Brock Lesnar, often hailed as one of the legendary figures in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), has been described by fellow wrestler Kurt Angle as an "idiot" for his decision to leave the company in 2004. Angle shared his perspective on Lesnar's WWE departure, reminiscing about the infamous exit in an Inside The Ropes live show.
Lesnar's tenure at WWE, which lasted merely two years, was marked by his growing disenchantment with the grueling travel schedules intrinsic to professional wrestling. His dissatisfaction culminated with his final match against Goldberg at WrestleMania 20.
This match became legendary in its own right, as both Lesnar and Goldberg were booed by fans, who were aware of their impending departures from the company.
Lesnar's Discontent Sparks WWE Exit
Angle vividly recalled a conversation he had with Lesnar in South Africa.
Lesnar expressed his frustration with the constant overseas travel and voiced his decision to depart from WWE. He desired a more grounded lifestyle filled with hunting and fishing and was considering moving to the National Football League (NFL).
Angle advised Lesnar to discuss his decision with Vince McMahon, the CEO of WWE, only after WrestleMania. Angle's rationale was simple: disclosing his intention to quit before the event would likely result in a defeat against Goldberg.
Angle's advice, however, should have been addressed. Upon their return to SmackDown, Lesnar promptly informed McMahon of his plans. The consequence was as Angle predicted: Lesnar was on the losing side at WrestleMania, which could have been avoided with a more strategically timed announcement.
Despite Lesnar's controversial exit, he has remained a notable figure in the WWE universe. In 2012, to the delight of wrestling fans worldwide, Lesnar made a triumphant return to WWE, albeit in a part-time capacity. His latest accomplishment includes a hard-fought victory against Cody Rhodes at the Night of Champions event, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.
Lesnar's decision to prematurely announce his WWE exit may have been seen as ill-advised by some. However, his journey in the wrestling world, marked by highs and lows, victories and defeats, ultimately underscores his iconic status, regardless of the initial controversy.