AEW performers and ex-WWE talents MVP and Shelton Benjamin recently shared a memorable social media photo featuring themselves alongside wrestling legend Lex Luger, highlighting a special moment for their longtime fans. The image, taken at last year’s WrestleCade Weekend, brings together three former United States Heavyweight Champions, celebrating their distinguished careers in professional wrestling.
Wrestling Background and Recent AEW Appearances
In 2024 at AEW’s Full Gear event, Shelton Benjamin and Bobby Lashley participated in the Casino Gauntlet Match that determined the first AEW National Champion, an honor that went to Ricochet. Following this, MVP updated fans that Lashley, known as The All-Mighty, would be sidelined for a while due to injury, leaving MVP to compete solo in several matches. During Lashley’s recovery, MVP took part in the 2025 Dynamite Diamond Ring Battle Royal without success and later challenged Jon Moxley in a Continental Title Eliminator match, ending in a defeat.
Current Status of Hurt Syndicate Members Within AEW
The wrestling faction Hurt Syndicate, formed by MVP, Shelton Benjamin, and Bobby Lashley, has been absent from AEW television since January 2025, largely because Lashley has been recuperating. However, Lashley recently indicated in a Monopoly Events interview that he has recovered and is ready to return to competition. He expressed eagerness to rejoin AEW action and target championship gold once again, signaling a potential revival of the group’s presence.
“Right now, they’re pulling me up. They’re yanking me back in and saying, ‘It’s time. We’re ready to get back out there and win some titles.’ I’m healed. Everybody thought I was hurt — I’m not hurt. You can’t hurt the Almighty. Ready to go,” said Lashley. [H/T: Ringside News]
Future Prospects for The Hurt Syndicate and Championship Ambitions
Bobby Lashley expressed a clear intention to pursue the AEW World Trios Titles alongside his Hurt Syndicate teammates, MVP and Shelton Benjamin. Their combined experience and past achievements create anticipation among fans for the faction’s possible resurgence in AEW storylines. Meanwhile, the photo featuring Luger, MVP, and Benjamin reminds audiences of the legacy they each carry into the promotion.
“Three United States heavyweight champions! 2 classic championship belts. Always good to see Lex! Legendary s***!!!! #unitedstateschampions #thetotalpackage #unitedstatesheavyweaightchampion #thestandardofexcellence #theballinsuperstar,” wrote MVP.
Since leaving WWE for AEW in late 2024, Bobby Lashley, MVP, and Shelton Benjamin have steadily sought to make impactful contributions inside the AEW ring. With Lashley’s recovery and MVP and Benjamin’s ongoing efforts, the group appears poised for meaningful story developments that could shape AEW’s competitive landscape in the coming months.
