Bobby Lashley, a prominent WWE personality, has been at the center of several unusual stories, with the most talked-about being the angle involving his controversial relationships. The divisive marriage storyline from 2019 generated significant discussion among fans, drawing attention to the creative frustrations and tensions within the wrestling organization at that time.
Bobby Lashley’s Notorious WWE Relationship Angle
Throughout his career with WWE, Bobby Lashley has encountered a range of storylines, but the one involving his kayfabe marriage gained remarkable notoriety. The year 2019 was seen as a creatively challenging period for the Stamford-based entertainment giant, as competition from AEW pushed WWE to try new—often divisive—angles. Many plots during this time failed to resonate with viewers, leaving both audiences and professionals uneasy about the direction of the stories being told.
One of the most infamous arcs featured Lashley’s relationship and marriage on-screen. Prior to Elektra Lopez’s tenure as the “La Madrina” of Legado Del Fantasma, she entered WWE programming as Lashley’s kayfabe spouse, marking her debut on a memorable episode of Raw. Reflecting on her brief involvement as Lashley’s on-screen wife, Lopez did not hold back on her feelings regarding the portrayal.
“It was very short lived. Okay, he’s a cheating a**.”
—Elektra Lopez, Former WWE Star
This comment directly references the 2019 episode where Lopez took on her role just as Lashley was about to marry Lana, who had famously left her own husband, Rusev, causing further controversy. The wedding segment, expected to stir up drama, erupted into chaos when Rusev confronted Lashley, transforming the ceremony into an all-out brawl. This moment remains a defining example of Bobby Lashley controversial WWE storylines and relationships, generating strong reactions from both the audience and those involved.
Since her participation in WWE, Lopez has been released from her contract earlier this year and is now navigating her career as a free agent, signaling a new chapter beyond the shadow of her storyline past.
Matt Riddle Shares His Experience Competing Against Lashley
Bobby Lashley’s tenure as a focal point of intense and sometimes divisive narratives extends beyond relationships to in-ring domination. In a revealing interview last year, Matt Riddle, another former WWE star, detailed his experience facing Lashley in a squash match on April 12th, 2021, following his loss of the US Title to Sheamus at WrestleMania 37. The recount underscores the difficult dynamics and frustrations some talents experienced under WWE creative decisions at the time.
“After I lost the US title [to Sheamus at WrestleMania 37], Bobby Lashley squashed me for 10 minutes,”
Riddle said.
“I even asked the [producer], I’m like, ‘Do I get any offense?’ and they go, ‘No offense.’ They go, ‘You throw kicks and then he’ll no-sell them and then just beat you.’”
—Matt Riddle, Former WWE Performer
This behind-the-scenes account highlights both Lashley’s dominant portrayal as “The Almighty One” and the tension felt by wrestlers like Riddle, who were often left disappointed by limited opportunities within such matches.
The Aftermath and Ongoing Impact
The controversial storylines involving Bobby Lashley, including his much-debated relationships and dominant in-ring appearances, reveal the creative struggles and internal pressures WWE faced, particularly during periods of heightened competition. Performers such as Elektra Lopez and Matt Riddle have made candid remarks about their experiences, reflecting an undercurrent of dissatisfaction with how major narratives played out.
As WWE continually adapts its storytelling to retain fan interest amid stiff industry rivalry, the legacy of Lashley’s controversial angles serves as a reminder of the complex balance between creative ambition, performer satisfaction, and audience reception. With Lopez now exploring new opportunities and Riddle speaking openly about his frustrations, there remains an underlying tension about how storylines are crafted and the broader implications for talent involvement and company direction.
