Major WWE Superstar’s contract reportedly set to expire; has been absent for 78 days

WWE is facing a potential major departure as we get closer to The Biggest Event of the Summer. Sources have just revealed breaking news on one of the company's biggest names. The developments come with significant rumors and speculation amid a peculiar hiatus.

Bobby Lashley is one of the most accomplished wrestlers in the world. The eight-time World Champion has held numerous WWE and TNA titles and previously found success as an MMA fighter and a championship amateur wrestler in high school, college, and the Army.

Lashley went pro in 2005 after signing a WWE developmental deal. He was pulled from a King of the Ring match against Tama Tonga in May due to an injury suffered while training. He has not wrestled since defeating Santos Escobar on May 5 at a live event in France.

The All Mighty could be leaving World Wrestling Entertainment soon, according to Fightful Select. Sources report that Lashley's current contract is set to expire within the next month or so, and that could be as soon as a week or two.

Lashley has been removed from the internal WWE roster, but he is still listed on the public website roster. The Destroyer reportedly plans on continuing his wrestling career if for some reason he and the Stamford-based promotion cannot reach a new agreement.

Word from backstage is that the 19-year veteran has not been factored into creative plans since the spring. Lashley has led The Pride on SmackDown since last summer, and their run included a Street Fight win over The Final Testament at WrestleMania XL.

Bobby Lashley to return to MMA following WWE contract issue?

Bobby Lashley won his MMA debut in December 2008 for the MFA (Mixed Fighting Alliance) promotion. He would go on to fight for Strikeforce, TFC (Titan Fighting Championship), Shark Fights, and Bellator, as well as several smaller promotions.

The All Mighty currently has a MMA record of 15 wins and 2 losses. His last fight came on October 21, 2016, at Bellator 162. Lashley defeated Josh Appelt by submission that night, at 1 minute and 30 seconds of the 2nd round.

Sources close to the SmackDown Superstar report that a return to the MMA cage has not been ruled out, according to Fightful Select. He has publicly stated that he would fight again if the right situation presented itself.

Lashley was still under contract to Bellator MMA as of June 2021, due to a special WWE contract clause, but has not fought since 2016. He has expressed interest in another MMA fight during media interviews and previously revealed talks with BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship).