by Will Gray
UFC 141 saw the end of the “Lesnar era” in MMA. Not that anyone actually referred to his time in the UFC as an era but his stint provided record setting PPV buys and saw him face off in real fights against some of the best in the world, coming out victorious in both non title and title fights.
Liver kicks and body shots from Alistair Overeem cemented the opinions of many when they saw Brock crumble in pain and Mario Yamasaki coming in to wave off the fight. It reasserted a belief that I have had for a very long time…Brock Lesnar does not like to be hit. An unfair assumption by many since I doubt any of these readers would like to get hit, if I am wrong – tweet me and I will gladly test your merit.
Soon in his post fight interview, a disheveled Lesnar announced that he was done with MMA and would retire. Fans in attendance and social media lit up running scenarios as to what would be next for Lesnar: Would he go back to the WWE? Is he really retired? What will he do with his time? Dana White had said post fight and in the months to follow that Brock was indeed done with the UFC and said he would be fine with him returning to professional wrestling.
This past Monday, April 2, 2012 all our questions were finally answered. Lesnar stepped into familiar territory as he made his way past the titantron down the ramp of WWE Monday Night Raw and interrupted WWE superstar John Cena during his “speech.” Lesnar walked to the ring, attempted to shake the former WWE champ’s hand and…delivered an F-5 signifying the return of “The Beast.”
Fans of both MMA and WWE were not surprised by his comeback but what does it mean for him? Will Lesnar return to a full on pro schedule which sees many wrestling stars living in hotels? Probably not since when he was their biggest draw and making loads of cash he walked away to spend more time with his family.
Ideally, he will be playing an Undertaker or Shawn Michaels type of role, appearing through the year and getting in a few matches, nothing too crazy. Whether or not he will channel his inner “Ken Shamrock” and bounce back between both sports, Lesnar is a draw wherever his face is on a poster. Critics and pundits can bash him for being phony, self centered or brash but when you see what he accomplished at such a young age, it is hard to not respect at least his resume.
Remembered as the “pro wrestler turned fighter” he still has notable wins over UFC hall of famer and multiple division champion Randy Couture, former two time UFC champion Frank Mir and former interim champion Shane Carwin.
For those who do not believe these words you read, please view the video below and bear witness to one of the most known and appreciated characters of the WWE in recent years do what he does best, make a statement.
