Brock Lesnar Set for United States Return

If you're a pro wrestling fan, a NFL fan or amateur wrestling fan then the name Brock Lesnar likely rings a bell or two. Brock Lesnar won the 2000 NCAA Wrestling Championship as a member of the University of Minnesota wrestling team. He was also a two time Big-Ten champion and four times All American. After his collegiate career, opposed to going to the NFL or Olympics he decided to try his hand in the world of professional wrestling. After signing a deal with WWE and training at their Ohio Valley Wrestling territory, he became one of the biggest superstars for WWE. He became the youngest WWE Champion when he defeated The Rock in 2002 at 25 years of age.

Fast forward to 2004; Lesnar lost his desire for professional wrestling. Since then, many in WWE said he was tired by the demanding travel schedule (WWE top stars on the road more than 300 days a year) among other issues. Lesnar was able to get out of his long-term WWE contract but signed a non-compete clause (meaning he would not be able to join another pro wrestling company until 2010).

Lesnar wanted to try his hand at the NFL, another personal goal. He joined the Minnesota Vikings as a street free agent and tried to make the team. He spent one training camp with them before being cut. His freakish size, strength and agility were great but the Vikings felt he was too new to the game and needed more training. He refused to go to NFL-Europe for the Vikings and his attempt at a football career ended. He returned to pro wrestling, and fighting the WWE in court over the non-compete clause in their exit agreement. In the end, the two sides came to an agreement and the case was dropped. Lesnar worked for New Japan Pro Wrestling and became the IWGP Heavyweight Champion. He left NJPW in the summer of 2006 and was stripped of the title. He wanted to attempt a career in the sport of mixed martial arts.

This is where he stands now. Since leaving pro wrestling, he's been training for MMA. He signed a deal with K-1/Hero's. Now, his return to the United States is set.

According to MMAWeekly.com, Showtime, Pro Elite and K-1 are planning an official press conference for this Tuesday to announce a joint show in the United States on June 2nd, 2007. The expected plan is for Showtime and Pro Elite to air some fights for free on Showtime before the K-1 portion of the show begins on pay-per-view.

Lesnar is signed for the show and will make his MMA debut against 7'2" Hong Man Choi. Also on the card will be MMA legend Royce Gracie and former NFL receiver Johnnie Morton.

As for Lesnar, many are anticipating his debut in MMA and wonder what kind of, if any, success the former world-wrestling champion can have.