Explained: Did Brock Lesnar briefly quit WWE after Vince McMahon retired?

Brock Lesnar reportedly quit WWE in the aftermath of Vince McMahon calling time on his duties with the company at the age of 77.

‘The Beast Incarnate’ has only ever known the world’s premier wrestling promotion under the leadership of the notorious businessman. And perhaps that’s why he doesn’t want to work for anyone else.

On July 22, McMahon took to social media to reveal his decision.

He tweeted: At 77, time for me to retire. Thank you, WWE Universe. Then. Now. Forever. Together. #WWE #thankful.”

This has ultimately sent shockwaves throughout the entire locker room, with Lesnar allegedly taking it the worst.

Brock Lesnar quit WWE due to Vince McMahon retirement

According to Wrestling Observer’s Brian Alvarez, upon hearing the news, the ten-time world champion walked out of SmackDown.

The journalist claimed Lesnar said: “If he’s gone, I’m gone.”

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However, those reports were later brought into question when the powerhouse appeared to close out the show. The main event featured WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos and Theory vs The Street Profits and Madcap Moss. The Money in the Bank winner cost his team the match when he attacked Moss with the briefcase.

However, even after the bell, he continued his assault. Then, out of nowhere, Lesnar’s music blared out of the speakers. He walked to the ring and hit Theory with an F5. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the reports were untrue.

Why would Brock Lesnar return?

Although peculiar, in all likelihood, the legend could have made a late U-turn. Despite not having an official explanation for the strange turn of events, fans have theorised some possible explanations.

The company could have very well offered him more money. In addition, a personal plea from the man himself could have made the difference. Lesnar and McMahon have always shared a tight bond. Thus, the former chairman may have convinced the 45-year-old to compete after all.

As per Fightful Select, the script for the evening received a late edit to not include Lesnar, with the last segment choreographed to utilise him if he decided to return to the arena.

Their report said: We’re told that things blew over, and Lesnar returned. One source called the situation ‘overblown’ but admitted they didn’t know if he’d end up actually being on the show.”

In addition, as per WrestlingTalk.com, while speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained: “It was definitely interesting, I know he was back in the building by 8:30 PM as far as the timeline goes. It wasn’t that he was hidden away, it wasn’t like he came back like (MJF at Double or Nothing) where you do the work, and nobody knows you’re back.

“It wasn’t like it was supposed to be some guarded secret… I mean I shouldn’t say (it wasn’t a guarded secret) because it probably was supposed to be a secret, but he didn’t show up at 9:45 to go out there at 9:50 put it that way.”

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