Jim Ross worked on important roles both on and off the off -screen during his 23 years combined in WWE. In a recent episode of his podcast, the legendary commentator recalled how he hoped that Brock Lesnar returned after his abrupt departure in 2004.
After only two years in the main roster, Lesnar left WWE to follow a career in American football. The incarnate beast signed with the Minnesota Vikings but was fired before the NFL season began. Subsequently, he won the UFC heavyweight championship in 2008 before returning to WWE in 2012.
In Grilling JRRoss told the presenter Conrad Thompson that he knew that Lesnar would fight again as soon as he announced his initial departure from WWE:
“Of course, absolutely. What else was I going to do to earn that kind of money? Nothing! What are your options? Oh, don't you have any, right? The Vikings tried you. For someone who had not played American football in years and never played at the university, only in a high school team, it was incredible, but not good enough to be part of the roster of 53 players.” (52:20 – 52:50)
Lesnar headed Wrestlemania 19 against Kurt Angle during his first stage in WWE. After returning in 2012, it was quickly re -established as one of the company's main names.
How Jim Ross maintained WWE's relationship with Brock Lesnar
Although he is better known as a commentator, Jim Ross also played a vital role in the construction of the WWE Roster in the 1990s and 2000s.
Ross added that he told producer Gerald Brisco to maintain contact with Brock Lesnar during his pause in WWE so that the company could re -contract it:
“I knew it would return. Brisco knew that it would come back. That's why I made sure that Brisco and he talked to keep the connection alive, make sure there was a pulse on both sides, so that when the feelings of everyone were approached, we could start. It could not time.” (53:14 – 53:49)
Lesnar has not fought for WWE since he lost to Cody Rhodes in Summerslam 2023. Currently, it is not clear when he will return.
