Net Worth: $4 Million
Profession: Professional Wrestler, Mixed Martial Artist
Key Achievements:
- 2x WWE Champion
- 2x ECW World Champion
- 4x TNA World Heavyweight Champion
- 15–2 MMA Record
Early Life and Background
Bobby Lashley was born Franklin Roberto Lashley on July 16, 1976, in Junction City, Kansas. Raised by a single mother, Lashley’s family background was challenging, with his mother struggling to raise him and his three siblings while speaking limited English. Despite these challenges, Lashley excelled in sports from a young age, particularly wrestling, which he began in middle school. He earned a scholarship to Missouri Valley College, where he became a three-time National Wrestling Champion.
After college, Lashley joined the U.S. Army, where he trained in the World Class Athlete Program, winning both gold and silver medals at the CISM World Championships. Unfortunately, his Olympic dreams were cut short after a knee injury during a robbery incident, which ended his amateur wrestling career.
Wrestling Career Highlights
Bobby Lashley made his professional debut in WWE’s developmental territory in 2005. He quickly moved to the main roster, debuting on SmackDown! in September of that year. His WWE debut was followed by a series of victories, including winning the WWE United States Championship and the ECW World Championship. In 2006, he became the first African-American ECW World Champion, marking a significant milestone in his career.
After a brief hiatus and shoulder surgery in 2007, Lashley left WWE in 2008 and joined Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he became a four-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion and won other notable titles, such as the TNA King of the Mountain Championship.
In 2018, Lashley made a grand return to WWE, reclaiming the Intercontinental Championship in 2019 and later winning both the WWE Championship and the United States Championship in the years following.
Mixed Martial Arts Career
Bobby Lashley ventured into MMA in 2008, debuting at “There Will Be Blood”, an event hosted by the Mixed Fighting Alliance. Lashley’s MMA career took off quickly, and by 2009, he had a perfect 4–0 record. He signed with Strikeforce in 2010 and achieved further success, maintaining an undefeated streak in his early matches.
In 2014, Lashley joined Bellator MMA, where he enjoyed even more success, eventually becoming a Bellator Heavyweight Champion. Lashley has a 15-2 MMA record and remains one of the most accomplished fighters in the sport.
Personal Life and Ventures
Bobby Lashley is the father of three children: Kira (born 2005), Myles (born 2008), and Naomi (born 2011). He had a relationship with Kristal Marshall, a fellow WWE wrestler, from 2007 to 2010.
In addition to his wrestling and MMA careers, Lashley is an entrepreneur. He opened a smoothie shop in 2007 and launched the Lashley Network in 2009, an online platform where fans could interact with him and follow his MMA and wrestling journeys.
Legacy and Continued Success
Bobby Lashley’s career spans both wrestling and MMA, with success in both industries. Known for his power, athleticism, and versatility, Lashley continues to make his mark, both as a championship-caliber wrestler and a top MMA fighter. His return to WWE and dominance in Bellator MMA solidify his legacy as one of the most accomplished athletes in combat sports.
