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What's the story?
On a recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Radio, the primary reason behind Brock Lesnar possibly leaving the WWE after WrestleMania 34 was revealed.
Apparently, the WWE doesn’t want to permit Lesnar to pursue an MMA fight in the UFC, whilst still under contract with WWE.
In case you didn't know…
Brock Lesnar is a highly regarded amateur wrestling champion who transitioned to the WWE, then pro-football, following which he forayed into the sport of MMA where he went on to capture the UFC Heavyweight Championship.
However, Lesnar suffered a couple of near-fatal bouts of diverticulitis—a disease that resulted in him going 1-2 in the final 3 fights of his first UFC stint a few years back. Regardless, after retiring from MMA in 2011, Lesnar returned to the WWE in 2012 and has been performing as a part-time Superstar ever since.
The heart of the matter
One ought to note that Lesnar returned to the UFC while still under contract with WWE, for a one-off fight with Mark Hunt at UFC 200 in 2016—a fight that Lesnar won by Unanimous Decision, however, the result of which was overturned due to the Beast failing multiple steroid tests.
Veteran professional wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer explained that the WWE won’t let him compete in an MMA fight for the UFC again while he’s still contracted to WWE. Meltzer added that Lesnar’s failed drug test is probably why they won’t let him compete in the UFC; besides, Lesnar also had to persuade WWE to allow him to take the Hunt fight in 2016.
Furthermore, Meltzer alluded that Lesnar going over to the UFC as an active WWE Superstar and losing to the MMA organization’s fighter, besides also potentially failing a drug test, would adversely affect WWE’s brand value. Meltzer continued that Lesnar is only likely to fight in the UFC for a big-money bout, and if said financially lucrative fight doesn’t present itself he may never compete in MMA again.
Meltzer explained that Lesnar lately teasing a move to the UFC may also be a ruse on part of the Beast Incarnate, so as to help him gain leverage, and coerce WWE boss Vince McMahon to offer him a better deal. The veteran journalist emphasized that a super-fight with Jon Jones - who himself is also presently dealing with failed steroid test issues - could be on the cards for Lesnar, and the latter could resultantly leave the WWE as Lesnar doesn’t want to be in a position that requires him to ask Vince McMahon for his permission to compete in the UFC.
What's next?
WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar is set to defend his title against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 34 which takes place at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 8th.
Although Lesnar’s contract with the WWE expires after WrestleMania 34, the WWE could choose to extend his deal until August of this year.
Author's take
Well, Brock Lesnar does what Brock Lesnar wants. Lesnar is an anomaly in the world of sports-entertainment, and the next few months will surely determine whether WWE or UFC acquires the Conqueror’s services.
Would you like to see Lesnar in WWE or the UFC? Sound off in the comments!
