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A newly signed AEW star took a shot at WWE and claimed that he was underutilized in the promotion. The star being discussed is Shelton Benjamin. The WWE veteran worked in the company for more than 15 years but was never given the spotlight.
The Standard of Excellence debuted on the October 2 edition of Dynamite and was introduced as a business associate of MVP. The duo then tried to recruit Swerve Strickland in the Hurt Syndicate, but he rejected the offer. Since being All Elite, he has wrestled in three blockbuster matches, out of which he emerged victorious in two bouts.
Fans were impressed by Shelton Benjamin's performance due to his incredible agility and skills in the squared circle. Many also raised questions about why WWE couldn't utilize a talent like him and kept him off TV for the majority of the time.
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Speaking in a recent interview with Close Up with Renee Paquette, the 49-year-old star revealed that he felt he was 'suppressed' in WWE and claimed he loved working in the Tony Khan-owned company compared to the Stamford-based promotion.
"I definitely feel like I've been suppressed. You know, I have been to business for a little bit so I have done a few things. Yeah, I've definitely felt like here in AEW, I had the opportunity to show fans who I really am, what I really can do. And not what was me doing what I had to do for the people I was working with previously. I really love that I can really be me in AEW," he said. (06:11 - 06:52)
Shelton Benjamin to wrestle outside of AEW in a blockbuster match
The Standard of Excellence lost to Swerve Strickland at Fright Night Dynamite. His next match was announced recently.
Shelton Benjamin will face 'Speedball' Mike Bailey at WrestleCade SuperShow on November 30, 2024.
It will be interesting to see how Tony Khan books the powerhouse in the Jacksonville-based promotion going forward.
Please credit AEW and add an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling if you use any quotes from the first half of this article.
