Major Controversies Surrounding Brock Lesnar: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Brock Lesnar—discover key moments of controversy.

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.

2003: Feud with Goldberg

In late 2003, Brock Lesnar began a cross-brand feud with Goldberg after an interrupted interview at Survivor Series.

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.

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 11, 2009: Lesnar defeats Mir at UFC 100 to become Undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion

On July 11, 2009, at UFC 100, Brock Lesnar fought Frank Mir, winning via technical knockout after landing heavy ground and pound in the second round. Lesnar's victory made him the Undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion. During the post-match celebration, he flipped off the crowd and disparaged Bud Light before apologizing later and endorsing the product.

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.

January 28, 2013: Attack on Vince McMahon

On January 28, 2013, Brock Lesnar returned on Raw and attacked WWE chairman Vince McMahon, resulting in a scripted pelvic injury.

2013: Feud with CM Punk

In mid-2013, Brock Lesnar began a feud with CM Punk after attacking him on the June 17 episode of Raw.

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.

2016: SummerSlam Defeat of Randy Orton

At SummerSlam on August 21, 2016, Brock Lesnar defeated Randy Orton by technical knockout, leaving Orton with a forehead wound, and then hit SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon with an F-5.

2016: Return to UFC 200 and Overturned Victory

In 2016, Brock Lesnar returned to MMA at UFC 200 to defeat Mark Hunt, but the victory was overturned to a no-contest after he tested positive for a banned substance.

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.