During his time as WWE Head of Talent Relations, Jim Ross played a key role in signing a number of the biggest stars that WWE has ever seen, including the likes of Dwayne Johnson, John Cena and Brock Lesnar.
The Beast was firmly on WWE’s radar long before he joined the company due to his freakish athleticism and impressive college wrestling background. The would-be World Champion ended his collegiate career as NCAA Division 1 Heavyweight Champion, with an overall college record of 106-5. Lesnar was also a two-time NCAA All-American and two-time NJCAA All-American.
Brock Lesnar Just Wanted To Get Paid
Speaking on a recent episode of his Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross recalled putting together the deal which saw Lesnar sign with WWE in 2000. Ross explained that Lesnar already had an eye on the bottom line when Ross agreed with his wrestling coach he wouldn’t be signed until the season was over.
“We made a deal with J. Robinson that we would not sign Brock [until the end of the wrestling season] because Brock wanted money. Brock wanted money right away in WWE. He was tired of being broke. I think he was probably getting tired of the camps and the training and the practices, being in school, the structured situation. That wasn’t his idea of a good time.”
After signing with WWE, Brock Lesnar was sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling where he progressed quickly as part of arguably the most impressive developmental class ever. The former UFC cut his teeth alongside Shelton Benjamin, John Cena, Randy Orton and Batista.
Two years later he arrived on Monday Night Raw and pinned The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) to become the WWE Undisputed Champion at SummerSlam on August 25th 2002. In the process Lesnar became the youngest-ever WWE Champion.
H/t to eWrestlingNews