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, mixed martial artist, amateur wrestler, and former professional football player. He is widely considered one of the most accomplished combat sports athletes globally, holding heavyweight championships in WWE, UFC, NJPW, IGF, and NCAA. Currently signed with WWE but on hiatus (as of 2023), Lesnar's career showcases a rare level of success across multiple combat sports disciplines.

Sections (6)

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

January 2001: Arrest in Louisville, Kentucky

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

2004: Breach of Non-Compete Agreement

In 2004, Brock Lesnar breached the non-compete agreement with WWE by appearing at a New Japan Pro-Wrestling show. WWE responded with a counterclaim, which led to legal battles and settlement talks.

2004: Departure from WWE and Joins NFL

In 2004, Brock Lesnar departed WWE to join the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL), but was cut from the team during pre-season.

January 14, 2006: Judge Favors Lesnar in WWE Lawsuit

On January 14, 2006, Judge Christopher Droney indicated he would rule in favor of Brock Lesnar in the lawsuit against WWE unless WWE provided a compelling argument by January 25. This would have allowed Lesnar to work immediately.

July 2006: Stripped of IWGP Championship

In July 2006, NJPW stripped Brock Lesnar of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship due to visa issues preventing his return to defend the title.

2009: Sidelined with Diverticulitis

In 2009, Brock Lesnar was sidelined with diverticulitis.

January 2, 2010: Lesnar Withdraws from UFC 106, Fight Rescheduled for UFC 108

On January 2, 2010, Brock Lesnar's fight with Shane Carwin, initially scheduled for UFC 106 in November 2009, was rescheduled for UFC 108 due to Lesnar's illness. Lesnar criticized his medical treatment in Canada, stating that he received "Third World treatment" and praised the United States' healthcare system.

November 19, 2010: Hunting Trip to Alberta

On November 19, 2010, Brock Lesnar went on a hunting trip to Alberta, which later led to hunting infraction charges in December 2011.

December 15, 2011: Lesnar Charged with Hunting Infractions

On December 15, 2011, Brock Lesnar was charged with hunting infractions related to a trip to Alberta on November 19, 2010. He pleaded guilty to improper tagging of an animal and was fined and given a hunting suspension.

2011: Retirement from MMA

In 2011, after a couple of losses and further struggles with diverticulitis, Brock Lesnar retired from MMA.

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

On July 15, 2016, Brock Lesnar was notified by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) of a potential anti-doping policy violation due to an undisclosed banned substance found in an out-of-competition sample collected on June 28.

January 2019: Lesnar Yet to Pay NSAC Fine

As of January 2019, Brock Lesnar had not yet paid the $250,000 fine levied by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) following his suspension.

2024: Lesnar removed from Royal Rumble and WWE creative plans due to lawsuit

In 2024, Brock Lesnar was scheduled to participate in the Royal Rumble, but he was removed due to a lawsuit filed against Vince McMahon and others, including an unnamed WWE wrestler later identified as Lesnar. He was also removed from WWE's creative plans, the WWE SuperCard video game, and WWE 2K24's cover.