The Hurt Syndicate Unfiltered: Training Secrets, Surprising Music Tastes & More
As the wrestling world descended upon Dallas for AEW All In weekend in July 2025, TheStunner's very own Rob Pasbani and Joshua Bernstein had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with All Elite Wrestling's most formidable faction: The Hurt Syndicate. Comprised of the legendary MVP, the "Almighty" Bobby Lashley, and "The Standard of Excellence" Shelton Benjamin.
This trio didn't just bring their imposing presence; they brought surprising insights into their lives, careers, and the true meaning of professional wrestling.
Right from the jump, the interview began with a classic Hurt Syndicate flair – a good-natured yet firm critique of Rob and Josh's attire. MVP quipped,
"I would say that I feel disrespected that you didn't dress for the occasion. What is saving you from being absolutely verbally eviscerated is Josh has a Holiday in Cambodia t-shirt. Shout out to the legendary Dead Kennedys and the Jello Biafra. You scored points with that. You lost points. Receive I mean I have a great mood straight off."
This playful banter immediately set the tone, showcasing the group's charisma and sharp wit.
A Symphony of Styles: The Syndicate's Surprising Music Tastes
One of the most intriguing segments revolved around the trio's incredibly diverse music tastes. Proving there's far more to these powerhouses than meets the eye, MVP revealed his biracial upbringing exposed him to everything from R&B and soul to classic rock. His journey into punk and hardcore was particularly fascinating:
"I had a friend...and he was into old school punk and hardcore...I'd have to ride home listening to MDC and and and the uh Agnostic Front...That cassette tape [Bad Brains and Red Hot Chili Peppers] changed my life and how I approach music."
Shelton Benjamin echoed this eclectic sensibility, admitting his gym playlist is heavily rock-focused (Metallica, AC/DC, Nirvana, Pearl Jam) and crediting wrestling itself for broadening his horizons. "The first time I heard Queen, the first song I knew about Queen was 'We Will Rock You' because Rick Roode and Manny Fernandez used to come out as a tag team." He even shared a personal hobby, revealing, "one of my hobbies is playing bass guitar...I had to switch to bass when I went to his house and he had one and I was like, 'Wait, it's a little easier.'"
Bobby Lashley, while favoring hip-hop and R&B, also highlighted the appreciation gained from long bus rides wrestling in college: "everybody had a different style of music...So, we would have to go from...Allan Jackson and Torch Straight to Tupac to Grateful Dead and to everything. So, you got to appreciate everything."
And in a true mic-drop moment, MVP declared his undying love for a certain jazz-rock band: "I just want to say for the record, I have seen Steely Dan 11 times. I'm the biggest Steely Dan fan you've ever met."
The Truth About Violence: Authenticity in the Ring
Beyond the music, the conversation took a more serious turn as the Syndicate discussed the authenticity they bring to their craft. MVP, a black belt in jiu-jitsu, highlighted a critical difference he sees in modern wrestling:
"I think one of the problems with professional wrestling is you have a lot of talented, very talented people who have never been in a fight. There's the difference of somebody selling a punch in a pro wrestling style and selling a punch because they've been punched in the face before and they know what it feels like."
He continued, driving home The Hurt Syndicate's core philosophy:
"Bobby is an accomplished MMA fighter...Shelton Benjamin, two-time NCAA champion, and he's been in more than a few scraps coming up. So, there's an authenticity that comes with us...And that's why we're so good at violence because, yeah, we actually do hurt people or we legitimately hurt people. We don't play pro wrestlers. We are pro wrestlers."
This powerful statement perfectly encapsulates the faction's no-nonsense, hard-hitting style.
Age Ain't Nothing But a Number: Consistency is Key
The trio, all in phenomenal shape, also shared their secrets to defying age and maintaining peak physical condition while constantly on the road. Bobby Lashley emphasized the crucial role of consistency:
"It's consistency from whether we're on the road or at home, it's always the same thing. You know, you get up, you do your cardio in the morning, and you go do your workout later on...Sometimes we like to maybe if MVP forces us to do some bad things and stay up later and have the drinks or whatever in the morning, still get up and do the same thing...I think this is how 50 supposed to look like. You don't have to look like that. We're going to change that norm."
Shelton Benjamin concurred, stating,
"The secret is there is no secret. I don't do anything crazy. I don't do any of these these gimmick uh workout plans that you see online...It's just consistency, dedication, and accountability. Get up, get it in, and move on."
The Business of Wrestling: Studying the Game
When asked if they watch wrestling for fun, Shelton Benjamin offered a veteran's perspective:
"I don't watch wrestling for fun...I watch wrestling to sharpen my own skills...Every time I watch wrestling, I'm critiquing it. I'm tearing it apart. I'm breaking it down...I need to understand what the younger generation is doing too and learn how to incorporate my style with their style."
MVP elaborated on recommending matches to new fans, stressing the "buffet" nature of professional wrestling. While he personally gravitates towards the "combat aspect" and aggressive Japanese wrestling, he acknowledged, "It just depends on what your your your flavor of ice cream is."
The interview concluded with a playful attempt by the hosts to gain membership, noting the Syndicate had recently welcomed its first Jewish member (a nod to MJF). When asked if there was room for two more Jews, Shelton Benjamin offered a hilariously blunt response: "We don't care about Jew." Before anyone could react, MVP quickly stepped in to clarify the group's true creed: race and ethnicity are irrelevant.
The only color that matters is green. "Are you about making money? Are you about business?" he asked, before ultimately disqualifying the hosts for their casual attire. It seems for The Hurt Syndicate, the dress code is a far stricter requirement than any other.
The Hurt Syndicate proved that they are far more than just a dominant force in AEW. They are astute students of the game, dedicated athletes, and surprisingly cultured individuals with a deep appreciation for music and the authentic spirit of combat. Their presence at AEW All In and their insights in this interview are a testament to their enduring legacy in professional wrestling.