WWE Faces Backlash: MVP speaks out against Bobby Lashley’s underuse in 2024
In a surprising turn of events for WWE fans and insiders, former WWE star MVP publicly criticized the company for its handling of Bobby Lashley, who was not promoted particularly well in 2024. Former United States champion voiced his concerns at today’s K&S WrestleFest virtual signing, where He expressed his dissatisfaction with how WWE treated Lashley and pointed out the lost opportunities for both wrestling and the company.
Bobby Lashley, who became a free agent after his WWE contract expired in August, saw his second stint with the company come to a counter-climactic end. Lashley’s return to the WWE in 2018 saw great success, including two reigns as World Champion, MVP, and a notable partnership with The Hurt Business Despite these achievements, Lashley was fired from action especially in 2024, his post-WrestleMania-40 appearances are drastically reduced .
Lashley was injured in a live event against Santos Escobar in France before leaving. The injury before Backlash served as the final chapter of his WWE career. While the extent of the injury was uncertain at the time, it became clear that the match marked the end of Lashley’s WWE journey.
MVP’s comments shed light on a broader conversation about Lashley’s abilities and WWE’s career decisions. “You could definitely make the case that with Bobby it’s about age. You want to go with fresh and younger talent, I get that. How do you take Bobby completely out of the title picture?” MVP asked during the virtual signing ceremony. He also emphasized that although Lashley is nearing the end of his career, he is still a formidable presence in the wrestling world.
Criticism of MVP has focused on what he sees as a missed opportunity by WWE. “He still looks better than everybody on the roster. He’s in better shape than everybody on the roster. He can literally kick everybody’s ass on the roster.” According to MVP, Lashley’s physical prowess and veteran experience could have been strategically leveraged by WWE, particularly in light of other high-profile departures like Brock Lesnar’s. “If you lost Brock, why wouldn’t you stick Bobby in that spot?” MVP argued, highlighting Lashley’s capability as a powerful replacement for Lesnar’s position. He drew a parallel between Lashley and Lesnar, relating to Lashley as “Black Brock” and suggesting that his presence might have been a considerable asset to WWE.
MVP also touched upon a debatable decision with the aid of WWE to disband The Hurt Business. Plans to reunite the faction have been reportedly in motion before being unexpectedly canceled. MVP’s discontent with this choice underscores his notion that WWE neglected an possibility to capitalize on a famous and powerful organization. The dissolution of The Hurt Business has been a factor of competition amongst lovers and critics, and MVP’s comments add weight to the argument that WWE’s coping with of its talent might have been extra strategic.
The effect of MVP’s critique resonates beyond the wrestling network, because it increases questions on WWE’s selection-making strategies and its approach to dealing with veteran talent. Lashley’s go out from WWE, coupled with MVP’s public criticism, highlights a broader debate about how wrestling promotions balance the usage of skilled stars with the push of more recent skills.
As the wrestling international continues to evolve, the highlight on figures like Bobby Lashley and the strategic selections made through WWE will continue to be a topic of severe scrutiny. The destiny of wrestling and the roles performed by way of its stars are continuously transferring, and MVP’s feedback offer a crucial attitude on how these dynamics are controlled.
H/t to Fightful
