Would you rather showcase an impressive array of moves or craft a gripping story through your wrestling techniques? For Bobby Lashley, he prefers to explain his passion for hurting opponents through storytelling in the ring, rather than simply demonstrating pain-inflicting moves without any narrative context. Early in his career, wrestling alongside legends like Batista, Rey Mysterio, his current manager MVP, and the late Eddie Guerrero, Lashley was inspired to focus on conveying a life story after the match. He believes this approach is essential and should be revitalized for modern wrestling.
Lashley reflects, "When I started wrestling over 20 years ago, the focus wasn’t on flashy moves but on the story behind them. The question was always, ‘What’s the meaning behind that action?’ Today’s generation seems more focused on the moves themselves, which has been a challenge to adapt to. The crowd has to decide what they want, but it feels like some in wrestling want to erase that storytelling aspect."
Each time Lashley steps into the ring, he remembers that some fans might be seeing him for the first time. For him, wrestling is an art form that must feel believable, and this authenticity comes from telling a story of how the match could realistically unfold. This approach creates a captivating effect in high-profile matches.
He adds, "For someone who isn’t a hardcore wrestling fan but is just starting to follow it, seeing me face off and react to what my opponent is doing is crucial. That’s why it’s important we communicate that story in the ring."
If using quotes from this article, please credit Wrestling Inc. with AH/T for the "F y’all podcast with CT Fletcher" transcription.
Fan Take: This insight from Bobby Lashley is particularly significant for AEW fans, as it emphasizes the timeless value of storytelling in wrestling—a key element that AEW often champions. His perspective suggests that blending compelling narratives with athletic performance can elevate the sport and deepen fan engagement, potentially inspiring AEW wrestlers to balance showmanship with meaningful storytelling.
