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40 Facts About Shelton Benjamin

Eimile Hohman

Written by Eimile Hohman

Modified & Updated: 06 Dec 2024

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Source: Ewrestlingnews.com

Who is Shelton Benjamin? Shelton Benjamin, born on July 9, 1975, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, is a renowned professional wrestler known for his athleticism and versatility. From excelling in amateur wrestling to becoming a standout in WWE, Benjamin's journey is nothing short of inspiring. He has held multiple championships, including the WWE Intercontinental and United States titles. His career spans various promotions like WWE, NJPW, and ROH, where he showcased his skills and adaptability. Whether teaming with Charlie Haas or joining stables like The Hurt Business, Benjamin's impact on wrestling is undeniable. Let's dive into 40 fascinating facts about this wrestling icon.

Key Takeaways:

  • Shelton Benjamin overcame a tough upbringing to become a wrestling star, excelling in academics and sports, showcasing the impact of dedication and hard work.
  • With a seamless transition from amateur to professional wrestling, Shelton Benjamin's athleticism and signature moves have made him a standout performer, earning numerous championships and accolades.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and Education
02Professional Wrestling Debut
03Rise in WWE
04ECW and Independent Circuit
05Return to WWE and The Hurt Business
06Signature Moves and Physical Stats
07Championships and Accolades
08Recognition and Legacy
09Current Status and Future
10Shelton Benjamin's Lasting Impact

Early Life and Education

Shelton Benjamin's journey to wrestling stardom began in a challenging environment but was marked by academic and athletic excellence.

  1. Early Life: Born on July 9, 1975, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Benjamin grew up in a tough neighborhood where drug trafficking and weapons use were common.
  2. Education: Despite these challenges, he excelled in school and sports, attending Lassen Community College in California.
  3. Track and Field Champion: At Lassen, he won the NJCAA track and field championship in the 100-meter sprint.
  4. University of Minnesota: Benjamin earned a wrestling scholarship to the University of Minnesota, where he became a two-time All-American in collegiate wrestling.
  5. High School Wrestling: He was a two-time South Carolina state wrestling champion at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School.

Professional Wrestling Debut

Benjamin's transition from amateur wrestling to professional wrestling was seamless, showcasing his natural talent and dedication.

  1. Professional Wrestling Debut: He started his pro wrestling career in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) in 2000.
  2. OVW Southern Tag Team Championship: During his time in OVW, he won the Southern Tag Team Championship four times, three times with Brock Lesnar and once with Rodney Mack.
  3. WWE Main Roster Debut: Benjamin made his WWE main roster debut on December 26, 2002, on WWE SmackDown.

Rise in WWE

Benjamin quickly made a name for himself in WWE, forming alliances and winning championships.

  1. Team Angle: He formed an alliance with Kurt Angle and Charlie Haas, known as Team Angle.
  2. Tag Team Success: Benjamin and Haas became two-time WWE Tag Team Champions, earning the PWI Tag Team of the Year award in 2003.
  3. Intercontinental Championship: He won his first singles title, the WWE Intercontinental Championship, at Taboo Tuesday in 2004 by defeating Chris Jericho.
  4. Rivalry with Triple H: Benjamin had a notable rivalry with Triple H, defeating him on several occasions.
  5. United States Championship: In 2008, he won the WWE United States Championship by defeating Matt Hardy at The Great American Bash.

ECW and Independent Circuit

After his initial WWE run, Benjamin explored other wrestling promotions, continuing to build his legacy.

  1. ECW Era: In 2007, he joined the ECW brand, adopting the nickname "The Gold Standard."
  2. Independent Circuit: After being released from WWE in 2010, he competed on the independent circuit, including Ring of Honor (ROH) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
  3. New Japan Pro-Wrestling: In NJPW, he wrestled under the ring name Shelton X Benjamin.
  4. Ring of Honor: In ROH, he formed a successful tag team with Charlie Haas, winning the ROH Tag Team Championship twice.

Return to WWE and The Hurt Business

Benjamin's return to WWE saw him join a powerful stable and win more championships.

  1. Return to WWE: In 2017, Benjamin re-signed with WWE and returned to the SmackDown brand, forming a tag team with Chad Gable.
  2. The Hurt Business: In 2018, he joined MVP and Bobby Lashley's stable, The Hurt Business.
  3. 24/7 Championship: During his time with The Hurt Business, he won the 24/7 Championship three times.
  4. Raw Tag Team Championship: He won the Raw Tag Team Championship with Cedric Alexander at TLC in 2020.
  5. Slammy Award: The Hurt Business won the Slammy Award for Trash Talker of the Year in 2020, shared with Lacey Evans.

Signature Moves and Physical Stats

Benjamin's athleticism and signature moves have made him a standout performer.

  1. Signature Moves: Known for his Paydirt and T-Bone suplex, these moves have become iconic in wrestling.
  2. Billed Height and Weight: He is billed at 6-foot-2 and 248 pounds.
  3. Billed From: Benjamin is billed from Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Championships and Accolades

Throughout his career, Benjamin has amassed numerous championships and accolades.

  1. Intercontinental Championship: He held the WWE Intercontinental Championship three times.
  2. United States Championship: He won the WWE United States Championship once.
  3. Raw Tag Team Championship: He won the Raw Tag Team Championship three times.
  4. OVW Southern Tag Team Championship: He won the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship four times.
  5. ROH Tag Team Championship: He won the ROH Tag Team Championship twice.

Recognition and Legacy

Benjamin's contributions to wrestling have earned him recognition and a lasting legacy.

  1. PWI Tag Team of the Year: In 2003, he and Charlie Haas were named PWI Tag Team of the Year.
  2. Wrestling Observer 'Most Underrated Wrestler': Recognized as one of the most underrated wrestlers from 2005 to 2007.
  3. Ranking in PWI's Top 500: In 2005, he ranked as high as No. 9 in PWI's annual list of top 500 wrestlers.
  4. Track and Field Achievements: Before wrestling, he was a track and field champion at Lassen Community College.
  5. College Degree: He completed his degree from the University of Minnesota.

Current Status and Future

Benjamin continues to impress fans with his performances and dedication to wrestling.

  1. Current Signee: As of 2024, he is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
  2. WWE Main Roster Debut Date: He made his WWE main roster debut on August 4, 2002.
  3. Wrestling Scholarship: He earned a wrestling scholarship to the University of Minnesota, shared with Brock Lesnar.
  4. Legacy and Impact: Known for his athleticism, charisma, and high-risk moves, Benjamin is considered one of the best pure athletes in WWE history.
  5. Continued Success: His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers, showcasing the impact one can have in professional wrestling.

Shelton Benjamin's Lasting Impact

Shelton Benjamin's career in professional wrestling is nothing short of remarkable. From his early days in Ohio Valley Wrestling to his multiple championship reigns in WWE, Benjamin has consistently showcased his athletic prowess and charisma. His time with Team Angle, his memorable rivalries, and his stints in various wrestling promotions like NJPW and ROH highlight his versatility and dedication to the sport.

Benjamin's achievements, including multiple Intercontinental and Tag Team Championships, underscore his talent and hard work. His ability to adapt and thrive in different wrestling environments, from WWE to the independent circuit, speaks volumes about his skill and determination.

As he continues his journey in All Elite Wrestling, Shelton Benjamin remains a significant figure in the wrestling world. His legacy inspires aspiring wrestlers and fans alike, proving that dedication and passion can lead to lasting success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's Shelton Benjamin known for in the wrestling world?
Shelton Benjamin shines as a remarkable athlete, celebrated for his incredible agility, strength, and technical skills inside the wrestling ring. Fans admire him for his high-flying moves and his knack for delivering jaw-dropping moments during matches.
How many championships has Shelton won throughout his career?
Throughout his impressive career, Shelton has clinched multiple titles, including WWE's Intercontinental, United States, and Tag Team Championships. His trophy case is a testament to his versatility and excellence in the ring.
Did Shelton Benjamin have any notable rivalries or partnerships?
Yes, indeed! Shelton's career is dotted with significant rivalries and alliances. One of his most memorable partnerships was with Charlie Haas, forming the tag team known as "The World's Greatest Tag Team." On the flip side, his rivalries with stars like Triple H and Shawn Michaels are still talked about by fans today.
What makes Shelton Benjamin stand out from other wrestlers?
What sets Shelton apart is his unique blend of athleticism and technical wrestling ability. Not many can match his speed and agility, making him a formidable opponent and a standout performer. His ability to execute high-risk maneuvers with precision is simply awe-inspiring.
Has Shelton Benjamin ventured outside WWE?
Yes, Shelton has spread his wings beyond WWE, showcasing his talents in various wrestling promotions around the globe. His stints in Japan and on the independent circuit have added to his rich wrestling repertoire, earning him fans worldwide.
What's Shelton Benjamin's signature move?
Shelton's signature move, the "Paydirt," is a crowd-pleaser. This devastating finishing maneuver has helped him secure many victories, leaving opponents and fans alike in awe of his skill and timing.
Can fans expect to see more of Shelton Benjamin in the future?
Absolutely! Shelton continues to compete, showing no signs of slowing down. His passion for wrestling and dedication to entertaining fans ensure that he remains a fixture in the sport for years to come.

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