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's the only individual to have held primary heavyweight championships in WWE, UFC, NJPW, IGF, and NCAA. He has been signed to WWE since 2021, and also had two previous runs with the company from 2000-2004 and 2012-2020.

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, under suspicion of possessing illegal substances, but the charges were dropped after the substances were identified as legal hormones.

April 2004: Motorcycle Accident and NFL Interest

In April 2004, Brock Lesnar's progress in pursuing an NFL career was temporarily halted when he was involved in a motorcycle accident, resulting in multiple injuries, including a broken jaw and hand. Despite the setback, several NFL teams expressed interest in him.

July 2006: Stripped of IWGP Championship

In July 2006, NJPW stripped Lesnar of the IWGP Championship due to visa issues.

February 2, 2008: UFC Debut

On February 2, 2008, Brock Lesnar debuted in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) at UFC 81 against former UFC Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir. He wore 4XL gloves due to his large hands and lost the fight by submission in the first round.

2009: Sidelined with Diverticulitis

In 2009, Brock Lesnar was sidelined from UFC due to diverticulitis.

January 2, 2010: Carwin Bout Rescheduled Due to Illness

On January 2, 2010, it was announced that Brock Lesnar's fight against Shane Carwin at UFC 108 was being rescheduled because Lesnar was ill. UFC President Dana White said Lesnar had been ill for three weeks, claiming he had never been this sick in his life and that it would take him a while to recover. Lesnar also criticized Canadian health care, stating that he had received "Third World treatment" at a hospital in Brandon, Manitoba.

November 19, 2010: Hunting Trip to Alberta

On November 19, 2010, Brock Lesnar went on a hunting trip to Alberta which subsequently led to hunting infraction charges.

December 15, 2011: Hunting Infraction Charges

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

2019: Lawsuit Details Revealed

In 2019, Janel Grant began her employment at WWE global headquarters. In 2024, a lawsuit was filed alleging that WWE co-founder Vince McMahon coerced her into a sexual relationship with WWE executive John Laurinaitis and an unnamed WWE wrestler "who was also a former UFC fighter".

2022: Lawsuit Allegations

Between 2019 and 2022, Janel Grant was employed at WWE global headquarters. In 2024, a lawsuit was filed alleging that WWE co-founder Vince McMahon coerced her into a sexual relationship with WWE executive John Laurinaitis and an unnamed WWE wrestler "who was also a former UFC fighter".

2024: Lesnar Removed from WWE Plans Amidst Lawsuit

In 2024, Brock Lesnar was removed from WWE plans, including the Royal Rumble, due to a lawsuit against Vince McMahon alleging Lesnar's involvement in a sexual misconduct case. He was also removed from WWE's creative plans ahead of WrestleMania XL. As a result of the lawsuit, he was removed from the Royal Rumble and replaced by Bron Breakker.

January 2025: Lesnar Identified in Lawsuit

In January 2025, the unnamed WWE wrestler in the Janel Grant lawsuit, initially described as a former UFC fighter, was explicitly identified as Brock Lesnar when Grant amended her complaint.