Reported by Ryan Allen of WrestleView.com
On Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at 12:09 PM EST

- Earlier today, it was announced that Brock Lesnar told the company his last date for WWE would be at WrestleMania.

More news has came out on this story, and it appears that WrestleMania XX may mark Brock Lesnar's last date in the WWE permanently.

At the pre-show talent meeting at Tuesday's SmackDown tapings, Lesnar stood up in front of the Smackdown crew announced that he was leaving WWE after WrestleMania to pursue a career in the National Football League.

Lesnar had just recently signed a 7-year deal with the WWE. Apparently the company was made aware of this last week when Lesnar told Vince McMahon of his decision at Smackdown.

Lesnar met with Vince McMahon last week at Smackdown and voiced his concerns (travel schedule etc) and informed him at that time that he was going to leave WWE.

In addition to this, Lesnar has also reportedly been upset that he was going to have to put over the Undertaker’s Dead Man character after Mania. Lesnar reportedly wasn't happy that he would be in a feud with a guy who, by the nature of his character, doesn’t sell for his opponent.

Apparently, Lesnar even went as far as saying that he was miserable in the wrestling business. He said that he couldn't find anymore happiness in the industry.

In addition to this, he publically thanked Vince McMahon, Jim Ross and Gerry Brisco "for finding me in college," and thanked Big Show and Paul Heyman for all their help with his career.

At that point he told the SmackDown crew he wouldn't be back and he was said to be very emotional and wished everyone well.

The talent were obviously shocked by this statement and had mixed reactions. Some talent felt that this will open up opportunities for the talent.

Many had been critical of Brock’s “elitist” behavior of late and felt that he hadn’t payed his dues in the WWE. Many said he didn't deserve to be upset about not being pushed as a main-eventer. They are now saying that they can understand that he may have been that way because he was unhappy.

Suffice to say, WWE is losing one of its biggest stars, this time, it sounds like it is for good.

Credit: Dave Scherer @ PWInsider.com