Shelton Benjamin Dominates AEW Debut

This past Wednesday’s edition of *AEW Dynamite*, was the highly publicized in-ring debut for Benjamin for All Elite Wrestling as he took on Lio Rush. This was the first in-ring action for Shelton since signing with the promotion, and it didn’t disappoint as “Hurt Syndicate”-appointed trunks adorned Shelton while dominating in a decisive victory against the high-flying Rush.

The match began with Rush trying to utilize his quickness to neutralize the powerful Shelton, attempting to ground the bigger man early. A trip to the outside saw Benjamin seize control, dominating after that and threatening with his size and strength to keep Rush at bay.

Rush made a brief comeback with some of his speed, but the match took a turn for the best in favor of Benjamin when Rush climbed to the top rope. In an unbelievable display of athleticism, Benjamin leaped up and pulled Rush down, and the crowd in San Jose gasped in amazement.

With MVP, Benjamin’s mentor-shouting encouragement from ringside, the veteran powerhouse dominated the match. Shelton sealed the victory with his signature Exploder Powerslam, leaving little doubt about his presence in AEW.

After the win, MVP could be seen sliding a business card into the fallen Rush’s tights, a symbolic gesture to recruit future talent into their faction.

MVP Warns Strickland

MVP then grabbed the microphone to praise Shelton as “The Standard of Excellence” before threatening Swerve Strickland.

“Swerve, you need to reconsider that,” MVP said ominously, implying that Benjamin would be next on Strickland’s list. A few days later, a match between the two men was confirmed for *AEW Dynamite: Fright Night* in Cleveland on October 30.

Shelton AEW debut comes after his introduction on the October 2 episode of Dynamite, where he was announced as MVP’s “President of the Complaints Division.” Though Bobby Lashley’s legitimate appearance was rumored, neither he nor other speculated signings, such as Mercedes Moné or The Acclaimed, appeared during…