Daniel Cormier discusses Brock Lesnar’s status on WWE’s banned list and sheds light on the reasons behind their never-materialized fight.
Daniel Cormier Discusses Brock Lesnar’s WWE Status and Their Unrealized UFC Clash
Brock Lesnar remains one of the most recognizable names in both professional wrestling and mixed martial arts, but recent developments have cast a shadow on his legacy. In a surprising revelation, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier has addressed why his highly anticipated showdown with Lesnar never happened, and shed light on Lesnar’s current position within WWE’s banned list.
Why the Dream Fight Never Happened
The much-hyped fight between Daniel Cormier and Brock Lesnar was one of the most talked-about possibilities in the world of combat sports, especially after their heated face-off at UFC 226 in July 2018. For fight fans, this was the crossover event that everyone wanted, promising high stakes and massive pay-per-view numbers.
But, as Cormier recently explained during an interview with Demetrious Johnson, the fight never materialized because WWE made an irresistible offer to Lesnar. Cormier revealed, “So Brock actually came and WWE paid him more to stay. We danced the dance for a while. It could have been Brock and I when I fought Derrick Lewis in New York. But yeah, they paid him so much to stay.” In essence, Lesnar found himself choosing between the high risk – and high reward – of an octagon showdown, or the comfort and financial security of familiar WWE territory.
“He was such a big star there that he could make money to go do that and do nothing but suplexes,” Cormier continued. “Or go fight me in an octagon and I’m gonna try to kill him.”
Lesnar and WWE: The “Banned List” Controversy
The conversation shifted in a different direction, however, as Cormier addressed recent speculation about whether Lesnar could ever return to a WWE ring, either as a wrestler or in some promotional capacity. “I mean, Brock is on the banned list right now. Dude, Brock got into so much trouble,” Cormier stated. “You know what Brock did. I ain’t telling you on air what Brock did. We’ll get in so much trouble.”
This “trouble” refers to the controversy that erupted when a high-profile lawsuit against former WWE boss Vince McMahon surfaced. During legal proceedings, Lesnar’s name became indirectly linked to allegations against McMahon involving a former WWE employee, with text messages suggesting McMahon allegedly offered the employee to Lesnar as an incentive for re-signing with the company. While the details of these allegations remain speculative and Lesnar’s actual involvement unconfirmed, the controversy has been enough for WWE’s parent company, TKO, to keep Lesnar on the sidelines.
Diverse Perspectives and Industry Impact
Wrestlers and insiders have weighed in on the situation, pointing out that WWE has to protect its public image at all costs, especially as the lawsuit is ongoing. According to various sources, bringing Lesnar back would invite a wave of negative media coverage that WWE may not be willing to weather right now.
On the other hand, industry veterans like Triple H have indicated that Lesnar is not “gone” for good, but is simply living his life away from the limelight. “His status is the same as it has been before. He’s just home being Brock,” Triple H said recently, suggesting that Lesnar’s status remains open-ended, pending changes in circumstances.
Looking Ahead
Lesnar’s future with WWE and UFC remains uncertain. With his name linked to ongoing controversy and legal proceedings, any move involving Lesnar will be scrutinized not just by wrestling fans, but also by mainstream audiences and media. As for the long-awaited fight with Daniel Cormier, it may forever remain a tantalizing “what if” in combat sports history, influenced as much by business decisions and off-ring drama as athletic ambitions.
Source: theringreport.com