Bobby Lashley has played many great gimmicks in his WWE career, but those were nothing compared to the idea he once pitched to Vince McMahon. Appearing as a guest on NotSam Wrestling, Lashley recalled pitching an idea to the then-CEO where he would go into depression and gain around 70 lbs of weight and have his close friend pull him back. He said,
I told Vince, I think a year or two ago, I told him, I said, ‘I want to do this character, he said, ‘What is it?’ He said if I get beat one time, I want to go into the severe depression and put on like 40, 50, 60, 70 pounds and just be fat and then and be a completely different character.
He continued,
And then have like somebody like an MVP or somebody that’s on my side, kind of like pull me back, and then have the crowd to watch his transition back to me.
The idea made Sam Roberts laugh hysterically, calling him a “psycho.” Though the idea never saw the light of day, the host wondered if he would repitch the same idea to Triple H. Sadly, the WWE Universe never got to see the emo Lashley as MVP convinced him to leave WWE with him and join AEW.
Triple H or Vince McMahon: Bobby Lashley Sets His Stance Clear
When Vince McMahon was forced to leave WWE in 2024, many were excited to see how Triple H would run the wrestling promotion brand. Interestingly, many WWE Superstars have felt divided about the new leadership, with everyone giving their personal views on which management was better.
During an interview with the Laboratory Podcast, The All Mighty was asked whom he prefers to work with, Triple H or The Genetic Jackhammer. He chose the latter and explained why he preferred working with Mr. McMahon. Lashley said,
Vince understood me. Vince was big on the show. He looked at people that were stars. He saw that in… He looked at me like a star. I like Vince. I haven’t really had too much of a connection with Hunter. Hunter has his guys. I’ve tried to, but we haven’t really worked enough together to get to know each other.
Lashley’s comments were understandable because, working under The Game, he was reduced to being a midcarder and was booked in uninteresting storylines. This was disrespectful, especially for someone with his stature, who has defeated names like Brock Lesnar, Seth Rollins, The Miz, and more.
The Real Deal handled the situation professionally and is currently under contract with AEW, entertaining the fans with his action-filled matches, proving how he’s a force of nature. Nevertheless, the 3-time US Champion has kept his WWE return vague, keeping the fans on their toes as to whether he will ever return.
Bobby Lashley Recalled His ECW Feud with Vince McMahon
Bobby Lashley’s comments were justified, as he has worked with Mr. McMahon on numerous instances, one being the “Battle of the Billionaires” at WrestleMania 23 in 2007. The match resulted in the then-CEO of WWE getting his head shaved, as Umaga, who represented him, lost to Lashley, representing Donald Trump.
This commenced a grudge between Bobby Lashley and Vince McMahon, where the latter made the then-ECW Champion’s life a living hell, and was forced to defend his title against Lashley at Backlash 2007 in a three-on-one handicap match. The unthinkable happened, where Mr. McMahon won the title, but his reign came to an end at Judgement Day 2007.
Appearing as a guest on the INSIGHT podcast, Lashley spoke about his feud with The Genetic Jackhammer over the ECW Championship and praised it, calling it a “great story.” He said,
I never understood what he was saying at the time. I was like, ‘You’ll get it all back, what are you talking about?’ You guys have me down. You guys were slapping me, beating me up, and I had to fight through and get away.’ But that was a great story, and he taught me a great story.
He continued,
He was like that heel that’s just getting you, getting you, getting you, just can’t get him back, and then when you do get him back, then all the crowd’s going to blow up.
Later in the interview, he recalled how the crowd was fuming at Vince McMahon, and the moment he put his hand on him, the crowd erupted as if they wanted to “kill him.” With such emotional intensity in a storyline, it’s no wonder Bobby Lashley sided with Mr. McMahon, despite the numerous controversies surrounding him.
With Bobby Lashley having such high praise for Vince McMahon, do you hope the two will return to WWE and have one last interesting storyline? Let us know in the comments below!
