Brock Lesnar: Difference between revisions

{{Short description|American professional wrestler and mixed martial artist (born 1977)}}

| trainer = {{ubl|Marty Morgan<ref name="Wetzel">{{cite web|last=Wetzel|first=Dan|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news;_ylt=ArGvbAykYTgiXrh_Sj9_BFE9Eo14?slug=dw-lesnar100709&prov=yhoo&type=lgns|title=Enigmatic Lesnar defies definition|work=sports.yahoo.com|date=October 8, 2009|access-date=October 8, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503023058/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1335754751|archive-date=May 3, 2012}}</ref>|MMA: Greg Nelson, [[Erik Paulson]]<ref name="ChicagosMMA.com">{{cite news|url=http://chicagosmma.com/2010/10/erik-paulson-brock-lesnar-will-be-150-ready-for-cain-velasquez/|title=Erik Paulson: Brock Lensnar Will Be 150% Ready for Cain Valsquez|work=ChicagosMMA.com|date=October 10, 2010|access-date=October 14, 2010}}</ref>|Boxing: Peter Welch<ref name="Gross">{{cite magazine|last=Gross|first=Josh|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/josh_gross/07/02/lesnar.carwin/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100705140815/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/josh_gross/07/02/lesnar.carwin/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 5, 2010|title=No bout bigger than Lesnar-Carwin|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=July 2, 2010|access-date=July 3, 2010}}</ref>|Jiu-Jitsu: [[Rodrigo Medeiros]]<ref name="Ozório">{{cite web|last=Ozório|first=Carlos|url=http://www.graciemag.com/en/2010/07/comprido-and-his-work-with-brock-"ill-bet-my-job-on-him"/|title=Comprido and his work with Brock: 'I'll bet my job on him!'|work=graciemag.com|date=July 6, 2010|access-date=July 6, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102233606/http://www.graciemag.com/en/2010/07/comprido-and-his-work-with-brock-%E2%80%9Cill-bet-my-job-on-him%E2%80%9D/|archive-date=January 2, 2013}}</ref>}}

{{MedalCompetition|[[NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships|NCAA Division I Championships]]}}

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| high_school = Webster, South= DakotaWebster

| college = [[Minnesota Golden Gophers wrestling|Minnesota]]

Lesnar began his MMA career for [[Hero's]] in 2007, and signed with the UFC in 2008. He quickly won the [[UFC Heavyweight Championship]], but was sidelined with [[diverticulitis]] in 2009. On [[UFC 116|his return]] in 2010, Lesnar defeated [[Interim champion|Interim]] UFC Heavyweight Champion [[Shane Carwin]] to unify the heavyweight championships and become the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion. After a couple of losses and further struggles with diverticulitis,<ref name="MMAWeekly.com">{{cite news|url=http://mmaweekly.com/former-ufc-heavyweight-champion-brock-lesnar-undergoes-surgery-hopeful-for-early-2012-return|title=Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar Undergoes Surgery; Hopeful for Early 2012 Return|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com &#124; Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=May 28, 2011}}</ref> Lesnar retired from MMA in 2011.<ref name="espn.go.com">{{cite news|title=Brock Lesnar retires after UFC 141 loss|url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/mma/story/_/id/7406718/brock-lesnar-retires-first-round-loss-alistair-overeem-ufc-141|newspaper=ESPN {{!}} Mixed Martial Arts|date=December 31, 2011}}</ref> He returned at ''[[UFC 200]]'' in 2016 to defeat [[Mark Hunt]], but his victory was overturned to a no-contest after he tested positive for a banned substance on UFC's anti-doping policy. He then retired from MMA for the second time in 2017. A box office sensation, he competed in some of the bestselling pay-per-view [[List of UFC events|events]] in promotion history, including headlining ''[[UFC 91]]'', ''[[UFC 100]]'', ''[[UFC 116]]'', and ''[[UFC 121]]''. He also co-headlined ''UFC 200'', briefly being the main headliner before that spot was given to [[Amanda Nunes]] vs. [[Miesha Tate]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://thesportsdaily.com/2017/11/17/top-selling-ufc-ppvs-of-all-time-fox11/|title=Top Selling UFC PPVs of All-Time &#124; The Sports Daily|newspaper=The Sports Daily|date=November 17, 2017|access-date=December 19, 2019|last1=Draper |first1=Alan }}</ref>

Brock Edward Lesnar<ref>{{cite web |title=Brock Lesnar |url=http://en.espn.co.uk/ufc/sport/player/7468.html |publisher=ESPN |access-date=March 22, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Brock Lesnar WWE News, Rumors, Photos & More |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/player/brock-lesnar |publisher=Sportskeeda |access-date=March 22, 2023}}</ref> was born in [[Webster, South Dakota]], on July 12, 1977,<ref name="SlamBio"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Brock Lesnar MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography |url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Brock-Lesnar-17522 |publisher=Sherdog |access-date=March 22, 2023}}</ref><ref name="deathclutch">''Death Clutch: My Story of Determination, Domination, and Survival'' by Brock Lesnar ({{ISBN|978-0062023117}})</ref> the son of Stephanie and Richard Lesnar.<ref name="deathclutch" /> He is of German descent,<ref>[https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XQVS-MNS "Myrtle Baule. United States Census, 1930."] Stated here that Lesnar's paternal great-grandmother was born in Germany. [[FamilySearch]]. Retrieved October 15, 2015.</ref> and grew up on his parents' dairy farm in Webster.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sZ_C66kg8uAC&pg=PT848|title=Legends of Pro Wrestling|isbn=9781613213148|last1=Hornbaker|first1=Tim|date=July 3, 2012|publisher=Sports }}</ref> He has two older brothers named Troy and Chad, and a younger sister named Brandi.<ref name="deathclutch"/> At the age of 17, he joined the [[Army National Guard of the United States|Army National Guard]] and was assigned to an office job after his [[Color blindness#Red–green color blindness|red-greenred–green colorblindness]] was deemed hazardous to his desire to work with explosives.<ref name="deathclutch"/><ref name="Brock Lesnar interview">{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0KFY/is_12_21/ai_112350861/pg_3 |title=Brock Lesnar interview |publisher=Flex |access-date=April 22, 2007 |first=Jim |last=Schmaltz |year=2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030024208/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0KFY/is_12_21/ai_112350861/pg_3 |archive-date=October 30, 2007 }}</ref> He was discharged after failing a computer typing test and later worked for a construction company.<ref name="deathclutch"/>

Lesnar attended Webster High School, playing [[American football|football]]<ref name="deathclutch"/> and competing in [[amateur wrestling|wrestling]], placing third in the state championships his senior year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://argusleader.com/story/sports/2016/09/27/sports-heroes-brock-lesnar/87936896/| title= Sports Heroes:Brock Lesnar|date=September 27, 2016|access-date=September 1, 2021}}</ref> He then went to [[Bismarck State College]], where, in 1997, his freshman year, he placed 5th in the 275 lb. division of the [[National Junior College Athletic Association]] (NJCAA). In 1998, his sophomore year, he won the 275 lb championship.<ref name="SlamBio"/><ref>{{cite web |title=NJCAA Placewinners |url=https://almanac.mattalkonline.com/njcaa-all-americans/ |website=Mat Talk Online |date=October 13, 2016 |access-date=July 25, 2023}}</ref> After two years at Bismarck State College, Lesnar transferred to the [[University of Minnesota]] on a wrestling scholarship, where he was roommates with future WWE colleague [[Shelton Benjamin]], who was also his assistant coach.<ref name="deathclutch"/>

Lesnar defended the WWE Championship against [[Eddie Guerrero]] at [[No Way Out (2004)|No Way Out]] on February 15. Goldberg attacked Lesnar with a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Spear|spear]] while the referee was unconscious, allowing Guerrero to get a near-fall on Lesnar. Lesnar then attempted an ''F-5'' on Guerrero but Guerrero reversed it into a [[DDT (professional wrestling)|DDT]] on the title belt and executed a [[frog splash]] to win the WWE Championship. An angry Lesnar then began feuding with Goldberg, blaming him for losing his title, and a match was set up between the two at [[WrestleMania XX]] on March 14.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work="Wrestling's historical cards"|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=115}}</ref> During the feud with Goldberg, Lesnar was also at odds with [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]], who was shown suggesting to Goldberg that he attack Lesnar at No Way Out.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040202.html|title=Raw results – February 2, 2004|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=April 21, 2007}}</ref> After Lesnar attacked Austin on the February 23 episode of ''Raw'' and stole his [[All-terrain vehicle|four-wheeler]], Austin was inserted as the special guest referee for the WrestleMania match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040304.html|title=SmackDown results – March 4, 2004|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=April 21, 2007}}</ref> On the March 4 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Lesnar defeated Hardcore Holly in his last match on a weekly WWE televised show until 2019. Behind the scenes, it was widely known that the match was Goldberg's last in WWE. Only a week before WrestleMania, rumors surfaced that Lesnar too was leaving WWE to pursue a career in the [[National Football League]] (NFL).<ref name=DrehsESPN>{{cite web|last=Drehs|first=Wayne|title=Grappling with his future|url=httphttps://sportswww.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1830855|publisher=[[ESPN]]|access-date=December 27, 2013|date=June 29, 2004}}</ref> As a result, Lesnar's match with Goldberg became a fiasco as the fans at Madison Square Garden jeered and heckled both of them vociferously.<ref name=PowellWMXX>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=John|title=WrestleMania XX bombs|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/03/15/382634.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630131007/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/03/15/382634.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 30, 2015|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=March 7, 2012|date=March 15, 2004}}</ref> Goldberg defeated Lesnar after a ''[[Powerslam#Suplex powerslam|Jackhammer]]'' and both men subsequently received ''[[Stunner (professional wrestling)|Stone Cold Stunners]]'' from Austin.<ref name=PowellWMXX/> After WrestleMania XX, Lesnar left WWE, citing burnout, injuries, poor creative decisions, an addiction to alcohol and painkillers and the rigorous travel schedule as reasons for his departure.

Lesnar returned to WWE on April 2, 2012, on ''Raw SuperShow'', as a [[heel (professional wrestling)|heel]], by confronting and delivering an ''F-5'' to John Cena.<ref name="Raw040212">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_59908.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 4/2: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WM28 fall-out, how will Cena respond to Rock loss?, two big title matches|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=April 2, 2012|access-date=April 11, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Larnick|first=Eric|title=WWE Raw Recap: Brock Lesnar Returns, The Rock Wants World Title|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-larnick/wwe-raw-recap-april-2-2012_b_1400156.html|work=[[The Huffington Post]]|access-date=April 11, 2012|date=April 3, 2012}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw SuperShow'', [[Professional wrestling authority figures|General Manager]] [[John Laurinaitis]] revealed that he signed Lesnar to bring "legitimacy" back to WWE and become the "new face of the WWE". Laurinaitis also scheduled Lesnar to face Cena at [[Extreme Rules (2012)|Extreme Rules]] in an [[Professional wrestling match types#Hardcore-based variations|Extreme Rules match]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE News: Stipulation added to Cena-Lesnar Extreme Rules PPV main event (w/Analysis)|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_60434.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 21, 2012|date=April 16, 2012}}</ref> At Extreme Rules on April 29, Lesnar lost to Cena despite dominating the match.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Extreme Rules PPV Report 4/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Brock-Cena, Punk-Jericho in Chicago|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_60881.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 30, 2012|date=April 29, 2012}}</ref>

The following night on ''Raw SuperShow'', WWE's Chief Operating Officer Triple H refused to give in to Lesnar's unreasonable contract demands (which included being given his own personal jet and having ''Raw SuperShow'' renamed to ''Monday Night Raw Starring Brock Lesnar''), resulting in Lesnar attacking him and breaking his arm with a [[kimura lock]] in storyline.<ref name=afterwards>{{cite web|last=Scannell|first=Robin|title=Raw Storyline Tracker – Complete Over the Limit build-up: Cena-Laurinaitis, Triple H-Lesnar, Punk-Bryan, Big Show "fired," more!|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_61618.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 12, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Raw4-30">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/30: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw Starring Brock Lesnar – PPV fall-out, Triple H returns|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_60937.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402192320/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_60937.shtml|archive-date=April 2, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The next week on ''Raw SuperShow'', Paul Heyman returned as Lesnar's legal representative; he claimed that Lesnar was quitting WWE<ref name=afterwards/> and was suing WWE for breach of contract.<ref name=afterwards/><ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 5/14: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Cena & Triple H return, final PPV hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_61412.shtml|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=October 10, 2012}}</ref> At [[No Way Out (2012)|No Way Out]] in June, Triple H challenged Lesnar (who was not present) to a match at [[SummerSlam (2012)|SummerSlam]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_62544.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE No Way Out PPV Report 6/17|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=June 17, 2012|date=June 17, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620080247/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_62544.shtml|archive-date=June 20, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> which Lesnar refused.<ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 6/18: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #994 – PPV fall-out, Johnny says good-bye, Hunter-Heyman|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_62576.shtml|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=October 10, 2012}}</ref> Stephanie McMahon later goaded Heyman into accepting the match on Lesnar's behalf on July 23 at ''[[WWE Raw 1000|Raw 1000]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/23: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #999 – WWE recognizes 1,000 episodes, WWE Title match, Lesnar, Rock, DX, wedding|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63621.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=July 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430212343/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63621.shtml|archive-date=April 30, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 8/13: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Brock-Hunter contract signing turns physical, Punk-Cena, final Summerslam hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64255.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=October 11, 2012}}</ref> At SummerSlam on August 19, Lesnar defeated Triple H by [[Professional wrestling#Submission|submission]] after once again breaking his arm in storyline.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bishop|first=Matt|title=Lesnar snaps Triple H's arm at SummerSlam|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2012/08/19/20118431.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925185452/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2012/08/19/20118431.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 25, 2015|work=SLAM! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=October 11, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Martin |first=Adam |title=WWE: Triple H suffers "broken arm" at Summerslam |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1345485116 |publisher=WrestleView |access-date=October 11, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024023327/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1345485116 |archive-date=October 24, 2012 }}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Lesnar declared himself the new "King of Kings" and said that he would depart from WWE after his victory over Triple H, stating that he had conquered everything in the company.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 8/20: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Punk-Cena, Lesnar opens show, Triple H "speculation," Jericho farewell|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64450.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=October 11, 2012|quote=Next, Cole introduced a tout from Lesnar saying he came to WWE, conquered everything, and now is leaving and never coming back, which drew some cheers from the live Raw crowd.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430175157/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64450.shtml|archive-date=April 30, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Video – Lesnar says he's leaving WWE|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_64475.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=October 11, 2012}}</ref>

On the December 30 episode of ''Raw'', Lesnar returned with Heyman to challenge the winner of the upcoming WWE World Heavyweight Championship match between [[Randy Orton]] and John Cena at the [[Royal Rumble (2014)|Royal Rumble]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_75386.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 12/30: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live 2013 finale – Bryan gives up and gives in, Brock Lesnar returns, Shield shows cracks, more|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=December 30, 2013|access-date=August 24, 2016}}</ref> Lesnar then dared any wrestler who disapproved of that notion to challenge him, which was answered by [[Mark Henry]]. The ensuing brawl ended with Lesnar delivering an ''F-5'' to Henry.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brock Lesnar returns to Raw and makes a challenge|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2013/1230/568784/brock-lesnar-returns-to-raw-and-makes-a-challenge/|access-date=December 31, 2013|date=December 31, 2013}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', Henry challenged Lesnar again, only to have Lesnar dislocate his elbow with the Kimura lock in storyline, which led Big Show to confront Lesnar,<ref>{{cite web|last=Nemer|first=Paul|title=WWE Raw Results – 1/6/14 (Old School RAW, WWE Legends)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/45948-wwe-raw-results-1-6-14-old-school-raw/|work=Wrestleview|date=January 7, 2014|access-date=September 17, 2016}}</ref> thus starting a feud which was settled at the Royal Rumble on January 26, 2014, where Lesnar defeated Big Show after attacking him with a steel chair before the match began.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/jri-0iUGti4 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140107100229/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jri-0iUGti4&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|title=Brock Lesnar dislocates Mark Henry's elbow: Raw, Jan 6, 2014|website = [[YouTube]]| date=January 6, 2014 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jri-0iUGti4|access-date=January 10, 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On the February 24 episode of ''Raw'', Heyman stated that Lesnar had requested a match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at [[WrestleMania XXX]], but received an open contract to face anyone else of his choosing instead. [[The Undertaker]] then returned and attacked Lesnar with a [[chokeslam]] through a table, setting up their match at WrestleMania XXX.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|title=Raw: Longer matches and a dramatic return in Green Bay|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/02/25/21493241.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710171552/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/02/25/21493241.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 10, 2015|work=SLAM! Wrestling|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=February 25, 2014}}</ref> At WrestleMania on April 6, Lesnar defeated Undertaker after executing three ''F-5''s, ending [[The Streak (wrestling)|his undefeated WrestleMania streak]] at 21, a feat that was described by ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' as being "the most [[Upset (competition)|shocking]] result since the [[Montreal Screwjob]]".<ref>{{cite news|last=Sin|first=Ben|url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2014/04/07/undertaker-streak-wwe-wrestlemania|title=WWE Stars React to the End of the Undertaker's Streak|date=April 6, 2014|access-date=June 9, 2015|publisher=[[Sports Illustrated]]|website=si.com/}}</ref>

Lesnar, now sporting a cowboy/farmer look with a beard and ponytail, returned as a face at [[SummerSlam (2021)|SummerSlam]] in August 2021 and confronted [[WWE Universal Championship|Universal Champion]] [[Roman Reigns]] after Reigns' successful title defense against [[John Cena]].<ref name="SSlam2021">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. John Cena for the WWE Universal Championship, Bianca Belair vs. Sasha Banks for the Smackdown Women's Championship, Bobby Lashley vs. Goldberg for the WWE Championship, Edge vs. Seth Rollins, Nikki ASH vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley for the Raw Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/08/21/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-john-cena-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-bianca-belair-vs-sasha-banks-for-the-smackdown-womens-championship-bobby-lashley-vs-gold/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 21, 2021|access-date=August 21, 2021}}</ref> During the [[2021 WWE Draft]], it was revealed that Lesnar had become a free agent, allowing him to appear on any brand.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|date=October 1, 2021|title=Brock Lesnar Will Not Be Drafted, Announces He Is A 'Free Agent'|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/brock-lesnar-will-not-be-drafted-announces-he-free-agent|access-date=October 3, 2021|work=Fightful}}</ref> He then primarily appeared on [[SmackDown]], and he and Reigns faced each other for the title at [[Crown Jewel (2021)|Crown Jewel]] on October 21, which Lesnar lost after interference from [[The Usos]].<ref name="CrownJewel2021">{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WWE Crown Jewel results: Powell's live review of Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks vs. Bianca Belair for the Smackdown Women's Championship, Big E vs. Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship, Edge vs. Seth Rollins in a Hell in a Cell match, Goldberg vs. Bobby Lashley in a No Holds Barred match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/21/wwe-crown-jewel-results-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-brock-lesnar-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-becky-lynch-vs-sasha-banks-vs-bianca-belair-for-the-smackdown-womens-championshi/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 21, 2021|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref> On the following episode of ''SmackDown'', he started a locker room-clearing brawl with Reigns, resulting in an indefinite suspension by on-air authority figure [[Adam Pearce]], whom Lesnar attacked.<ref name="SmackDown10222021">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/22/10-22-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-becky-lynch-and-charlotte-flair-swapping-title-belts-the-coronation-of-xavier-woods-as-king-of-the-ring/|title=10/22 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair swapping title belts, the coronation of Xavier Woods as King of the Ring|date=October 22, 2021|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=October 25, 2021}}</ref> On the November 26 episode of ''SmackDown'', it was announced his suspension had been lifted.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=November 26, 2021|title=11/26 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of the Black Friday Battle Royal for a future shot at the WWE Universal Championship, Drew McIntyre and Jeff Hardy vs. Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss, Ridge Holland vs. Cesaro|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/26/11-26-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-black-friday-battle-royal-for-a-future-shot-at-the-wwe-universal-championship-drew-mcintyre-and-jeff-hardy-vs-happy-corbin-and-madca/|url-status=live|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127015258/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/26/11-26-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-black-friday-battle-royal-for-a-future-shot-at-the-wwe-universal-championship-drew-mcintyre-and-jeff-hardy-vs-happy-corbin-and-madca/ |archive-date=November 27, 2021 }}</ref> On the December 3 episode of ''SmackDown'', it was announced that Lesnar would once again face Reigns for the title, this time at the [[WWE Day 1 (2022)|Day 1]] event.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=December 3, 2021|title=12/3 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE Universal Championship, Brock Lesnar's return, Sheamus vs. Cesaro, King Woods vs. Jey Uso, Sasha Banks vs. Shayna Baszler|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/12/03/12-3-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-sami-zayn-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-brock-lesnars-return-sheamus-vs-cesaro-king-woods-vs-jey-uso-sasha-ba/|url-status=live|access-date=December 3, 2021|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204033423/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/12/03/12-3-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-sami-zayn-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-brock-lesnars-return-sheamus-vs-cesaro-king-woods-vs-jey-uso-sasha-ba/ |archive-date=December 4, 2021 }}</ref> The match was canceled after Reigns contracted [[COVID-19]], and Lesnar was instead added to Raw's WWE Championship match at the event to make it a fatal five-way match.<ref name="Day1">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Day 1 results: Powell's review of Big E vs. Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan for the Raw Women's Championship, The Usos vs. Kofi Kingston and King Woods for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Edge vs. The Miz|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/01/wwe-day-1-results-powells-review-of-big-e-vs-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-vs-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-championship-becky-lynch-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-raw-womens-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 1, 2022|access-date=January 1, 2022}}</ref> At Day 1 on January 1, 2022, Lesnar won his sixth WWE Championship, defeating [[Bobby Lashley]], [[Kevin Owens]], [[Seth Rollins]], and defending champion [[Big E (wrestler)|Big E]], who he pinned.<ref name="Day1"/> On the following episode of ''Raw'', Lesnar reunited with his advocate Paul Heyman.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=January 3, 2022|title=1/3 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Brock Lesnar's first appearance as the new WWE Champion, Big E vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins in a four-way for a shot at the WWE Championship, Damian Priest vs. Dolph Ziggler for the U.S. Title, AJ Styles vs. Omos|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/03/1-3-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-brock-lesnars-first-appearance-as-the-new-wwe-champion-big-e-vs-bobby-lashley-vs-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-in-a-four-way-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-cha/|url-status=live|access-date=January 6, 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104010644/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/03/1-3-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-brock-lesnars-first-appearance-as-the-new-wwe-champion-big-e-vs-bobby-lashley-vs-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-in-a-four-way-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-cha/ |archive-date=January 4, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=January 3, 2022|title=WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2022/wwe-title-match|url-status=live|access-date=January 6, 2022|website=WWE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104044214/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2022/wwe-title-match |archive-date=January 4, 2022 }}</ref>

On the October 10 episode of ''Raw'', Lesnar made a surprise return, attacking [[WWE United States Championship|United States Champion]] Bobby Lashley and injuring his shoulder before his scheduled title defense against Seth "Freakin" Rollins, resuming their feud.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 10, 2022 |title=10/10 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Bobby Lashley vs. Seth Rollins for the U.S. Title, Johnny Gargano vs. Austin Theory, The Bloodline appear, DX's 25th Anniversary celebration |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/10/10/10-10-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-bobby-lashley-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-u-s-title-johnny-gargano-vs-austin-theory-the-bloodline-appear-dxs-25th-anniversary-celebration/ |access-date=October 11, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> At [[Crown Jewel (2022)|Crown Jewel]] on November 5, Lesnar defeated Lashley despite Lashley dominating the majority of the match.<ref name="CJ2022">{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WWE Crown Jewel results: Powell's live review of Roman Reigns vs. Logan Paul and Jake Paul for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley, Bianca Belair vs. Bayley in a Last Woman Standing match for the Raw Women's Championship, Braun Strowman vs. Omos, Drew McIntyre vs. Karrion Kross in a cage match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/11/05/wwe-crown-jewel-results-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-logan-paul-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-bianca-belair-vs-bayley-in-a-last-wom/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 5, 2022|access-date=November 5, 2022}}</ref> Lesnar's next appearance occurred on [[WWE Raw is XXX|Raw Is XXX]] on January 23, 2023, where he caused Lashley to lose his United States Championship match.<ref name="RawIsXXX">{{cite news |last1=Brookhouse |first1=Brent |title=WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Sami Zayn earns Bloodline redemption, Brock Lesnar returns at Raw is XXX |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-sami-zayn-earns-bloodline-redemption-brock-lesnar-returns-at-raw-is-xxx/live/ |access-date=January 24, 2023 |work=[[CBSSports]] |date=January 23, 2023}}</ref> At the [[Royal Rumble (2023)|Royal Rumble]], Lesnar entered the Royal Rumble match at #12 buteliminating was[[Chad Gable]], [[Santos Escobar]] and [[Street Profits|Angelo Dawkins]] before being eliminated by Lashley.<ref name="RR2023">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss for the Raw Women's Championship, Bray Wyatt vs. LA Knight in a Pitch Black match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/01/28/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-bianca-belair-vs-alexa-bliss-for-the-raw-women/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 28, 2023|access-date=January 28, 2023}}</ref> At [[Elimination Chamber (2023)|Elimination Chamber]] on February 18, Lesnar lost to Lashley by disqualification after he hit Lashley with a low blow and attacked both the referee and Lashley ending their feud.<ref name="EC2023">{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley, two Elimination Chamber matches, Edge and Beth Phoenix vs. Rhea Ripley and Finn Balor|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/02/18/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-sami-zayn-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-brock-lesnar-vs-bobby-lashley-two-elimination-chamber-matches-edg/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=February 18, 2023|access-date=February 19, 2023}}</ref>

On the April 3, 2023, episode of ''Raw'', the day after Night 2 of WrestleMania 39, Triple H introduced Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, accompanied by Paul Heyman and [[Solo Sikoa]]. [[Cody Rhodes]] interrupted and challenged Reigns to a rematch, only for Reigns to decline. Rhodes then challenged Reigns and Sikoa to a tag team match later that night, and Reigns accepted under the condition that Rhodes' partner was someone who competed at WrestleMania 39 but also that person could not challenge Reigns for his title as long as Reigns was champion. Lesnar answered, with the latter stipulation not applying to him as he was already banned from challenging Reigns for the title following their match at SummerSlam in 2022. However, the match never occurred due to Lesnar suddenly assaulting Rhodes before the match could begin, thus turning [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] for the first time since 2020.<ref name="Raw04032023">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=4/3 WWE Raw results: Keller's report on the fallout from WrestleMania 39 including Cody Rhodes's loss, Bad Bunny chokeslammed through table|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/04/03/4-3-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-the-fallout-from-wrestlemania-39-including-cody-rhodess-loss/|date=April 3, 2023|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404035637/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/04/03/4-3-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-the-fallout-from-wrestlemania-39-including-cody-rhodess-loss/|archive-date=April 4, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> It was later reported that Lesnar was mad due to his position on the WrestleMania card, as his match had opened Night 2 instead of being in a main event slot. Rhodes addressed the attack the following week and challenged Lesnar to a match at [[Backlash (2023)|Backlash]].<ref name="Raw04102023">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=4/10 WWE Raw results: Keller's report on Lynch & Lita vs. Raquel & Morgan for tag titles, Cody-Lesnar fallout|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/04/10/4-10-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-lynch-lita-vs-raquel-morgan-for-tag-titles-cody-lesnar-fallout/|date=April 10, 2023|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411191000/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/04/10/4-10-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-lynch-lita-vs-raquel-morgan-for-tag-titles-cody-lesnar-fallout/|archive-date=April 11, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> On the April 17 episode, Rhodes appeared ready to fight despite not being medically cleared to compete. To keep Rhodes from fighting Lesnar that night, [[Adam Pearce]] made the match for Backlash official.<ref name="Raw04172023">{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/04/17/4-17-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-theory-vs-lashley-miz-vs-seth-trish-explains-herself-lesnar-appears/|title=4/17 WWE Raw results: Keller's report on Theory vs. Lashley, Miz vs. Seth, Trish explains herself, Lesnar appears|date=April 17, 2023|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 17, 2023}}</ref> Lesnar lost to Rhodes at [[Backlash (2023)|Backlash]],<ref>{{cite web|author= Alfred Konuwa|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2023/05/06/wwe-backlash-2023-results-cody-rhodes-bloodies-and-beats-brock-lesnar/ |title=WWE Backlash 2023 Results: Cody Rhodes Bloodies And Beats Brock Lesnar |website=forbes.com |date=May 6, 2023 |access-date=May 6, 2023}}</ref> defeated Rhodes at [[Night of Champions (2023)|Night of Champions]] by submission,<ref>{{cite web|last=Miller|first=Gregory|title=Brock Lesnar def. Cody Rhodes|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2023/cody-rhodes-vs-brock-lesnar-results|work=[[WWE]]|date=May 27, 2023|access-date=May 27, 2023}}</ref> and lost to Rhodes again at [[SummerSlam (2023)|SummerSlam]] to end their feud. After the final match, Lesnar hugged Rhodes and shook his hand.<ref name="SSlam2023">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso in Tribal Combat for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title, Asuka vs. Bianca Belair vs. Charlotte Flair for the WWE Women's Title, Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor for the World Heavyweight Title, Brock Lesnar vs. Cody Rhodes|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/05/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-jey-uso-in-tribal-combat-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-title-asuka-vs-bianca-belair-vs-charlotte-flair-for-the-wwe-womens-ti/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 5, 2023|access-date=August 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806084938/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/05/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-jey-uso-in-tribal-combat-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-title-asuka-vs-bianca-belair-vs-charlotte-flair-for-the-wwe-womens-ti/|archive-date=August 6, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to several reports, Lesnar was scheduled to make his return to WWE at the 2024 [[Royal Rumble (2024)|Royal Rumble]] event as a participant in the [[Royal Rumble match]]. During the match, he would have been eliminated by [[Dominik Mysterio]] as part of the build to a match against Mysterio at [[Elimination Chamber: Perth]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/127212-wwe-brock-lesnar-detalles-dominik-mysterio-elimination-chamber-2024|title=Brock Lesnar y Dominik Mysterio iban a trabajar juntos en WWE Elimination Chamber 2024|date=January 29, 2024|website=solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com}}</ref> However, a lawsuit was filed a few days before the Royal Rumble by Janel Grant, a former employee at [[Titan Towers|WWE global headquarters]] between 2019 and 2022. Grant alleged that WWE co-founder [[Vince McMahon]] had coerced her into a sexual relationship and, along with WWE executive [[John Laurinaitis]] and an unnamed WWE wrestler "who was also a former UFC fighter", [[Sex trafficking|sexually trafficked]] her and repeatedly sexually assaulted her in 2020 and 2021. The unnamed talent was later identified by ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' as Lesnar.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Safdar |first1=Khadeeja |title=Vince McMahon Accused of Sex Trafficking by WWE Staffer He Paid to Keep Quiet |url=https://www.wsj.com/business/vince-mcmahon-accused-of-sex-trafficking-by-wwe-staffer-he-paid-to-keep-quiet-0b19b21c |access-date=January 25, 2024 |url-access=subscription |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=January 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240125190915/https://www.wsj.com/business/vince-mcmahon-accused-of-sex-trafficking-by-wwe-staffer-he-paid-to-keep-quiet-0b19b21c |archive-date=January 25, 2024}}</ref> As a result of the lawsuit, he was removed from the Royal Rumble and replaced by [[Bron Breakker]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/127204-bron-breakker-sustituyo-brock-lesnar-wwe-royal-rumble|title=Bron Breakker habría sustituido a Brock Lesnar en Royal Rumble|date=January 28, 2024|website=solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com}}</ref> It was later reported that he was removed from WWE's creative plans ahead of their [[WrestleMania XL]] event, despite originally being planned to have a match against [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|WWE Intercontinental Champion]] [[Gunther (wrestler)|Gunther]] at the event.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/127232-wwe-brock-lesnar-combate-descartado-wrestlemania-xl-gunther|title=Brock Lesnar iba a enfrentar a Gunther en WrestleMania XL|date=January 29, 2024|website=solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com}}</ref> In February, he was removed from the ''[[WWE SuperCard]]'' video game.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/127320-brock-lesnar-es-eliminado-de-wwe-supercard|title=Brock Lesnar es eliminado de WWE Supercard|date=February 2, 2024}}</ref> He would also be removed from the cover of ''[[WWE 2K24]]''{{'}}s "40 Years of WrestleMania" edition, as well as the playable roster, only being accessible through the game's Showcase Mode.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/127441-brock-lesnar-eliminado-wwe-2k24-40-years-of-wrestlemania|title=Brock Lesnar es eliminado de la portada de WWE 2K24 40 Years of WrestleMania|date=February 6, 2024|accessdate=February 7, 2024|website=solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Straw |first=Mike |date=February 22, 2024 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Brock Lesnar's WWE 2K24 Status |url=https://insider-gaming.com/exclusive-brock-lesnars-wwe-2k24-status/ |access-date=March 3, 2024 |website=Insider Gaming |language=en-US}}</ref> He was also removed from the introduction video of WWE's weekly programming, with [[LA Knight]] replacing him.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1443685-brock-lesnar-replaced-by-la-knight-in-wwes-then-now-forever-opening-video-package|title=Brock Lesnar Replaced By LA Knight In WWE’sWWE's ‘Then'Then, Now, Forever’Forever' Opening Video Package|date=February 10, 2024|website=Wrestlezone}}</ref>

Throughout the second half of the 2010s, Lesnar began to receive an increasing amount of criticism for his character and performances. Many reporters thought his Suplex City character "[[Jumping the shark|jumped the shark]]" and his matches had "become formulaic".<ref name="foxs_5Rea">{{Cite web | title = 5 Reasons Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar Shouldn't Happen | work = Fox Sports | date = June 30, 2017 | access-date = July 19, 2018 | url = https://www.foxsports.com/wwe/story/5-reasons-goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-shouldn-t-happen-101416}}</ref><ref name="roll_WWE'">{{Cite magazine | title = WWE 'SummerSlam': Brock Lesnar Draws Blood in Brooklyn | last = Paez-Pumar | first = Luis | magazine = Rolling Stone | date = August 22, 2016| access-date = July 19, 2018 | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-sports/wwe-summerslam-brock-lesnar-draws-blood-in-brooklyn-251982/ }}</ref> He was largely criticized due to his absences from television during his time as Universal Champion. It was pointed out that he had the longest world championship reign since [[Hulk Hogan]], but only defended the title 13 times, all on [[pay-per-view]]s, with Tim Fiorvanti from [[ESPN]] commenting that he had "removed the top title on ''Monday Night Raw'' from circulation".<ref name="espn_It's">{{Cite web | title = It's time for WWE to move on from Brock Lesnar as Universal champion | author = Tim Fiorvanti | work = ESPN.com | date = June 1, 2018 | access-date = July 19, 2018 | url = http://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/23671357/wwe-brock-lesnar-lose-universal-championship}}</ref> The short length of his matches werewas also criticized by journalists and fans.<ref name="cbss_WWEf">{{Cite web | title = WWE fans furious after Brock Lesnar works 35-second match at Chicago live event | author =Jack Jorgensen | work = [[CBS Sports]]| date = March 4, 2018 | access-date = July 19, 2018 | url = https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-fans-furious-after-brock-lesnar-works-35-second-match-at-chicago-live-event/ }}</ref> Former WWE Champion [[Bob Backlund]] criticized the fact that Lesnar used mostly suplexes during his matches, saying "it gets old to do the same thing over and over and over again".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/bob-backlund-criticizes-brock-lesnars-reliance-suplexes/|title=Bob Backlund Criticizes Brock Lesnar's Reliance On Suplexes|publisher=411Mania|first=Joseph|last=Lee|date=September 15, 2018|access-date=March 9, 2019}}</ref>

Lesnar had a great showing at the [[NFL Combine]], but on April 17 a minivan collided with his motorbike and he suffered a broken jaw and left hand, a bruised pelvis and a pulled groin.<ref>{{cite web|url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/espn/wire?id=1847645 |title=Vikings sign pro wrestling star Brock Lesnar|publisher=espn.go.com[[ESPN]]|date=July 28, 2004|access-date=July 9, 2016|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709165536/http://espn.go.com/espn/wire?id=1847645|archive-date=July 9, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/brock-lesnar-involved-in-motorcycle-accident/|title=Brock Lesnar Involved In Motorcycle Accident |publisher=411mania.com|date=April 18, 2004|access-date=July 9, 2016|author=Ashish|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709165424/http://411mania.com/wrestling/brock-lesnar-involved-in-motorcycle-accident/|archive-date=July 9, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.twnpnews.com/messages2/11000/11047.shtml |title=Breaking News: Brock Lesnar Injured In Motorcycle Accident|publisher=twnpnews.com|date=April 18, 2004|access-date=July 9, 2016|author=Wilcutt, Keith|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709165423/https://www.twnpnews.com/messages2/11000/11047.shtml|archive-date=July 9, 2016}}</ref> Several NFL teams expressed interest in watching Lesnar work out.<ref name="kffl"/> The [[Minnesota Vikings]] worked out Lesnar on June 11, but he was hampered by the groin injury suffered in the April motorcycle accident.<ref name="kffl"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.sltrib.com/story.php?ref=/sports/ci_2384374 |title=Vikings to give Lesnar shot at pros |publisher=archive.sltrib.com |work=[[Knight Ridder News Service]] |date=August 2, 2004 |access-date=July 9, 2016 |author=Sansevere, bob |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709165804/http://archive.sltrib.com/story.php?ref=%2Fsports%2Fci_2384374 |archive-date=July 9, 2016 }}</ref> On July 24 it was reported that he was nearly recovered from his groin injury.<ref name="kffl"/> He signed with the Vikings on July 27 and played in several preseason games for the team.<ref name="NFL cut"/><ref name="kffl"/> He was released by the Vikings on August 30.<ref name="NFL cut"/><ref name="kffl">{{cite web|url=http://www.kffl.com/player/10461/nfl/news/brock-lesnar|title=Brock Lesnar|publisher=kffl.com|access-date=July 9, 2016|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709164047/http://www.kffl.com/player/10461/nfl/news/brock-lesnar|archive-date=July 9, 2016}}</ref> Lesnar received an invitation to play as a representative for the Vikings in [[NFL Europa]], but declined due to his desire to stay in the United States with his family.<ref name="NFL cut">{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=dm-102507lesnar|title=White banking on Lesnar's success|date=October 25, 2007|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|access-date=March 21, 2008|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022052729/http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=dm-102507lesnar|archive-date=October 22, 2012}}</ref> He had several [[American Football Card|football cards]] produced of him during his time with the Vikings.<ref name="Cards">{{cite web|url=http://www.cardboardconnection.com/brock-lesnars-2004-minnesota-vikings-rookie-cards-among-hobbys-hidden-gems|title=Brock Lesnar's 2004 Minnesota Vikings Rookie Cards Among Hobby's Hidden Gems|publisher=cardboardconnection.com|date=July 26, 2010|access-date=July 9, 2016|author=Lewis, Brett|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709170705/http://www.cardboardconnection.com/brock-lesnars-2004-minnesota-vikings-rookie-cards-among-hobbys-hidden-gems|archive-date=July 9, 2016}}</ref>

In the summer of 2011, Lesnar announced that he was returning to action, stating, "I feel like a new man. Healthy. Strong. I feel like I used to feel".<ref name="mmaweekly1">{{cite news|url=http://mmaweekly.com/brock-lesnar-declares-he-is-health-ready-to-reclaim-ufc-title|title=Brock Lesnar Declares He is Healthy, Ready to Reclaim UFC Title|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com &#124; Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=August 18, 2011}}</ref> His return match was scheduled to be at ''[[UFC 141]]'' on December 30 in Las Vegas against former Strikeforce heavyweight champion [[Alistair Overeem]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Martin|first=Damon|url=http://mmaweekly.com/brock-lesnar-faces-alistair-overeem-on-dec-30-in-las-vegas|title=Brock Lesnar Faces Alistair Overeem on Dec 30 in Las Vegas|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com &#124; Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=September 6, 2011|access-date=March 7, 2012}}</ref> Lesnar attempted to takedown Overeem but was unable and ate heavy body shots to his surgically repaired stomach, eventually being finished with a liver kick and punches.<ref name=Wagenheim2>{{cite magazine|last=Wagenheim|first=Jeff|title=Lesnar's career-ending UFC 141 uncharacteristic of MMA legend|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jeff_wagenheim/12/31/ufc.141.lesnar/index.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119202928/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jeff_wagenheim/12/31/ufc.141.lesnar/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 19, 2013|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=March 7, 2012|date=December 31, 2011}}</ref><ref name=ESPNMMA1>{{cite news|title=Brock Lesnar retires after UFC 141 loss|url=httphttps://www.espn.go.com/mma/story/_/id/7406718/brock-lesnar-retires-first-round-loss-alistair-overeem-ufc-141|access-date=March 7, 2012|newspaper=[[ESPN]] Mixed Martial Arts|date=December 31, 2011|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Lesnar then retired from MMA, mentioning his struggles with diverticulitis and saying "tonight was the last time you'll see me in the octagon".<ref name=Wagenheim2/><ref name=ESPNMMA1/>

Though Lesnar said he was "closing the door on MMA" in March 2015,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Okamoto|first1=Brett|title=Brock Lesnar to return at UFC 200; opponent to be announced|url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/mma/story/_/id/15961833/brock-lesnar-return-ufc-200-fighter-yet-named|website=ESPN|access-date=June 4, 2015|date=June 4, 2015}}</ref> UFC announced on June 4, 2016, that he would return at [[UFC 200]] on July 9.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Zucker|first1=Joseph|title=Brock Lesnar Will Fight at UFC 200 vs. Unnamed Opponent|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2644315-brock-lesnar-latest-news-rumors-and-speculation-on-fighters-potential-return|website=Bleacher Report|access-date=June 4, 2016|date=June 4, 2016}}</ref> WWE confirmed it had granted Lesnar "a one-off opportunity" to compete at UFC 200 before he returned to the company for SummerSlam on August 21.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brock Lesnar to compete at UFC 200 prior to return at major WWE event|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/brock-lesnar-compete-ufc-200-prior-return-major-wwe-event?sf27995709=1|website=WWE|access-date=June 5, 2016|date=June 5, 2016}}</ref> Lesnar dominated the first and third rounds, battering Hunt with ground and pound in the third to secure the unanimous decision win. He also was paid a UFC record $2.5 million purse.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gerbasi|first1=Thomas|title=Lesnar Victorious in Return to Octagon|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/brock-lesnar-wins-in-ufc-return-ufc-200-mark-hunt|publisher=UFC|access-date=July 9, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Fowlkes|first=Ben|title=UFC 200 results: Brock Lesnar's top game too much for heavy-handed Mark Hunt|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/07/ufc-200-results-brock-lesnars-top-game-too-much-for-heavy-handed-mark-hunt|website=MMAjunkie.com|access-date=July 9, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fightmetric.com/fight-details/83414cc83ec3f2ac|title=FightMetric LLC :.: The World's First Comprehensive MMA Statistics Provider|access-date=July 29, 2016}}</ref> This record was broken at ''[[UFC 202]]'' by [[Conor McGregor]], who was also the previous holder.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Conor-McGregor-to-Earn-363-Million-Nate-Diaz-362-Million-for-Headlining-Bout-at-UFC-202-110067|title=Conor McGregor to Earn $3 Million, Nate Diaz $2 Million for Headlining Bout at UFC 202|author=Tristen Critchfield|work=sherdog.com|date=August 20, 2016|access-date=November 22, 2016}}</ref>

Lesnar married fellow WWE performer Rena Greek, better known as [[Sable (wrestler)|Sable]], on May 6, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lovetripper.com/newswire/61153-sable.html|title=Sable and Brock Lesnar's Wedding|publisher=Love Tripper|access-date=May 7, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724013504/http://www.lovetripper.com/newswire/61153-sable.html|archive-date=July 24, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> They relocated in 2014 to Canada, where they reside on a farm in [[Maryfield, Saskatchewan]].<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/brock-lesnar-regina-saskatchewan-ufc-200-1.3620484 Brock Lesnar to represent Saskatchewan at UFC 200]. Retrieved June 7, 2016.</ref> Together, they have two sons named Turk (born 2009) and Duke (born 2010), both of whom play ice hockey.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://heymanhustle.craveonline.com/blogs/21006-brock-lesnar-craves-ultimate-vengeance|title=Brock Lesnar Craves Ultimate Vengeance|access-date=July 13, 2009|publisher=CRAVEONLINE|date=July 10, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713013251/http://heymanhustle.craveonline.com/blogs/21006-brock-lesnar-craves-ultimate-vengeance|archive-date=July 13, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ki-lesnar012511|title=Reclusive Lesnar is alive and well|access-date=January 31, 2011|publisher=Yahoo! sports|date=January 25, 2011}}</ref> With his former fiancée, Nicole McClain, Lesnar also has twins who were born in 2002: a daughter named [[Mya Lesnar|Mya Lynn]], who competes in [[track and field]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/SunDevilTFXC/status/1197967990219792385|title=Mya Lesnar is a Minnesota state champion, the sixth-best shot-putter in the country and a future Sun Devil! Welcome to the #SunDevilFamily! #ForksUppic.twitter.com/OAH7NySPF6|date=November 22, 2019|access-date=December 19, 2019}}</ref> and a son named Luke, who also plays ice hockey.<ref>{{cite news|date=February 10, 2016|url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/mma/story/_/id/16001686/brock-lesnar-reflects-decision-fight-ufc-200/|title=Brock Lesnar and his family|newspaper=Espn.com |access-date=February 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608131041/http://espn.go.com/mma/story/_/id/16001686/brock-lesnar-reflects-decision-fight-ufc-200/|archive-date=June 8, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> He is also the stepfather of Greek's daughter with her first husband.<ref name="deathclutch"/>

Lesnar is an intensely private individual who has expressed his disdain for the media; he rarely participates in interviews and avoids questions pertaining to his private life.<ref name="Iole"/> He is a supporter of the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]]<ref name="STARTRIBUNE.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2010/10/brock-lesnar-cain-velasquez-ufc.html|title=Brock Lesnar skirts immigration issue in conference call with Cain Velasquez|access-date=November 4, 2015|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=October 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017094115/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2010/10/brock-lesnar-cain-velasquez-ufc.html|archive-date=October 17, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> and a member of the [[National Rifle Association of America]] (NRA).<ref>{{cite web |title=UFC's Brock Lesnar on Hunting |url=https://www.americanhunter.org/content/ufc-s-brock-lesnar-on-hunting/ |website=American Hunter |publisher=National Rifle Association of America |access-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627175839/https://www.americanhunter.org/content/ufc-s-brock-lesnar-on-hunting/ |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |language=en-US |date=October 4, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> He made an appearance at the NRA's annual meeting in May 2011 to discuss his passion for hunting and his role as a spokesman for the Fusion Ammunition company.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/EmJx05X3RlU Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20160105204249/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmJx05X3RlU Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmJx05X3RlU|title=Brock Lesnar at the 2011 NRA Annual Meetings|access-date=November 4, 2015|publisher=[[YouTube]]|date=May 9, 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ammoland.com/2011/04/brock-lesnar-coming-to-federal-premium-booth-at-2011-nra-annual-meetings/#axzz3qVTWwizD|title=Brock Lesnar Coming to Federal Premium Booth at 2011 NRA Annual Meetings|access-date=November 4, 2015|publisher=AmmoLand.com|date=April 21, 2011|archive-date=January 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114180951/https://www.ammoland.com/2011/04/brock-lesnar-coming-to-federal-premium-booth-at-2011-nra-annual-meetings/#axzz3qVTWwizD|url-status=dead}}</ref> He is a fan of the [[Winnipeg Jets]] ice hockey team<ref>{{cite tweet|user=NHLJets|author=Winnipeg Jets|number=818676955474063360|date=January 10, 2017|title="Not too long after I was announced, he scored, so thanks Buff!" @BrockLesnar joined JetsTV for a quick interview...}}</ref> and the [[Saskatchewan Roughriders]] Canadian football team.<ref>{{Citation|title=Brock lesnar a Saskatchewan Roughriders fan| date=November 18, 2013 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9sAfgetm-4|language=en|access-date=February 5, 2022}}</ref>

| ''[[Mike and& Mike in the Morning|Mike & Mike]]''

** Top Newcomer of the Year (2008)<ref>{{cite news|last=Gross|first=Josh|title=SI.com's 2008 MMA Awards|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/josh_gross/12/21/2008-awards/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106014834/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/josh_gross/12/21/2008-awards/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 6, 2009|access-date=September 15, 2012|newspaper=[[Sports Illustrated]]|date=December 22, 2008}}</ref>