Shelton Benjamin Then and Now

Shelton Benjamin Then

Shelton Benjamin was born on July 9, 1975, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, U.S. Growing up with a strong athletic background, he pursued higher education at the University of Minnesota, where he excelled academically and athletically. 

After graduating, Benjamin transitioned into coaching, taking on the role of an assistant wrestling coach. 

During this period, he trained alongside Brock Lesnar, who would later become his tag team partner in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). 

This period of training and mentorship was pivotal in shaping Benjamin’s wrestling career and forging a key partnership that would influence his future in professional wrestling.

Shelton Benjamin Wrestling Career

Shelton Benjamin began his professional wrestling career in 2000, signing with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and being assigned to its developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). 

There, he formed a tag team with Brock Lesnar, known as the Minnesota Stretching Crew. 

Their partnership proved successful, as they won the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship three times. 

Benjamin made his WWE television debut on Sunday Night Heat, marking the start of his journey in the mainstream wrestling spotlight.

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In 2002, Benjamin joined forces with Charlie Haas to form Team Angle, a faction supporting Kurt Angle. 

The team quickly made an impact, feuding with notable wrestlers such as Chris Benoit and Brock Lesnar. 

They won the WWE Tag Team Championship in 2003 by defeating Los Guerreros (Eddie and Chavo Guerrero). 

Benjamin’s career took a significant turn in 2004 when he won his first singles title, the Intercontinental Championship, by defeating Chris Jericho at Taboo Tuesday. 

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Over the next two years, he secured the Intercontinental Championship two more times, solidifying his reputation as a skilled competitor.

Reuniting with Haas in 2006, Benjamin and Haas became known as The World’s Greatest Tag Team. 

They engaged in various feuds with notable tag teams, including Cryme Tyme, Ric Flair and Carlito, The Hardy Boyz, Paul London, and Brian Kendrick. 

In 2007, Benjamin rebranded himself with a new look and moniker, “The Gold Standard,” marking a period of change in his career.

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From 2010 to 2017, Benjamin focused on the independent circuit, competing in promotions such as World Wrestling Council, American Wrestling Rampage, Global Force Wrestling, Ring of Honor, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and Pro Wrestling Noah. 

During his time with Ring of Honor, he won the ROH World Tag Team Championship twice with Charlie Haas.

Benjamin returned to WWE in 2017 when General Manager Daniel Bryan announced him as the new tag team partner for Chad Gable. 

In 2018, Benjamin participated in the King of the Ring tournament but was eliminated in the first round by Chad Gable. 

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His WWE video game appearances include several titles from 2003 to 2020, showcasing his enduring presence in the wrestling world.

On May 14, 2022, Benjamin suffered an undisclosed injury, putting him out of action. He returned on June 13, 2022, in a match against Akira Tozawa, marking his comeback. 

By August 8, 2022, he faced Cedric Alexander in the Main Event tapings, which indicated the end of The Hurt Business. 

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Despite this, Benjamin and Alexander reunited on January 9, 2023, for a Tag Team Turmoil match. 

The storyline hinted at a possible reunion with MVP and Bobby Lashley but was eventually dropped. 

Benjamin continued to team with Alexander until his release from WWE on September 21, 2023, concluding his second tenure with the company and disbanding their tag team.

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Shelton Benjamin Wrestling Competition

• World Wrestling Federation (WWF) / World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
• Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW)
• World Wrestling Council (WWC)
• American Wrestling Rampage (AWR)
• Global Force Wrestling (GFW)
• Ring of Honor (ROH)
• New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW)
• Pro Wrestling Noah (NOAH)

Shelton Benjamin’s Wife and Children

Shelton Benjamin resides in Spring, Texas, U.S., where he has built a stable and fulfilling personal life alongside his professional wrestling career. 

Although he has not yet married, Benjamin is a devoted father to his daughter, Kyana. 

Balancing his wrestling commitments with family life, he is known to be deeply involved in Kyana’s life.

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In addition to his achievements in the wrestling ring, Benjamin holds a Guinness World Record for winning the most WWE THQ Superstar Challenges. 

This accolade highlights his remarkable skills and dedication not only as a professional wrestler but also in the realm of video games related to his career. 

This record underscores his enduring popularity and success across different facets of the wrestling entertainment industry.

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Shelton Benjamin Now

At 49 years old, Shelton Benjamin remains an influential figure in professional wrestling, currently performing on the independent circuit. 

He is widely recognized for his significant contributions to WWE, where he made a notable impact during his two tenures: first from 2000 to 2010 and then from 2017 to 2023. 

During these periods, Benjamin showcased his exceptional athleticism and technical prowess, earning a reputation as one of the most skilled and versatile wrestlers of his generation.

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Benjamin maintains an active presence on social media, particularly on Instagram, where he has amassed a following of 308,000 fans. 

Through his Instagram account, he shares a variety of content, including videos and photos that offer glimpses into both his professional wrestling activities and personal life. 

His social media presence allows him to stay connected with his fan base, keeping them engaged and updated on his latest endeavors and achievements in the wrestling world.

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