The wrestling world was shocked when WWE released Bobby Lashley. It seemed the former world champion was unhappy with his treatment during his final WWE run. Lashley, who now holds the AEW Tag Team Titles, has spoken about major differences between the two companies.
He made his AEW debut in October 2024 and quickly established himself as a dominant member of the Hurt Syndicate faction. Speaking with WFAA Dallas about the differences between WWE and AEW, The Almighty emphasized that he is a wrestler first and foremost. Lashley admitted that wrestlers in the Jacksonville-based company have more creative input in their storylines and matches.
The Hurt Syndicate member praised AEW Co-Chairman Tony Khan for his leadership and approach to talent. He stated that Khan gives all wrestlers a fair chance to contribute to the storylines they are involved in. Although Lashley acknowledged that Khan had the final say, he did make changes when he felt it was necessary.
“I think right off the bat, I know that the critics try to keep AEW down because anytime they talk about a WWE guy going over, they act like it’s a bad thing. I keep trying to tell them, I am not a WWE wrestler. I am not an AEW wrestler. I am a wrestler. Another thing with AEW, you have a little bit more creative input.”
Bobby Lashley on WFAA Dallas
His contract expired on August 16th of last year, ending his second tenure with WWE. The Almighty is currently one-half of the AEW Tag Team Champions, alongside Shelton Benjamin. On the June 11th episode of AEW Dynamite, Lashley, Benjamin, and MJF defeated JetSpeed and Mascara Dorada in a six-man tag team match. Only time will tell what the future holds for the AEW Tag Team Champion.
Bobby Lashley heaps praise on fellow AEW wrestlers Mercedes Mone and Toni Storm
Mercedes Mone and Toni Storm have been two top stars in the AEW Women’s Division. Both will compete for the AEW Women’s Title in the All In main event. Lashley shared his honest thoughts about both stars and praised their talent and contributions to the division.
In the same interview, The Almighty was asked which main event match he was more excited for. Lashley expressed his excitement to watch the match between Moné and Storm. He stated that AEW gave a huge opportunity to Mone to simply be herself, and she was “knocking it out of the park.”
“And then, the match with Toni Storm and Mercedes Mone, I’m very excited about the match. I think those two girls are at the top of their game. I think Mercedes, coming over to AEW, gives her the opportunity just to be her, and she’s been knocking it out of the park. And Toni’s character – anytime, when I got to a show or bring somebody to a show, I tell them, watch this girl. She’s so entertaining. She is so entertaining.”
Bobby Lashley via WFAA Dallas
While talking about Storm, the 48-year-old veteran said her character was very entertaining. He also admitted to telling the people he brought to the show to keep an eye on her. Storm was universally praised for delivering one of the best rivalries with Mariah May, who is now a WWE star.