SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan had a conversation with Chad Gable backstage. Daniel Bryan said that he was sorry that Gable’s tag team partner joined the RAW roster. Gable got frustrated that all everyone wants to talk to him about is the fact that Jason Jordan is Kurt Angle’s son. Gable said that he is focused on his future in WWE and not his past. Daniel Bryan agreed and said that he had a surprise for him.
Daniel Bryan said that he didn’t just give Jason Jordan to WWE RAW, he asked Angle to help him sign one of his friends.
Bryan then announced that he signed Shelton Benjamin and Benjamin joined them backstage. Bryan suggested that Gable and Benjamin form a tag team and suggest that they give it a test drive next week on SmackDown.
Gable was pumped up and said that sounded like a great idea. Bryan then shook Benjamin’s hand and welcomed him to SmackDown as the crowd cheered.
We noted before how former WWE United States Champion Shelton Benjamin reportedly signed a deal with WWE just recently after a year full of rumours.
Benjamin was originally supposed to sign a contract back in 2016 and WWE even started airing promos for his return to the SmackDown Brand following Brand Split.
However, his return plans were nixed when he suffered an injury which put him out of action for 8 months. After he was medically cleared it was revealed that he hadn’t signed a deal with the company.
According to multiple sources, Benjamin was spotted arriving in New York late Monday afternoon. Since it was revealed that he has signed a new deal with the company, it has been rumoured that the Former Champion be will be joining the SmackDown Brand as originally planned.
While not confirmed it’s possible that we may see him making his surprise return to WWE Programming during tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live.
It’s worth mentioning here that according to reports, former NXT Champion Bobby Roode is also expected to be called up to the main roster soon. He is rumoured to join the SmackDown Brand, and it shouldn’t be a surprise if he shows up at tonight’s show too.
One of the most exciting announcements WWE made in the initial days of 2016 Brand Extension was the return of former WWE Intercontinental Champion Shelton Benjamin.
Unfortunately, the announced return never took place because Benjamin had a torn rotator cuff. It required him to undergo surgery which put him on the shelf for about 8 months.
He got medically cleared for his in ring return back in March this year. However, he revealed afterwards that he never officially signed a contract with WWE, putting a huge question mark on his status.
After staying a ‘Free Agent’ even after months of being medically cleared, many believed that his return may never happen, but thankfully, that’s not the case.
We noted before how Shelton started negotiating with WWE again recently and now PWInsider is reporting that the former US Champion has officially signed a contract with the company.
Though no further details have been released about his new contract and it’s not known when or where the former WWE Star will make his official return.
What WWE has in store for the former Champion is not revealed either so it’s unclear whether he will join the SmackDown roster upon his return as originally planned or end up on the Raw roster instead.
Former WWE tag team champion Shelton Benjamin is in talks with WWE about returning to the company. The news was first reported by Pro Wrestling Sheet.
Benjamin was originally expected to return to the Smackdown brand following the WWE Draft last year before a shoulder injury forced him to have surgery. Back in March, he announced that he was finally cleared to wrestle again, but he’s still a free agent 3 months later.
Benjamin has not yet officially signed but talks are ongoing and ‘in the right direction,’ as this story moves forward we will keep you updated.
After 9 of the hardest months of my life, I'm happy to announce I have been OFFICIALLY CLEARED to return to action. Effective Immediately!
– Shelton Benjamin noted on Twitter that he is not currently under contract and was not under contract last year when WWE advertised he was coming to SmackDown. Promos began airing for Benjamin’s WWE return last fall, but his routine medical examinations prior to being offered a contract revealed a torn rotator cuff that has kept him out ever since. Shelton Benjamin is now a free agent, an indication that he might not be returning to WWE as expected.
Let me clear this up now. I am not signed to @WWE. I never signed due to injury. While that could change, as of 4-16-2017 I am a free agent
– Finn Balor returned to action last night on RAW, answering an open challenge from Curt Hawkins. Balor made Hawkins ‘face the facts’ just one week after suffering a concussion.
Balor was medically cleared to compete on Monday, so luckily the concussion was a mild one. So mild in fact that Balor tweeted this just prior to RAW:
Shelton Benjamin was slated to make his return to the WWE last year but an injury prevented him from doing so. After a nine month rehab process, Benjamin is finally ready to return to the squared circle. Time will tell if his return to in-ring action will be in the WWE or not.
After 9 of the hardest months of my life, I'm happy to announce I have been OFFICIALLY CLEARED to return to action. Effective Immediately!
Shelton Benjamin provided an update on his shoulder on Thursday evening, noting that he’s still months away from returning to action.
Recovery is going well. Still months away from anything physical so all the RR predictions are as accurate as they've been the last 6 years https://t.co/eb6q2YbEsJ
Benjamin was scheduled to return to SmackDown live shortly after the brand split, but his WWE medical exams revealed a torn rotator cuff. Back in November, he tweeted:
For the record. I will make moves to return to @WWE when I am back to 110% physically. Anywhere from 4 to 6 months by my doc calculation.
There’s talk of forming a new stable on the SmackDown brand that would feature talent with collegiate wrestling credentials, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
The group would be similar to the classic Varsity Club group that competed in the NWA/WCW in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Names discussed for this new group include Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger and Shelton Benjamin. Benjamin recently underwent shoulder surgery and will be out 5-6 more months.
Chad Gable is the most accomplished amateur wrestler on the roster and actually headed up a ‘shooters’ stable in NXT at one point. It was eventually dropped because Vince McMahon has never been a fan of those types of gimmicks.
– Shelton Benjamin underwent surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn rotator cuff. The injury prevented Benjamin from returning to WWE this summer and will keep him out of action for the remainder of 2016. The rotator cuff tear was discovered while he was undergoing his WWE medical evaluation.
Surgery complete. Back home. Still loopy. Happy the healing process in finally underway.
– Tough Enough star Mandy Rose may be looking to start her first feud with Ember Moon after taking a shot at the former Athena during last night’s NXT episode. Mandy tweeted after Ember defeated an enhancement talent last night:
This is who U people like??@WWEEmberMoon Some weird X-Men wannabe! Well this is what a REAL #NXT woman looks like!? pic.twitter.com/q6ruCVKEDI
– On the latest episode of The Solomonster Sounds Off podcast, Solomonster noted that Shawn Michaels recently relocated to Orlando, Florida and is now teaching a class at the Performance Center. He’s now working there there full-time, taking over for Terry Taylor, who previously worked as a “finishing coach” helping talents polish their acts. As such, Michaels will be working closely with with top NXT talent.
Michaels (along with Rudy Boy Gonzalez) previously ran the Texas Wrestling Academy (founded in 1999) which produced names such as Daniel Bryan, Brian Kendrick and the late Lance Cade.
You can listen to the latest Sound Off episode here:
SOUND OFF 456 discusses Billy Corgan replacing Dixie Carter, Sandow's #TNA debut, Cedric Alexander, WCPW and more https://t.co/Rd6sG0qmlv
– Shelton Benjamin called into the latest episode of Jim Ross’ Ross Report Podcast and spoke about the shoulder injury that has put his WWE return on hold. Shelton said its been a very emotional month for him, going from an extreme high to an extreme low. He’s staying positive and injuries are just part of the business. Doctors have told him he’ll be out 6-12 months and he’s mentally preparing to be out for a year. His ultimate goal is to get back to WWE and that’s been his goal since leaving the company 6-7 years ago.
Shelton Benjamin will not be returning to WWE at this time due to a serious shoulder injury. He announced on social media that he will require surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. He thanked WWE for helping him discover the situation, so it sounds like the tear was diagnosed during his WWE medical exams.
Last month, WWE began running promos on SmackDown Live hyping the return of the former Intercontinental and tag team champion. Long regarded as one of the top former Superstars who fans wanted to see back in a WWE ring, Benjamin will likely be out of action for the remainder of 2016.
He vowed, “I will be back” but he now must focus on repairing his body and mind.
I am both disappointed & sadden to announce that due to a serious injury to my shoulder I will not be returning to @WWE at this time.
The announcement came on Tuesday’s SmackDown Live, with Benjamin “coming soon” to the blue brand. The former Intercontinental, United States and tag team champion was released from WWE back in April 2010. He’s been working regularly for Japan’s Pro Wrestling NOAH promotion since early 2015.
– In addition to the Booty O’s cereal that was announced at this week’s San Diego Comic Con event, Kofi Kingston revealed on Twitter that The New Day will also be getting their very own Funko Pop vinyl pop toys. They’ll be released for the holidays and will be available exclusively at Toys R Us.
– Former SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long appeared on Steve Gerweck’s podcast this week and revealed that Shelton Benjamin and MVP have both signed with WWE and will be returning soon. Pro Wrestling Sheet is reporting that former 3MB member Jinder Mahal is also in talks with the company.
– John Cena granted his latest Make-A-Wish prior to Monday’s RAW from Worcester, MA. Here’s is a photo of Juan and his family, who traveled from Texas to meet him:
During his recent appearance on Chris Jericho’s “Talk Is Jericho” podcast, WWE Superstar Sheamus told a story about how Shelton Benjamin offended him during their 2009 feud in WWE.
“I’ve got no problem with Shelton, he’s an amazing athlete. But every time we were sitting down he was calling me rookie. I don’t know what it was. I’d never been anything but nice to him and I just wanted to make the feud good,” said Sheamus during the podcast.
Sheamus noted that shortly after his feud with Benjamin, he was moved to RAW, where he won the WWE Championship from John Cena. “The Celtic Warrior” pointed out that the victory made him feel validated and made him feel like he proved a point.
Meanwhile, Shelton Benjamin caught win of the story, and while he claims he doesn’t remember doing it, he did extend a sincere apology to the WWE performer.
“If in fact I offended you by repeatedly calling [you] rookie, please accept my sincerest apology. But I personally don’t recall one time,” noted Benjamin on Twitter. You can check out the tweet below.
@WWESheamus if in fact I offended u by repeatedly calling rookie, please accept my sincerest apology. But I personally don't recall 1x
Former WWE Superstar Shelton Benjamin, who recently signed with the new upstart Global Force Wrestling promotion, noted on Twitter on Friday that he recently negotiated with TNA Wrestling.
“Many have asked will I ever go to Impact Wrestling,” wrote Benjamin on his official Twitter account. “[I] very recently concluded a dialogue with the company and while both parties are eager to do business, we were unable to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.”
Benjamin continued, “This is very regretful with all of the possibilities that were possible. I have a lot of respect for Impact Wrestling and the talent who a few I consider great friends. Jade is not one of them.”
“The door is open on both sides, so hey, maybe one day,” Benjamin added. “I will continue to raise hell with New Japan Pro Wrestling, Pro Wrestling NOAH and back stateside with Global Force Wrestling, and pretty much all over the world!”
You can read Shelton Benjamin’s tweets on this subject below.
Many have asked will I ever got to @IMPACTWRESTLING very recently concluded a dialogue with the company and while both parties are …..
Jeff Jarrett has been contacting a number of talents to be part of his upstart Global Force Wrestling promotion in recent weeks.
Jarrett is apparently going after signed talents that have their deals with Ring Of Honor or TNA expiring soon, as well as unsigned talents.
The biggest name that GFW has reportedly reached out to is Roderick Strong, however there are rumors of talks with Team 3D, Chris Masters and Shelton Benjamin as well.
Jarrett has Sonjay Dutt and Scott D’Amore working on the office side of things for the promotion, and Dutt has been the one calling most of the aforementioned talents.
Regarding the offers to talents, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that Jarrett has been offering the possibility of working 39 dates with the promotion.
As far as the rumors of Eric Bischoff being part of the promotion, Jarrett is denying these claims. Regarding Bischoff, Jarrett stated, “If GFW and BHE (Bischoff-Hervey Enterprises) are going to work together, we will not announce it at a Q&A in the U.K. They obviously heard what they wanted to hear.”
Shelton Benjamin could be returning to WWE as the sports-entertainment organization recently applied to trademark “Shelton Benjamin” for the purpose of merchandise.
This is according to a page on 4-Traders.com, which notes that Lauren A. Dienes-Middlen, WWE’s Vice President of Intellectual Property, made the application. It is noted below the article that trademark applications were also filed for “AWA American Wrestling Association,” “Beyond The Ring,” “Crush Couture,” “Crush Wear,” “NXT,” “Skull King,” “The Miz” and “Total Divas.”
Benjamin, now 39-years-old, performed for WWE from 2002 through 2010; he was released from his contract on April 22, 2010 along with Jimmy Wang Yang, Kung Fu Naki, Slam Master J, Mickie James and Katie Lea Burchill. Following his departure from the company, he wrestled for Ring of Honor (ROH) for two years, and currently works for New Japan Pro Wrestling under the ring name Shelton X Benjamin. During his tenure with WWE, he won the Intercontinental Championship three times, the United States Championship once, and the WWE Tag Team Championship twice with Charlie Haas.
Last week, he responded to fan question on Twitter asking him why he left WWE and responded, “So you could watch a guy in a bunny suit instead.”
– Former WWE writer Alex Greenfield will be the guest on this coming Wednesday’s edition of Jim Ross’ weekly “Ross Report” podcast.
– Speaking of JR, he was the guest on the “Coaches Cabana” show with former Dallas Cowboys head coach Barry Switzer. You can check out that show at CoachesCabana.com.
– This week’s edition of WWE’s “30 Second Fury,” which you can watch below, features former WWE Superstar Shelton Benjamin.
The following are highlights of a recent Jim Ross Q&A update:
On the reason WWE is so overprotective of John Cena: “Protecting someone in Cena’s position isn’t something that is new but one could argue in hindsight that WWE might have gone too far with it on Sunday night.”
On the Daniel Bryan vs. Kane match at Extreme Rules: “Both men really worked hard and if one likes stunts and special effects of a match they provided it.”
On the team of Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas: “Very good in ring team who arguably were underutilized in hindsight.”
On whether or not guys like Triple H & CM Punk were pushed by WWE because they aren’t drug addicts: “It’s a common sense and professional matter….abusing drugs simply makes no sense and the unprofessional and childish behavior of the party boy group never helped any company. HHH was a model locker room talent from day one.”
Check out more JR Q&A updates at JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.
– Former WWE Superstar and UFC Hall Of Famer Ken Shamrock celebrates his 51st birthday today. Shamrock was born on February 12, 1963. As noted, Shamrock has recently sent out feelers to Ring Of Honor.
– Despite rumors, Shelton Benjamin did not work a pre-show dark match at the WWE television tapings on Monday night in Los Angeles. A rumor was circulating that claimed Benjamin worked a match with Tyson Kidd prior to RAW.
– In addition to Wiz Khalifa and Stephan Bonnar, music producer and executive Jimmy Iovine was another celebrity in attendance at RAW on Monday night.
Former WWE Superstar Shelton Benjamin recently posted a series of tweets on his official Twitter account to inform fans that he is going to be taking time off to deal with some medical issues.
Benjamin tweeted the following:
As of tonight Im taking time off from wrestling to take care of a long neglected medical issue. So I assure you all I will not be at the R.R
– The final WWE NXT live event at the Tampa Arena in 2013 will take place on December 19th. For tickets, visit NXTTickets.Ticketforce.com.
– WWE announcer Michael Cole will be the special guest host for Booker T’s “Reality Of Wrestling Christmas Chaos” event on December 14th in Clear Lake City, Texas. Also scheduled to appear at the show are former WWE Superstars The Boogeyman and Shelton Benjamin. Former WCW star Stevie Ray is also scheduled to make a rare appearance and promises a special announcement.
– We reported last week that The Rock has signed on for a new movie titled, “Teddy Bear,” which is based off an illustration by software engineer Alex Panagopoulos. The picture, which depicts a teddy bear protecting a sleeping child and fighting off an evil monster, is titled “Sweet Halloween Dreams” and can be viewed here.
– Mick Foley announced that he’ll be appearing on an upcoming episode of the Nerdist podcast.
– In response to rumors that he would be appearing as a surprise entrant at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view, Shelton Benjamin tweeted on Sunday night, “Hey is the rumble over? How’d I do?” Benjamin was in Phoenix over the weekend and stayed at the same hotel as the WWE Crew, but was only in town to work an indy show.
– Chris Jericho was hidden in a bus outside until his entrance. Word backstage was that a deal was quietly made for him to work the show when WWE reached out to him for RAW. No word yet on his future with the company.
– Surprise entrants besides Chris Jericho in the 2013 Royal Rumble match were Goldust and The Godfather. Santino Marella also returned from injury in the match.
– Shelton Benjamin and Carlito did not return in the Rumble match, despite previous reports. PWInsider reports that the two ended up being booked at the same hotel WWE used because they were in town for an indy show.
– Mark Henry was also backstage. WWE had plans in place for him to return but that didn’t happen.
– Regarding The Godfather, he quietly drove from Las Vegas to Phoenix to hide from fans staked out at the airports. Godfather arrived Sunday afternoon and checked into the WWE hotel before going to the arena.
– Ted DiBiase was backstage at the Rumble and should be returning from a hand injury soon.
This Sunday’s Royal Rumble will see the returns of at least two former WWE superstars.
SEScoops.com can confirm that Shelton Benjamin and Carlito are scheduled for the 30-man Royal Rumble match.
Both men are in Phoenix this weekend to work independent shows on Saturday night and will in fact be at Sunday’s show.
We’re hearing word about a few other big surprises planned for the Rumble but are going to follow up and double-source these rumors before reporting them here.
SEScoops.com will have Live Results of the Royal Rumble pay-per-view, so make sure to check us out Sunday night.
