shelton benjamin
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Shelton Benjamin: I Take Austin Theory Calling Me A Dinosaur As A Compliment

Shelton Benjamin is proud to represent the Ruthless Aggression era of WWE Superstars.

Shelton Benjamin, on the most recent episode of WWE Raw, stepped up to Austin Theory after Theory referred to him as “Mr. Irrelevant” and “a dinosaur.” Unfortunately, Theory came up short on WWE Raw, losing to Theory after a short burst of a battle. Following the loss, Shelton was asked on WWE Raw Talk if Theory’s criticisms are a stain on his legacy and Benjamin revealed that it’s quite the opposite, Benjamin called it a compliment to be in the class of competitors that he is associated with.

“You want to know if Austin Theory referring to superstars like myself, Superstars like Brock Lesnar, Superstars like Bobby Lashley, as ‘dinosaurs,’ is that a stain on my legacy? No, and I’ll tell you why,” said Benjamin. “First of all, I came to the WWE in 2000. The year 2000. Do you know how long ago that was? That was 22 years ago, almost 23. So for Austin Theory to refer to me, and guys like me, guys who’ve been around, guys who have stood the test of time, guys who are durable, guys who are strong, guys who have carried this company for the last 20 years, to call us ‘dinosaurs.’ Do you think I take that as an insult? No, I take that as a compliment.

“Ask Austin Theory in 20 years where’s he going to be? Is he going to be WWE Champion, or is he just going to be like a million other superstars that came here had their 15 minutes of fame, and are gone? I’ve been here for almost 23 years, busting my ass, night in and night out, win, or lose, or draw,” he continued. I tell you what, you think tonight’s a bad night for me? This isn’t the first time I’ve lost. For 20 years, I’ve been getting my ass handed to me, and I’ve been givin’ it. But guess what? I’m still here. I’m still fighting. I’m still one of the baddest athletes on this roster and not one Superstar back there can hold a candle to me. I’m stuttering because I’m upset that even you would think that I would think being called a dinosaur after 23 years — 23 years of putting smiles on people’s faces, 23 years of wins, losses, championships, everything I’ve given to this company, and you think that’s an insult to me? Austin Theory, you better hope your career reaches a point where you can be called a dinosaur because the last thing you want to be facing is a T-Rex,  like Shelton ‘The Gold Standard’ Benjamin.

It was a rough night for Theory as well on Monday, November 7. Theory became the first Superstar to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase in an attempt to become WWE United States Champion. He also became the first WWE Superstar to fail at that attempt.

SEE MORE: WWE Raw Results (11/7/22)

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