AEW's Bobby Lashley CONFESSES WWE Retirement Was the Goal, Not Departure

Former WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley has revealed that his recent signing with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) was not part of his original plan. The 48-year-old powerhouse had initially intended to retire from professional wrestling after a couple more years in WWE.

Lashley, who made his AEW in-ring debut on the November 20th episode of Dynamite, expressed his disappointment with WWE's booking decisions in his final months with the company. He felt that he was being underutilized and that his talent was not being fully showcased.

"Could I or would I have hoped to stay with WWE? Absolutely," Lashley said on the Lame Guys podcast. "My plan was to have one more, maybe two years, and then retire with WWE. I was doing the stuff with the Street Profits."

Lashley had hoped to elevate younger talent on his way out, specifically naming Angelo Dawkins, Montez Ford, and Austin Theory as potential opponents for his final feuds. He envisioned putting these rising stars over to ensure their continued success.

"There are three or four people that I wanted to go out [against]," Lashley explained. "I wanted every one of them to have a good feud with me, and I wanted to put all of them over. It was definitely Dawkins, Montez, and Austin Theory; I wanted to turn him babyface."

Lashley's departure from WWE marks a significant shift in his career. While his time with the company was marked by numerous accomplishments, including multiple World Championship reigns, his recent booking led to frustration and ultimately, a decision to seek new opportunities.

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Now in AEW, Lashley is poised to make a major impact on the wrestling world. With his impressive physique, powerful moveset, and undeniable charisma, he is expected to be a major player in the company's ongoing storylines.