Shelton Benjamin reveals AEW contract length, praises Kyle Fletcher & Komander
Hurt Syndicate member Shelton Benjamin will be with AEW for at least the next few years.
During an appearance on the Huge Pop podcast with Donnie DaSilva and former WWE referee Jimmy Korderas, Benjamin responded “three years” when asked how long he’s signed to AEW for. Benjamin debuted for the promotion in October 2024 and currently holds the AEW Tag Team titles with Bobby Lashley.
Benjamin & Lashley retained their belts over Big Bill & Bryan Keith at AEW’s Dynasty pay-per-view last weekend. The former Hurt Business (Benjamin, Lashley & MVP) has reunited in AEW — and Cedric Alexander recently expressed interest in joining his old stablemates as well now that he’s been released by WWE. Benjamin played coy when Huge Pop asked about a potential reunion with Alexander.
“If I were a betting man? I feel like I’m the house so I can’t reveal [laughs],” Benjamin responded.
The 49-year-old Benjamin had praise for all of the talent in AEW but named Kyle Fletcher and Komander as two people he sees potential in and would like to mentor outside the ring. Benjamin compared them to his former WWE co-workers Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio.
“Number one: Kyle Fletcher. When I look at Kyle Fletcher, his work, his attitude, and even how in the last few weeks he’s actually gotten — he’s kind of bulked up a little. He doesn’t look like a kid from two years ago. I get Randy Orton vibes from Kyle Fletcher,” Benjamin said. “I think he has that kind of potential, and my match with him only solidified that.
“So he’s number one on my, ‘This is the guy you want to build your company around.’ Another guy I’m really, I’m a huge fan of him. I definitely think he needs to learn more American psychology, but for what I’ve done with him, he was amazing: Komander. I feel like Komander has the ability to be the next Rey Mysterio.”
Fletcher defeated Benjamin when they faced off in the 2024 Continental Classic , while Benjamin defeated Komander when they faced off last November.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.