Brock Lesnar to appear in WWE '12 video game as hidden playable character

We knew there were reasons beyond what was explained when UFC President Dana White met with WWE head honcho Vince McMahon in the not to distant past. White claimed he was just picking the entertainment mogul's brain but did allude to the two doing a bit of business together without actually going into business with each other.

The details of which still have yet to be disclosed but it would seem obvious that the major news coming out of those meetings is the fact that former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar will appear as a hidden playable character in the upcoming WWE '12 video game.

This according to multiple reports across the Internet. THQ, the makers of both WWE '12 and UFC Undisputed 3, is expected to make a formal announcement this coming week.

Again, few details have been revealed but this was already somewhat expected. It's also a smart business move by White to allow Lesnar to make the extra cash on getting himself into a highly anticipated game which will promote the hell out of him on his way to his return fight on Dec. 30 in Las Vegas, Nevada at UFC 141 against Alistair Overeem.

Naturally, he runs the inherent risk of associating his product a bit too much with the sports entertainment world created by McMahon, but that's a risk well worth taking. After all, why not capitalize on Lesnar's past?

For more on the upcoming release of WWE '12, which is set for Nov. 22, click here and here.

Update by Keith Harris:

The news has since been confirmed by TMZ:

After SEVEN YEARS apart, UFC pain machine Brock Lesnar is getting back into business with the company that put him on the map -- WWE -- in a deal that will make him the "featured star" in a brand new video game.

Multiple sources confirm ...the people developing "WWE: 12" approached Brock back in January and asked for permission to use his name and likeness in the game and the advertising campaign.

We're told Brock loved the idea -- but wouldn't sign off unless his current boss, UFC honcho Dana White, gave his blessing. Fortunately, it worked out.

TMZ spoke with White, who told us, "I love WWE and I have nothing but love for Vince McMahon -- I'm totally OK with Brock being in the game."

We're told the first commercial for the game -- starring Brock -- will be released tomorrow.