10 WWE Superstars You Didn't Know Wrestled In New Japan

2. Brock Lesnar

Brock Lesnar's path to glory has been well documented. After winning the NCAA tournament, the collegiate wrestler was signed by WWE. He became the company's youngest champion before leaving two years later to pursue a dream of playing pro football. When that didn't work out, Brock transitioned to MMA, becoming an immediate success, a UFC Heavyweight Champion, and a worldwide superstar. After his MMA career ended, Brock returned to WWE, where he now commands a reduced schedule and a hefty paycheck. One part of Brock's journey that often goes overlooked, though, is his tenure in New Japan Pro Wrestling. After stumbling at football but before discovering MMA, Brock fell back on what he knew best - wrestling. When a return to WWE didn't work out, he traveled to Japan and won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in his NJPW debut, which is unheard of. After a few successful defenses - including a Tokyo Dome main event against Shinsuke Nakamura - Lesnar left New Japan and was stripped of the title following a dispute over pay.