WWE News: Shelton Benjamin not returning to WWE soon
What's the Story?
Shelton Benjamin ranks pretty high on the list of former WWE talent that was heavily misused. The former 3-time Intercontinental champion left quite an impression on the WWE Universe. When you think of Money in the Bank, the first thing that probably comes to your mind is Benjamin running up a ladder propped up against another ladder, where the Gold Standard clotheslined Chris Jericho off the top of said ladder.
It was the "Wrestlemania Moment" of Wrestlemania 21, and Benjamin's main card career was littered with moments like that.
In Case You Didn't Know...
Benjamin has been working on his career outside of WWE, becoming an essential part of ROH's tag team scene with the other half of the World's Greatest Tag Team, Charlie Haas. During his three-year stint there, he and Haas became two times ROH tag team champions. Benjamin also performed in NJPW and Pro Wrestling NOAH after he left ROH, but a WWE return was something fans were yearning for.
In the Summer of 2016, rumours began to spread of a possible return to the WWE for Benjamin. A draft was coming, and WWE needed to make sure both rosters were stacked with talent to push their new stars.
After the draft, a vignette aired of him on Smackdown, and the rumours were officially confirmed. However, we wouldn't see Benjamin on Smackdown as a torn rotator cuff would keep him out of action for a while.
The Heart of the Matter
On March 30th, Shelton Benjamin tweeted that he was officially cleared for action. However, the former star is nowhere to be seen. People speculated that he would appear after Wrestlemania, however, two weeks after the Ultimate Thrillride, Benjamin is still missing.
The situation has only gotten more unclear as he has been scheduled to appear at a show for the BCW promotion on April 21st. This leaves a lot of us questioning his status with WWE, or if they have given up on the idea of having him return at all.
Also read: Shelton Benjamin's WWE status unclear
What's next?
Benjamin, as stated above, has a show to work on the 21st. As far as Smackdown goes, not much is known about where they are heading. WWE's next PPV is for Raw, so there is still time to add another superstar to the roster without causing too many problems
Author's take
I wouldn't give up hope just yet. Just because Shelton Benjamin is working for another promotion, it doesn't mean he's out of the company. Many incoming wrestlers, especially those from the Cruiserweight Classic and the UK Tournament, have and are still working with other promotions right now. Pete Dunne, Trent Seven and Tyler Bate just fought NJPW and ROH talent The Elite not too long ago.
Don't give up hope just yet. We just had the superstar shake-up, so they need to get situated with their new rosters. Give them time, the Gold Standard may show up soon.
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