Skip to main content

Lesnar Brings More Than Pain


Here comes the pain!

It's a reference many fans of Brock Lesnar have heard throughout his career. Whether it be professional wrestling, professional football, or mixed martial arts, Lesnar has always done just that - brought the pain. Standing six foot two inches and weighing two hundred and sixty five pounds, and boasting a freakishly massive frame combined with his remarkable athletic background, Lesnar had few doubters regarding the potential of a bright future.

Following his historic collegiate career, Lesnar joined the WWE in pursuit of fulfilling his career. Lesnar wasted no time capturing World titles, the main event, and even headlining Wrestlemania XIX. However, the grueling life and travel of a professional wrestler (340 days per year) began to grow and wear Lesnar down mentally and physically. In a decision he was highly criticized for, he soon opted to quit, giving up fame and millions of dollars in return for his happiness.

Crtitics jumped all over the decision.
Lesnar later tried his hand at another dream, professional football. Despite not playing football since high school, Lesnar survived several cuts with the Minnesota Vikings. Lesnar was eventually cut before the start of the 2004 season. He was offered an invitation with the Vikings NFL Europe affiliate, however, Lesnar declined due to the travel, and time he would have to spend away from his family.

Skeptics scoffed at him passing up the opportunity.

Once again, criticized for his judgment, and many beginning to wonder if he will eventually make anything of his God-given talents, Lesnar returned to professional wrestling in Japan before finally throwing his name into the mixed martial arts world. And despite many believing he was a publicity stunt by UFC President, Dana White, Lesnar earned his way up the ranks through defeats, experience, and intense training.

After several years of wondering, "what in the world will Brock Lesnar do", we received our answer at UFC 91. Brock Lesnar defeated the legendary Randy Couture to become the new UFC Heavyweight Champion. Regardless of your feelings for Lesnar, he has done it the right way. He followed his dreams, tried his hand at everything he has ever wanted, been heavily criticized, kept his family as his priority, prevailed over all, and most importantly, stayed true to his heart and never lost his soul.

Nevermind his decision to leave millions on the table in professional wrestling. Forget his decision to give up an opportunity with the Minnesota Vikings. Bypass the fact that he is the only person (and possibly ever will be) to be a NCAA National champion, hold a major wrestling title, headline a Wrestlemania, and become UFC Heavyweight champion. Forgo his success in everything hes done.

He's been ridiculed, criticized, chastised, labeled, misconstrued, and written off.

Throw it all out the window.

Brock is about more than bringing the pain.

Brock Lesnar has reminded us all that the greatest power behind an individual and his journey, is his belief in himself.

Recent Favorites

50 Wins and the #2 Seed

The New York Knicks are the #2 Seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.  Unbelievable.  Oh yeah, they also put together an unbelievable fifty-win season to do so.  I've already expressed some thoughts on this season - from the trade of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Julius Randle's injury and obvious absence to the brilliance that was Jalen Brunson - there has been so much to take in, and appreciate.  I can't say it enough - I love this team. THIS team.  Just a few other quick thoughts as we reflect on 50 wins and the #2 seed before heading into a tough first-round series with either the Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers:  I know Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the hot narrative for MVP and there is a big-time Serbian in Denver who easily makes a claim for the award once again, but damn it, Jalen Brunson deserves recognition and some lower-place votes. That's all I'm asking for... Speaking of giving flowers to Jalen Brunson, it's about time a real basketball dis

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/14/24

3 Up 1. Gun Control? - Wow. We have somewhat new gun legislation - so it is possible?! Of course, I'm being a bit cheeky in regards to the recent new plan to offer background checks for gun purchases, which really is a big part of the gun control debate. No?  2. Solar Eclipse - I didn't get a chance to experience it, but the idea of it is rather cool. Our world - and universe - is a remarkable experience and thought.  3. Women's Basketball Ratings - The boost continues as women's hoops continue its surge in ratings, interest, and overall star power. It will likely continue next week with the WNBA Draft.  3 Down  1. Iran Missiles on Israel - The entire saga in Gaza continues to get more complex. Throwing Iran into the mix, and now the US intercepting drones and missiles, the entire thing is super sad as innocent people continue to be killed.  2. Tennessee Teachers Carry - Well, just when we thought the gun debate was moving toward a reasonable decision, we get the sta

Exorcising Demons with a Breen "Double Bang!"

These sorts of moments feel like they don't happen to us.  Well, they happen VERY rarely - I'm talking Larry Johnson's 4-point play-rare. Yeah, it's been THAT long.  But watching this New York Knicks team score eight points in less than thirty-five seconds, including a sequence that will forever live in my fandom, sits right with that LJ garden-rocking shot.  I sat on my couch in absolute shock at what I just saw.  "How the hell did they just win that game?!"  It's the kind of moment this fanbase deserves. It's the moment that releases and exorcises some demons that haunt us from the trauma of experiences.  Namely you, Reggie Miller.  I loved it. And the icing on the cake was Mike Breen - Oh, Mike Breen, the loveable man with the most epic voice that has narrated so much of my basketball-loving fandom - with not one, but two signature "Bang!" calls.  I'll never let this one down. Ever.  I'm not sure where this team will wrap up the se