From the moment Brock Lesnar entered WWE back in 2002, it was clear quite quickly that he was going to become a superstar of the sport.
His chiselled, god-like physique made an impression on WWE and the powers at be almost instantly.
He was pursued from the moment he won the NCAA Division 1 title and then signed to WWE in 2000, despite having zero pro-wrestling experience at the time.
He was quickly fast tracked to the main roster because he made such a big impression on WWE supremo Vince McMahon.
Jim Ross, who was the lead commentator at the time as well as being head of talent relations, recounted the story on his podcast, as per talkSPORT.
“It was the first time Vince McMahon physically laid eyes on Brock Lesnar.
"You’re not going to hear that in a lot of places. Brock came to the event. We were recruiting him. Jerry Brisco was recruiting him heavily.
"He was on him. He was our number one target and we got him. We got our guy. And he came to the show because, Brock, I don’t think he had been to a pro wrestling event in his life. He was not a fan. It didn’t mean he hated it. He just was occupied with working on the farm, playing football, and wrestling at a high, high level.
“I remember Vince walking out of his office and down [the hall] and I said, ‘Brock Lesnar is here’ and I had to refresh his memory about who that was. No face, no name – Vince didn’t know.
"And so, I said, ‘he’s standing out here’ and when Vince walked by, he gave him a little wave.
"He saw, ‘wait a minute, is that what I think it is? Is that 6’3″, 280 pounds? Is that blonde hair? Looks like an angry Viking or a heifer bull.’
"So, Vince made a little detour, shook Brock’s hand, the rest, as they say, is history.”
Others have also recounted the tale of McMahon’s quick love affair with Lesnar.
Bruce Pritchard, who worked closely with McMahon for a long time and now is lead writer for WWE SmackDown, recalled McMahon’s desire to get Lesnar on board quickly.
I remember Brock saying something like ‘I want to be an entertainer,’ and Vince fell in love with him right there.
"Vince would have married him right there.”
Lesnar has gone on to have a hugely successful career in WWE, as well as a successful stint in mixed martial arts, becoming UFC heavyweight champion back in 2008.
He then resumed his career in WWE and was the champion until being recently dethroned by British wrestler Drew McIntyre, who won the title from him at WrestleMania 36.