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 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: 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.

July 11, 2009: Lesnar Defeats Mir at UFC 100

On July 11, 2009, at UFC 100, Brock Lesnar defeated Frank Mir via technical knockout in the second round. After the fight, Lesnar made disparaging comments about Bud Light, a sponsor of UFC.

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.

January 28, 2013: Attack on Mr. McMahon

On January 28, 2013, Brock Lesnar returned to Raw and attacked Mr. McMahon with an F-5, breaking McMahon's pelvis in storyline.

2014: Ending The Undertaker's WrestleMania Streak

In 2014, Brock Lesnar ended The Undertaker's undefeated WrestleMania streak.

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.

2016: UFC 200 Fight and Drug Test Failures

In 2016, WWE allowed Lesnar to have a one-off fight for UFC 200. Lesnar failed two of his drug tests for this fight but was not suspended by WWE because he is not a full-time performer.

April 3, 2023: Brock Lesnar Assaults Cody Rhodes on Raw

On April 3, 2023, Brock Lesnar attacked Cody Rhodes on Raw, preventing a tag team match with Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa, and turning heel for the first time since 2020. This attack stemmed from Lesnar's dissatisfaction with his WrestleMania 39 card placement.