Dana White on Brock Lesnar returning to WWE: 'We'll figure it out'

by Geno Mrosko on Jan 2, 2012 5:45 PM EST in WWE

When Brock Lesnar abruptly retired from MMA following his crushing loss at the hands of Alistair Overeem back at UFC 141 on Dec. 30, 2011, in Las Vegas, Nevada, those in the pro wrestling world immediately began speculating on Brock potentially returning to WWE.

That's because as far back as a last year rumors were swirling that Vince McMahon was courting him for his services but was always foiled by UFC President Dana White and his company, which offered Lesnar a much sweeter deal. Not necessarily in terms of money, although it's likely better, but also because working for UFC requires almost no travel. In fact, excluding fight week, Brock could hang out at home, train, and be with his family at all times.

WWE, of course, doesn't offer such a casual schedule and demands a much bigger commitment. It's only in special cases that a guy can come back, have it his way, do what he wants, have a match and bail without it causing a ton of problems in the back. Hell, even The Rock, who does have it that good, couldn't come back without ruffling a few feathers.

The big question now, though, is whether or not White will let Lesnar go back to WWE. Brock's retirement may have opened the door a few inches but it's still running there's a locked chain keeping it from opening in the form of a binding contract with Zuffa. When asked if Lesnar would be going back to WWE, White had this to say:

"When you retire, he retires under contract. I have no idea (how long the contract is). Listen, I've had my moments with Brock Lesnar but I've had a great relationship with him and we'll figure it out, no big deal. Never had a situation with a guy where we haven't done the right thing."

That certainly makes it sound as though White is, at the very least, open to letting Lesnar pursue other endeavors. And why wouldn't he be? There is only one other fighter in the history of MMA who has headlined more than one show that drew over 1 million pay-per-view buys and Brock did it four times in total, maybe five when the numbers come in for UFC 141.

On the one hand, that's a good reason not to want to let Lesnar escape back to WWE to let them reap the benefits of his added exposure in UFC but it would also be a blatant power play against Vince McMahon and company to play keep-away. It's widely expected that the most WWE would end up using Lesnar for is one big match at WrestleMania, anyway, so it seems as though the best route for White to take would be to let Brock do his thing and maintain a good relationship with WWE.

Unless you Cagesiders have other ideas. Anyone think UFC will flex its muscle and keep Lesnar from returning to WWE?

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Comments

I think the only way it becomes an issue

is if Brock in fact returns to the WWE on a more or less full time schedule. If Brock is going to be on Raw on a weekly basis, I could see Dana having a problem with it. More likely than not, Brock is going to come back for one big match and that’s it so I don’t think Dana White would try to stir up any problems with Vince by blocking that.

by hfl2013 on Jan 2, 2012 5:59 PM EST reply actions

everyone seems to assume he shows up in Miami but i can’t see it, with The Rock and Shaq there’s no way they are going to shell out even more $$ for Lesnar

by davec84 on Jan 2, 2012 6:00 PM EST reply actions

I'm not sure anyone is assuming he'll return for 'Mania this year

but rather it’s far more likely he’ll do so next year at the earliest. Stone Cold has always talked about doing one more match and I’m sure he could get up for doing something with Lesnar at WrestleMania when they weren’t going to be overshadowed by The Rock vs. John Cena.

Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.

by Geno Mrosko on Jan 2, 2012 6:06 PM EST up reply actions

I think Stone Cold vs. Punk would happen first

It might just be a work, but I do think that Brock has pissed Stone Cold off a fair amount in the past and if he came back for only one more match, he’d prefer it to be with Punk.

by hfl2013 on Jan 2, 2012 6:10 PM EST up reply actions

From my understanding

Austin never had an issue with Lesnar personally. His beef was always with WWE.

Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.

by Geno Mrosko on Jan 2, 2012 6:41 PM EST up reply actions

I don't know if he ever took any of it personally

but Brock talked some trash about Stone Cold as recently as last week about how he thought Austin just didn’t want to do the job for him.

Also, if Austin was coming back for one match, I’m not sure he’d want to work with someone who hasn’t been in a wrestling match in years. It would be much easier for Austin and likely a better match if he were to work with someone like Punk.

by hfl2013 on Jan 2, 2012 6:50 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Good point.

I think Austin knows Lesnar was just working and didn’t take much from it, especially considering how often he joked about it on Twitter.

You’re right on the other issue. Austin would definitely need someone who could protect him in match and that wouldn’t be something Lesnar could be trusted with. Punk, on the other hand…

Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.

by Geno Mrosko on Jan 2, 2012 7:12 PM EST up reply actions

there's always a bit of hard ball in

any business negotiations. but ultimatly I see brock being able to do a couple of one offs in the wwe. if for nothing else to keep his profile a bit higher, I still envision a fox card with brock and mir down the road so I can’t see dana playing to tough to ruin that angle

He knows the guy with the bandage on his ass is going no were. Were you going fucking no were

by Elstriko on Jan 2, 2012 6:00 PM EST via Android app reply actions