AEW star opens up on future WWE Hall of Fame induction after surprising statement by Shawn Michaels
The WWE Hall of Fame is widely regarded as the pinnacle of a pro wrestling career. Despite criticism over certain omissions and the lack of a physical building, the annual WrestleMania Weekend ceremony remains influential and prestigious, seen as a high point of the year for the industry. A top AEW veteran is now opening up about his future WWE induction and who might handle the honor.
World Wrestling Entertainment has inducted 25 Hall of Fame Classes since 1993, with a total of 254 inductees. 14 stars are in the Celebrity Wing, while 46 are in the Legacy Wing. Nine inductees have received the Warrior Award, 64 have been inducted posthumously, and only nine people have been inducted twice. Shawn Michaels was honored individually in 2011 and again in 2019 as a member of D-Generation X.
WWE's current Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative has been a supporter of Shelton Benjamin for years. Their May 2005 RAW match is regarded as one of the best ever. WWE released Benjamin a second time in September 2023, but months before, in December 2022, the company produced a video to celebrate his 20th anniversary.
Michaels was among the stars sending messages to Benjamin in the video. After congratulatory remarks, Shawn said they would keep a Hall of Fame spot warm for Shelton, declaring the induction "a guaranteed deal" whenever the South Carolina native hangs up his boots. In his new Gabby AF interview, Benjamin was asked if a WWE Hall of Fame induction would be the cherry on top of his career and if he sees this happening.
"It is definitely... it would be a nice touch to the end of a long career. Will it happen? I mean, you know, there was... you know, obviously, Shawn Michaels said they would hold a spot open for you and things like that. I'd like to think that I've made a big enough contribution to the business that I would go in. So, I would love that," Shelton Benjamin said. [From 1:02:23 to 1:02:52]
Benjamin had names in mind for potential inductors, from those that helped him get where he's at, but he doesn't want to pick one and offend others he's close to. Shelton's first choice is Kurt Angle, who gave him the biggest introduction to the world. Charlie Haas is his second choice, but MVP Arn Anderson and Gerald Brisco are also considered.
Shelton Benjamin speaks on AEW vs. WWE
Shelton Benjamin signed his World Wrestling Entertainment developmental contract in January 2000 and remained until his first release in April 2010. He was rehired in August 2017 and released in September 2023, completing his time with the company at just under 16.5 years.
In his new interview with Gabby LaSpisa, the 10-time champion explained why he isn't for tribalism and supports wrestlers in every company. The remarks followed interest in a Hall of Fame induction. Benjamin clarified that he is not anti-WWE just because he's with AEW now.
"I'm a bit of a WWE product. I was discovered and trained by them, and most people know me from them... so because I'm with AEW now, it's not like I am anti-WWE. I am absolutely not that. I do not believe in tribalism... as a performer between companies because at the end of the day whether I'm wrestling for WWE, AEW, TNA, NJPW... I'm wrestling. This is what I do; this is my craft, so if I can't apply my craft in one place, I have to go to another," Shelton Benjamin said. [From 1:02:54 to 1:03:36]
Benjamin went on about opposing tribalism in wrestling and supporting and competing with his friends. The 49-year-old reiterated plans to compete in AEW and wants to try to draw a bigger crowd.
He expressed love for Kofi Kingston, Roman Reigns, and The Usos and then wished nothing but success to the company and its talents, stressing that it's never personal, just business.
If you use any quotes from the article, please credit Gabby AF and give an H/T to Sportskeeda for the transcription.