When the WWE brand extension was announced, plenty of reports, rumors, and speculation surrounded the depth of the WWE roster. They were obviously going to promote stars from NXT but there is still a glaring hole and need for recognizable former superstars.
Plenty of people have been mentioned, ranging from Carlito to MVP, to Tommy Dreamer and even Stevie Richards, the WWE needs these former stars.
One confirmed return is that of Shelton Benjamin. It was announced during SmackDown Live! that Shelton will be coming soon.
The former University of Minnesota amateur wrestling star has always been a standout performer who has just been unable to break through from the spot he was given. He’s talented, both in the ring and on the mic and will help guide new stars to the WWE roster.
What will Benjamin bring?
Shelton will bring a recognizable face to the WWE Universe, somebody who fans know can really perform at the WWE level and who can be entertaining. It would have been very easy for the WWE to promote 11 or 12 NXT stars, but not all fans would know who they are.
If a new star or team picks up the win in a match over Shelton Benjamin, it gives a bit of legitimacy to those fans who may know Benjamin and not the new stars.
Other potential returns
As mentioned previously, superstars like Carlito and MVP have been linked with returns to the WWE. Former SmackDown General Manager, Teddy Long, stated that MVP would be joining Benjamin on SmackDown but quickly retracted that statement after MVP commented about it on Twitter.
It may still have a speck of truth seeing as Benjamin is returning.
Benjamin may also need his former tag team partner watching his back on SmackDown Live! That’s right, Charlie Haas is also being linked with a return to the WWE.
The World’s Greatest Tag Team will draw obvious comparisons to American Alpha and they would likely put on a number of entertaining matches together.