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 celebrated for his achievements across various combat sports. He stands as the sole individual to have clinched primary heavyweight championships in WWE, UFC, NJPW, IGF, and NCAA. Currently under contract with WWE but on hiatus as of 2023, Lesnar's career highlights his dominance and versatility in both professional wrestling and mixed martial arts, solidifying his place as a prominent figure in the world of sports entertainment and combat sports.

Sections (6)

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

January 2001: Lesnar arrested on suspicion of possessing illegal substances

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

2004: Lesnar appears at New Japan Pro-Wrestling show

In 2004, Brock 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 fought Frank Mir, Lesnar won via technical knockout after landing heavy ground and pound. During the post-match celebration, Lesnar flipped off the crowd and made a disparaging comment about Bud Light, and endorsed Coors Light instead. Lesnar later apologized for his remarks at the post-fight press conference.

November 19, 2010: Lesnar's hunting infractions

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

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 later pleaded guilty to the charge of improper tagging of an animal.

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 collected on June 28 that contained an undisclosed banned substance.

2016: UFC 200 Return and Overturned Victory

In 2016, Brock Lesnar returned to MMA at UFC 200, initially defeating Mark Hunt. However, the victory was overturned to a no-contest after Lesnar tested positive for a banned substance, violating UFC's anti-doping policy.

2016: SummerSlam Match and UFC Fight

In 2016, Brock Lesnar was revealed as Randy Orton's opponent for SummerSlam and was allowed a one-off fight for UFC 200, where he failed two drug tests. Lesnar defeated Orton at SummerSlam by technical knockout and attacked Shane McMahon.

2019: Sexual assault allegations

In 2019, Janel Grant alleged that WWE co-founder Vince McMahon had coerced her into a sexual relationship.

2020: Sexual assault allegations

In 2020, Janel Grant alleged that WWE co-founder Vince McMahon coerced her into a sexual relationship and sexually trafficked her.

2021: Sexual assault allegations

In 2021, Janel Grant alleged that WWE co-founder Vince McMahon coerced her into a sexual relationship and repeatedly sexually assaulted her.

2022: Sexual assault allegations

Between 2019 and 2022, Janel Grant, a former employee at WWE global headquarters, alleged that WWE co-founder Vince McMahon had coerced her into a sexual relationship.

2024: Lesnar Pulled from WWE Plans Due to Allegations

In 2024, Brock Lesnar was removed from WWE's creative plans, including the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania XL, due to allegations in a lawsuit filed by Janel Grant. He was also removed from the WWE SuperCard video game and the cover of WWE 2K24's "40 Years of WrestleMania" edition. Additionally, he was removed from WWE's weekly programming introduction video.