Brock Lesnar signifies retirement from pro wrestling after dropping match at WrestleMania 43

TL;DR

Brock Lesnar announced his retirement from professional wrestling after losing to Oba Femi at WrestleMania 43. He symbolically laid down his gloves and boots in the ring, marking a poignant end to his wrestling career.

Key points

Brock Lesnar retired from professional wrestling
He lost to Oba Femi at WrestleMania 43
Lesnar laid down his gloves and boots in the ring
He was emotional after the match
This marks a significant moment in his career

Brock LesnarOba FemiWrestleMania 43

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 19: Brock Lesnar reacts after being defeated by Oba Femi during their match during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Brock Lesnar laid down his gloves and boots to signify his retirement from professional wrestling after his match at WrestleMania 43 ended on Sunday night.

The 48-year-old former UFC heavyweight champion dropped a match to Oba Femi to open the second night of WWE’s biggest event of the year and it was widely speculated that it could be Lesnar’s final appearance in the promotion. Sure enough after the match was over, Lesnar was brought to tears as he removed his gloves and shoes, putting them in the middle of the ring and then embracing longtime friend and onscreen manager Paul Heyman.

It’s customary for wrestlers (usually athletes from collegiate or the international sport) to leave their shoes in the middle of a mat to signify retirement.

The crowd loudly chanted “Thank you, Lesnar” as he made his way out of the ring for what appears the final time in his career. Former UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier was also in attendance and he was seen ringside watching as Lesnar laid down his gloves and boots.

Following an impressive run through college, which included becoming an NCAA champion for the University of Minnesota, Lesnar was signed to WWE where he began developing in regional promotions as he learned about professional wrestling.

Lesnar eventually graduated to the main roster where he immediately became one of the biggest stars in the organization. But his time in WWE came to an end in 2004 after he dealt with burnout and injuries that led to him leaving the promotion.

After leaving WWE, Lesnar tried out for the Minnesota Vikings but when his NFL dream didn’t pay off, he decided to crossover into mixed martial arts instead. He had a single fight under the K-1 banner where he picked up a quick first-round victory but Lesnar wasn’t getting any interest from the UFC, which is where he ultimately wanted to compete.

Q&A

Why did Brock Lesnar retire from professional wrestling?

Brock Lesnar retired after losing a match to Oba Femi at WrestleMania 43, signifying the end of his wrestling career.

What does it mean when wrestlers leave their shoes in the ring?

Leaving shoes in the ring is a customary gesture among wrestlers to signify their retirement from the sport.

When did Brock Lesnar's retirement take place?

Brock Lesnar's retirement took place on April 19, 2026, after his match at WrestleMania 43.

Who did Brock Lesnar lose to at WrestleMania 43?

Brock Lesnar lost to Oba Femi during his match at WrestleMania 43.