppv-brock-lesnar-divas-paige-legitimacy-john-cena-seth-rollins/ }}</ref> Lesnar is also known for performing several ]es (especially ]es) on his rivals, with these often being described as the opponent being taken to "Suplex City",<ref name="spor_WWEN">{{Cite web | title = WWE News: Paul Heyman reveals how "Suplex City" changed Brock Lesnar's career | author =Pratyay Ghosh| work = sportskeeda.com | date = September 11, 2017 | access-date = July 19, 2018 | url = https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/wwe-news-paul-heyman-reveals-how-suplex-city-changed-brock-lesnar-s-career }}{{unreliable source?|date=July 2018}}</ref> named after an ad-lib Lesnar delivered to ] during their ] match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2015/3/29/8310753/brock-lesnar-roman-reigns-wrestlemania-wwe-suplex-city-bitch|title=Brock Lesnar to Roman Reigns: 'Suplex City, b****'|access-date=July 30, 2018|date=March 30, 2015}}</ref> Lesnar has been managed by ] for the majority of his WWE career with Heyman being Lesnar's mouthpiece for storylines and feuds. | |||
Throughout the second half of the 2010s, Lesnar began to receive an increasing amount of criticism for his character and performances. Many reporters thought his Suplex City character "]" and his matches had "become formulaic".<ref name="foxs_5Rea">{{Cite web | title = 5 Reasons Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar Shouldn't Happen | work = Fox Sports | date = June 30, 2017 | access-date = July 19, 2018 | url = https://www.foxsports.com/wwe/story/5-reasons-goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-shouldn-t-happen-101416}}</ref><ref name="roll_WWE'">{{Cite magazine | title = WWE 'SummerSlam': Brock Lesnar Draws Blood in Brooklyn | last = Paez-Pumar | first = Luis | magazine = Rolling Stone | date = August 22, 2016| access-date = July 19, 2018 | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-sports/wwe-summerslam-brock-lesnar-draws-blood-in-brooklyn-251982/ }}</ref> He was largely criticized due to his absences from television during his time as Universal Champion. It was pointed out that he had the longest world championship reign since ], but only defended the title 13 times, all on ]s, with Tim Fiorvanti from ] commenting that he had "removed the top title on ''Monday Night Raw'' from circulation".<ref name="espn_It's">{{Cite web | title = It's time for WWE to move on from Brock Lesnar as Universal champion | author = Tim Fiorvanti | work = ESPN.com | date = June 1, 2018 | access-date = July 19, 2018 | url = http://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/23671357/wwe-brock-lesnar-lose-universal-championship}}</ref> The short length of his matches was also criticized by journalists and fans.<ref name="cbss_WWEf">{{Cite web | title = WWE fans furious after Brock Lesnar works 35-second match at Chicago live event | author =Jack Jorgensen | work = ]| date = March 4, 2018 | access-date = July 19, 2018 | url = https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-fans-furious-after-brock-lesnar-works-35-second-match-at-chicago-live-event/ }}</ref> Former WWE Champion ] criticized the fact that Lesnar used mostly suplexes during his matches, saying "it gets old to do the same thing over and over and over again".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/bob-backlund-criticizes-brock-lesnars-reliance-suplexes/|title=Bob Backlund Criticizes Brock Lesnar's Reliance On Suplexes|publisher=411Mania|first=Joseph|last=Lee|date=September 15, 2018|access-date=March 9, 2019}}</ref> | |||
*Lesnar has been on the cover of ].<ref></ref> | |||
== Professional football career == | |||
*In the Flex Magazine, Lesnar lifted a ] that weighted 300 lbs, with one arm. | |||
After his match with Goldberg at WrestleMania XX in March 2004, Lesnar sidelined his career in WWE to pursue a career in the ] (NFL) despite not playing football since ].<ref name="start NFL">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2004/03/16/384461.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209093142/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2004/03/16/384461.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 9, 2012|title=Lesnar talks about starting with the NFL|publisher=SLAM! Sports|access-date=April 26, 2007}}</ref> WWE issued this statement on their official website, WWE.com, following his departure: | |||
{{cquote|Brock Lesnar has made a personal decision to put his WWE career on hold to prepare to tryout for the National Football League this season. Brock has wrestled his entire professional career in the WWE and we are proud of his accomplishments and wish him the best in his new endeavor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/news/headlines/1257104|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040417010511/http://www.wwe.com/news/headlines/1257104|archive-date=April 17, 2004|title=Brock Lesnar opts to put WWE career on hold|publisher=WWE |access-date=April 21, 2007}}</ref>}} | |||
*Lesnar has one daughter, Mya Lynn who was born on ],], with his ex-fiancée, Nicole. He left Nicole in 2003 to begin a relationship with ]. Lesnar and Mero were engaged in 2004, separated in 2005, then reconciled later that year and married on ] ]. Lesnar has 1 step-child with Mero: Mariah, a step-daughter born to Mero and her late husband, Wayne Richardson. They divorced later in ]. | |||
Lesnar later told a Minnesota radio show that he had "three wonderful years" in WWE, but had grown unhappy and always wanted to play professional football, adding that he did not want to be 40 years old and wondering if he could have "made it" in football. In an interview about the NFL, he stated: | |||
*Lesnar has numerous ], with the most prominent being a stylized skull in the center of his back and a large sword on his chest, which he received following his debut in New Japan. | |||
{{cquote|This is no load of bull; it's no WWE stunt. I am dead serious about this. I ain't afraid of anything and I ain't afraid of anybody. I've been an underdog in athletics since I was five. I got zero college offers for wrestling. Now people say I can't play football, that it's a joke. I say I can. I'm as good an athlete as a lot of guys in the NFL, if not better. I've always had to fight for everything. I wasn't the best technician in amateur wrestling but I was strong, had great conditioning, and a hard head. Nobody could break me. As long as I have that, I don't give a damn what anybody else thinks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gambling911.com/Bruce-Lesnar-MMA-060307.html|title=Brock Lesnar Makes Name for Himself in MMA|access-date=April 4, 2008|publisher=gambling911.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209045054/http://www.gambling911.com/Bruce-Lesnar-MMA-060307.html|archive-date=December 9, 2007|df=mdy-all}}</ref>}} | |||
*The video game ] is named after Lesnar´s catch phrase (Here Comes The Pain). The name was taken from ], who usually said "Here Comes the Pain" when Lesnar would be entering the ring. Lesnar is also playable in the ] version of the video game ] in his New Japan look. | |||
Lesnar had a great showing at the ], but on April 17 a minivan collided with his motorbike and he suffered a broken jaw and left hand, a bruised pelvis and a pulled groin.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?id=1847645 |title=Vikings sign pro wrestling star Brock Lesnar|publisher=]|date=July 28, 2004|access-date=July 9, 2016|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709165536/http://espn.go.com/espn/wire?id=1847645|archive-date=July 9, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/brock-lesnar-involved-in-motorcycle-accident/|title=Brock Lesnar Involved In Motorcycle Accident |publisher=411mania.com|date=April 18, 2004|access-date=July 9, 2016|author=Ashish|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709165424/http://411mania.com/wrestling/brock-lesnar-involved-in-motorcycle-accident/|archive-date=July 9, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.twnpnews.com/messages2/11000/11047.shtml |title=Breaking News: Brock Lesnar Injured In Motorcycle Accident|publisher=twnpnews.com|date=April 18, 2004|access-date=July 9, 2016|author=Wilcutt, Keith|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709165423/https://www.twnpnews.com/messages2/11000/11047.shtml|archive-date=July 9, 2016}}</ref> Several NFL teams expressed interest in watching Lesnar work out.<ref name="kffl"/> The ] worked out Lesnar on June 11, but he was hampered by the groin injury suffered in the April motorcycle accident.<ref name="kffl"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.sltrib.com/story.php?ref=/sports/ci_2384374 |title=Vikings to give Lesnar shot at pros |publisher=archive.sltrib.com |work=] |date=August 2, 2004 |access-date=July 9, 2016 |author=Sansevere, bob |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709165804/http://archive.sltrib.com/story.php?ref=%2Fsports%2Fci_2384374 |archive-date=July 9, 2016 }}</ref> On July 24 it was reported that he was nearly recovered from his groin injury.<ref name="kffl"/> He signed with the Vikings on July 27 and played in several preseason games for the team.<ref name="NFL cut"/><ref name="kffl"/> He was released by the Vikings on August 30.<ref name="NFL cut"/><ref name="kffl">{{cite web|url=http://www.kffl.com/player/10461/nfl/news/brock-lesnar|title=Brock Lesnar|publisher=kffl.com|access-date=July 9, 2016|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709164047/http://www.kffl.com/player/10461/nfl/news/brock-lesnar|archive-date=July 9, 2016}}</ref> Lesnar received an invitation to play as a representative for the Vikings in ], but declined due to his desire to stay in the United States with his family.<ref name="NFL cut">{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=dm-102507lesnar|title=White banking on Lesnar's success|date=October 25, 2007|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|access-date=March 21, 2008|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022052729/http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=dm-102507lesnar|archive-date=October 22, 2012}}</ref> He had several ] produced of him during his time with the Vikings.<ref name="Cards">{{cite web|url=http://www.cardboardconnection.com/brock-lesnars-2004-minnesota-vikings-rookie-cards-among-hobbys-hidden-gems|title=Brock Lesnar's 2004 Minnesota Vikings Rookie Cards Among Hobby's Hidden Gems|publisher=cardboardconnection.com|date=July 26, 2010|access-date=July 9, 2016|author=Lewis, Brett|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709170705/http://www.cardboardconnection.com/brock-lesnars-2004-minnesota-vikings-rookie-cards-among-hobbys-hidden-gems|archive-date=July 9, 2016}}</ref> | |||
==References== | |||
<div class="references-small"> | |||
<references /> | |||
</div> | |||
== Mixed martial arts career == | |||
==External links== | |||
=== Hero's (2007) === | |||
* | |||
On April 29, 2006, after the final match of the '']'', Lesnar stated his intent to join ]'s ] league, ]. He trained with ] under Greg Nelson and ] Assistant Head wrestling coach Marty Morgan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Brock-Lesnar-17522|title=Brock Lesnar profile|publisher=Sherdog |access-date=March 21, 2008}}</ref> Lesnar signed the deal in August.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmaweekly.com/brock-lesnar-joins-k-1|title=Brock Lesnar joins K-1|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date= August 13, 2006|access-date=April 26, 2007}}</ref> His first fight was scheduled against ] of ] on June 2, 2007, at the '']'' show.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmaweekly.com/gracie-lesnar-at-l-a-coliseum-official-2|title=Gracie & Lesnar at L.A. Coliseum Official|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=MMAWeekly.com|access-date=April 26, 2007|date=March 23, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaringreport.com/other-event-news/other-event-news/rumble-in-the-cage-16-at-the-roadhouse-nite-club-3.html|title=Brock Lesnar Good to Go With Hero's|publisher=MMA Ring Report|access-date=April 26, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210051355/http://www.mmaringreport.com/other-event-news/other-event-news/rumble-in-the-cage-16-at-the-roadhouse-nite-club-3.html|archive-date=December 10, 2008}}</ref> Prior to the match, Choi was replaced by ]. Lesnar submitted Kim with strikes in 1:09 of the first round to win his first official MMA match.<ref name="MMA1">{{cite web|url=http://www.ugo.com/a/elitexc-june2/?cur=page1|title=Brock Lesnar vs. Min-soo Kim|access-date=March 22, 2008|publisher=UGO.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302160526/http://ugo.com/a/elitexc-june2/?cur=page1|archive-date=March 2, 2008}}</ref> | |||
* | |||
* | |||
=== Ultimate Fighting Championship (2008–2011) === | |||
==== Debut and UFC Heavyweight Champion ==== | |||
During '']'' on October 20, Lesnar joined ] with a one-fight contract.<ref name="411mania.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/MMA/news/61900/UFC-signs-former-WWE-star-Brock-Lesnar.htm |title=UFC signs former WWE star Brock Lesnar |publisher=411mania.com |access-date=October 20, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023065123/http://www.411mania.com/MMA/news/61900/UFC-signs-former-WWE-star-Brock-Lesnar.htm |archive-date=October 23, 2007 }}</ref><ref name=mmaf22>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/2/14/22933811/brock-lesnar-admits-probably-should-have-got-paid-more-ufc-compares-working-dana-white-vince-mcmahon|title=Brock Lesnar admits he 'probably should have got paid more' in UFC, compares working for Dana White and Vince McMahon|date=February 14, 2022|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Damon Martin}}</ref> On February 2, 2008, Lesnar made his debut with the promotion in an event titled '']'' against former ] ].<ref name="UFC 81">{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/nogueira-becomes-first-to-hold-ufc-pride-belts-11138 |title=Nogueira Becomes First to Hold UFC, PRIDE Belts|author=Mike Sloan|publisher=sherdog.com|date=February 3, 2008|access-date=February 3, 2008}}</ref> Due to his large hands,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2008/2/2/1425/66898 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213114954/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2008/2/2/1425/66898 |archive-date=February 13, 2023 |title=Brock Lesnar Needed 4XL Gloves |work=Wrestling Observer |publisher=Bloody Elbow |author=Dave Meltzer |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=February 2, 2008 |quote=Lesnar's hands are the largest for any combat sports athlete in the history of the state of Nevada. He needed 4XL gloves, and even they were slightly on the small size. The only fighter ever to wear 4XL gloves was South Korean giant Choi Hong-man, who is 7 ft 3 in and 367 pounds.|access-date=July 17, 2009}}</ref> Lesnar was wearing 4XL gloves for the fight, making him the second man in Nevada's combat sports history to wear such gloves, after ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=dm-ufcweighin020108&prov=yhoo&type=lgns|title=Lesnar, Mir ready to go|author=Dave Meltzer|publisher=yahoo.com|date=February 1, 2008|access-date=November 4, 2008}}</ref> Lesnar secured an early takedown and began landing numerous punches, but was docked a point after a punch hit Mir on the back of the head. He scored another takedown and continued landing ground and pound, before Mir secured a kneebar and forced a submission at 1:30 of the first round.<ref name="UFC 81"/> | |||
Despite losing his debut, he was offered a new contract and at '']'' on March 1, former UFC Heavyweight Champion and ] ] was announced to fight Lesnar at '']''.<ref name=mmaf22 /><ref name="UFC">{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news;_ylt=AjqDKujdafUNpjAWv905ZHs9Eo14?slug=dm-ufcbud022808&prov=yhoo&type=lgns|title=UFC lines up blue-chip sponsor|author=Dave Meltzer|publisher=yahoo.com|date=February 28, 2008|access-date=February 29, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503023058/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1335754751|archive-date=May 3, 2012}}</ref> Coleman withdrew from the fight due to an injury and was replaced by ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmaweekly.com/heath-herring-to-face-brock-lesnar-at-ufc-87-2|title=HEATH HERRING TO FACE BROCK LESNAR AT UFC 87|date=May 24, 2008|last=Pishna|first=Ken|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |access-date=May 27, 2008|publisher=MMAWeekly}}</ref> In the first round Lesnar scored an early knockdown and went on to dominate the fight winning via unanimous decision by 30–26 on all three judges' scorecards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=13945|title=Brock Star – Lesnar Dominates Herring; Florian Decisions Huerta|date=August 10, 2008|last=Gerbasi|first=Thomas|access-date=September 2, 2008|publisher=UFC|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080902084519/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=13945|archive-date=September 2, 2008}}</ref> | |||
Lesnar then faced ] for the ] at '']'' on November 15.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nodq.com/ufc/222389802.shtml|title=Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Couture|date=September 2, 2008|last=Spade|first=Bobby|access-date=September 2, 2008|publisher=NoDQ.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906152912/http://nodq.com/ufc/222389802.shtml|archive-date=September 6, 2008}}</ref> He denied Couture's takedown attempts and outstruck him on the feet, eventually knocking him down and landing ground and pound until he was awarded the technical knockout and UFC Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|first=Joe|last=Hall|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/lesnar-takes-coutures-title-15178|title=Lesnar Takes Couture's Title|work=Sherdog.com|date=November 16, 2008|access-date=February 10, 2009}}</ref> | |||
On December 27 at '']'', Frank Mir defeated ] for the Interim Heavyweight Championship and was to face Lesnar for the Undisputed UFC Heavyweight Championship at '']''. Immediately after winning the Interim Heavyweight title, Mir found Lesnar in the crowd and shouted, "You've got my belt". Due to a knee injury to Mir, the title unification match with Lesnar that was originally slated to be the ''UFC 98'' main event was postponed.<ref>{{cite web|first=Michael David|last=Smith|url=http://mma.fanhouse.com/2008/12/27/ufc-92-live-blog-antonio-rodrigo-nogueira-vs-frank-mir-round-b/|title=UFC 92 Live Blog: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Frank Mir Round-by-Round Updates|work=MMAFanHouse.com|date=December 27, 2008|access-date=February 10, 2009|archive-date=May 12, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090512154630/http://mma.fanhouse.com/2008/12/27/ufc-92-live-blog-antonio-rodrigo-nogueira-vs-frank-mir-round-b|url-status=dead}}</ref> Lesnar instead fought Mir at '']'' on July 11, 2009. Mir attempted to grab ahold of Lesnar's leg early in the fight but was denied and Lesnar held top position landing punches for the rest of the round. In the second the two traded blows but Mir hurt Lesnar with a knee and a punch, leading him to take Mir down and land heavy ground and pound winning the fight via technical knockout in round two. During his post-match celebration, Lesnar ] the crowd who had been booing him. Lesnar also made a disparaging comment about the pay-per-view's primary sponsor ], claiming they "won't pay me nothin{{' "}} and promoted ] instead. Lesnar later apologized for his remarks at the post-fight press conference, where he held a bottle of Bud Light and endorsed their product.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/video/player/mma/UFC/14458660;_ylt=AgbKYQFzkFC4DIBYyL7UqdA5nYcB|title=UFC 100: Lesnar and St-Pierre Post Fight PC|work=Yahoo Sports!|date=July 12, 2009|access-date=July 12, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503023058/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1335754751|archive-date=May 3, 2012}}</ref> | |||
On July 1 it was reported that the winner of the ] vs. ] fight at '']'' would face Lesnar, but the match was scrapped and Lesnar was scheduled to defend the title against Shane Carwin at '']'' on November 21.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/lesnar-carwin-to-headline-ufc-106-19217|title=Lesnar-Carwin to Headline UFC 106|publisher=Sherdog.com|access-date=October 31, 2011}}</ref> On October 2 Lesnar pulled out of his Carwin bout due to an illness. UFC President ] said Lesnar had been ill for three weeks, claiming he had never been this sick in his life and that it would take him a while to recover, therefore his fight with Carwin was rescheduled for '']'' on January 2, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://middleeasy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=879:brock-lesnar-cancels-his-ufc-106-fight-with-shane-carwin&catid=35:events&Itemid=1 |title=Brock Lesnar CANCELS his UFC 106 fight with Shane Carwin|access-date=July 5, 2010|publisher=middleeasy.com|date=October 26, 2009}}</ref> Lesnar initially sought treatment in Canada, but later told reporters that he had received "] treatment" at a hospital in ] and that seeking better treatment in the United States saved his life. Lesnar went on to criticize Canadian health care further and stated that he shared his experience to speak "on the behalf of the doctors in the United States that don't want ] to happen".<ref name="STARTRIBUNE.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/yourvoices/82274582.html|title=Brock Lesnar's next fight: Obamacare and Canadian health care|access-date=July 5, 2010|publisher=startribune.com|date=January 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124100809/http://www.startribune.com/yourvoices/82274582.html|archive-date=January 24, 2010}}</ref> | |||
On November 4 it was confirmed that Lesnar had ] and that his bout with Carwin would have to wait a bit longer and the fight for Lesnar's heavyweight championship was canceled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://middleeasy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=938:brock-lesnar-has-the-kissing-disease-out-of-ufc-108&catid=35:events&Itemid=1|title=Brock Lesnar has the kissing disease, out of UFC 108|access-date=July 5, 2010|publisher=middleeasy.com|date=November 4, 2009}}</ref> On November 14 at the '']'' post-fight conference, Dana White stated, "'s not well and he's not going to be getting well anytime soon" and that an interim title match might need to be set up.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/White-No-Return-in-Sight-for-Ill-Lesnar-20949|title=White: No Return in Sight for Ill Lesnar|work=sherdog.com|date=November 14, 2009|access-date=November 15, 2009|last=Savage|first=Greg}}</ref> In addition to mononucleosis, it was revealed that he had developed a serious case of ], an intestinal disorder, which required surgery.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/article/726440--lesnar-needs-surgery-ufc-boss-says|title=Lesnar needs surgery, UFC boss says|publisher=torontostar.com|access-date=November 16, 2009|location=Toronto|first=Cathal|last=Kelly|date=November 16, 2009}}</ref> After further diagnosis, Lesnar underwent surgery on November 16 to close a perforation in his intestine that had been leaking ] into his abdomen, causing pain, ]es and overtaxing his immune system to the point that he contracted mononucleosis. From the level of damage to Lesnar's system, the surgeon estimated that the intestinal condition had been ongoing for around a year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=dw-white111809|title=UFC boss faces biggest promotional test|access-date=July 5, 2010|publisher=sports.yahoo.com|date=November 18, 2009}}</ref> | |||
In January 2010, Lesnar revealed on ]'s '']'' that he was scheduled to make a return to the UFC in the summer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/17623/after-medical-miracle-champ-brock-lesnar-plans-summer-return-to-ufc-action.mma|title=After medical "miracle," champ Brock Lesnar plans summer return to UFC action|access-date=July 5, 2010|publisher=MMAJunkie.com|date=January 20, 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120526231113/http://mmajunkie.com/news/17623/after-medical-miracle-champ-brock-lesnar-plans-summer-return-to-ufc-action.mma|archive-date=May 26, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> A match between ] and ] took place on March 27 at '']'' to determine the Interim Heavyweight Champion and Lesnar's next opponent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/17624/white-says-lesnar-could-return-for-ufc-114-champ-welcomes-fight-with-stalker-mir.mma|title=White says Lesnar could return for UFC 114; champ welcomes fight with "stalker" Mir|access-date=July 5, 2010|publisher=MMAJunkie.com|date=January 20, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100507114556/http://mmajunkie.com/news/17624/white-says-lesnar-could-return-for-ufc-114-champ-welcomes-fight-with-stalker-mir.mma|archive-date=May 7, 2010}}</ref> ] defeated Mir via knockout in the first round, becoming the new Interim Champion. After the fight, Lesnar came into the ring and stated, "It was a good fight but he's wearing a belt that's a make-believe belt. I've got the real championship belt".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=79761|title=Main Card: Carwin Crushes Mir, Wins Interim Heavy Title|access-date=July 5, 2010|publisher=]|date=March 28, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100331140709/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=79761|archive-date=March 31, 2010}}</ref> Lesnar faced Carwin at ''] on July 3'' to unify the heavyweight titles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Lesnar-Carwin-Targeted-for-July-23507|title=Lesnar-Carwin Targeted for July|access-date=July 5, 2010|publisher=sherdog.com |date=March 28, 2010}}</ref> Early in the first round, Carwin knocked Lesnar down with heavy punches, and continued landing ground and pound throughout the round, opening a cut on Lesnar's eye. In the next round, Carwin was noticeably fatigued and Lesnar scored a takedown, attained full mount, then move into side-control and finish the fight with an arm-triangle choke. With the victory, Lesnar became the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion, earning his first Submission of the Night and giving Carwin his first loss. The win also tied a UFC record for most consecutive successful UFC Heavyweight Championship defenses. | |||
==== Title loss and first retirement ==== | |||
Lesnar's next defense was against undefeated top contender ] on October 23 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California at '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/07/09/brock-lesnar-vs-cain-velasquez-signed-for-ufc-121/|title=Brock Lesnar, Cain Velasquez Agree to Fight at UFC 121 |publisher=MMAFighting.com|date=July 9, 2010}}</ref> Dana White announced via ] that the UFC would bring back '']'' to hype the fight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2010/8/25/1650475/via-sportsnation-chat-w-dana|title=Brock Lesnar, Cain Velasquez UFC Primtime|publisher=MMAFighting.com|date=August 26, 2010|access-date=August 27, 2010|archive-date=August 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828104050/http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2010/8/25/1650475/via-sportsnation-chat-w-dana|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the first round, Lesnar scored a takedown and land some heavy knees but eventually succumbed to Velasquez's superior striking and was finished by technical knockout late in the round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdn.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-121-Results-amp-Live-Play-by-Play-27640|title=UFC 121 Results & Live Play-by-Play|access-date=October 27, 2010|publisher=sherdog.com|date=October 23, 2010}}</ref> | |||
Lesnar was advertised as a coach of '']'', opposite ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/22057/brock-lesnar-and-junior-dos-santos-named-the-ultimate-fighter-13-coaches.mma |title=Brock Lesnar and Junior Dos Santos named "The Ultimate Fighter 13" coaches |access-date=January 12, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120525211602/http://mmajunkie.com/news/22057/brock-lesnar-and-junior-dos-santos-named-the-ultimate-fighter-13-coaches.mma |archive-date=May 25, 2012 }}</ref> with the two expected to fight on June 11 at ],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmaweekly.com/brock-lesnar-vs-junior-dos-santos-at-june-ufc-ppv-no-interim-title-on-the-line|title=Brock Lesnar vs. Junior Dos Santos At June UFC PPV; No Interim Title on the Line|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=mmaweekly.com|date=January 11, 2011}}</ref> but he was struck with another bout of diverticulitis and had to withdraw from the fight on May 12.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmaweekly.com/brock-lesnar-fighting-diverticulitus-again-shane-carwin-steps-up|title=Brock Lesnar Fighting Diverticulitus Again; Shane Carwin Steps Up|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=May 12, 2011}}</ref> He was replaced by Shane Carwin, who ended up losing against dos Santos.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmaweekly.com/shane-carwin-quickly-accepts-opportunity-to-put-himself-back-in-title-contention|title=Shane Carwin Quickly Accepts Opportunity to Put Himself Back in Title Contention|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=May 12, 2011}}</ref> Lesnar underwent surgery on May 27 to help battle his problems with diverticulitis. Dana White said that he had a 12-inch piece of his colon removed.<ref name="MMAWeekly.com"/> | |||
In its May 2011 issue, ''ESPN''{{'s}} magazine published a story listing the highest-paid athlete based on base salary and earnings for the most recent calendar year or most recent season in 30 sports. Lesnar topped the list for MMA at $5.3 million, which included his reported bout salaries and estimated pay-per-view bonuses.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmaweekly.com/former-ufc-champ-brock-lesnar-is-mmas-top-dog-on-espn-30-highest-paid-athletes-list|title=Former UFC Champ Brock Lesnar is MMA's Top Dog on ESPN 30 Highest Paid Athletes List|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=April 20, 2011}}</ref> | |||
In the summer of 2011, Lesnar announced that he was returning to action, stating, "I feel like a new man. Healthy. Strong. I feel like I used to feel".<ref name="mmaweekly1">{{cite news|url=http://mmaweekly.com/brock-lesnar-declares-he-is-health-ready-to-reclaim-ufc-title|title=Brock Lesnar Declares He is Healthy, Ready to Reclaim UFC Title|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=August 18, 2011}}</ref> His return match was scheduled to be at '']'' on December 30 in Las Vegas against former Strikeforce heavyweight champion ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Martin|first=Damon|url=http://mmaweekly.com/brock-lesnar-faces-alistair-overeem-on-dec-30-in-las-vegas|title=Brock Lesnar Faces Alistair Overeem on Dec 30 in Las Vegas|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=September 6, 2011|access-date=March 7, 2012}}</ref> Lesnar attempted to takedown Overeem but was unable and ate heavy body shots to his surgically repaired stomach, eventually being finished with a liver kick and punches.<ref name=Wagenheim2>{{cite magazine|last=Wagenheim|first=Jeff|title=Lesnar's career-ending UFC 141 uncharacteristic of MMA legend|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jeff_wagenheim/12/31/ufc.141.lesnar/index.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119202928/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jeff_wagenheim/12/31/ufc.141.lesnar/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 19, 2013|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=March 7, 2012|date=December 31, 2011}}</ref><ref name=ESPNMMA1>{{cite news|title=Brock Lesnar retires after UFC 141 loss|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/7406718/brock-lesnar-retires-first-round-loss-alistair-overeem-ufc-141|access-date=March 7, 2012|newspaper=] Mixed Martial Arts|date=December 31, 2011|agency=]}}</ref> Lesnar then retired from MMA, mentioning his struggles with diverticulitis and saying "tonight was the last time you'll see me in the octagon".<ref name=Wagenheim2/><ref name=ESPNMMA1/> | |||
Speculation about a return to MMA lasted until March 24, 2015, when Lesnar revealed in an interview on ''SportsCenter'' that he had re-signed with WWE and officially closed the door on a return to MMA, even though he was offered a deal "ten times more" than what he had made previously in his MMA career. He further elaborated that, while he was training for months for a return to the UFC, he felt "physically great but something was lacking mentally".<ref name="AP15">{{cite web|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/e76f25a2b2e24642b34e723df90cc100/ex-ufc-champion-brock-lesnar-finally-rules-out-return-mma|title=Ex-UFC champion Brock Lesnar finally rules out return to MMA|publisher=]|last1=Beacham|first1=Greg|access-date=March 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325184838/http://www.bigstory.ap.org/article/e76f25a2b2e24642b34e723df90cc100/ex-ufc-champion-brock-lesnar-finally-rules-out-return-mma|archive-date=March 25, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_84057.shtml|title=WWE news: Huge Brock Lesnar Interview on ESPN SportsCenter – announces new deal with WWE, answers UFC question, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=March 24, 2015|access-date=March 25, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Lesnar added that " an older ] now, so makes smarter caveman decisions" and that he chose to sign with WWE instead of returning to MMA because he could "work part-time with ] pay".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/03/wwe-brock-lesnar-rules-out-ufc-wrestlemania|title=WWE champ Brock Lesnar announces that he's not going back to UFC|website=usatoday.com|publisher=Gannett Company|last1=Schwartz|first1=Nick|access-date=March 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329225641/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/03/wwe-brock-lesnar-rules-out-ufc-wrestlemania|archive-date=March 29, 2015|url-status=live|date=March 24, 2015}}</ref> | |||
=== Return to the UFC (2016–2018) === | |||
==== Fight against Mark Hunt ==== | |||
Though Lesnar said he was "closing the door on MMA" in March 2015,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Okamoto|first1=Brett|title=Brock Lesnar to return at UFC 200; opponent to be announced|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/15961833/brock-lesnar-return-ufc-200-fighter-yet-named|website=ESPN|access-date=June 4, 2015|date=June 4, 2015}}</ref> UFC announced on June 4, 2016, that he would return at ] on July 9.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Zucker|first1=Joseph|title=Brock Lesnar Will Fight at UFC 200 vs. Unnamed Opponent|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2644315-brock-lesnar-latest-news-rumors-and-speculation-on-fighters-potential-return|website=Bleacher Report|access-date=June 4, 2016|date=June 4, 2016}}</ref> WWE confirmed it had granted Lesnar "a one-off opportunity" to compete at UFC 200 before he returned to the company for SummerSlam on August 21.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brock Lesnar to compete at UFC 200 prior to return at major WWE event|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/brock-lesnar-compete-ufc-200-prior-return-major-wwe-event?sf27995709=1|website=WWE|access-date=June 5, 2016|date=June 5, 2016}}</ref> Lesnar dominated the first and third rounds, battering Hunt with ground and pound in the third to secure the unanimous decision win. He also was paid a UFC record $2.5 million purse.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gerbasi|first1=Thomas|title=Lesnar Victorious in Return to Octagon|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/brock-lesnar-wins-in-ufc-return-ufc-200-mark-hunt|publisher=UFC|access-date=July 9, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Fowlkes|first=Ben|title=UFC 200 results: Brock Lesnar's top game too much for heavy-handed Mark Hunt|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/07/ufc-200-results-brock-lesnars-top-game-too-much-for-heavy-handed-mark-hunt|website=MMAjunkie.com|access-date=July 9, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fightmetric.com/fight-details/83414cc83ec3f2ac|title=FightMetric LLC :.: The World's First Comprehensive MMA Statistics Provider|access-date=July 29, 2016}}</ref> This record was broken at '']'' by ], who was also the previous holder.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Conor-McGregor-to-Earn-363-Million-Nate-Diaz-362-Million-for-Headlining-Bout-at-UFC-202-110067|title=Conor McGregor to Earn $3 Million, Nate Diaz $2 Million for Headlining Bout at UFC 202|author=Tristen Critchfield|work=sherdog.com|date=August 20, 2016|access-date=November 22, 2016}}</ref> | |||
==== Suspension and second retirement ==== | |||
On July 15, 2016, Lesnar was notified of a potential anti-doping policy violation by the ] (USADA) stemming from an undisclosed banned substance in an out-of-competition sample collected on June 28.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/UFC-Statement-on-Brock-Lesnar-071516|title=UFC Statement on Brock Lesnar|access-date=November 22, 2016}}</ref> On July 19, a second test sample taken in-competition on July 9 was revealed as positive for the same banned substance discovered in the previous out-of-competition sample.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/UFC-Statement-on-Brock-Lesnar-071916|title=UFC Statement on Brock Lesnar|date=July 19, 2016|access-date=November 22, 2016}}</ref> On August 23, the ] (NSAC) confirmed that Lesnar had twice been tested positive for ] and was suspended.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Brock-Lesnar-Receives-Temporary-Suspension-for-Failed-Drug-Tests-at-UFC-200-110143|title=Brock Lesnar Receives Temporary Suspension for Failed Drug Tests at UFC 200|date=August 23, 2016|access-date=November 22, 2016}}</ref> | |||
On December 15, it was confirmed that Lesnar was fined $250,000 and suspended from competition for one year by the NSAC. He would be eligible to return in July 2017. As a result of the suspension, the result of his fight with Mark Hunt was overturned to a no contest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/12/15/13972106/brock-lesnar-suspended-for-one-year-fined-250000-for-failed-ufc-200|title=Brock Lesnar suspended one year, fined $250,000|last=Al-Shatti|first=Shaun|date=December 15, 2016|website=MMA Fighting|access-date=December 16, 2016}}</ref> As of January 2019, Lesnar has yet to pay the fine.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/brock-lesnar-has-yet-to-pay-quarter-million-dollar-fine-in-nevada|title=Brock Lesnar Has Yet to Pay Quarter-Million-Dollar Fine in Nevada|publisher=mmaweekly.com|date=January 5, 2019|author=Ken Pishna|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos }}</ref> | |||
On February 14, 2017, it was reported that Lesnar had notified UFC he was retiring from MMA for the second time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2017/2/14/14613038/brock-lesnar-notifies-ufc-of-his-retirement-from-mma|title=Brock Lesnar notifies UFC of his retirement from MMA|last=Raimondi|first=Marc|date=February 14, 2017|website=MMA Fighting|access-date=February 15, 2017}}</ref> On July 7, 2018, Lesnar stormed the cage after the main event fight at '']'' and challenged the new ], ].<ref name =UFCreturn>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/universal-champion-brock-lesnar-ufc-champion-daniel-cormier-fight-ufc-226|title=Universal Champion Brock Lesnar to challenge UFC Champion Daniel Cormier|work=WWE|access-date=July 8, 2018|language=en}}</ref> On July 8, USADA confirmed that Lesnar had begun the process to get back into their drug-testing pool.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/7/8/17545460/usada-confirms-brock-lesnar-has-begun-process-to-get-back-in-drug-testing-pool|title=USADA confirms Brock Lesnar has begun process to get back in drug-testing pool|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=July 8, 2018}}</ref> UFC officials were reportedly targeting a bout between Lesnar and Daniel Cormier for the UFC Heavyweight Championship but Dana White claimed Lesnar told him he was "done" with MMA and the bout ultimately did not occur.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2019/4/4/18295212/brock-lesnar-vs-daniel-cormier-not-signed-current-plan-ufc-title-fight-august-mma|title=Brock Lesnar vs Daniel Cormier not signed, but current plan is UFC title fight in August|last=Holland|first=Jesse|date=April 4, 2019|website=MMAmania.com|access-date=April 4, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2019/06/dana-white-confirms-brock-lesnar-is-done-with-ufc-655030/ | title=Dana White Confirms Brock Lesnar is "Done" with UFC| date=June 9, 2019}}</ref> | |||
In September 2020, White said he could organize a fight between Lesnar and ] if both men wanted it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.insider.com/dana-white-open-to-jon-jones-brock-lesnar-super-fight-2020-9|title=A Jon Jones vs. Brock Lesnar super-fight could happen in the UFC if both fighters wanted it, Dana White said|first=Alan|last=Dawson|website=Insider}}</ref> That same month, ] president ] expressed interest in booking Lesnar to fight ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lowkickmma.com/bellator-want-to-sign-brock-lesnar-to-fight-fedor-emelianenko/|title=Bellator Want To Sign Brock Lesnar To Fight Fedor Emelianenko|first=Jordan|last=Ellis|date=September 1, 2020}}</ref> Lesnar did not respond to either man's comments, and once again confirmed in March 2022 that he would stay retired.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2022/3/7/22966131/brock-lesnar-talks-ufc-return-too-old-wwe-superstar-mma-vs-pro-wrestling-news|title='I'm too old' - Brock Lesnar done with UFC, resigned to being just a WWE superstar}}</ref> | |||
== Other media == | |||
In 2003, ] released a ] chronicling Lesnar's career entitled ''Brock Lesnar: Here Comes the Pain''. It was re-released in 2012 as a three-disc DVD and two-disc ] collector's edition to tie in with Lesnar's WWE return. It was also expanded to include new matches and interviews. In 2016, a new home video was released on DVD and Blu-ray, as well as a collector's edition, called ''Brock Lesnar: Eat. Sleep. Conquer. Repeat.'' and includes accomplishments from his second run in WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/brock-lesnar-eat-sleep-conquer-repeat-blu-ray-collectors-set?sf39005921=1|title=Get the Brock Lesnar "Eat. Sleep. Conquer. Repeat." Blu-ray & DVD collector's set now|date=September 26, 2016|publisher=].com|access-date=October 25, 2016}}</ref> | |||
Lesnar was featured on the covers of '']'' and '']'' magazine in 2004<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.getbig.com/magazine/flex/flex0402.htm |title=Flex Magazine summary (February 2004)|publisher=GetBig.com |access-date=April 26, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.muscleandfitness.com/newsstand/55|title=On Newsstands Now|access-date=March 21, 2008|publisher=Muscle and Fitness online|archive-date=December 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228005044/http://www.muscleandfitness.com/newsstand/55|url-status=dead}}</ref> and Minneapolis' '']'' in 2008.<ref name="city pages">{{cite web|url=http://www.citypages.com/2008-02-06/news/the-real-brock-lesnar/|title=The Real Brock Lesnar|last=Snyder|first=Matt|publisher=City Pages|date=February 6, 2008|access-date=June 4, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110324193936/http://www.citypages.com/2008-02-06/news/the-real-brock-lesnar/|archive-date=March 24, 2011}}</ref> He is the cover athlete for the '']'', '']'' and '']'' video games.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Rafferty|first=Scott|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-sports/brock-lesnar-revealed-as-wwe-2k17-cover-star-85399/|title=Brock Lesnar Revealed as 'WWE 2K17' Cover Star|date=June 27, 2016|access-date=August 27, 2018|magazine=]}}</ref> | |||
In 2009, Lesnar signed an ] deal with Dymatize Nutrition. A ] containing footage of Lesnar training was included with Dymatize's "Xpand" product.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmawaves.com/2009/06/05/brock-lesnar-training-footage-inside-dymatize-nutrition-products/|title=Brock Lesnar Training Footage Inside Dymatize Nutrition Products|publisher=MMAWaves.com|access-date=July 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091031205836/http://mmawaves.com/2009/06/05/brock-lesnar-training-footage-inside-dymatize-nutrition-products/|archive-date=October 31, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
Lesnar co-wrote an ] with Paul Heyman, titled ''Death Clutch: My Story of Determination, Domination, and Survival'', which was published by ] in 2011.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/more-sports/2011/06/03/brock-lesnarqa|title=Q&A: Brock Lesnar on his recovery, WWE vs. UFC, marriage and more|date=June 3, 2011|access-date=August 27, 2018|magazine=]}}</ref> | |||
In a 2013 post on his blog, '']'' author ] revealed that he drew inspiration from Lesnar for the character of the Armored Titan.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Isayama|first1=Hajime|title=アクセス数がすごい!|url=http://blog.livedoor.jp/isayamahazime/archives/7834288.html|website=現在進行中の黒歴史|publisher=Hajime Isayama|access-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518192043/http://blog.livedoor.jp/isayamahazime/archives/7834288.html|archive-date=May 18, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
== Personal life == | |||
{{Quote box | |||
|quote="It's very basic for me. When I go home, I don't buy into any of the bullshit. Like I said, it's pretty basic: Train, sleep, family, fight. It's my life. I like it. I just don't put myself out there to the fans and prostitute my private life to everybody. In today's day and age, with the Internet and cameras and cell phones, I just like being old school and living in the woods and living my life. I came from nothing, and at any moment, you can go back to having nothing." | |||
|source={{mdash}} Lesnar on his private life, 2010<ref name="Iole">{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ki-lesnar102210|title=Lesnar separates public from private|date=October 22, 2010|author=Kevin Iole|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306162010/http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ki-lesnar102210|archive-date=March 6, 2016}}</ref> | |||
|align=right | |||
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}} | |||
Lesnar married fellow WWE performer Rena Greek, better known as ], on May 6, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lovetripper.com/newswire/61153-sable.html|title=Sable and Brock Lesnar's Wedding|publisher=Love Tripper|access-date=May 7, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724013504/http://www.lovetripper.com/newswire/61153-sable.html|archive-date=July 24, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> They relocated in 2014 to Canada, where they reside on a farm in ].<ref>. Retrieved June 7, 2016.</ref> Together, they have two sons named Turk (born 2009) and Duke (born 2010), both of whom play ice hockey.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://heymanhustle.craveonline.com/blogs/21006-brock-lesnar-craves-ultimate-vengeance|title=Brock Lesnar Craves Ultimate Vengeance|access-date=July 13, 2009|publisher=CRAVEONLINE|date=July 10, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713013251/http://heymanhustle.craveonline.com/blogs/21006-brock-lesnar-craves-ultimate-vengeance|archive-date=July 13, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ki-lesnar012511|title=Reclusive Lesnar is alive and well|access-date=January 31, 2011|publisher=Yahoo! sports|date=January 25, 2011}}</ref> With his former fiancée, Nicole McClain, Lesnar also has twins who were born in 2002: a daughter named ], who competes in ],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/SunDevilTFXC/status/1197967990219792385|title=Mya Lesnar is a Minnesota state champion, the sixth-best shot-putter in the country and a future Sun Devil! Welcome to the #SunDevilFamily! #ForksUppic.twitter.com/OAH7NySPF6|date=November 22, 2019|access-date=December 19, 2019}}</ref> and a son named Luke, who also plays ice hockey.<ref>{{cite news|date=February 10, 2016|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/16001686/brock-lesnar-reflects-decision-fight-ufc-200/|title=Brock Lesnar and his family|newspaper=Espn.com |access-date=February 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608131041/http://espn.go.com/mma/story/_/id/16001686/brock-lesnar-reflects-decision-fight-ufc-200/|archive-date=June 8, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> He is also the stepfather of Greek's daughter with her first husband.<ref name="deathclutch"/> | |||
Lesnar is an intensely private individual who has expressed his disdain for the media; he rarely participates in interviews and avoids questions pertaining to his private life.<ref name="Iole"/> He is a supporter of the ]<ref name="STARTRIBUNE.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2010/10/brock-lesnar-cain-velasquez-ufc.html|title=Brock Lesnar skirts immigration issue in conference call with Cain Velasquez|access-date=November 4, 2015|work=]|date=October 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017094115/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2010/10/brock-lesnar-cain-velasquez-ufc.html|archive-date=October 17, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> and a member of the ] (NRA).<ref>{{cite web |title=UFC's Brock Lesnar on Hunting |url=https://www.americanhunter.org/content/ufc-s-brock-lesnar-on-hunting/ |website=American Hunter |publisher=National Rifle Association of America |access-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627175839/https://www.americanhunter.org/content/ufc-s-brock-lesnar-on-hunting/ |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |language=en-US |date=October 4, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> He made an appearance at the NRA's annual meeting in May 2011 to discuss his passion for hunting and his role as a spokesman for the Fusion Ammunition company.<ref>Archived at {{cbignore}} and the {{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmJx05X3RlU|title=Brock Lesnar at the 2011 NRA Annual Meetings|access-date=November 4, 2015|publisher=]|date=May 9, 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ammoland.com/2011/04/brock-lesnar-coming-to-federal-premium-booth-at-2011-nra-annual-meetings/#axzz3qVTWwizD|title=Brock Lesnar Coming to Federal Premium Booth at 2011 NRA Annual Meetings|access-date=November 4, 2015|publisher=AmmoLand.com|date=April 21, 2011|archive-date=January 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114180951/https://www.ammoland.com/2011/04/brock-lesnar-coming-to-federal-premium-booth-at-2011-nra-annual-meetings/#axzz3qVTWwizD|url-status=dead}}</ref> He is a fan of the ] ice hockey team<ref>{{cite tweet|user=NHLJets|author=Winnipeg Jets|number=818676955474063360|date=January 10, 2017|title="Not too long after I was announced, he scored, so thanks Buff!" @BrockLesnar joined JetsTV for a quick interview...}}</ref> and the ] Canadian football team.<ref>{{Citation|title=Brock lesnar a Saskatchewan Roughriders fan| date=November 18, 2013 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9sAfgetm-4|language=en|access-date=February 5, 2022}}</ref> | |||
Lesnar developed addictions to alcohol and painkillers during his first run in WWE, later claiming that he would drink a bottle of ] per day and take hundreds of ] pills per month to manage the pain caused by wear and tear on his body.<ref name="deathclutch"/> He cited the incident in which he botched a ] at ] and landed on the top of his head as a primary source of pain.<ref name="deathclutch"/> As a result of the addiction and mental exhaustion, he says that he cannot remember the entire two years that made up his first WWE tenure.<ref name="deathclutch"/><ref>Lesnar discussed this on an '']'' episode which aired on October 21, 2008.</ref> | |||
== Legal issues == | |||
In January 2001, Lesnar was arrested in ], for suspicion of possessing large amounts of illegal substances. The charges were dropped when it was discovered that the substances were legal hormones. His lawyer described it as a "] type of thing".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thesmokinggun.com/mugshots/celebrity/sports/brock-lesnar|title=Brock Lesnar arrested in January 2001|publisher=The Smoking Gun |access-date=April 26, 2007}}</ref> | |||
Lesnar had previously signed a ] in order to be released from his contract with WWE, which prohibited him from working for any other professional wrestling companies before June 2010. He challenged this ruling in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/02/12/929079.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525024735/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/02/12/929079.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 25, 2015|title=Brock taking WWE to court|publisher=SLAM! Sports|access-date=April 27, 2007}}</ref> WWE responded with a ] after Lesnar breached the agreement by appearing at a New Japan Pro-Wrestling show in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/24184/WWE-Responds-To-Brock-Lesnars-Lawsuit.htm|title=WWE Responds To Brock Lesnar's Lawsuit|publisher=411Mania|access-date=April 27, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926233054/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/24184/WWE-Responds-To-Brock-Lesnars-Lawsuit.htm|archive-date=September 26, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> In July 2005, the two sides dropped their claims and entered negotiations to renew their relationship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/07/06/1119803.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716051052/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/07/06/1119803.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 16, 2012|title=WWE cuts more while negotiating with Lesnar|publisher=SLAM! Sports|access-date=April 27, 2007}}</ref> WWE had offered Lesnar a contract, but on August 2, their official website reported that Lesnar had withdrawn from any involvement with the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/08/02/1156700.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716010831/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/08/02/1156700.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 16, 2012|title=Brock says no to contract|publisher=SLAM! Sports|access-date=April 27, 2007}}</ref> The lawsuit began to enter ] talks on September 21, but did not get solved.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/25343/Update-On-The-Brock-Lesnar-Vs.-WWE-Lawsuit.htm|title=Update On The Brock Lesnar Vs. WWE Lawsuit|publisher=411Mania|access-date=April 27, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030102512/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/25343/Update-On-The-Brock-Lesnar-Vs.-WWE-Lawsuit.htm|archive-date=October 30, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/25835/WWE-Files-Restraining-Order-Against-Brock-Lesnar.htm|title=WWE Files Restraining Order Against Brock Lesnar|publisher=411Mania|access-date=April 27, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071007073257/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/25835/WWE-Files-Restraining-Order-Against-Brock-Lesnar.htm|archive-date=October 7, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
On January 14, 2006, Judge Christopher Droney stated that unless WWE gave him a good argument between then and the 25th, he would rule in favor of Lesnar, giving him a ]. This would have enabled Lesnar to work anywhere immediately.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/36937/WWE-News:-Brock,-Tenta,-Oleg,-More.htm|title=WWE News: Brock, Tenta, Oleg, More|publisher=411Mania|access-date=April 27, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926233846/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/36937/WWE-News:-Brock,-Tenta,-Oleg,-More.htm|archive-date=September 26, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> WWE was later granted a deadline postponement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestling.com/news.php?id=16880/articles/news|title=WWE's Lawsuit Against Lesnar Delayed|publisher=Wrestling Observer (via ProWrestling.com)|access-date=April 27, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928004522/http://www.prowrestling.com/news.php?id=16880%2Farticles%2Fnews|archive-date=September 28, 2007}}</ref> On April 24, both parties reached a settlement. On June 12, a federal judge dismissed the case at the request of both legal parties.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/lesnarwwesettle|title=Brock Lesnar and WWE settle lawsuit|publisher=WWE.com|access-date=April 26, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030221151/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/lesnarwwesettle|archive-date=October 30, 2007}}</ref> | |||
On December 15, 2011, Lesnar was charged with hunting infractions on a trip to ] on November 19, 2010. Two charges were dropped, but Lesnar ]ded guilty to the charge of improper tagging of an animal. He was ] $1,725 and given a six-month hunting suspension.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/more-sports/ufc-fighter-brock-lesnar-pleads-guilty-to-alberta-hunting-charge/article4247873/|title=UFC fighter Brock Lesnar pleads guilty to Alberta hunting charge|work=Globe and Mail|location=Canada|date=December 20, 2011|access-date=January 9, 2012}}</ref> | |||
== Filmography == | |||
{|class="wikitable sortable" | |||
! colspan=4 style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Film | |||
|- | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" | Year | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" | Title | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" | Role | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" | Notes | |||
|- | |||
| rowspan="2"| 2014 | |||
| ''True Giants'' | |||
| Himself | |||
| Film debut | |||
|- | |||
| '']'' | |||
| Wrestler | |||
| Cameo <br/> Uncredited | |||
|- | |||
| 2016 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| Himself | |||
| Uncredited | |||
|} | |||
{|class="wikitable sortable" | |||
! colspan=4 style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Television | |||
|- | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" | Year | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" | Title | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" | Role | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" | Notes | |||
|- | |||
| 2008 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| rowspan= "9"|Himself | |||
| October 21 | |||
|- | |||
| 2009–2010 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| 3 episodes | |||
|- | |||
| 2010 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| Episode: Lesnar vs. Velasquez | |||
|- | |||
| rowspan="2"| 2011 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| January 14 | |||
|- | |||
| '']'' | |||
| March 28 (season 3, episode 49) | |||
|- | |||
| 2012 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| February 21 (season 20, episode 93) | |||
|- | |||
| rowspan="3"| 2016 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| August 18 | |||
|- | |||
| '']'' | |||
| February 16 (season 38, episode 47) | |||
|- | |||
| '']'' | |||
| July 3 (Season 5, Episode 520) | |||
|} | |||
== Video games == | |||
{| class="wikitable sortable" | |||
|- style="text-align:center;" | |||
! colspan=4 style="background:#B0C4DE;" | WWE video games | |||
|- style="text-align:center;" | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" | Year | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" | Title | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" | Notes | |||
|- | |||
| 2002 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| Video game debut <br/> Cover athlete (] version) | |||
|- | |||
| rowspan="4"| 2003 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| '']'' | |||
| Cover athlete | |||
|- | |||
| 2011 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| 2012 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| 2013 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| 2014 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| ] (Next-gen & PC) | |||
|- | |||
| 2015 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| Motion capture (Next-gen & PC) | |||
|- | |||
| 2016 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| Motion capture (Next-gen & PC) <br/> Cover athlete | |||
|- | |||
| 2017 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| Motion capture | |||
|- | |||
| 2018 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| Motion capture | |||
|- | |||
| 2019 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| Motion capture | |||
|- | |||
| 2020 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| 2022 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| 2023 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| 2024 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| Wrestlemania Showcase only | |||
|} | |||
{| class="wikitable sortable" | |||
|- style="text-align:center;" | |||
! colspan=4 style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Madden NFL Video games | |||
|- style="text-align:center;" | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" | Year | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" | Title | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" | Notes | |||
|- | |||
| 2005 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| First appearance in a non-wrestling video game, appears as a defensive tackle free agent with a 69 overall rating | |||
|} | |||
{| class="wikitable sortable" | |||
|- style="text-align:center;" | |||
! colspan=4 style="background:#B0C4DE;" | UFC Video games | |||
|- style="text-align:center;" | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" | Year | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" | Title | |||
! style="background:#ccc;" | Notes | |||
|- | |||
| 2009 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| 2010 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| Cover athlete | |||
|- | |||
| 2012 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
| 2014 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| DLC | |||
|- | |||
| 2020 | |||
| '']'' | |||
| DLC | |||
|} | |||
== Mixed martial arts record == | |||
{{MMArecordbox | |||
|draws= | |||
|nc=1 | |||
|ko-wins=3 | |||
|ko-losses=2 | |||
|sub-wins=1 | |||
|sub-losses=1 | |||
|dec-wins=1 | |||
|dec-losses= | |||
|dq-wins= | |||
|dq-losses= | |||
|other-wins= | |||
|other-losses= | |||
}} | |||
{{MMA record start}} | |||
|- | |||
|{{nocontest}}NC | |||
|align=center|{{nowrap|5–3 (1)}} | |||
|] | |||
|NC (overturned by NSAC) | |||
|] | |||
|{{dts|2016|July|9|format=mdy}} | |||
|align=center|3 | |||
|align=center|5:00 | |||
|], United States | |||
|{{small|Originally a unanimous decision win for Lesnar; overturned after he tested positive for ].}} | |||
|- | |||
|{{no2}}Loss | |||
|align=center|5–3 | |||
|] | |||
|TKO (kick to the body and punches) | |||
|] | |||
|{{dts|2011|December|30|format=mdy}} | |||
|align=center|1 | |||
|align=center|2:26 | |||
|], United States | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
|{{no2}}Loss | |||
|align=center|5–2 | |||
|] | |||
|TKO (punches) | |||
|] | |||
|{{dts|2010|October|23|format=mdy}} | |||
|align=center|1 | |||
|align=center|4:12 | |||
|], United States | |||
|{{small|Lost the ].}} | |||
|- | |||
|{{yes2}}Win | |||
|align=center|5–1 | |||
|] | |||
|Submission (arm-triangle choke) | |||
|] | |||
|{{dts|2010|July|3|format=mdy}} | |||
|align=center|2 | |||
|align=center|2:19 | |||
|], United States | |||
|{{small|Defended and unified the ]. Submission of the Night.}} | |||
|- | |||
|{{yes2}}Win | |||
|align=center|4–1 | |||
|] | |||
|TKO (punches) | |||
|] | |||
|{{dts|2009|July|11|format=mdy}} | |||
|align=center|2 | |||
|align=center|1:48 | |||
|], United States | |||
|{{small|Defended and unified the ].}} | |||
|- | |||
|{{yes2}}Win | |||
|align=center|3–1 | |||
|] | |||
|TKO (punches) | |||
|] | |||
|{{dts|2008|November|15|format=mdy}} | |||
|align=center|2 | |||
|align=center|3:07 | |||
|], United States | |||
|{{small|Won the ].}} | |||
|- | |||
|{{yes2}}Win | |||
|align=center|2–1 | |||
|] | |||
|Decision (unanimous) | |||
|] | |||
|{{dts|2008|August|9|format=mdy}} | |||
|align=center|3 | |||
|align=center|5:00 | |||
|], United States | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
|{{no2}}Loss | |||
|align=center|1–1 | |||
|] | |||
|Submission (kneebar) | |||
|] | |||
|{{dts|2008|February|2|format=mdy}} | |||
|align=center|1 | |||
|align=center|1:30 | |||
|], United States | |||
|{{small|Lesnar was deducted one point due to landing a blow to the back of Mir's head.}} | |||
|- | |||
|{{yes2}}Win | |||
|align=center|1–0 | |||
|] | |||
|TKO (submission to punches)<!--PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THIS AS THIS IS THE OFFICIAL RESULT LISTED BY SHERDOG--> | |||
|] | |||
|{{dts|2007|June|2|format=mdy}} | |||
|align=center|1 | |||
|align=center|1:09 | |||
|], United States | |||
| | |||
{{end}} | |||
== Pay-per-view bouts == | |||
=== Mixed martial arts === | |||
{|class="wikitable sortable" | |||
! No. | |||
! Event | |||
! Fight | |||
! Date | |||
! Venue | |||
! City | |||
! PPV buys | |||
|- | |||
|1. | |||
|] | |||
|'''Lesnar''' vs. '''Min-soo''' | |||
|June 2, 2007 | |||
|] | |||
|], ], U.S. | |||
|35,000 | |||
|- | |||
|2. | |||
|] | |||
|'''Mir''' vs. '''Lesnar''' (co) | |||
|February 2, 2008 | |||
|] | |||
|], U.S. | |||
|650,000 | |||
|- | |||
|3. | |||
|] | |||
|'''Lesnar''' vs. '''Herring''' (co) | |||
|August 9, 2008 | |||
|] | |||
|], ], U.S. | |||
|625,000 | |||
|- | |||
|4. | |||
|] | |||
|'''Couture''' vs. '''Lesnar''' | |||
|November 15, 2008 | |||
|] | |||
|], U.S. | |||
|1,010,000 | |||
|- | |||
|5. | |||
|] | |||
|'''Lesnar''' vs. '''Mir 2''' | |||
|July 11, 2009 | |||
|] | |||
|], U.S. | |||
|1,600,000 | |||
|- | |||
|6. | |||
|] | |||
|'''Lesnar''' vs. '''Carwin''' | |||
|July 3, 2010 | |||
|] | |||
|], U.S. | |||
|1,160,000 | |||
|- | |||
|7. | |||
|] | |||
|'''Lesnar''' vs. '''Velasquez''' | |||
|October 23, 2010 | |||
|] | |||
|], ], U.S. | |||
|1,050,000 | |||
|- | |||
|8. | |||
|] | |||
|'''Lesnar''' vs. '''Overeem''' | |||
|December 30, 2011 | |||
|] | |||
|], U.S. | |||
|750,000 | |||
|- | |||
|9. | |||
|] | |||
|'''Lesnar''' vs. '''Hunt''' (co) | |||
|July 9, 2016 | |||
|] | |||
|], ], U.S. | |||
|1,009,000 | |||
|- | |||
! colspan="6" |Total sales | |||
! 7,889,000 | |||
|} | |||
== Championships and accomplishments == | |||
=== Collegiate wrestling === | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** NCAA Division I ] (1999, 2000) | |||
** NCAA Division I Heavyweight National Runner-Up (1999) | |||
** NCAA Division I ] (2000) | |||
** ] ] (1999, 2000) | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** NJCAA All-American (1997, 1998) | |||
** NJCAA Heavyweight Champion (1998) | |||
** ] Bison Tournament Champion (1997–1999)<ref name="bison tournament">{{cite web|url=https://admin.xosn.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=19756&SPID=701&DB_OEM_ID=2400&ATCLID=87983|title=Bison Open Champions – Heavyweight|date=November 15, 2007|access-date=March 22, 2008|publisher=Bison Wrestling|archive-date=September 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925074317/https://admin.xosn.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=19756&SPID=701&DB_OEM_ID=2400&ATCLID=87983|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
=== Mixed martial arts === | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** ] (1 time) | |||
*** Two successful title defenses | |||
** ] (One time) {{small|vs. ]}}<ref name=brockbonus>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/platform/amp/2010/7/4/1551684/ufc-116-bonuses-and-awards-for|title=UFC 116 bonuses and awards for 'Lesnar vs Carwin' PPV fights|date=July 4, 2010|access-date=February 7, 2020}}</ref> | |||
**'''UFC.com Awards''' | |||
***2008: Newcomer of the Year,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/highly-unofficial-2008-ufc-awards-newcomers|title=THE HIGHLY UNOFFICIAL 2008 UFC AWARDS- THE NEWCOMERS|date=December 28, 2008|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=]}}</ref> Ranked #7 Fighter of the Year<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/highly-unofficial-2008-ufc-awards-fighters|title=The Highly Unofficial 2008 UFC Awards - The Fighters|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 28, 2008|work=]}}</ref> & Ranked #8 Upset of the Year {{small|vs. ]}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/highly-unofficial-2008-ufc-awards-upsets|title=The Highly Unofficial 2008 UFC Awards - The Upsets|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 28, 2008|work=]}}</ref> | |||
***2010: Ranked #4 Fight of the Year {{small|vs. ]}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-fights-2010|title=Ten Best – The Fights of 2010|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 18, 2010|work=]}}</ref> | |||
* '''Inside Fights''' | |||
** Biggest Draw (2008)<ref name=WON2008>{{cite news|last=Botter|first=Jeremy|title=2008 Inside Fights MMA Awards|url=http://insidefights.com/2009/01/04/2008-inside-fights-mma-awards/|access-date=September 15, 2012|publisher=Insidefights.com|date=January 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130908052754/http://insidefights.com/2009/01/04/2008-inside-fights-mma-awards/|archive-date=September 8, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
** ] of the Year (2008)<ref name=WON2008/> | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** Beatdown of the Year (2009)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/3/Sherdogs-2009-Misc-Awards-22093|title=Beatdown of the Year – Sherdog's 2009 Misc. Awards|publisher=Sherdog.com|date=January 11, 2010|access-date=October 31, 2011}}</ref> | |||
* ''''']''''' | |||
** Top Newcomer of the Year (2008)<ref>{{cite news|last=Gross|first=Josh|title=SI.com's 2008 MMA Awards|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/josh_gross/12/21/2008-awards/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106014834/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/josh_gross/12/21/2008-awards/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 6, 2009|access-date=September 15, 2012|newspaper=]|date=December 22, 2008}}</ref> | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** Breakthrough Fighter of the Year (2009)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/17371/2009-world-mma-awards-live-coverage.mma|title=2009 World MMA Awards live coverage|publisher=Sherdog.com|date=December 30, 2009|access-date=October 31, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015133755/http://mmajunkie.com/news/17371/2009-world-mma-awards-live-coverage.mma|archive-date=October 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
* ''''']''''' | |||
** ] (2008–2010)<ref name=WON2010/> | |||
** ] (2008–2010)<ref name=WON2010>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 26, 2011|title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue|periodical=]|location=Campbell, CA|pages=1–40|issn=1083-9593}}</ref> | |||
=== Professional wrestling === | |||
].]] | |||
]; making him a 10-time world champion within WWE.]] | |||
* ''''']''''' | |||
** ]: Youngest person to win the WWE Championship (])<ref> (posted prior to December 15, 2014, retrieved ) The youngest wrestler to win the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Championship is Brock Lesnar (USA) aged 25 years and 44 days on August 25, 2002.</ref> | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** ] (]){{efn|Lesnar's IWGP Heavyweight Championship reign at IGF is considered a continuation of his reign from NJPW.}} | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** ] (])<ref name="IWGP title"/> | |||
* ''''']''''' | |||
** Best OMG Moment (2022) {{small|Brock Lesnar arriving on a tractor and lifting the ring at ]}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2022/12/27/the-posts-2022-pro-wrestling-awards/|title=The Post's 2022 pro wrestling awards|work=]|first=Joseph|last=Staszewski|date=December 27, 2022|accessdate=December 30, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229231432/https://nypost.com/2022/12/27/the-posts-2022-pro-wrestling-awards/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** ] (]) – with ]<ref name="OVW tag">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ovsttnwa.html|title=NWA Ohio Valley Wrestling Southern Tag Team Title History|last1=Westcott|first1=Brian|last2=Dupree|access-date=March 22, 2008|publisher=Solie's Title Histories}}</ref> | |||
* ''''']''''' | |||
** ] (2003) {{small|vs. ]}}<ref name="PWI Awards">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html|title=PWI Awards|work=]|publisher=]|access-date=June 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121172943/http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html|archive-date=January 21, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
** Feud of the Year (2015) {{small|vs. ]}}<ref name="PWI Awards"/> | |||
** ] (2003) <small>vs. Kurt Angle in an ] on '']'' on September 16</small><ref name="PWI Awards"/> | |||
** ] (2018)<ref name="PWI Awards" /> | |||
** ] (2002)<ref name="PWI Awards"/> | |||
** ] (2002, 2014)<ref name="PWI Awards"/> | |||
** Ranked No. 1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the '']'' in 2003<ref>{{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/2003.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2003|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=June 7, 2018}}</ref> | |||
* ''''']''''' | |||
** Most Unavoidable Face Turn (2015)<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Herzog|first=Kenny|title=WWE Wrestler of the Year (So Far): Kevin Owens|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-sports/wwe-wrestler-of-the-year-so-far-kevin-owens-75404/|magazine=]|date=July 1, 2015|access-date=December 20, 2020}}</ref> | |||
* ''''']''''' | |||
** ] (2003)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.WrestlingData.com/index.php?befehl=observer&award=11|title=Observer: Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler)|access-date=March 22, 2008|language=de}}</ref> | |||
** ] (2002) <small>'']''</small> | |||
** ] (2003) <small>vs. Kurt Angle</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.WrestlingData.com/index.php?befehl=observer&award=5|title=Observer: Best Feud Of The Year|access-date=March 22, 2008|language=de}}</ref> | |||
** ] (2002, 2003)<ref name="WON improved">{{cite web|url=http://www.WrestlingData.com/index.php?befehl=observer&award=7|title=Observer: Most Improved Wrestler|access-date=March 22, 2008|language=de}}</ref> | |||
**Best Box Office Draw of the Decade (2010s)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Meltzer |first1=Dave |title=Daily Update: Coronavirus notes, NOAH, WrestleMania |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/daily-update-coronavirus-notes-noah-wrestlemania-307636 |access-date=March 30, 2020 |work=WON/F4W – WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results |date=March 29, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> | |||
** ] (Class of 2015)<ref name=2015HallofFame>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=November 9, 2015|title=November 9, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Hall of Fame Issue|journal=]|location=]|issn=1083-9593|page=1}}</ref> | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** ] (]{{efn|When Lesnar first won the title, it was known as the WWE Undisputed Championship. His second, third, fifth, sixth and seventh were as WWE Champion, while his fourth was as WWE World Heavyweight Champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-championship|title=WWE Championship|publisher=]|access-date=August 25, 2002|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629011310/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-championship|archive-date=June 29, 2016}}</ref>}}) | |||
** ] (])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/universal-championship|title=Universal Championship|publisher=]|access-date=April 2, 2017}}</ref> | |||
** ] (])<ref name="KOTR02"/> | |||
** ] (]) | |||
** ] (], ])<ref name="RR03">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/3973952/|title=Brock Lesnar (spot No. 29) wins the Royal Rumble Match|access-date=March 22, 2008|publisher=WWE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319105152/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/3973952/ <!-- Bot retrieved archive. -->|archive-date=March 19, 2008}}</ref> | |||
** ] (5 times) | |||
*** ] of the Year (]) – {{small|#SuplexCity}}<ref name="2015Slammy">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2015-12-21/2015-slammy-award-winners|title=2015 Slammy Award winners|date=December 16, 2015|access-date=April 27, 2018|publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
*** Match of the Year (2015) – {{small|vs The Undertaker at ]}}<ref name="2015Slammy"/> | |||
*** Rivalry of the Year (2015) – {{small|vs The Undertaker}}<ref name="2015Slammy"/> | |||
*** "Tell Me You Didn't Just Say That" Moment of the Year (2015) – {{small|Coining "Suplex City" at ]}}<ref name="2015Slammy"/> | |||
*** The OMG Shocking Moment of the Year (]) – {{small|Ending The Undertaker's ] at ]}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Laboon|first=Jeff|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2014-12-08/2014-slammy-award-winners|title=2014 Slammy Award winners|date=December 8, 2014|access-date=April 28, 2018|publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
** ] for Hottest Rivalry (2018) – {{small|vs. Roman Reigns}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-announces-year-end-awards-instagram-becky-lynch-braun-strowman/|title=WWE Announces Year-End Awards on Instagram|last=Thomas|first=Jeremy|date=December 23, 2018|publisher=411Mania.com|language=en-US|access-date=December 30, 2018}}</ref> | |||
==Notes== | |||
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==References== | |||
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Latest revision as of 22:02, 16 January 2025
American professional wrestler (born 1977)
Brock Lesnar | ||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lesnar in 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||
Born | Brock Edward Lesnar (1977-07-12) July 12, 1977 (age 47) Webster, South Dakota, U.S. | |||||||||||||||||
Occupation(s) | Professional wrestler, mixed martial artist, American football player | |||||||||||||||||
Years active |
| |||||||||||||||||
Spouse |
Sable (m. 2006) | |||||||||||||||||
Children | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
Professional wrestling career | ||||||||||||||||||
Ring name(s) | Brock Lesnar | |||||||||||||||||
Billed height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) | |||||||||||||||||
Billed weight | 286 lb (130 kg) | |||||||||||||||||
Billed from | Minneapolis, Minnesota | |||||||||||||||||
Trained by | ||||||||||||||||||
Debut | October 11, 2000 | |||||||||||||||||
Martial arts career | ||||||||||||||||||
Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) | |||||||||||||||||
Weight | 265 lb (120 kg; 18 st 13 lb) | |||||||||||||||||
Division | Heavyweight | |||||||||||||||||
Reach | 81 in (206 cm) | |||||||||||||||||
Style | Wrestling | |||||||||||||||||
Stance | Orthodox | |||||||||||||||||
Fighting out of | Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada | |||||||||||||||||
Team | DeathClutch Gym | |||||||||||||||||
Trainer |
| |||||||||||||||||
Rank | Blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Rodrigo Medeiros | |||||||||||||||||
Wrestling | NCAA Division I Wrestling | |||||||||||||||||
Mixed martial arts record | ||||||||||||||||||
Total | 9 | |||||||||||||||||
Wins | 5 | |||||||||||||||||
By knockout | 3 | |||||||||||||||||
By submission | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
By decision | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
Losses | 3 | |||||||||||||||||
By knockout | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
By submission | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
No contests | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
Other information | ||||||||||||||||||
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | ||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
| ||||||||||||||||||
Professional football career
American football player
American football career | ||||||||||||||||||
No. 69 | ||||||||||||||||||
Position: | Defensive tackle | |||||||||||||||||
Career information | ||||||||||||||||||
High school: | Webster | |||||||||||||||||
College: | Minnesota | |||||||||||||||||
Undrafted: | 2004 | |||||||||||||||||
Career history | ||||||||||||||||||
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only | ||||||||||||||||||
Military career | ||||||||||||||||||
Allegiance | United States | |||||||||||||||||
Service | ||||||||||||||||||
Years of service | 1994 | |||||||||||||||||
Unit | Missouri National Guard 35th Engineer Brigade | |||||||||||||||||
Brock Edward Lesnar (/ˈlɛznər/ LEZ-nər; born July 12, 1977) is an American professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist, amateur wrestler, and professional American football player. As a professional wrestler, he is currently signed to WWE but as of 2023 is on hiatus from active competition. Often regarded as one of the most prolific combat sport athletes in the world, Lesnar is the only person to have won the primary heavyweight championships of WWE, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), the Inoki Genome Federation (IGF), and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Lesnar competed in collegiate wrestling for the University of Minnesota, winning the NCAA Division I national championship in 2000. He soon signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, renamed WWE in 2002), rising to industry prominence in mid-2002 by winning the WWE Championship at age 25, setting the record for the youngest performer to win the championship. In 2004, Lesnar departed WWE to join the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL), but was cut from the team during pre-season. He returned to wrestling and signed with NJPW in 2005 where he won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Lesnar later departed NJPW and continued to be promoted as the IWGP Heavyweight Champion in the IGF before taking a hiatus from wrestling to pursue a career in mixed martial arts (MMA). Years later in 2012, he re-signed with WWE; his 504-day first reign with the WWE Universal Championship is the seventh-longest world championship reign in the promotion's history and he holds the record for most reigns as Universal Champion at three. He also won the Royal Rumble match twice (2003 and 2022), the Money in the Bank ladder match (2019), the King of the Ring tournament (2002), and has headlined several pay-per-view events, including WWE's flagship event WrestleMania five times (19, 31, 34, 36, and 38), nine SummerSlams (2002, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022); in addition, he also ended The Undertaker's undefeated WrestleMania streak in 2014.
Lesnar began his MMA career for Hero's in 2007, and signed with the UFC in 2008. He quickly won the UFC Heavyweight Championship, but was sidelined with diverticulitis in 2009. On his return in 2010, Lesnar defeated Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Shane Carwin to unify the heavyweight championships and become the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion. After a couple of losses and further struggles with diverticulitis, Lesnar retired from MMA in 2011. He returned at UFC 200 in 2016 to defeat Mark Hunt, but his victory was overturned to a no-contest after he tested positive for a banned substance on UFC's anti-doping policy. He then retired from MMA for the second time in 2017. A box office sensation, he competed in some of the bestselling pay-per-view events in promotion history, including headlining UFC 91, UFC 100, UFC 116, and UFC 121. He also co-headlined UFC 200, briefly being the main headliner before that spot was given to Amanda Nunes vs. Miesha Tate.
Early life
Brock Edward Lesnar was born in Webster, South Dakota, on July 12, 1977, the son of Stephanie and Richard Lesnar. Even though his surname is Slovenian, he is of German descent, and grew up on his parents' dairy farm in Webster. He has two older brothers named Troy and Chad, and a younger sister named Brandi. At the age of 17, he joined the Army National Guard and was assigned to an office job after his red–green colorblindness was deemed hazardous to his desire to work with explosives. He was discharged after failing a computer typing test and later worked for a construction company.
Amateur wrestling
Lesnar attended Webster High School, playing football and competing in wrestling, placing third in the state championships his senior year. He then went to Bismarck State College where in 1997, his freshman year, he placed 5th in the 275 lb. division of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). In 1998, his sophomore year, he won the 275 lb championship. After two years at Bismarck State College, Lesnar transferred to the University of Minnesota on a wrestling scholarship, where he was roommates with future WWE colleague Shelton Benjamin, who was also his assistant coach.
Lesnar won the 2000 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I heavyweight wrestling championship his senior year after being the runner-up to Stephen Neal the year prior. He finished his amateur career as a two-time NJCAA All-American, the 1998 NJCAA Heavyweight Champion, two-time NCAA All-American, two-time Big Ten Conference Champion and the 2000 NCAA Heavyweight Champion, with a record of 106–5 overall in four years of college.
Professional wrestling career
World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (2000–2004)
Ohio Valley Wrestling (2000–2002)
In 2000, Lesnar signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and was sent to its developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), where he first met future friend and manager Paul Heyman. OVW booker Jim Cornette paired Lesnar with his former college roommate Shelton Benjamin in October 2000. They were known as The Minnesota Stretching Crew and won the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship on three separate occasions. Lesnar wrestled several dark matches in 2001 and 2002 before being called up to the WWF's main roster.
The Next Big Thing (2002–2003)
Lesnar debuted on WWF television on the March 18, 2002, episode of Raw as a heel, attacking Al Snow, Maven and Spike Dudley during their WWF Hardcore Championship match, while also being accompanied by Paul Heyman, who was seen giving instructions to Lesnar. When the brand extension was introduced in the WWF, Lesnar was drafted to the Raw brand. Later, Heyman was confirmed to be Lesnar's agent and gave Lesnar the nickname "The Next Big Thing". Lesnar's first feud was with The Hardy Boyz. He defeated Jeff Hardy by knockout after Hardy did not respond to referee Theodore Long at Backlash on April 21, his first official televised match. The next night on Raw, Lesnar faced off against Jeff's brother, Matt Hardy, and defeated him in the same fashion. Lesnar and Shawn Stasiak lost to The Hardy Boyz at the UK-based Insurrextion on May 4 after Stasiak was pinned, but Lesnar attacked all the participants after the match. At Judgment Day on May 19, Lesnar and Heyman defeated The Hardy Boyz. This was also the first pay-per-view held after the WWF was renamed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
In June 2002, Lesnar won the 2002 King of the Ring tournament, defeating Bubba Ray Dudley in the first round, Booker T in the quarter-finals, Test in the semi-finals and Rob Van Dam in the finals at King of the Ring on June 23, earning him a shot at the WWE Undisputed Championship at SummerSlam. At Vengeance on July 21, Lesnar lost to Van Dam in a WWE Intercontinental Championship match by disqualification. On July 22, Lesnar joined the SmackDown! brand. After a quick feud with Hollywood Hulk Hogan in August 2002, Lesnar defeated The Rock at SummerSlam on August 25 to become the new WWE Undisputed Champion and youngest WWE Champion at age 25. He also became the second fastest professional wrestler to win the WWE Championship since his debut (126 days) behind only Ric Flair (113 days). At the time, the WWE Undisputed Championship was being defended on both brands, so Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff expected Lesnar to return on Raw the following night. SmackDown! General Manager Stephanie McMahon declared that Lesnar was only required to defend the title on SmackDown! shows and events, prompting Bischoff to establish a new championship for the Raw brand (the World Heavyweight Championship); the WWE Undisputed Championship was then renamed the WWE Championship.
Lesnar's rapid rise to the top of WWE in 2002 led to a feud with The Undertaker, which involved a match at Unforgiven on September 22. The match ended in a double disqualification, with Lesnar retaining the title. Lesnar faced The Undertaker again at No Mercy on October 20, this time in a Hell in a Cell match. Leading up to the match, in the storyline, Lesnar broke The Undertaker's hand with a propane tank. Despite Heyman begging McMahon not to let The Undertaker use his cast as a weapon, the request was denied and the match went on as planned. At No Mercy, Lesnar defeated The Undertaker in the Hell in a Cell match to retain the title, thus ending their feud. He retained the WWE Championship in a handicap match with Heyman against Edge at Rebellion on October 26.
Lesnar's next opponent was Big Show and Heyman was convinced more than anyone that Lesnar could not win, trying to talk him out of defending the title. Lesnar refused and defended the championship against Big Show at Survivor Series on November 17. At Survivor Series, Heyman turned on Lesnar, allowing Big Show to chokeslam him onto a steel chair and pin him to win the WWE Championship, resulting in Lesnar's first pinfall loss in WWE. This led to Lesnar turning face for the first time. Following Survivor Series, Heyman made it clear that Lesnar would not get a rematch, and had snuck a special clause saying so into his contract. To gain his revenge on Big Show and Heyman, Lesnar interfered in Big Show's first title defense, which came against Kurt Angle the next month at Armageddon on December 15, where Lesnar executed the F-5 on Big Show, which enabled Angle to win the WWE Championship. On the following episode of SmackDown!, Angle introduced Heyman as his manager and, despite promising Lesnar a title shot earlier in the evening, declared that Lesnar still would not get it. Lesnar's rivalry with Heyman and Big Show resumed, which culminated in a match at the Royal Rumble on January 19, 2003, with the winner being placed into the Royal Rumble match later in the evening. At the Royal Rumble, he defeated Big Show and entered the Royal Rumble match as the #29 entry. He eliminated Matt Hardy and Team Angle (Charlie Haas and Lesnar's former OVW teammate Shelton Benjamin), who at the time, were mentored by Angle as a three-man stable. He eliminated The Undertaker last and won the Royal Rumble match, which guaranteed him a WWE Championship match at WrestleMania XIX on March 30 since he was a SmackDown! wrestler. After the Royal Rumble, Lesnar and Chris Benoit defeated Angle, Haas and Benjamin in a three-on-two handicap match at No Way Out on February 23, despite Team Angle injuring their partner, Edge, backstage before the match. At WrestleMania, Lesnar defeated Angle to win his second WWE Championship; during the match, he botched a shooting star press (a move he had used numerous times in OVW) and landed on his head and neck, resulting in a concussion. This forced Angle (who entered the match with a broken neck) and Lesnar to improvise the finish of the match.
WWE Champion, various feuds and departure (2003–2004)
After WrestleMania, Lesnar turned his attention to John Cena, who had returned from injury in February 2003 after an F-5 into a ringpost from Lesnar, with Cena claiming that Lesnar nearly ended his career and even named his new finishing move the "F.U." as a jab at the new champion. The feud ended in a match at Backlash on April 27, where Lesnar defeated Cena to retain the WWE Championship. On the following episode of SmackDown!, Lesnar resumed his rivalry with Big Show after, in the storyline, Big Show injured Rey Mysterio during their match at Backlash. Big Show's attack resulted in Mysterio being carried out on a stretcher and backboard, and Big Show took Mysterio off the stretcher and swung the backboard into the ringpost, compounding the injury. Lesnar called out Big Show, who demanded that Lesnar put his title on the line against him. This led to a stretcher match for the WWE Championship at Judgment Day on May 18, which Lesnar won. During a rematch on the June 12 episode of SmackDown!, Lesnar lifted Big Show off the top-rope in a superplex which caused the ring to collapse on impact. As Lesnar and Big Show continued their rivalry, Kurt Angle returned from his neck surgery and began to form a more friendly rivalry with Lesnar, as the two were allies, yet contenders for the title. At the first-ever SmackDown! brand-exclusive pay-per-view on July 27, Vengeance, Lesnar lost the WWE Championship to Angle in a triple threat match involving Big Show, after he was pinned by Angle.
Lesnar continued to aggressively pursue the WWE Championship despite his friendship with Angle. Mr. McMahon became involved in the angle, at first berating Lesnar, who had involved himself in McMahon's rivalry with Zach Gowen, for losing to Angle. This all turned out to be a swerve that came into focus on the August 7 episode of SmackDown!. That night, Lesnar and McMahon were to face each other in a steel cage match with Angle as the special guest referee as per McMahon's orders on the previous week's program. During the match, Lesnar had passed out due to a staged backstage incident and McMahon was set to pin him, but Angle refused to allow McMahon to win that way. As the two men began to argue, Lesnar attacked Angle with an F-5 and kept attacking Angle while McMahon watched and celebrated with him afterward, turning heel once again in the process. At SummerSlam on August 24, Lesnar lost to Angle after submitting to the ankle lock. On the September 18 episode of SmackDown!, Lesnar defeated Angle in an Iron Man match to win his third WWE Championship by a final score of five to four, thus ending their long-standing feud.
Lesnar successfully defended his newly won title against the debuting Paul London on the October 9 episode of SmackDown!. He returned to feud with The Undertaker, as Lesnar had previously cost The Undertaker the title in a match against then-champion Kurt Angle on the September 4 episode of SmackDown!, which granted him a shot at Lesnar's title. At No Mercy on October 19, Lesnar defeated The Undertaker in a Biker Chain match after interference from The Full Blooded Italians and Vince McMahon. After Paul Heyman returned to WWE as SmackDown! General Manager, Lesnar aligned himself with Heyman. With Survivor Series coming up, he challenged Angle to a traditional Survivor Series elimination tag team match. Lesnar chose Big Show as his first teammate, with Heyman adding a returning Nathan Jones and a debuting Matt Morgan to bring the team number to four. Angle chose Chris Benoit and The APA (Bradshaw and Faarooq) to join his team. Faarooq was injured during a match with Lesnar and Angle's team was forced to find a replacement for him. Lesnar's team picked A-Train to fill the fifth and final spot for them after he attacked John Cena, who refused to accept an invitation to join Lesnar's team. Cena instead joined Angle's team and Angle added Hardcore Holly as the fifth member (Lesnar had legitimately injured Holly the year before and he had not wrestled since). On November 16 at Survivor Series, Lesnar was eliminated after Benoit forced him to tap out to the Crippler Crossface. His team lost the match. On the December 4 episode of SmackDown!, he defended the WWE Championship from Benoit after Benoit passed out to Lesnar's debuting submission hold, the Brock Lock.
Survivor Series in November 2003 also marked the first time Lesnar met Goldberg from the Raw brand. After Lesnar claimed in a backstage interview that he could beat anybody in the world, Goldberg interrupted the interview and introduced himself to Lesnar, shaking hands with him before leaving with a staredown. Lesnar followed this rivalry with a feud involving Hardcore Holly. In the storyline, Holly wanted revenge on Lesnar for legitimately injuring his neck during a previous match between the two in 2002 which left Holly in need of neck surgery and out of action for a year. At the Royal Rumble on January 25, 2004, Lesnar defeated Holly to retain the WWE Championship. Later in the Royal Rumble match, Lesnar attacked Goldberg with an F-5, enabling Kurt Angle to eliminate him by throwing him off the top rope.
Lesnar defended the WWE Championship against Eddie Guerrero at No Way Out on February 15. Goldberg attacked Lesnar with a spear while the referee was unconscious, allowing Guerrero to get a near-fall on Lesnar. Lesnar then attempted an F-5 on Guerrero but Guerrero reversed it into a DDT on the title belt and executed a frog splash to win the WWE Championship. An angry Lesnar then began feuding with Goldberg, blaming him for losing his title, and a match was set up between the two at WrestleMania XX on March 14. During the feud with Goldberg, Lesnar was also at odds with Stone Cold Steve Austin, who was shown suggesting to Goldberg that he attack Lesnar at No Way Out. After Lesnar attacked Austin on the February 23 episode of Raw and stole his four-wheeler, Austin was inserted as the special guest referee for the WrestleMania match. On the March 4 episode of SmackDown!, Lesnar defeated Hardcore Holly in his last match on a weekly WWE televised show until 2019. Behind the scenes, it was widely known that the match was Goldberg's last in WWE. Only a week before WrestleMania, rumors surfaced that Lesnar too was leaving WWE to pursue a career in the National Football League (NFL). As a result, Lesnar's match with Goldberg became a fiasco as the fans at Madison Square Garden jeered and heckled both of them vociferously. Goldberg defeated Lesnar after a Jackhammer and both men subsequently received Stone Cold Stunners from Austin. After WrestleMania XX, Lesnar left WWE, citing burnout, injuries, poor creative decisions, an addiction to alcohol and painkillers and the rigorous travel schedule as reasons for his departure.
Japanese promotions (2005–2007)
On October 8, 2005, Lesnar won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship on his debut match in a three-way match with Kazuyuki Fujita and Masahiro Chono at a New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) show in the Tokyo Dome. Lesnar is one of the few American wrestlers to have held this title. He won the match by pinning Chono after an F-5, which he had renamed the Verdict since WWE owns the trademark on the F-5 name. After the match, Lesnar stated that this name was referring to his lawsuit against WWE, who filed a motion for a temporary restraining order to prevent Lesnar from continuing to work with NJPW on December 6, but the court did not grant it. Following that, he had two non-title victories against Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata. Lesnar successfully defended the championship on January 4, 2006, against former champion Shinsuke Nakamura. On January 13, WWE once again filed an injunction against Lesnar to stop him from defending the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, which was also not enforced as he went on to retain his championship against former Sumo Wrestling Grand Champion Akebono on March 19, at the Sumo Hall. Lesnar had another successful title defense against Giant Bernard on May 3. This was the first American vs. American title match in NJPW since Vader vs. Stan Hansen in 1990. On July 15, NJPW stripped Lesnar of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship as he did not return to defend it due to visa issues. A tournament was held on July 16 to determine the new champion, which was won by Hiroshi Tanahashi. Lesnar continued to possess the physical IWGP Heavyweight Championship belt until late June 2007.
Approximately one year later on June 29, 2007, Lesnar defended his IWGP Heavyweight Championship against TNA World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle in a champion vs. champion match, at the debut event of the Inoki Genome Federation (IGF). IGF promoter Antonio Inoki had stated Lesnar was the "proper" IWGP Heavyweight Champion as he was not defeated for the title. Angle made him tap out to the ankle lock to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship as recognized by IGF and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). This was Lesnar's last match as a professional wrestler until 2012, when he re-signed with WWE.
Return to WWE (2012–2020, 2021–present)
Return and ending The Streak (2012–2014)
Lesnar returned to WWE on April 2, 2012, on Raw SuperShow, as a heel, by confronting and delivering an F-5 to John Cena. The following week on Raw SuperShow, General Manager John Laurinaitis revealed that he signed Lesnar to bring "legitimacy" back to WWE and become the "new face of the WWE". Laurinaitis also scheduled Lesnar to face Cena at Extreme Rules in an Extreme Rules match. At Extreme Rules on April 29, Lesnar lost to Cena despite dominating the match.
The following night on Raw SuperShow, WWE's Chief Operating Officer Triple H refused to give in to Lesnar's unreasonable contract demands (which included being given his own personal jet and having Raw SuperShow renamed to Monday Night Raw Starring Brock Lesnar), resulting in Lesnar attacking him and breaking his arm with a kimura lock in storyline. The next week on Raw SuperShow, Paul Heyman returned as Lesnar's legal representative; he claimed that Lesnar was quitting WWE and was suing WWE for breach of contract. At No Way Out on June 17, Triple H challenged Lesnar (who was not present) to a match at SummerSlam, which Lesnar refused. Stephanie McMahon later goaded Heyman into accepting the match on Lesnar's behalf on July 23 at Raw 1000. At SummerSlam on August 19, Lesnar defeated Triple H by submission after once again breaking his arm in storyline. The following night on Raw, Lesnar declared himself the new "King of Kings" and said that he would depart from WWE after his victory over Triple H, stating that he had conquered everything in the company.
Lesnar returned on the January 28, 2013, episode of Raw, confronting Mr. McMahon who was about to fire Heyman, and despite Heyman's pleas, Lesnar attacked McMahon with an F-5, breaking McMahon's pelvis in storyline. The following week during The Miz's Miz TV talk show, Raw Managing Supervisor Vickie Guerrero revealed herself as the one who signed Lesnar to a new contract to impress McMahon. On the February 25 episode of Raw, Lesnar once again attempted to attack McMahon, only to get into a brawl with the returning Triple H, which resulted in Lesnar legitimately having his head split open and requiring eighteen stitches. The following week on Raw, Triple H issued a challenge to Lesnar, requesting a rematch with him at WrestleMania 29, which Lesnar accepted but only after Triple H signed a contract and Lesnar named the stipulation. After Triple H signed the contract and assaulted Heyman, the stipulation was revealed as No Holds Barred with Triple H's career on the line. At WrestleMania on April 7, Lesnar lost to Triple H after a Pedigree onto the steel steps. On the April 15 episode of Raw, Lesnar attacked 3MB (Heath Slater, Drew McIntyre, and Jinder Mahal) before Heyman challenged Triple H to face Lesnar in a steel cage match at Extreme Rules, which Triple H accepted the following week. At Extreme Rules on May 19, after interference from Heyman, Lesnar defeated Triple H to end their feud. Lesnar returned on the June 17 episode of Raw, attacking Heyman's fellow client CM Punk with an F-5. Despite the accusations from Punk, Heyman claimed that he was not behind Lesnar's attack on him. Heyman turned on Punk in July, and claimed that Punk could not beat Lesnar, which led to Lesnar making his return and attacking Punk on the July 15 episode of Raw. The following week on Raw, Punk challenged Lesnar to a match at SummerSlam on August 18, where Lesnar defeated Punk in a no disqualification match.
On the December 30 episode of Raw, Lesnar returned with Heyman to challenge the winner of the upcoming WWE World Heavyweight Championship match between Randy Orton and John Cena at the Royal Rumble. Lesnar then dared any wrestler who disapproved of that notion to challenge him, which was answered by Mark Henry. The ensuing brawl ended with Lesnar delivering an F-5 to Henry. The following week on Raw, Henry challenged Lesnar again, only to have Lesnar dislocate his elbow with the Kimura lock in storyline, which led Big Show to confront Lesnar, thus starting a feud which was settled at the Royal Rumble on January 26, 2014, where Lesnar defeated Big Show after attacking him with a steel chair before the match began. On the February 24 episode of Raw, Heyman stated that Lesnar had requested a match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XXX, but received an open contract to face anyone else of his choosing instead. The Undertaker then returned and attacked Lesnar with a chokeslam through a table, setting up their match at WrestleMania XXX. At WrestleMania on April 6, Lesnar defeated The Undertaker after executing three F-5s, ending his undefeated WrestleMania streak at 21, a feat that was described by Sports Illustrated as being "the most shocking result since the Montreal Screwjob".
WWE World Heavyweight Champion (2014–2015)
At SummerSlam on August 17, Lesnar defeated John Cena to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship; during the match he delivered sixteen suplexes (most of which were German suplexes) and two F-5s to Cena, who barely managed any offense. In a rematch at Night of Champions on September 21, Lesnar was disqualified due to Seth Rollins interfering, but retained his championship. Later in the year, Rollins reunited with The Authority and was added to Lesnar and Cena championship match at the Royal Rumble on January 25, 2015, making it a triple threat match, which Lesnar won despite (storyline) breaking a rib during the match.
Lesnar's next challenger was Roman Reigns, who had won the Royal Rumble match to earn a title match at WrestleMania 31 on March 29. During his main event match against Reigns, Lesnar delivered multiple suplexes and was heard exclaiming, "Suplex City, bitch!" and thereafter "Suplex City" became one of his signature catchphrases and merchandise motifs. After Lesnar and Reigns traded a few false finishes, Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank contract while the match was in progress, making it a triple threat; Rollins then pinned Reigns to win the title after delivering a Curb Stomp. The following night on Raw, Lesnar tried to invoke his rematch clause and subsequently attacked commentators Booker T, John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) and Michael Cole, as well as a cameraman after Rollins refused the rematch, which led to Stephanie McMahon suspending Lesnar indefinitely in storyline.
Lesnar returned on the June 15 episode of Raw, being chosen by The Authority as the number one contender to Rollins' WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Battleground. On July 4, Lesnar made his first non-televised wrestling appearance for WWE since his 2012 return, defeating Kofi Kingston at The Beast in the East live event in Tokyo in a quick winning effort; he also delivered F-5s to Kingston's New Day stablemates Big E and Xavier Woods after the match. At Battleground on July 19, Lesnar dominated Rollins, delivering thirteen suplexes, but mid-pinfall, after performing an F-5, he was attacked by The Undertaker (who incapacitated Lesnar with a chokeslam and two Tombstone Piledrivers), thus ending the match with Lesnar winning by disqualification and Rollins retaining the championship.
Suplex City (2015–2017)
The following night on Raw, The Undertaker explained that he had attacked Lesnar not for ending his WrestleMania streak, but rather for Lesnar allowing Heyman to constantly taunt him about it, which led to the two brawling throughout the arena and a WrestleMania rematch being scheduled for SummerSlam on August 23, where The Undertaker controversially defeated Lesnar. The timekeeper rang the bell as The Undertaker had supposedly submitted to Lesnar's Kimura lock, though the referee had not seen any submission. In the ensuing confusion, The Undertaker hit Lesnar with a low blow and applied his Hell's Gate submission hold, in which Lesnar passed out. The following night on Raw, Lesnar and Heyman challenged The Undertaker to an immediate rematch, only to be confronted by Bo Dallas (who mocked Lesnar about his defeat); Lesnar responded with five German suplexes and an F-5.
At Hell in a Cell on October 25, Lesnar defeated The Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match after a low blow and F-5 onto the exposed ring floor, ending their feud. The match was later voted "Match of the Year" during the 2015 Slammy Awards.
On the January 11, 2016, episode of Raw, Lesnar returned, attacking The New Day, The League of Nations (Sheamus, King Barrett, Rusev and Alberto Del Rio) and Kevin Owens, before performing an F-5 on Roman Reigns. The following week on Raw, he brawled with Reigns until they were attacked by The Wyatt Family. At the Royal Rumble on January 24, Lesnar was the 23rd entrant, eliminating Jack Swagger and The Wyatt Family minus Bray Wyatt before being eliminated by the Wyatt Family members he had eliminated first. He later defeated Wyatt and Luke Harper in a two-on-one handicap at the Road Block pay-per-view event.
On the January 25 episode of Raw, Stephanie McMahon scheduled a triple threat match between Lesnar, Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose for Fastlane to determine who would challenge Triple H's for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 32. In the following weeks, Lesnar was continuously provoked by Ambrose, with Reigns saving him from the subsequent attacks by Lesnar. At Fastlane on February 21, Lesnar dominated most of the match before he was put through two broadcast tables by Ambrose and Reigns; he lost the match after Reigns pinned Ambrose. Because of this, Lesnar attacked Ambrose in the parking lot as he was arriving at the arena. Ambrose returned later in the night, having hijacked an ambulance, and challenged Lesnar to a No Holds Barred Street Fight match at WrestleMania 32 on April 3, where Lesnar defeated Ambrose after an F-5 onto a pile of chairs.
On the July 7 episode of SmackDown, it Lesnar was revealed as the returning Randy Orton's opponent for SummerSlam. Two days later on July 9, WWE allowed Lesnar to have a one-off fight for UFC 200. Lesnar failed two of his drug tests for this fight but was not suspended by WWE because he is not a full-time performer. On July 19 at the 2016 WWE draft, Lesnar was the #5 draft pick for the Raw brand. Reports claimed that he would have been #1 had he not failed his UFC drug tests. Orton was drafted to SmackDown, thus making their match an interbrand match, while WWE billed their face-off as a match fifteen years in the making. Along with Heyman, Lesnar made his return to Raw on August 1 (his first appearance on WWE programming since WrestleMania 32), but during his segment Orton appeared and attacked Lesnar with an RKO. Lesnar then attacked Orton during his match the following night on SmackDown Live, performing an F-5 on Orton. At SummerSlam on August 21, Lesnar defeated Orton by technical knockout, leaving Orton with a forehead wound which required ten staples. He then hit Shane McMahon with an F-5. The end made many people believe Lesnar had gone off script due to the severity of Orton's head wound, out of which Vince McMahon confirmed that the ending was planned. Lesnar was later storyline fined $500 for delivering an F-5 to SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon and his assault on Orton. On September 24 at a house show in Chicago, Illinois, Lesnar defeated Orton in a no-disqualification rematch, with the match being billed as a Suplex City death match.
On the October 10 episode of Raw, Heyman, on Lesnar's behalf, challenged Goldberg to a fight after the pair had been feuding for several months through social media and during promotional work for the WWE 2K17 video game, which featured Lesnar as the cover star and Goldberg as the pre-order bonus. Heyman stated that Goldberg was the one blemish on Lesnar's WWE career, as Goldberg had defeated Lesnar at WrestleMania XX in 2004. On the October 17 episode of Raw, Goldberg returned to WWE after a twelve-year absence and accepted Lesnar's request for a fight with their match later scheduled for Survivor Series. On the final Raw before Survivor Series, Lesnar and Goldberg had a confrontation for the first time in twelve years, resulting in a brawl with security after Heyman insulted Goldberg's family. On November 20 at Survivor Series, Lesnar quickly lost to Goldberg in 1 minute and 26 seconds, marking the first time in three years that Lesnar was pinned. The next night on Raw, Goldberg declared himself the first entrant in the 2017 Royal Rumble match. The following week on Raw, Heyman addressed the Survivor Series match, stating that they underestimated Goldberg and that the match was a humiliation and embarrassment for him and Lesnar, who would also be in the Royal Rumble as he has something to prove. Lesnar returned on the January 16 episode of Raw to confront other Royal Rumble participants, attacking Sami Zayn, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns. At the Royal Rumble on January 29, Lesnar entered at number 26 and went on to eliminate Enzo Amore, Dean Ambrose and Dolph Ziggler before confronting Goldberg, who entered at number 28 and quickly eliminated Lesnar after a spear.
Year-long Universal Championship reign (2017–2018)
The following night on Raw, Lesnar challenged Goldberg to a final match at WrestleMania 33. On the February 6 episode of Raw, Goldberg accepted Lesnar's challenge and was named number one contender for Kevin Owens' Universal Championship, which he won on March 5 at Fastlane thus turning his match with Lesnar into a title match. At WrestleMania on April 2, Lesnar beat Goldberg to win his fifth world title in WWE and became the first man to have won both the WWE Championship and the Universal Championship. Lesnar also became the second person to kick-out from Goldberg's Jackhammer and gave him the first clean singles loss of his professional wrestling career. After several weeks of feuding, Lesnar's first title defense came at the inaugural Great Balls of Fire event on July 9, 2017, where he successfully retained against Samoa Joe, before defeating him a second time for the title at a house show.
On the July 31 episode of Raw, Lesnar was scheduled to defend his title in a fatal four-way match at SummerSlam against Samoa Joe, Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman. Lesnar and Heyman stated that both would leave WWE should Lesnar lose the championship in the match. At SummerSlam on August 20, Lesnar retained the title by pinning Reigns. The next night on Raw, Lesnar was attacked by Strowman. The subsequent title match at No Mercy on September 24 was won by Lesnar. Lesnar then defeated WWE Champion AJ Styles in an interbrand Champion vs Champion non-title match at Survivor Series on November 19. His next title defense was scheduled for the Royal Rumble on January 28, 2018, where he successfully defended the title in a triple threat match against Strowman and Kane. Lesnar then re-ignited his feud with Roman Reigns, who won the Elimination Chamber match at Elimination Chamber on February 25 to become the number one contender to Lesnar's title at WrestleMania 34. At WrestleMania on April 8, Lesnar pinned Reigns to retain the title in the main event. Rumors arose that Lesnar would leave WWE and rejoin the UFC. On April 9, Lesnar re-signed with WWE. At the Greatest Royal Rumble pay-per-view on April 27, he again defeated Reigns in a steel cage when Reigns speared Lesnar through the cage wall. As Lesnar escaped the cage first, he was declared the winner.
After the Greatest Royal Rumble, Lesnar was absent from WWE television for nearly three months. At Extreme Rules on July 15, Raw General Manager Kurt Angle threatened to strip Lesnar of the Universal Championship if he did not show up to Raw the following night. The following night on Raw, Heyman agreed that Lesnar would defend his title at SummerSlam; Reigns became the number one contender later that same night. On the July 30 episode of Raw, Lesnar was at the arena but refused to appear in the ring. Angle threatened to fire Heyman if he could not persuade Lesnar to come to the ring. Throughout the broadcast, Heyman's attempts were unsuccessful. At the end of the show, after Angle had fired him, Lesnar appeared to attack Angle and choke Heyman. Two weeks later, the dissension between Lesnar and Heyman was revealed to be just a ruse when Lesnar returning on the August 13 episode of Raw to attack Reigns. At SummerSlam on August 19, Strowman was at ringside ready to cash in his Money in the Bank contract on the winner. Lesnar incapacitated Strowman, allowing Reigns to capitalize on the distracted Lesnar and win the Universal Championship, ending Lesnar's title reign at 504 days. As of 2018, the reign was the sixth-longest world championship reign in WWE history and the longest since 1988.
World championship reigns and first retirement (2018–2020)
Lesnar returned at Hell in a Cell on September 16, interrupting the Hell in a Cell match between defending Universal Champion Reigns and Braun Strowman, kicking in the door and attacking both men, thus rendering the match a no-contest and costing Strowman his Money in the Bank cash-in match. The next night on Raw, Acting General Manager Baron Corbin scheduled Reigns to defend the Universal Championship in a triple threat match against Lesnar and Strowman at Crown Jewel on November 2. After Reigns relinquished the title due to a legitimate leukemia relapse, the match was changed to a singles match between Lesnar and Strowman for the vacant title. At Crown Jewel, Lesnar defeated Strowman in three minutes to become the first two-time Universal Champion, thanks to a pre-match attack from Baron Corbin.
After his title win, Lesnar was scheduled to face WWE Champion AJ Styles at Survivor Series in another Champion vs Champion non-title match. Five days before, Styles lost the WWE Championship to Daniel Bryan on SmackDown. At Survivor Series on November 18, Lesnar overcame a late rally from Bryan to defeat him. Lesnar then successfully defended the title against Finn Bálor via submission at the Royal Rumble on January 27, 2019. The next night on Raw, Lesnar attacked 2019 Royal Rumble match winner Seth Rollins with six F-5s, setting up a title match for WrestleMania 35. At WrestleMania on April 7, Lesnar attacked Rollins before the match. Rollins then attacked Lesnar with a low blow while the referee was down and pinned Lesnar, ending his second reign as Universal Champion at 156 days.
At Money in the Bank on May 19, 2019, Lesnar surprisingly replaced Sami Zayn in the Money in the Bank ladder match. Before the match, Zayn had been attacked backstage. Later, the match began with only seven of the scheduled eight participants. At the climax of the match, Lesnar ran in, took out Ali, who was on top of a ladder, and won the Money in the Bank contract, granting him either a Universal Championship or WWE Championship match at any time of his choosing within the next year. After teasing cashing in on Universal Champion Seth Rollins and WWE Champion Kofi Kingston and failing an attempt to cash-in on Rollins at Super ShowDown on June 7, Lesnar successfully cashed in his contract to win the Universal Championship from Rollins at Extreme Rules on July 14 right after Rollins and Raw Women's Champion Becky Lynch had retained their respective titles against Baron Corbin and Lacey Evans in an Extreme Rules mixed tag team match. At SummerSlam on August 11, Lesnar lost the title back to Rollins, ending his third title reign at 28 days.
Lesnar and Heyman returned on the September 17 episode of SmackDown to challenge Kofi Kingston for the WWE Championship. Kingston accepted and Lesnar proceeded to F-5 him. On SmackDown's 20th Anniversary on October 4, Lesnar quickly defeated Kingston in about eight seconds to win his fifth WWE Championship; this was Lesnar's first match on SmackDown in 15 years. After his victory, Lesnar was attacked by former UFC opponent Cain Velasquez, making his WWE debut. Lesnar was then scheduled to defend the WWE Championship against Velasquez at Crown Jewel on October 31. During the 2019 draft, Lesnar was drafted to SmackDown. At the Crown Jewel event, Lesnar defeated Velasquez in under five minutes via submission with the Kimura Lock. After the match, Rey Mysterio attacked Lesnar with a chair. On the November 1 episode of SmackDown, Lesnar and Heyman quit the brand in order to go after Mysterio, who had been drafted to Raw, thus transferring to Raw with the WWE Championship. This led to Mysterio challenging Lesnar for the WWE Championship at Survivor Series on November 24, which was made official as a No Holds Barred match, where Lesnar retained, despite Mysterio's son, Dominik's attempt to aid Mysterio during the match.
Lesnar returned on the January 6, 2020, episode of Raw to declare that no one deserved an opportunity at the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble, so instead he would enter the Royal Rumble match as entrant number one. At the Royal Rumble on January 26, Lesnar eliminated the first thirteen competitors he faced, tying the record for most eliminations in a Royal Rumble match, before being eliminated by Drew McIntyre, who won the match. After retaining the championship against Ricochet at Super ShowDown on February 27, Lesnar ultimately lost the WWE Championship to McIntyre in the main event of WrestleMania 36 Part 2 (which was taped on March 25–26 and aired on April 5). This was his final appearance until 2021 – it was later reported by several sources that Lesnar was not under contract with WWE after the match. Lesnar confirmed in March 2022 that he had initially retired from professional wrestling after WrestleMania 36, until deciding to return in 2021.
Second return and feud with Roman Reigns (2021–2022)
Lesnar, now sporting a cowboy/farmer look with a beard and ponytail, returned as a face at SummerSlam in August 2021 and confronted Universal Champion Roman Reigns after Reigns' successful title defense against John Cena. During the 2021 WWE Draft, it was revealed that Lesnar had become a free agent, allowing him to appear on any brand. He then primarily appeared on SmackDown, and he and Reigns faced each other for the title at Crown Jewel on October 21, which Lesnar lost after interference from The Usos. On the following episode of SmackDown, he started a locker room-clearing brawl with Reigns, resulting in an indefinite suspension by on-air authority figure Adam Pearce, whom Lesnar attacked. On the November 26 episode of SmackDown, it was announced his suspension had been lifted. On the December 3 episode of SmackDown, it was announced that Lesnar would once again face Reigns for the title, this time at the Day 1 event. The match was canceled after Reigns contracted COVID-19, and Lesnar was instead added to Raw's WWE Championship match at the event to make it a fatal five-way match. At Day 1 on January 1, 2022, Lesnar won his sixth WWE Championship, defeating Bobby Lashley, Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, and defending champion Big E, who he pinned. On the following episode of Raw, Lesnar reunited with his advocate Paul Heyman.
At Royal Rumble on January 29, he lost the WWE Championship to Lashley due to Reigns' interference and Heyman's betrayal (who realigned with Reigns), ending his sixth reign at 29 days, however later that night, he entered the Royal Rumble match as the surprise 30th entrant and won the match by last eliminating Drew McIntyre and becoming the fourth person to win from the #30 spot (after The Undertaker in 2007, John Cena in 2008, and Triple H in 2016). This made Lesnar the ninth two-time Rumble winner, after his first win in 2003, while also making him the first person to lose their world championship and then win the Rumble in the same night. Among the other multi-time Rumble winners, Lesnar also set a record for the longest time between Rumble wins at 19 years. He also set the record for the least amount of time spent in the Rumble before winning it, being in the match for 2 minutes and 30 seconds and beating Edge's 2010 record by 5 minutes and 7 seconds. On the following episode of Raw, Lesnar revealed he would challenge Reigns for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 38, and was also scheduled to compete in the Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship on February 19 at Elimination Chamber. Lesnar won the match to win the title for a seventh time by single-handedly eliminating all other opponents (Seth "Freakin" Rollins, Riddle, AJ Styles, and Austin Theory), except Lashley, who was removed early in the match due to a concussion protocol. This also converted his Universal Championship match against Reigns at WrestleMania into a Winner Takes All match. The following night on Raw, their Winner Takes All match was then stipulated as a title unification match. Lesnar lost the WWE Championship to Reigns in the unification match at the event on April 3. On the June 17 episode of SmackDown, Lesnar once again returned to confront and attack Reigns after he successfully defended the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Riddle, renewing their rivalry. This resulted in a Last Man Standing match being made for the title at SummerSlam, with WWE billing it as the ultimate finale to the feud. At the event on July 30, Lesnar failed to beat Reigns for the title after interference from The Usos and Heyman.
Various feuds (2022–2023)
On the October 10 episode of Raw, Lesnar made a surprise return, attacking United States Champion Bobby Lashley and injuring his shoulder before his scheduled title defense against Seth "Freakin" Rollins, resuming their feud. At Crown Jewel on November 5, Lesnar defeated Lashley despite Lashley dominating the majority of the match. Lesnar's next appearance occurred on Raw Is XXX on January 23, 2023, where he caused Lashley to lose his United States Championship match. At the Royal Rumble, Lesnar entered the Royal Rumble match at #12 eliminating Chad Gable, Santos Escobar and Angelo Dawkins before being eliminated by Lashley. At Elimination Chamber on February 18, Lesnar lost to Lashley by disqualification after he hit Lashley with a low blow and attacked both the referee and Lashley ending their feud.
On the February 20 episode of Raw, Omos challenged Lesnar to a match at WrestleMania 39. The following week on Raw, Lesnar appeared on the "VIP Lounge" with Omos' manager MVP; Lesnar accepted the challenge, then proceeded to attack MVP with an F-5. At the event, Lesnar defeated Omos.
On the April 3, 2023, episode of Raw, the day after Night 2 of WrestleMania 39, Triple H introduced Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, accompanied by Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa. Cody Rhodes interrupted and challenged Reigns to a rematch, only for Reigns to decline. Rhodes then challenged Reigns and Sikoa to a tag team match later that night, and Reigns accepted under the condition that Rhodes' partner was someone who competed at WrestleMania 39 but also that person could not challenge Reigns for his title as long as Reigns was champion. Lesnar answered, with the latter stipulation not applying to him as he was already banned from challenging Reigns for the title following their match at SummerSlam in 2022. However, the match never occurred due to Lesnar suddenly assaulting Rhodes before the match could begin, thus turning heel for the first time since 2020. It was later reported that Lesnar was mad due to his position on the WrestleMania card, as his match had opened Night 2 instead of being in a main event slot. Rhodes addressed the attack the following week and challenged Lesnar to a match at Backlash. On the April 17 episode, Rhodes appeared ready to fight despite not being medically cleared to compete. To keep Rhodes from fighting Lesnar that night, Adam Pearce made the match for Backlash official. Lesnar lost to Rhodes at Backlash, defeated Rhodes at Night of Champions by submission, and lost to Rhodes again at SummerSlam to end their feud. After the final match, Lesnar hugged Rhodes and shook his hand.
Vince McMahon scandal and hiatus (2024–present)
According to several reports, Lesnar was scheduled to make his return to WWE at the 2024 Royal Rumble event as a participant in the Royal Rumble match. During the match, he would have been eliminated by Dominik Mysterio as part of the build to a match against Mysterio at Elimination Chamber: Perth. However, a lawsuit was filed a few days before the Royal Rumble by Janel Grant, a former employee at WWE global headquarters between 2019 and 2022. Grant alleged that WWE co-founder Vince McMahon had coerced her into a sexual relationship and, along with WWE executive John Laurinaitis and an unnamed WWE wrestler "who was also a former UFC fighter", sexually trafficked her and repeatedly sexually assaulted her in 2020 and 2021. The unnamed talent was later identified by The Wall Street Journal as Lesnar. As a result of the lawsuit, he was removed from the Royal Rumble and replaced by Bron Breakker. It was later reported that he was removed from WWE's creative plans ahead of their WrestleMania XL event, despite originally being planned to have a match against WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther at the event. In February, he was removed from the WWE SuperCard video game. He would also be removed from the cover of WWE 2K24's "40 Years of WrestleMania" edition, as well as the playable roster, only being accessible through the game's Showcase Mode. He was also removed from the introduction video of WWE's weekly programming, with LA Knight replacing him.
Professional wrestling style and persona
Since Lesnar's debut, he was portrayed as a powerhouse athlete. He is often called by his nickname "The Beast Incarnate" or simply "The Beast". During his initial run when he was consistently main-eventing, WWE was in what is labeled by the company and fans as the "Ruthless Aggression Era". His go-to finishing maneuver for his entire career has been a fireman's carry facebuster known as the F-5 (or The Verdict when he wrestled outside of WWE). After his return in 2012, Lesnar focused on an MMA-oriented gimmick, sporting MMA gloves during his matches and adding the Kimura lock as a submission hold. Lesnar is also known for performing several suplexes (especially German suplexes) on his rivals, with these often being described as the opponent being taken to "Suplex City", named after an ad-lib Lesnar delivered to Roman Reigns during their WrestleMania 31 match. Lesnar has been managed by Paul Heyman for the majority of his WWE career with Heyman being Lesnar's mouthpiece for storylines and feuds.
Throughout the second half of the 2010s, Lesnar began to receive an increasing amount of criticism for his character and performances. Many reporters thought his Suplex City character "jumped the shark" and his matches had "become formulaic". He was largely criticized due to his absences from television during his time as Universal Champion. It was pointed out that he had the longest world championship reign since Hulk Hogan, but only defended the title 13 times, all on pay-per-views, with Tim Fiorvanti from ESPN commenting that he had "removed the top title on Monday Night Raw from circulation". The short length of his matches was also criticized by journalists and fans. Former WWE Champion Bob Backlund criticized the fact that Lesnar used mostly suplexes during his matches, saying "it gets old to do the same thing over and over and over again".
Professional football career
After his match with Goldberg at WrestleMania XX in March 2004, Lesnar sidelined his career in WWE to pursue a career in the National Football League (NFL) despite not playing football since high school. WWE issued this statement on their official website, WWE.com, following his departure:
Brock Lesnar has made a personal decision to put his WWE career on hold to prepare to tryout for the National Football League this season. Brock has wrestled his entire professional career in the WWE and we are proud of his accomplishments and wish him the best in his new endeavor.
Lesnar later told a Minnesota radio show that he had "three wonderful years" in WWE, but had grown unhappy and always wanted to play professional football, adding that he did not want to be 40 years old and wondering if he could have "made it" in football. In an interview about the NFL, he stated:
This is no load of bull; it's no WWE stunt. I am dead serious about this. I ain't afraid of anything and I ain't afraid of anybody. I've been an underdog in athletics since I was five. I got zero college offers for wrestling. Now people say I can't play football, that it's a joke. I say I can. I'm as good an athlete as a lot of guys in the NFL, if not better. I've always had to fight for everything. I wasn't the best technician in amateur wrestling but I was strong, had great conditioning, and a hard head. Nobody could break me. As long as I have that, I don't give a damn what anybody else thinks.
Lesnar had a great showing at the NFL Combine, but on April 17 a minivan collided with his motorbike and he suffered a broken jaw and left hand, a bruised pelvis and a pulled groin. Several NFL teams expressed interest in watching Lesnar work out. The Minnesota Vikings worked out Lesnar on June 11, but he was hampered by the groin injury suffered in the April motorcycle accident. On July 24 it was reported that he was nearly recovered from his groin injury. He signed with the Vikings on July 27 and played in several preseason games for the team. He was released by the Vikings on August 30. Lesnar received an invitation to play as a representative for the Vikings in NFL Europa, but declined due to his desire to stay in the United States with his family. He had several football cards produced of him during his time with the Vikings.
Mixed martial arts career
Hero's (2007)
On April 29, 2006, after the final match of the K-1 World Grand Prix 2006 in Las Vegas, Lesnar stated his intent to join K-1's mixed martial arts league, Hero's. He trained with Minnesota Martial Arts Academy under Greg Nelson and Minnesota Assistant Head wrestling coach Marty Morgan. Lesnar signed the deal in August. His first fight was scheduled against Hong-man Choi of South Korea on June 2, 2007, at the Dynamite!! USA show. Prior to the match, Choi was replaced by Min-soo Kim. Lesnar submitted Kim with strikes in 1:09 of the first round to win his first official MMA match.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (2008–2011)
Debut and UFC Heavyweight Champion
During UFC 77 on October 20, Lesnar joined Ultimate Fighting Championship with a one-fight contract. On February 2, 2008, Lesnar made his debut with the promotion in an event titled UFC 81: Breaking Point against former UFC Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir. Due to his large hands, Lesnar was wearing 4XL gloves for the fight, making him the second man in Nevada's combat sports history to wear such gloves, after Choi Hong-man. Lesnar secured an early takedown and began landing numerous punches, but was docked a point after a punch hit Mir on the back of the head. He scored another takedown and continued landing ground and pound, before Mir secured a kneebar and forced a submission at 1:30 of the first round.
Despite losing his debut, he was offered a new contract and at UFC 82 on March 1, former UFC Heavyweight Champion and Hall of Famer Mark Coleman was announced to fight Lesnar at UFC 87. Coleman withdrew from the fight due to an injury and was replaced by Heath Herring. In the first round Lesnar scored an early knockdown and went on to dominate the fight winning via unanimous decision by 30–26 on all three judges' scorecards.
Lesnar then faced Randy Couture for the UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 91 on November 15. He denied Couture's takedown attempts and outstruck him on the feet, eventually knocking him down and landing ground and pound until he was awarded the technical knockout and UFC Heavyweight Championship.
On December 27 at UFC 92, Frank Mir defeated Antônio Nogueira for the Interim Heavyweight Championship and was to face Lesnar for the Undisputed UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 98. Immediately after winning the Interim Heavyweight title, Mir found Lesnar in the crowd and shouted, "You've got my belt". Due to a knee injury to Mir, the title unification match with Lesnar that was originally slated to be the UFC 98 main event was postponed. Lesnar instead fought Mir at UFC 100 on July 11, 2009. Mir attempted to grab ahold of Lesnar's leg early in the fight but was denied and Lesnar held top position landing punches for the rest of the round. In the second the two traded blows but Mir hurt Lesnar with a knee and a punch, leading him to take Mir down and land heavy ground and pound winning the fight via technical knockout in round two. During his post-match celebration, Lesnar flipped off the crowd who had been booing him. Lesnar also made a disparaging comment about the pay-per-view's primary sponsor Bud Light, claiming they "won't pay me nothin'" and promoted Coors Light instead. Lesnar later apologized for his remarks at the post-fight press conference, where he held a bottle of Bud Light and endorsed their product.
On July 1 it was reported that the winner of the Shane Carwin vs. Cain Velasquez fight at UFC 104 would face Lesnar, but the match was scrapped and Lesnar was scheduled to defend the title against Shane Carwin at UFC 106 on November 21. On October 2 Lesnar pulled out of his Carwin bout due to an illness. UFC President Dana White said Lesnar had been ill for three weeks, claiming he had never been this sick in his life and that it would take him a while to recover, therefore his fight with Carwin was rescheduled for UFC 108 on January 2, 2010. Lesnar initially sought treatment in Canada, but later told reporters that he had received "Third World treatment" at a hospital in Brandon, Manitoba and that seeking better treatment in the United States saved his life. Lesnar went on to criticize Canadian health care further and stated that he shared his experience to speak "on the behalf of the doctors in the United States that don't want health care reform to happen".
On November 4 it was confirmed that Lesnar had mononucleosis and that his bout with Carwin would have to wait a bit longer and the fight for Lesnar's heavyweight championship was canceled. On November 14 at the UFC 105 post-fight conference, Dana White stated, "'s not well and he's not going to be getting well anytime soon" and that an interim title match might need to be set up. In addition to mononucleosis, it was revealed that he had developed a serious case of diverticulitis, an intestinal disorder, which required surgery. After further diagnosis, Lesnar underwent surgery on November 16 to close a perforation in his intestine that had been leaking fecal matter into his abdomen, causing pain, abscesses and overtaxing his immune system to the point that he contracted mononucleosis. From the level of damage to Lesnar's system, the surgeon estimated that the intestinal condition had been ongoing for around a year.
In January 2010, Lesnar revealed on ESPN's SportsCenter that he was scheduled to make a return to the UFC in the summer. A match between Frank Mir and Shane Carwin took place on March 27 at UFC 111 to determine the Interim Heavyweight Champion and Lesnar's next opponent. Shane Carwin defeated Mir via knockout in the first round, becoming the new Interim Champion. After the fight, Lesnar came into the ring and stated, "It was a good fight but he's wearing a belt that's a make-believe belt. I've got the real championship belt". Lesnar faced Carwin at UFC 116 on July 3 to unify the heavyweight titles. Early in the first round, Carwin knocked Lesnar down with heavy punches, and continued landing ground and pound throughout the round, opening a cut on Lesnar's eye. In the next round, Carwin was noticeably fatigued and Lesnar scored a takedown, attained full mount, then move into side-control and finish the fight with an arm-triangle choke. With the victory, Lesnar became the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion, earning his first Submission of the Night and giving Carwin his first loss. The win also tied a UFC record for most consecutive successful UFC Heavyweight Championship defenses.
Title loss and first retirement
Lesnar's next defense was against undefeated top contender Cain Velasquez on October 23 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California at UFC 121. Dana White announced via SportsNation that the UFC would bring back UFC Primetime to hype the fight. In the first round, Lesnar scored a takedown and land some heavy knees but eventually succumbed to Velasquez's superior striking and was finished by technical knockout late in the round.
Lesnar was advertised as a coach of The Ultimate Fighter Season 13, opposite Junior dos Santos, with the two expected to fight on June 11 at UFC 131, but he was struck with another bout of diverticulitis and had to withdraw from the fight on May 12. He was replaced by Shane Carwin, who ended up losing against dos Santos. Lesnar underwent surgery on May 27 to help battle his problems with diverticulitis. Dana White said that he had a 12-inch piece of his colon removed.
In its May 2011 issue, ESPN's magazine published a story listing the highest-paid athlete based on base salary and earnings for the most recent calendar year or most recent season in 30 sports. Lesnar topped the list for MMA at $5.3 million, which included his reported bout salaries and estimated pay-per-view bonuses.
In the summer of 2011, Lesnar announced that he was returning to action, stating, "I feel like a new man. Healthy. Strong. I feel like I used to feel". His return match was scheduled to be at UFC 141 on December 30 in Las Vegas against former Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem. Lesnar attempted to takedown Overeem but was unable and ate heavy body shots to his surgically repaired stomach, eventually being finished with a liver kick and punches. Lesnar then retired from MMA, mentioning his struggles with diverticulitis and saying "tonight was the last time you'll see me in the octagon".
Speculation about a return to MMA lasted until March 24, 2015, when Lesnar revealed in an interview on SportsCenter that he had re-signed with WWE and officially closed the door on a return to MMA, even though he was offered a deal "ten times more" than what he had made previously in his MMA career. He further elaborated that, while he was training for months for a return to the UFC, he felt "physically great but something was lacking mentally". Lesnar added that " an older caveman now, so makes smarter caveman decisions" and that he chose to sign with WWE instead of returning to MMA because he could "work part-time with full-time pay".
Return to the UFC (2016–2018)
Fight against Mark Hunt
Though Lesnar said he was "closing the door on MMA" in March 2015, UFC announced on June 4, 2016, that he would return at UFC 200 on July 9. WWE confirmed it had granted Lesnar "a one-off opportunity" to compete at UFC 200 before he returned to the company for SummerSlam on August 21. Lesnar dominated the first and third rounds, battering Hunt with ground and pound in the third to secure the unanimous decision win. He also was paid a UFC record $2.5 million purse. This record was broken at UFC 202 by Conor McGregor, who was also the previous holder.
Suspension and second retirement
On July 15, 2016, Lesnar was notified of a potential anti-doping policy violation by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) stemming from an undisclosed banned substance in an out-of-competition sample collected on June 28. On July 19, a second test sample taken in-competition on July 9 was revealed as positive for the same banned substance discovered in the previous out-of-competition sample. On August 23, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) confirmed that Lesnar had twice been tested positive for clomiphene and was suspended.
On December 15, it was confirmed that Lesnar was fined $250,000 and suspended from competition for one year by the NSAC. He would be eligible to return in July 2017. As a result of the suspension, the result of his fight with Mark Hunt was overturned to a no contest. As of January 2019, Lesnar has yet to pay the fine.
On February 14, 2017, it was reported that Lesnar had notified UFC he was retiring from MMA for the second time. On July 7, 2018, Lesnar stormed the cage after the main event fight at UFC 226 and challenged the new UFC Heavyweight Champion, Daniel Cormier. On July 8, USADA confirmed that Lesnar had begun the process to get back into their drug-testing pool. UFC officials were reportedly targeting a bout between Lesnar and Daniel Cormier for the UFC Heavyweight Championship but Dana White claimed Lesnar told him he was "done" with MMA and the bout ultimately did not occur.
In September 2020, White said he could organize a fight between Lesnar and Jon Jones if both men wanted it. That same month, Bellator president Scott Coker expressed interest in booking Lesnar to fight Fedor Emelianenko. Lesnar did not respond to either man's comments, and once again confirmed in March 2022 that he would stay retired.
Other media
In 2003, WWE Home Video released a DVD chronicling Lesnar's career entitled Brock Lesnar: Here Comes the Pain. It was re-released in 2012 as a three-disc DVD and two-disc Blu-ray collector's edition to tie in with Lesnar's WWE return. It was also expanded to include new matches and interviews. In 2016, a new home video was released on DVD and Blu-ray, as well as a collector's edition, called Brock Lesnar: Eat. Sleep. Conquer. Repeat. and includes accomplishments from his second run in WWE.
Lesnar was featured on the covers of Flex and Muscle & Fitness magazine in 2004 and Minneapolis' City Pages in 2008. He is the cover athlete for the WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain, UFC Undisputed 2010 and WWE 2K17 video games.
In 2009, Lesnar signed an endorsement deal with Dymatize Nutrition. A CD containing footage of Lesnar training was included with Dymatize's "Xpand" product.
Lesnar co-wrote an autobiography with Paul Heyman, titled Death Clutch: My Story of Determination, Domination, and Survival, which was published by William Morrow and Company in 2011.
In a 2013 post on his blog, Attack on Titan author Hajime Isayama revealed that he drew inspiration from Lesnar for the character of the Armored Titan.
Personal life
— Lesnar on his private life, 2010"It's very basic for me. When I go home, I don't buy into any of the bullshit. Like I said, it's pretty basic: Train, sleep, family, fight. It's my life. I like it. I just don't put myself out there to the fans and prostitute my private life to everybody. In today's day and age, with the Internet and cameras and cell phones, I just like being old school and living in the woods and living my life. I came from nothing, and at any moment, you can go back to having nothing."
Lesnar married fellow WWE performer Rena Greek, better known as Sable, on May 6, 2006. They relocated in 2014 to Canada, where they reside on a farm in Maryfield, Saskatchewan. Together, they have two sons named Turk (born 2009) and Duke (born 2010), both of whom play ice hockey. With his former fiancée, Nicole McClain, Lesnar also has twins who were born in 2002: a daughter named Mya Lynn, who competes in track and field, and a son named Luke, who also plays ice hockey. He is also the stepfather of Greek's daughter with her first husband.
Lesnar is an intensely private individual who has expressed his disdain for the media; he rarely participates in interviews and avoids questions pertaining to his private life. He is a supporter of the Republican Party and a member of the National Rifle Association of America (NRA). He made an appearance at the NRA's annual meeting in May 2011 to discuss his passion for hunting and his role as a spokesman for the Fusion Ammunition company. He is a fan of the Winnipeg Jets ice hockey team and the Saskatchewan Roughriders Canadian football team.
Lesnar developed addictions to alcohol and painkillers during his first run in WWE, later claiming that he would drink a bottle of vodka per day and take hundreds of Vicodin pills per month to manage the pain caused by wear and tear on his body. He cited the incident in which he botched a shooting star press at WrestleMania XIX and landed on the top of his head as a primary source of pain. As a result of the addiction and mental exhaustion, he says that he cannot remember the entire two years that made up his first WWE tenure.
Legal issues
In January 2001, Lesnar was arrested in Louisville, Kentucky, for suspicion of possessing large amounts of illegal substances. The charges were dropped when it was discovered that the substances were legal hormones. His lawyer described it as a "vitamin type of thing".
Lesnar had previously signed a non-compete clause in order to be released from his contract with WWE, which prohibited him from working for any other professional wrestling companies before June 2010. He challenged this ruling in court. WWE responded with a counterclaim after Lesnar breached the agreement by appearing at a New Japan Pro-Wrestling show in 2004. In July 2005, the two sides dropped their claims and entered negotiations to renew their relationship. WWE had offered Lesnar a contract, but on August 2, their official website reported that Lesnar had withdrawn from any involvement with the company. The lawsuit began to enter settlement talks on September 21, but did not get solved.
On January 14, 2006, Judge Christopher Droney stated that unless WWE gave him a good argument between then and the 25th, he would rule in favor of Lesnar, giving him a summary judgment. This would have enabled Lesnar to work anywhere immediately. WWE was later granted a deadline postponement. On April 24, both parties reached a settlement. On June 12, a federal judge dismissed the case at the request of both legal parties.
On December 15, 2011, Lesnar was charged with hunting infractions on a trip to Alberta on November 19, 2010. Two charges were dropped, but Lesnar pleaded guilty to the charge of improper tagging of an animal. He was fined $1,725 and given a six-month hunting suspension.
Filmography
Film | |||
---|---|---|---|
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
2014 | True Giants | Himself | Film debut |
Foxcatcher | Wrestler | Cameo Uncredited | |
2016 | Countdown | Himself | Uncredited |
Television | |||
---|---|---|---|
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
2008 | E:60 | Himself | October 21 |
2009–2010 | Rome Is Burning | 3 episodes | |
2010 | UFC Primetime | Episode: Lesnar vs. Velasquez | |
2011 | ESPN Friday Night Fights | January 14 | |
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon | March 28 (season 3, episode 49) | ||
2012 | The Tonight Show with Jay Leno | February 21 (season 20, episode 93) | |
2016 | Mike & Mike | August 18 | |
SportsCenter | February 16 (season 38, episode 47) | ||
UFC Ultimate Insider | July 3 (Season 5, Episode 520) |
Video games
WWE video games | |||
---|---|---|---|
Year | Title | Notes | |
2002 | WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth | Video game debut Cover athlete (NTSC version) | |
2003 | WWE Crush Hour | ||
WWE WrestleMania XIX | |||
WWE Raw 2 | |||
WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain | Cover athlete | ||
2011 | WWE '12 | ||
2012 | WWE '13 | ||
2013 | WWE 2K14 | ||
2014 | WWE 2K15 | Motion capture (Next-gen & PC) | |
2015 | WWE 2K16 | Motion capture (Next-gen & PC) | |
2016 | WWE 2K17 | Motion capture (Next-gen & PC) Cover athlete | |
2017 | WWE 2K18 | Motion capture | |
2018 | WWE 2K19 | Motion capture | |
2019 | WWE 2K20 | Motion capture | |
2020 | WWE 2K Battlegrounds | ||
2022 | WWE 2K22 | ||
2023 | WWE 2K23 | ||
2024 | WWE 2K24 | Wrestlemania Showcase only |
Madden NFL Video games | |||
---|---|---|---|
Year | Title | Notes | |
2005 | Madden NFL 06 | First appearance in a non-wrestling video game, appears as a defensive tackle free agent with a 69 overall rating |
UFC Video games | |||
---|---|---|---|
Year | Title | Notes | |
2009 | UFC 2009 Undisputed | ||
2010 | UFC Undisputed 2010 | Cover athlete | |
2012 | UFC Undisputed 3 | ||
2014 | EA Sports UFC | DLC | |
2020 | EA Sports UFC 4 | DLC |
Mixed martial arts record
9 matches | 5 wins | 3 losses |
By knockout | 3 | 2 |
By submission | 1 | 1 |
By decision | 1 | 0 |
No contests | 1 |
Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NC | 5–3 (1) | Mark Hunt | NC (overturned by NSAC) | UFC 200 | July 9, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Originally a unanimous decision win for Lesnar; overturned after he tested positive for clomiphene. |
Loss | 5–3 | Alistair Overeem | TKO (kick to the body and punches) | UFC 141 | December 30, 2011 | 1 | 2:26 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
Loss | 5–2 | Cain Velasquez | TKO (punches) | UFC 121 | October 23, 2010 | 1 | 4:12 | Anaheim, California, United States | Lost the UFC Heavyweight Championship. |
Win | 5–1 | Shane Carwin | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | UFC 116 | July 3, 2010 | 2 | 2:19 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Defended and unified the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Submission of the Night. |
Win | 4–1 | Frank Mir | TKO (punches) | UFC 100 | July 11, 2009 | 2 | 1:48 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Defended and unified the UFC Heavyweight Championship. |
Win | 3–1 | Randy Couture | TKO (punches) | UFC 91 | November 15, 2008 | 2 | 3:07 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Won the UFC Heavyweight Championship. |
Win | 2–1 | Heath Herring | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 87 | August 9, 2008 | 3 | 5:00 | Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States | |
Loss | 1–1 | Frank Mir | Submission (kneebar) | UFC 81 | February 2, 2008 | 1 | 1:30 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Lesnar was deducted one point due to landing a blow to the back of Mir's head. |
Win | 1–0 | Min-Soo Kim | TKO (submission to punches) | Dynamite!! USA | June 2, 2007 | 1 | 1:09 | Los Angeles, California, United States |
Pay-per-view bouts
Mixed martial arts
No. | Event | Fight | Date | Venue | City | PPV buys |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Dynamite!! USA | Lesnar vs. Min-soo | June 2, 2007 | Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum | Los Angeles, California, U.S. | 35,000 |
2. | UFC 81 | Mir vs. Lesnar (co) | February 2, 2008 | Mandalay Bay Events Center | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. | 650,000 |
3. | UFC 87 | Lesnar vs. Herring (co) | August 9, 2008 | Target Center | Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. | 625,000 |
4. | UFC 91 | Couture vs. Lesnar | November 15, 2008 | MGM Grand Garden Arena | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. | 1,010,000 |
5. | UFC 100 | Lesnar vs. Mir 2 | July 11, 2009 | Mandalay Bay Events Center | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. | 1,600,000 |
6. | UFC 116 | Lesnar vs. Carwin | July 3, 2010 | MGM Grand Garden Arena | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. | 1,160,000 |
7. | UFC 121 | Lesnar vs. Velasquez | October 23, 2010 | Honda Center | Anaheim, California, U.S. | 1,050,000 |
8. | UFC 141 | Lesnar vs. Overeem | December 30, 2011 | MGM Grand Garden Arena | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. | 750,000 |
9. | UFC 200 | Lesnar vs. Hunt (co) | July 9, 2016 | T-Mobile Arena | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. | 1,009,000 |
Total sales | 7,889,000 |
Championships and accomplishments
Collegiate wrestling
- National Collegiate Athletic Association
- NCAA Division I All-American (1999, 2000)
- NCAA Division I Heavyweight National Runner-Up (1999)
- NCAA Division I Heavyweight Champion (2000)
- Big Ten Conference Champion (1999, 2000)
- National Junior College Athletic Association
- NJCAA All-American (1997, 1998)
- NJCAA Heavyweight Champion (1998)
- North Dakota State University Bison Tournament Champion (1997–1999)
Mixed martial arts
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- UFC Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Two successful title defenses
- Submission of the Night (One time) vs. Shane Carwin
- UFC.com Awards
- 2008: Newcomer of the Year, Ranked #7 Fighter of the Year & Ranked #8 Upset of the Year vs. Randy Couture
- 2010: Ranked #4 Fight of the Year vs. Shane Carwin
- UFC Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Inside Fights
- Biggest Draw (2008)
- Rookie of the Year (2008)
- Sherdog Awards
- Beatdown of the Year (2009)
- Sports Illustrated
- Top Newcomer of the Year (2008)
- World MMA Awards
- Breakthrough Fighter of the Year (2009)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- Best Box Office Draw (2008–2010)
- MMA Most Valuable Fighter (2008–2010)
Professional wrestling
- Guinness World Records
- World record: Youngest person to win the WWE Championship (aged 25 years, 44 days)
- Inoki Genome Federation
- New Japan Pro-Wrestling
- New York Post
- Best OMG Moment (2022) Brock Lesnar arriving on a tractor and lifting the ring at SummerSlam
- Ohio Valley Wrestling
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Feud of the Year (2003) vs. Kurt Angle
- Feud of the Year (2015) vs. The Undertaker
- Match of the Year (2003) vs. Kurt Angle in an Iron Man match on SmackDown! on September 16
- Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (2018)
- Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (2002)
- Wrestler of the Year (2002, 2014)
- Ranked No. 1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2003
- Rolling Stone
- Most Unavoidable Face Turn (2015)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- Best Brawler (2003)
- Best Wrestling Maneuver (2002) F-5
- Feud of the Year (2003) vs. Kurt Angle
- Most Improved Wrestler (2002, 2003)
- Best Box Office Draw of the Decade (2010s)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 2015)
- WWE/World Wrestling Entertainment/Federation
- WWE Championship (7 times)
- WWE Universal Championship (3 times)
- King of the Ring (2002)
- Men's Money in the Bank (2019)
- Royal Rumble (2003, 2022)
- Slammy Award (5 times)
- Hashtag of the Year (2015) – #SuplexCity
- Match of the Year (2015) – vs The Undertaker at Hell in a Cell
- Rivalry of the Year (2015) – vs The Undertaker
- "Tell Me You Didn't Just Say That" Moment of the Year (2015) – Coining "Suplex City" at WrestleMania 31
- The OMG Shocking Moment of the Year (2014) – Ending The Undertaker's WrestleMania streak at WrestleMania XXX
- WWE Year-End Award for Hottest Rivalry (2018) – vs. Roman Reigns
Notes
- Lesnar's IWGP Heavyweight Championship reign at IGF is considered a continuation of his reign from NJPW.
- When Lesnar first won the title, it was known as the WWE Undisputed Championship. His second, third, fifth, sixth and seventh were as WWE Champion, while his fourth was as WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
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{{cite web}}
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{{cite web}}
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- Youngest person to win the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Championship | Guinness World Records (posted prior to December 15, 2014, retrieved 9 February 2015) The youngest wrestler to win the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Championship is Brock Lesnar (USA) aged 25 years and 44 days on August 25, 2002.
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External links
- Brock Lesnar on WWE.com
- Brock Lesnar on Twitter
- Brock Lesnar's profile at Cagematch.net , Wrestlingdata.com , Internet Wrestling Database
- Brock Lesnar at IMDb
- Professional MMA record for Brock Lesnar from Sherdog
- Brock Lesnar at UFC
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