Folks, it looks like Tony Khan has his fishing rod out again, and this time, he’s casting a line for one of the most dominant factions to ever hit the squared circle. According to Fightful Select, former WWE stars Bobby Lashley, MVP, and Shelton Benjamin—known collectively as The Hurt Business—are in talks with AEW. That’s right, the crew that ran roughshod through WWE could be looking to run it back in the Jacksonville-based promotion, and we couldn’t be more intrigued!
To add fuel to the fire, Totally Harmless Concept LLC recently filed a trademark for The Hurt Syndicate (yes, it sounds just as ominous as it should), alongside other MVP trademarks. Now, we don’t know if they’ve inked any deals yet, but word on the street is that conversations have been happening.
While Shelton Benjamin has been a free agent since last year, Bobby Lashley and MVP only wrapped up their WWE contracts this past summer. MVP, ever the multitasker, recently popped up at GCW Bloodsport to challenge former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett, reminding us all that he’s still got some fight left in him. As for Lashley, he hasn’t been in action since his May victory over Santos Escobar at a WWE Live Event, but we all know Big Bob doesn’t stay on the bench for long.
Shelton Benjamin, on the other hand, has been keeping busy tearing it up on the indie scene in both the U.S. and the U.K., competing in events like the Progress Super Strong Style 16 Tournament. His release came as part of the WWE-UFC merger, much like TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth, formerly known as Dolph Ziggler.
If The Hurt Syndicate does come to AEW, the landscape might just get a little more painful for the rest of the roster. One thing’s for sure—whether it’s in the ring or in the courtroom with trademark filings, these guys are always making moves.