Bobby Lashley Comments on His TNA Status
Former WWE & TNA star and current Strikeforce MMA heavyweight contender Bobby Lashley spoke to FightLine.com this week about his transition from wrestling to MMA, the opening of his new MMA gym in Colorado and more. Here are some highlights:
- His Status with TNA: "As far as I know, I'm not working with them. At the time things started getting really built up with fighting and signing with Strikeforce and everything, it was just kind of hard doing both at the same time. We tried to work something, but I guess it didn't work. So as far as I know, I'm on the future endeavored lists (laughs)."
- Whether He's MMA Championship Material: "The heavyweight division is wide open so I think it's going to be very exciting to see all these heavyweights mix it up a little bit. I think in Strikeforce right now there are four or five people right now that can be the champion, so I think it's going to be really exciting for the fans... I think I'm six months to a year out of being in a top spot.
- The Opening of His New Gym: "It was great. It was a lot better than we had even expected. We had started planning it about 3 weeks before we wanted to do it so it was a little rushed, but the outcome was incredible."
Lashley Officially Done With TNA To Focus on MMA
Earlier this week, Bobby Lashley's superstar profile was removed from the TNA website, leading many to speculate that he was leaving the company to pursue his MMA career full time.
Lashley now tells Heavy.com that he's under the impression that his relationship with TNA Wrestling has come to an end and he plans to focus on his MMA fighting career.
"I don't really know much man. I had a talk with the guys a while back about doing both. Everything seemed to be working well. I think maybe there were some complications there towards the end," Lashley said. "I got back home and got all these calls from people saying that I had been released from wrestling. So as far as I know, I've been released, so yes, I can focus full time on MMA."
Bobby Lashley Keeps Fans Guessing
Earlier this week, Bobby Lashley's superstar profile was removed from the TNA website, leading many to speculate that he was leaving the company to pursue his MMA career full time. Lashley posted a brief message on his LashleyNutrition.com site telling fans to stay tuned:
"A lot of fans are asking me about my future in wrestling. I will address everything at a later date. Thank you for the support. - Bobby"
Update on Lashley’s TNA Status
Though TNAWrestling.com's removal of Bobby Lashley's wrestler profile should presumably serve as a clear sign that the wrestler is prioritizing his mixed martial arts career, sources within TNA maintain that Lashley has not officially parted ways with the company.
PWInsider.com cited sources in confirming that while Lashley's relationship with TNA remains in place, he has no short-term plans to continue actively performing for TNA and was thus "written out" as a regular character.
The door, nonetheless, remains open for a full-time Lashley return down the road.
Lashley Leaving TNA
The TNA website has removed Bobby Lashley's profile from its roster page, which suggests he is no longer affiliated with the organization.
Hulk Hogan recently said that he and Lashley would need to have 'a serious talk' regarding his simultaneous involvement with professional wrestling and mixed martial arts.
"You can't put [Strikeforce] ahead of us," Hogan told Sports Illustrated. "That's not going to work me. I'm going to fix that real quick."
Lashley, who took his MMA record to 5-0 by defeating Wes Sims, said that his Strikeforce debut would go a long way toward deciding his future in the wrestling industry.
Lashley is scheduled to fight at Strikeforce's next event on Apr. 17. His opponent has yet to be determined.
Bobby Lashley’s Payout For His First Strikeforce Fight
According to Sherdog.com, Bobby Lashley earned a reported $50,000 for his fight against former UFC veteran Wes Sims during his Strikeforce debut this past Saturday night in Florida.
Of course the $50,000 figure does not include unreported bonuses from the company, sponsorship monies earned among other income.
For those curious, Lashley's opponent Wes Sims earned $25,000 for the fight.
Bobby Lashley Sticking With TNA
Dave Meltzer spoke with Bobby Lashley at Saturday night’s Strikeforce show. Lashley said he plans on doing both MMA and TNA at this time. He said TNA is a great company and very understanding of his MMA career.
Bobby Lashley Wins Strikeforce Debut
Bobby Lashley Defeated Wes Sims via TKO (Strikes) at 2:06 in the 1st Round
1st Round: Sims starts with some mind games but Lashley is having none of it. Lashley throws the first strikes and scores a double leg takedown. Sims is trying to control Lashley's posture but is eating short rabid strikes to the side of his head. Lashley starts to pound Sims as out the referee jumps in and stops the bout. Sims got up after the stoppage to contest it as he was visibly upset about what could've been a quick stoppage.
Update on Bobby Lashley’s Strikeforce Debut
According to F4WOnline.com, Strikeforce are still trying to secure Jimmy Ambriz as the opponent for Bobby Lashley on the January 30th card airing live on Showtime.
If Ambriz can not be worked out in time, Strikeforce plans on going with John Devine as Lashley's opponent.
Plans for Bobby Lashley
TNA still has plans on pushing Bobby Lashley but nobody knows how long it will last before they change their mind on him.
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