WWE News; Is the Return of Bobby Lashley Being Mishandled?

Nothing is worse than going to a comedy club and seeing someone bomb their set. Getting nothing but awkward silences and the ominous blank stare from their crowd is any performer's worst fear. This one has especially left the WWE Universe with no real reactions except for a partial cheer at the end, most likely because it was finally over. Bobby Lashley is still in the early stages of his comeback. His Raw debut was not that long ago. However, it seems that the WWE has already done more damage than good with how they are portraying Bobby Lashley as a "softie nice guy" who loves his sisters and is very soft spoken, not a very overbearing personality if one was to compare him to Brock Lesnar (whom he has been compared to before due to the road his career took with Amateur Wrestling, MMA and Pro Wrestling).

Let's take it back a little while and reintroduce Bobby Lashley to WWE fans. The man is obviously in phenomenal shape, he has a great look, and he is has a long history of success in the world of Amateur Wrestling. The man achieved over a dozen championships in amateur wrestling where he represented The United States in World Competitions and also at a Military level. The man can grapple. Maybe even at the Brock Lesbar level. Lashley also won World Heavyweight Championship status in Mixed Martial Arts on two separate occasions. If that all is not impressive enough, the man was voted by Pro Wrestling Illustrated two years in a row. In 2005, he was voted "Rookie of the Year," and also in 2006 he was voted "Most improved Wrestler." Those are two accolades that anyone would be proud of. He also carried numerous championships in his Pro Wrestling career, from tag team championships, to US Championships even World/Heavyweight titles as a singles performer.

The man is now 41 years old and time is ticking on utilizing Lashley the best way possible. There was even briefly talk behind the scenes that Lesnar and Lashley would work a feud between one another. However, where Lashley is now after that horrid segment with Sami Zayn, a feud with The Beast doesn't look like it will be happening any time soon.

So all this segment-bashing aside, what made it so bad you ask? The horrible acting, for one! Also the tastelessness of the whole idea. It’s hard to believe that this was supposed to put Lashley over. In the words of the Miz, "Really????" This is almost making me feel sorry for Lashley. How is anyone supposed to take this feud seriously? The only good that came of this is that Sami Zayn will be booed more now, which strengthens his position as a heel... that's pretty much it. This feud needs to end as soon as possible.

A performer like Lashley, who has the size and look, and also the in-ring skill to be built as more of a tough guy enforcer. No real gimmick. Just an impressive looking and astounding performer with a regular name and goals of becoming the best. Ie. Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Brock Lesnar etc. etc. A strong, "take no crap from anyone tough guy attitude" for example. I had very high hopes for Lashley, I wanted him to be more of marquee performer. Now it seems he will be on the mid-undercard for a while now. However, in time, and with the right moves, who knows where they will take his character. Although, with the direction he is heading in now, he has to hope the WWE Creative team somehow is able to make a U-Turn, and hopefully strengthen his character's ability when it comes to the story, to be just as strong or even stronger than his in ring abilities. Which are pretty damn impressive, if you ask me, and many others.

In my eyes, I would have loved to see him feud with Braun Strowman, or Seth Rollins, or maybe even Kurt Angle (being another skilled wrestler that would make sense and would have been a great feud, instantly elevating his status). The list goes on. However, in time, I am hoping that he moves in that direction, and builds more credibility as a top contender again. Not that he isn’t one. It’s just been a long time, and there is a ton of WWE talent that would give him a run for his money when it comes to performing at the physical level the top talents in WWE perform at.

We will see what the WWE Creative Team has in mind. I am sure they are aware how poorly this was received. This was very "Vince Russo.” Yeah... I said it. It was that bad.

Again, all we can do is tune in to WWE Monday Night RAW. Check your local listings!