Shelton Benjamin AEW crying controversy has drawn attention after this week’s AEW Dynamite, where he was accused by fans of shedding tears during his Continental Championship Eliminator Match against Jon Moxley. As Benjamin tries to dismiss the emotional allegations, WWE Superstar Xavier Woods is publicly challenging his denials, keeping the debate alive among fans and wrestlers alike.
Shelton Benjamin Responds to Crying Accusations
During AEW Dynamite, Shelton Benjamin faced Jon Moxley, with Moxley clinching the win by pinning Benjamin just moments before the match ended. Spectators online quickly noted that Benjamin appeared emotional and possibly crying on live television, fueling speculation about his state in the ring. Addressing the rumors, Benjamin took to social media to clarify:
“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,”
— Shelton Benjamin said in a post.
Benjamin’s explanation cited his pre-match ritual of pouring water on his head, suggesting that what viewers saw was simply dripping water, not tears. This statement was intended to quash the swirling fan theories and shift the narrative away from personal emotion.
Xavier Woods Stirs the Pot
Despite Shelton Benjamin’s firm dismissal, WWE Superstar Xavier Woods, a member of The Hurt Syndicate, refused to let the incident slide. Woods replied directly to Benjamin’s tweet, accusing him of being emotional during the match:
“Bro you cried. Its ok. Hurt people, hurt people,”
— Xavier Woods said in response.
Woods’ comment referenced Benjamin’s own words while pressing the claim further and injecting an extra dose of humor into the online exchange, gaining attention from their followers and the wider wrestling community.
Benjamin Fires Back at WWE Star
In response to Woods’ trolling remarks, Benjamin appeared less than amused and posted his own comeback, using humor to deflect the accusations:
“You id expect this from pic.twitter.com/tEIaqsDLhB— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) January 9, 2026”
The playful back-and-forth between Shelton Benjamin and Xavier Woods has captivated wrestling fans, shifting the focus from the outcome of the Continental Championship Eliminator Match to the off-ring personalities and social dynamics of WWE and AEW athletes.
Why the Exchange Matters to Wrestling Fans
The continued debate over whether Shelton Benjamin cried on AEW Dynamite speaks to the passionate investment wrestling audiences have in both the matches and the personas involved. Figures like Jon Moxley, Xavier Woods, and members of The Hurt Syndicate play a significant role in shaping wrestling culture, and the ongoing rivalry between AEW and WWE adds another layer to these exchanges. With both the in-ring competition and social media banter heating up, fans can expect more personal storylines and cross-promotional interactions in the future.
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
You id expect this from pic.twitter.com/tEIaqsDLhB
— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) January 9, 2026
