Challenges Faced by Brock Lesnar: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Brock Lesnar. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Brock Lesnar is an American professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist, amateur wrestler, and professional football player. He is primarily known for his accomplishments in professional wrestling with WWE, but has achieved heavyweight championships in WWE, UFC, NJPW, IGF, and NCAA. Often considered one of the most accomplished combat sport athletes, Lesnar is currently signed to WWE but is not actively competing as of 2023.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

January 2001: Arrest in Louisville, Kentucky

In January 2001, Lesnar was arrested in Louisville, Kentucky, on suspicion of possessing illegal substances, but the charges were dropped when the substances were identified as legal hormones.

2002: Injuring Hardcore Holly

In 2002, Brock Lesnar legitimately injured Hardcore Holly's neck during a match, leading to Holly needing neck surgery and being out of action for a year.

2004: Wrestlemania XX loss

Heyman stated that Goldberg was the one blemish on Lesnar's WWE career, as Goldberg had defeated Lesnar at WrestleMania XX in 2004.

2004: Breach of non-compete agreement

In 2004, Lesnar breached his non-compete agreement with WWE by appearing at a New Japan Pro-Wrestling show, leading to a counterclaim from WWE.

2004: Joins Minnesota Vikings

In 2004, Lesnar left WWE to join the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL but was cut from the team during pre-season.

January 14, 2006: Judge's potential ruling in favor of Lesnar

On January 14, 2006, Judge Christopher Droney indicated he would rule in Lesnar's favor, granting him a summary judgment and allowing him to work anywhere immediately, unless WWE provided a strong argument by January 25.

June 29, 2007: IWGP Heavyweight Championship Loss to Kurt Angle

On June 29, 2007, Brock 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). Angle won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

2009: Diverticulitis Diagnosis

In 2009, Brock Lesnar was sidelined due to diverticulitis.

January 2, 2010: Lesnar's Bout Pulled Due to Illness

On January 2, 2010, Brock Lesnar's scheduled fight with Shane Carwin at UFC 108 was postponed due to an illness. Lesnar criticized Canadian healthcare and sought treatment in the United States.

June 2010: Expiration of non-compete clause with WWE

By June 2010, Lesnar was prohibited from working for any other professional wrestling companies because of a non-compete clause in order to be released from his contract with WWE.

November 19, 2010: Hunting trip to Alberta

On November 19, 2010, Lesnar went on a hunting trip to Alberta, which later resulted in charges for hunting infractions.

December 15, 2011: Charged with hunting infractions

On December 15, 2011, Lesnar was charged with hunting infractions related to a trip to Alberta on November 19, 2010.

July 15, 2016: Lesnar Notified of Potential Anti-Doping Violation

On July 15, 2016, Brock Lesnar was notified by USADA of a potential anti-doping policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample taken on June 28.

2016: Return at UFC 200 and Overturned Victory

In 2016, Brock Lesnar returned to MMA at UFC 200, defeating Mark Hunt, but his victory was overturned to a no-contest after testing positive for a banned substance.