Brock Lesnar’s final match in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) remains a poignant chapter not only in Lesnar’s storied career but also in the emotional journey of fellow superstar Shinsuke Nakamura, a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion. The deeply personal impact of that match still resonates backstage, highlighting the respect and emotional ties forged in the ring.
The Historical Context of Lesnar’s NJPW Tenure
Brock Lesnar’s tenure in NJPW lasted from 2005 through 2007, during which he captured the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at the Toukon Souzou New Chapter event by winning a triple threat match against Kazuyuki Fujita and Masahiro Chono. His dominant reign included three successful title defenses across 280 days, marked by his physical presence and raw power[3].
However, Lesnar’s relationship with NJPW became complicated when he failed to appear for a scheduled title defense, citing visa issues and outstanding compensation payments. This absence led NJPW to strip him of the title in July 2006[3]. Nevertheless, Antonio Inoki, NJPW’s legendary founder, acknowledged Lesnar’s claim to the championship, sparking a split in recognition and eventually leading to the formation of the Inoki Genome Federation (IGF), where Lesnar continued to be recognized as the IWGP Heavyweight Champion until losing it to Kurt Angle[3].
The Final NJPW Bout and Its Emotional Toll
The culmination of Lesnar’s NJPW run came in a high-stakes match that deeply affected Shinsuke Nakamura. Nakamura, a fellow former IWGP Heavyweight Champion and one of NJPW’s most charismatic stars, has openly admitted that witnessing Lesnar’s final performance left him in tears.
Sources close to NJPW reveal that Nakamura was profoundly moved by the intensity and finality of Lesnar’s last match in the promotion. The match served not merely as competition but as a symbolic passing of the torch and the end of an era for many wrestlers who had shared the ring with Lesnar[Reference].
A WWE insider familiar with the events shared, “Nakamura respected Lesnar’s journey and what he represented for NJPW’s global stature. Seeing Lesnar walk away from that final match was an emotional moment for many, especially those who felt the significant impact Lesnar had on Japan’s wrestling scene.”
Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle: The Unseen Epic
Though Nakamura was uniquely affected by Lesnar’s departure, it’s important to highlight that Lesnar’s last notable NJPW match was against Kurt Angle, another legend with WWE and Olympic credentials. This match, held in 2007, was a rare spectacle where two huge stars from WWE’s past clashed for NJPW’s top prize, the IWGP Heavyweight Championship[1][3].
The ten-minute bout showcased a hard-hitting style befitting their competitive history, marking the close of a chapter for both athletes as they moved on to other ventures, including MMA and TNA. Angle won the championship from Lesnar in this match, elevating his own legacy and setting the stage for Nakamura to eventually reclaim the title from Angle, underscoring the interconnected legacy these stars share[1][3].
Nakamura’s Emotional Connection to Lesnar’s NJPW Legacy
Shinsuke Nakamura’s tears reflect a deeper emotional connection to Lesnar’s NJPW chapter—not just as a competitor but as a symbol of international wrestling evolution. Both wrestlers helped broaden NJPW’s appeal globally, and Nakamura’s candid reaction speaks volumes about the respect among top-tier performers.
According to a veteran NJPW insider, “Nakamura always viewed Lesnar as a benchmark—someone who brought an unpredictable aura and drew worldwide attention to Japanese wrestling. The end of Lesnar’s time there was a reminder of how fleeting and precious those moments in the ring are.”
This sense of camaraderie and respect is echoed backstage, where many current and former NJPW talents reflect on the global pathway Lesnar helped pave, ultimately influencing their own transitions to WWE or other international promotions.
Impact on WWE and Modern Wrestling
Lesnar’s NJPW farewell also rippled into WWE, where his persona had already made waves. His long Universal Championship reign and continued dominance on the main roster mirror the intensity and aura he displayed in Japan[2].
While Nakamura himself later joined WWE, becoming a fan favorite with a unique style and charisma, watching Lesnar’s final NJPW match instilled in him a mix of admiration and solemnity about life cycles in wrestling.
A WWE source noted, “For Nakamura and others, Lesnar’s exit was more than just losing a match or a title. It was about watching a pioneer leave the stage—a reminder of wrestling’s emotional highs and lows.”
Why Lesnar’s NJPW Farewell Still Matters
The significance of Brock Lesnar’s final NJPW match extends beyond the scripted outcomes; it represents an emotional and historical milestone. It affected peers like Nakamura deeply, signaling respect and the emotional weight carried by wrestling’s biggest stars when chapters close.
For fans and historians, Lesnar’s NJPW chapter is a testament to the blending of wrestling cultures and the personal stories behind the spectacle. Nakamura’s tears remind us that beneath the athleticism and storylines lie genuine bonds, shared histories, and heartfelt goodbyes.
Brock Lesnar’s NJPW journey may have ended in the ring years ago, but its legacy—and the emotional resonance it holds for stars like Shinsuke Nakamura—continues to inspire conversations about respect, rivalry, and the human side of the squared circle.