Ex-WWE Star Considering His Options As A Free Agent
A former WWE star who has a lot of experience in pro wrestling is in no rush to sign on the dotted line with another company.
In September 2023, World Wrestling Entertainment released several wrestlers due to wanting to trim the roster a bit. It happens sometimes even though it upsets fans that don’t want to see wrestlers released.
One of the veteran WWE superstars released was Shelton Benjamin. The former WWE Intercontinental, United States & Tag Team Champion had two separate runs with WWE. Benjamin had his first match on the WWE roster in early 2003 when he was part of Team Angle with Kurt Angle and Charlie Haas. Benjamin had a seven-year run that ended in 2010.
While he was away from WWE, Benjamin wrestled for promotions like Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling while also wrestling for indies all around the world.
Benjamin returned to WWE in the summer of 2016 for another run that lasted seven more years. That run included when Benjamin was part of The Hurt Business group with Bobby Lashley, MVP and tag team partner Cedric Alexander.
Shelton Benjamin’s two runs on the WWE main roster combined for about 14 years and he also spent over two years training in OVW with the likes of John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Batista and Randy Orton as well.
What Is Next For Shelton Benjamin Following WWE Release?
At 48 years old, Benjamin is still in great shape and is an incredible athlete like he has always been. During an appearance on Kurt Angle’s podcast known as the Kurt Angle Show, Benjamin was asked what was next for him.
“To be honest, I don’t know. I’m still weighing options. I’ve had a knock on my door here and there. I have no commitments, nothing major to announce aside from a few indie dates and a lot of autograph sessions. I’ve been taking my time on deciding what I want to do next.”
“I am at a point in my career where I want to have fun. If it’s not worth it, I want to have fun and make money, if it’s not worth it, I just don’t want to do it. I’m not trying to build a name, I have a name, but I want to be where I’m appreciated and featured and can have some fun.”
“I’ve never had the superstar complex where, ‘I have to do this.’ No, January 10 marked 24 years in the business for me and I’ve been extremely fortunate with injuries and family life that I can still go out and tear it up with the best of them. I’m just not sure where that’s going to be at this point. I’m taking temperatures all over the place.”