Another WWE departure is imminent.
Contract news continues to dominate the headlines in the wrestling world in 2024 with many wrestlers’ futures seemingly uncertain as they approach the end of their deals. While many top stars such as Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre have all elected to sign lucrative multi-year deals, one former World Champion is preparing for their imminent exit.
As initially reported by Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, Bobby Lashley’s contract is fast approaching expiration with the deal set to end “within the next month or so.” Fightful has also corroborated a report from PWN that states that Lashley has been removed from the internal roster page while still being a part of the current roster on WWE’s Superstars page.
Last appearing on TV on the SmackDown after WrestleMania followed by 5 appearances on dark matches and house shows, Fightful adds that plans are not in place for the former World Champion creatively and have not been since spring.
Lashley returned to the company in 2018 after ending his initial run in 2008 before going on to have a dominant run in TNA while also appearing for various independent promotions and competing in MMA. During his second run, Lashley won the WWE Championship twice and was the top star in The Hurt Business Faction. While Bobby Lashley was a part of WrestleMania 40, the former World Champion was notably absent from the show the year prior, which Lashley previously expressed his frustrations of being left off the card.
What’s Next For Bobby Lashley After WWE Exit?
Addressing the impending departure on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer also stated that Lashley is set to leave WWE and that MVP is also set to depart with AEW being very interested:
“He is on his way out. Bobby Lashley and MVP both. I know that there’s talk of them trying to get into AEW. I mean, it’s one of those things where technically nobody can talk to them because I don’t believe either’s contract has expired, but their contracts are going to expire. As things stand right now, WWE is under the assumption that they are gone and that they are going to try to revamp The Hurt Business. I don’t know if they’ll use that name or not, I guess depends on the ownership of the name.
I think I saw MVP tried to register to own the name which would mean that they would maybe even try to use a name. But whatever it is they want to get Shelton Benjamin is also a free agent and revamp the group in AEW. Whether this happens or not, I mean it depends on Tony Khan. But it’s definitely something that is under consideration. I don’t believe it’s a done deal or anything like that. But it is something that is alive. But as of right now, Bobby Lashley and MVP are both going to be gone from WWE when their contract expires which is relatively soon.”
Further information regarding Lashley and MVP’s status with the company has been reported by Mike Johnson of PWInsider. In regards to MVP, it is reported that the former United States Champion’s contract expires in mid-August and a new deal has not been agreed to. Additionally, MVP is listed on the internal roster under the misc section.
In regards to Lashley, Johnson states that a deal was made but not one to make the former World Champion “jump to sign”, adding that Lashley “strongly considered seeing what he would be worth out on the market.”
In a new update, MVP has hinted at an in-ring comeback.
With MVP’s departure expected soon, the WWE star has issued a statement.
In a new interview, Omos has commented on the departure.
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