Bobby Lashley has provided clarity on the recent decision to remove former AEW World Champion MJF from The Hurt Syndicate. This development unfolded shortly after the successful All In Texas 2025 event, where MJF secured an AEW World Title opportunity and Lashley alongside Shelton Benjamin retained their AEW World Tag Team Championships. Lashley emphasized the importance of trust and a shared direction within the group as key reasons for MJF’s departure.
The Formation and Core Identity of The Hurt Syndicate
The Hurt Syndicate evolved from the original Hurt Business, which included Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, MVP, and Cedric Alexander. Lashley described the Hurt Business as one of the most authentic experiences in his wrestling career, highlighting the group’s unique approach to their personas by presenting themselves as professional, intelligent, and well-dressed businessmen. This image resonated powerfully with fans, including young viewers aspiring to emulate their style.
According to Lashley, the Hurt Business represented more than just wrestling; it symbolized respect and recognition for overlooked talent like Benjamin and Cedric, who had not always received due praise despite their skills. Lashley saw the group as a way to push each other toward greater achievements, including his own pursuit of a world title.
Lashley’s Protectiveness Over The Syndicate’s Core Values
With the transition from Hurt Business to The Hurt Syndicate, Lashley made it clear that he prioritizes protecting the foundational members who embody the group’s true spirit: himself, MVP, and Shelton Benjamin. Cedric Alexander, a key member of the original Hurt Business, was noted as no longer part of this core dynamic.
Lashley expressed caution about expanding the group and specifically mentioned his lack of trust in MJF when initially considering him as a potential member. This lack of trust ultimately led to Lashley casting a decisive vote against MJF’s inclusion in The Hurt Syndicate.
MJF’s Diverging Path and The Decision to Separate
In Lashley’s own words, MJF was pursuing a different path, focused more on individual success, while Lashley, MVP, and Benjamin aimed to move forward together as a united front. This divergence in goals and approaches made the alliance unsustainable, prompting Lashley to suggest MJF should continue independently to maximize his success in AEW.
“Since we’ve gotten in, I see he’s focused on his own path. Instead of having to stay with us and now we’re all moving in different directions, I was like, ‘Just go on your own path.’ You go on your path and we’ll go on ours. We’ll both be super successful. He’s very successful in AEW and I have no ill will towards him. He’s amazing. We have a different path than he does.” — Bobby Lashley
Potential Future Developments Involving The Hurt Syndicate
Recently, former Hurt Business member Cedric Alexander hinted at potential plans to reunite with Lashley, MVP, and Shelton Benjamin in The Hurt Syndicate, though no concrete details have been confirmed. This possibility suggests that while MJF’s chapter with the group has ended, the core members remain committed to maintaining and evolving the faction’s identity within AEW.
As The Hurt Syndicate continues to navigate its direction, Lashley’s emphasis on trust and shared vision will likely shape future decisions regarding membership and storylines. Fans can expect the group to preserve its distinctive image, balancing dominance in the ring with the professional persona that initially set them apart.
