Wrestling veteran ‘The Gold Standard’ Shelton Benjamin has always carved his niche in the wrestling industry with a tenure that spans over 20 years. Even though his recent departure from WWE marked the end of an era, he made a quick appearance on the independent wrestling scene thereafter.
Speaking with Simon Miller of WhatCulture Wrestling, Benjamin reminisced about the journey through his wrestling career. He shared his perception on the fleeting nature of time when one is fully invested in something they enjoy.
“Hey, the first time we can’t pay the mortgage. I got to find something else to do. [Laughs]. I’ve been a pro wrestler for longer than anything else in my life… Yeah… I’ll be honest, it seemed like it was yesterday. The time… People don’t realize, the time goes by so fast and especially when you’re having a good time. My first five years in the business, blink and it was gone… And then like I said, my time in Japan, blink, gone… And it’s over. My last run in WWE, blink, and it’s over. I can’t say that’s necessarily a bad thing. [Laughs]…
“But like I said, time just flies when you’re like… Like I said, I could… All the old-timers can tell you, it just seems like yesterday that I just started and I was thinking, ‘Oh, this would be something good to try for a couple of years.’ And I said, ‘I want to be retired by at least 40.’ Well, I’ve overshot that by… Not quite a decade… I always knew pro wrestling was about making memories, make yourself memorable. I’ve never been a WWE Champion or anything like that. But, I’m memorable. And that was my goal. To do stuff when you go out, get an emotional reaction and make sure they’ll remember it,” said Benjamin.
Do you remember an iconic moment featuring Benjamin?
FAQ: Shelton Benjamin’s WWE Career
- Has Shelton Benjamin ever won the WWE Championship?
No, Shelton Benjamin has never held the WWE Championship title during his career.
- What was Shelton Benjamin’s goal as a pro wrestler?
Beyond winning titles, Benjamin aimed to create memorable moments and elicit strong emotional reactions from the fans, ensuring that his performances would be remembered.
- How long has Shelton Benjamin been wrestling professionally?
Shelton Benjamin has been a professional wrestler for over two decades.
- Did Shelton Benjamin plan to retire at the age of 40?
Yes, Benjamin initially planned on retiring by the age of 40, but his wrestling career continued beyond that age.
Conclusion
Shelton Benjamin’s resolve to be memorable rather than just a titleholder exemplifies the spirit of many professional wrestlers who value the connection with the audience and the legacy they leave behind. Benjamin’s tenure and impact in WWE, as well as his insightful reflections, underscore the personal goals and achievements that can define a wrestler’s career as much as, if not more than, championship gold. His dedication to creating lasting memories cements his status as an unforgettable figure in wrestling history, champion or not.