Highlights
- Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin were accomplished amateur wrestlers, while CM Punk did not have a background in amateur wrestling.
- The story of CM Punk challenging Lashley and Benjamin on a flight to Baghdad was revealed by The Undertaker on his Six Feet Under podcast.
- CM Punk's MMA career was short-lived and faced challenges, while Bobby Lashley found success in the world of mixed martial arts.
In the unpredictable world of professional wrestling, where drama often unfolds both inside and outside the ring, there are moments that defy expectation and leave an indelible mark on the collective memory of fans. One such incident occurred high above the clouds during a fateful WWE flight to Baghdad for Tribute to the Troops. Amidst the rumble of engines and the hum of conversation, a challenge was issued, setting the stage for an unexpected showdown. Involving the brash CM Punk and seasoned athletes Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin, this impromptu midair clash, unknown until revealed by The Undertaker, shows something very characteristic about CM Punk as he embarked on his own version of a plane ride from hell.
Wrestler | Age (2023) | Current Company |
|---|---|---|
CM Punk | 45 | WWE |
Bobby Lashley | 47 | WWE |
Shelton Benjamin | 48 | Free agent (Since December 2023) |
Bobby Lashley And Shelton Benjamin Were Amateur Wrestlers
CM Punk Was Never An Amateur Wrestler
Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin's ascension in the world of professional wrestling is deeply rooted in their exceptional athletic backgrounds, primarily centered around amateur wrestling. Lashley's journey to becoming one of WWE's most formidable figures began with an illustrious amateur wrestling career. During his college years, Lashley not only participated in but excelled at the sport, securing national championships and earning recognition for his technical prowess. Beyond the collegiate arena, Lashley's commitment to excellence led him to the U.S. Army, where he continued to shine as a wrestling champion in the army's sports program.
Similarly, Shelton Benjamin's path to the squared circle was paved with accomplishments in amateur wrestling. Starting in high school, Benjamin showcased his exceptional skills by winning championships and establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with on the mat. His journey continued at the collegiate level, where he continued to amass accolades, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and agile wrestler. Both Lashley and Benjamin have even almost made it to the Olympics. In stark contrast, CM Punk's journey into professional wrestling lacked the traditional foundation of an amateur wrestling background. Unlike Lashley and Benjamin, Punk did not have a history of competing in collegiate or high school wrestling.
5 Wrestlers That Don't Like CM Punk (& 5 That Do)
CM Punk is a controversial wrestler that has rubbed many people the wrong way, but also managed to build some important friendships during his career.CM Punk Challenged Bobby Lashley And Shelton Benjamin On A Flight
The Undertaker Told The Story On His Six Feet Under Podcast
The intriguing narrative of CM Punk's audacious decision to wrestle Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin mid-flight comes to us through an unexpected source — The Undertaker's recounting on his Six Feet Under podcast. In 2006, as the WWE roster embarked on a flight to Baghdad for the Tribute to the Troops event, an impromptu challenge unfolded. The Undertaker explained:
“We're drinking, everyone is carrying on. Somehow or another, the discussion comes up. I don't know if Vince instigated this one or not. Bradshaw was on this flight too. The topic comes up as we're on the way over. CM Punk, he fashioned himself as a jiu-jitsu practitioner. Someone broached the question, 'You did jiu-jitsu. How long do you think you could last with one of these two wrestlers?' It was Bobby Lashley, who wrestled for the Army, and Shelton Benjamin, who wrestled at Minnesota. Two high-level amateur wrestlers. To Phil's credit, he said, 'I'll tap them out.' That was about all it took. Now, the pot begins to really get stirred. Shelton, at this time, he didn't drink at all. I remember Vince pouring a styrofoam cup full of wine, and Shelton just gulps it down. I honestly can't remember who went first. There is not a lot of room. It's tight, but there's enough room. I want to say the first match lasted about 47 seconds. The other one was sub-40, where they had taken them down and pinned him. He didn't back down, but my goodness, it was like blood in the water and two great white sharks circling. They could not wait. They didn't disappoint. That was another fine case of Vince McMahon sh*t stirring."
CM Punk And Bobby Lashley Had Contrasting MMA Success
CM Punk Should Stick To Pro Wrestling
After their respective tenures in WWE, CM Punk and Bobby Lashley embarked on different paths within the realm of mixed martial arts (MMA), seeking to prove their mettle in a new and challenging arena. Bobby Lashley transitioned from the scripted world of professional wrestling to the raw and unforgiving landscape of MMA with remarkable success. Holding a commendable record of 15 wins and 2 losses, Lashley showcased his versatility by competing in various promotions. Notably, he earned two heavyweight championships, solidifying his status as a legitimate force in the MMA scene.
How Much Did CM Punk Make In His UFC Career?
When CM Punk left WWE and wrestling behind, he tried his hand at UFC. While he wasn't successful, he made a lot of money.In contrast, CM Punk's venture into MMA was marked by brevity and challenges. Despite the hype surrounding his transition, Punk's UFC career comprised only two matches, both of which ended in decisive losses. While one match was later overturned to a no-contest, the overall outcome was disappointing. Punk's limited experience in the cage underscored the vast difference between scripted wrestling and the authentic, unforgiving nature of mixed martial arts.
