Brock Lesnar has officially announced his retirement from professional wrestling, bringing an end to a career that spanned more than two decades and established him as one of WWE’s most recognizable stars.
The 49-year-old made the announcement during an appearance on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show, just days after losing to Oba Femi in a Hell in a Cell match at SummerSlam in Minneapolis.
Lesnar Says SummerSlam Was His Final Match
Speaking about his decision, Lesnar thanked fans who had supported him throughout his career, describing the weekend as an emotional milestone.
Although he admitted he still had the ability to compete, Lesnar said his SummerSlam appearance would stand as his final time inside the ring, confirming that he was stepping away from wrestling for good.
His comments also followed speculation earlier in the year after he left his boots and gloves in the ring following a WrestleMania 42 encounter with Femi—a symbolic gesture often associated with retirement.
From NCAA Standout to WWE Superstar
Lesnar entered WWE in 2002 after an outstanding amateur wrestling career that included NJCAA All-American honors and an exceptional collegiate record.
He quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the company’s biggest attractions, winning multiple world championships and headlining major events before leaving WWE in 2004, citing burnout, injuries, and creative frustrations.
Multiple Comebacks Defined His Career
After an eight-year absence, Lesnar returned to WWE in 2012 and resumed his place among the promotion’s top stars, adding more championship reigns to his résumé.
He again appeared to retire following WrestleMania 36, only to make another comeback in 2021 with a noticeably different look that included a beard and ponytail. His final WWE return came at SummerSlam 2025 after a two-year absence from television.
Legal Controversy Led to Extended Hiatus
Lesnar’s career was interrupted in 2023 after he was named in a civil lawsuit filed against former WWE executive Vince McMahon by ex-employee Janel Grant.
Following the filing, WWE removed Lesnar from its active roster and future event plans. He remained away from the company for approximately two years before returning to competition while the lawsuit remained ongoing.
Success Extended Beyond Professional Wrestling
Outside WWE, Lesnar also pursued careers in professional football and mixed martial arts.
Following his initial departure from wrestling in 2004, he briefly signed with the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings after participating in the league’s scouting process, though he was released before the regular season.
He later transitioned to MMA, first competing in Japan before joining the UFC in 2008. Lesnar captured the UFC heavyweight championship after defeating Randy Couture and became one of the promotion’s biggest attractions. He finished his MMA career with four victories, three defeats, and one no-contest.
One of Combat Sports’ Most Recognizable Figures Bids Farewell
With his latest announcement, Lesnar closes the chapter on a career that saw him achieve championship success across both professional wrestling and mixed martial arts.
After numerous retirements and comebacks over the years, the former WWE and UFC champion says this time his decision is final, ending one of the most decorated and high-profile careers in modern combat sports.
