Shelton Benjamin: “I Am Absolutely Not Anti-WWE” Despite AEW Move

Shelton Benjamin has made it clear that, despite his recent transition to AEW, he harbors no ill will toward WWE, the company where he spent nearly two decades of his career. Speaking on the Gabby AF podcast with Gabby LaSpisa, Benjamin expressed his appreciation for WWE and dismissed the notion of “tribalism” between wrestling promotions.

After his release from WWE in September 2023, Benjamin had a brief stint on the independent circuit before officially signing with AEW on October 2. However, the veteran wrestler stressed that changing companies does not mean he has turned his back on WWE.

“It’s not a situation where, because I’m with AEW now, I am anti-WWE. I am absolutely not that.”

Benjamin, who rose to fame during his time in WWE and built friendships across various promotions, emphasized the importance of professional unity over rivalry.

Rejecting “Tribalism” in Wrestling

Benjamin firmly believes that loyalty to one company should not foster negativity toward others.

“I do not believe in tribalism as a performer between companies. Whether I’m wrestling for WWE, AEW, IMPACT, New Japan, I’m wrestling. This is what I do, and this is my craft.”

Benjamin went on to say that many wrestlers, including himself, have friends across different promotions. For him, the idea of creating animosity between companies is impractical and unnecessary.

A Career Rooted in WWE

While Benjamin is now pursuing new opportunities with AEW, he reflected fondly on his time with WWE, acknowledging the impact it had on his career.

“I was discovered by [WWE]. I was trained by them. Most people know me from them.”

Despite his new chapter in AEW, Benjamin expressed gratitude for his WWE journey and reiterated that his move to a different promotion does not mean he harbors any resentment toward the company or its performers.

Benjamin’s comments reflect his belief that wrestling should be celebrated as a collective industry, with talent moving between promotions to “apply their craft” where they see fit.