Another MMA star is back with the WWE — this time, it’s Bobby Lashley.
With both WWE and the UFC holding big events over the weekend (WrestleMania 34, and UFC 223 respectively), comparisons were bound to be made. However, World Wrestling Entertainment had another surprise come Monday: Bobby Lashley. The Bellator MMA heavyweight, who until recently had been working for TNA (later Impact Wrestling), made his WWE return on Monday. The move, although rumored for some time after Lashley requested his release from Impact, brings up the question of whether his MMA career is done.
Lashley (15-2) has not competed in MMA since October 2016, when he defeated Josh Appelt via rear-naked choke at Bellator 162. Consistently a top draw for Bellator, Lashley’s bouts have often pulled better ratings than the fights headlining the cards he appeared on. He has gone 5-0 in the promotion to date, but was noticeably absent from Bellator’s World Heavyweight Grand Prix. Wrestling commitments were a likely suspect, and his return to the WWE highlights that. Among his more notable wins are James Thompson (a rematch, as Thompson picked up a decision win over Lashley early in his career), Bob Sapp, and Wes Sims. Lashley has only one unavenged loss, to Chad Griggs back in Strikeforce.
While his WWE signing doesn’t necessarily mean his MMA career is done, it’s unlikely we’ll be seeing Bobby Lashley fighting in the Bellator cage any time soon.
