With the 90-day WWE non-compete clause behind him, wrestling veteran Shelton Benjamin is ready to make his triumphant return to the ring. Having spent over two decades in the wrestling business, Benjamin is no stranger to competition. During his time in the Stamford-based promotion, the 48-year-old has achieved numerous accolades, including winning the United States Championship, Intercontinental Championship, RAW Tag Team Championship, and even the 24/7 Championship.
On September 21st, Benjamin was unfortunately let go by World Wrestling Entertainment, along with several other talented individuals such as Matt Riddle, Mustafa Ali, Dolph Ziggler, Top Dolla, and Riddick Moss. However, with their non-compete clauses now expired, all these seasoned performers are officially free agents and ready to embark on their next chapter.
Shelton Benjamin wasted no time in announcing his grand comeback to the world of wrestling. Making use of his trademark humor, the former WWE Superstar released a hilarious video dubbing over a scene from Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, showcasing his larger-than-life personality. In a recent social media post, Benjamin wrote, It’s been fun actually having time to focus on me and enjoy the many fruits of my labors. But all good things must end so time to strap up my boots and get back in the game. Big adventures ahead #justdowork.
In addition to Benjamin, another notable wrestler affected by the cutbacks in September was Matt Riddle. However, like Benjamin, Riddle’s non-compete clause has also come to an end, leading to his exciting announcement. The Original Bro wasted no time in securing his future as he revealed his signing with Major League Wrestling (MLW). Set to reignite his passion for wrestling, Riddle has already set his sights on a thrilling match on January 6th. The former RAW Tag Team Champion will go head-to-head with the formidable Samoan powerhouse, Jacob Fatu, at the highly anticipated King of Colosseum pay-per-view.
But the excitement doesn’t end there. Mustafa Ali, yet another name among the WWE releases, has revealed his plans for a 2024 World Tour Campaign. Ali teased fans by mentioning potential matchups against Matt Cardona, Will Ospreay, and Swerve Strickland, among others, as part of his worldwide tour.
With these remarkable talents ready to carve their paths in the wrestling world once again, fans can expect a whirlwind of action, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments in the months to come. As they step out of the shadow of the WWE and explore new opportunities, the future looks bright for Shelton Benjamin, Matt Riddle, Mustafa Ali, and their fellow released colleagues.
Wrestling enthusiasts around the globe eagerly await the next chapter of these incredible athletes’ careers, as they demonstrate their unyielding passion for the sport they love. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a thrilling ride as these free agents prepare to dominate the ring once again.
