Brock Lesnar confirms WWE retirement after final SummerSlam match
Ten-time world champion Brock Lesnar has announced his retirement from professional wrestling and combat sports following his final match at WWE SummerSlam.
The 49-year-old confirmed his decision to permanently step away during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday.
His announcement brings the curtain down on one of the most decorated and unique careers in modern sports history.
The former UFC heavyweight titleholder admitted he initially intended to bow out earlier this year at WrestleMania.
WrestleMania doubts and a final farewell
The South Dakota native removed his boots and gloves in the ring after taking a slam from Oba Femi at the flagship spring event.
However, he ultimately opted to return for one last Hell in a Cell appearance in Minneapolis last weekend.
“When Oba Femi slammed me at WrestleMania, I said, ‘I can’t do this anymore, I think I’m done,'” the veteran admitted.
“But the business called, and I still had some fuel in the tank.”
“Saturday, for Brock Lesnar, that’s it – that’s it for me in the squared circle and everything else.”
A multi-sport powerhouse
Before dominating sports entertainment, the powerful athlete won an NCAA Division I wrestling national championship for the University of Minnesota in 2000.
He quickly transitioned to the WWE roster, capturing his first world title by defeating Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in 2002.
“The Beast Incarnate” famously went on to conquer The Undertaker’s legendary 21-0 undefeated streak at WrestleMania in 2014.
His athletic credentials also extended far beyond scripted competition into the legitimate fighting arena.
UFC glory and leaving a legacy
Transitioning to mixed martial arts in 2007, he remarkably won the UFC heavyweight championship in just his fourth professional bout against Randy Couture.
A brief foray into American football also saw him spend the 2004 pre-season with the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings before being released.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, the American expressed deep gratitude for a lifetime of athletic achievement.
“I was just a farm kid from South Dakota with a big dream, a big heart and a big ass chip on my shoulder,” he added.
“If kids just stay focused on work and putting time in, good things will happen.”