World title issues, Dream match with ex-TNT Champion - 5 Mistakes AEW must avoid with Bobby Lashley amid rumored arrival
Bobby Lashley is rumored to be heading to AEW soon. The Almighty's deal with WWE recently expired, and he decided not to renew his contract with the Stamford-based promotion. Lashley's departure is a massive blow for the Triple H-led regime, as The Dominator is one of the biggest draws in the pro wrestling industry.
Known for signing hot free agents, Tony Khan would be eager to strike a working relationship with The Almighty. The former WWE Champion is a well-recognized figure in pro wrestling and could bring an element of variety to the AEW roster. With his remarkable strength and intimidating presence, Bobby Lashley could emerge as a fan favorite in the Jacksonville-based promotion.
However, there are certain things Tony Khan must keep in mind if The Almighty ends up signing a deal with AEW. TK must refrain from doing some specific booking blunders, that could damage The Dominator's onscreen credibility. In this article, let's look at five mistakes AEW must avoid with Bobby Lashley amid his rumored arrival.
#5. Bobby Lashley must not be inserted into the World Title scene right away
Bobby Lashley has found immense success in multiple wrestling promotions in his career. From WWE to IMPACT Wrestling, The Almighty has been treated as a legitimate main event star everywhere he went. Lashley has won several world championships in his illustrious in-ring career, which includes his two reigns as the WWE Champion.
While Tony Khan may be tempted to make Lashley the next challenger for the AEW World Championship, it may not be an excellent idea. The Dominator has spent the majority of his career in WWE, and it will take him some time to get used to the wrestling-centric product of All Elite Wrestling. It is necessary for Bobby Lashley to strike a genuine connection with the AEW audience, who seem to be divided about the veteran's rumored signing.
The former WWE Champion must establish himself as a solid threat in the mid-card division, before eventually working his way up to a world title shot. Having Lashley go after the AEW World Champion immediately would be a terrible idea, as it could make the fans turn their backs on The Almighty.
#4. The Hurt Business must not be handed the World Trios Championships
Bobby Lashley's desire to revamp The Hurt Business is one of the biggest reasons behind his departure from WWE. The trio of Shelton Benjamin, MVP, and Bobby Lashley are heavily rumored to reunite in AEW, which is alarming news for the other teams in the Trios division.
However, the intimidating faction must not be handed the AEW World Trios Titles anytime soon. The Trios division is currently filled with several high-profile stables, that are far more deserving of getting a run with the prestigious championships.
The Hurt Business must defeat high-profile factions like The Patriarchy, Bang Bang Gang, and The House of Black, before getting a chance to challenge the reigning Trios Champions. The fans might immediately lose their interest in Lashley's newest faction if the group wins the Trios Championships without much buildup.
#3. Bobby Lashley must not suffer the same fate as other heavyweights in AEW
As great as he is as a booker, Tony Khan's creative direction has some significant flaws that he may need to address. The head booker of AEW tends to favor high-flying performers over super-heavyweights like Wardlow and Brian Cage, which has disturbed the balance of the roster to some extent.
Despite having incredible physiques, many notable AEW stars have not been able to break into the main event scene. The inconsistent pushes have hurt the credibility of these talents, as they seem to have lost the intimidating presence they once had.
Tony Khan must refrain from committing the same mistake with Bobby Lashley if he ends up in the Jacksonville-based promotion. If given a consistent push, Lashley could emerge as a great asset to All Elite Wrestling. It is necessary for Tony Khan to protect Lashley's onscreen character so that he does not suffer the same fate as other underutilized behemoths like Miro and Wardlow.
It would be a huge blunder on AEW's part if they fail to utilize The Almighty to his fullest potential.
#2. The Almighty must not debut as a babyface
An experienced veteran of the business, Bobby Lashley is known for his versatility as a performer. The Almighty can play the role of a strong babyface effectively and generate the desired reactions from the crowd. However, the former WWE Champion is equally capable as a dominant heel, who can tear apart his competition with ease.
Despite getting immense success as a good guy, Bobby Lashley has been at his best whenever he has taken up the mantle of a bad guy. If The Almighty has plans to join AEW in the near future, he must enter the Jacksonville-based promotion as a heel.
A heel Bobby Lashley could change the landscape of All Elite Wrestling forever. The Dominator could fully embrace his ruthless side in AEW and annihilate every opponent that stands in his path.
A babyface turn would not be an ideal direction for The Almighty's character during his first few months in AEW. The good guy persona would significantly limit The Dominator, which is something Tony Khan would not want.
#1. Bobby Lashley vs. Powerhouse Hobbs must not be delayed
Several stars in the AEW locker room would be eager to butt heads with Bobby Lashley soon. The Almighty's potential arrival in AEW could be great news for the fans, as it would open the door for several exciting dream matches involving the 48-year-old star.
One of the many individuals who would want to lock horns with Lashley during his rumored AEW run is Powerhouse Hobbs. The 33-year-old star is truly a force of nature, who could push The Dominator to his limits. The Almighty might have never crossed paths with an individual like Hobbs, who possesses a rare combination of strength and charisma.
Once Hobbs returns to in-ring action, The Monstar must be booked in a program with the former WWE Champion. Tony Khan must not delay the program too much, otherwise it may lose its excitement factor very quickly. Following years of underutilization, a match against The Almighty is what Hobbs might need to bring his career on track.
TK must book this dream encounter at the earliest. It would be an exciting clash of two behemoths, where Bobby Lashley could finally pass the torch to The Monstar.