Shelton Benjamin addressed fans after falling short in his bid to unseat Jon Moxley during their recent AEW Dynamite match, marking another eventful moment in his ongoing wrestling career. The spotlight remains on Benjamin, who reached a major career milestone and cleared up speculation regarding his emotional state during that high-profile appearance.
Shelton Benjamin’s AEW Journey Reaches a New Milestone
At the close of 2024, Shelton Benjamin debuted in All Elite Wrestling, joining MVP as a business partner and officially becoming part of The Hurt Syndicate. Over the past year, Benjamin, often referenced as “The Standard of Excellence,” has maintained a strong presence in both singles and tag team competition. During 2024, he participated in the Continental Classic and captured the AEW World Tag Team Championship alongside Bobby Lashley.
With Lashley currently sidelined due to injury, Benjamin has shifted his focus to singles matches. In last week’s AEW Dynamite, he challenged Jon Moxley in a Continental Championship Eliminator Match. Benjamin pushed Moxley—known as “The One True King” and “The Death Rider”—to the limit, ultimately succumbing in the final seconds of an intense contest. Shortly afterward, Benjamin shared a post on Instagram, commemorating his 26th year as an active professional wrestler, emphasizing that retirement is not on his mind.
“Day 1 of year 26. LINE UM UP, We Aint close to being Done #wehurtpeople #aintnostoppinme #thestandardofexcellence #26anniversary #thehurtsyndicate,” said Shelton’s caption.
Benjamin began his professional wrestling career in 2000, steadily building a reputation as a multi-time champion and decorated veteran across several major promotions.
Clarification Surrounding Benjamin’s AEW Dynamite Entrance
During his walk to the ring for the highly anticipated Jon Moxley AEW Dynamite match, viewers noticed what appeared to be tears on Benjamin’s face. This prompted speculation that the former WWE superstar may have been emotionally affected before entering one of the biggest matches of his AEW tenure.
However, Benjamin addressed these rumors after the show, explaining the true reason behind his appearance. According to Shelton, what fans saw was simply water he had intentionally poured over his head—something he described as a customary part of his entrance ritual, not a display of emotion.
“Thanks for the concern Fans you are greatly appreciated but, i dont do emotional, I hurt Hurt people. however before i enter an arena i do pour water on my head that tends to drip,” he wrote.
What the Future Holds for Shelton Benjamin in AEW
With his 26th anniversary as a professional wrestler underway, Shelton Benjamin’s determination to remain active is clear. His recent performance against Jon Moxley in an AEW Dynamite match reinforced his status as a resilient competitor among both veterans and newer stars on the roster. It is still uncertain what AEW programming has in store for Benjamin next, but fans will keep a close eye on his journey as he continues to embody the spirit of longevity and excellence inside the squared circle, whether teaming up with familiar partners like Bobby Lashley or pursuing solo achievements.
The recent developments involving Benjamin and Moxley have contributed to the ongoing evolution of AEW’s roster and storylines, highlighting the mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents that give the company its unique character.
Thanks for the concern Fans you are greatly appreciated but, i dont do emotional, I hurt Hurt people. however before i enter an arena i do pour water on my head that tends to drip. pic.twitter.com/EkstaxkN8M
— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) January 8, 2026
