“Ringing in My Ears” – Just Days Into His Larger-Than-Life “Next Big Thing” Gimmick, This Reason Forced Brock Lesnar to Think of a WWE Exit

Brock Lesnar made an explosive run in the WWE following his debut. With a background in amateur wrestling, muscles that made Vince McMahon happy, and a demeanor to match his incredible physique, he was termed the ‘Next Big Thing.’ 

However, Lesnar had something else on his mind just a few days before his massive push in the company. But what was bugging The Beast Incarnate in his early WWE days?

Curt Hennig’s words made Brock Lesnar unsure about his future

Lesnar’s book Death Clutch: My Story of Determination, Domination, and Survival, released in 2012 detailed his journey to becoming the biggest star in the WWE. The book gave an insight into a wrestler who was never vocal on the mic, in the ring, or outside. Some parts of the book gave the fans a better idea of who and what Lesnar was. 

During his training with Brad Rheinland, Lesnar met Curt Hennig, a.k. Mr. Perfect. Hennig would significantly influence Lesnar’s life, as mentioned in the book. “Get in to get out,” Lesnar said in the book. These were Hennig’s words, which Lesnar more or less followed. According to Lesnar, Hennig had been around the pro wrestling block for a long time and his experience was vital for him.

In his book, Hennig described pro wrestling as a world built on a pile of wrestlers who had been taken for all they were worth. According to him, the only way to keep your sanity and health in this business is to get out while you can. Unfortunately, Hennig passed away in 2003 due to substance abuse. 

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Mr. Perfect’s words would come true during Lesnar’s push as the ‘Next Big Thing’ in 2002. During this period, Lesnar was having much fun in the WWE. Pushed as one of the biggest stars in the business, Lesnar could not forget one thing. “Curt’s words ringing in my ears: Get in to get out,” Lesnar said in his book. 

Lesnar did not want to lose his body and mind to the WWE

Continuing what Hennig said, Lesnar explained in his book that he did not want to be destroyed by the work and the company. In his own words, Lesnar explained that he didn’t want to be an old man with pads on his surgically repaired kneecaps. Lesnar also did not want to get addicted to pain medication, which many wrestlers did then.

The performance stress increased with Lesnar’s massive push during 2002-2003. Many fans today consider this period as peak Lesnar. The number of outstanding matches he had with Kurt Angle, Eddie Guerrero, John Cena, and The Undertaker cannot be ignored. However, with every match rang Hennig’s words for Lesnar to get out.

Lesnar left the WWE in 2004 after an underwhelming final match at WrestleMania 20 against Goldberg.

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