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From WWE’s Next Big Thing to the Beast Incarnate: Brock Lesnar’s Transformation Over the Years

Every WWE Superstar is as good as their character or gimmick is, and much of it depends on their physical appearance. Brock Lesnar has always been this huge, jacked, intimidating personality with explosive in-ring moves. But even the biggest superstars need to explore newer sides of their personalities, and Lesnar is not an exception here. Let’s take a moment to recall the transformations he has been through.

Brock Lesnar’s WWE Debut and Initial Years

Brock Lesnar made his WWE debut in 2002 after spending some time in Ohio Valley Wrestling. Paul Heyman backed him as his manager at the time. He was already a 6’3” and 285-pound massive amateur wrestler and was an NCAA Division I heavyweight wrestling champion before then.

Vince McMahon used his physical stature to impose dominance over other popular WWE Superstars, and Lesnar was pushed as “The Next Big Thing.” He was a heel, often attacking superstars like The Hardy Boyz, Al Snow, Maven, and Spike Dudley. Paul Heyman’s promos made sure he got the heat from the crowd. Lesnar became the youngest WWE Champion in history when he defeated The Rock at SummerSlam 2002, at the age of 25.

Lesnar turned babyface when he lost his championship to Big Show at Survivor Series 2002 after Heyman’s betrayal. He became a fan favorite, showing his heroic side, although his promos were limited.

By mid-2003, he again turned heel, and this time, he aligned with Vince McMahon. This version of him was more brutal, selfish, and championship-obsessed. His feud with Kurt Angle and his 60-minute Iron Man match win over him were the highlights of this phase.

By 2004, Lesnar defended his WWE title against the likes of Chris Benoit and The Undertaker until Eddie Guerrero defeated him at No Way Out, thanks to Goldberg. By then, Lesnar reportedly started getting frustrated because of the draining schedule of WWE. His muscular definition got a bit more visible because of the intense schedule and also probably because he was preparing for the NFL. He lost his last match against Goldberg in WrestleMania XX and was never seen again for the next eight years.

Lesnar’s Return With a New Look and Character

After having a lackluster NFL career and a short, successful UFC stint, Lesnar returned to WWE in 2012. This time, he looked a bit leaner than his initial run, probably because of UFC’s weight class requirements. But he was still a 265-pound juggernaut. But the biggest change was his iconic sword tattoo. Lesnar tattooed a sword that runs from his navel to his throat in 2005, and according to him, it was a reminder of an incomplete WWE contract clause that prevented him from joining other pro wrestling promotions.

Lesnar was known as “The Beast Incarnate” and was a heel during this time, although the crowd cheered for him at times. He introduced “Suplex City” to the world and took almost every WWE Superstar on the tour. This time, he worked out a deal with McMahon, and his schedule was significantly lighter. He was like a mercenary who appeared mostly for big-money matches and destroyed everyone in his way.

During this time, he was considered the only force dominant enough to end The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak in 2014. He became the Universal Champion at WrestleMania 33 by defeating Goldberg and held the title for 504 days. He lost it to Roman Reigns at SummerSlam 2018 but won it back again twice.

By late 2019 and 2020, Lesnar became a complete part-timer and became a special attraction for his impactful matches against the likes of Drew McIntyre and others. This time, he didn’t shy away from losing to upcoming talents and pushing them forward.

The Veteran Cowboy Brock Lesnar

Brock Lesnar returned at SummerSlam 2021 with a new cowboy look, rocking a man bun and a leaner, more rugged physique, wearing flannel shirts and a cowboy hat. This time, he returned as a face, and fans loved the laid-back, rural vibe with occasional humor. This was a complete contrast to what he had been thus far in his career.

He looked less scary, but he was still a physical threat, and his feud with The Tribal Chief Roman Reigns was the highlight of this phase. Although Reigns had more wins over him on paper, he was mostly helped by his cousins. Their last match happened at SummerSlam 2022, where Reigns defeated Lesnar by burying him under debris in a Last Man Standing match.

Following this, he had short feuds with Bobby Lashley and Cody Rhodes, just to push them ahead. Brock Lesnar last appeared at SummerSlam 2023, where he lost to Rhodes. And after some allegations in a 2024 lawsuit, his return has been in doubt. However, the recent settlements might hint at a comeback soon. Only time will tell what the future holds for Brock Lesnar.

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