WWE Superstar Michin recently discussed the origins of her close friendship with Shelton Benjamin, revealing how their bond developed over more than a decade. She recounted meeting Benjamin around 2011 or 2012 at an independent wrestling event, a moment that marked the start of their unique connection and Shelton Benjamin mentoring Michin’s career.
During this event, Michin, who had begun her wrestling training in 2007 and had her first match in 2009, expressed excitement and nervousness about meeting a well-established WWE star. She remembered the show as special because, unlike most indie events, catering was provided. This seemingly small detail set the stage for their first encounter.
So me and Shelton met 2012, I think it was either 2011 or 2012. I remember this was when he got released for like the 80th time, and I was booked on an indie show and I saw that he was like advertised for it. I watched him growing up as well. So I knew the gold standard and him with like his mom. I was like, oh my gosh, ‘like Shelton Benjamin is going to be at the show.’
I started training in 2007 and then my first match was 2009. So I’m still like a baby in the game. So it’s like all about etiquette. Let me go introduce myself. But like, I’m super nervous because this is like the first time that I’m meeting a WWE superstar. Because he was coming, they brought catering, which indie shows rarely ever do. So I’m like, oh, this is special. We get catering. I’m not making it up. I’m not printing it up or anything like shoot. There was a catering table with like chicken wings. So I go over my plate and I grab like a couple chicken wings and he comes over. He grabs a couple chicken wings. We look at each other and we just start talking about the chicken. Then we just kept talking.
How Shelton Benjamin Evolved Into a Mentor and Brother Figure
Michin described their relationship as beginning with mutual respect and politeness, given Benjamin’s status as a respected veteran in wrestling. Over time, this initial connection grew stronger, as he began to offer feedback and advice on her matches, stepping into the role of an informal mentor.
They exchanged phone numbers and started communicating regularly with simple messages. Their interactions later expanded to social media platforms like Twitter, where their playful banter helped deepen their friendship. These exchanges extended beyond text as they continued to meet in person, sharing light-hearted moments and supportive feedback.
Then it was very, it was very innocent and it was just crazy to say now of our relationship now, but it was like, I didn’t want to… first impressions. I didn’t want to be disrespectful or anything because he is Shelton Benjamin, The Gold Standard. So I was just trying to be polite and friendly. We hit it off very, very well.
So we pretty much, he like watched my match and gave me critiques and stuff and like we exchanged numbers, and so we would just text each other just basic basic stuff and then I don’t honestly know when it turned around to be how we are now. But I think like, because Twitter was just starting to also blow up as well. So we followed each other on Twitter and like, we started having like little jabs here and there and then when we see each other, we would jab each other in rea life and it just flourished from there. But that’s my big brother and still to this day, he would still watch my matches. He still gives me advice.
—Michin, WWE Superstar
The Significance of Their Relationship in Michin’s Wrestling Journey
The mentorship and brotherly connection Michin shares with Shelton Benjamin have played a key role in her professional growth and confidence within the wrestling industry. His ongoing support through constructive critiques and personal interaction has helped her develop both in the ring and as a performer.
This enduring relationship underscores the impact veteran wrestlers can have on emerging talent, showing how mentorship within the wrestling community contributes to nurturing careers. As Michin continues to rise in WWE, the guidance from Shelton Benjamin remains a cornerstone of her journey, reflecting the meaningful bonds created behind the scenes in sports entertainment.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Are Shelton Benjamin and Brock Lesnar still friends?
A. Benjamin and Brock Lesnar became close friends while attending the University of Minnesota, where they also shared a room. At one point, Lesnar faced financial difficulties, and Benjamin allowed him to stay in his basement. In 2004, Benjamin traveled to Birmingham, United Kingdom, to teach students at Four Dwellings Primary Academy during reading week.
