In a recent interview, Bobby Lashley discussed the notable creative freedom available to wrestlers in AEW, contrasting it with his earlier experiences in WWE. Lashley emphasized that AEW allows wrestlers to have a stronger voice in shaping their storylines, which he believes helps former WWE talent adapt and succeed in the new environment. This perspective was shared ahead of his upcoming AEW World Tag Team Title defense at AEW All In: Texas 2025 alongside Shelton Benjamin.
Lashley clarified his professional identity beyond brand affiliations, stating,
“I am not a WWE wrestler. I am not an AEW wrestler. I am a wrestler.”
He expressed frustration over critics who downplay AEW whenever a wrestler with WWE history achieves success, asserting that such criticisms miss the point. According to Lashley, AEW president Tony Khan supports wrestlers by encouraging them to contribute creatively and participate in story development. However, Khan retains final approval, ensuring a balance between creative input and company direction.
“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. 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 Wrestler
Konnan Critiques Luther’s Role in Toni Storm’s Storyline
On his Keepin’ It 100 podcast, wrestling personality Konnan voiced strong opinions about the character Luther’s involvement with Toni Storm in AEW. Konnan argued that Luther does not add meaningful value to Toni Storm’s act, describing him as a non-contributing figure who merely stands by without engaging in matches or story progression. He contrasted this to other characters and stables within AEW, criticizing Luther and Abrahantes for what he labeled as ineffective gimmicks.
“Let me just say this, I’ve said this a lot of times that Disco disagrees with me — I don’t think Luther adds anything to that act. Anytime I see him, I just laugh. He doesn’t talk for her because she doesn’t need someone to talk for her. He doesn’t get involved in her matches. He just stands there with white gloves and makes faces. Him and Abrahantes with the Mickey Mouse clubs.”
—Konnan, Wrestling Personality
Konnan also remarked on a recent AEW Dynamite episode, noting the novelty of a brawl starting between two female wrestlers, Toni Storm and Mercedes Mone, emphasizing the fresh energy they bring to the program’s narrative.
“It was different. I don’t think two women have started a brawl on AEW.”
—Konnan, Wrestling Personality
Upcoming AEW Title Match Featuring Lashley and Shelton Benjamin
Bobby Lashley is set to defend the AEW World Tag Team Championships at the AEW All In: Texas 2025 event, scheduled for next Saturday. His tag partner Shelton Benjamin will join him in facing the team JetSpeed, marking a high-profile match within the promotion’s summer calendar. This defense stands as a key moment for Lashley to reinforce his presence in AEW while showcasing the brand’s creative environment to a wider audience.
Thunder Rosa on Aspiring to ROH Title Victory Amid Personal Challenges
Thunder Rosa, an established AEW and ROH star, recently spoke in an interview with the Dallas Morning News about the importance of her upcoming matchup against Athena for the ROH Women’s World Title at ROH Supercard of Honor 2025 on July 11. She stressed the significance of continuing to build on the foundational work she and other pioneering women in wrestling have contributed to the division.
“It’s very important because it just shows that there’s still a lot of value in what the Thunder Rosa brand is. I helped, along with a lot of my peers, build the women’s division, and I think that it’s important that we continue to have that space for those who were the pillars of the division. We’re talking about Kris Statlander, we’re talking about, you know, Nyla Rose. I know that we’re getting a lot of new blood, but we were the ones who literally built this foundation, and to be involved in this very important weekend, it means a lot to me, and it means a lot to my career.”
—Thunder Rosa, Professional Wrestler
She also reflected on the personal motivation behind her ambition to secure this championship—her father’s health challenges and her desire to achieve meaningful milestones in front of him.
“I would like for my dad to see his daughter win another title. My dad has cancer now, like we are on borrowed time – you never know if it’s gonna get worse or it’s gonna be better. It’s becoming more difficult for him to travel and the last pay-per-view that he saw me wrestle was when I was going for the AEW women’s world championship at ‘World’s End’ [against Mariah May in a Tijuana Street Fight], and he had a blast. For me and my career, it’s something that I’ve been wanting, just to assure myself that I am valuable. Sometimes you just need that physical thing to feel like you’re still valuable, that you’re still that person. … I just want to do things that I haven’t done and that I haven’t yet earned. And this one will be one. I worked ROH in like 2015. I did two, three shows, and then I never got an opportunity to work with them again until now. So, I mean, it is really interesting that I go now with the ‘Forever Champion’ Athena who’s like, super freaking talented, and she’s been holding the fort there. But I think it’s time for a change.”
—Thunder Rosa, Professional Wrestler
Birth Announcement: Danhausen Welcomes a Baby Boy
Wrestling personality Danhausen and his wife Lou Lou la Duchesse de Rière recently shared joyful news of the birth of their son, Victor Morgan Danhausen. Born on Thursday, July 3, this arrival marks a celebrated addition to their family. The couple had publicly announced the pregnancy earlier in January, and fans have congratulated them warmly since the announcement.
Other Recent Developments from the Wrestling World
The wrestling landscape continues to evolve with numerous updates. Tala Tonga has officially joined the My Family Tree faction, while Naomi made an appearance with a custom Money in the Bank briefcase. Additionally, a match between Jade Cargill and Naomi is confirmed for Evolution 2.
WWE saw major returns with Drew McIntyre and Trish Stratus coming back to the roster, and fresh rivalries emerging. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss are also slated to participate in WWE Evolution 2. Veteran Kevin Nash has voiced strong opinions on recent wrestling personalities, including “Big, Beautiful Bill,” while speculation intensifies about Rey Mysterio’s impending retirement. Fans also got a glimpse at a promotional poster for the John Cena versus Cody Rhodes II match at SummerSlam.
Reports have emerged concerning backstage news on whether Tamina Snuka remains under WWE contract and updates on Zoey Stark’s recovery timeline. Other notable backstage happenings include AEW stars reportedly considering moves to WWE, WWE talents leaving Saudi Arabia following Night of Champions 2025, and WWE NXT events scheduled for the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
The Significance of Creative Freedom and Wrestler Autonomy
The insights shared by Bobby Lashley shed light on the broader appeal AEW holds for many wrestlers, especially those transitioning from WWE. By allowing performers greater input in their characters and storylines, AEW cultivates an environment where talent feels valued and creatively engaged. This autonomy is a critical factor that may explain why ex-WWE wrestlers adapt well and thrive within AEW’s ranks, helping drive competitive narratives across the wrestling industry. As AEW continues to expand, the company’s creative philosophy might influence other wrestling promotions to reconsider how they engage wrestlers in shaping their professional identities.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What condition does Bobby Lashley have?
A. Bobby Lashley has a medical condition named Alopecia, which prevents hair growth on his body. If you pay attention, you’ll see he lacks eyelashes and other visible hair.
