The ending of The Undertaker’s legendary undefeated streak at WrestleMania XXX remains a pivotal, and often debated, moment in professional wrestling history. Brock Lesnar, the man who ended the streak, recently opened up about the circumstances surrounding the decision, revealing it wasn’t his own and acknowledging the complex emotions involved. His reflections, shared on the Spittin’ Chiclets hockey podcast, offer a rare glimpse into the business side of sports entertainment and the physical toll it takes on its performers.
Lesnar was clear: the decision to end the 21-0 WrestleMania streak rested with Vince McMahon, then-Chairman and CEO of WWE. “It wasn’t my call to make,” Lesnar stated. “At the time, it was Vince McMahon. If there was a person that could accept the streak away with a legitimate background and people could believe it, I guess it was me.” He acknowledged the backlash he received from some fans, but reiterated his role as a performer following direction. “There’s a lot of people that were pissed that it was me but it’s not my call. You recognize what I mean?”
The “Beast Incarnate” expressed respect for The Undertaker, referring to him as “Mark,” and framed the moment as a necessary shift in the narrative. “My hat’s off to The Undertaker, Mark. He’s a great guy and at the end, it is just a business. It’s a supply and take and it was time for Taker to give and it was time for Brock Lesnar to take.” The match, held on April 6, 2014, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, remains one of the most discussed events in wrestling history, with many fans still grappling with the outcome.
Beyond the shock of the moment, Lesnar revealed a level of concern for The Undertaker’s well-being. He confirmed reports that he accompanied the veteran wrestler to the hospital following the match. “I don’t know what happened during the match but he was a mentor of mine. I worked with Taker for many years…He’s coming to WrestleMania thinking that he’s going to win and then TWO hours before we go on the rug gets pulled out from under him.” Lesnar described a palpable shift in the dynamic during the match itself. “So we’re out in this match and next thing you know Taker is not being Taker…It’s a dance out there and you just got to do your best to get through it and we did. Out of respect, because I spent a lot of time with Taker, and I wanted to make sure that he was alright, that’s part of the deal, you know, I did go to the hospital and make sure he was okay. That’s just a respect thing.”
The Grueling Reality of a Wrestling Career
Lesnar’s comments extended beyond the specifics of the WrestleMania match, delving into the demanding lifestyle that defines professional wrestling. He recounted a period earlier in his career when he wasn’t prepared for the relentless travel schedule and the physical risks involved. “I wasn’t prepared for it at the time. I had no idea what I was getting into. I didn’t know that we were on the road 300 nights a year. I had no idea and that I could get hurt at that stuff.”
He described a descent into pain management, admitting, “So, before I knew it I was on the pain train with Vicodin and vodka.” This candid admission highlights the pressures faced by performers who are expected to compete at a high level while enduring significant physical strain. Lesnar’s experience led him to question his long-term future in the industry. “I’m looking around at the legends in the locker room at the time and and I’m looking across, and I go: Man, I don’t know if I can hang with these guys like this.”
That realization prompted him to pursue other athletic endeavors, including a stint in the National Football League. While his NFL career was brief – “I had a cup of coffee there, maybe just a half a cup” – it represented a desire to explore other options and preserve his physical health. Lesnar played defensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings in 2004, appearing in only a handful of games before being cut from the roster.
Balancing Act: Wrestling, Family, and the Need to Provide
Lesnar’s career has been characterized by periods of involvement and withdrawal from WWE. He clarified that his current appearances are not a full-time commitment. However, he emphasized the practical realities that draw him back to the ring. “I’m not back in the WWE full-time,” he said, “but as a hockey dad I understand more than even that the pay checks may stop but the bills never do.”
He offered a blunt assessment of his motivations: “S–t! I went back to perform so I could feed my kids! You guys should see my grocery bill!” This candid remark underscores the financial pressures faced by many professional athletes, even those who have achieved considerable success. Lesnar expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to WWE, even if only for limited engagements. “I had left the company years ago and I’m grateful that I’m back for a short time here.”
Brock Lesnar’s reflections offer a rare and honest perspective on the world of professional wrestling, revealing the complex interplay of business decisions, personal relationships, and the physical and financial demands placed on its performers. His story serves as a reminder that behind the spectacle and larger-than-life characters, there are real people navigating the challenges of a uniquely demanding profession. As Lesnar continues to balance his wrestling career with family life, his future appearances in WWE will undoubtedly remain a point of interest for fans worldwide.
WWE’s next major event, SummerSlam, is scheduled for August 3, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio. Further details regarding Lesnar’s potential participation will be announced by the company in the coming weeks.
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