The decision that’s placed a stranglehold on sports entertainment heading into WrestleMania 31 is final. WWE world heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar announced Tuesday that he re-signed a multiyear contract with the promotion, eschewing a return to the UFC.
Lesnar made the announcement in a sit-down interview with ESPN’s Michelle Beadle on SportsCenter.
Triple H chimed in with his thoughts:
Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports and Wade Kessler of PWTorch.com provided more comments from Lesnar, who spoke on his decision:
Lesnar, 37, was scheduled to become something of a free agent the night after WrestleMania. The former UFC heavyweight champion had made it no secret he was considering a return to the Octagon after his contract with WWE ran out, even appearing at UFC 184 with president Dana White.
His desire to return to MMA stemmed from the regret of having unfinished business in the sport after walking away due to diverticulitis in 2011.
The abrupt retirement, however, paved the way for Lesnar to become WWE’s most recognizable star. His mainstream appeal and imposing force made him the perfect poster boy for the Reality Era, with WWE garnering coverage from outlets not typically predisposed to covering its programming.
Lesnar became WWE champion in August after defeating John Cena at SummerSlam and has retained the belt heading into his WrestleMania match with Roman Reigns. For many, Lesnar’s renewed commitment to pro wrestling took the air out of what looked like an obvious Reigns triumph. With Lesnar re-signed, though, anything can happen heading into Sunday’s marquee event.
