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He is a tough competitor and a multiple time world champion. Bobby Lashley is recognized for his career in both WWE and Impact Wrestling. However, a great deal of what Lashley is goes beyond just wins and losses. In his case, fans should know that there is much more to this champion. His achievements showcase true strength, grit, and pride. These are qualities that aren't necessarily shown by everyone in the industry.
Did you know that he is more than just a name, but a brand? Lashley is his own advocate, and to coin another former champion's most popular phrase, strives to be the best in the world. What are some unknown or unheard of things that make him so notable, and why should fans know them? Here are five things you should know about Bobby Lashley.
Also, read: 5 WWE Elimination chamber winners - where are they now?
#5. Has a professional MMA record of 15-2
Lashley's professional wrestling career is well documented, including his time in WWE as the ECW champion. And his success in the ring hasn't simply been during his time in WWE, as he has been a champion in Impact Wrestling as well. However, his time away from the squared circle has been just as remarkable. When Lashley first stepped away from the ring he walked into another ring and has been very successful.
In the world of Mixed Martial Arts, he has held his own, compiling a very good record of 15 wins and 2 losses. During his MMA career, he has competed for such promotions as Strikeforce and Bellator. His most recent match was a win against Josh Appelt in October 2016, but just because he has not competed in MMA in over a year doesn't mean that his time in an octagon is over. This time away may just be a break until he has the itch to return once again.
#4. Has a degree in Human Service Agency Management
The next stage after an athlete ends their career is something everyone has to think about. In the case of Lashley, he not only prepared for a career after his time in the ring but started the preparation before his wrestling career even began. His WWE career began in 2004, in their old developmental system, Ohio Valley Wrestling, when he was part of the faction known as Bolin Services. A few years before that, Lashley attended Missouri Valley College, and while he was there he earned a degree in Human Service Agency Management.
Those with that type of degree often work in Sociology, Psychology, or Human Services and social work. It is quite a fascinating field, as it involves the study of social and technical technologies and innovations. The highly educated Lashley has planted seeds for his professional future after his career comes to an end. It would only make sense that someone as physically active and healthy as Lashley would look at exploring something that focuses on mental well-being.
#3. Co-founded Lashley Management
One of the most significant things to note about any talent is that when they are working without any other support, they are responsible for their own success. In the case of most independent wrestlers, they have to work constantly to build a name for themselves. They have to not only establish their reputation but at the same time attempt to build a brand. Bobby Lashley has tried to not only build his brand but has also shown an ability to diversify and develop it over time.
While fans are familiar with his wrestling career, and some may be aware of his successful MMA career, it is what he is doing outside the ring that tends to speak volumes. Over seven years ago, Lashley, along with his business partner Judith Sussman, created a mixed martial arts management company known as Lashley Management. This company seeks to represent developing and aspiring professional mixed martial artists. Lashley appears to be set to create a whole new generation of fighters that could prove to be very successful, not only for their own benefit but that of the agencies' co-founder.
#2. American Top Team Altitude
As mentioned previously, Lashley isn't just thinking about the here and now but is creating multiple avenues to situate himself in the future. Another example of him doing just that is once again tied to health and fitness. In the spring of 2010, Lashley announced the opening of a gym facility in Denver, Colorado, known as American Top Team Altitude. Top team is a signature brand that Lashley has proudly advertised, either coming to the ring or during promotional interviews for his product.
What is interesting about this facility is that it works in partnership with the world-renowned Gold's Gym brand, but is more than simply a gym. The facility also acts as a facility that hosts special mixed martial arts events. It is certainly an ambitious effort on the part of Lashley and shows that he is very business savvy. He continues to use his passion for health and fitness as a way to help others apply their desire to be healthy as well.
#1. The Lashley Network
As intense of a competitor as Lashley can be in the ring, he is equally as intense outside of it when it comes to being successful. His passion to grow the Lashley name into something more than the identity of a champion in the ring and in the octagon. It is apparent that he wants to build his name and brand to represent more. This started in the summer of 2009 when Lashley announced The Lashley Network.
It was an entrepreneurial effort that would act as the umbrella for outlets beyond just wresting. He created a website, nutritional store, and has means of connecting through social media available as well. His overall goal in doing this was to help make his name prevalent in mixed martial arts. He also knew that it was just as important to be recognized for his accomplishments outside the ring as his success within. The Lashley Network appears to be just the tip of the iceberg for what he wants to achieve.
