Well, this is interesting...
PWInsider reports Brock Lesnar is not currently under contract to WWE. The two sides have met about a new deal, but were unable to come to terms before his old one expired.
Earlier today (Aug. 31), fans & websites noticed Lesnar’s merchandise had been pulled from the company’s online store.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/21830255/Screen_Shot_2020_08_31_at_4.39.05_PM.png)
The contract impasse appears to be why. Insider’s Mike Johnson writes that the two sides have decided to “pause” negotiations.
It’s not the first time this has happened, and in the past Brock has used a potential UFC return as leverage. That company said their former Heavyweight retired from mixed martial arts, but that’s as much a never-say-never business as pro wrestling. Lesnar could also field offers from UFC rival Bellator, Tony Khan’s All Elite Wrestling, or any combat sports/entertainment operation who wants to open their checkbook for the 43 year old.
Within WWE, the company recently moved to put Brock’s long-time advocate with Roman Reigns. It’s a move that positioned Reigns in Lesnar’s spot as the promotion’s top heel.
Makes even more sense in light of this news than we thought it did.
The Beast Incarnate’s current stint with WWE started in 2012. He’s been on a limited schedule since, and was allowed to fight Mark Hunt in UFC in 2016 while remaining under contract. He last appeared at WrestleMania 36, where he lost to Drew McIntyre. Johnson reports this is the longest Lesnar’s been away from WWE while negotiating a new deal.
Stay tuned.