10 Major WWE Rumors That Never Came To Pass

Brock Lesnar's initial departure from WWE was well-documented. After two years on the main roster with one hell of a push, the former WWE Champion was burned out from the travel. He requested his release from the company just before WrestleMania XX and was granted it, putting over Goldberg on the way out. After that, he pursued a career in the NFL.

Lesnar was signed by the Minnesota Vikings in July of 2004, but was released the next month. He turned down an offer to play football in NFL Europa, citing a desire to remain close to his family, and so his football career came to an end. What would be his next move? WWE, as it turns out. Or didn't.

In 2005, Lesnar met with WWE officials about a possible return to the company, with most sources reporting that WWE planned on pitting him against World Heavyweight Champion Batista. WWE must have been confident that things would go well, because the company's own website reported on Lesnar's negotiations to return. Things broke down, though, and the comeback didn't happen. Instead, Lesnar went to New Japan, which put him in a court battle with WWE for breaking the ridiculous no-compete clause they had made him sign to get out of his contract the previous year.

Of course, "The Beast" went into MMA and ultimately became UFC Heavyweight Champion, then headed back to WWE as a major draw on a part-time schedule. Everybody benefited in the long run.