SmackDown Live promised the return of several former WWE superstars when they moved over to the live TV format last year. One of those names fans were looking forward to seeing again the most was Shelton Benjamin. But, a torn rotator cuff put him on the sidelines before he ever got a chance to debut on the blue brand. It’s been a long nine months for fans of “The Gold Standard”, but now Shelton Benjamin has made it official that he has been medically cleared to return to action.
He was initially supposed to be brought in with a wave of older talent to bulk up the SmackDown Live roster. Curt Hawkins was also brought back during this time and he’s been marginally utilized at best. But, it would be hard to imagine Shelton Benjamin would receive the same kind of treatment. Then again, anything is possible.
With WrestleMania approaching fast, it is the perfect chance for Shelton Benjamin to jump back into the swing of things and assert himself into the SmackDown roster. His high flying ability coupled with his superior ring prowess makes him a great threat to anyone he has a match with. He stole the show on so many occasions that it is really shocking he never got a run at the top during his first stint in WWE.
Shelton Benjamin is still a 3-time Intercontinental Champion and 1-time United States Champion. Benjamin is also a 2-time WWE Tag Team Champion alongside Charlie Haas as a member of The World’s Greatest Tag Team. So, he’s very comfortable in whatever position he’s placed in.
It couldn’t have come at a better time either as Kurt Angle is also set to return to WWE’s landscape in some manner as well. Who knows if/when/how these two could reunite, but the idea of it certainly has us excited.
After 9 of the hardest months of my life, I'm happy to announce I have been OFFICIALLY CLEARED to return to action. Effective Immediately!
— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) March 30, 2017
[…] Benjamin suffered a rotator cuff injury that required surgery and he never came to SmackDown Live. Well, that injury is past Benjamin as he has been cleared to return to in-ring action. But it would appear he might not be coming to WWE after […]