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'''Brock Edward Lesnar'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mugshots.com/Sport/Brock+Lesnar.htm | title=Brock Lesnar mugshot | publisher=Mugshots.com | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> (born ], ]<ref name="SLAM!" />) is an ] ], ] and former ], best known for his professional wrestling career in ] (WWE). He currently has a one fight deal with ] ], '''Brock Edward Lesnar'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mugshots.com/Sport/Brock+Lesnar.htm | title=Brock Lesnar mugshot | publisher=Mugshots.com | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> (born ], ]<ref name="SLAM!" />) is an ] ], ] and former ], best known for his professional wrestling career in ] (WWE). He currently has a one fight deal with ] ].


== Career == == Career ==
=== Early career === === Early career ===
Lesnar grew up in South Dakota, working on his family's ] in a small city. He started making waves in the athletic field in high school, ] at Webster High School. Coached by John Schiley, he qualified for the state wrestling tournament several times, but was unable to get first place. Lesnar also played high school football in 1995 as a ], ] and ] in South Dakota's small-school division, and received a handful of Division II scholarship offers. He signed up with the ] by the age 17, then returned to amateur wrestling, going 33-0 for the year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0KFY/is_12_21/ai_112350861/pg_3 | title=Brock Lesnar interview | publisher=Flex | accessdate=2007-04-22}}</ref> During that time, Lesnar had signed to play football at ]. But due to his success on the mats, he backed out of his scholarship and headed to Bismark Junior College in ].<ref name="SLAM!" />
Lesnar ] at Webster High School in ] where in his senior year managed to have a 33-0 record. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0KFY/is_12_21/ai_112350861/pg_3 | title=Brock Lesnar interview | publisher=Flex | accessdate=2007-04-22}}</ref> Lesnar later attended the ] on a full wrestling scholarship, where his roommate was fellow professional wrestler ] who also served as Lesnar's assistant coach.<ref name="Shelton">{{cite web |url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2003560001-2004531787,00.html | title=All about the Benjamin | publisher=The Sun Online | accessdate=2007-04-13}}</ref> Lesnar won the 2000 ] wrestling championship as a heavyweight after placing second in 1999. Prior to joining the ], Lesnar also wrestled at ] in ].<ref name="SLAM!" /> 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.<ref name="AC">{{cite web |url=http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/190167/brock_lesnar_set_for_united_states.html | title=Brock Lesnar Set for United States Return | publisher=Associated Content | accessdate=2007-04-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.karmaswrestlingretro.com/lesnar.html | title=Brock Lesnar profile | publisher=Karmas Wrestling Retro | accessdate=2007-04-22}}</ref>


In 1997, Lesnar won his heavyweight bracket at ] annual Bison tournament. Lesnar took the win again in 1998 at the Bison Open. He went on to become the ] that same year. In 1999, Lesnar attended the ] on a full wrestling scholarship, where his roommate was serving ] ].<ref name="Shelton">{{cite web |url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2003560001-2004531787,00.html | title=All about the Benjamin | publisher=The Sun Online | accessdate=2007-04-13}}</ref> Lesnar helped Minnesota win the Big Ten Title that year, but suffered a loss in the finals of the ], allowing Iowa to slip past them. The next year, Lesnar put together a record of 26-1, earning the #1 Heavyweight Ranking in the Big Ten, then winning the Big Ten Title for the second year in a row. Lesnar followed this up with a destructive run through the NCAA Heavyweight Bracket, beating Iowa's Wes Hand in an overtime victory to become a 2000 NCAA Division I Heavyweight Champion. Ironacilly, Lesnar´s loss in the 1999 finals was at the hands of Wes Hand. After the successful end to his college career, Lesnar was offered tryouts in the ] as well as being trained for the ], but was more convinced by ] and the WWF (later known as ] in mid-2002), 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 chose WWF and was sent to its farm territory, ].
=== World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment ===
In 2000, after the successful end to his college, Lesnar signed up with the ], a ] ] later known as World Wrestling Entertainment in mid-2002. Lesnar was sent to its developmental territory, ]. There, Lesnar formed a ] known as the Minnesota Stretching Crew with his former college roommate, Shelton Benjamin, in its ] territory. Lesnar and Benjamin won the ] on three occasions. Lesnar wrestled several ]es in 2001 and 2002 before being called up to the main roster.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/b/brock-lesnar.html | title=Brock Lesnar profile | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-22}}</ref>


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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020318.html | title=RAW results - March 18, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> When the ] was introduced in the WWF, Lesnar was ] to the ''RAW'' brand.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020325.html | title=RAW results - March 25, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</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.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020408.html | title=RAW results - April 8, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Lesnar finished his amateur career as a four time ], two time big-ten Champion and the 2000 NCAA champion with a record of 106-5 overall in four years of college and was wearing the maroon and gold of the ] in 1999.<ref name="AC">{{cite web |url=http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/190167/brock_lesnar_set_for_united_states.html | title=Brock Lesnar Set for United States Return | publisher=Associated Content | accessdate=2007-04-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.karmaswrestlingretro.com/lesnar.html | title=Brock Lesnar profile | publisher=Karmas Wrestling Retro | accessdate=2007-04-22}}</ref>


==World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment==
Lesnar's first ] was with the ]. Lesnar and ] squared off at ] in Lesnar's first official televised match. Lesnar dominated Hardy and won the match by knockout.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/backlash02.html | title=Backlash 2002 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> The next night on ''RAW'' he faced Matt Hardy, defeating him in the same fashion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020422.html | title=RAW results - April 22, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> At ], Lesnar once again gained the upper hand on the Hardy Boyz tag team before tagging his partner, Heyman, in to take the win.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/judgementday02.html | title=Judgment Day 2002 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>
After joining WWF development in 2000, Lesnar formed a ] known as the '''Minnesota Stretching Crew''' with his former college roommate and assistant coach, ] in its Ohio Valley Wrestling territory. Lesnar and Benjamin won the ] on three occasions in 2001 and together appeared in ] while still in OVW.


Lesnar wrestled several ]es in 2001 and 2002 before being called up to the main roster.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/b/brock-lesnar.html | title=Brock Lesnar profile | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-22}}</ref>
In June 2002, Lesnar won the ] tournament, defeating ] in the final round. This victory earned him a shot at the ] at ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/kingofthering02.html | title=Judgment Day 2002 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> On ], 2002, Lesnar joined the '']'' brand. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020722.html | title=RAW results - July 22, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> After an angle with ] in August 2002 in which Lesnar defeated Hogan, Lesnar began feuding with the Undisputed Champion ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/020808.html | title=SmackDown! results - August 8, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>

==Main roster (2002-2004)==
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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020318.html | title=RAW results - March 18, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> When the ] was introduced in the WWF, Lesnar was ] to the ''RAW'' brand.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020325.html | title=RAW results - March 25, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Later, Heyman was confirmed to be Lesnar's agent, and gave Lesnar the ] "The Next Big Thing".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020408.html | title=RAW results - April 8, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>

Lesnar's first ] was with the ]. Lesnar and ] squared off at ] in Lesnar's first official televised match. Lesnar dominated Hardy and won the match by knockout.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/backlash02.html | title=Backlash 2002 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> The next night on ''RAW'' he faced Matt Hardy, defeating him in the same fasion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020422.html | title=RAW results - April 22, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> At ], Lesnar once again gained the upper hand on the Hardy Boyz tag team before tagging his partner, Heyman, in to take the win.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/judgementday02.html | title=Judgment Day 2002 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>

In ], Lesnar won the ] tournament, defeating ] in the final round. This victory earned him a shot at the ] at ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/kingofthering02.html | title=Judgment Day 2002 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> On ], 2002, Lesnar joined the '']'' brand. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020722.html | title=RAW results - July 22, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> After an angle with ] in August 2002 in which Lesnar defeated Hogan, Lesnar began feuding with the Undisputed Champion ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/020808.html | title=SmackDown! results - August 8, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>


At the main event of SummerSlam 2002, Lesnar defeated The Rock to become the new and final ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/summerslam02.html | title=SummerSlam 2002 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> 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<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/summerslam04.html | title=SummerSlam 2004 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>). 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020826.html | title=RAW results - August 26, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020902.html | title=RAW results - September 2, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> At the main event of SummerSlam 2002, Lesnar defeated The Rock to become the new and final ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/summerslam02.html | title=SummerSlam 2002 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> 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<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/summerslam04.html | title=SummerSlam 2004 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>). 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020826.html | title=RAW results - August 26, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020902.html | title=RAW results - September 2, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>


Lesnar's rapid rise to the top of WWE in 2002 led to a match between him and ] at ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/unforgiven02.html | title=Unforgiven 2002 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> It ended in a double disqualification leading to Lesnar retaining the title. The next month, at ], he faced The Undertaker again, this time in a ] match. Leading up to the match, Lesnar with Heyman broke the Undertaker's hand with a propane tank.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/021003.html | title=SmackDown! results - October 3, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Despite Heyman begging Stephanie 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 web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/021017.html | title=SmackDown! results - October 17, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> In a match where both wrestlers and even Heyman covered in thick blood, the match ended when Lesnar reversed an attempted ] into his finishing ] manuever for the win.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/nomercy02.html | title=No Mercy 2002 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Six days after his Hell in a Cell match with The Undertaker, Lesnar successfully retained his WWE title in a ] with Heyman at the ] pay-per-view against ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/rebellion02.html | title=Rebellion 2002 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Lesnar's rapid rise to the top of WWE in 2002 led to a match between him and ] at ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/unforgiven02.html | title=Unforgiven 2002 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> It ended in a double disqualification leading to Lesnar retaining the title. The next month, at ], 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 Undertaker's hand with a propane tank.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/021003.html | title=SmackDown! results - October 3, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Despite Heyman begging Stephanie 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 web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/021017.html | title=SmackDown! results - October 17, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> At ''No Mercy'', Lesnar defeated The Undertaker after Lesnar reversed an attempted ] by Undertaker into his signature ] for the pin.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/nomercy02.html | title=No Mercy 2002 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Six days after his Hell in a Cell match with The Undertaker, Lesnar successfully retained his WWE title in a ] with Heyman at the ] pay-per-view against ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/rebellion02.html | title=Rebellion 2002 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>


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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/021114.html | title=SmackDown! results - November 14, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Lesnar refused, and went on to lose the championship in ] at the ] pay-per-view to Big Show when after giving an F-5 to the 500-pounder, he was betrayed by Heyman. This was Lesnar's first ] loss in WWE, and ] Lesnar ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/survivorseries02.html | title=Survivor Series 2002 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/021114.html | title=SmackDown! results - November 14, 2002 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Lesnar refused, and went on to lose the championship in ] at the ] pay-per-view to Big Show when after giving an F-5 to the 500-pounder, he was betrayed by Heyman. This was Lesnar's first ] loss in WWE, and ] Lesnar ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/survivorseries02.html | title=Survivor Series 2002 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>
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After winning the Royal Rumble match, Lesnar spent the next two months feuding with ]. Angle had Paul Heyman and ] (Shelton Benjamin and ]) behind him, but Lesnar overcame these opponents.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/nowayout03.html | title=No Way Out 2003 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> 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 met in a ring. Lesnar regained the WWE Championship in the main event of ''WrestleMania XIX''. 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/wrestlemania19.html | title=WrestleMania XIX results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> After winning the Royal Rumble match, Lesnar spent the next two months feuding with ]. Angle had Paul Heyman and ] (Shelton Benjamin and ]) behind him, but Lesnar overcame these opponents.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/nowayout03.html | title=No Way Out 2003 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> 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 met in a ring. Lesnar regained the WWE Championship in the main event of ''WrestleMania XIX''. 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/wrestlemania19.html | title=WrestleMania XIX results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</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.<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 F5 into the ringpost, injuring his knee! | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> This led to Cena receiving a title match at ]. Lesnar successfully retained his title against Cena. Earlier at the ''Backlash'' pay-per-view, Big Show had injured ] badly, resulting in Mysterio being carried out on a ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/backlash03.html | title=Backlash 2003 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> This 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 ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/may/2003.html | title=Judgment Day 2003 results | publisher=PWWEW.net | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> A famous ''SmackDown!'' moment was made in a later rematch between the two, when Lesnar lifted Big Show over 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 | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> At ] Lesnar lost his title to Kurt Angle in a ] ] that also involved Big Show.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/vengeance03.html | title=Vengeance 2003 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</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.<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 F5 into the ringpost, injuring his knee! | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> This led to Cena receiving a title match at ]. Lesnar successfully retained his title against Cena. Earlier at the ''Backlash'' pay-per-view, Big Show had injured ] badly, resulting in Mysterio being carried out on a ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/backlash03.html | title=Backlash 2003 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> This 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 ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/may/2003.html | title=Judgment Day 2003 results | publisher=PWWEW.net | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> A famous ''SmackDown!'' moment was made in a later rematch between the two, when Lesnar lifted Big Show over 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 | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/listthis/mostmemorablesdmoments/sdmoments2| title=Most Memorable Moments in Smackdown History| publisher=WWE.com| accessdate=2007-05-17}}</ref> At ] Lesnar lost his title to Kurt Angle in a ] ] that also involved Big Show.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/vengeance03.html | title=Vengeance 2003 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>


Prior to ], Lesnar turned ] on Kurt Angle, leading to a rematch at the event.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030807.html | title=SmackDown! results - August 7, 2003 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Lesnar lost to Kurt Angle in their rematch when Angle made Lesnar ] to the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/summerslam03.html | title=SummerSlam 2003 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> A second rematch between Lesnar and Angle, an ], was later held on an episode of ''SmackDown!''. Lesnar defeated Angle with five falls to four, making him a three-time WWE Champion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030918.html | title=SmackDown! results - September 18, 2003 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Prior to ], Lesnar turned ] on Kurt Angle, leading to a rematch at the event.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030807.html | title=SmackDown! results - August 7, 2003 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Lesnar lost to Kurt Angle in their rematch when Angle made Lesnar ] to the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/summerslam03.html | title=SummerSlam 2003 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> A second rematch between Lesnar and Angle, an ], was later held on an episode of ''SmackDown!''. Lesnar defeated Angle with five falls to four, making him a three-time WWE Champion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030918.html | title=SmackDown! results - September 18, 2003 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>
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Lesnar realigned himself with Paul Heyman after Heyman became general manager of ''SmackDown!'', and formed Team Lesnar with The Big Show, ], ] and ] for a 10-man Survivor Series match at ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/031030.html | title=SmackDown! results - October 30, 2003 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> In the climax of the match, ] became the second person to make Lesnar tap out.<ref name="SurSer03">{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/survivorseries03.html | title=Survivor Series 2003 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Lesnar faced Benoit in singles bout two weeks later for the WWE Championship on ''SmackDown!'', where Lesnar won after Benoit ] to Lesnar's debuting ] submission hold.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/031204.html | title=SmackDown! results - December 4, 2003 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Lesnar realigned himself with Paul Heyman after Heyman became general manager of ''SmackDown!'', and formed Team Lesnar with The Big Show, ], ] and ] for a 10-man Survivor Series match at ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/031030.html | title=SmackDown! results - October 30, 2003 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> In the climax of the match, ] became the second person to make Lesnar tap out.<ref name="SurSer03">{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/survivorseries03.html | title=Survivor Series 2003 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Lesnar faced Benoit in singles bout two weeks later for the WWE Championship on ''SmackDown!'', where Lesnar won after Benoit ] to Lesnar's debuting ] submission hold.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/031204.html | title=SmackDown! results - December 4, 2003 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>


The ''Survivor Series'' event also marked the first time Lesnar met ] from the ''RAW'' brand, a man who Lesnar had been compared to, due to their similar ] and their undefeated streaks in wrestling. Lesnar claimed in a backstage ] that he could beat anybody in the world, leading to Goldberg interrupting the interview and introducing himself to Lesnar, ] with him before leaving with a staredown.<ref name="SurSer03" /> The ''Survivor Series'' event also marked a confrontation between Lesnar and ] from the ''RAW'' brand.<ref name="SurSer03" />


Lesnar followed this with a brief feud involvoing ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/031211.html | title=SmackDown! results - December 11, 2003 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> 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, Lesnar 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. 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slashwrestling.com/tuesday/021008.html | title=Wrestling news report - October 8, 2002 | publisher=Slash Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Lesnar never apologized and even showed insult to injury after the incident. The feud was closed when Lesnar defeated Holly to retain the WWE Championship at the ]. Later in the Royal Rumble match, Lesnar attacked Goldberg and delivered an F-5, enabling Kurt Angle to eliminate him.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/royalrumble04.html | title=Royal Rumble 2004 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Lesnar followed this with a brief feud involvoing ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/031211.html | title=SmackDown! results - December 11, 2003 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>, where Holly wanted revenge on Lesnar for (legitimately) breaking his neck during a previous match between the two in 2002. During that match, Lesnar 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. 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slashwrestling.com/tuesday/021008.html | title=Wrestling news report - October 8, 2002 | publisher=Slash Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Lesnar never apologized and even showed insult to injury after the incident. The feud was closed when Lesnar defeated Holly to retain the WWE Championship at the ]. Later in the Royal Rumble match, Lesnar attacked Goldberg and delivered an F-5, enabling Kurt Angle to eliminate him.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/royalrumble04.html | title=Royal Rumble 2004 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>


In February, Lesnar faced ] for the title at ]. During the match, Goldberg interfered twice in the match, eventually allowing Guerrero to capitalize and pin Lesnar after a ] to win the WWE Championship. The match set up an interbrand match for '']'' between Lesnar and Goldberg.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/nowayout04.html | title=No Way Out 2004 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> In February, Lesnar faced ] for the title at ]. Toward the end of that match, Goldberg interfered and attacked Lesnar, allowing Guerrero to capitalize and pin Lesnar after a ] to win the WWE Championship. This set up an interbrand match for '']'' between Lesnar and Goldberg.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/nowayout04.html | title=No Way Out 2004 results | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</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'').<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040202.html | title=RAW results - February 2, 2004 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> When Lesnar attacked Austin on ''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=RAW results - March 4, 2004 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</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'').<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040202.html | title=RAW results - February 2, 2004 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> When Lesnar attacked Austin on ''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=RAW results - March 4, 2004 | publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Behind the scenes, it was widely known that the match would be Goldberg's last in WWE. However only a week before ''WrestleMania'', rumors surfaced Lesnar, too, was leaving in order to pursue a career in the ]. As a result, Lesnar's match with Goldberg became a fiasco as the fans at ] jeered both wrestlers with very loud and distinct chants of "]" and "you sold out", with the crowd support mostly given to special referee Austin. Although Goldberg won the match, both men were given a ] by Austin on their way out.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/tv_reports/31151 | title=WrestleMania XX results | publisher=411mania.com | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>

Behind the scenes, it was widely known that the match would be Goldberg's last in WWE. However only a week before ''WrestleMania'', rumors surfaced Lesnar, too, was leaving in order to pursue a career in the ]. As a result, Lesnar's match with Goldberg became a fiasco as the fans at ] jeered both wrestlers with very loud and distinct chants of "]" and "you sold out", with the crowd support mostly given to special referee Austin. Although Goldberg won the match, both men were given a ] by Austin on their way out.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/tv_reports/31151 | title=WrestleMania XX results | publisher=411mania.com | accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>


=== National Football League === === National Football League ===
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{{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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/17/13456 | title=Lesnar: His NFL dream, his real WWE income, his motivation | publisher=Minneapolis Star Tribune (via the Pro Wrestling Torch)| accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>}} {{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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/17/13456 | title=Lesnar: His NFL dream, his real WWE income, his motivation | publisher=Minneapolis Star Tribune (via the Pro Wrestling Torch)| accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>}}


Lesnar played in the ], where he created controversy in some games by starting minor fights and got heat from the ] for a sack on quarterback ], 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 quarterbacks 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/22/9392 | title=Lesnar starts fight at Vikings scrimmage, coach says he's "good for team" | publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch | accessdate=2007-04-27}}</ref> After playing in a few pre-season games, Lesnar was eventually cut from the team after not showing up for practices due to an 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 ].<ref name="AC" /> Lesnar played for the ] as a ]. He created controversy in some games by starting minor fights and got heat from the ] for a sack on ] ], 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 quarterbacks 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/22/9392 | title=Lesnar starts fight at Vikings scrimmage, coach says he's "good for team" | publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch | accessdate=2007-04-27}}</ref> After playing in a few pre-season games, Lesnar was cut from the team after not showing up for practices due to an injury sustained by a motorcycle ride in April, 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2004/08/30/609588.html | title=Vikings cut Brock Lesnar
| publisher=SLAM! Wrestling
| accessdate=2007-05-17}}</ref> He declined to accept an invitation to play as a representative of the Vikings in ].<ref name="AC" />


=== Lawsuit with WWE === === 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 June 2010. Lesnar had anticipated leaving wrestling entirely, but his inability to secure a career in professional football led to him challenging this ruling in court.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/02/12/929079.html | title=Brock taking WWE to court | publisher=SLAM! Sports | accessdate=2007-04-27}}</ref> WWE responded by demanding damages as a result of Lesnar allegedly breaching the agreement by appearing at a ] 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 | accessdate=2007-04-27}}</ref> 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 June ]. Lesnar had anticipated leaving wrestling entirely, but his inability to secure a career in professional football led to him challenging this ruling in court.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/02/12/929079.html | title=Brock taking WWE to court | publisher=SLAM! Sports | accessdate=2007-04-27}}</ref> WWE responded by demanding damages as a result of Lesnar allegedly breaching the agreement by appearing at a ] show in ].<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 | accessdate=2007-04-27}}</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 | title=WWE cuts more while negotiating with Lesnar | publisher=SLAM! Sports | accessdate=2007-04-27}}</ref> WWE had offered Lesnar a contract, but on ], ], WWE's 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 | title=Brock says no to contract | publisher=SLAM! Sports | accessdate=2007-04-27}}</ref> The lawsuit was then entered into settlement on ], 2005, but talks broke down.<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 | accessdate=2007-04-27}}</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 | accessdate=2007-04-27}}</ref> In ], 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 | title=WWE cuts more while negotiating with Lesnar | publisher=SLAM! Sports | accessdate=2007-04-27}}</ref> WWE had offered Lesnar a contract, but on ], ], WWE's 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 | title=Brock says no to contract | publisher=SLAM! Sports | accessdate=2007-04-27}}</ref> The lawsuit was then entered into settlement on ], 2005, but talks broke down.<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 | accessdate=2007-04-27}}</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 | accessdate=2007-04-27}}</ref>


On ], ], Judge Christopher Droney stated that unless WWE gave him a good argument between then and ], 2006, he would rule in favor of Brock Lesnar, giving him a summary judgment. This would have enabled Lesnar to work anywhere he wanted 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 | accessdate=2007-04-27}}</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) | accessdate=2007-04-27}}</ref> On ], ], Judge Christopher Droney stated that unless WWE gave him a good argument between then and ], 2006, he would rule in favor of Brock Lesnar, giving him a summary judgment. This would have enabled Lesnar to work anywhere he wanted 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 | accessdate=2007-04-27}}</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) | accessdate=2007-04-27}}</ref>
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=== New Japan Pro Wrestling === === New Japan Pro Wrestling ===
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. Lesnar is one of the few American wrestlers to have held this title. The first person to hold it was ] (also the first American to win a Japanese world wrestling title), and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1130057544&subaction=list-archive& | title=New Japan Pro Wrestling news - (01 Oct 2005 - 21 Oct 2005) | publisher=Strong Style Sprit | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1130057544&subaction=list-archive& | title=New Japan Pro Wrestling news - (01 Oct 2005 - 21 Oct 2005) | publisher=Strong Style Sprit | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</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 ].<ref name="WWE-legal">{{cite web |url=http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1137877436&subaction=list-archive& | title=New Japan Pro Wrestling news - (25 Dec 2005 - 20 Jan 2006) | publisher=Strong Style Sprit | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1135582068&subaction=list-archive& | title=New Japan Pro Wrestling news - (06 Dec 2005 - 23 Dec 2005) | publisher=Strong Style Sprit | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref> Lesnar successfully defended his championship on January 4, 2006 against former champion ].<ref name="WWE-legal"/> 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 ].<ref name="WWE-legal">{{cite web |url=http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1137877436&subaction=list-archive& | title=New Japan Pro Wrestling news - (25 Dec 2005 - 20 Jan 2006) | publisher=Strong Style Sprit | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1135582068&subaction=list-archive& | title=New Japan Pro Wrestling news - (06 Dec 2005 - 23 Dec 2005) | publisher=Strong Style Sprit | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref> Lesnar successfully defended his championship on January 4, 2006 against former champion ].<ref name="WWE-legal"/>
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On ], 2006 at the Sumo Hall, Lesnar retained his championship against former ] Grand Champion Akebono when Lesnar hit him with the championship belt and a ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1145025962&subaction=list-archive& | title=New Japan Pro Wrestling news - (09 Mar 2006 - 08 Apr 2006) | publisher=Strong Style Sprit | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref> Lesnar went on to 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1147261899&subaction=list-archive& | title=New Japan Pro Wrestling news - (10 Apr 2006 - 05 May 2006) | publisher=Strong Style Sprit | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref> On ], 2006 at the Sumo Hall, Lesnar retained his championship against former ] Grand Champion Akebono when Lesnar hit him with the championship belt and a ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1145025962&subaction=list-archive& | title=New Japan Pro Wrestling news - (09 Mar 2006 - 08 Apr 2006) | publisher=Strong Style Sprit | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref> Lesnar went on to 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1147261899&subaction=list-archive& | title=New Japan Pro Wrestling news - (10 Apr 2006 - 05 May 2006) | publisher=Strong Style Sprit | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref>


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. Lesnar is claimed to still have possession of the current version of the physical IWGP world heavyweight championship.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1153643478&subaction=list-archive& | title=New Japan Pro Wrestling news - (28 Jun 2006 - 19 Jul 2006) | publisher=Strong Style Sprit | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref> 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 <ref></ref>. The departue between Lesnar and NJPW was reported as being due to "]" issues". In actual fact, Lesnar quit the company.
A tournament was held on ] to determine the new champion, which was won by ], the man Lesnar was originally scheduled to face. Lesnar is claimed to still have possession of the current version of the physical IWGP world heavyweight championship.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1153643478&subaction=list-archive& | title=New Japan Pro Wrestling news - (28 Jun 2006 - 19 Jul 2006) | publisher=Strong Style Sprit | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref>


=== K-1 Hero's / Mixed Martial Arts === === K-1 Hero's / Mixed Martial Arts ===
On ], 2006, 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.<ref name="CBS"/> Brock Lesnar announced on ], 2006 in Las Vegas that he has joined the K-1 promotion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=2488&zoneid=3 | title=Brock Lesnar joins K-1 | publisher=MMA Weekly | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref> His first fight will be on ], ] on the ] show against ] of ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=3651&zoneid=13 | title=Gracie & Lesnar at L.A. Coliseum official | publisher=MMA Weekly | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref> ] then announced that he will serve as Lesnar's trainer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmaringreport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=943&Itemid=43 | title=Brock Lesnar Good to Go With Hero's | publisher=MMA Ring Report | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref> On ], 2006, Lesnar appeared inside the ring after the final match of ] ] "Battle at Bellagio" and has since signed a one fight deal with the K-1. He has been preparing for his first fight training with Minnesota Martial Arts Academy under Greg Nelson coach to ] Lightweight champion ] and with University of Minnesota Head Assistant wrestling coach Marty Morgan.<ref name="CBS"/> Lesnar announced on ], 2006 in ] that he has joined the K-1 promotion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=2488&zoneid=3 | title=Brock Lesnar joins K-1 | publisher=MMA Weekly | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref> Lesnar´s first fight will be on ], ] against the 7ft2 364 lb ] of ], at the combined promotion event “Softbank presents ] in association with ProElite,” a major pay-per-view event at the massive ] ]. Lesnar will be headlining the event.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=3651&zoneid=13 | title=Gracie & Lesnar at L.A. Coliseum official | publisher=MMA Weekly | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref>

==In wrestling==
*'''Finishing and signature moves'''
:*'''''F-5''''' / '''''Verdict''''' (], occasionally using the move to propel an opponent's legs into a ring post)
:*'''''Brock Lock''''' (] - 2003-2004, or ])
:*''']''' - ]
:*]
:*]
:*]
:*]
:*]
:*]
:*]
:*]
:*]
:*]
:*] - 2003-2004

*'''Managers'''
:*]

*'''Nicknames'''
:*The Next Big Thing


==Championships and accomplishments== ==Championships and accomplishments==
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*''']''' *''']'''
:*Bison Open (1997-1998) :*Bison Open (1997-1998)
:*] (1998) :*1998 ]
:*Big Ten Title (1999-2000) :*Big Ten Title (1999-2000)
:*1999 ] Division I runner-up
:*Ranked the #'''1''' ] in the Big Ten (2000) :*Ranked the #'''1''' ] in the Big Ten (2000)
:*2000 NCAA Division I Champion
:*] (2000)


*''']''' *''']'''
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==Personal life== ==Personal life==
Lesnar has 2 older brother´s and one younger sister, Chad, Troy and Brandi.

Lesnar joined the ] at the age of 17.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0KFY/is_12_21/ai_112350861/pg_3 | title=Brock Lesnar interview | publisher=Flex | accessdate=2007-04-22}}</ref> Lesnar joined the ] at the age of 17.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0KFY/is_12_21/ai_112350861/pg_3 | title=Brock Lesnar interview | publisher=Flex | accessdate=2007-04-22}}</ref>


In January 2001, Lesnar was arrested for receiving a "large amount of ]". The charges were later dropped when police found that the pills were not steroids after all.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thesmokinggun.com/mugshots/lesnarmug1.html | title=Brock Lesnar arrested in January 2001 | publisher=The Smoking Gun | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref> In ], Lesnar was arrested for receiving a "large amount of ]". The charges were later dropped when police found that the pills were not steroids after all.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thesmokinggun.com/mugshots/lesnarmug1.html | title=Brock Lesnar arrested in January 2001 | publisher=The Smoking Gun | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref>


Lesnar has one daughter, Mya Lynn who was born on ], ], with his ex-fiancée, Nicole.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1830855 | title=Grappling with his future | publisher=ESPN | accessdate=2007-05-07}}</ref> 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 ], ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lovetripper.com/newswire/61153-sable.html | title=Sable and Brock Lesnar's Wedding | publisher=Love Tripper | accessdate=2007-05-07}}</ref> Lesnar has one step-child with Mero: Mariah, a step-daughter born to Mero and her late husband, Wayne Richardson. Lesnar has one daughter, Mya Lynn who was born on ], ], with his ex-fiancée, Nicole.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1830855 | title=Grappling with his future | publisher=ESPN | accessdate=2007-05-07}}</ref> 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 ], ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lovetripper.com/newswire/61153-sable.html | title=Sable and Brock Lesnar's Wedding | publisher=Love Tripper | accessdate=2007-05-07}}</ref> Lesnar has one step-child with Mero: Mariah, a step-daughter born to Mero and her late husband, Wayne Richardson.
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The ] '']'' is named after the quote commentator ] attributes to Lesnar, "Here Comes The Pain".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestling101.com/101/article/USProfiles/114/ | title=Brock Lesnar profile| publisher=Wrestling 101 | quote=The champion is now meaner and stronger than ever, and no matter who is on the other side of the ring, they better be careful, because in the words of Tazz... "Here comes the Pain".| accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Other video games Lesnar has also appeared in include '']'', '']'', '']'' and the ] version of '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/376/376647p1.html | title=SmackDown Countdown: Brock Lesnar | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2007-05-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamewinners.com/gamecube/WWECrushHour.htm | title=WWE Crush Hour cheats | publisher=Game Winners | accessdate=2007-05-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/us/pc/game/cheats/cheats.jsp?releaseId=2005120715584427496337 | title=Madden NFL 06 cheats | publisher=GamesRadar | accessdate=2007-05-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ncsxshop.com/cgi-bin/shop/SLPM-66401.html | title=Wrestle Kingdom | publisher=National Console Support | accessdate=2007-05-06}}</ref> The ] '']'' is named after the quote commentator ] attributes to Lesnar, "Here Comes The Pain".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestling101.com/101/article/USProfiles/114/ | title=Brock Lesnar profile| publisher=Wrestling 101 | quote=The champion is now meaner and stronger than ever, and no matter who is on the other side of the ring, they better be careful, because in the words of Tazz... "Here comes the Pain".| accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> Other video games Lesnar has also appeared in include '']'', '']'', '']'' and the ] version of '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/376/376647p1.html | title=SmackDown Countdown: Brock Lesnar | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2007-05-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamewinners.com/gamecube/WWECrushHour.htm | title=WWE Crush Hour cheats | publisher=Game Winners | accessdate=2007-05-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/us/pc/game/cheats/cheats.jsp?releaseId=2005120715584427496337 | title=Madden NFL 06 cheats | publisher=GamesRadar | accessdate=2007-05-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ncsxshop.com/cgi-bin/shop/SLPM-66401.html | title=Wrestle Kingdom | publisher=National Console Support | accessdate=2007-05-06}}</ref>


Lesnar was on the cover of ]. The magazine featured Lesnar lifting a 300-pound ] with one arm.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.getbig.com/magazine/flex/flex0402.htm | title=Flex Magazine summary (February 2004) | publisher=GetBig.com | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref> Lesnar has been on the cover of ]. The magazine featured Lesnar lifting a 300-pound ] with one arm.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.getbig.com/magazine/flex/flex0402.htm | title=Flex Magazine summary (February 2004) | publisher=GetBig.com | accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref> This made him the second wrestler to appear on the magazine, with the first being ].


==References== ==References==
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==External links== ==External links==
* *
* *


{{DEFAULTSORT:Lesnar, Brock}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Lesnar, Brock}}

Revision as of 17:18, 24 May 2007

Template:MMAstatsbox

Brock Edward Lesnar (born July 12, 1977) is an American aspiring mixed martial artist, professional wrestler and former amateur wrestler, best known for his professional wrestling career in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). He currently has a one fight deal with K-1 HERO'S.

Career

Early career

Lesnar grew up in South Dakota, working on his family's farm in a small city. He started making waves in the athletic field in high school, wrestling at Webster High School. Coached by John Schiley, he qualified for the state wrestling tournament several times, but was unable to get first place. Lesnar also played high school football in 1995 as a lineman, running back and linebacker in South Dakota's small-school division, and received a handful of Division II scholarship offers. He signed up with the National Guard by the age 17, then returned to amateur wrestling, going 33-0 for the year. During that time, Lesnar had signed to play football at Northern State University. But due to his success on the mats, he backed out of his scholarship and headed to Bismark Junior College in North Dakota.

In 1997, Lesnar won his heavyweight bracket at North Dakota State University´s annual Bison tournament. Lesnar took the win again in 1998 at the Bison Open. He went on to become the Junior College National Champion that same year. In 1999, Lesnar attended the University of Minnesota on a full wrestling scholarship, where his roommate was serving assistant coach Shelton Benjamin. Lesnar helped Minnesota win the Big Ten Title that year, but suffered a loss in the finals of the NCAA Championships, allowing Iowa to slip past them. The next year, Lesnar put together a record of 26-1, earning the #1 Heavyweight Ranking in the Big Ten, then winning the Big Ten Title for the second year in a row. Lesnar followed this up with a destructive run through the NCAA Heavyweight Bracket, beating Iowa's Wes Hand in an overtime victory to become a 2000 NCAA Division I Heavyweight Champion. Ironacilly, Lesnar´s loss in the 1999 finals was at the hands of Wes Hand. After the successful end to his college career, Lesnar was offered tryouts in the NFL as well as being trained for the Olympics, but was more convinced by Vince McMahon and the WWF (later known as World Wrestling Entertainment in mid-2002), who believed he could have the same success as Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle did, recalling his many trash-talkings of Iowa and other various schools. Surprising some, Lesnar chose WWF and was sent to its farm territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling.

Lesnar finished his amateur career as a four time All-American, two time big-ten Champion and the 2000 NCAA champion with a record of 106-5 overall in four years of college and was wearing the maroon and gold of the Minnesota Golden Gophers in 1999.

World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment

After joining WWF development in 2000, Lesnar formed a tag team known as the Minnesota Stretching Crew with his former college roommate and assistant coach, Shelton Benjamin in its Ohio Valley Wrestling territory. Lesnar and Benjamin won the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship on three occasions in 2001 and together appeared in WWF magazines while still in OVW.

Lesnar wrestled several dark matches in 2001 and 2002 before being called up to the main roster.

Main roster (2002-2004)

Lesnar debuted on WWF television on the March 18, 2002 episode of WWF RAW, attacking Al Snow, Maven, and Spike Dudley in the course of a match. He was 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 monicker "The Next Big Thing".

Lesnar's first feud was with the Hardy Boyz. Lesnar and Jeff Hardy squared off at Backlash 2002 in Lesnar's first official televised match. Lesnar dominated Hardy and won the match by knockout. The next night on RAW he faced Matt Hardy, defeating him in the same fasion. At Judgment Day 2002, Lesnar once again gained the upper hand on the Hardy Boyz tag team before tagging his partner, Heyman, in to take the win.

In June 2002, Lesnar won the 2002 King of the Ring tournament, defeating Rob Van Dam in the final round. This victory earned him a shot at the WWE Undisputed Championship at SummerSlam 2002. On July 22, 2002, Lesnar joined the SmackDown! brand. After an angle with Hulk Hogan in August 2002 in which Lesnar defeated Hogan, Lesnar began feuding with the Undisputed Champion The Rock.

At the main event of SummerSlam 2002, Lesnar defeated The Rock to become the new and final WWE Undisputed Champion. Lesnar, at age 25, was then the youngest WWE Champion ever (as of 2007, he is still technically the youngest WWE Champion ever, but Randy Orton is the youngest world champion in WWE history, having won the World Heavyweight Championship at 24). Due to the requirements of the WWE Undisputed Championship being defended on both shows, RAW general manager Eric Bischoff expected Lesnar to be able to return on RAW the next night. However, SmackDown! general manager Stephanie McMahon announced that Lesnar's contract required that he would defend the title only on SmackDown!, forcing Bischoff to separate the World Heavyweight Championship from the WWE Championship 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 The Undertaker at Unforgiven 2002. It ended in a double disqualification leading to Lesnar retaining the title. The next month, at No Mercy 2002, he faced The Undertaker again, this time in a Hell in a Cell match. Hype leading up to the match (for the WWE Championship) was tremendous and intense as Lesnar with Heyman broke 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 went on as planned. At No Mercy, Lesnar defeated The Undertaker after Lesnar reversed an attempted Tombstone by Undertaker into his signature F-5 for the pin. Six days after his Hell in a Cell match with The Undertaker, Lesnar successfully retained his WWE title in a Handicap match with Heyman at the Rebellion 2002 pay-per-view against Edge.

Lesnar's next opponent was The Big Show. 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 Madison Square Garden at the Survivor Series 2002 pay-per-view to Big Show when after giving an F-5 to the 500-pounder, he was betrayed by Heyman. This was Lesnar's first pinfall loss in WWE, and turned Lesnar face.

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. At the Royal Rumble event, Lesnar defeated The Big Show in a qualification match where the winner could enter the Royal Rumble match. Lesnar later entered the Rumble as the #29 entrant where he eventually won by eliminating The Undertaker last.

After winning the Royal Rumble match, Lesnar spent the next two months feuding with Kurt Angle. Angle had Paul Heyman and Team Angle (Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas) behind him, but Lesnar overcame these opponents. The match between Lesnar and Angle going into WrestleMania XIX proved a historical moment as it marked the first time in WWE history that two accomplished amateur wrestlers met in a ring. Lesnar regained the WWE Championship in the main event of WrestleMania XIX. Toward the end of the match, he botched a shooting star press; 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 concussion from the botched move.

Following WrestleMania, John Cena 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 Backlash 2003. Lesnar successfully retained his title against Cena. Earlier at the Backlash pay-per-view, Big Show had injured Rey Mysterio badly, resulting in Mysterio being carried out on a stretcher. This led to Lesnar renewing his feud with Big Show, which led to a Stretcher match at Judgment Day 2003 for the title. Lesnar successfully retained his title with help from Rey Mysterio and a forklift. A famous SmackDown! moment was made in a later rematch between the two, when Lesnar lifted Big Show over in a Superplex which caused the ring to collapse on impact. At Vengeance 2003 Lesnar lost his title to Kurt Angle in a No Disqualification Triple Threat match that also involved Big Show.

Prior to SummerSlam 2003, Lesnar turned heel on Kurt Angle, leading to a rematch at the event. Lesnar lost to Kurt Angle in their rematch when Angle made Lesnar tap out to the Ankle lock. A second rematch between Lesnar and Angle, an Iron Man Match, was later held on an episode of SmackDown!. Lesnar defeated Angle with five falls to four, making him a three-time WWE Champion.

Lesnar's first challenger for his newly won title was The Undertaker. Lesnar had previously cost Undertaker the title in a match against then-champion Kurt Angle, which granted him a shot at Lesnar's title. At No Mercy 2003, Lesnar defeated Undertaker in a Biker Chain match, making it the second-straight No Mercy event where Lesnar defeated Undertaker for the WWE Championship.

Lesnar realigned himself with Paul Heyman after Heyman became general manager of SmackDown!, and formed Team Lesnar with The Big Show, Matt Morgan, A-Train and Nathan Jones for a 10-man Survivor Series match at Survivor Series 2003. In the climax of the match, Chris Benoit became the second person to make Lesnar tap out. Lesnar faced Benoit in singles bout two weeks later for the WWE Championship on SmackDown!, where Lesnar won after Benoit passed out to Lesnar's debuting Brock Lock submission hold.

The Survivor Series event also marked a confrontation between Lesnar and Bill Goldberg from the RAW brand.

Lesnar followed this with a brief feud involvoing Hardcore Holly, where Holly wanted revenge on Lesnar for (legitimately) breaking his neck during a previous match between the two in 2002. During that match, Lesnar went for a powerbomb, but Holly, believed by some to be uncooperative with rookies, supposedly sandbagged mid-lift so that Lesnar couldn't get him all the way up. 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 to retain the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble 2004. Later in the Royal Rumble match, Lesnar attacked Goldberg and delivered an F-5, enabling Kurt Angle to eliminate him.

In February, Lesnar faced Eddie Guerrero for the title at No Way Out 2004. Toward the end of that match, Goldberg interfered and attacked Lesnar, allowing Guerrero to capitalize and pin Lesnar after a frog splash to win the WWE Championship. This set up an interbrand match for WrestleMania XX between Lesnar and Goldberg.

During the feud with Bill Goldberg, Lesnar also was feuding with RAW's Stone Cold Steve Austin (who was shown suggesting to Goldberg that he attack Lesnar at No Way Out). When Lesnar attacked Austin on RAW and stole his four-wheeler, 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, rumors surfaced Lesnar, too, was leaving in order to pursue a career in the National Football League. As a result, Lesnar's match with Goldberg became a fiasco as the fans at Madison Square Garden jeered both wrestlers with very loud and distinct chants of "na na, hey hey goodbye" and "you sold out", with the crowd support mostly given to special referee Austin. Although Goldberg won the match, both men were given a Stone Cold Stunner by Austin on their way out.

National Football League

After his final match at WrestleMania XX, Lesnar sidelined his career in WWE to pursue a career in the National Football League. This move upset many in WWE, as the company had invested heavily in Lesnar. World Wrestling Entertainment confirmed Lesnar's departure on their official website WWE.com by the statement

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 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 an interview about starting with the NFL, Lesnar made the statement

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 for the Minnesota Vikings as a defensive tackle. He created controversy in some games by starting minor fights and got heat from the Kansas City Chiefs for a sack on quarterback Damon Huard, 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 quarterbacks in scrimmages violates an unwritten understanding, and the Chiefs were not too happy with him. His actions got him featured on Sports Center on more than one occasion. After playing in a few pre-season games, Lesnar was cut from the team after not showing up for practices due to an injury sustained by a motorcycle ride in April, 2004. He declined to accept an invitation to play as a representative of the Vikings in NFL Europe.

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 June 2010. 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 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, 2005, WWE's official website reported that Lesnar had withdrawn from any involvement with the company. The lawsuit was then entered into settlement on September 21, 2005, but talks broke down.

On January 14, 2006, Judge Christopher Droney stated that unless WWE gave him a good argument between then and January 25, 2006, 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.

On April 24, 2006, World Wrestling Entertainment announced on their official website, WWE.com, that both parties had mutually come to a settlement and on June 12, 2006, a federal judge dismissed Lesnar's lawsuit against WWE after both parties requested for the case to be dismissed.

New Japan Pro Wrestling

On October 8, 2005, Lesnar won the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in a three-way match at a New Japan Pro Wrestling show in the Tokyo Dome, which included the then-champion Kazuyuki Fujita and Masahiro Chono. 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 December 6, 2005 WWE filed a motion 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 Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata. Lesnar successfully defended his championship on January 4, 2006 against former champion Shinsuke Nakamura.

On January 13, 2006. WWE once again filed an injunction against Lesnar to stop him from defending the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship on March 19, but evidently this was not enforced (nor granted), as he would go on to have both a tag team match with Shinsuke Nakamura against Akebono and Riki Chōshū at the Sumo Hall on February 19, 2006 which was won after a Verdict to Chōshū.

On March 19, 2006 at the Sumo Hall, Lesnar retained his championship against former Sumo Wrestling Grand Champion Akebono when Lesnar hit him with the championship belt and a DDT. Lesnar went on to successfully defended his title against the winner of the New Japan Cup, Giant Bernard, on May 3, 2006 in Fukuoka. This was the first American vs. American title match in NJPW since Vader vs. Stan Hansen in 1990.

On July 15, 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 . The departue between Lesnar and NJPW was reported as being due to "visa" issues". In actual fact, Lesnar quit the company.

A tournament was held on July 17 to determine the new champion, which was won by Hiroshi Tanahashi, the man Lesnar was originally scheduled to face. Lesnar is claimed to still have possession of the current version of the physical IWGP world heavyweight championship.

K-1 Hero's / Mixed Martial Arts

On April 28, 2006, Lesnar appeared inside the ring after the final match of K-1 HERO'S "Battle at Bellagio" and has since signed a one fight deal with the K-1. He has been preparing for his first fight training with Minnesota Martial Arts Academy under Greg Nelson coach to UFC Lightweight champion Sean Sherk and with University of Minnesota Head Assistant wrestling coach Marty Morgan. Lesnar announced on August 12, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada that he has joined the K-1 promotion. Lesnar´s first fight will be on June 2, 2007 against the 7ft2 364 lb Choi Hong-man of South Korea, at the combined promotion event “Softbank presents DYNAMITE!! USA in association with ProElite,” a major pay-per-view event at the massive Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Lesnar will be headlining the event.

Championships and accomplishments

Brock Lesnar as WWE Champion.

Personal life

Lesnar has 2 older brother´s and one younger sister, Chad, Troy and Brandi.

Lesnar joined the national guard at the age of 17.

In January 2001, Lesnar was arrested for receiving a "large amount of steroids". The charges were later dropped when police found that the pills were not steroids after all.

Lesnar has one daughter, Mya Lynn who was born on April 10, 2002, with his ex-fiancée, Nicole. He left Nicole in 2003 to begin a relationship with Rena "Sable" Mero. Lesnar and Mero were engaged in 2004, separated in 2005, then reconciled later that year and married on May 6, 2006. Lesnar has one step-child with Mero: Mariah, a step-daughter born to Mero and her late husband, Wayne Richardson.

Lesnar has numerous tattoos, 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.

In other media

The video game WWE SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain is named after the quote commentator Tazz attributes to Lesnar, "Here Comes The Pain". Other video games Lesnar has also appeared in include WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth, WWE Crush Hour, Madden NFL 06 and the PlayStation 2 version of Wrestle Kingdom.

Lesnar has been on the cover of Flex Magazine. The magazine featured Lesnar lifting a 300-pound dumbell with one arm. This made him the second wrestler to appear on the magazine, with the first being Triple H.

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External links

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