Brock Lesnar's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Brock Lesnar. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1990: First American vs. American title match in NJPW

This was the first American vs. American title match in NJPW since Vader vs. Stan Hansen in 1990.

1998: NJCAA Heavyweight Champion

In 1998, Brock Lesnar was the NJCAA Heavyweight Champion.

2000: NCAA Division I National Championship

In 2000, Brock Lesnar won the NCAA Division I national championship while competing in collegiate wrestling for the University of Minnesota.

2000: NCAA Division I Heavyweight Wrestling Championship Win

In 2000, Brock Lesnar won the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I heavyweight wrestling championship during his senior year.

June 2002: King of the Ring Victory

In June 2002, Brock Lesnar won the King of the Ring tournament, earning a shot at the WWE Undisputed Championship at SummerSlam.

2002: WWE Championship Win

In mid-2002, at the age of 25, Brock Lesnar rose to prominence in WWE (formerly WWF) by winning the WWE Championship, becoming the youngest performer to win the championship.

2003: First Royal Rumble win

In 2003, Brock Lesnar had his first Royal Rumble win.

October 8, 2005: IWGP Heavyweight Championship Win

On October 8, 2005, Brock Lesnar won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in his debut match at a New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) show in the Tokyo Dome, defeating Kazuyuki Fujita and Masahiro Chono in a three-way match.

2005: Signs with NJPW and Wins IWGP Heavyweight Championship

In 2005, Brock Lesnar returned to wrestling, signing with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and winning the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

January 4, 2006: IWGP Heavyweight Championship Defense

On January 4, 2006, Brock Lesnar successfully defended the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against former champion Shinsuke Nakamura.

2010: UFC Heavyweight Championship Unification

In 2010, Brock Lesnar defeated Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Shane Carwin to unify the heavyweight championships, becoming the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion.

May 2011: Lesnar Listed as Highest-Paid MMA Athlete

In May 2011, ESPN's magazine listed Brock Lesnar as the highest-paid MMA athlete with $5.3 million in earnings.

January 26, 2014: Victory Over Big Show at Royal Rumble

On January 26, 2014, at the Royal Rumble, Brock Lesnar defeated Big Show after attacking him with a steel chair before the match began.

2014: Ending The Undertaker's WrestleMania Streak

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

January 25, 2015: WWE World Heavyweight Championship Win

On January 25, 2015, at the Royal Rumble event, Brock Lesnar won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in a triple threat match against Seth Rollins and John Cena.

2015: Match of the Year Slammy Award

The Hell in a Cell match between Lesnar and The Undertaker was voted "Match of the Year" during the 2015 Slammy Awards.

July 9, 2017: Title Defense at Great Balls of Fire

On July 9, 2017, at the inaugural Great Balls of Fire event, Brock Lesnar successfully defended his Universal Championship against Samoa Joe, retaining the title.

January 28, 2018: Title Defense at Royal Rumble

On January 28, 2018, at the Royal Rumble, Brock Lesnar successfully defended his Universal Championship in a triple threat match against Braun Strowman and Kane.

January 27, 2019: Title Defense Against Finn Bálor

On January 27, 2019, at the Royal Rumble, Brock Lesnar successfully defended his Universal Championship against Finn Bálor via submission.

May 19, 2019: Money in the Bank Victory

On May 19, 2019, at Money in the Bank, Brock Lesnar surprisingly replaced Sami Zayn in the Money in the Bank ladder match and won the contract, granting him a championship match.