AEW President Tony Khan has publicly praised an AEW star, calling him one of the most brilliant minds in professional wrestling today. This accolade came as the Hurt Syndicate, a faction featuring MVP, Shelton Benjamin, and Bobby Lashley, continues to make a significant impact on AEW Dynamite since their debut in 2022.
The Rise of the Hurt Syndicate in AEW
Former WWE talent MVP made his AEW debut during the 2022 AEW Dynamite Grand Slam event by interrupting Prince Nana, setting the stage for the formation of the Hurt Syndicate. This group, composed of MVP, Shelton Benjamin, and Bobby Lashley, quickly became an important part of AEW’s programming. Their presence has been felt strongly on Dynamite, and each member has contributed to the faction’s prominence in various capacities.
Tony Khan’s Commendation of MVP’s Wrestling Acumen
Speaking with Jimmy V3, Tony Khan emphasized MVP’s exceptional understanding of pro wrestling, noting his evolution into one of AEW’s most influential voices. Khan expressed admiration for how MVP’s intellect and experience elevate the company’s overall product.
“MVP’s an outstanding pro-wrestling mind. He’s come in and become a top voice in AEW,”
Khan stated.
“The Hurt Syndicate have held the World Tag Team Championship, Bobby Lashley is still undefeated and unpinned in the ring, nobody’s pinned Bobby Lashley or made him submit yet – he is an outstanding, outstanding star.”
Khan further highlighted Shelton Benjamin’s athletic excellence and longevity in the sport, acknowledging his ability to remain a premier bell-to-bell performer despite decades in the industry. He praised Benjamin for
“not only turn[ing] back the clock, but establish[ing] themselves as one of the premier bell-to-bell pro-wrestlers to this day after decades in the sport.”
Strength in Unity: The Syndicate’s Impact and Individual Successes
The Hurt Syndicate’s members have achieved success both as a group and individually. Lashley and Benjamin have secured the World Tag Team Championship together, and each has claimed notable singles victories throughout their AEW tenure. Khan pointed out MVP’s recent participation in the ring as a wrestler, which adds another layer to his involvement.
“So when you have two top athletes like Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin, they’ve held the World Tag Team Championship together, they’ve both been great singles stars, they’ve both picked up some huge wins as singles wrestlers, and now MVP has also stepped into the ring for us, wrestling, which has been great,”
Khan noted.
MVP’s Role Beyond the Ring and His Inspirational Journey
Khan described MVP as not only a talented wrestler but also a top coach, manager, and strategic mind in the wrestling world, emphasizing the breadth of his contributions to AEW.
“MVP has gotta be up there with some of the smartest people, some of the best minds, and he’s had a great career in the ring as a wrestler, he has great experience, which helps him as one of the top coaches and managers and experts in pro-wrestling today, and he’s got a very inspirational story outside of the ring, and that only enhances his knowledge and his legacy,”
Khan said.
Adding a personal note, Khan remarked:
I love working with MVP, I think he’s tremendous and a great representative of South Florida, and the kind of great person we want in AEW.
— Tony Khan, AEW President
Recent Matches and Future Expectations
Most recently, MVP, Lashley, and Benjamin teamed up at AEW All Out but fell short against The Demand. Despite this setback, the Hurt Syndicate remains a compelling force within the company, with each member continuing to pursue both individual and group success.
Tony Khan’s praise highlights the important role MVP plays within AEW, not just as a competitor but as a guiding mind helping shape the company’s future direction. As the Hurt Syndicate evolves, their influence is likely to grow, positioning them as key players in AEW’s ongoing storylines and championship scenes.
