The WWE community has been left in shock after iconic wrestler Brock Lesnar appeared to retire from the sport at WrestleMania 42 on Sunday night.
After suffering defeat to rival Oba Femi – in just four minutes and 42 seconds – a tearful Lesnar laid his gloves and boots in the middle of the ring at Allegiant Stadium.
After the emotional act, Lesnar then had a passionate embrace with longtime friend and onscreen Paul Heyman, before turning and waving goodbye to the crowd.
On Netflix’s coverage of the event, fans could be heard chanting ‘Thank you, Lesnar’ as the 48-year-old made his way out of the ring for the final time.
Lesnar, who also had a stint as a heavyweight UFC fighter, walks away from the sport as a 10-time WWE champion, a two-time Royal Rumble winner and bona fide legend.
It didn’t take long for tributes to pour in for the 48-year-old, with Kurt Angle writing on X: ‘Love you my brother. There will only be one like you. Enjoy retirement Brock.’
Lesnar began life with the WWE back in 2002, following a successful college wrestling career that saw him a two-time NJCAA All-American and accrue a staggering 106-5 record over four years.
After signing with the wrestling promotion, Lesnar worked his way into the main roster and eventually became one of the biggest stars in the organization.
However, his first stint in the WWE would come to an end in 2004. Following a defeat at WrestleMania XX, he cited burnout, injuries and creative dissatisfaction as his reasons for walking away.
After leaving the WWE, he attempted to embark on a professional football career.
Lesnar participated in the NFL Scouting Combine at the time but later suffered a broken jaw and hand from a motorcycle accident which put his progress on hold.
Despite the injuries, a number of NFL teams still held an interest in Lesnar. In July 2004, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings as a defensive tackle but was eventually released in August.
After his dreams of being on the gridiron came crashing down, Lesnar then decided to try his hand – literally – at mixed martial arts.
He began fighting for a promotion known as ‘K-1’, in April 2006, and won his first bout via submission in the first round – bring global attention to his MMA skills.
More to follow…
