Brock Lesnar has picked up another honor, this one recognizing what he accomplished before he became a WWE and UFC star. The former NCAA champion was inducted into the University of Minnesota’s M Club Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class.
The induction took place on October 2 at Huntington Bank Stadium. “The Beast Incarnate” was one of 10 former Golden Gophers athletes included in this year’s class, which also featured athletes from several other sports. The inductees were also being recognized during Minnesota’s football game against Michigan on October 3.
Lesnar’s appearance at the ceremony also gave fans a rare look at him away from the wrestling world. He attended in a suit and glasses, a different look from the gear fans have become accustomed to seeing him wear throughout his career.
You can check out The Beast Incarnate’s look in the post below:
Brock Lesnar’s Minnesota Wrestling Career Came Before WWE and UFC
(Photo by Cooper Neill/WWE via Getty Images)
Lesnar wrestled for Minnesota from 1998 to 2000 after transferring from Bismarck Junior College. He quickly became one of the standout heavyweights in college wrestling, finishing his two-season run with a 55-3 record and 23 wins by pinfall.
He finished second at the NCAA Championships in 1999 before winning the heavyweight title the following year. Lesnar was also a two-time Big Ten champion and two-time All-American, giving him a strong collegiate resume before he moved into professional wrestling.
That success helped set up the career that followed. Lesnar made his WWE debut in 2002, later spent time with the Minnesota Vikings and became UFC Heavyweight Champion before returning to the Stamford-based promotion in 2012. He went on to win the WWE Championship seven times and the Universal Championship three times, adding even more to an already accomplished career.
“The Mayor of Suplex City” is now finished with professional wrestling. He announced his retirement in August after losing to Oba Femi inside Hell in a Cell at SummerSlam, with Femi earning a win that Lesnar followed by calling him the future of WWE.
The 49-year-old also explained what he wants from life after wrestling. Lesnar said he has hunting planned, wants to support his two sons in hockey, and plans to spend more time with his children and in the woods while enjoying life.
For someone whose career has taken him through three different sports, the Minnesota honor brings Brock Lesnar back to the place where his rise began. His wrestling achievements at the university remain an important part of the resume that eventually led him to WWE and UFC.
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