You recently worked with new talents, including Theory. How is it for you to help lift others at this point in your career?

Bobby Lashley: That’s what it was about. When I arrived I had Bob Holly, JBL [John “Bradshaw” Layfield], Book T, Fit Finlay – all these guys to learn. The ones I was supposed to get in the ring with. Now that I’m back, I feel like that guy. MVP is that guy. So many of us are that guy and bring that next level of talent – ​​Riddle, Theory, Apollo, Ricochet – to the top. That’s what it was about.

I love being in the ring with these guys. Theory has a surprisingly bright future ahead of it. This kid is super talented. It is my responsibility to humble him and help him understand the job.

You went from professional wrestling to combat sports to professional wrestling. Of your time in both worlds, how do you think Logan Paul does now that he is signed with WWE?

I’m interested to see how it works. I know he got down to business. There is a difference however. When I came to the company, you went to shake everyone’s hand to get to know everyone. I didn’t get to know Logan that well. He passed a few times. I walked over and shook his hand. I don’t know if he’ll be a full-time person on the roster, but it would be nice for him to shake hands a bit more and get to know more people. For the most part, he does just fine. The times he got into it, he figured it out so quickly. However, he did not have the opportunity to settle down. If he settles down, I think he’ll do good.

WWE is holding tryouts during Slam summer weekend. The company launched the Next In Line [NIL] program this year. What do you think of recent recruiting efforts?

These children are about to change their lives. That’s the cool thing about it. Many of them don’t know it. When I arrived I thought it was cool. So move forward 20 years, it’s like a sacred cow! I buy houses and I run with gold everywhere. You can never explain to someone what it’s like to be in WWE until you’ve made it. When you travel around the world and have visited so many countries and met so many people along the way, it will truly change their lives. All I can think of is if they can do it, what will happen next. That’s exciting.

We only have a taste of the potential between you and Brock Lesnar. Do you think we’ll get it again?

One hundred percent. If he stays healthy and I stay healthy, we’ll get him. I want a title crack, whether it’s Brock Lesnar or Roman Reigns. Drew McIntyre does. Sheamus does. AJ Styles too. So many people want to go after this title. Brock, however, will never be finished until he is fully retired. So if he hasn’t finished, there’s still that opportunity for us.

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