Future WWE Hall of Famer teases massive AEW debut: "The ball’s really in their court"
AEW could soon add another former WWE Superstar to their roster. Over the years, Tony Khan has signed numerous talents from Stamford-based company, and this upcoming rumored edition could be welcoming.
That wrestler in question is Shelton Benjamin, popular for his in-ring skill and technical prowess. Benjamin was one of several long-time wrestlers released by WWE in September last year. His release shocked many because Shawn Michaels had once termed the former member of the World's Greatest Tag Team a future Hall of Famer.
Benjamin has had successful stints in WWE, NJPW, and ROH. Now that he's a free agent, he's opened up about his thoughts on working in AEW. In an interview with Jamal Niaz on the Monopoly Events YouTube Channel, the veteran spoke about several aspects of the sport, including squaring off against Will Ospreay and Kazuchika Okada, both now signed with All Elite Wrestling.
"Honestly, [Kazuchika] Okada, while I’ve worked alongside him in New Japan, we never actually had a match, so I would love to work with Okada. Obviously, I would love to work with Will Ospreay because I think that guy’s phenomenal. I’ve been watching him for years and you know, people call me athletic but I mean, he does stuff that I couldn’t even — it would put me in traction to even try some of the moves he does but I would love to work with him. I think it could be a lot of fun so, those names are at the top of my list but obviously, I enjoy what I do, I love what I do and I can pretty much mesh with anybody," he said.
The former RAW Tag Team Champion also spoke about the possibility of him signing with the Jacksonville-based promotion:
"So, it’s just a matter of what they think but, as far as AEW goes, that door’s open — my door is open. I haven’t eliminated any possibilities as of yet. It could be [AEW All In could be on his radar]. Again, the ball’s really in their court. But like you said, it’s pro wrestling so, you never know what’s gonna happen." [H/T POSTWrestling.com]
AEW's Max Caster doesn't want Shelton Benjamin on the roster
The rumors about Shelton Benjamin signing with All Elite Wrestling have been floating around for a while, prompting the AEW Trios Champion Max Caster to speak out about whether Shelton is welcome in the Jacksonville-based company.
Benjamin replied to Caster on X/Twitter, stating:
"@PlatinumMax, that’s cute," he posted.
It remains to be seen if Benjamin will end up on the Jacksonville-based company's roster. After all, Tony Khan has always been welcoming to former WWE wrestlers.