The Historic Clash: Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi at WrestleMania 42
One of the most anticipated matches of the 2026 WrestleMania weekend was the showdown between two of the most imposing figures in professional wrestling: Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi. This matchup, featured prominently on the WrestleMania 42 poster, promised a clash of titans—Lesnar, the elder former champion, and Femi, the young up-and-coming prospect.
The fight itself was a spectacle, with both athletes showcasing their strength and skill. However, what transpired after the match may have been just as significant as the bout itself.
A Potential Retirement for Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar may have made his final appearance as a professional wrestler with WWE. This development came as one of my WrestleMania 42 predictions materialized exactly as I had envisioned it. Lesnar suffered a decisive loss to Oba Femi, who dominated the match and left the ring victorious.
Following the defeat, Lesnar removed his gloves and boots, leaving them in the ring as he climbed the ropes. He waved at fans who were chanting “Thank you, Brock” and walked out of the arena while embracing his longtime advocate and manager, Paul Heyman. This moment is often seen as the traditional way for a professional wrestler to retire—losing to a younger wrestler who the company is trying to promote.
“The Ruler” fits this narrative perfectly, marking the end of Lesnar’s career. Although commentators Michael Cole and Wade Barrett remained silent during the post-match display, the implication is clear: The Beast Incarnate is stepping away from the ring for good, bringing an end to a legendary yet tumultuous career.
A Legacy of Excellence
Lesnar’s career in WWE and professional wrestling has been nothing short of extraordinary. He holds the record for the youngest ever world champion, having won his first title at the age of 25 by defeating The Rock at SummerSlam 2002. At that time, he was the youngest world champion in WWE history.
During the underrated Ruthless Aggression era, Lesnar planted a giant flag, creating unforgettable moments. One of these included his WrestleMania XIX main event against Kurt Angle, which featured a nearly botched shooting star press that almost resulted in a serious neck injury. Despite the near disaster, Lesnar finished the match and emerged victorious.
In 2004, Lesnar left WWE after a controversial WrestleMania 20 match with Goldberg, choosing to pursue a career in the NFL. He later returned to the spotlight in 2007, embarking on a successful UFC career where he won the UFC Heavyweight Championship by defeating Randy Couture via TKO. His reign included successful defenses against Frank Mir and Shane Carwin.
Return to WWE and Ending The Streak
After his UFC stint, Lesnar made a triumphant return to WWE in 2012. His re-emergence in the main-event scene was marked by a non-title win that would cement his legacy in history. Lesnar ended The Undertaker’s then-21-match winning streak at WrestleMania 30, a moment considered one of the highest honors in WWE history.
From there, Lesnar went on to win the world championship seven times, including high-profile rivalries and WrestleMania main events with Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Drew McIntyre.
Legal Controversies
Despite his success, Lesnar’s career has not been without controversy. He was known for his difficult personality backstage but was always a favorite of Vince McMahon, the disgraced chairman of WWE.
The ongoing legal investigation into McMahon for alleged workplace misconduct involving Janel Grant also named Lesnar as a person of interest. He was accused of inappropriate treatment toward her in texts and other interactions. While no charges have been filed against Lesnar, this incident has added another layer to his complex legacy.
