Former WWE Star Explains Why They Signed With AEW

It’s certainly not uncommon to see former WWE stars sign with AEW, and a few weeks ago Shelton Benjamin debuted alongside MVP. Shelton Benjamin was released from WWE last year, and there was a lot of speculation regarding where he could end up.

Recently the former Intercontinental Champion spoke to Gabby LaSpisa about his options while noting that he had offers on the table. However, he ultimately decided that AEW was the right place for him due to the size of their audience.

“I did have a few offers. MLW was very interested. I was doing a lot of international things and exploring other options, in and out of pro wrestling. Acting is one of them. Even things like real estate and things not related to wrestling. It basically boiled down to, I like to put myself in the best possible position to succeed.

When the door closed at WWE, I really thought long and hard about where I wanted to go. IMPACT was a very tempting place to go. What it boils down to is, I want the biggest possible audience. Outside of WWE, there is nowhere bigger than AEW.

I don’t have as much time as lot of guys, as far as in-ring. Not that I’m going to retire anytime soon, but for the time I have left, I want to reach the biggest possible audience. What better place than AEW? There is no better place.”

H/T Fightful