On a recent edition of “The Kurt Angle Show” podcast, Shelton Benjamin discussed his WWE signing in 2000, getting heat early in his career, his plans for the future, and more.
Benjamin was released from his WWE contract in September 2023, ending his second tenure of six years with the company.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On being signed by WWE: “So I did my tryout in Stanford, and Dr. Tom Prichard was running it. And it was just me and one other guy, a guy named Andrew Bryniarski. You might know him from the movie The Program, he played Latimer. I think he played Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Leatherface in a few of those movies. So it was me and him, basically palling together for that weekend and just in just training. So you know, that was an experience. I trained hard for that tryout, but it was — I trained amateur wrestling hard for that tryout, which is psycho. When I got there, I felt like the tryout was way easier than it should have been. And I didn’t really have a sense of what they were thinking. I didn’t this — was a week before Thanksgiving in ’99. They didn’t call me back, I think it was Johnny Ace I called me in late December, said, ‘We’re going to sign you, and you could go to Atlanta or you can go to Louisville.’ And I said ‘Well, I’m going to Louisville.’ But me and Brisco’s actual relationship didn’t really blossom until I was actually on the main roster. And he basically took me under his wing, I call them my wrestling father because if I had any kind of advice I knew he was there for me. We joke a lot with each other, like, he looked out for all the amateurs. And I can’t say enough good things about Jerry, he is my pro wrestling father because he watched out for me like he was my old man.”
On getting heat early in his career: “I guess — I feel like back then, I used to get a lot of heat because I didn’t get nervous before matches. So one – again, I trained so hard, and I knew I knew I was good. And it was one of those it was one of the things where like — from a performance standpoint, I was never ever worried about, ‘Am I going to have a good match? Am I going to remember anything? Am I going to screw up anything?’ I was never worried. Not saying those things didn’t happen, and I didn’t have to respond when it did happen. But going into matches, I never really got nervous. You know, we might touch on it later, but even when I had the match with Triple H. From an in-ring standpoint, I never got the butterflies in my stomach or anything like that. I I knew I was prepared, I knew I knew what I was doing. And I knew obviously, there were people who could want to lead me and who were just great. So I just wanted to look like I belong.”
On his future: “To be honest, I don’t know. I’m still weighing options. I’ve had a knock on my door here and there. I have no commitments, nothing major to announce aside from a few indie dates and a lot of autograph sessions. I’ve been taking my time to decide what I want to do next. Because I am at a point in my career where I want to have fun. If it’s not worth it, I want to have fun and make money. If it’s not worth it, I just don’t want to do it. I’m not trying to build a name; I have a name, but I want to be where I’m appreciated and featured and can have some fun. I’ve never had the superstar complex where ‘I have to do this.’ No, January 10th marked 24 years in the business for me, and I’ve been extremely fortunate with injuries and family life that I can still go out and tear it up with the best of them. I’m just not sure where that’s going to be at this point. But I’m taking temperatures all over the place.”
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Shelton Benjamin Reflects on WWE Signing, Early Career Heat, and Future Plans
Shelton Benjamin, a former WWE superstar, recently appeared on “The Kurt Angle Show” podcast to discuss various aspects of his wrestling career. Benjamin, who had two tenures with the company, shared insights about his WWE signing in 2000, the challenges he faced early in his career, and his plans for the future.
During the podcast, Benjamin reminisced about his tryout with WWE. He mentioned that he trained hard for the tryout, focusing on his amateur wrestling skills. Benjamin expressed surprise at how relatively easy the tryout was compared to his expectations. However, he didn’t have a clear sense of what the company thought of him until he received a call from Johnny Ace in late December, offering him a contract. Benjamin chose to join the WWE developmental territory in Louisville, where he formed a close relationship with Jerry Brisco, whom he affectionately referred to as his “wrestling father.”
Benjamin also addressed the heat he received early in his career. He attributed it to his lack of nervousness before matches. Benjamin’s confidence in his abilities and extensive training meant that he rarely worried about having a good match or making mistakes in the ring. While acknowledging that mistakes did happen and he had to respond to them, Benjamin emphasized that he never experienced pre-match jitters. He believed in his preparation and trusted the guidance of more experienced wrestlers who helped him feel like he belonged.
Looking ahead, Benjamin discussed his future plans. He admitted to being uncertain about what lies ahead but mentioned receiving offers and considering various options. Benjamin expressed a desire to have fun and make money in his next venture. He emphasized that if an opportunity doesn’t offer those aspects, he is not interested. Having spent 24 years in the wrestling business, Benjamin feels fortunate to have avoided major injuries and wants to continue performing at a high level. While unsure of his next destination, he is exploring different possibilities and evaluating where he can be appreciated, featured, and enjoy himself.
In addition to the podcast appearance, Benjamin shared a video clip from the interview on social media. The clip provides fans with a glimpse into his thoughts and experiences. Benjamin’s openness about his career and future plans has generated excitement among wrestling enthusiasts who are eager to see what the future holds for the talented athlete.
As fans eagerly await Benjamin’s next move, they can stay updated on all wrestling news by visiting eWrestlingNews.com. The website offers comprehensive coverage of the latest happenings in the wrestling world. Wrestling enthusiasts can also follow eWrestlingNews on Twitter and Facebook for real-time updates and engaging content.
In conclusion, Shelton Benjamin’s recent appearance on “The Kurt Angle Show” podcast provided fans with valuable insights into his WWE signing, early career heat, and future plans. Benjamin’s reflections on his journey in the wrestling industry have captivated audiences and left them eagerly anticipating his next chapter in the sport.