AEW Injury Report: Bobby Lashley & Leila Gray Sidelined - Updates & Implications
The world of professional wrestling is physically demanding, and unfortunately, injuries are an inherent part of the business. Recent developments in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) have seen two prominent names,Bobby Lashley and Leila Grey,impacted by injuries,altering the landscape of upcoming matches and raising concerns about their recovery timelines. This article provides a thorough update on their situations, the implications for AEW, and what fans can expect moving forward.
did You Know? The AEW Dynamite/Collision 3-hour special on Wednesday will now proceed without Bobby Lashley, a significant shift in the Dynamite Diamond Ring Battle royal lineup.
Bobby Lashley’s Injury & Replacement in the Dynamite Diamond Ring Battle Royal
During a promotional segment on Saturday’s Collision, MVP announced that Bobby Lashley woudl be unable to participate in the Dynamite Diamond Ring Battle Royal, scheduled for this Wednesday’s extended Dynamite/Collision broadcast. MVP cited an injury as the reason for Lashley’s withdrawal.
This announcement was quickly corroborated by Fightful Select, confirming that Lashley is indeed legitimately injured and will be sidelined for a considerable period. While the exact nature and severity of the injury remain undisclosed at this time, the report indicates it’s significant enough to warrant an extended absence.
To fill the void left by Lashley,MVP revealed that Shelton Benjamin will now compete in the Battle Royal. Benjamin’s inclusion adds a veteran presence to the match and provides a compelling storyline given his history with Lashley.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Shelton Benjamin’s performance in the Battle Royal. His experience could make him a dark horse contender for the coveted Diamond Ring.
Leila Grey’s ACL Tear – A Devastating Blow
The injury situation isn’t limited to Lashley. AEW’s Leila Grey suffered a severe knee injury during her TBS Title match against Mercedes Moné on the December 6th episode of Collision. Grey revealed on social media that she tore her ACL after delivering a knee strike in the corner of the ring. Moné quickly secured the victory with her signature submission,the Statement Maker.
Fightful reports that moné was incredibly supportive of Grey backstage, remaining with her in the AEW medical area and providing assistance following the injury. An ACL tear is a serious injury, typically requiring surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process - often 6-9 months or longer. This injury will unfortunately keep Grey out of action for an extended period.
| Wrestler | Injury | Estimated return | Impact on AEW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobby Lashley | Undisclosed | Unkown (Significant Time) | Removal from dynamite Diamond Ring Battle Royal; Potential disruption to planned storylines. |
| Leila Grey | ACL Tear | 6-9+ Months | Loss of a rising star; Impact on the TBS Title division. |
Implications for AEW & Future Storylines
These injuries present challenges for AEW’s creative team. Lashley’s absence from the Dynamite Diamond Ring Battle Royal necessitates adjustments to the match card and potentially alters the trajectory of the storyline surrounding the Diamond Ring. Shelton Benjamin’s inclusion offers a viable replacement, but the dynamic will undoubtedly be different.
Grey’s ACL tear is a more significant setback. She was a promising talent gaining momentum in the TBS division.Her absence will require AEW to re-evaluate its plans for the title and potentially elevate other competitors.