10-time champion "had run his course in WWE," Bill Apter supports his decision to join AEW (Exclusive)
Tony Khan's AEW was a viable alternative to WWE since the day it opened its doors. Legendary journalist Bill Apter recently opened up on Shelton Benjamin's move to AEW and why it was the right call.
Shelton Benjamin is a true veteran of the game, having begun his career in the early 2000s and developing a reputation for being an exceptional worker.
The Gold Standard's most recent stint with WWE ended in 2023 and in his former company, he won most of the titles barring the elusive world championship.
The 49-year-old is now in AEW and revealed he wanted to compete in a promotion that could still pull a large audience. While reacting to his comments on The Wrestling Time Machine, Bill Apter agreed with the Hurt Syndicate member and agreed that Benjamin wasn't a good fit for WWE anymore.
Apter briefly explained:
"Well, I think Shelton had run his course in WWE, so, this is a good move. You know, going to another major company." [1:20 - 1:33]
Bill Apter recalls working with AEW's Shelton Benjamin
When he first broke into the wrestling business, Shelton Benjamin was part of a special group in WWE's developmental system, that included the likes of Brock Lesnar.
Benjamin honed his pro wrestling skills in the famed Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) before making a move to the big leagues, where he became a steady hand in the midcard division for several years.
Shelton went on to have an impressive run outside WWE before returning for another memorable phase, which involved his time with The Hurt Business.
Bill Apter has known Shelton Benjamin since the very beginning of the latter's career and revealed overseeing photoshoots with the star and his former tag team partner, Charlie Haas.
Apter reminisced:
"In terms of stories about him, when he teamed up with Charlie Haas in OVW, etc, I did tons of photo sessions with him." [1:34 - 1:45]
Shelton Benjamin has enjoyed a dominant start in AEW as he and MVP look to establish Hurt Syndicate as a massive threat in new surroundings.
Please credit The Wrestling Time Machine and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.