Brock Lesnar, a legendary figure in sports entertainment and a former WWE Champion, has built a reputation for his unmatched strength and dominant performances. Despite working alongside many wrestlers, Lesnar has notably declined to share the ring with a few prominent WWE stars over the years for various unclear reasons, sparking much speculation among fans. This list highlights five wrestlers Brock Lesnar WWE refused partners with during his career.
Refusal to Face Hardcore Holly in 2004
During the buildup to WrestleMania XX in 2004, Lesnar was booked as a dominant force and was set to face Hardcore Holly on an episode of SmackDown. Holly was a well-known veteran at the time, and a win over him would have provided Lesnar with significant momentum. However, upon learning of the scheduled match, Lesnar refused to work with Holly and threatened to leave the show. This incident was detailed by Lesnar in his autobiography, though the precise motive behind his refusal remains unknown.
Backstage Conflict and Avoidance of Matt Riddle
Former WWE Superstar Matt Riddle became a subject of backstage controversies involving Brock Lesnar. Reports emerged that Riddle repeatedly spoke negatively about Lesnar behind the scenes while expressing a desire to compete against him. When Lesnar found out, he confronted Riddle and subsequently ensured they would not have to work together. This altercation fueled widespread rumors and drew considerable media attention globally.
Declining a Survivor Series Match Against Jinder Mahal
At Survivor Series 2017, a high-profile RAW versus SmackDown match was initially planned to feature Universal Champion Brock Lesnar against WWE Champion Jinder Mahal. Despite the promising storyline, Mahal was replaced by AJ Styles for the event. Lesnar refused to participate in the match with Mahal because he was reportedly uncomfortable facing him directly, leading to the change in opponent.
WrestleMania 39 Plans and Bray Wyatt’s Cancelled Bout
Among Lesnar’s denied opportunities was a WrestleMania 39 singles match against the late Bray Wyatt, considered one of the more intriguing potential showdowns. Yet, Lesnar declined the match for reasons that remain unclear to the public. Fans continue to speculate that a Lesnar-Wyatt clash would have been monumental, especially had Wyatt been alive to compete.
Unrealized Matchups with Kevin Owens
Brock Lesnar and Kevin Owens share an intriguing dynamic, as the two have yet to face off one-on-one aside from a Fatal Five-way match. According to WWE veteran Road Dogg, Lesnar refused to work directly with Owens, despite Owens’ rising popularity and potential to generate significant interest. The exact reason behind this refusal has not been disclosed, leaving fans uncertain about the possibility of this pairing in the future.
Understanding Lesnar’s Selective Partnerships and Their Impact
Lesnar’s decisions to avoid working with certain top WWE talents reveal the complexities behind the scenes in professional wrestling. His refusals have altered many anticipated matches and storylines, impacting WWE’s creative direction and fan expectations. Whether driven by personal disagreements, strategic choices, or other undisclosed reasons, these instances contribute to Brock Lesnar’s enigmatic legacy. As WWE continues to evolve, fans eagerly await whether Lesnar will eventually face some of these stars or continue to maintain his selective approach toward opponents.
