:Shelton Benjamin

Benjamin was born and raised in Orangeburg, South Carolina.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wwealumni/sheltonbenjamin/|title=Shelton Benjamin's WWE Bio|access-date=April 29, 2010|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=February 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222161714/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wwealumni/sheltonbenjamin|url-status=live}} He began wrestling his sophomore year at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School.{{Cite journal|title = It's all about the Benjamin|last = Scales|first = Jason|date = February 2002|journal = Wrestling Digest}} Benjamin recorded a 122–10 overall win–loss record in his high school wrestling career and was a two-time South Carolina heavyweight wrestling state champion, winning in 1993 and 1994.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/benjamin.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717185710/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/benjamin.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 17, 2012|title=Shelton Benjamin's Profile|author=Milner, John|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=June 18, 2007|date=April 17, 2005}}

Benjamin then attended Lassen Community College in Susanville, California, winning National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) championships in wrestling and 100 meters.[http://scmat.com/SCMAT%20Exclusive%2011-8-07.htm SCMAT Exclusive Wrestling Article 11-8-07 The Heavyweight Champion of the World!]. SCMat. Retrieved September 24, 2022. After his freshman year at Lassen, he briefly went to North Carolina State University on a full football scholarship in 1995, before returning back to finish out his sophomore year.{{cite web|url=https://www.themix.net/2017/08/five-fast-facts-about-shelton-benjamin/|title=Five Fast Facts About Shelton Benjamin|access-date=November 3, 2019|publisher=Twitter|date=August 29, 2017}}

He then transferred to the University of Minnesota on a wrestling scholarship for his junior and senior years of college. He achieved All-American status twice in wrestling, placing fifth in the heavyweight division of the NCAA Championships in 1997, then improving to third place in 1998. After graduation, he served as an assistant wrestling coach at his alma mater and trained future Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) tag team partner Brock Lesnar. Benjamin thought about trying to qualify for the 2000 Summer Olympics but decided instead to pursue a professional wrestling career.

{{See also|Minnesota Stretching Crew}}

On January 10, 2000, Benjamin signed a contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and was placed in its developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). OVW booker Jim Cornette paired Benjamin with his former college roommate Brock Lesnar after he felt Lesnar was "boring" as a wrestler and had "no personality", while Benjamin was "exciting".{{cite web |last1=Alvarez Mancha |first1=Francisco |title=Razón por la que Brock Lesnar formó equipo con Shelton Benjamin |url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/97805-razon-por-la-que-brock-lesnar-hizo-equipo-con-shelton-benjamin |website=solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com |date=April 23, 2021 |publisher=Solowrestling |access-date=April 24, 2021 |archive-date=April 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424085040/https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/97805-razon-por-la-que-brock-lesnar-hizo-equipo-con-shelton-benjamin |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/alumni.htm|title=Ohio Valley Wrestling Alumni|access-date=June 17, 2007|publisher=Ohio Valley Wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609075607/http://ovwrestling.com/alumni.htm|archive-date=June 9, 2007}} Together, they were known as the "Minnesota Stretching Crew," and they held the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship on three occasions.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ky/ovw/ovw-t.html|title=OVW Southern Tag Team Title|access-date=June 17, 2007|publisher=wrestling-titles.com|archive-date=November 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106073038/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ky/ovw/ovw-t.html|url-status=live}} The first two reigns occurred during February and July 2001. They won the title for a third time from Rico Constantino and The Prototype on October 29, 2001. After Lesnar was called up to the main roster in November 2001, Benjamin formed a tag team with Redd Dogg Begnaud called "The Dogg Pound" and once again won the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship on July 17, 2002. Benjamin then wrestled at several house shows for the main WWE roster and eventually made his WWE television debut on Sunday Night Heat as a face on July 29 defeating Justin Credible. A week later he defeated Shawn Stasiak on Heat. He was taken off WWE TV that September and returned to Ohio Valley.

{{main|Team Angle (disambiguation){{!}}Team Angle|World's Greatest Tag Team}}

File:Shelton Benjamin-Tag Team Championship.jpg belt and Team Angle hoodie]]

Benjamin joined WWE's SmackDown! brand on the December 26, 2002, episode of SmackDown!, forming an alliance with Charlie Haas with Olympic gold-medalist Kurt Angle as their mentor known as "Team Angle". Their first televised match together in WWE was on the January 2, 2003, episode of SmackDown! against Edge and Chris Benoit.{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=2351 |title=WWE SmackDown #177 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database |publisher=Cagematch.net |access-date=February 16, 2019 |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217085046/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=2351 |url-status=live }}

The duo won the WWE Tag Team Championship just a month after their debut by defeating the champions, Los Guerreros (Eddie and Chavo Guerrero Jr.) on the February 6 episode of SmackDown!.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/330086 |title=WWE Tag Team – Benjamin & Haas |access-date=June 17, 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050801012800/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/330086 |archive-date=August 1, 2005 }} They continued their feud with Benoit until No Way Out, when Benoit teamed with Brock Lesnar to defeat Team Angle.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/nowayout.html#2003|title=No Way Out 2003 – February 23, 2003|access-date=June 17, 2007|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304203343/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/nowayout.html#2003|url-status=live}} The two then went on to compete in their first WrestleMania match at WrestleMania XIX, retaining the WWE Tag Team Championship in a Triple Threat match against Los Guerreros, and Chris Benoit and Rhyno. Team Angle later lost the WWE Tag Team Championship to Eddie Guerrero and his new partner Tajiri at Judgment Day in a ladder match. The storyline concluded on the June 12 episode of SmackDown!, when Angle confronted Benjamin and Haas and fired them from Team Angle.{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/news/1055522323.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718125609/https://www.wrestleview.com/news/1055522323.shtml |archive-date=July 18, 2018 |title=Full WWE SmackDown Results - 6/12/03 |last=Miller |first=Robert |publisher=WrestleView |date=June 13, 2003 |accessdate=February 3, 2023}} They then began referring to themselves as "The World's Greatest Tag Team" and won the WWE Tag Team Championship back from Guerrero and Tajiri on the July 3 episode of SmackDown!.{{Cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/07/04/127013.html |title=CANOE -- SLAM! Sports - Wrestling - Smackdown!: Dream comes true for Gowan |access-date=February 16, 2019 |archive-date=July 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717104451/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/07/04/127013.html |url-status=usurped }} They lost the titles to Los Guerreros on the September 18 episode of SmackDown!, after Benjamin suffered a legitimate knee injury during the match. Benjamin was sidelined for approximately one month, but the pair competed together again, taking part in a Fatal Four-Way match for the WWE Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania XX.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/mania.html#20|title=WrestleMania XX – March 14, 2004|access-date=June 17, 2007|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|archive-date=September 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910025120/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/mania.html#20|url-status=live}}

On the March 22, 2004, episode of Raw, Benjamin was drafted to the Raw brand as part of the 2004 WWE draft lottery.{{cite web |url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/draftlottery |title=The 2004 WWE Draft Lottery |publisher=WWE |date=May 20, 2005 |access-date=February 16, 2019 |archive-date=July 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713042734/https://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/draftlottery |url-status=live }} After arriving, Benjamin quickly became a face when he scored an upset victory over Triple H.{{cite news|title=Benjamin stuns HHH – and WWE|author=Blackjack Brown|publisher=Chicago Sun Times|date=April 4, 2004}} Benjamin then feuded with Triple H, beating him three times in total: once by pinfall, once by countout and once by disqualification.{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=823&page=4&search=Triple+h |title=Matches « Shelton Benjamin « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database |publisher=Cagematch.net |access-date=February 16, 2019 |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217084952/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=823&page=4&search=Triple+h |url-status=live }} As part of the storyline, Benjamin then feuded with the other members of Triple H's stable Evolution. Benjamin defeated Ric Flair at Backlash and lost to Randy Orton in an Intercontinental Championship match at Bad Blood.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2004|title=Backlash 2004 – April 18, 2004|access-date=June 17, 2007|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|archive-date=September 18, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918203417/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2004|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/badd.html#2004|title=Bad Blood 2004 – June 13, 2004|access-date=June 17, 2007|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|archive-date=February 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215012118/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/badd.html#2004|url-status=live}}

During a match with Garrison Cade on Heat, Benjamin punched Cade's knee brace, breaking his hand in the process and briefly taking him out of action. Benjamin returned in the fall of 2004 helping Randy Orton fight off Evolution and was later chosen by the fans to compete for the Intercontinental Championship in a match against then-champion Chris Jericho at Taboo Tuesday. Benjamin won the match,{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/taboo.html#2004|title=Taboo Tuesday 2004 – October 19, 2004|access-date=June 17, 2007|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|archive-date=January 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080110042554/http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/taboo.html#2004|url-status=live}} giving him his first singles title in the company. During his reign as Intercontinental Champion, Benjamin retained the title against challengers such as Christian at Survivor Series,{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/survivor.html#2004|title=Survivor Series 2004 – November 14, 2004|access-date=June 17, 2007|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|archive-date=December 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207083703/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/survivor.html#2004|url-status=live}} Maven at New Year's Revolution,{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/newyear.html#2005|title=New Year's Revolution – January 9, 2005|access-date=June 17, 2007|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|archive-date=April 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410011414/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/newyear.html#2005|url-status=live}} and Chris Jericho at Backlash.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2005|title=Backlash 2005 – May 1, 2005|access-date=June 17, 2007|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|archive-date=September 18, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918203417/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2005|url-status=live}} On May 2, Benjamin faced and lost against Shawn Michaels in a critically acclaimed match. Benjamin lost the title to Carlito on the June 20 episode of Raw (Carlito used the ropes during the pinfall), ending the longest Intercontinental Championship reign of that decade and the 21st century overall at 244 days (that record has since been broken by Gunther in 2023).{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/636206 |title=Intercontinental title reign: Carlito |access-date=June 17, 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070325213657/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/636206 |archive-date=March 25, 2007 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-future-wwe-world-champion-twitter-erupts-gunther-breaks-18-year-old-record-makes-history | title="Future WWE World Champion!" - Twitter erupts as Gunther breaks 18-year-old record and makes history | date=February 10, 2023 }}

File:Shelton Benjamin in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.jpg

Benjamin was then depicted as having a "losing streak" over the next several weeks, which led to Benjamin's "Momma" (played by comedian/actress Thea Vidale) coming to Raw to confront Benjamin. Momma slapped and yelled at Benjamin every time he lost a match.{{cite web |author=Joe Burgett |url=https://www.inquisitr.com/1571041/wwe-news-shelton-benjamins-mom-claims-she-was-sexually-harassed-while-working-in-wwe/ |title=WWE News: Shelton Benjamin's 'Mom' Claims She Was Sexually Harassed While Working In WWE |publisher=Inquisitr.com |date=October 29, 2014 |access-date=February 16, 2019 |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217142222/https://www.inquisitr.com/1571041/wwe-news-shelton-benjamins-mom-claims-she-was-sexually-harassed-while-working-in-wwe/ |url-status=live }} Before long, she assisted Benjamin in his matches, often interfering on his behalf.{{cite news|author=PWI Staff|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work="Wrestling's historical cards"|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=119}} This led to Benjamin turning heel for the second time in his career. In 2006, Benjamin then began a rivalry with then-Intercontinental Champion Ric Flair. On the February 20 episode of Raw, Benjamin defeated Flair to win his second Intercontinental Championship after Momma faked a heart problem, causing enough of a distraction to allow Benjamin to cheat and win the title.{{cite web |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-wwe-raw-report-02-20-06/ |title=411's WWE Raw Report 02.20.06 |publisher=411MANIA |date=February 20, 2006 |access-date=February 16, 2019 |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217030326/https://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-wwe-raw-report-02-20-06/ |url-status=live }} Benjamin continued to feud with Flair, but Momma no longer accompanied him to ringside. Benjamin explained her absence by stating that she was undergoing heart surgery in the hospital. She actually left due to being sexually harassed by someone in WWE.

Benjamin competed in the second Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 22.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/mania.html#22|title=WrestleMania 22 – April 2, 2006|access-date=June 17, 2007|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|archive-date=September 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910025120/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/mania.html#22|url-status=live}} Benjamin then began a rivalry with Rob Van Dam, the winner of the match, in an attempt to take Van Dam's Money in the Bank contract. During this time, Benjamin emphasized his new heel persona by now wearing shades, jewelry, and occasional colored shirts while entering the ring.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/pictures/s/sheltonbenjamin/15.jpg|title=Picture of Shelton Benjamin|access-date=July 20, 2007|archive-date=July 12, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070712090040/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/pictures/s/sheltonbenjamin/15.jpg|url-status=live}} At one point, Benjamin was defeated by his former tag team partner, the returning Charlie Haas, on the April 17 episode of Raw. A stipulation added to the match meant that due to this loss, Benjamin had to defend the Intercontinental Championship in the same match as his shot at Van Dam's contract, meaning at Backlash it would be a "Winner Takes All" match.{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2006/1145330958.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723213410/https://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2006/1145330958.shtml |archive-date=July 23, 2021 |title=Raw Results 4-17-06: St. Louis, MO |last=Golden |first=Hunter |publisher=WrestleView |date=April 17, 2006 |accessdate=February 3, 2023}} Van Dam won at Backlash and became Intercontinental Champion.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2006|title=Backlash 2006 – April 30, 2006|access-date=June 17, 2007|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|archive-date=September 18, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918203417/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2006|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=6299 |title=WWE Backlash 2006 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database |publisher=Cagematch.net |date=April 30, 2006 |access-date=February 16, 2019 |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217085035/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=6299 |url-status=live }} On the May 15 episode of Raw, Benjamin regained the title from Van Dam in a Tornado Tag Team match, pitting Benjamin, Triple H and Chris Masters against Van Dam and WWE Champion John Cena; both the WWE Championship and WWE Intercontinental Championship could be won by whoever pinned the appropriate champion. Benjamin pinned Van Dam, picking up his third Intercontinental Championship.{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=6371 |title=WWE Monday Night RAW #677 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database |publisher=Cagematch.net |date=May 15, 2006 |access-date=February 16, 2019 |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217084941/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=6371 |url-status=live }} Subsequently, Benjamin feuded with Carlito and others for his Intercontinental Championship before losing the title to Johnny Nitro in a Triple Threat match also involving Carlito at Vengeance.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/venge.html#2006|title=Vengeance 2006 – June 25, 2006|access-date=June 17, 2007|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128040458/http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/venge.html#2006|archive-date=November 28, 2010|url-status=dead}}

{{see also|World's Greatest Tag Team}}

File:19a.-TWGTT-Haas-&-Benjamin-Postmatch-crop,-RLA-Melb-10.11.2007.jpg

On the December 4 episode of Raw, Benjamin's former tag team partner Charlie Haas came out to celebrate with Benjamin after he defeated Super Crazy.{{Cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/12/05/2637465.html |title=CANOE -- SLAM! Sports - Wrestling - Raw: DX gets a little revenge |access-date=February 16, 2019 |archive-date=July 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714031420/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/12/05/2637465.html |url-status=usurped }} On the December 11 episode of Raw, Benjamin announced the World's Greatest Tag Team was officially back in a segment with Cryme Tyme.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/12/12/2753721.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717024439/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/12/12/2753721.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 17, 2012|title=Raw: Estrada F-U'd, Umaga goes nuts|date=December 12, 2006|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=August 10, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12112006/mainarticle|title=Cena stands tall|date=December 11, 2006|last=Zeigler|first=Zack|access-date=September 20, 2008|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103053450/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12112006/mainarticle|url-status=live}} They defeated The Highlanders in a match later that same night. They then started a feud with Cryme Tyme, but were largely unsuccessful in defeating them, including a tag team turmoil match at New Year's Revolution on January 7, 2007, where they were eliminated by Cryme Tyme.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/01/16/3388789.html|title=Raw: DX isn't quite dead|date=January 16, 2007|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=August 10, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=July 20, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720103140/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/01/16/3388789.html|url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/02/06/3539808.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715084415/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/02/06/3539808.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 15, 2012|title=Raw: Mania main events all set|date=February 6, 2007|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=August 10, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/01/08/3235732.html|title=Cena retains, Triple H injured at Revolution|date=January 7, 2007|last=Plummer|first=Dale|author2=Tylwalk, Nick|access-date=September 20, 2008|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=July 13, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713164325/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/01/08/3235732.html|url-status=usurped}} Benjamin entered the Royal Rumble match at the Royal Rumble, but was eliminated by Shawn Michaels.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2007/matches/35535102/results/|title=A Phenom-enal Rumble|first=Louie|last=Dee|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|date=January 28, 2007|access-date=December 31, 2007|archive-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413104705/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2007/matches/35535102/results/|url-status=live}} They finally managed a win over Cryme Tyme, ending their undefeated streak, on the January 29 episode of Raw.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/01/30/3481310.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717060432/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/01/30/3481310.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 17, 2012|title=Raw: HBK & Cena Trump Edge & Orton|date=January 30, 2007|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=August 10, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

On the April 2 episode of Raw, the World's Greatest Tag Team was unsuccessful in defeating the team of Ric Flair and Carlito, but defeated them in a rematch the following week when Haas distracted Carlito, allowing Benjamin to gain the pin over Flair.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/04/03/3906166.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713205040/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/04/03/3906166.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 13, 2012|title=Raw: New tag champs crowned|date=April 3, 2007|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=August 10, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/04/17/4045036.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729190945/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/04/17/4045036.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 29, 2012|title=Raw: Mama mia! A new I-C champion!|date=April 17, 2007|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=August 10, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} They won again two weeks later when Carlito turned on Flair, attacking him and allowing The World's Greatest Tag Team to win via countout.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/05/01/4144749.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120723172616/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/05/01/4144749.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 23, 2012|title=Raw: Khali back in title picture|date=May 1, 2007|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=August 10, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} They then challenged The Hardys for the World Tag Team Championship at One Night Stand in a ladder match, but were unsuccessful.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/06/03/4231367.html|title=One Night Stand a PPV gong show|date=June 3, 2007|last=MacKinder|first=Matt|access-date=September 20, 2008|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143624/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/06/03/4231367.html|url-status=usurped}}

Following this, the World's Greatest Tag Team began a rivalry with Paul London and Brian Kendrick after losing to the duo in their debut match on the June 18 episode of Raw.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/06/19/4274309.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722104605/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/06/19/4274309.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 22, 2012|title=Raw: The return of a McMahon|date=June 19, 2007|last=Gaynor|first=Allen|access-date=August 10, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} A few weeks later, London defeated Benjamin in a singles match, however, on the July 23 episode of Raw, The World's Greatest Tag Team got a tag team win over London and Kendrick to end the rivalry.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07232007/mainarticle|title=One bad apple leads to Dominator destruction|date=July 23, 2007|last=Clayton|first=Corey|access-date=September 20, 2008|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=June 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629113521/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07232007/mainarticle|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/07/10/4328805.html|title=Raw: No Cena so more Lashley|date=July 10, 2007|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=August 10, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=July 13, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713184506/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/07/10/4328805.html|url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/07/24/4364300.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714015252/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/07/24/4364300.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Raw: SummerSlam main event set|date=July 24, 2007|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=August 10, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

Benjamin and Haas then routinely competed against the teams of Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes and Super Crazy and Jim Duggan until November, when the team was disbanded due to Benjamin joining the ECW roster.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/10/30/4617137.html|title=Raw: DX together yet again|date=October 30, 2007|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=August 10, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=July 15, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715223018/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/10/30/4617137.html|url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/11/06/4634823.html|title=Raw: Can't get enough of that DX schtick|date=November 6, 2007|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=August 10, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=July 19, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719040351/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/11/06/4634823.html|url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/11202007/mainarticle|title=Heating up for the holidays|date=November 20, 2007|last=Rote|first=Andrew|access-date=September 20, 2008|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103023849/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/11202007/mainarticle/|url-status=live}}

Benjamin as the [[WWE United States Champion in 2009|thumb]]

On the November 20, 2007, airing of WWE ECW, Elijah Burke introduced Benjamin as the newest member of the ECW brand. Benjamin, who had dyed his hair blond before leaving Raw, began wearing gold wrestling attire and referring to himself as "The Gold Standard". On ECW, Benjamin began once again receiving more airtime and higher profile matches, defeating Tommy Dreamer in his debut.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/11202007/mainarticle/|title=Heating up for the holidays|access-date=January 29, 2011|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103023849/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/11202007/mainarticle/|url-status=live}} Benjamin then qualified for the Royal Rumble match and won an over the top rope preview. Benjamin appeared in the Royal Rumble match at the Royal Rumble, entering at number 17, but was eliminated by Shawn Michaels.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/6164364/|title=2008 Royal Rumble Statistics|access-date=February 3, 2008|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080110132937/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/6164364/|archive-date=January 10, 2008}} He suffered his first loss since coming to ECW to Kane by count-out, on the January 29, 2008, episode of ECW. On the February 22 episode of SmackDown, Benjamin defeated Jimmy Wang Yang in a qualifying match for the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania XXIV,{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/02222008/mainarticle/|title=Results: Two roads diverge|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=March 12, 2008|date=February 22, 2008|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103025430/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/02222008/mainarticle/|url-status=live}} which was won by CM Punk. After WrestleMania, Benjamin briefly feuded with Punk, before he began an on-screen rivalry with Kofi Kingston, who defeated Benjamin on the April 22 episode of ECW. On ECW's 100th episode, however, Benjamin defeated Kingston, thus ending Kingston's undefeated streak. To end the feud, Kingston then defeated Benjamin in an Extreme Rules match.

As part of the 2008 supplemental draft, Benjamin was drafted to the SmackDown brand.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/wwedraft2008/7505418/|title=Official 2008 WWE Supplemental Draft Results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=June 25, 2008|archive-date=March 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330032338/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/wwedraft2008/7505418/|url-status=live}} On the July 11 episode of SmackDown, Benjamin defeated United States Champion Matt Hardy in a non-title match, earning himself a future title shot. At The Great American Bash, Benjamin once again defeated Hardy to win the United States Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/unitedstates/7684044 |title=Shelton Benjamin's first United States Championship reign |date=July 20, 2008 |access-date=July 21, 2008 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724033044/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/unitedstates/7684044 |archive-date=July 24, 2008 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/matches/uschampionship/results/|title=The Great American Bash: Midas Touch|date=July 20, 2008|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=July 21, 2008|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723193840/http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/matches/uschampionship/results/|archive-date=July 23, 2008}} Throughout his reign as champion, he retained the title several times against competitors such as R-Truth and Hurricane Helms. On the 500th episode of SmackDown, on March 20, 2009, Benjamin lost his United States Championship to Montel Vontavious Porter, ending Benjamin's reign at 240 days.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/unitedstates/9613096 |title=History of the United States Championship – Montel Vontavious Porter (2) |date=March 20, 2009 |access-date=March 21, 2009 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324044627/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/unitedstates/9613096 |archive-date=March 24, 2009 }} Benjamin then participated in the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 25, but failed to win as CM Punk won the match for the second year in a row.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/04/06/9019551.html|title=Wrestlemania 25: HBK-Undertaker steals the show|date=April 6, 2009|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=April 6, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629103158/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/04/06/9019551.html|url-status=usurped}} On June 29, 2009, Benjamin was traded to the ECW brand.{{cite web|url=http://prowrestling.about.com/b/2009/06/30/the-trump-trade.htm|title=The Trump Trade|publisher=Prowrestling.about.com|access-date=November 15, 2009|archive-date=July 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704201614/http://prowrestling.about.com/b/2009/06/30/the-trump-trade.htm|url-status=live}} The following night, Benjamin returned to the brand in a losing effort to the debuting Yoshi Tatsu.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9806/ |title=Florida Championship Wrestling, I mean ECW, TV report |date=June 30, 2009 |access-date=July 1, 2009 |publisher=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704021203/http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9806 |archive-date=July 4, 2009 }} He defeated Tatsu in a rematch the following week on ECW.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/10/10084086.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630050252/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/10/10084086.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 30, 2012|title=ECW: Christian earns title match|date=July 10, 2009|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=July 10, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} After a tag team match, Benjamin abandoned his partner Zack Ryder during a tag team match, turning Benjamin face for the first time since 2006. He would soon feud with Ryder and Sheamus over the following weeks. Benjamin and Sheamus began feuding with and traded wins against each other on ECW and Superstars and the feud lasted until Sheamus was moved to the Raw brand on October 26. The next night on ECW, Benjamin lost to Sheamus in Sheamus' final match on the brand.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/10/27/11547456.html|title=ECW: Christian, Tatsu engage in superb battle for title|date=October 27, 2009|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=October 28, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 30, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630050252/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/10/27/11547456.html|url-status=usurped}}

Benjamin wrestled Christian at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs for the ECW Championship in a ladder match, but came up on the losing end. At the Royal Rumble on January 31, 2010, Benjamin entered the Royal Rumble match at entry number 20, but was eliminated by John Cena in under a minute. On the final episode of ECW, Benjamin formed an alliance with Vladimir Kozlov. Together, they defeated three members of the ECW roster: Vance Archer, Caylen Croft and Trent Barreta. On the February 26 episode of SmackDown, Benjamin returned to the SmackDown brand and once again qualified for the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania XXVI, beating CM Punk. However, Benjamin failed to win the match.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/03/29/13391691.html|title=Undertaker ends Shawn Michaels' career in thrilling rematch to cap off Wrestlemania XXVI|date=March 29, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=April 23, 2010|archive-date=July 14, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714104045/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/03/29/13391691.html|url-status=usurped}} He defeated the returning Joey Mercury in his last match at the SmackDown tapings on April 20 in a dark match.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1271813457 |title=Former WWE star returns at Smackdown tapings |date=April 20, 2010 |last=Gerweck |first=Steve |access-date=April 23, 2010 |publisher=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100424172014/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1271813457 |archive-date=April 24, 2010 }} On April 22, Benjamin was released from his WWE contract, ending his decade-long tenure with the company.{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1271973470 |title=WWE releases six talents |date=April 22, 2010 |last=Gerweck |first=Steve |work=WrestleView |access-date=April 23, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100424012646/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1271973470 |archive-date=April 24, 2010 }}

Benjamin made his independent circuit debut on July 24, 2010, in San Diego, California against Scorpio Sky. On July 31, 2010, during the World Wrestling Council's "La Revolución" show in Puerto Rico, Benjamin defeated Ray González to win the WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship. At Crossfire on November 27, Benjamin lost the Universal Heavyweight Championship to Carlito.{{cite web|url=http://superluchas.net/resultados-crossfire-carlito-se-corona-campeon-universal-el-rabioso-blitz-regresa-gilbert-nuevo-campeon-de-puerto-rico/ |title=Resultados: Crossfire Carlito se corona Campeón Universal- El Rabioso Blitz regresa- Gilbert nuevo Campeón de Puerto Rico |author=Piñeiro, Anthony |date=November 28, 2010 |access-date=December 18, 2010 |language=es |work=SuperLuchas |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116221119/http://superluchas.net/resultados-crossfire-carlito-se-corona-campeon-universal-el-rabioso-blitz-regresa-gilbert-nuevo-campeon-de-puerto-rico/ |archive-date=January 16, 2014 }}

In November 2010, Benjamin competed for American Wrestling Rampage. He made his debut on November 10 with Haas facing La Résistance. During his tour with AWR he defeated Shawn Daivari in a steel cage match. He also had tag team matches with Haas taking on Booker T and Scott Steiner. On March 8, 2011, Benjamin wrestled in a dark match prior to the SmackDown tapings in Houston, Texas, defeating Curt Hawkins.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1299634365 |title=Former WWE., current ROH star works dark match |date=March 8, 2011 |access-date=March 9, 2011 |last=Martin |first=Adam |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312144622/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1299634365 |archive-date=March 12, 2011 }} On March 9, 2011, Benjamin won the MWF Heavyweight Championship and lost it on June 4.

At JAPW 18th Anniversary Show, Haas, Benjamin and Angle reunited for the first time in 11 years. In the main event, Benjamin and Haas defeated Chris Sabin and Teddy Hart.{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=115696|title=JAPW 18th Anniversary Show « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|website=Cagematch.net|access-date=November 16, 2014|archive-date=June 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602032027/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=115696|url-status=live}}

On May 15, 2015, Global Force Wrestling (GFW) announced Benjamin as part of their roster.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/42564-fri-update-corey-hill-tna-to-wednesdaygfw-roster-dont-get-caught-wdrugs-in-nevada-all-super-junior-bouts |title=Fri. update: Corey Hill, TNA to Wednesday,GFW roster, Don't get caught w/drugs in Nevada, All Super Junior bouts |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=May 15, 2015 |access-date=May 16, 2015 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517214525/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/42564-fri-update-corey-hill-tna-to-wednesdaygfw-roster-dont-get-caught-wdrugs-in-nevada-all-super-junior-bouts |archive-date=May 17, 2015 }} He made his debut for the promotion on June 20, defeating Chris Mordetzky in a main event singles match.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_85776.shtml|title=Show results - 6/20 GFW in Pearl, Miss.: Shelton Benjamin vs. Chris Masters main event, Scott Steiner, former WWE star Justin Gabriel, more, plus overall event experience|last=Bowker|first=Ernest C.|date=June 21, 2015|access-date=July 12, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725215414/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_85776.shtml|url-status=live}} Benjamin participated in Global Force Wrestling's inaugural tournament to crown their very first GFW Global Champion, which served as the company's world heavyweight championship. After gaining a victory in the quarter-finals, he forfeited his next match-up to Bobby Roode due to a storyline concussion.

{{See also|Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team}}

Image:Shelton Benjamin ROH World Tag Team Champion (cropped).jpg in 2011]]

On September 11, 2010, at Glory By Honor IX, Benjamin and Charlie Haas (billed as "Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team") made their Ring of Honor debuts in a match, where they were defeated by The Kings of Wrestling (Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli).{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_43710.shtml|title=9/11 ROH internet PPV live results: Caldwell & Radican's coverage of "Glory by Honor IX" - ROH Title match, Haas & Benjamin debut|first=James|last=Caldwell|author2=Radican, Sean|date=September 11, 2010|access-date=September 11, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=October 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012184718/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_43710.shtml|url-status=live}}

Benjamin and Haas returned to ROH at the Ring of Honor Wrestling television tapings on December 9, where they defeated the Bravado Brothers (Harlem and Lance).{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1292006998 |title=Spoilers: 12/9 ROH HDNet tapings in Louisville |date=December 10, 2010 |last=Martin |first=Adam |access-date=December 18, 2010 |publisher=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216170511/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1292006998 |archive-date=December 16, 2010 }} The following day, at the second set of television tapings, they defeated the All-Night Express of Kenny King and Rhett Titus, and participated in an eight-man tag team match, teaming with the Briscoe Brothers against the Kings of Wrestling and the All-Night Xpress, which ended in a no contest.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1292089862 |title=Spoilers: 12/10 ROH HDNet tapings in Louisville |date=December 11, 2010 |last=Martin |first=Adam |access-date=December 18, 2010 |publisher=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216170757/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1292089862 |archive-date=December 16, 2010 }} On December 18 at the Final Battle 2010 pay-per-view Benjamin and Haas announced that in 2011 they would be wrestling regularly for Ring of Honor.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_46163.shtml|title=Caldwell's Ring of Honor PPV report 12/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of "Final Battle 2010" - Strong vs. Richards, Generico vs. Steen|date=December 18, 2010|access-date=December 18, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212738/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_46163.shtml|url-status=live}} At the following pay-per-view, 9th Anniversary Show, on February 26, 2011, Benjamin and Haas defeated the Briscoe Brothers in the main event of the evening to earn another shot at the Kings of Wrestling and the ROH World Tag Team Championship.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_48078.shtml|title=Caldwell's Ring of Honor PPV report 2/26: Complete "virtual time" coverage of "9th Anniversary Show" - Strong vs. Homicide ROH Title match, Briscoes vs. Haas & Benjamin main event|date=February 26, 2011|access-date=February 27, 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=February 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110228175404/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_48078.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/19621/ |title=Daniels update and other ROH iPPV notes -- updated |date=February 26, 2011 |access-date=February 27, 2011 |last=Alvarez |first=Bryan |author-link=Bryan Alvarez |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302014543/http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/19621 |archive-date=March 2, 2011 }} On April 1 at Honor Takes Center Stage, Benjamin and Haas defeated the Kings of Wrestling for the ROH World Tag Team Championship.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_48952.shtml|title=ROH Internet PPV report 4/1: Caldwell & Radican's "virtual-time" coverage of live ROH PPV from Atlanta|last=Caldwell|first=James|author2=Radican, Sean|date=April 1, 2011|access-date=April 2, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=December 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208144038/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_48952.shtml|url-status=live}} On June 26 at Best in the World 2011, Benjamin and Haas successfully defended the ROH World Tag Team Championship in a four-way match against the Briscoe Brothers, the Kings of Wrestling and the All Night Express.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_51045.shtml|title=Radican's "Best in the World" internet PPV report 6/26: Ongoing "real-time" coverage of live PPV from New York City|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=June 26, 2011|access-date=June 28, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306061931/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_51045.shtml|url-status=live}} The following day ROH announced that both Benjamin and Haas had signed contracts with the promotion.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_51064.shtml|title=ROH News: Ring of Honor announces the signing of ROH tag champions to contracts|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 27, 2011|access-date=June 28, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=July 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703203811/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_51064.shtml|url-status=live}} On December 23, at Final Battle 2011, Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team lost the ROH World Tag Team Championship to the Briscoe Brothers.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1324707181 |title=ROH Final Battle iPPV Results - 12/23/11 |date=December 24, 2011 |last=Namako |first=Jason |access-date=December 24, 2011 |publisher=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108065742/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1324707181 |archive-date=January 8, 2012 }} On May 12, 2012, at Border Wars, Benjamin and Haas regained the ROH World Tag Team Championship from the Briscoe Brothers.{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wrestling-results/roh-wrestling-results/32649-roh-on-sinclair-results-5-12-12/ |title=ROH Border Wars iPPV Results- 5/12/12 |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=May 12, 2012 |access-date=May 13, 2012 |publisher=WrestleView |archive-date=October 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020233600/https://www.wrestleview.com/uncategorized/roh-results/roh-wrestling-results/32649-roh-on-sinclair-results-5-12-12/ |url-status=live }} On June 24 at Best in the World 2012, Benjamin and Haas lost the title to Kenny King and Rhett Titus.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/26253-roh-best-in-the-world-ippv-coverage-from-new-york |title=ROH Best in the World iPPV coverage from New York |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=June 24, 2012 |access-date=June 25, 2012 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627073841/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/26253-roh-best-in-the-world-ippv-coverage-from-new-york |archive-date=June 27, 2012 }}

In early August, ROH, in storyline, suspended Benjamin for attacking Titus and several ROH officials with a steel chair. The suspension was used to explain Benjamin's absence from ROH, while he was working in Japan.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1343936610 |title=Charlie Haas enters the ROH tag team tournament |last=Gerweck |first=Steve |date=August 2, 2012 |access-date=August 3, 2012 |publisher=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805175723/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1343936610 |archive-date=August 5, 2012 }} Benjamin returned on September 15 at Death Before Dishonor X: State of Emergency, accompanying Charlie Haas and Rhett Titus during their tag team championship tournament matches.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1347768134 |title=ROH Death Before Dishonor X Results - 9/15/12 |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=September 16, 2012 |access-date=September 16, 2012 |publisher=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919190028/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1347768134 |archive-date=September 19, 2012 }} On December 16 at Final Battle 2012: Doomsday, Benjamin and Haas defeated Titus and B. J. Whitmer in a Street Fight.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1355697580 |title=ROH Final Battle Results - 12/16/12 |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=December 16, 2012 |access-date=December 19, 2012 |publisher=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221011037/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1355697580 |archive-date=December 21, 2012 }} The following day it was reported that Benjamin had requested and received a release from his ROH contract.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/74112/roh-news-and-notes-coming-out-of-final-battle-2012-who-the-missing-announcer-was-what-talent-has-been-released-more.html?p=1|title=ROH news and notes coming out of Final Battle 2012, who the missing announcer was, what talent has been released & more|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=December 19, 2012|access-date=December 19, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|archive-date=January 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131030325/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/74112/roh-news-and-notes-coming-out-of-final-battle-2012-who-the-missing-announcer-was-what-talent-has-been-released-more.html?p=1|url-status=live}} Benjamin made one more appearance for ROH on February 2, 2013, when Haas turned on him during an ROH World Tag Team Championship match against the Briscoe Brothers.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_68378.shtml|title=Show results - 2/2 ROH TV tapings Baltimore, Md.: Spoiler results for upcoming TV episodes, including end of ROH tag team|last=Gee Schoon Tong|first=Chris|date=February 3, 2013|access-date=February 3, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=February 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206023609/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_68378.shtml|url-status=live}} Benjamin was scheduled to face Haas on April 5 at Supercard of Honor VII, but after Haas had parted ways with the promotion, he was replaced by Mike Bennett, who went on to defeat Benjamin.{{cite web | url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_69768.shtml | title=Radican's ROH "Supercard of Honor VII" iPPV blog 4/5 - Steen defends vs. Jay Briscoe, ROH vs. S.C.U.M. Ten Man Tag | last=Radican | first=Sean | date=April 5, 2013 | access-date=April 7, 2013 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch | archive-date=April 8, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408234541/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_69768.shtml | url-status=live }}

{{See also|Suzuki-gun}}

File:Shelton X Benjamin.JPG in September 2013]]

On December 9, 2011, New Japan Pro-Wrestling announced that Benjamin would be joining MVP for a tag match against Masato Tanaka and Yujiro Takahashi at Wrestle Kingdom VI in Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_55849.shtml|title=NJPW: Shelton Benjamin joining MVP for Dome show|date=December 9, 2011|access-date=December 31, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=June 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120605105133/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_55849.shtml|url-status=live}} Benjamin and MVP were victorious in the match, after MVP submitted Takahashi.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=470 |title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour. レッスルキングダムVI in 東京ドーム |access-date=January 4, 2012 |publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108044116/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=470 |archive-date=January 8, 2012 }}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}} Benjamin returned to New Japan on June 16 at Dominion 6.16, where he and MVP defeated Karl Anderson and Tama Tonga in a tag team match, with Benjamin pinning Tonga for the win.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=584|title=Dominion 6.16|access-date=June 16, 2012|publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja | archive-date= June 19, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619042734/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=584}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019 | quote= スペシャルタッグマッチ ×タマ・トンガ "ザ・マシンガン"カール・アンダーソン [10分19秒] ペイ・ダート→片エビ固め ○シェルトン・ベンジャミン MVP ("Special Tag Match ×Tama Tonga "The Machine Gun" Carl Anderson [ 10m19s ] ○Shelton Benjamin MVP")}} On July 8, New Japan announced Benjamin as a participant in the 2012 G1 Climax tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=7770|title=今年の『G1』出場メンバーが決定!! 丸藤、べンジャミン、ルーシュ、オカダが初出場!!|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|date=July 8, 2012|access-date=July 8, 2012|language=ja|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304041605/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=7770|url-status=live}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_63117.shtml|title=NJPW: former WWE stars in G1 Climax|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=July 8, 2012|access-date=July 8, 2012|archive-date=July 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711172011/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_63117.shtml|url-status=live}} Benjamin returned to the promotion on July 29 at Last Rebellion, where he, Karl Anderson, MVP and Rush defeated Suzuki-gun (Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, Taichi and Taka Michinoku) in an eight-man tag team match, with Benjamin pinning Taichi for the win.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=596|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Last Rebellion|publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|access-date=July 29, 2012|language=ja|archive-date=August 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807053745/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=596|url-status=live}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}} In the following month's G1 Climax tournament, Benjamin ended up winning four out of his eight matches, failing to advance to the finals.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=605|title=カードファイト!! ヴァンガード Presents NJPW 40th anniversary Tour G1 Climax 22 ～The One And Only～|publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|access-date=August 12, 2012|language=ja|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304003010/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=605|url-status=live}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_64211.shtml|title=NJPW: Former TNA wrestler wins G1|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=August 12, 2012|access-date=August 12, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=August 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813203751/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_64211.shtml|url-status=live}} On November 11, New Japan announced that Benjamin would return to take part in the 2012 World Tag League, where he would be teaming with MVP under the tag team name "Black Dynamite".{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8507|title=11月20日(火)開幕!! 『World Tag League 2012』の出場メンバー決定!! 棚橋はなんとキャプテンとタッグ結成!!|publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|date=November 11, 2012|access-date=November 11, 2012|language=ja|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055714/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8507|url-status=live}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}} Benjamin and MVP finished their tournament on December 1 with a record of three wins, one over the reigning IWGP Tag Team Champions K.E.S. (Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Lance Archer),{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=649|title=NJPW 40ｔｈ anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012|publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|access-date=December 1, 2012|language=ja|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224007/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=649|url-status=live}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}} and three losses, failing to advance from their block.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=654|title=NJPW 40ｔｈ anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012|publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|access-date=December 1, 2012|language=ja|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303234614/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=654|url-status=live}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}} On December 2, the final day of the tournament, Benjamin got into a brawl with Masato Tanaka,{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=656&c=5023|title=NJPW 40ｔｈ anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012|publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|access-date=December 3, 2012|language=ja|archive-date=December 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204230646/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=656&c=5023|url-status=live}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}} which led to New Japan the naming him the number one contender to Tanaka's NEVER Openweight Championship the following day.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8631|title=武藤＆大地vsテンコジ! 田中vsベンジャミン! IWGPタッグ! 永田vsみのる! 1.4東京ドーム全カードが決定!!|date=December 3, 2012|access-date=December 3, 2012|publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja|archive-date=December 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121206191600/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8631|url-status=live}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}} On January 4, 2013, at Wrestle Kingdom 7 in Tokyo Dome, Benjamin unsuccessfully challenged Tanaka for his title.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=657|title=Wrestle Kingdom 7 ～Evolution～ in 東京ドーム|access-date=January 4, 2013|publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja|archive-date=January 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130107203140/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=657|url-status=live}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_67650.shtml|title=Show Results - 1/4 New Japan Tokyo Dome Show: Former WWE stars in undercard matches, Tanahashi vs. Okada, did any titles change hands?|date=January 4, 2013|access-date=January 4, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303201522/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_67650.shtml|url-status=live}}

Benjamin returned to New Japan on April 20, now working as a member of the villainous Suzuki-gun, teaming with the stable's leader Minoru Suzuki in a main event tag team match, where they defeated Kazuchika Okada and Shinsuke Nakamura.{{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=710 | title=Road to レスリングどんたく 2013 | date=April 20, 2013 | access-date=April 20, 2013 | work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling | language=ja | archive-date=April 24, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424142054/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=710 | url-status=live }}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}} On the following tour, Benjamin worked under the ring name "Shelton X Benjamin", playing off the fact that prior to him being revealed as the newest member of Suzuki-gun, Suzuki's partner had been billed simply as "X".{{cite web |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/data/detail_profile.php?f=771 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130428064234/http://www.njpw.co.jp/data/detail_profile.php?f=771 |title=シェルトン・X・ベンジャミン |archive-date=April 28, 2013 |access-date=May 3, 2013 |work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |url-status=dead }}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}} On May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku 2013, Benjamin unsuccessfully challenged Nakamura for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=708|script-title=ja:レスリングどんたく 2013|access-date=May 3, 2013|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja|archive-date=May 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507235145/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=708|url-status=live}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_70387.shtml|title=Show results - 5/3 NJPW Dontaku PPV: U.S. stars lose titles or title matches, Okada's first IWGP Title defense, more|date=May 4, 2013|access-date=May 4, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303182547/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_70387.shtml|url-status=live}} Benjamin returned to New Japan on June 22 at Dominion 6.22, where he and Minoru Suzuki defeated Shinsuke Nakamura and Tomohiro Ishii in a tag team match, with Benjamin pinning Nakamura for the win.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=729|title=Dominion 6.22|access-date=June 22, 2013|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja|archive-date=June 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625140641/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=729|url-status=live}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_71461.shtml|title=Show results - 6/22 NJPW Dominion iPPV: Devitt vs. Tanahashi, NWA Title defended, Benjamin, Hoyt, Shelley, more|date=June 22, 2013|access-date=June 22, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202748/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_71461.shtml|url-status=live}} From August 1 to 11, Benjamin took part in the 2013 G1 Climax,{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9857 |title=『G1 Climax 23』出場メンバー発表!! 飯伏幸太、石井智宏が初出場!! 柴田勝頼が9年ぶりエントリー!! |work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |date=July 5, 2013 |access-date=July 5, 2013 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706145439/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9857 |archive-date=July 6, 2013 }}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}} where he finished with a record of five wins and four losses, narrowly missing advancement from his block.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=747 |title=ブシモ Presents G1 Climax 23 |access-date=August 11, 2013 |work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816170459/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=747 |archive-date=August 16, 2013 }}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_72623.shtml|title=Live results - New Japan's G1 Climax Finals 8/11: Caldwell's complete coverage of Sunday's event featuring Naito vs. Tanahashi, Shelton, Hoyt, Bulldog Jr., Devitt, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=August 11, 2013|access-date=August 11, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303200309/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_72623.shtml|url-status=live}} On September 29 at Destruction, Benjamin received another shot at the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, but was again defeated by Shinsuke Nakamura.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=759|title=Destruction|access-date=September 29, 2013|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja|archive-date=October 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002003531/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=759|url-status=live}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/44076-9-29-njpw-ippv-results-hyogo-japan-okada-kojima|title=9/29 NJPW iPPV Results: Hyogo, Japan (Okada/Kojima)|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=September 29, 2013|access-date=September 29, 2013|work=WrestleView|archive-date=August 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823210651/http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/44076-9-29-njpw-ippv-results-hyogo-japan-okada-kojima/|url-status=live}} From November 24 to December 7, Benjamin and Suzuki took part in the 2013 World Tag League, where they finished with a record of three wins and three losses, with a loss against Takashi Iizuka and Toru Yano on the final day costing them a spot in the semifinals.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=783|title=World Tag League 2013|access-date=December 7, 2013|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224657/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=783|url-status=live}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=792 |title=World Tag League 2013 |access-date=December 7, 2013 |work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212005338/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=792 |archive-date=December 12, 2013 }}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}} Benjamin returned to New Japan on January 4, 2014, at Wrestle Kingdom 8 in Tokyo Dome, where he and Suzuki were defeated by The Great Muta and Toru Yano in a tag team match.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=781|title=バディファイトPresents Wrestle Kingdom 8 in 東京ドーム|access-date=January 4, 2014|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja|archive-date=January 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104212559/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=781|url-status=live}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_75461.shtml|title=Caldwell's NJPW Tokyo Dome results 1/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of New Japan's biggest show of the year - four title changes, former WWE/TNA stars featured, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=January 4, 2014|access-date=January 4, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303181649/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_75461.shtml|url-status=live}} On March 15, Benjamin entered the 2014 New Japan Cup, defeating Yujiro Takahashi in his first round match.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=815|title=New Japan Cup 2014|access-date=March 15, 2014|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja|archive-date=March 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315142559/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=815|url-status=live}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}} On March 22, Benjamin defeated Katsuyori Shibata to advance to the semifinals of the tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=820|title=New Japan Cup 2014|access-date=March 22, 2014|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja|archive-date=March 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322121547/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=820|url-status=live}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}} The following day, Benjamin was eliminated from the tournament in the semifinals by Bad Luck Fale.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=821 |title=New Japan Cup 2014 |access-date=March 23, 2014 |work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323135538/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=821 |archive-date=March 23, 2014 }}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}} From July 21 to August 8, Benjamin took part in the 2014 G1 Climax, where he finished fifth in his block with a record of five wins and five losses.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=871 |title=バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 24 |access-date=August 8, 2014 |work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808093933/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=871 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 }}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/50055-8-8-njpw-g-1-climax-day-11-recap-okada-suzuki|title=8/8 NJPW G-1 Climax Day 11 recap (Okada/Suzuki)|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=August 8, 2014|access-date=August 8, 2014|work=Wrestleview|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220042427/http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/50055-8-8-njpw-g-1-climax-day-11-recap-okada-suzuki/|url-status=live}}

Benjamin returned to New Japan on January 4, 2015, at Wrestle Kingdom 9 in Tokyo Dome, where he, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Lance Archer and Takashi Iizuka were defeated by Naomichi Marufuji, Toru Yano and TMDK (Mikey Nicholls and Shane Haste) in an eight-man tag team match.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=902 |title=Wrestle Kingdom 9 in 東京ドーム |access-date=January 4, 2015 |work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104154549/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=902 |archive-date=January 4, 2015 }}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}}

{{See also|Suzuki-gun}}

On January 10, 2015, Benjamin, along with the rest of Suzuki-gun, took part in a major storyline, where the stable invaded a Pro Wrestling Noah show, attacking Marufuji and TMDK.{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=6799|title=「New Year Navig. 2015」1月10日(土)後楽園ホール大会 試合後コメント|date=January 11, 2015|access-date=January 11, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Noah|language=ja|archive-date=January 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111160423/http://noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=6799|url-status=live}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20150111-00000101-spnavi-fight |title=丸藤V6もみのるが襲撃 鈴木軍がノアに宣戦布告 |date=January 11, 2015 |access-date=January 11, 2015 |work=Sports Navi |publisher=Yahoo! |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111160357/http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20150111-00000101-spnavi-fight |archive-date=January 11, 2015 }}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}} Benjamin made his in-ring debut for Noah on January 12, when he, Suzuki, Taichi and Michinoku defeated Marufuji, Atsushi Kotoge, Muhammad Yone and Taiji Ishimori in an eight-man tag team match.{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1382|title=The First Navig. 2015|access-date=January 12, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Noah|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150115014329/http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1382|archive-date=January 15, 2015|url-status=dead}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}} Over the next few weeks, Benjamin worked all Noah events,{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=6798|title=鈴木軍の乱入及び参戦アピールを受け 2015年1月＆2月ツアー全対戦カード変更！|date=January 11, 2015|access-date=February 13, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Noah|language=ja|archive-date=January 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128114705/http://noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=6798|url-status=live}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}} while starting a feud with Takashi Sugiura due to him also having a background in amateur wrestling.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=13384|title=ノア・3.15有明大会でTMDKとの再戦が決定したK.E.Sと、弾丸ヤンキースとの対戦が決まったベンジャミンが記者会見!!|date=February 13, 2015|access-date=February 13, 2015|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja|archive-date=February 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213123124/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=13384|url-status=live}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}} Benjamin and Sugiura finally met in a grudge match on July 18, where Sugiura was victorious.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=14471|title=「俺が"プロレス王"だ！ 杉浦、次はテメーだ！」鈴木が高山を血の海に沈めてV3！ 田中はジュニアリーグ白星スタート！【7.18ノア後楽園結果】|date=July 19, 2015|access-date=July 19, 2015|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja|archive-date=July 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721190217/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=14471|url-status=live}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}} In November, Benjamin made it to the finals of Noah's premier singles tournament, the Global League, but was defeated there by Naomichi Marufuji.{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1495|script-title=ja:グローバル・リーグ戦2015|access-date=November 8, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Noah|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110202534/http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1495|archive-date=November 10, 2015|url-status=dead}}{{Request quotation|date=February 2019}} On June 12, 2016, Benjamin unsuccessfully challenged Go Shiozaki for Noah's top title, the GHC Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/12/612-noah-tokyo-japan-results-go-shiozaki-vs-shelton-benjamin-ghc-hvt-title-k-e-s-challenges-ghc-tag-titles-njpw-stars-misawa-memorial-tribute/|title=6/12 Noah in Tokyo, Japan Results – Go Shiozaki vs. Shelton Benjamin for GHC Hvt. Title, K.E.S. challenges for GHC Tag Titles, NJPW stars, Misawa memorial|date=June 12, 2016|access-date=June 12, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=June 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615183935/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/12/612-noah-tokyo-japan-results-go-shiozaki-vs-shelton-benjamin-ghc-hvt-title-k-e-s-challenges-ghc-tag-titles-njpw-stars-misawa-memorial-tribute/|url-status=live}}

On the July 26, 2016, episode of SmackDown, WWE aired a promotional video, announcing that Benjamin would return to WWE and appear on SmackDown.{{cite news |last1=Currier |first1=Joseph |title=Shelton Benjamin returning to WWE |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/shelton-benjamin-returning-wwe-217361 |access-date=January 24, 2023 |work=f4wonline.com |date=July 26, 2016}} However, on August 7, 2016, Benjamin announced that due to a torn rotator cuff which required surgery, he "will not be returning to WWE at this time".{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/shelton-benjamin-undergoing-shoulder-surgery-wwe-return-put-hold-218096|title=Shelton Benjamin undergoing shoulder surgery, WWE return put on hold|access-date=August 7, 2016|work=f4wonline.com |first=Joseph |last=Currier |date=August 7, 2016|archive-date=August 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819185310/http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/shelton-benjamin-undergoing-shoulder-surgery-wwe-return-put-hold-218096|url-status=live}} In March 2017, Benjamin announced that he had been cleared for return to action, following his injury.{{cite web |last1=Rose |first1=Bryan |title=Shelton Benjamin cleared to return to action |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/shelton-benjamin-cleared-return-action-232716 |access-date=January 24, 2023 |work=f4wonline.com |date=March 30, 2017}}

On August 17, 2017, it was reported that Benjamin had re-signed with WWE.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article.php?id=111699|title=Former WWE Intercontinental Champion signs to return to WWE|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=August 17, 2017|access-date=August 18, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|archive-date=August 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818175850/http://www.pwinsider.com/article.php?id=111699|url-status=live}} He returned on the August 22 episode of SmackDown and was paired with Chad Gable, working as a fan favorite tag team. The duo made their in ring debut on August 30, 2017, defeating The Ascension. At Hell in a Cell, Benjamin and Gable defeated The Hype Bros, marking Benjamin's first appearance at a WWE pay-per-view since 2010. At Clash of Champions, they had their SmackDown Tag Team Championship title shot in a fatal four-way tag team match, in which they were unsuccessful. On the January 2, 2018, episode of SmackDown Live, they defeated The Usos for the titles, but the decision was reversed by the referee when he realized they unknowingly pinned the wrong twin. The following week on SmackDown Live, the duo turned heel when they insulted the referee of their title match the week before, demoralized the fans, and accused general manager Daniel Bryan of being biased, which resulted in Bryan booking them for a two out of three falls match against The Usos at Royal Rumble, where they lost in two straight falls.{{cite web|last1=Pettit|first1=Sam|title=WrestleMania title match places booked at Royal Rumble|url=http://www.skysports.com/wwe/news/14203/11227293/wrestlemania-title-match-places-booked-at-royal-rumble|website=SkySports.com|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=February 4, 2018|date=January 29, 2018|archive-date=February 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204124014/http://www.skysports.com/wwe/news/14203/11227293/wrestlemania-title-match-places-booked-at-royal-rumble|url-status=live}} At WrestleMania 34 on April 8, Benjamin competed alongside Gable in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, but neither won.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=Powell's WrestleMania 34 Kickoff Show live review: WrestleMania Women's Battle Royal, Cedric Alexander vs. Mustfa Ali for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/08/powells-wrestlemania-34-kickoff-show-live-review-wrestlemania-womens-battle-royal-cedric-alexander-vs-mustfa-ali-for-the-wwe-cruiserweight-championship-andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 8, 2018|date=April 8, 2018|archive-date=April 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409105829/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/08/powells-wrestlemania-34-kickoff-show-live-review-wrestlemania-womens-battle-royal-cedric-alexander-vs-mustfa-ali-for-the-wwe-cruiserweight-championship-andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal/|url-status=live}} On April 16, Gable would be traded to Raw during the 2018 WWE Superstar Shake-up, thus disbanding the team.{{cite web|title=Get live results from the two-night WWE Superstar Shake-up|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/wwe-superstar-shake-up-results-2018|publisher=WWE|access-date=April 16, 2018|archive-date=April 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421235704/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/wwe-superstar-shake-up-results-2018|url-status=live}}

On the April 17 episode of SmackDown, Benjamin issued a challenge to anyone in the locker room. Randy Orton would initially accept the challenge, however, while making his way to the ring, newly drafted United States Champion Jeff Hardy would come out and accept the challenge instead, defeating Benjamin.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=4/17 Powell's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: The WWE Superstar Shakeup Night Two|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/17/4-17-powells-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-the-wwe-superstar-shakeup-night-two/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 17, 2018|date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=May 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512135952/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/17/4-17-powells-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-the-wwe-superstar-shakeup-night-two/|url-status=live}} The following week on SmackDown, Benjamin would issue another open challenge, first answered by Hardy, but Orton would replace him. Benjamin would go onto defeat Orton.{{cite web|last1=Barnett|first1=Jake|title=4/24 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: Daniel Bryan on Miz TV, Carmella and Charlotte contract signing, Asuka and Becky Lynch vs. Peyton Royce and Billie Kay, Jimmy Uso vs. Erick Rowan|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/24/4-24-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-daniel-bryan-on-miz-tv-carmella-and-charlotte-contract-signing-asuka-and-becky-lynch-vs-peyton-royce-and-billie-kay-jimmy-uso-vs-erick-rowa/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 24, 2018|date=April 24, 2018|archive-date=April 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425115843/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/24/4-24-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-daniel-bryan-on-miz-tv-carmella-and-charlotte-contract-signing-asuka-and-becky-lynch-vs-peyton-royce-and-billie-kay-jimmy-uso-vs-erick-rowa/|url-status=live}} Benjamin appeared at the Greatest Royal Rumble in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, competing in the titular 50-man Royal Rumble match. Benjamin entered the match as entrant number 48 and was eliminated by Chris Jericho.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Braun Strowman won the first-ever 50-Man Greatest Royal Rumble Match to become the Greatest Royal Rumble Champion|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/greatest-royal-rumble-match-results|work=WWE|access-date=April 27, 2018|archive-date=April 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408123100/https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/greatest-royal-rumble-match-results|url-status=live}}

At the Royal Rumble pay-per-view on January 27, 2019, Benjamin competed in the Royal Rumble match, but was eliminated by Braun Strowman.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Royal Rumble 2019 live review: Men's and Women's Royal Rumble matches, Brock Lesnar vs. Finn Balor for the WWE Universal Championship, Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Championship, Ronda Rousey vs. Sasha Banks for the Raw Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/01/27/powells-wwe-royal-rumble-2019-live-review-mens-and-womens-royal-rumble-matches-brock-lesnar-vs-finn-balor-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-daniel-bryan-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-championsh/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=January 27, 2019|date=January 27, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128082804/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/01/27/powells-wwe-royal-rumble-2019-live-review-mens-and-womens-royal-rumble-matches-brock-lesnar-vs-finn-balor-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-daniel-bryan-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-championsh/|url-status=live}} On the March 11 episode of Raw, Benjamin surprisingly appeared and attacked Seth Rollins, and later faced Rollins in a losing effort.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/03/11/3-11-powells-wwe-raw-tv-review-the-shields-farewell-batista-and-triple-h-finn-balor-vs-bobby-lashley-for-the-intercontinental-championship-all-roads-lead-to-wrestlemania-coming-out-of-wwe-fas/|title=3/11 Powell's WWE Raw TV Review: The Shield's farewell, Batista and Triple H, Finn Balor vs. Bobby Lashley for the Intercontinental Championship, all roads lead to WrestleMania coming out of WWE Fastlane|date=March 11, 2019|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=March 12, 2019|archive-date=March 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091750/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/03/11/3-11-powells-wwe-raw-tv-review-the-shields-farewell-batista-and-triple-h-finn-balor-vs-bobby-lashley-for-the-intercontinental-championship-all-roads-lead-to-wrestlemania-coming-out-of-wwe-fas/|url-status=live}} In August, Benjamin was announced as one of sixteen competitors in the King of the Ring, where he was defeated by his former tag team partner Chad Gable in the first round on the August 27 episode of SmackDown Live.{{cite web |last1=Melok |first1=Bobby |title=Chad Gable def. Shelton Benjamin in the first round of the King of the Ring Tournament |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2019-08-27#full-detail-40065595 |website=WWE.com |access-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827175305/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2019-08-27#full-detail-40065595 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=The King of the Ring tournament returns next Monday night on Raw |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2019-08-19/article/king-of-the-ring-tournament-returns-raw |website=WWE.com |access-date=August 13, 2019 |archive-date=August 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813110555/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2019-08-19/article/king-of-the-ring-tournament-returns-raw |url-status=live }} As part of the 2019 draft, Benjamin was drafted to the Raw brand. On January 26, 2020, Benjamin participated in the Royal Rumble match and entered at #10 at the namesake pay-per-view, but was eliminated by the WWE Champion Brock Lesnar.

{{Main|The Hurt Business (professional wrestling)|l1=The Hurt Business}}

On the June 15 episode of Raw, Benjamin faced United States Champion Apollo Crews, where Crews won after using the ropes as leverage. Following the match in a WWE Network exclusive, MVP promised Benjamin a rematch with Crews for the United States Championship, thus teasing an alliance between the two. On the June 22 episode of Raw, Benjamin attacked Crews during the VIP Lounge with MVP before their scheduled match. Despite this, Benjamin was defeated by Crews.

On the July 20 episode of Raw, Benjamin officially joined MVP and Bobby Lashley's stable The Hurt Business as they helped him capture the 24/7 Championship from R-Truth.{{Cite web|last=Tees|first=David|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/wwe-raw-72020-results-live-coverage-discussion-8pm-est|title=WWE Raw 7/20/20 Results: An Unsanctioned Match, Mustafa Ali Returns & Sane vs. Bayley|work=Fightful|access-date=July 20, 2020|archive-date=July 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721034141/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/wwe-raw-72020-results-live-coverage-discussion-8pm-est|url-status=live}} During his time with the stable, he would win the 24/7 Championship three times.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2020-07-20|title=Raw results, July 20, 2020|work=WWE|date=July 20, 2020|access-date=July 20, 2020|archive-date=July 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721010234/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2020-07-20|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/mustafa-ali-returns-wwe-raw-shelton-benjamin-joins-hurt-business|title=Mustafa Ali Returns On WWE Raw, Shelton Benjamin Joins The Hurt Business|website=Fightful|access-date=July 21, 2020|archive-date=July 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721034148/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/mustafa-ali-returns-wwe-raw-shelton-benjamin-joins-hurt-business|url-status=live}} On the August 10 episode of Raw, Benjamin defeated United States Champion Apollo Crews in a non-title match following a distraction by MVP and Lashley. This was Benjamin's first victory on Raw in over 14 years.{{cite tweet|number=1292996892020953090|user=SeanRossSapp|title=Before tonight, Shelton Benjamin's last singles, in-ring win on Raw was in 2006 against Super Crazy |date=August 11, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/wwe-raw-81020-results-live-coverage-discussion-8pm-est|title=WWE Raw 8/10/20 Results: Randy Orton Attacks, Asuka Fights For A Title Shot & Mickie James Returns|website=Fightful|access-date=August 11, 2020|archive-date=September 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923235114/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/wwe-raw-81020-results-live-coverage-discussion-8pm-est|url-status=live}} On the September 7 episode of Raw, Cedric Alexander joined The Hurt Business when he betrayed Crews and Ricochet during a six-man tag team match, attacking them and helping The Hurt Business win the match.{{cite news |last1=Lambert |first1=Jeremy |title=Cedric Alexander Turns On Ricochet And Apollo Crews On WWE Raw, Joins The Hurt Business {{!}} Fightful Wrestling |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cedric-alexander-turns-ricochet-and-apollo-crews-wwe-raw-flirts-hurt-business |access-date=September 9, 2020 |work=www.fightful.com |date=September 7, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101013303/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cedric-alexander-turns-ricochet-and-apollo-crews-wwe-raw-flirts-hurt-business |url-status=live }} On December 20, at TLC, Alexander and Benjamin defeated The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) to win the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE TLC results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens in a TLC match for the WWE Universal Championship, Drew McIntyre vs. AJ Styles in a TLC match for the WWE Championship, The Fiend vs. Randy Orton in a Firefly Inferno Match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/12/20/wwe-tlc-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-tlc-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-drew-mcintyre-vs-aj-styles-in-a-tlc-match-for-the-wwe-championship-the-fiend-vs/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=December 20, 2020|access-date=December 20, 2020|archive-date=December 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221000402/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/12/20/wwe-tlc-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-tlc-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-drew-mcintyre-vs-aj-styles-in-a-tlc-match-for-the-wwe-championship-the-fiend-vs/|url-status=live}} This would also make him a 3-time WWE (Raw) Tag Team Champion. Benjamin and Alexander would later drop the titles back to Kingston and Woods on the March 15 episode of Raw.

On the March 29 episode of Raw, Lashley lambasted Alexander and Benjamin due to them losing the Raw Tag Team Championships and losing to Drew McIntyre in a 2-on-1 handicap match, a loss that meant they would be barred from ringside at Lashley's WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 37 against McIntyre. This led to Lashley attacking Alexander and Benjamin, thus kicking them out of the faction in the process. They started a losing streak, lost to the teams such as The Viking Raiders (Erik and Ivar) twice, and to RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Riddle) once. On the May 3 episode of Raw, Alexander turned on Benjamin after losing to Lucha House Party. On the May 10 episode of Raw, Benjamin fought Alexander in a match with Alexander losing to Benjamin.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/03/29/3-29-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-asuka-vs-rhea-ripley-contract-signing-for-the-raw-womens-championship-match-at-wrestlemania-u-s-champion-riddle-vs-sheamus-in-a-non-title-match/|title=3/29 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of the Asuka vs. Rhea Ripley contract signing for the Raw Women's Championship match at WrestleMania, U.S. Champion Riddle vs. Sheamus in a non-title match, the penultimate edition of Raw heading into WrestleMania 37|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=March 29, 2021|access-date=March 30, 2021|archive-date=March 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330001404/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/03/29/3-29-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-asuka-vs-rhea-ripley-contract-signing-for-the-raw-womens-championship-match-at-wrestlemania-u-s-champion-riddle-vs-sheamus-in-a-non-title-match/|url-status=live}}

On the September 27 episode of Raw, Benjamin and Alexander helped Lashley fight off The New Day and in the process, reuniting The Hurt Business.{{Cite web|date=September 28, 2021|title=WWE Raw Results - 9/27/21 (WWE Championship match kicks off the show, Extreme Rules fallout) -|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/207689-live-wwe-raw-results-september-27-2021-cincinnati/|access-date=September 28, 2021|language=en-US|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928004531/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/207689-live-wwe-raw-results-september-27-2021-cincinnati/|url-status=live}} In January 2022, after not being seen together, Benjamin and Alexander approached Lashley under the assumption they were still a unit, only to be dismissed. This would cause the pair to launch a sneak attack that evening, but they were easily dealt with.{{cite web |last1=PARSONS |first1=JIM |title=Was Breaking Up The Hurt Business Again Actually Good For Bobby Lashley? |url=https://www.thesportster.com/breaking-up-hurt-business-good-for-lashley-wwe/ |website=TheSportster |access-date=January 18, 2022 |date=January 10, 2022}}

On May 14, 2022, it was reported that Benjamin suffered an undisclosed injury and would be out of action.{{cite web |last=Currier|first=Joseph |title=WWE's Shelton Benjamin out of action with injury |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwes-shelton-benjamin-out-of-action-with-injury |website=FWrestling Observer Figure Four Online |access-date=May 25, 2022 |date=May 14, 2022}} He made his return on the June 13 taping of Main Event in a winning effort against Akira Tozawa. On August 8, 2022, Benjamin faced Cedric Alexander in the Main Event tapings in a losing effort, effectively signaling the end of The Hurt Business. Afterwards, they embraced each other and shared a moment in the ring, turning Benjamin face for the first time since 2017. On the January 9, 2023, episode of Raw, Benjamin and Alexander reunited to take part in a Tag Team Turmoil match. Earlier during the show, Lashley and MVP teased an alliance, with MVP crediting himself for reuniting Benjamin and Alexander, and getting Lashley reinstated on Raw after being suspended.{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=1/9 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of The Street Profits vs. The OC vs. Alpha Academy vs. Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin vs. Judgment Day in Tag Team Turmoil for a shot at the Undisputed WWE Tag Titles, Solo Sikoa vs. Dolph Ziggler, Rhea Ripley vs. Candice LeRae, Bayley vs. Michin, Kevin Owens vs. Baron Corbin|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/01/09/1-9-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-alexa-bliss-explaining-why-she-attacked-raw-womens-champion-bianca-belair-whats-next-for-u-s-champion-austin-theory/|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=January 9, 2023}} On the February 6 edition of Raw, Benjamin and Alexander defeated Alpha Academy with MVP in their corner further hinting at a possible reunion. However, the reunion angle was quietly dropped shortly after although Alexander and Benjamin would continue teaming together.

Benjamin was released from his WWE contract on September 21, 2023, ending his second tenure of six years with the company and effectively disbanding the tag team of Alexander and Benjamin.{{Cite web |last=Jenkins |first=H. |date=September 21, 2023 |title=Shelton Benjamin Has Been Released From His WWE Contract |url=https://www.ringsidenews.com/2023/09/21/shelton-benjamin-has-been-released-from-his-wwe-contract/ |access-date=September 21, 2023 |website=Ringside News |language=en-US}}

On February 8, 2024, it was announced Benjamin would make his debut for Prestige Wrestling at their event Alive or Just Breathing on May 16 against Josh Alexander, who was later replaced by Tom Lawlor due to health issues.{{Cite news |last=Renner |first=Ethan |date=February 8, 2024 |title=Shelton Benjamin announced for first post-WWE indie match |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/other-wrestling/shelton-benjamin-announced-for-first-post-wwe-indie-match |work=Wrestling Observer |access-date=March 10, 2024}}{{Cite news |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=May 9, 2024 |title=Josh Alexander pulls out of indie dates due to 'personal health issues' |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/impact-wrestling/josh-alexander-pulls-out-of-indie-dates-due-to-personal-health-issues/ |work=Wrestling Observer |access-date=May 14, 2024}} At the event, Benjamin defeated Lawlor.{{Cite news |last=Black |first=Ethan |date=May 16, 2024 |title=Prestige Wrestling Alive Or Just Breathing Results – May 16, 2024 |url=https://www.pwmania.com/prestige-wrestling-alive-or-just-breathing-results-may-16-2024 |work=PWMania - Wrestling News |access-date=May 18, 2024}}

{{Main|The Hurt Syndicate}}

File:Shelton Benjamin AEW.png in October 2023]]

Benjamin made his All Elite Wrestling (AEW) debut on the fifth anniversary episode of Dynamite, where he was reunited with and introduced by fellow former Hurt Business member MVP as his business partner.{{Cite news |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=October 2, 2024 |title=Shelton Benjamin Makes AEW Debut At AEW Dynamite Fifth Anniversary |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/shelton-benjamin-makes-aew-debut-aew-dynamite-fifth-anniversary |work=Fightful News |access-date=October 15, 2024}} The duo would go on to reform The Hurt Business under the new name "The Hurt Syndicate" and established themselves as heels.{{Cite tweet |user=TonyKhan |author-link=Tony Khan |date=October 14, 2024 |title=After Lio's announcement that he's back signed with AEW was interrupted by The Hurt Syndicate, @Sheltyb803 makes his @AEW debut vs Lio Rush on TBS, THIS WEDNESDAY! |number=1845967731440734329 |access-date=October 17, 2024}} On the October 16 episode of Dynamite, Benjamin made his AEW in-ring debut, where he defeated Lio Rush.{{Cite web |last=Elizabeth |first=Claire |date=October 16, 2024 |title=AEW Dynamite results, live blog (Oct. 16, 2024): WrestleDream fallout |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2024/10/16/24271908/aew-dynamite-results-live-blog-oct-16-2024-wrestledream-fallout-moxley-danielson-mercedes-mone-cole |website=Cageside Seats |access-date=October 17, 2024}} On October 30 at Fright Night Dynamite, Benjamin was defeated by Swerve Strickland, suffering his first loss in AEW. After the match, Benjamin, MVP, and a debuting Bobby Lashley attacked Strickland, with Lashley subsequently joining The Hurt Syndicate.{{Cite web |last=Elizabeth |first=Claire |date=October 30, 2024 |title=AEW Fright Night Dynamite results, live blog: Tag title match |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2024/10/30/24283572/aew-dynamite-results-live-blog-oct-30-2024-young-bucks-tag-titles-swerve-shelton-fright-night |access-date=October 31, 2024 |website=Cageside Seats |language=en}} On November 24, Benjamin was announced as a participant in the 2024 Continental Classic, where he was placed in the Blue league.{{Cite web |last=Upton |first=Felix |date=November 25, 2024 |title=AEW Continental Classic 2024: Full Tournament Lineup Revealed |url=https://www.ringsidenews.com/2024/11/24/aew-continental-classic-2024-full-tournament-lineup-revealed/ |access-date=November 25, 2024 |website=Ringside News |language=en-US}} Benjamin finished the tournament with 6 points, but failed to advance to the playoff stage.{{Cite web |last=Rueter |first=Sean |date=December 25, 2024 |title=AEW Dynamite on 34th Street live results, open thread: Worlds End go home |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2024/12/25/24329229/aew-dynamite-christmas-results-live-streaming-match-coverage-continental-classic-worlds-end-go-home |website=Cageside Seats |access-date=December 26, 2024}}

On the January 22, 2025 episode of Dynamite, Benjamin and Lashley defeated Private Party (Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen) to win the AEW World Tag Team Championship.{{Cite web |last=Berge |first=Kevin |title=AEW Dynamite Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights From January 22 |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10151905-aew-dynamite-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights-from-january-22 |access-date=January 23, 2025 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} On the February 12 episode of Dynamite, Benjamin and Lashley defeated The Gunns (Austin Gunn and Colten Gunn) in their first title defense.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=February 13, 2025 |title=AEW Dynamite results (2/12): Barnett's live review of Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin vs. Gunn Club for the AEW Tag Titles, MJF vs. Dustin Rhodes, Death Riders vs. Undisputed Kingdom for the AEW Trios Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/02/12/aew-dynamite-results-2-12-barnetts-live-review-of-bobby-lashley-and-shelton-benjamin-vs-gunn-club-for-the-aew-tag-titles-mjf-vs-dustin-rhodes-death-riders-vs-undisputed-kingdom-for-the-aew-t/ |access-date=February 13, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} On March 9 at Revolution, Benjamin and Lashley successfully defended their titles against The Outrunners (Truth Magnum and Turbo Floyd).{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW Revolution results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley vs. Adam Copeland for the AEW World Championship, Toni Storm vs. Mariah May for the AEW Women's Title, MJF vs. Hangman Page|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/03/09/aew-revolution-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-adam-copeland-for-the-aew-world-championship-toni-storm-vs-mariah-may-for-the-aew-womens-title-mjf-vs-hangman-page/|date=March 9, 2025|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=March 9, 2025}} On April 6 at Dynasty, Benjamin and Lashley successfully defended their titles against Big Bill and Bryan Keith of The Learning Tree after assistance from MJF, who had been trying to join The Hurt Syndicate in the weeks leading up to Dynasty.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 6, 2025 |title=AEW Dynasty results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley vs. Swerve Strickland for the AEW World Championship, Toni Storm vs. Megan Bayne for the AEW Women's Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/04/06/aew-dynasty-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-swerve-strickland-for-the-aew-world-championship-toni-storm-vs-megan-bayne-for-the-aew-womens-championship/ |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |access-date=April 7, 2025}}

Benjamin is a fan of video games. He won WWE's THQ Superstar Challenge, a video game tournament that took place every year during WrestleMania weekend, four years in a row before retiring from the event in 2007.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/05/11/4172053.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115113232/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/05/11/4172053.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 15, 2013|title=Shelton Benjamin hard to faze|author=Kapur, Bob|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=June 18, 2007|date=May 11, 2007}}{{cite web|url=http://www.us.playstation.com/News/Editorials/54|title=Shelton Benjamin: WWE Superstar and PSP Fan|last=Gaudiosi|first=John|access-date=June 18, 2007|date=May 18, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070623085906/http://www.us.playstation.com/News/Editorials/54|archive-date=June 23, 2007}} He has the Guinness World Record for "wrestler who won the most WWE THQ Superstar Challenges".[http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/most-wwe-thq-superstar-challenge-titles-(gaming) Most WWE THQ Superstar Challenge titles (gaming)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730111418/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/most-wwe-thq-superstar-challenge-titles-(gaming) |date=July 30, 2017 }} retrieved February 8, 2015:
The highest number of WWE THQ Superstar Challenge tournament victories is four, a record held by Shelton Benjamin. For the past five years at WrestleMania, THQ has held an annual tournament called the Superstar Challenge, in which WWE wrestlers compete for the title of best SmackDown vs. Raw player. The only other winner of the Superstar Challenge has been Elijah Burke, who won the title in 2007 at WrestleMania 23.
He won the first 4 years, 2003-2006
(Outdated, AJ Lee won in 2012, victors of 2008-2011 unknown) In April 2020, during the nationwide quarantine in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Benjamin jokingly asked parents via Twitter to keep their children from playing online games due to younger players beating his records.{{Cite web |url=https://mobile.twitter.com/Sheltyb803 |title=Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) Twitter -இல் உள்ளார் |access-date=April 11, 2020 |archive-date=October 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022114245/https://mobile.twitter.com/sheltyb803 |url-status=live }}

Since 2002, Benjamin has maintained a close friendship with Charlie Haas, who often refers to him as his "brother." He served as the best man at Haas and Jackie Gayda's wedding, and is the godfather to Haas' oldest daughter.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}} Benjamin is also close friends with Brock Lesnar, having met him at the University of Minnesota and roomed with him. He once let Lesnar stay in his basement when Lesnar was out of money.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/5-wwe-wrestlers-you-did-not-know-are-close-to-brock-lesnar-in-real-life|title=5 Wrestlers you did not know are close to Brock Lesnar in real life|date=September 2, 2016|website=Sportskeeda.com|access-date=February 16, 2019|archive-date=February 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217030356/https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/5-wwe-wrestlers-you-did-not-know-are-close-to-brock-lesnar-in-real-life|url-status=live}} In 2004, Benjamin visited Four Dwellings Primary School in Birmingham, UK, to teach students about reading week.

Benjamin, along with Candice Michelle, Dave Bautista and Josh Mathews, represented WWE at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, in an effort to encourage fans to register to vote in the 2008 Presidential election.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/wweconventions08/conventionspreview|title=WWE at the Democratic and Republican National Conventions|date=August 22, 2008|access-date=September 13, 2008|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=September 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080912124740/http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/wweconventions08/conventionspreview|url-status=live}}

Benjamin has revealed on Lilian Garcia's podcast Chasing Glory in 2020 that he has two daughters.{{cite web |title=Shelton Benjamin – Gets Real on WWE, Living with Brock Lesnar & Opens Up on His Private Life & More |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acyMVYI1zs8 |website=YouTube | date=February 16, 2020 |publisher=Chasing Glory |access-date=February 25, 2020 |language=en |quote=Watch at 25:47 |archive-date=February 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219155931/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acyMVYI1zs8 |url-status=live }}

Benjamin has said he has vertigo, which can make his in-ring performance difficult.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6W0fDoj8Nc|title=Shelton Benjamin shoots on his classic match with Shawn Michaels & Money in the Bank|date=October 30, 2015 |via=www.youtube.com|access-date=June 1, 2021|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602221816/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6W0fDoj8Nc&t=25s|url-status=live}}

Benjamin is a teetotaller who does not consume drugs or alcohol; In 2025 he stated, "I was "straight edge" before straight edge was a [culture]".{{cite podcast |host=Chris Van Vliet |date=April 24, 2025 |title=The Hurt Syndicate On Reuniting in AEW, "WE HURT PEOPLE", New Members, Cedric Alexander |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R06hVHKld8&ab_channel=ChrisVanVliet |work=Insight with Chris Van Vliet |publisher= |time=00:00:53 |access-date=April 25, 2025}}

Benjamin made his WWE video game debut in 2003's WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain, and he would continue to appear in WWE Day of Reckoning, WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw, WWE Day of Reckoning 2, WWE WrestleMania 21, WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 and WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011. After an eight-year absence, Benjamin next appeared in WWE 2K19,{{Cite web|title=WWE 2K19 Roster - All 252 Superstars (Raw, SmackDown Live, NXT, Legends, Women, DLC)|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wwe2k19/roster/|access-date=August 4, 2020|website=The SmackDown Hotel|language=en-gb|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020233603/https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wwe2k19/roster/|url-status=live}} WWE 2K20,{{Cite web|title=WWE 2K20 Roster - All Superstars Confirmed (Raw, SmackDown, NXT, Legends, Women, DLC)|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wwe2k20/roster/|access-date=August 4, 2020|website=The SmackDown Hotel|language=en-gb|archive-date=August 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810091720/https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wwe2k20/roster/|url-status=live}} WWE 2K22, and WWE 2K23.

• National Junior College Athletic Association
• Junior College 100 meter Champion

• National Junior College Athletic Association
• Junior College National Wrestling Champion
• National Collegiate Athletic Association
• All-American (1997, 1998){{cite web|url=http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-wrestl/spec-rel/minn-m-wrestl-all-americans.html|title=GOPHERSPORTS.COM :: University of Minnesota Official Athletic Site :: Wrestling|website=Gophersports.com|access-date=October 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025111554/http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-wrestl/spec-rel/minn-m-wrestl-all-americans.html|archive-date=October 25, 2016|url-status=dead}}

Image:Shelton Benjamin in 2012 (cropped).jpg]]

• All Elite Wrestling
• AEW World Tag Team Championship (1 time, current) – with Bobby Lashley
• Millennium Wrestling Federation
• MWF Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{Cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/hwtmwf.html|title=Solie's Title Histories: MWF - MILLENNIUM WRESTLING FEDERATION|website=www.solie.org|access-date=December 30, 2019|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303181252/http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/hwtmwf.html|url-status=live}}
• Ohio Valley Wrestling
• OVW Southern Tag Team Championship (4 times) – with Brock Lesnar (3) and Redd Dogg (1){{cite web|url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles#southern_tag_team|title=OVW Southern Tag Team Championship history|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405184334/http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles|archive-date=April 5, 2011}}
• Danny Davis Invitational Tag Team Tournament (2015) – with Charlie Haas{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=141531|title=OVW Brews & Bruises « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|website=Cagematch.net|access-date=November 23, 2015|archive-date=August 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817164645/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=141531|url-status=live}}
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
• Tag Team of the Year (2003) with Charlie Haas{{cite web|url=http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html|title=PWI Awards|work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|publisher=Kappa Publishing Group|access-date=June 7, 2017|archive-date=January 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121172943/http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html|url-status=live}}
• Ranked No. 9 of the 500 top wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2005{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2005.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) Top 500 for 2005|publisher=Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=February 21, 2015|archive-date=February 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201175443/http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2005.html|url-status=live}}
• Ring of Honor
• ROH World Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Charlie Haas
• World Wrestling Council
• WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://superluchas.com/2010/08/01/resultados-la-revolucion-shelton-benjamin-nuevo-campeon-universal-gilbert-aparece-y-le-causa-la-derrota-a-ray-gonzalez-carlito-supera-la-prueba-del-vampiro-canad/|title=Resultados "La Revolución": Shelton Benjamin nuevo Campeón Universal – Gilbert aparece y le causa la derrota a Ray González – Carlito supera la prueba del Vampiro Canadiense|author=Pineiro, Anthony|date=August 1, 2010|access-date=August 1, 2010|language=es|work=SuperLuchas|archive-date=May 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503075235/http://superluchas.com/2010/08/01/resultados-la-revolucion-shelton-benjamin-nuevo-campeon-universal-gilbert-aparece-y-le-causa-la-derrota-a-ray-gonzalez-carlito-supera-la-prueba-del-vampiro-canad/|url-status=live}}
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
• Most Underrated (2005–2007){{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 26, 2011|title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue|periodical=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, CA|pages=1–40|issn=1083-9593}}
• World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE
• WWE Intercontinental Championship (3 times){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/322772|title=Shelton Benjamin's first Intercontinental Championship reign|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729162008/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/322772|archive-date=July 29, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/63620611|title=Shelton Benjamin's second Intercontinental Championship reign|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809023641/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/63620611|archive-date=August 9, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/26676301 |title=Shelton Benjamin's third Intercontinental Championship reign |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070419163123/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/26676301 |archive-date=April 19, 2007 }}
• WWE United States Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/|title=WWE United States Championship|access-date=May 25, 2020|archive-date=December 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212060631/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates|url-status=live}}
• WWE 24/7 Championship (3 times){{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/24-7-championship|title=WWE 24/7 Championship|work=WWE|access-date=July 20, 2020|archive-date=May 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521200209/https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/24-7-championship|url-status=live}}
• WWE (Raw) Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Charlie Haas (2), and Cedric Alexander (1){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/330086|title=Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin's first WWE Tag Team Championship reign|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728203258/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/330086|archive-date=July 28, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/330136|title=Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin's second WWE Tag Team Championship reign|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728195449/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/330136|archive-date=July 28, 2012}}
• Slammy Award (1 time)
• Trash Talker of the Year (2020) {{small|as The Hurt Business, shared with Lacey Evans}}{{Cite web|title=2020 SLAMMY Award winners announced|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-slammy-awards/article/2020-slammy-award-winners|access-date=December 23, 2020|website=WWE|language=en|archive-date=December 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223173007/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-slammy-awards/article/2020-slammy-award-winners|url-status=live}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|Shelton Benjamin}}

• {{Twitter}}
• {{wwe superstar|name = Shelton Benjamin}}
• {{IMDb name|name = Shelton Benjamin}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110525104101/http://www.wrestlinghalloffame.org/wrestlers.php?wrestler=2278 Shelton Benjamin at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame]
• {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

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