During the June 25, 2025, episode of AEW Dynamite, Bobby Lashley broke from his usual serious persona after an unexpected exchange involving his focus keyword,
“Bobby Lashley breaks character in AEW.”
Taking place live, the renowned All Elite Wrestling star could not hold back his amusement following a raucous and decidedly non-PG crowd chant sparked by Mark Briscoe’s outburst.
Known for maintaining a dominant and stoic presence inside the ring, Lashley was joined on this occasion by his Hurt Syndicate teammates MVP, Shelton Benjamin, and MJF for an in-ring segment. The faction’s meeting was interrupted when Mark Briscoe stepped up, voicing strong words toward MJF—widely referred to as “The Salt of the Earth.” This confrontation swiftly shifted in tone when Briscoe unleashed a provocative taunt at Maxwell Jacob Friedman, calling him a “tiny Kosher Pickle” in front of the AEW audience and suggesting that MJF felt awkward around his stablemates.
Lashley, despite his reputation for unwavering intensity, could not suppress a visible grin, signaling he found the moment as amusing as much of the crowd did. The situation escalated when fans loudly chanted “Kosher Pickle” at MJF, marking a rare incident where the former WWE Champion was seen breaking character during a television segment.
Hurt Syndicate’s Continued Dominance and MVP’s Future Plans
While Lashley’s character break was a standout moment, the Hurt Syndicate’s reign as a formidable group in AEW continues. Despite the lighthearted incident, the attention also shifted to MVP, affectionately known as The Franchise Playa, who has been candid about the final phase of his in-ring career. As one of Lashley’s long-term cohorts and a significant member of the stable, MVP recently disclosed his ambitions regarding his retirement.
MVP expressed a wish to bid farewell to wrestling fans in a manner reminiscent of John Cena’s retirement run in WWE. His desire for a celebratory final tour would allow fans in various cities to see him compete one last time. MVP spoke about his mindset and intentions regarding this chapter of his journey:
“At this stage of the game for me, like, I don’t have to do it. I just still enjoy doing it. When I get to the point that I can’t do it effectively or if I’m taking baseball slide bumps, then it’s time to go. I plan on ending this run here pretty soon anyway. I want to have my last match. I want to have the retirement tour; let me go around, ‘Hey, this is the last time MVP will be wrestling in your city,’” he said. [H/T: Fightful] —MVP, Professional Wrestler
With the window closing on MVP’s wrestling career, there is growing curiosity about whether the Hurt Syndicate can reach greater heights before his departure, and what impact his farewell tour might have on AEW’s energetic landscape.
Potential Impact and What Lies Ahead
Bobby Lashley’s unscripted break in character offered fans a rare glimpse into his lighter side, suggesting that even the most intense performers can be caught off guard in the live setting of wrestling entertainment. Meanwhile, the anticipation surrounding MVP’s potential retirement tour adds another intriguing layer to AEW storylines, especially as stablemates like Shelton Benjamin and key rivals such as Mark Briscoe and MJF remain central figures in ongoing narratives.
As AEW proceeds with high-profile moments and the continued evolution of its stars, the live reactions of the crowd and the significant transitions within veteran strata—such as MVP’s prospective final run—promise to maintain a charged and unpredictable environment in the weeks to follow.
