Wrestling fans have long debated which WWE superstars would actually hold their own in a legitimate fight, and two names consistently dominate those conversations: Brock Lesnar and Haku. Now, a former WWE star who knows both men personally has finally weighed in on the hypothetical matchup, and his answer might surprise fans on both sides of the argument.
The Barbarian, who competed in WWE during the early 1990s and made a brief return in the mid-1990s, shared his perspective during a 2022 appearance on Wrestling Shoot Interviews. When asked point-blank who would emerge victorious in a real confrontation between the two legendary tough guys, The Barbarian revealed the answer isn’t as simple as picking one name over the other.
Rules change everything
According to The Barbarian, the outcome would depend entirely on what type of fight takes place. In a regulated environment where rules apply, such as an MMA-style bout with rounds, weight classes and official oversight, Lesnar would dominate without question. The Barbarian explained that Lesnar’s extensive background in amateur wrestling and mixed martial arts would give him every advantage needed to control the fight from start to finish.
The former WWE competitor noted that Lesnar would be able to use his technical skills to neutralize any offense, maintaining control throughout the contest. Given Lesnar’s NCAA Division I wrestling championship pedigree and his successful UFC heavyweight championship run, this assessment makes considerable sense to anyone familiar with combat sports.
When the gloves come off
However, The Barbarian painted a completely different picture for a no-holds-barred scenario. In a situation where anything goes and no rules apply whatsoever, he firmly believes Haku would gain the upper hand. The Barbarian specifically cited what he described as Haku’s crazy strength as a deciding factor in an unregulated brawl.
This perspective aligns with decades of stories from wrestlers who’ve witnessed Haku‘s legendary temperament and physical capabilities firsthand. The Tongan wrestler, who also performed under the name Meng in WCW, has built a reputation throughout the industry as someone who should never be provoked under any circumstances.
Respect for both warriors
Despite picking different winners depending on the scenario, The Barbarian made clear his deep respect for both competitors. He acknowledged the difficulty in making any definitive comparison between two such formidable individuals, but stood confidently behind his analysis. The split verdict reflects the unique strengths each man brings to any potential confrontation.
A storied career continues
The Barbarian himself enjoyed multiple runs with WWE, first departing in 1992 after appearing in that year’s Royal Rumble match. His elimination came at the hands of Hercules during the iconic event. He continued working house shows through February before making the jump to WCW.
His second WWE stint began in 1994, during which he primarily worked the house show circuit with occasional television and pay-per-view appearances. By mid-1995, he once again departed for WCW. Remarkably, at 67 years old and with a career spanning back to 1980, The Barbarian remains active in wrestling today.
His most recent match took place on Oct. 25 at BCW Season Of The Witch, where he teamed with his former partner The Warlord. Together, they defeated four opponents in a handicap match, proving that age hasn’t completely diminished his abilities inside the ring.
The debate over who ranks as wrestling’s toughest legitimate fighter will likely continue as long as fans discuss the business, but The Barbarian’s insider perspective offers valuable insight from someone who understands what truly separates tough guys from true warriors.
Source: This article references reporting from ITRWrestling.com