Brock Lesnar, who is one of the most famous stars in both WWE and combat sports, has officially announced his departure from professional wrestling, having been a ten-time WWE World Champion. The 49-year-old athlete shared his decision on 'The Pat McAfee Show,' clarifying that his athletic journey is concluding not only within WWE but across all forms of competitive fighting.
Lesnar noted that his last match in the SummerSlam tournament served as the final chapter of his career. He admitted to realizing the approaching end of his time during the WrestleMania event. Following his loss to Bobby Firm, he removed his boots and gloves in the ring. Nevertheless, due to calls from WWE and residual inner strength, he decided to participate in the final 'Hell in a Cell' match.
He emphasized: 'I want to tell the world today that I am retiring. Sunday was a very emotional day for me. When Bobby Firm slammed me at WrestleMania, I felt like I couldn't do it anymore. But business called again, and there was still some strength left in me. Now, after Sunday, it's over for Brock Lesnar in every sense.'
Brock Lesnar's career is considered one of the most unconventional in sports history. Hailing from a farming family in South Dakota, he first established himself in collegiate wrestling. Playing for the University of Minnesota, he became an 'All American' twice, won the Big Ten championship twice, and captured the NCAA Division-I national championship in 2000.
After success in college sports, he transitioned to WWE and, just two years later, in 2002, achieved his first WWE World Championship victory by defeating Dean 'The Rock' Johnson. With his dangerous finishing move, the F-5, Lesnar amassed ten championship belts and became known worldwide as 'The Beast Incarnate.'
His resume also includes victories in two Royal Rumble tournaments (in 2003 and 2022), King of the Ring (in 2002), and the Money in the Bank Ladder Match (in 2019). In 2014, he was part of one of the most memorable moments in professional wrestling history, interrupting The Undertaker's historic streak of 21 consecutive wins at WrestleMania.
In 2004, Lesnar attempted to build a career in American football, leaving WWE. He participated in preseason games for the Minnesota Vikings NFL team but failed to make the main roster.
Subsequently, in 2007, he began pursuing mixed martial arts (MMA). He defeated Randy Couture in his fourth fight and became the UFC Heavyweight Champion in 2008. He stepped away from MMA in 2015, but in 2016, he returned to the octagon against Mark Hunt at UFC 200. However, before this bout, he was suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission due to a positive drug test, and he has never competed in MMA since.
In his farewell address, Lesnar appeared moved. He recounted being a simple farmer from South Dakota with big dreams. Looking back at age 49, he expressed gratitude to God and everyone who supported him. He also addressed the youth, advising them that social media often showcases only success, not the hard work behind it. He urged children to keep working and focus on goals to achieve good results.
With Brock Lesnar's departure, an entire era in WWE and combat sports concludes—an era that set numerous records in professional wrestling, MMA, and sports in general, which will be remembered for many years to come.
