Bobby Lashley criticized for AEW Fyter Fest booking after an explosive reaction from WWE legend Bully Ray, who voiced sharp disapproval of how Lashley was portrayed during the recent event. The controversial segment has sparked debate among wrestling fans and insiders, questioning both the execution and creative decisions behind Lashley’s appearance at AEW Fyter Fest.
Bully Ray expresses strong disapproval over Lashley and Benjamin’s segment
During AEW Fyter Fest, Bobby Lashley made a notable appearance alongside Shelton Benjamin. Following a tag team match in which Komander, Speedball Mike Bailey, and Kevin Knight overcame La Facción Ingobernable, Lashley and Benjamin entered the ring to confront the victors. However, events took an unexpected turn when the babyface trio, including Kevin Knight and Mike Bailey, managed to repel Lashley and Benjamin with apparent ease by delivering a series of dropkicks and other basic maneuvers. This moment left some long-time wrestling personalities uttering disappointment, with Bully Ray being especially outspoken about the believability of the segment.
Bully Ray addressed his frustration and incredulity during an episode of Busted Open After Dark, maintaining that the quick success of Knight and Bailey in fending off Lashley and Benjamin was implausible for experienced wrestlers of their caliber. The WWE Hall of Famer declared:
“And Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin get in the ring—and Kevin Knight and Mike Bailey proceed to beat them down. Not beat them down, but you know… dropkick, dropkick, something here, something there. And they bumped out Shelton Benjamin and Bobby Lashley. Complete, total, utter bullsh*t. No way. I’m not buying it. I’m not buying it on any day of the week. I’m not buying it in any federation. I’m not buying it. No way,” he said.
He further provided commentary on the creative choices made for this segment, suggesting that alternative booking ideas could have yielded a more realistic outcome and preserved the credibility of both Lashley and Benjamin. Bully Ray stated:
“There’s creative ways to get to what you wanted to get to. Not the way they did it. Straight up with those babyfaces just like—dropkick, dropkick, forearm, forearm. Nobody’s doing that to Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin. Even in the world of pro wrestling,” he added. —Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
MJF’s entry into the Hurt Syndicate and Lashley’s new alliance
In parallel developments, MJF has been in pursuit of membership in the Hurt Syndicate for several weeks. Initially, Shelton Benjamin and MVP signaled their approval of Maxwell’s interest, but Bobby Lashley withheld endorsement until an episode of Dynamite: Beach Break, where he finally gave MJF the green light. Shortly after, MJF formally cemented his status within the group by signing a contract and publicized his entry with a photo alongside Lashley on social media, accompanied by a brief message directed to the former WWE Champion.
MJF’s addition to the Hurt Syndicate signals fresh dynamics and potential shifts in future storylines, especially as observers await signs of unity or inevitable conflict within the faction. The group’s evolving lineup, featuring names such as Lashley, Benjamin, MVP, and now Maxwell, has heightened anticipation about the future direction of AEW’s major angles.
Broader implications for Lashley and AEW creative direction
Bobby Lashley’s criticized Fyter Fest booking, coupled with outspoken reactions from wrestling legends like Bully Ray, underscores ongoing debates about creative decisions in contemporary wrestling promotions. As AEW continues to gain prominence while featuring renowned stars from other organizations, moments like these highlight the delicate balance between fan expectations, wrestler reputations, and storytelling logic. The true impact of these developments on Lashley’s trajectory and the Hurt Syndicate’s role will likely unfold over upcoming AEW broadcasts, keeping audiences on edge for further twists.
