Brock Lesnar Announces Retirement From Professional Wrestling Following SummerSlam Defeat

Professional wrestling icon Brock Lesnar declared his retirement from the sport Tuesday during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” just days after suffering defeat to Oba Femi in a Hell in a Cell match at SummerSlam. The 49-year-old competitor used the platform to formally notify fans and the wrestling community of his decision to step away from competition.

Lesnar attributed his retirement decision to the emotional toll of his recent loss, noting that he had briefly contemplated ending his career following his initial defeat to Femi at WrestleMania 42 in April. Despite initially leaving his boots in the ring—a traditional signal of retirement—Lesnar returned weeks later to face Femi again at Clash in Italy, which he won before ultimately deciding to step aside for good.

In his statement, Lesnar expressed gratitude for his career spanning decades, describing himself as “just a farm kid from South Dakota with big dreams” who achieved success beyond his expectations. He emphasized appreciation for supporters and credited his faith in enabling him to compete at the highest level throughout his lifetime.

Lesnar elevated his successor Femi during the SummerSlam loss, raising his hand after the match and visibly emotional as he exited the ring. The wrestling veteran concludes his tenure as a 10-time WWE champion and two-time Royal Rumble winner, leaving behind a legacy of establishing Femi as one of wrestling’s premier emerging talents.