AEW Tag Team Champion Bobby Lashley spoke with WFAA recently about the differences between WWE and AEW, emphasizing the creative environment at AEW as a key factor. Lashley also addressed the ongoing discussions concerning former WWE wrestlers joining AEW, clarifying his own identity and role in the wrestling world.
Lashley Emphasizes His Identity as a Wrestler Beyond Company Labels
When questioned about the rivalry between WWE and AEW, Lashley stated firmly that he identifies simply as a wrestler rather than being tied to a single promotion. He pointed out the tendency of critics to undermine AEW’s success when a former WWE star performs well there. Lashley said,
“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. I wrestled for WWE for a good portion of my career, now I’m a wrestler for AEW. That’s all you need to know me by.”
—Bobby Lashley, AEW Tag Team Champion
AEW Provides Wrestlers More Creative Control, Lashley Explains
Lashley highlighted the difference in creative freedom he experiences at AEW in contrast to WWE’s more rigid direction. He explained that WWE has a clearly defined agenda that wrestlers must follow, while AEW founder Tony Khan encourages wrestlers to express their ideas and shape their own storylines. Lashley elaborated,
“Another thing with AEW, you have a little bit more creative input. I think WWE, they had their agenda and what they wanted to do and you had to stay on course with what they were doing. I think with AEW, Tony Khan gives these guys an opportunity to voice their opinion, to kind of run their stories the way they would like to and they have some say in it. Of course, he’s the final say, so if he says no, no it is. But he gives these guys an opportunity to kinda hear their voice a little bit more and make changes accordingly.”
—Bobby Lashley, AEW Tag Team Champion
Current Status and Upcoming AEW Title Defense
Since his move to AEW earlier this year, Lashley has teamed with Powerhouse Hobbs to win the AEW World Tag Team Championship. The pair is scheduled to defend their titles at the upcoming AEW All In: Texas event next weekend, a significant moment for both Lashley and the promotion.
AEW’s Creative Approach Could Influence Wrestling Industry Dynamics
Lashley’s comments on AEW’s openness to creative input reflect a broader trend in professional wrestling where talent seeks greater control over their characters and stories. As AEW continues to grow, its model may encourage more wrestlers to value flexibility and involvement in their creative direction. Fans and industry observers will be watching closely as Lashley and his tag team partner defend their titles in Texas, potentially marking new chapters in AEW’s expansion and the wrestling landscape overall.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What condition does Bobby Lashley have?
A. Bobby Lashley is unable to grow any hair on his body because he has a medical condition known as Alopecia. If you look carefully, you will see that he doesn’t have eyelashes or visible hair anywhere.
