Potential roadblock may be in place ahead of rumored stable reunion outside of WWE
WWE has continued to release various superstars in the new era, and there are some departures rumored to take place in the near future. A fan-favorite faction was expected to reunite outside of WWE, but new information points to a potential obstacle for the long-awaited reunion.
The Hurt Business was officially formed in July 2020 with MVP, Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, and Cedric Alexander. MVP led the three stars to championship reigns until a split in March 2021. There have been additional splits, reunions, and teasers in recent years. Now word is that Bobby Lashley could be on his way out of WWE, while MVP is reportedly set to depart as his contract expires in mid-August. Shelton Benjamin was released in September 2023, but Cedric Alexander remains with the company and was just sent to the NXT brand.
The belief backstage is that The All Mighty and MVP will leave when their deals are up. The veterans are expected to have significant offers outside of the company, with a strong interest in reuniting The Hurt Business as well. Lashley and his crew will have to use a different name for any non-WWE reunion of The Hurt Business as the Stamford-based promotion owns the rights.
World Wrestling Entertainment filed to trademark The Hurt Business in July 2020, according to the USPTO (United States Patent & Trademark Office). The filings were listed for general pro wrestling and sports entertainment use.
With Alexander still a part of WWE, it seems unlikely that the entire Hurt Business will reunite outside of WWE. The prospect of Lashley, MVP, and Benjamin re-forming the group seems to be a lucrative prospect to many, but with them not being able to use the old name, it could put a dent in any major plans.
WWE Superstars show support for Bobby Lashley
The WWE Universe was generally shocked this past week to hear that Bobby Lashley was removed from the internal roster, and would likely be released when his contract expires within the next few weeks.
MVP's expected departure was also revealed this past week, and with that came praise for The Hurt Business. Dijak, who was released at the end of June, gave a big endorsement for the faction. Big E also took to X with a public show of support for The All Mighty.
"A monster. A specimen. A professional. A gentleman," Big E wrote with the GIF below.
Lashley has not wrestled since the May 5 win over Santos Escobar at the non-televised live event in Paris, France. His last televised match was the Triple Threat with Escobar and winner LA Knight on April 12.