After a brutal first round loss to Alistair Overeem at UFC 141, Lesnar announced to the sold-out crowd in Las Vegas that he had officially retired from the sport. Almost immediately after this announcement, the IWC (Internet Wrestling Community) began speculating on a WWE return.
While Lesnar hasn't competed in a WWE ring since 2004, his presence in the sport cannot be denied. Very few men have ever climbed to the top of the business as quickly and with as much attention as Lesnar had in the early 2000's. Lesnar became a force in the world of WWE and was awarded the WWE Championship at the tender age of 26.
After numerous matches in the WWE, numerous reigns as the WWE Champion, media attention, endorsement deals, video game adaptations, and merchandise sales, Lesnar decided to call it quits after four years in the WWE. His total WWE career ranged from the years 2000-2004. Although his departure led to much discussion, the time he achieved his success in professional wrestling is one of the most impressive feats that anyone has accomplished in this line of work.
After a failed attempt at Professional Football (although he was cut last at Minnesota Vikings training camp) and some time wrestling for New Japan Pro Wrestling (which led to another World Championship), Lesnar announced that he would step into the world of Mixed Martial Arts. Much like his WWE tenure, his time in the UFC was not lengthy, but very successful.
Lesnar compiled a 5-3 win/loss record in Mixed Martial Arts, including a reign as the UFC World Heavyweight Champion. Winning this championship makes Lesnar the only man to win both the WWE Championship and the UFC World Heavyweight Championship. Two distinct titles in very different worlds.
There is no disputing the accomplishments Lesnar has achieved in life make him a very unique individual. Lesnar was an accomplished amateur wrestler at the University of North Dakota. Lesnar became possibly the fastest rising star ever in Professional Wrestling. He then went on to the NFL only to narrowly miss playing for the Minnesota Vikings. Lastly, he became the top star in the UFC and the companies top Pay Per View drawing card.
No wonder the rumours are rampant. Lesnar is THE star in everything he tries. Wrestling fans can only hope that he brings this star power back to the WWE.
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