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Franklin Roberto "Bobby" Lashley (born July 16, 1976) is an American
professional wrestler Professional wrestling is a form of theater that revolves around staged wrestling matches. The mock combat is performed in a ring similar to the kind used in boxing, and the dramatic aspects of pro wrestling may be performed both in the ring or ...
and
mixed martial artist Mixed martial arts (MMA), sometimes referred to as cage fighting, no holds barred (NHB), and ultimate fighting, and originally referred to as Vale Tudo is a full-contact combat sport based on striking, grappling and ground fighting, incorpo ...
. He is currently signed to
WWE World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., d/b/a as WWE, is an American professional wrestling promotion. A global integrated media and entertainment company, WWE has also branched out into other fields, including film, American football, and var ...
, where he performs on the
SmackDown ''WWE SmackDown'', also known as ''Friday Night SmackDown'' or simply ''SmackDown'', is an American professional wrestling television program produced by WWE that as of currently airs live every Friday at 8 p.m. ET on Fox. Fox Deportes si ...
brand A brand is a name, term, design, symbol or any other feature that distinguishes one seller's good or service from those of other sellers. Brands are used in business, marketing, and advertising for recognition and, importantly, to create a ...
. He is an eight-time
world champion A world championship is generally an international competition open to elite competitors from around the world, representing their nations, and winning such an event will be considered the highest or near highest achievement in the sport, game, ...
, having been a two-time
WWE Champion The WWE Championship is a world heavyweight championship created and promoted by the American professional wrestling promotion WWE, representing the Raw brand division. It is one of two world titles on WWE's main roster, alongside SmackDown' ...
, two-time ECW World Champion, and four-time
TNA World Heavyweight Champion The Impact World Championship is a professional wrestling world championship created and promoted by Impact Wrestling. It is the promotion's principal championship. Like most professional wrestling championships, the title is won via the result o ...
. Lashley is also known for his mixed martial arts (MMA) career in
Bellator MMA Bellator MMA (formerly Bellator Fighting Championships) is an American mixed martial arts promotion founded in 2008 and based in Santa Monica, California, owned and operated as a subsidiary of television and media conglomerate Paramount Glob ...
and Strikeforce. Lashley debuted in WWE in 2005, appearing on the SmackDown brand where he became a one-time United States Champion. After being drafted to the
ECW brand ECW was a brand of the American professional wrestling promotion World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) that was established in May 2006 and discontinued in February 2010. Brands are divisions of WWE's roster where wrestlers are assigned to perform o ...
the following year, Lashley became a two-time ECW World Champion, the first African-American to hold the championship. During this time, he had a high-profile rivalry with company chairman
Vince McMahon Vincent Kennedy McMahon (; born August 24, 1945) is an American media proprietor and retired professional wrestling promoter, executive, and performer. From 1982 to 2022, he served as the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of WWE, the ...
, which included representing
Donald Trump Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946) is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Trump graduated from the Wharton School of the University of ...
in the "Battle of the Billionaires" at
WrestleMania 23 WrestleMania 23 was the 23rd annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw, SmackDown!, and ECW brand divisions. The eve ...
, before leaving the company in 2008. He subsequently pursued a career in MMA and had his first professional fight in December 2008. After amassing a career record of 10–2, he signed with Bellator MMA in 2014 where he won all five of his career bouts from 2014 to 2016. In 2009, Lashley began appearing in professional wrestling promotion TNA (later renamed to Impact), where he became a four-time TNA/Impact World Heavyweight Champion and the first African-American to hold that championship. He was also a one-time X Division Champion and the
final Final, Finals or The Final may refer to: * Final (competition), the last or championship round of a sporting competition, match, game, or other contest which decides a winner for an event ** Another term for playoffs, describing a sequence of con ...
King of the Mountain Champion. After returning to WWE in 2018, he was assigned to the Raw brand, becoming a two-time
Intercontinental Champion A champion (from the late Latin ''campio'') is the victor in a challenge, contest or competition. There can be a territorial pyramid of championships, e.g. local, regional / provincial, state, national, continental and world championships, a ...
and winning a second and third United States Championship. He then won the
WWE Championship The WWE Championship is a world heavyweight championship created and promoted by the American professional wrestling promotion WWE, representing the Raw brand division. It is one of two world titles on WWE's main roster, alongside SmackDo ...
twice, becoming the third African-American to hold the WWE Championship (after The Rock and
Kofi Kingston Kofi Nahaje Sarkodie-Mensah (born August 14, 1981) is a Ghanaian-born American professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs on the NXT brand under the ring name Kofi Kingston. He appeared on WWE's NXT brand as one- ...
). He has headlined multiple
pay-per-view Pay-per-view (PPV) is a type of pay television or webcast service that enables a viewer to pay to watch individual events via private telecast. Events can be purchased through a multichannel television platform using their electronic program g ...
(PPV) events for WWE and TNA/Impact, including the 2016 edition of the latter's flagship event, Bound for Glory. He is also one of the two wrestlers to have won the WWE, ECW, and TNA/Impact world championships, the other being
Rob Van Dam Robert Alexander Szatkowski (born December 18, 1970) is an American professional wrestler and actor better known by his ring name Rob Van Dam (frequently abbreviated to RVD). He is best known for his tenures in Extreme Championship Wrestling ...
. Lashley is the only wrestler to have multiple reigns with the aforementioned championships.


Early life

Franklin Roberto Lashley was born in
Junction City, Kansas Junction City is a city in and the county seat of Geary County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 22,932. Fort Riley, a major U.S. Army post, is nearby. History Junction City is so named from its ...
, on July 16, 1976, the son of a
U.S. Army The United States Army (USA) is the land service branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is one of the eight U.S. uniformed services, and is designated as the Army of the United States in the U.S. Constitution.Article II, section 2, cl ...
drill sergeant A drill instructor is a non-commissioned officer in the armed forces, fire department, or police forces with specific duties that vary by country. Foot drill, military step, and marching are typically taught by drill instructors. Australia ...
. Lashley is of
Panamanian Panamanians (Spanish: ''Panameños'') are people identified with Panama, a transcontinental country in Central America (a region within North America) and South America, whose connection may be residential, legal, historical, or cultural. For ...
descent. He grew up in a single parent household with a mother who barely spoke English and struggled to secure a good job. He has three older sisters, one of whom is still on active service in the
U.S. Air Force The United States Air Force (USAF) is the air service branch of the United States Armed Forces, and is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. Originally created on 1 August 1907, as a part of the United States Army Sign ...
as of 2015. The family occasionally moved from one military base to another. While his father was stationed at
Fort Riley Fort Riley is a United States Army installation located in North Central Kansas, on the Kansas River, also known as the Kaw, between Junction City and Manhattan. The Fort Riley Military Reservation covers 101,733 acres (41,170 ha) in G ...
in
Kansas Kansas () is a state in the Midwestern United States. Its capital is Topeka, and its largest city is Wichita. Kansas is a landlocked state bordered by Nebraska to the north; Missouri to the east; Oklahoma to the south; and Colorado to ...
, Lashley attended Fort Riley Middle School, where he was introduced to amateur wrestling in
seventh grade Seventh grade (or grade seven) is a year or level of education. The seventh grade is the eighth school year, the second or third year of middle school, and the first year of junior high school. Students are around 13-14 years old in this stage of ...
as an off-season alternative to football. He later graduated from Junction City High School, where he continued to wrestle. He attended
Missouri Valley College Missouri Valley College is a private college that is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and located in Marshall, Missouri. The college was founded in 1889 and supports 40 academic majors and an enrollment close to 1,500 students. Misso ...
, where he was the
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) established in 1940, is a college athletics association for colleges and universities in North America. Most colleges and universities in the NAIA offer athletic scholarships to its stud ...
(NAIA) National Wrestling Champion in the 177 lbs category in 1996, 1997, and 1998, and graduated in 1999 with a
bachelor's degree A bachelor's degree (from Middle Latin ''baccalaureus'') or baccalaureate (from Modern Latin ''baccalaureatus'') is an undergraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study lasting three to six ...
in human-service agency management and recreation administration. He followed his father into the United States Army after college, and continued to compete in amateur wrestling in the army's
World Class Athlete Program The U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) is a military unit whose primary mission is to support nationally and internationally ranked soldiers in participating on the U.S. Olympic team. The program is headquartered at Fort Carson, Colorad ...
. During three years in the Army, he won a gold and silver medal in the
International Military Sports Council The International Military Sports Council (IMSC) or Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM), is an international sports association, established in 1948 and headquartered in Brussels. It is the world's second-largest multi-discipline sport ...
senior freestyle wrestling event. In 2003, while living and training in
Colorado Springs Colorado Springs is a home rule municipality in, and the county seat of, El Paso County, Colorado, United States. It is the largest city in El Paso County, with a population of 478,961 at the 2020 United States Census, a 15.02% increase since ...
with the goal of qualifying for
Team USA The United States national team or Team USA may refer to any of a number of sports team representing the United States in international competitions. Olympic teams Additionally, these teams may compete in other international competitions such as ...
to wrestle at the
2004 Olympic Games The 2004 Summer Olympics ( el, Θερινοί Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες 2004, ), officially the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad ( el, Αγώνες της 28ης Ολυμπιάδας, ) and also known as Athens 2004 ( el, Αθήνα 2004), ...
, Lashley witnessed a bank robbery and was forced to dive for cover to avoid gunfire; this resulted in a knee injury that required surgery, ending his amateur career.


Professional wrestling career


World Wrestling Entertainment (2005–2008)


Undefeated streak (2005–2006)

In January 2005, Lashley made his debut for
Ohio Valley Wrestling Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) is an American professional wrestling promotion and former developmental promotion based in Louisville, Kentucky. The company is currently run by Al Snow and Matt Jones and Louisville mayor elect, Craig Greenberg. ...
a WWE developmental territory working as Blaster Lashley. In mid-2005, Lashley appeared at four live events for
World Wrestling Entertainment World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., d/b/a as WWE, is an American professional wrestling promotion. A global integrated media and entertainment company, WWE has also branched out into other fields, including film, American football, and va ...
(WWE), wrestling in
dark match Professional wrestling has accrued a considerable amount of jargon throughout its existence. Much of it stems from the industry's origins in the days of carnivals and circuses. In the past, professional wrestlers used such terms in the presence o ...
es for both Raw and
SmackDown! ''WWE SmackDown'', also known as ''Friday Night SmackDown'' or simply ''SmackDown'', is an American professional wrestling television program produced by WWE that as of currently airs live every Friday at 8 p.m. ET on Fox. Fox Deportes simulc ...
. On September 23, 2005, he made his televised debut as a
face The face is the front of an animal's head that features the eyes, nose and mouth, and through which animals express many of their emotions. The face is crucial for human identity, and damage such as scarring or developmental deformities may aff ...
on ''
SmackDown! ''WWE SmackDown'', also known as ''Friday Night SmackDown'' or simply ''SmackDown'', is an American professional wrestling television program produced by WWE that as of currently airs live every Friday at 8 p.m. ET on Fox. Fox Deportes simulc ...
'' under his real name, and was introduced as a three-time National Amateur Wrestling Champion, four-time All-American, two-time Armed Forces Champion, and a 2002 Silver Medalist at the Military World Championship. In his first match, he defeated
Simon Dean Michael Bucci (born June 5, 1972) is an American retired professional wrestler. Bucci is best known for his appearances in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) as Nova, Super Nova, and "Hollywood" Nova and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) a ...
, whom he also defeated in his
pay-per-view Pay-per-view (PPV) is a type of pay television or webcast service that enables a viewer to pay to watch individual events via private telecast. Events can be purchased through a multichannel television platform using their electronic program g ...
debut at No Mercy on October 9. On the November 11 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Lashley defeated
Orlando Jordan Orlando Ruben Jordan (born April 21, 1974) is an actor/stuntman and retired American professional wrestler. He is best known for his tenure in WWE on its SmackDown brand, where he was a one-time United States Champion and for his time with Impac ...
in a qualifying match for a place on Team SmackDown! at
Survivor Series Survivor Series is a professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event, produced annually since 1987 by WWE, the world's largest professional wrestling promotion. Held in November generally the week of Thanksgiving, it is the s ...
on November 27, where he was the first to be eliminated, but his team eventually won the match. On January 6, 2006, Lashley became the first SmackDown! wrestler to qualify for that year's
Royal Rumble The Royal Rumble is a professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event, produced annually since 1988 by WWE, the world's largest professional wrestling promotion. It is named after the Royal Rumble match, a modified battle r ...
. At the Royal Rumble on January 29, Lashley was the eighth wrestler to enter the match, in which he eliminated
Sylvain Sylvain is the French form of Silvanus. It may refer to: People *Sylvain Archambault, Canadian director *Sylvain Bied (1965–2011), French footballer and manager *Sylvain Cappell (born 1946), American mathematician *Sylvain Chavanel (born 1979), ...
, but was eliminated by the combination of Raw's then World Tag Team Champions
Big Show Paul Donald Wight II (born February 8, 1972) is an American professional wrestler and actor. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as an in-ring performer, and as a commentator for its web television show, '' AEW Dark: Elevation,'' under ...
and Kane. Following the Royal Rumble, Lashley began a
feud A feud , referred to in more extreme cases as a blood feud, vendetta, faida, clan war, gang war, or private war, is a long-running argument or fight, often between social groups of people, especially families or clans. Feuds begin because one pa ...
with
John "Bradshaw" Layfield John Charles Layfield (born November 29, 1966), better known by the ring name John "Bradshaw" Layfield (abbreviated to JBL), is an American retired professional wrestler and football player. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs on th ...
(JBL), leading up to a match at No Way Out on February 19, where Lashley suffered his first loss in singles competition, largely due to interference from
Finlay Finlay is a masculine given name, and also a surname. The given name is represented in Scottish Gaelic as Fionnlagh. Given name Finlay *Finlay Mickel, Scottish skier *Finlay Currie (1878–1968), Scottish actor *Finlay Calder, Scottish rugby pl ...
. This prompted a feud between Lashley and Finlay, which lasted throughout February and March, and it notably included a
lumberjack match Many types of wrestling matches, sometimes called "concept" or "gimmick matches" in the jargon of the business, are performed in professional wrestling. Some gimmick matches are more common than others and are often used to advance or conclude a ...
on the March 17 episode of ''SmackDown!'', which Finlay won after using a
shillelagh A shillelagh ( ; ga, sail éille or , "thonged willow") is a wooden walking stick and club or cudgel, typically made from a stout knotty blackthorn stick with a large knob at the top. It is associated with Ireland and Irish folklore. Other ...
. After winning a "Last Chance"
battle royal Battle royal (; also royale) traditionally refers to a fight involving many combatants that is fought until only one fighter remains standing, usually conducted under either boxing or wrestling rules. In recent times, the term has been used in a ...
on the March 24 episode of ''SmackDown!'' by lastly eliminating MNM, Lashley competed at his first
WrestleMania WrestleMania is a professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event held annually between mid-March and mid-April by WWE, the world's largest professional wrestling promotion. Since premiering in 1985, 37 editions followed, ...
(
WrestleMania 22 WrestleMania 22 was the 22nd annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw and SmackDown! brand divisions. The event too ...
) in the
Money in the Bank ladder match The Money in the Bank ladder match is a multi-person ladder match held by the professional wrestling promotion WWE. First contested at WWE's annual WrestleMania event beginning in 2005, a separate Money in the Bank pay-per-view was establish ...
on April 2 – which was won by
Rob Van Dam Robert Alexander Szatkowski (born December 18, 1970) is an American professional wrestler and actor better known by his ring name Rob Van Dam (frequently abbreviated to RVD). He is best known for his tenures in Extreme Championship Wrestling ...
. Lashley next entered ''SmackDown!''s 2006
King of the Ring tournament The King of the Ring tournament is a men's professional wrestling single-elimination tournament held periodically by WWE, a Connecticut-based professional wrestling promotion. Established in 1985, the winner of the inaugural tournament was Don ...
, making it to the finals as he defeated
Mark Henry Mark Jerrold Henry (born June 12, 1971) is an American former powerlifter, Olympic weightlifter, strongman, and professional wrestler currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a commentator/analyst, coach, and talent scout. He is b ...
and Finlay. However, in the final round – held at
Judgment Day The Last Judgment, Final Judgment, Day of Reckoning, Day of Judgment, Judgment Day, Doomsday, Day of Resurrection or The Day of the Lord (; ar, یوم القيامة, translit=Yawm al-Qiyāmah or ar, یوم الدین, translit=Yawm ad-Dīn, ...
on May 21 – he was defeated by
Booker T Booker T or Booker T. may refer to * Booker T. Washington (1856–1915), African American political leader at the turn of the 20th century ** List of things named after Booker T. Washington, some nicknamed "Booker T." * Booker T. Jones (born 1944 ...
with help from Finlay. As Booker was being crowned during his coronation, Lashley speared Booker into the throne. These acts developed into a feud with the newly named "King Booker" and the other members of his court ( Queen Sharmell, Finlay, and
William Regal Darren Kenneth Matthews (born 10 May 1968), better known by the ring name William Regal, is an English retired professional wrestler. He is known for his over 20 years spent in WWE, as both a performer and an on-screen authority, and for his t ...
). During this feud, Lashley won his first professional wrestling championship by defeating JBL for the United States Championship on the May 26 episode of ''SmackDown!'', which he lost to Finlay a little less than two months later on the July 14 episode of ''SmackDown!''. Shortly after losing the title, a physician declared Lashley unable to compete, stating that during an annual exam, Lashley was found to have elevated enzymes of the liver and therefore, would not be cleared to wrestle until further evaluation. Lashley returned a couple of weeks later to the ''SmackDown!'' roster to continue his feud with the Court and went on to earn his first match for the World Heavyweight Championship at No Mercy on October 8 against King Booker. The bout was subsequently turned into a four-way bout, also including
Batista Batista is a Spanish or Portuguese surname. Notable persons with the name include: * Batista (footballer, born 1955), Brazilian football player * Dave Bautista, American actor and professional wrestler, also known as Batista * Edina Alves Batis ...
and Booker's ally, Finlay. King Booker won the match after pinning Finlay.


ECW World Champion, injury and departure (2006–2008)

On November 14, 2006, Lashley moved to the
ECW ECW may refer to: Professional wrestling * Extreme Championship Wrestling (originally Eastern Championship Wrestling), a professional wrestling promotion that operated from 1992 to 2001 * The Alliance (professional wrestling) (originally the WCW/E ...
brand. He debuted on the brand by making a surprise appearance to sign a contract for the final spot in the Extreme Elimination Chamber match for the
ECW World Championship The ECW World Heavyweight Championship was a professional wrestling world heavyweight championship originally used in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and later, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It was the original world title of the ECW ...
at
December to Dismember December to Dismember was a professional wrestling event. It was first held by the former Extreme Championship Wrestling promotion in 1995 as a non-televised supercard. After World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) acquired the assets of the former pr ...
. At December to Dismember on December 3, Lashley was the fifth person released into the match, eliminating both
Test Test(s), testing, or TEST may refer to: * Test (assessment), an educational assessment intended to measure the respondents' knowledge or other abilities Arts and entertainment * ''Test'' (2013 film), an American film * ''Test'' (2014 film), ...
and The Big Show by
pinfall In wrestling, a pin is achieved by holding an opponent's shoulders to the mat for a three count. Pinfall is the term used in professional wrestling which is a way to win the match for that person or team. Background A pinfall is a victory condi ...
after a
spear A spear is a pole weapon consisting of a shaft, usually of wood, with a pointed head. The head may be simply the sharpened end of the shaft itself, as is the case with fire hardened spears, or it may be made of a more durable material fasten ...
to become the new ECW World Champion, thus making him the first African-American to win the title, as well as the third overall African-American world champion in WWE history. After winning the ECW World Championship, Lashley then had successful title defenses against the likes of Big Show, Rob Van Dam, Test,
Hardcore Holly Robert William Howard (born January 29, 1963) is an American professional wrestler, actor, and former auto racer and wrestling trainer/ host, better known by the ring name Hardcore Holly or Bob Holly. He is best known for his 16-year career wit ...
,
Kenny Dykstra Kenneth George Doane (born March 16, 1986) is an American retired professional wrestler signed to WWE as a producer and as a trainer at the WWE Performance Center. During his past time in WWE, he was known as Kenny Dykstra and Kenny as a member ...
, and
Mr. Kennedy Kenneth Anderson (born March 6, 1976) is an American professional wrestler. Anderson is known for his tenure with WWE from 2005 to 2009 under the ring name Mr. Kennedy, and his work in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling as Mr. Anderson from 2010 to 2 ...
. On the March 19, 2007, episode of ''Raw'', Lashley officially became the first and only person to ever break
Chris Masters Christopher Todd Mordetzky (born January 8, 1983) is an American professional wrestler, currently signed to National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) under the ring name Chris Adonis as a member of Strictly Business. He is a former two-time National ...
' Masterlock hold ( Swinging full nelson) and thus the first and only person to ever defeat the Masterlock Challenge. In early 2007, Lashley was selected by
Donald Trump Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946) is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Trump graduated from the Wharton School of the University of ...
to represent him in a "Battle of the Billionaires" match, against
Vince McMahon Vincent Kennedy McMahon (; born August 24, 1945) is an American media proprietor and retired professional wrestling promoter, executive, and performer. From 1982 to 2022, he served as the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of WWE, the ...
's representative, Umaga, which also featured Vince's long time adversary
Stone Cold Steve Austin Steve Austin (born Steven James Anderson; December 18, 1964), better known by his ring name "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, is an American media personality, actor, and retired professional wrestler. Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most ...
as the guest referee. At
WrestleMania 23 WrestleMania 23 was the 23rd annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw, SmackDown!, and ECW brand divisions. The eve ...
on April 1 in a Hair vs. Hair match, Lashley defeated Umaga and helped Trump and Austin shave McMahon's head afterwards in accordance with the match's losing stipulation, saving Donald Trump's hair from being shaved off. Lashley then feuded with Mr. McMahon, who booked himself, his son
Shane McMahon Shane Brandon McMahon (; born January 15, 1970) is an American businessman and professional wrestler. He is best known for his tenure in WWE, where he was a wrestler, producer and minority owner. He is the founder and executive chairman of Ide ...
, and Umaga in a 3-on-1
handicap match Many types of wrestling matches, sometimes called "concept" or "gimmick matches" in the jargon of the business, are performed in professional wrestling. Some gimmick matches are more common than others and are often used to advance or conclude a ...
against Lashley at
Backlash Backlash may refer to: Literature * '' Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women'', a 1991 book by Susan Faludi * ''Backlash'' (Star Wars novel), a 2010 novel by Aaron Allston * Backlash (Marc Slayton), comic book character * ''Backl ...
on April 29 for the ECW World Championship. After two high impact diving splashes from Umaga, Mr. McMahon tagged himself into the match and pinned Lashley to win the title. Lashley legitimately injured his shoulder during the match and after an examination days later, it was revealed he had a damaged
rotator cuff The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and their tendons that act to stabilize the human shoulder and allow for its extensive range of motion. Of the seven scapulohumeral muscles, four make up the rotator cuff. The four muscles are the supraspi ...
but would not need surgery at the time. At
Judgment Day The Last Judgment, Final Judgment, Day of Reckoning, Day of Judgment, Judgment Day, Doomsday, Day of Resurrection or The Day of the Lord (; ar, یوم القيامة, translit=Yawm al-Qiyāmah or ar, یوم الدین, translit=Yawm ad-Dīn, ...
on May 20, Lashley defeated Vince, Shane, and Umaga in a 3-on-1 handicap rematch, but did not win the title as he pinned Shane instead of Vince; as a result, Mr. McMahon retained the title. On June 3 at
One Night Stand A one-night stand or one-night sex is a single sexual encounter in which there is an expectation that there shall be no further relations between the sexual participants. It draws its name from the common practice of a one-night stand, a single ...
, Lashley defeated Vince McMahon in a street fight to win the ECW World Championship for a second reign despite interference by Shane McMahon and Umaga in the match, making Lashley the first man to win the ECW World Championship twice since WWE reactivated the title. On the June 11 episode of ''Raw'', Lashley was drafted to the Raw brand as part of the 2007 WWE draft. As a result of the move, Lashley was stripped of the ECW World Championship by Vince McMahon. He took place in a challenge match against
Mick Foley Michael Francis Foley (born June 7, 1965) is an American actor, author, retired professional wrestler, and color commentator. He is currently signed to WWE under the company's Legends program, acting as a company ambassador. Foley worked for ...
,
Randy Orton Randal Keith Orton (born April 1, 1980) is an American professional wrestler and actor who is signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw brand but is currently out of action due to a back injury. He is widely regarded as one of the grea ...
, King Booker and John Cena for the WWE World Championship, WWE Championship at Vengeance: Night of Champions on June 24, which Cena won to retain the title. Lashley became the number one contender for the WWE Championship by winning the "Professional wrestling match types#Beat the Clock challenge, Beat the Clock" challenge on the July 2 episode of ''Raw''. On July 22 at The Great American Bash (2007), The Great American Bash, he lost to Cena and after the match, they shook hands as a sign of respect. On the July 30 episode of ''Raw'', Lashley was defeated by Ken Anderson (wrestler), Mr. Kennedy. During the match, Lashley was "injured" after Mr. Kennedy kicked Lashley's shoulder into the ring steps, allowing Lashley to have time off for surgery for the legitimate injury he suffered at The Great American Bash. After a six-month hiatus, WWE announced that Lashley was released from his WWE contract on February 4, 2008.


Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Independent circuit (2008)

After leaving WWE, Lashley began wrestling on the independent circuit in May 2008. In June 2008, he appeared in Mexico at Lucha Libre AAA World Wide's flagship event, Triplemanía XVI, where he, Kenzo Suzuki, and Electroshock (wrestler), Electroshock defeated Chessman (wrestler), Chessman, César Cuauhtémoc González, Silver King, and La Parka, Jr.. In July 2008, Lashley wrestled in Puerto Rico at the World Wrestling Council's 35th anniversary show, defeating Rhyno, Rhino. In August 2008, Lashley appeared in Japan for Antonio Inoki's Inoki Genome Federation, defeating Sylvester Terkay, The Predator.


Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2009–2010)

Lashley made an appearance at Impact Wrestling, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's Lockdown (2009), Lockdown pay-per-view event on April 19, 2009, and he also later appeared on that week's episode of ''TNA Impact!'', both times pointing and smiling at The Main Event Mafia, thus appearing as a heel (professional wrestling), heel. On July 15, TNA announced that he had signed an official contract with the company. On July 23, Kurt Angle introduced Lashley as the newest member of the Main Event Mafia. Lashley entered the ring and hugged Angle while the rest of the Mafia held a beaten and battered Mick Foley upright. Angle then told Lashley to finish off Foley but as Lashley prepared to spear Foley, he turned on Angle and cleared the Mafia from the ring, thus making him a face. On the July 30 edition of ''Impact!'', Lashley made his in-ring debut for TNA in a tag team match as he and Mick Foley wrestled against TNA World Heavyweight Championship, World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle and TNA Global Championship, Legends Champion Kevin Nash, where if Angle or Nash was pinned, whoever defeated them would win their respective title. It started out as a handicap match due to the Main Event Mafia attacking Lashley before the match, but Lashley entered the match and helped Mick Foley pin Nash to win the match for his team and become the Legends Champion. On the edition of August 27 of ''Impact!'', Jeremy Borash interviewed him and TNA President Dixie Carter (wrestling), Dixie Carter in which she said their goal was to make him a World Champion in both MMA and TNA. At No Surrender (2009), No Surrender on September 20, he beat Rhino (wrestler), Rhino with a knockout punch. After No Surrender, Lashley began a feud with Samoa Joe. After teaming with Dudley Boyz, Team 3D in a winning effort against Rhino and The British Invasion (professional wrestling), The British Invasion (Doug Williams (wrestler), Doug Williams and Nick Aldis, Brutus Magnus) on the edition of October 1 of ''Impact!'', Joe assaulted Lashley and choked him out with a rear naked choke. The following week, Lashley cost Joe the TNA X Division Championship, X Division Championship in a match against Amazing Red. At Bound for Glory (2009), Bound for Glory on October 18, Lashley defeated Joe in a submission match. At Turning Point (2009 wrestling), Turning Point on November 15, Lashley's winning streak came to an end when Scott Steiner pinned him in a Falls Count Anywhere match following a shot with a steel pipe. On November 26, Lashley defeated Abyss (wrestler), Abyss, Nigel McGuinness, Desmond Wolfe, and Robert Roode to win the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling tournaments#TNA Championship Series, TNA Championship Series tournament and earn himself a future World Heavyweight Title shot. At Final Resolution (2009), Final Resolution on December 20, Lashley avenged his prior loss and defeated Steiner in a Last Man Standing match with a pipeshot. On January 4, 2010, the Monday night edition of ''Impact!'', Lashley and Kristal turned heel after requesting their immediate releases from TNA in order for Lashley to fully concentrate on his MMA career. Lashley went on to attack random wrestlers until he was granted what he wanted. On the January 21 episode of ''Impact!'', Lashley suddenly apologized to new executive producer Eric Bischoff for his actions, saying he just wanted to compete, but was nevertheless fired by him the following week. This was Lashley's last TNA appearance until 2014. On February 10, 2010, Lashley's profile was removed from the official TNA website. In an interview with Heavy Sports, Lashley claimed that the release was legitimate and had been done in order for him to fully focus on his MMA career.


Return to Japan and Independent circuit (2010–2014)

Lashley returned to Japan on September 25, 2010, for a tag-team match with Bob Sapp against Kendo Kashin and Tamon Honda. Bob and Bobby were defeated. Since then Lashey regularly performs in IGF. In 2011, he participated in the IGF Championship tournament. He won the first round match against Drew Hankinson, Keith Hanson, but was defeated in semifinals by Josh Barnett. On June 26, 2013, Lashley signed a two-year contract with IGF, after winning the promotion's general election. On October 20, 2012, Lashley wrestled Jay Bradley and Robert Anthony in a three-way match for the vacant Resistance Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Championship, which was won by Anthony. On December 27, 2014, Lashley defeated Mexx and Tiny Iron to win the IWS Heavyweight Championship.


Return to TNA/Impact Wrestling (2014–2018)


The Beat Down Clan (2014–2015)

On March 9, 2014, Lashley returned to TNA at Lockdown (2014), Lockdown in Miami, Florida, answering Ethan Carter III's open challenge after his scheduled opponent Kurt Angle could not wrestle due to an injury. On the March 20 episode of ''Impact Wrestling (TV series), Impact Wrestling'', Lashley and Carter had a rematch that once again ended in a no contest after an interference by Jeff Hardy, Willow attacking Carter. During his second stint with the company, Lashley alternatively went by either his full ring name or the shortened "Lashley" mononym. On the May 15 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Lashley made his return after running out to the aid of Eric Young (wrestler), Eric Young, but instead hit Young with a Professional wrestling attacks#Spear, spear and allying himself along with Montel Vontavious Porter, MVP and Kenny King (wrestler), Kenny King, turning heel in the process. At Slammiversary XII, Slammiversary on June 15, Lashley defeated Samoa Joe to earn the right to challenge Young for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in a steel cage match involving Austin Aries, but lost the match. Lashley defeated Young on the June 19 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'' to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, his first title in TNA, making him the first African American in TNA history to win the title, as well as his third world championship reign overall. He successfully defended the title on July 3 against Young. On June 25 (aired July 17), Lashley retained the title against Jeff Hardy. At ''Impact Wrestling'': Destination X (2014), Destination X on July 31, Lashley successfully defended the title against Austin Aries, who had forfeited the X Division Championship for a title shot. At No Surrender (2014), No Surrender on August 7 (aired September 17), Lashley successfully retained his title against Bobby Roode. On September 18, at the tapings for the October 28 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Lashley lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Roode. Lashley regained the championship on January 7, 2015, after interference from MVP, King, Samoa Joe and Low Ki, as well as Eric Young turning on Roode. On the June 3 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Lashley defeated Eric Young after Chris Melendez distracted Young. At Slammiversary (2015), Slammiversary on June 28, Lashley teamed with Mr. Anderson against Ethan Carter III and Brodus Clay, Tyrus in a losing effort. On the August 12 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Lashley defeated Jessie Godderz in a qualifying match for the King of the Mountain match for the vacant TNA Television Championship, TNA King of the Mountain Championship, which was won by Justin Gabriel, PJ Black. On the August 26 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Lashley competed in a four-way match for a shot at King of the Mountain Championship, which was won by Bobby Roode. On the September 16 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Team TNA (Lashley, Drew Galloway, Davey Richards, Eddie Edwards (wrestler), Eddie Edwards and Bram (wrestler), Bram) defeated Team GFW (Jeff Jarrett, Eric Young, Chris Masters, Chris Mordetzky, Curt Hawkins, Brian Myers and Sonjay Dutt) in a Lethal Lockdown match. On October 4 at Bound for Glory (2015), Bound for Glory, Lashley unsuccessfully challenged Bobby Roode for the TNA King of the Mountain Championship. During October and November, Lashley began competing in the TNA World Title Series for the opportunity to win the vacant TNA World Heavyweight Championship, where he ended second in his block to successfully advance to round 16 where he defeated Drew Galloway to advance into the quarterfinals and Mahabali Shera to advance the semifinals, but he failed to qualify for the finals when he was defeated by the eventual winner Ethan Carter III.


Championship reigns (2016–2018)

On the March 8 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Lashley defeated Kurt Angle in Angle's farewell match with the company. After the match, he continued to assault Angle until he was run off by Drew Galloway, Eddie Edwards and Ethan Carter III, thus turning heel once again. The following week, Lashley attacked Josh Mathews and D'Angelo Dinero. On the March 22 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Lashley competed in a gauntlet match to determine the number one contender to the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, but he was eliminated by an interfering D'Angelo Dinero. On the April 5 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Lashley defeated Dinero in a street fight. On the May 3 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Lashley won a three-way match against Jeff Hardy and Mike Bennett (wrestler), Mike Bennett to earn a shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Drew Galloway. However, on the May 15 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Lashley failed to win the title in a lumberjack match after a disqualification. On June 12 at Slammiversary (2016), Slammiversary, Lashley finally defeated Galloway by knockout in a Tap Out or Knockout match, starting his third reign as the TNA World Heavyweight Champion. At Destination X (2016), Destination X on July 12, Lashley defended his title against Eddie Edwards with Edwards' X Division Championship also on the line. However, the match ended in a no contest when Mike Bennett and the debuting Moose (wrestler), Moose attacked him. On the July 21 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Lashley defeated Edwards in a Winner Take All Six Sides of Steel match to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship and win the X Division Championship. On the August 11 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Lashley defeated James Storm in to retain the TNA World Heavyweight and X Division Championships and win the TNA King of the Mountain Championship, after which he was confronted by TNA's newest acquisition Damien Sandow, Aron Rex, who observed Lashley from the ramp. On the October 3 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Lashley lost the Impact world title to Eddie Edwards. On the January 5 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Lashley failed to regain the championship in a three-way match also involving Ethan Carter III, after interference from Davey Richards. At TNA One Night Only#One Night Only: Live.21 2, One Night Only: Live! on January 6, Lashley defeated Richards. The following week, he defeated Ethan Carter III in a Last Man Standing match to become the number one contender to the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. At the Genesis (2017), Genesis episode special of ''Impact Wrestling'' on January 8 (aired January 27), Lashley defeated Edwards in a 30-Minute Iron Man match to win his fourth TNA World Heavyweight Championship. On the January 12 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', he successfully retained his title against fellow mixed martial artist Josh Barnett. On the March 2 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Lashley lost the TNA World Heavyweight Championship to Alberto El Patron. However, due to El Patron's controversial victory, the championship was returned to Lashley, leaving his title reign uninterrupted. He would however drop the title to El Patron on Slammiversary XV on July 2. After losing a number one contender's match to Matt Sydal at Destination X#2017, Destination X on August 17 and failing to recapture the title in a Gauntlet for the Gold match, Lashley announced that he was (Glossary of professional wrestling terms#K, kayfabe) quitting wrestling to focus on his MMA career. This went into a feud against Moose where American Top Team were involved. At Bound for Glory (2017), Bound for Glory on November 5, Lashley and King Mo defeated Moose and Stephan Bonnar in a Professional wrestling match types#Steel Cage match, Six Sides of Steel match. Throughout the first months of 2018, Lashley had small feuds with Ohio Versus Everything, oVe and Brian Cage, all of which were taped prior to his departure.


Return to WWE (2018–present)


Universal Championship pursuits (2018–2019)

On the April 9, 2018, episode of ''Raw'', the night after WrestleMania 34, Lashley made his return to
WWE World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., d/b/a as WWE, is an American professional wrestling promotion. A global integrated media and entertainment company, WWE has also branched out into other fields, including film, American football, and var ...
after a ten-year absence, becoming a member of the Raw brand once again, where he confronted and attacked Elias (wrestler), Elias with a chair. The first month of Lashley's return saw him in a number of tag-team matches, teaming with the likes of Braun Strowman, Bobby Roode, Finn Bálor, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns, all being in victorious efforts against the likes of Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Jinder Mahal, The Miz, Curtis Axel, and Bo Dallas. Lashley later teamed with Braun Strowman at Backlash (2018), Backlash on May 6 in a victorious effort against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Following Backlash, Lashley entered into a feud with Sami Zayn, culminating with Lashley facing Zayn in a victorious effort at Money in the Bank (2018), Money in the Bank on June 17. Lashley then entered a feud with Roman Reigns, where both men believed that they were the rightful challenger to the WWE Universal Championship, Universal Championship. This led to a match between the two at Extreme Rules (2018), Extreme Rules on July 15, where Lashley defeated Reigns. The following night on ''Raw'', two triple threat matches were set to determine who would face Universal Champion Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam (2018), SummerSlam on August 19, with Lashley and Reigns won their respective matches, setting up a number one contender's match between the two the following week, which Reigns won. On the September 17 episode of ''Raw'', Lashley introduced his new manager, Lio Rush. On the October 8 episode of ''Raw'', Lashley defeated Kevin Owens before viciously attacking him post-match, turning heel for the first time in his WWE career. At Survivor Series (2018), Survivor Series on November 18, which was won by Team Raw, Lashley was among the sole survivors along with Braun Strowman and Drew McIntyre. He then reignited his feud with Elias, which included a ladder match with a guitar hanging above the ring at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2018), TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs on December 16, which Lashley lost, but after the match used the guitar on Elias. This sparked a Professional wrestling match types#Miracle on 34th Street Fight, Miracle on the 34th Street Fight type of match between the two, in which Lashley was defeated by Elias.


Intercontinental Champion (2019–2020)

On the January 14, 2019, episode of ''Raw'', Lashley won the WWE Intercontinental Championship, Intercontinental Championship for the first time in his career, from Jon Moxley, Dean Ambrose in a triple threat match that also involved Seth Rollins, beginning his first title reign in WWE since June 2007. At Royal Rumble (2019), Royal Rumble on January 27, Lashley entered the Royal Rumble match as the 26th entrant, but was eliminated in thirteen seconds by the eventual winner Seth Rollins. At Elimination Chamber (2019), Elimination Chamber on February 17, Lashley lost his title to Finn Bálor in a handicap match also involving Lio Rush after Rush was pinned, ending his reign at 34 days. At Fastlane (2019), Fastlane on March 10, Lashley teamed with Baron Corbin and Drew McIntyre against The Shield (professional wrestling), The Shield in a losing effort. The following night on ''Raw'', Lashley defeated Finn Bálor following interference from Lio Rush, to capture the Intercontinental Championship, thus beginning his second reign. On the March 25 episode of ''Raw'', Lashley teamed with Jinder Mahal against Finn Bálor in a losing effort after Mahal was pinned, and as per the match stipulation, Bálor earned himself an Intercontinental Championship rematch against Lashley. At WrestleMania 35 on April 7, Lashley lost the title to Bálor, ending his reign at 27 days. At WWE The Shield's Final Chapter, The Shield's Final Chapter event on April 21, Lashley teamed with Baron Corbin and Drew McIntyre to face The Shield in a losing effort. Lashley then feuded with Braun Strowman, culminating in a match between the two at Super ShowDown (2019), Super ShowDown on June 7, which Lashley lost. On the June 17 episode of ''Raw'', Strowman eliminated Lashley from a fatal five-way elimination match for an opportunity at the United States Championship; Lashley in turn helped in getting Strowman eliminated. The following week, Lashley attacked Strowman after losing a tug of war match. A falls count anywhere match on the July 1 episode ended in a no contest after Strowman tackled Lashley through the LED video wall of the entrance and both were taken to a local hospital. Following this, the two were scheduled for a Last Man Standing Match at Extreme Rules (2019), Extreme Rules on July 14, which Lashley lost, thus ending their feud. Lashley returned on the September 30 episode of ''Raw'' by interrupting Rusev (wrestler), Rusev, and he and Lana (wrestler), Lana kissed, who is Rusev's wife. This started a feud with Rusev, where the pair tormented Rusev and were seen together in numerous romantic situations, including having a (storyline) marriage ceremony on the December 30 episode of ''Raw''. At TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2019), TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs on December 15, he defeated Rusev in a tables match after a distraction from Lana. On the February 17, 2020 episode of ''Raw'', Lashley teamed with Angel Garza to defeat Rusev and Humberto Carrillo, thus ending their feud. At Super ShowDown (2020), Super ShowDown on February 27, Lashley competed in the gauntlet match for the Tuwaiq Trophy, but failed to win as he was eliminated by R-Truth. On the second night of WrestleMania 36 on April 5, Lashley lost to Aleister Black.


WWE Champion (2020–2022)

On the May 11 episode of ''Raw'', Lashley aligned himself with MVP, enraging Lana. The following week on ''Raw'', they observed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre's match from the stage, and McIntyre stated he wanted to face Lashley at Backlash (2020), Backlash. At the event on June 14, Lashley failed to win the WWE Championship following interference from Lana. The following night on ''Raw'', Lashley blamed Lana for his loss at Backlash and asked for a divorce, ending their romantic storyline. On the June 22 episode of ''Raw'', Lashley attacked Apollo Crews and put him in his full nelson hold after he turned down MVP's offer to join them. Lashley and MVP were joined by Shelton Benjamin to create a stable known as The Hurt Business (professional wrestling), The Hurt Business as they feuded with Crews, with Cedric Alexander later being recruited. At Payback (2020), Payback on August 30, he defeated Crews to win his second United States Championship. Lashley retained the title at Clash of Champions (2020), Clash of Champions on September 27 against Crews, at Hell in a Cell (2020), Hell in a Cell on October 25 against Shane Thorne, Slapjack. At Survivor Series (2020), Survivor Series on November 22, Lashley defeated Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn in a champion vs. champion match. At Royal Rumble (2021), Royal Rumble on January 31, 2021, Lashley entered the Royal Rumble match but was eliminated by multiple wrestlers. At Elimination Chamber (2021), Elimination Chamber on February 21, he lost the title to Riddle in a triple threat match also involving John Morrison (wrestler), John Morrison, ending his second reign at 175 days. Later that night, Lashley attacked Drew McIntyre, allowing The Miz to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase to become
WWE Champion The WWE Championship is a world heavyweight championship created and promoted by the American professional wrestling promotion WWE, representing the Raw brand division. It is one of two world titles on WWE's main roster, alongside SmackDown' ...
. On the following episode of ''Raw'', Lashley's attack on McIntyre was revealed to be part of a deal he and MVP made with The Miz, then Lashley defeated Braun Strowman to become the number one contender for the WWE Championship. On the March 1 episode of ''Raw'', Lashley defeated The Miz in a lumberjack match to win the WWE Championship for the first time. On the March 8 episode of ''Raw'', Lashley retained the title against Miz. On the March 29 episode of ''Raw'', Lashley attacked Alexander and Benjamin due to them losing to McIntyre in a 2-on-1 handicap match, kicking them out of the faction. Lashley successfully defended the WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre on the second night of WrestleMania 37 on April 10, at WrestleMania Backlash on May 16 in a triple threat match also including Braun Strowman, and at Hell in a Cell (2021), Hell in a Cell on June 20 in a Hell in a Cell, Last Chance Hell in a Cell match, thus ending their feud. Lashley then feuded with
Kofi Kingston Kofi Nahaje Sarkodie-Mensah (born August 14, 1981) is a Ghanaian-born American professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs on the NXT brand under the ring name Kofi Kingston. He appeared on WWE's NXT brand as one- ...
where a match for the WWE Championship was made between the two at Money in the Bank (2021), Money in the Bank. At the event on July 18, he retained the title against Kingston. On the following episode of ''Raw'', Bill Goldberg, Goldberg made his return to challenge Lashley for the WWE Championship. Lashley declined the challenge at first, but on the August 2 episode of ''Raw,'' Lashley accepted Goldberg's challenge and the match would be made official for SummerSlam (2021), SummerSlam. At the event on August 21, Lashley retained the WWE Championship due to referee stoppage after Goldberg could no longer continue. On the September 13 episode of ''Raw'', after successfully defending the title against Randy Orton, Lashley lost the WWE Championship to Big E (wrestler), Big E who cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase, ending his reign at 196 days. At Extreme Rules (2021), Extreme Rules on September 26, Lashley teamed with AJ Styles and Omos to face The New Day in a losing effort. The following night on ''Raw'', Lashley faced Big E for the WWE Championship but the match ended in disqualification after Benjamin and Alexander helped Lashley fight off The New Day, seemingly reuniting The Hurt Business. WWE official Adam Pearce then issued a rematch to take place in a steel cage, where Big E defeated Lashley. On the October 4 episode of ''Raw'', Goldberg called out Lashley and in response, Lashley challenged Goldberg to a No Holds Barred match at Crown Jewel (2021), Crown Jewel. At the event on October 21, Goldberg defeated Lashley to end their feud. On the November 8 episode of ''Raw'', Lashley defeated Dominik Mysterio, taking his place on Team Raw in the Men's Survivor Series (2021), Survivor Series match. At Survivor Series on November 21, Lashley was eliminated via count out, but Team Raw still won with Seth Rollins being the sole survivor. On the December 13 episode of ''Raw'', he defeated Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, and WWE Champion Big E in the same night to be added to the triple threat match for the WWE Championship at WWE Day 1, Day 1, making it a fatal four-way match. At the event on January 1, 2022, he failed to win the title as Brock Lesnar got added to the match and won the title. He defeated Lesnar at the Royal Rumble (2022), Royal Rumble on January 29 to win his second WWE Championship, but lost it at Elimination Chamber (2022), Elimination Chamber on February 19 due to suffering a (kayfabe) concussion during the match.


United States Champion and various feuds (2022–2023)

On the March 28 episode of ''Raw'', Lashley made his return from injury, responding to the demonstration of dominance by Omos, setting up a match between the two at WrestleMania 38, turning face for the first time since October 2018. On the second night of the event on April 3, Lashley defeated Omos, thus ending his undefeated streak. On the ''Raw'' after WrestleMania 38, MVP turned on Lashley and aligned with Omos, thus solidifying Lashley's face turn. Lashley lost to Omos at WrestleMania Backlash (2022), WrestleMania Backlash on May 8 after a distraction from MVP, but defeated him in a steel cage match on the May 16 episode of ''Raw''. At Hell in a Cell (2022), Hell in a Cell on June 5, Lashley defeated Omos and MVP in a 2-on-1 handicap match, ending their feud. Lashley then began a feud with United States Champion Austin Theory, Theory, culminating in a match between the two at Money in the Bank (2022), Money in the Bank on July 2, where Lashley defeated Theory to win his third United States Championship. A title rematch was scheduled for SummerSlam (2022), SummerSlam, where Lashley again retained. Over the following weeks, Lashley successfully defended the championship against the likes of Tommaso Ciampa, AJ Styles, The Miz in a Steel Cage match, and Seth "Freakin" Rollins. On the October 10 episode of ''Raw'', Lashley lost the United States Championship to Rollins in a rematch after being attacked by a returning Brock Lesnar before the match, ending his third reign at 100 days. At Crown Jewel (2022), Crown Jewel on November 5, Lashley lost to Lesnar despite dominating majority of the match; afterwards, Lashley viciously attacked Lesnar. Two nights later on ''Raw'', Lashley answered Rollins' open challenge for the United States Championship, but proceeded to attack Rollins before the match started. After Austin Theory cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on Rollins, Lashley interfered, allowing Rollins to retain the title. At Survivor Series WarGames on November 26, Lashley failed to regain the United States Championship from Rollins in a triple threat match as the match was won by Theory. Lashley earned another title shot against Theory at WWE Raw is XXX, Raw Is XXX on January 23, 2023, but failed to regain the title in a No Disqualification match after interference from the returning Brock Lesnar. At the Royal Rumble (2023), Royal Rumble on January 28, Lashley entered the Royal Rumble match at #13, eliminating Lesnar before being eliminated by Seth "Freakin" Rollins. At Elimination Chamber (2023), Elimination Chamber on February 18, Lashley defeated Lesnar by disqualification after Lesnar performed a low blow on Lashley. On the March 31 episode of ''SmackDown'', Lashley won the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. As part of the 2023 WWE Draft, Lashley was drafted to the
SmackDown ''WWE SmackDown'', also known as ''Friday Night SmackDown'' or simply ''SmackDown'', is an American professional wrestling television program produced by WWE that as of currently airs live every Friday at 8 p.m. ET on Fox. Fox Deportes si ...
brand A brand is a name, term, design, symbol or any other feature that distinguishes one seller's good or service from those of other sellers. Brands are used in business, marketing, and advertising for recognition and, importantly, to create a ...
.


Alliance with The Street Profits (2023–present)

On the August 4 episode of ''SmackDown'', a returning Lashley appeared to celebrate The Street Profits beating down Good Brothers (professional wrestling), Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson and The Brawling Brutes' Ridge Holland and Pete Dunne, Butch. This comes after weeks of segments of Lashley attempting to recruit The Street Profits to form an alliance.


Professional wrestling style and persona

Lashley uses the Professional wrestling strikes#Spear, spear and the swinging full nelson submission hold, known as the ''Hurt Lock'', as finishers. Former WWE wrestler Chris Masters commented on his former finisher being used, stating: "It's funny when he first started using it. All the mentions of people saying 'That's The Master Lock, not The Hurt Lock.' I'd be lying if I didn't say it didn't create an opportunity, even if it was small. You know, who's got the best Full Nelson in professional wrestling." His nicknames are "The Dominator" - as he was known during his early WWE career, during this point he used an Powerbomb#Inverted Powerbomb, inverted powerbomb and then a Powerslam#Front powerslam, front powerslam as finishers referring to each as the ''Dominator'' respectively - and "The All Mighty", coined by then-manager Lio Rush, which would continue to be used during his first WWE Championship reign.


Mixed martial arts career


Early career (2008–2009)

Lashley made his mixed martial arts debut at the Mixed Fighting Alliance (MFA) inaugural event "There Will Be Blood" on December 13, 2008, at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. He won via TKO (cut) over Joshua Franklin in 41 seconds of the first round. Lashley's next fight was on March 21, 2009. He was supposed to fight Ken Shamrock, but his opponent was changed to
Bellator MMA Bellator MMA (formerly Bellator Fighting Championships) is an American mixed martial arts promotion founded in 2008 and based in Santa Monica, California, owned and operated as a subsidiary of television and media conglomerate Paramount Glob ...
veteran Jason Guida after Shamrock tested positive for steroids. Lashley won the fight after a unanimous decision. Lashley signed with the Maximum Fighting Championship and made his debut on May 15 against Mike Cook, who made his ring entrance wearing a Rey Mysterio mask, which Lashley took as an insult. He went on to defeat Cook with a guillotine choke just 24 seconds into the first round. On June 27, 2009, Lashley defeated Bob Sapp at the PFP: Ultimate Chaos event in Biloxi, Mississippi. He won the bout via TKO (strikes) in the first round, making Lashley's MMA record 4–0.


Strikeforce (2010–2011)

He was scheduled to make his Strikeforce debut against undefeated heavyweight Shane Del Rosario at Strikeforce: Miami, but for unknown reasons, Strikeforce decided to change his opponent. Lashley was then expected to face journeyman (sports), journeyman Jimmy Ambriz on January 30, 2010, at Strikeforce: Miami, but that matchup was also scrapped. Lashley wound up facing former Ultimate Fighting Championship, UFC fighter Wes Sims (fighter), Wes Sims at the event. Lashley defeated Sims via 1st-round TKO victory to remain undefeated. Lashley was expected to fight on April 17, 2010, at Strikeforce: Nashville, as the promotion had already submitted an opponent for Lashley and was awaiting approval from the Tennessee Athletic Commission. According to Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker, the bout would likely be the fourth bout on the CBS televised portion of the event. On April 5, Lashley confirmed that he will not appear on the card since Strikeforce officials could not guarantee an appearance on the televised portion of the card due to time constraints. Bobby was set to appear at Strikeforce: Los Angeles in June fighting Ron Sparks however he suffered a knee injury and did not compete. Lashley faced Chad Griggs at Strikeforce: Houston on August 21, 2010. Lashley came out shooting the takedown, and ground and pounding. Lashley dominated at first, but Griggs caught him with a series of uppercuts on one of the takedowns in the first round, opening a gash under the left corner of Lashley's left eye. Lashley had trouble keeping Griggs from striking him, even though he had dominate control over him on the ground, but Griggs was still finding openings on the bottom. Lashley was able to continue in the second round, continuing takedowns and ground and pound. Lashley eventually passed to mount halfway through the second round and unloaded many good punches on Griggs while maintaining control. Referee Jon Schorle then asked the fighters to stand up due to inactivity, despite Lashley being in full mount at the time. Lashley later complained to the referee about the cut under his eye, and with 33 seconds left in the second round, referee Jon Schorle asked the ringside doctor to inspect the cut. However, with Lashley deciding to continue fighting, controversy was created when referee Jon Schorle did not put Lashley back in the mount position as he was when the fight was originally stopped. Griggs then sprawled out of a desperate takedown by Lashley near the end of round two and hammer-fisted Lashley's eye that was already cut until the round ended. The ring doctor then stopped the fight, resulting in Lashley losing at the end of the second round by TKO. Backstage after the fight, Lashley was taken off on a stretcher due to dehydration. Following the fight it was discovered that Lashley was suffering from Infectious mononucleosis, mono and was subsequently unable to train for four months.


Titan Fighting Championship (2011, 2013)

On February 18, 2011, Titan Fighting Championship had announced the signing of Lashley. He was expected to debut against James Jack however on March 16, 2011, officials announced they had lost contact with Jack and instead John Ott stepped in to fight Lashley. The pace of the fight slowed down drastically in the second round, where Lashley began to display the same cardio problems that affected him in his previous fight. He was able to win a unanimous decision, despite suffering the effects of illness. Lashley was scheduled to fight Eddie Sanchez at Titan Fighting Championships, Titan Fighting Championships 19. But on July 22, 2011, it was announced that Lashley withdrew from the fight due to personal reasons. Lashley defeated Kevin Asplund at Titan Fighting Championships 25 on June 7, 2013, winning via keylock submission.


Shark Fights (2011–2012)

Lashley has signed a three-year deal with Shark Fights and was expected to make his debut against Darrill Schoonover in November, The fight was to be for the heavyweight title. However Schoonover later pulled out of the bout due to an injury. Lashley was then set to headline Shark Fights 21 against Tim Hague. But Hague pulled out of the bout for unknown reasons and was replaced by Dave Huckaba. On November 7 it was confirmed that the fight with Huckaba had been scrapped for unknown reasons, Lashley was then scheduled to face Mark Martinez but Martinez was later pulled out of the bout due to expired blood work. On November 11, 2011, Lashley became the new Shark Fights Heavyweight champion defeating Karl Knothe in the first round by submission. Knothe was the fifth different opponent scheduled to face Lashley after numerous fighters pulled out due to various reasons.


Various promotions (2012–2014)

He next competed at India's Super Fight League's third event, 2012 in Super Fight League#SFL3, SFL 3, against James Thompson (fighter), James Thompson. Lashley lost the fight via unanimous decision. Lashley was scheduled to face Matthew Larson at GWC: The British Invasion: U.S. vs. U.K. on June 29, 2013. Lashley won via rear naked choke submission in round one. In an interview with MMA Junkie the day prior to his GWC fight, Lashley indicated that he had two potential fights lined up for August 2013, saying "If I'm going to fight, I need to fight. I need to stay active. I need to do something big now. If not, I need to hang it up and just do stuff with my gym. I'm fighting this fight, and I think I have two in August that were offered to me. Hopefully if I don't get hurt, I can stay active and just keep going." Lashley fought at Xtreme Fight Night 15: Indestructible on November 8, 2013, against Tony "The Rock" Melton, which he won via unanimous decision.


Bellator MMA (2014–2020)

In July 2014, it was announced that Lashley had signed with Bellator MMA. He made his promotional debut against Josh Burns on September 5, 2014, at Bellator MMA in 2014#Bellator 123, Bellator 123. Lashley won the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the second round. In his second fight for the promotion, Lashley faced undefeated Karl Etherington on October 24, 2014, at Bellator 130. He won via submission due to punches, in the first round. A rematch with James Thompson was scheduled to take place at Bellator 134 on February 27, 2015; however, Lashley pulled out of the fight due to injury. In March 2015, Lashley signed a long-term contract extension with the promotion. The fight with Thompson was rescheduled for Bellator 138 on June 19, 2015; however, an injury forced Thompson out of the bout and Lashley instead faced Dan Charles (fighter), Dan Charles at the event. He won the fight via TKO in the second round. The rematch with Thompson eventually took place on November 6, 2015, at Bellator MMA in 2015#Bellator 145, Bellator 145. Lashley won the fight via TKO in the first round. On August 29, 2016, it was announced that Lashley would face Josh Appelt on October 21, 2016, at Bellator MMA in 2016#162, Bellator 162. Lashley won via rear-naked choke submission in the second round. In April 2018, Bellator officials stated Lashley was still under contract with Bellator after his WWE return.


Personal life

Lashley's first daughter, Kyra, was born in 2005. He later dated former WWE wrestler Kristal Marshall, with whom he had a son named Myles in 2008 and a daughter named Naomi in 2011. Lashley has been involved in several business ventures. In 2007, he opened up a health smoothie shop. In July 2009, he announced the launch of the Lashley Network of websites, comprising his official gym, nutrition store, and social media pages. In a press release for the launch, he stated that he was aiming to keep his reputation and name in the public eye so he could reach his goal of being the top MMA fighter.


Other media

Lashley is featured in the video games ''WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2007'' and ''WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2008''. He made his first appearance in a WWE video game in 11 years appearing as a downloadable character for ''WWE 2K19''. He also appears in ''WWE 2K20'', ''WWE 2K Battlegrounds'',''WWE 2K22'' and ''WWE 2K23''.


Filmography


''Luchas de Apuestas'' record


Mixed martial arts record

, - , Win , align=center, 15–2 , Josh Appelt , Submission (rear-naked choke) , Bellator MMA in 2016#Bellator 162, Bellator 162 , , align=center, 2 , align=center, 1:43 , Memphis, Tennessee, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 14–2 , James Thompson (fighter), James Thompson , TKO (punches) , Bellator MMA in 2015#Bellator 145, Bellator 145 , , align=center, 1 , align=center, 0:54 , St. Louis, Missouri, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 13–2 , Dan Charles (fighter), Dan Charles , TKO (punches) , Bellator 138 , , align=center, 2 , align=center, 4:14 , St. Louis, Missouri, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 12–2 , Karl Etherington , TKO (submission to punches) , Bellator 130 , , align=center, 1 , align=center, 1:31 , Mulvane, Kansas, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 11–2 , Josh Burns , Submission (rear-naked choke) , Bellator 123 , , align=center, 2 , align=center, 3:54 , Uncasville, Connecticut, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 10–2 , Tony Melton , Decision (unanimous) , Xtreme Fight Night 15 , , align=center, 5 , align=center, 5:00 , Catoosa, Oklahoma, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 9–2 , Matthew Larson , Submission (rear-naked choke) , GWC: The British Invasion: U.S. vs. U.K. , , align=center, 1 , align=center, 1:38 , Kansas City, Missouri, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 8–2 , Kevin Asplund , Submission (americana) , List of Titan FC events#Titan FC 25, Titan FC 25 , , align=center, 2 , align=center, 1:23 , Fort Riley, Kansas, United States , , - , Loss , align=center, 7–2 , James Thompson (fighter), James Thompson , Decision (unanimous) , 2012 in Super Fight League#SFL 3, Super Fight League 3: Lashley vs. Thompson , , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 , New Delhi, New Delhi, India , , - , Win , align=center, 7–1 , Karl Knothe , Submission (americana) , 2011 in Shark Fights#Shark Fights 21: Knothe vs. Lashley, Shark Fights 21: Knothe vs. Lashley , , align=center, 1 , align=center, 3:44 , Lubbock, Texas, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 6–1 , John Ott , Decision (unanimous) , List of Titan FC events#Titan FC 17, Titan FC 17 , , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 , Kansas City, Kansas, United States , , - , Loss , align=center, 5–1 , Chad Griggs , TKO (doctor stoppage) , Strikeforce: Houston , , align=center, 2 , align=center, 5:00 , Houston, Houston, Texas, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 5–0 , Wes Sims (fighter), Wes Sims , TKO (punches) , Strikeforce: Miami , , align=center, 1 , align=center, 2:06 , Sunrise, Florida, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 4–0 , Bob Sapp , TKO (submission to punches) , FFI: Ultimate Chaos , , align=center, 1 , align=center, 3:17 , Biloxi, Mississippi, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 3–0 , Mike Cook , Technical Submission (guillotine choke) , MFC 21 , , align=center, 1 , align=center, 0:24 , Enoch, Alberta, Canada , , - , Win , align=center, 2–0 , Jason Guida , Decision (unanimous) , SRP: March Badness , , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 , Pensacola, Florida, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 1–0 , Joshua Franklin , TKO (doctor stoppage) , MFA: There Will Be Blood , , align=center, 1 , align=center, 0:41 , Miami, Miami, Florida, United States ,


Championships and accomplishments


Amateur wrestling

* International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles ** NYAC Christmas Tournament Senior Freestyle Silver Medalist (2001) *
International Military Sports Council The International Military Sports Council (IMSC) or Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM), is an international sports association, established in 1948 and headquartered in Brussels. It is the world's second-largest multi-discipline sport ...
** International Military Sports Council, CISM Armed Forces Championships Senior Freestyle Gold Medalist (2003) ** CISM Armed Forces Championships Senior Freestyle Silver Medalist (2002) ** CISM Military World Championships Senior Freestyle Silver Medalist (2002) * USA Wrestling ** Third in the USA World Team Trials Senior Freestyle (2003) *
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) established in 1940, is a college athletics association for colleges and universities in North America. Most colleges and universities in the NAIA offer athletic scholarships to its stud ...
** National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, NAIA All-American (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998) ** National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, NAIA Collegiate National Championship (1996, 1997, 1998) * Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association ** KWCA Collegiate Wrestler of the Year (1998) * National High School Coaches Association ** NHSCA Senior All-American (1994) * Kansas State High School Activities Association ** Kansas State High School Activities Association, KSHSAA 6A All-State (1993, 1994) ** KSHSAA 6A High School State Championship (1994) ** KSHSAA 6A High School State Championship Runner-up (1993)


Mixed martial arts

* Shark Fights ** Shark Fights#Current champions, Shark Fights Heavyweight Championship (1 time) * Xtreme Fight Night ** XFN Heavyweight Championship (1 time)


Professional wrestling

* Alabama Wrestling Federation ** AWF Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with The Boogeyman (wrestler), The Boogeyman * Italian Wrestling Superstar ** IWS Heavyweight Championship (1 time) * ''Pro Wrestling Illustrated'' ** List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Most Improved Wrestler of the Year, Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (2006) ** List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Rookie of the Year, Rookie of the Year (2005) ** Ranked No. 3 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500, PWI 500'' in 2021 * Impact Wrestling, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling/Impact Wrestling ** Impact World Championship, TNA/Impact World Heavyweight Championship (List of Impact Wrestling World Heavyweight Champions, 4 times) ** TNA King of the Mountain Championship (List of TNA King of the Mountain Champions, 1 time, final) ** TNA X Division Championship (List of TNA X Division Champions, 1 time) ** Total Nonstop Action Wrestling tournaments#TNA Championship Series, TNA Championship Series (2009) ** TNA One Night Only#Joker's Wild 2015, TNA Joker's Wild (2015) * WWE, World Wrestling Entertainment/ WWE **
WWE Championship The WWE Championship is a world heavyweight championship created and promoted by the American professional wrestling promotion WWE, representing the Raw brand division. It is one of two world titles on WWE's main roster, alongside SmackDo ...
(List of WWE Champions, 2 times) **
ECW World Championship The ECW World Heavyweight Championship was a professional wrestling world heavyweight championship originally used in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and later, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It was the original world title of the ECW ...
(List of ECW World Heavyweight Champions, 2 times) ** WWE Intercontinental Championship (List of WWE Intercontinental Champions, 2 times) ** WWE United States Championship (List of WWE United States Champions, 3 times) ** André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal (Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal Winners, 2023) **Slammy Award (1 time) *** Trash Talker of the Year (Slammy Award#2020 Slammy Awards, 2020) from The Hurt Business (professional wrestling), The Hurt Business


See also

* List of Bellator MMA alumni * List of Strikeforce alumni


References


External links

* * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Lashley, Bobby 1976 births African-American male actors African-American male professional wrestlers African-American mixed martial artists American male film actors American male mixed martial artists American male professional wrestlers American male sport wrestlers American male television actors American sportspeople of Panamanian descent ECW Heavyweight Champions/ECW World Heavyweight Champions Heavyweight mixed martial artists Living people Missouri Valley College alumni Mixed martial artists from Colorado Mixed martial artists from Kansas Mixed martial artists utilizing collegiate wrestling NWA/WCW/WWE United States Heavyweight Champions TNA Television Champions TNA World Heavyweight/Impact World Champions People from Junction City, Kansas Professional wrestlers from Kansas Sportspeople from Colorado Springs, Colorado U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program WWF/WWE Intercontinental Champions WWE Champions 21st-century professional wrestlers TNA/Impact X Division Champions André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal winners