Major Backstage Update – Brock Lesnar’s WWE Issues

Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter

As of this week, the business disagreement between Brock Lesnar and Vince McMahon had yet to be resolved, although McMahon is confident that Lesnar will work WrestleMania 31 later this month. It should be noted that there was a shouting match between Lesnar and McMahon in Nashville that was loud enough that people who heard it were concerned about the situation.

As previously reported, Lesnar left the RAW arena two weeks ago as a result of a “business disagreement” with McMahon. The disagreement involved negotiations for a possible WWE contract renewal for Lesnar. There are individuals claiming the negotiations included Lesnar wanting to both fight for the UFC while he is still under contract with the WWE. However, any issues with the UFC apparently had nothing to do with Lesnar’s reason for leaving the arena during RAW.

The dialogue is that Lesnar’s reason for leaving was only related to what WWE offered him for his new contract and its terms. Based on reports, the issue with Lesnar and WWE could be settled at any time, but WWE and Lesnar’s camp are said to be an impasse at this point. Neither side really wants to back down on the pending issue.

Lesnar is still expected to fulfill the remaining dates of his current contract, which include two editions of RAW in March and WrestleMania 31. If Lesnar misses any the remaining dates it would mean a significant breach of his contract.

As reported this past Sunday night, WWE writers asked if they should write a back-up version of WrestleMania 31 that didn’t include Lesnar, but McMahon told them not to. Not only would Lesnar be in breach of his current WWE contract if he didn’t work the show as noted above, but the pay for the show is so great that McMahon isn’t concerned about Lesnar not appearing. Also, despite the recent issues, backstage officials still expect Lesnar to sign a new contract with the WWE after it is set to expire after WrestleMania 31. What UFC is willing to offer Lesnar and what WWE offers him in response will likely depend on how the current situation plays out.

Regarding Lesnar’s appearance at the UFC 184 pay-per-view, apparently he made the arrangements to attend the show with UFC President Dana White about two days before the show, which would have been only a day or so before Lesnar’s big blow-up with McMahon backstage at the RAW show in Nashville. The appearance was also seen as a power play and a message to WWE and Vince McMahon by Lesnar. UFC and Bellator MMA are both interested in signing him. Of course, it all depends on his WWE contract, if Lesnar misses any further appearances ahead of WrestleMania, it could hurt his leverage at the negotiating table for a new deal and cause him some potential legal issues.

We’ll keep you posted as we hear more.

BREAKING UPDATE: Brock Lesnar *GONE* From WWE, Returning To The UFC Later This Year (>>) …………