Shelton Benjamin Surprised By Life In AEW

Shelton Benjamin has surprised himself with how well his AEW career has begun.

After seven years away, Shelton Benjamin returned to WWE in 2017, after an agreement to return a year earlier fell through due to injury. Once back in the fold, Benjamin took on the role of dependable veteran, but his fortunes changed when he joined the Hurt Business in 2020.

As part of the group with MVP and Bobby Lashley, Benjamin won the World Tag Team Titles with Cedric Alexander and enjoyed his most high-profile run for many years.

However, when the faction was disbanded he found opportunities harder to come by and was released in September 2023.

After a spell on the independent scene, Benjamin signed with AEW and quickly reunited with MVP and later Bobby Lashley. Since then, the former WWE Intercontinental Champion has rolled back the years, earning plaudits far and wide for his in-ring performances.

Shelton Benjamin Surprised By AEW Reaction

During a new interview with Kenny McIntosh for Inside The Ropes Magazine, Benjamin spoke of his surprise at the fan reaction to his matches in AEW.

“My biggest surprise is that the fans really appreciate what I bring to the table. I found that I have a lot of great chemistry with the guys I’ve been working. I feel like I’ve been having nothing but just great matches with pretty much everyone I’ve been in the ring with.”

Benjamin added that he’s been pleasantly surprised by the level of talent he’s been able to work with, hailing his opponents as some of the best athletes in the world.

“Just the fact that I’ve been able to gel so well with guys who I never have worked with before and put on great performances, that has been the biggest surprise to me. It shouldn’t be, because again, these are some of the best athletes in the world, some of the best professional wrestlers in the world. But it’s definitely a pleasant surprise.”

The semi-finals of the AEW Continental Classic have now been decided, and fans can find out who advanced from the Blue and Gold Leagues by clicking the link. The show was taped at the Hammerstein Ballroom on December 22nd but will air on Christmas Day.

The knockout rounds of the tournament will take place at Worlds End.