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'''Shelton James Benjamin'''(sinh ngày [[9 tháng 7]] năm [[1975]]) là một đô vật nổi tiếng ở Mỹ nhưng trước đây anh chỉ là một đô vật nghiệp dư và hiện đang ký hợp đồng làm cho công ty [[World Wrestling Entertainment]](WWE) ở thể loại RAW. Và trong thời gian ở WWE anh đã một lần giành đai [[The World's Greatest Tag Team]] cùng với [[Charlie Haas]].
{{Đô vật
|name=Shelton Benjamin {{flagicon|USA}}
|names='''Shelton Benjamin'''
|image=<!--Please do not replace this image with a fair use one. This image is free and free images are favored on Wikipedia. See "Wikipedia:Image use policy" for more information -->Shelton Benjamin in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.jpg
|img_capt=
|height={{height|foot=6|in=2}}<ref name="wwe" />
|weight={{weight|pounds=245}}<ref name="wwe" />
|real_height=
|real_weight=
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1975|7|9}}
|birth_place=[[Orangeburg, South Carolina]]
|death_date=
|death_place=
|resides=[[Houston, Texas]]
|billed=[[Orangeburg, South Carolina]]
|trainer=[[Ohio Valley Wrestling]]
|debut=Tháng nười một 2000<ref name="oww"/>
|retired=
}}
Ba lần giành đai [[WWE Intercontinental Champion]] và đã giành được đai [[WWE Tag Team Championship]] cùng với đai [[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship]]2 đến 3 lần
'''Shelton James Benjamin'''<ref name="oww"/> (born [[July 9]] [[1975]])<ref name="oww">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/s/shelton-benjamin.html|title=OWoW Profile|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> is an [[United States|American]] [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] and former [[amateur wrestling|amateur wrestler]] signed to [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) working on its ''[[WWE Raw|RAW]]'' [[WWE Brand Extension|brand]] as one half of '''[[The World's Greatest Tag Team]]''' with [[Charlie Haas]].
Benjamin is a three-time [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|WWE Intercontinental Champion]] and has held the [[WWE Tag Team Championship]] and [[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship]] two and four times, respectively. Aside from professional wrestling, Benjamin has an extensive amateur wrestling background, winning the South Carolina state high school heavyweight wrestling championship on two occasions. He also acted as an assistant coach in amateur wrestling.
==Career==
===Amateur wrestling===
Benjamin grew up in [[Orangeburg, South Carolina]] where he was an accomplished amateur wrestler.<ref name="wwe">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/sheltonbenjamin/bio/|title=Shelton Benjamin's WWE Bio|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=wwe.com}}</ref> He began wrestling while in the 10th grade at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School.<ref name=allabout>{{cite web | url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_5_3/ai_81826834 | title = It's all about the Benjamin | author = Jason Scales | publisher =Wrestling Digest | accessdate=2007-06-18 | date = February 2002}}</ref> While in high school, he achieved a 122–10 win-loss record and was a two-time South Carolina state high school heavyweight wrestling champion, earning the title in both 1993 and 1994.<ref name="wwe" /><ref name="oww" /><ref name=allabout/><ref name=slam>{{cite web | url = http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/benjamin.html | title = Shelton Benjamin's Profile | author = John Milner | publisher = SLAM! Wrestling | accessdate=2007-06-18 | date = [[2005]]-[[04-17]]}}</ref> He also was a Junior College National Track Champion in the 100 metre and won the junior college national wrestling heavyweight title in 1996 while attending Lassen Junior College in [[Susanville, California]].<ref name=allabout/><ref name=slam/> He was then accepted to attend the [[University of Minnesota]], where he achieved a 36–6 win-loss record.<ref name="oww" /> Moreover, while attending the university, he was a two-time All-American heavyweight wrestler.<ref name=allabout/> After graduation, he served as an assistant coach at the University and trained with future OVW [[tag team]] partner [[Brock Lesnar]].<ref name="oww" /><ref name=slam/><ref name=allabout/> In 1997, Benjamin went 36–6 and made 12 pins in the Big Ten Championship, in which he placed 6th.<ref name=slam/> Instead of trying to qualify for the 2000 [[Olympics]], Benjamin decided instead to try and pursue a professional wrestling career.<ref name=slam/>
===Ohio Valley Wrestling===
Benjamin was offered and accepted a contract from [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] and was placed in [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] (OVW) as one half of a tag team with Brock Lesnar (also a [[Collegiate wrestling|wrestling]] teammate at the [[University of Minnesota|University of Minnesota, Twin Cities]]).<ref name="oww" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/alumni.htm|title=Ohio Valley Wrestling Alumni|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=ovwrestling.com}}</ref> Together they were known as the "[[Minnesota Wrecking Crew|Minnesota Stretching Crew]]",<ref name="oww" /><ref name=slam/> and they held the [[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship]] on three occasions.<ref name="ovwtag">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ky/ovw/ovw-t.html|title=OVW Southern Tag Team Title|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref> The first two reigns occurred during February and July 2001.<ref name=slam/> They were [[List of professional wrestling slang#B|booked]] to win the titles for a third time from [[Rico Constantino]] and [[John Cena|The Prototype]] on [[October 29]] [[2001]].<ref name=slam/> After Lesnar was called up to the main roster in November 2001, Benjamin formed a tag team with [[Rodney Begnaud|Redd Dogg Begnaud]] called "The Dogg Pound" and once again won the OVW Southern Tag Team Title on [[July 17]] [[2002]].<ref name="oww" /><ref name=slam/>
===World Wrestling Entertainment===
====2002–2003====
He was offered a WWE contract in September 2002.<ref name=slam/> He joined WWE's ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown!|SmackDown!]]'' brand as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] on [[December 26]] [[2002]] and formed '''Team Angle''' along with [[Charlie Haas]], with [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] gold-medalist wrestler [[Kurt Angle]] as their ([[kayfabe]]) [[mentor]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/021226.html|title=SmackDown! Results - December 26, 2002|accessdate=2007-06-17|quote=Paul introduces Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin, dressed in Kurt Angle outfits..|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> Their first official match together in WWE was on the [[January 2]] [[2003]] edition of ''SmackDown!'' against [[Adam Copeland|Edge]] and [[Chris Benoit]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030102.html|title=SmackDown! Results - January 2, 2003|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> They continued to [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] (in storyline) with Benoit until [[WWE No Way Out#2003|No Way Out 2003]], when Benoit teamed with Brock Lesnar to defeat Team Angle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/nowayout.html#2003|title=No Way Out 2003 - February 23, 2003|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref>
The duo were [[List of professional wrestling slang#B|booked]] to win their first [[WWE Tag Team Championship]] just a month after their debut by defeating the champions, [[Los Guerreros]] ([[Eddie Guerrero|Eddie]] and [[Chavo Guerrero, Jr.|Chavo Guerrero]]) on [[February 6]] [[2003]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/330086|title=WWE: Inside WWE > Title History > WWE Tag Team > 20030206 - Benjamin & Haas|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=wwe.com}}</ref> The two then went on to compete in their first [[WrestleMania]] match at [[WrestleMania XIX]], retaining their tag title in a triple threat match against Los Guerreros and [[Chris Benoit]] and [[Terry Gerin|Rhyno]].<ref name=slam/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/mania.html#19|title=WrestleMania XIX - March 30, 2003|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref> Team Angle later [[List of professional wrestling slang#D|dropped]] the title to Eddie Guerrero and his new partner [[Yoshihiro Tajiri|Tajiri]] at [[WWE Judgment Day#2003|Judgment Day 2003]] in a [[ladder match]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/judgement.html#2003|title=Judgment Day 2003 - May 18, 2003|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref><ref name=slam/>
The [[List of professional wrestling slang#A|angle]] concluded on the [[June 12]] [[2003]] ''SmackDown!'', when Angle ([[kayfabe]]) confronted Benjamin and Haas and fired them from Team Angle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030612.html|title=SmackDown! Results - June 12, 2003|accessdate=2007-06-17|quote=Kurt Angle says that he is the founder of Team Angle, and fires both Shelton and Charlie!!|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> They began referring to themselves as '''The World's Greatest Tag Team''',<ref name="oww" /> and "won" the tag title back on the [[July 3]] edition of ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030703.html|title=SmackDown! Results - July 3, 2003|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> They dropped the title on [[September 18]], after Benjamin suffered a [[Legit (professional wrestling)|legitimate]] knee injury during a match against Los Guerreros.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030918.html|title=SmackDown! Results - September 18, 2003|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> He was sidelined for approximately one month,<ref name=slam/> but the pair competed together again, taking part in a fatal four-way WWE Tag Team Title match at [[WrestleMania XX]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/mania.html#20|title=WrestleMania XX - March 14, 2004|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref>
====2004–2005====
On [[March 22]] [[2004]], Benjamin was [[List of professional wrestling slang#B|booked]] to be moved to the ''[[WWE Raw|RAW]]'' brand as part of the [[WWE Brand Extension#March 2004 (Draft Lottery)|2004 Draft Lottery]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040322.html|title=RAW Results - March 22, 2004|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> After arriving, Benjamin quickly became a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] when he was booked to win a [[Pin (wrestling)|pinfall]] victory over [[Triple H]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040329.html|title=RAW Results - March 29, 2004|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20040404/ai_n12539469 | title = Benjamin stuns HHH -- and WWE | author = Blackjack Brown | publisher = Chicago Sun Times | accessdate=2007-06-18 | date = [[2004]]-[[04-04]]}}</ref> Benjamin then "feuded" with Triple H, beating him two times in total: once by pinfall and once by countout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040405.html|title=RAW Results - April 5, 2004|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> As part of the storyline, Benjamin then feuded with the other members of Triple H's [[Stable (professional wrestling)|stable]] [[Evolution (professional wrestling)|Evolution]]. Benjamin defeated [[Ric Flair]] at [[WWE Backlash#2004|Backlash 2004]] and lost to [[Randy Orton]] in a [[WWE Intercontinental Championship]] match at [[WWE Bad Blood#2004|Bad Blood 2004]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2004|title=Backlash 2004 - April 18, 2004|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/badd.html#2004|title=Bad Blood 2004 - June 13, 2004|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref>
During a match with [[Lance Cade]] on ''[[WWE Heat]]'', Benjamin [[Punch (strike)|punched]] Cade's kneebrace, [[Legit (professional wrestling)|legitmately]] breaking his hand in the process, which briefly put Benjamin out of action.<ref name="oww" /><ref name=slam/> Benjamin returned in the fall of 2004 and was chosen by the fans to compete for the Intercontinental Championship in a match against then-champion [[Chris Jericho]] at [[WWE Cyber Sunday#2004|Taboo Tuesday 2004]]. Benjamin was booked to win the match,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/taboo.html#2004|title=Taboo Tuesday 2004 - October 19, 2004|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref> giving him his first singles title in the company.<ref name ="oww" /> During his reign as Intercontinental Champion, Benjamin retained the title against challengers such as [[Jason Reso|Christian]] at [[Survivor Series (2004)|Survivor Series 2004]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/survivor.html#2004|title=Survivor Series 2004 - November 14, 2004|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref> [[Maven Huffman|Maven]] (who he defeated "twice") at [[WWE New Year's Revolution#2005|New Year's Revolution 2005]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/newyear.html#2005|title=New Year's Revolution - January 9, 2005|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref> and Chris Jericho at [[WWE Backlash#2005|Backlash 2005]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2005|title=Backlash 2005 - May 1, 2005|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref> Benjamin [[List of professional wrestling slang#D|dropped]] the title to the ''RAW''-debuting [[Carly Colón|Carlito]] on [[June 20]] [[2005]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050620.html|title=RAW Results - June 10, 2005|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> He was the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of the decade.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/636206|title=WWE: Inside WWE > Title History > Intercontinental > 20050620 - Carlito|accessdate=2007-06-17|quote=Shelton Benjamin had been enjoying the longest IC reign in 10 years|publisher=wwe.com}}</ref>
During his Intercontinental Championship reign, Benjamin participated in the very first [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] at [[WrestleMania 21]] but came up short.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/mania.html#21|title=WrestleMania 21 - April 3, 2005|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref> He later lost a match on ''RAW'' against [[Shawn Michaels]] in the "Gold Rush tournament".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050502.html|title=RAW Results - May 2, 2005|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> For months afterwards, Benjamin "[[Job (professional wrestling)|jobbed]]" to wrestlers on the ''RAW'' roster such as Carlito,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/venge.html#2005|title=Vengeance 2005 - June 26, 2005|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref> [[Chris Mordetsky|Chris Masters]],<ref name="july25">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050725.html|title=RAW Results - July 25, 2005|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> [[Gene Snitsky|Snitsky]],<ref name="july25" /> and [[Rob Conway]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050905.html|title=RAW Results - September 5, 2005|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> Benjamin then engaged in a brief "feud" with [[Chavo Guerrero, Jr.|Kerwin White]] (Chavo Guerrero's golfer [[List of professional wrestling slang#G|gimmick]]) and his caddy [[Nick Nemeth]].<ref name="oww" />
Benjamin's next storyline began on the [[December 5]] [[2005]] edition of ''RAW'', when [[Shawn Michaels]] was scripted to give Benjamin a speech to get him "psyched" for their tag match together later in the night.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/051205.html|title=RAW Results - December 5, 2005|accessdate=2007-06-17|quote=Shawn Michaels was just getting Shelton pysched [sic] for their match later..|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> As Michaels was preparing to finish the match, Benjamin tagged himself in and "missed" a crossbody, allowing Carlito to pin Benjamin.<ref name="oww" /> Benjamin was booked into a storyline "losing streak" over the next several weeks,<ref name="oww" /> which led to Benjamin's noisy, scolding and domineering "[[Mammy archetype|Momma]]" (played by comedian/actress [[Thea Vidale]]) coming to ''RAW'' to confront Benjamin about his losing streak. Momma slapped and yelled at Benjamin anytime he lost a match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/060102.html|title=RAW Results - January 2, 2006|accessdate=2007-06-17|quote=Shelton Benjamin's Mama showed up and yelled at Shelton Benjamin for going soft lately|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> Before long, she assisted Benjamin in his matches, often interfering on his behalf.<ref>{{cite news | author = PWI Staff | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts | work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" | publisher = Kappa Publishing | date = 2007 | pages = 119 | language = English}}</ref> This led to a second [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] run for Benjamin.
====2006====
In 2006, Benjamin [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feuded]] with then-Intercontinental Champion [[Ric Flair]]. On the [[February 20]] [[2006]] edition of ''RAW'', Benjamin (with Momma at ringside) "defeated" Flair to regain the Intercontinental Championship after Momma faked a heart problem, causing enough of a distraction to allow Benjamin to ([[kayfabe]]) cheat and win the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/060220.html|title=RAW Results - February 20, 2006|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> Benjamin continued to feud with Flair, but Momma no longer accompanied him to ringside. As part of the on-going [[List of professional wrestling slang#A|angle]], Benjamin, in kayfabe, stated that she was undergoing heart surgery in the hospital, and that he held Flair responsible.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/060313.html|title=RAW Results - March 13, 2006|accessdate=2007-06-17|quote=Shelton Benjamin said his Mama wasn't there tonight because she was having heart surgery and blamed Ric Flair!|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref>
Benjamin competed in the second [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] at [[WrestleMania 22]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/mania.html#22|title=WrestleMania 22 - April 2, 2006|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref> He "feuded" with the winner of that match, [[Rob Van Dam]], in an attempt to take RVD's Money in the Bank contract. During this time, Benjamin emphasized his heel [[Turn (professional wrestling)|turn]] with a new [[List of professional wrestling slang#G|gimmick]]: wearing shades, jewelry, and occasional colored shirts while entering the ring.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/pictures/s/sheltonbenjamin/15.jpg|title=Picture of Shelton Benjamin|accessdate=2007-07-20}}</ref> At one point, Benjamin was defeated by his former tag team partner, the returning [[Charlie Haas]], during an episode of ''RAW''. A (predetermined) stipulation added to this loss meant that Benjamin had to defend the Intercontinental Title in the same match as his shot at Van Dam's contract,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/060417.html|title=RAW Results - April 17, 2006|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> meaning at [[WWE Backlash#2006|Backlash 2006]] it would be a "Winner Takes All" match. Rob Van Dam came out on top at Backlash to take Benjamin's [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental title]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2006|title=Backlash 2006 - April 30, 2006|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref> Benjamin regained the title from Rob Van Dam in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Tornado tag team match|Tornado tag team match]], pitting Benjamin, [[Triple H]] and [[Chris Mordetsky|Chris Masters]] against Van Dam and [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]] [[John Cena]].<ref name=slam/> Both the WWE Championship and WWE Intercontinental Championship could be won by whoever pinned the appropriate champion. After Triple H [[Facebuster#Double underhook facebuster|pedigreed]] Van Dam, he turned his attention to John Cena and went for the pin on the WWE Champion. In accordance with the predetermined outcome of the match, Benjamin got to Van Dam first, picking up the pin and his third Intercontinental Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/060515.html|title=RAW Results - May 15, 2006|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref>
Subsequently, Benjamin (kayfabe) feuded with [[Carly Colón|Carlito]] and others for his Intercontinental Championship before dropping the title to [[John Hennigan|Johnny Nitro]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|triple threat match]] also involving Carlito at [[WWE Vengeance#2006|Vengeance 2006]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/venge.html#2006|title=Vengeance 2006 - June 25, 2006|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref>
====World's Greatest Tag Team reunion====
During late 2006, Benjamin began a new racial [[List of professional wrestling slang#G|gimmick]] and storyline by ([[kayfabe]]) complaining of how other African American wrestlers reflected a negative stereotype,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/061204.html|title=RAW Results - December 4, 2006|accessdate=2007-06-17|quote=Shelton Benjamin came in and said Cryme Tyme was perpetrating a bad stereotype and that he didn't find it funny..|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> and that he was being discriminated against in the company because he was black.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/061106.html|title=RAW Results - November, 6 2006|accessdate=2007-06-17|quote=Shelton Benjamin said the fans wasted their vote and said they didn't vote for him because he is black!|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> During December 2006, Benjamin's former tag team partner Charlie Haas came out to celebrate with Benjamin after he defeated [[Super Crazy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/061204.html|title=RAW Results - December 4, 2006|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> [[The World's Greatest Tag Team]] was officially reunited when they defeated the [[The Highlanders (professional wrestling)|Highlanders]] on the [[December 11]] [[2006]] episode of ''RAW''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/061211.html|title=RAW Results - December 11, 2006|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> The duo "feuded" with [[Cryme Tyme]] and competed mainly on ''Heat''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/w/worlds-greatest-tag-team.html|title=The World's Greatest Tag Team OWoW Profile|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref>
==In wrestling==
[[Image:Shelton Benjamin - T-Bone Suplex.jpg|thumb|right|Shelton hits [[Carly Colón|Carlito]] with his '''''[[Suplex#Exploder suplex|T-Bone Suplex]]''''']]
*'''Finishing and signature moves'''<ref name="oww"/>
**'''''T-Bone Suplex''''' ([[Suplex#Exploder suplex|Exploder suplex lift into a powerslam pin]])
**'''[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#450° splash|450° splash]]''' — [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]]
**[[Superkick]] — 2002–2003 as finisher move; used as a regular move from 2004–present
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Stinger splash|Stinger splash]]
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Dragon whip|Dragon whip]]
**[[Suplex#Northern Lights suplex|Northern Lights suplex]]
**[[Professional wrestling throws#Samoan drop|Samoan drop]]
**[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Springboard|Springboarding]] [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Flying neckbreaker|flyng neckbreaker]]
**[[Suplex#German suplex|German suplex]]
**[[Powerbomb#Falling powerbomb|Falling gutwrench powerbomb]]
**[[Neckbreaker#Neckbreaker slam|Falling neckbreaker]], as a counter to a [[Suplex#Vertical suplex|vertical suplex]] where Benjamin lands on his feet first
**[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Flying clothesline|Flying clothesline]]
**[[Neckbreaker#Inverted facelock neckbreaker|Inverted facelock backbreaker]]
**[[Kick#Roundhouse kick|Roundhouse kick]]
**[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Plancha|Somersault plancha]], sometimes by [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Springboard|springboarding]] or running off a ladder
**[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Springboard bulldog|Top rope springboard bulldog]]
*'''Managers'''
**[[Kurt Angle]]
**[[Thea Vidale|"Momma" Benjamin]]
==Championships and accomplishments==
[[Image:Benjamintagchampion.jpg|right|thumb|Benjamin has been a two-time Tag Team Champion in WWE.]]
*'''Black Athlete Sports Network'''
**2005 African-American Wrestler of the Year<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blackathlete.net/artman2/publish/In_the_Black_42/2005_African-American_Wrestler_of_the_Year_1411.shtml|title=2005 African-American Wrestler of the Year|author=Thompson, Korbid|date=[[2006]]-[[01-03]]|accessdate=2007-06-18}}</ref>
*'''[[Ohio Valley Wrestling]]'''
**[[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship]] ([[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship#Title history|4 times]]) - with [[Brock Lesnar]] (3), and [[Rodney Begnaud|Redd Dogg]] (1)<ref name="ovwtag" />
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''
**PWI Tag Team of the Year Award, with [[Charlie Haas]] (2003)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwittoty.htm|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners - Tag Team of the Year|accessdate=2007-06-17}}</ref>
**PWI Top 500 wrestlers: ranked 9th (2005)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50005.htm|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 2005|accessdate=2007-06-17}}</ref>
*'''[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]'''
**[[WWE Intercontinental Championship]] ([[List of WWE Intercontinental Champions|3 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/|title=WWE: Inside WWE > Title History > Intercontinental|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=wwe.com}}</ref>
**[[WWE Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Champion]] ([[List of WWE Tag Team Champions|2 times]]) - with [[Charlie Haas]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/|title=WWE: Inside WWE > Title History > WWE Tag Team|accessdate=2007-06-17|publisher=wwe.com}}</ref>
**[[THQ]] Superstar Challenge winner (4 times)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1175190708.shtml|title=The 5th Annual WWE THQ Superstar Challenge|accessdate = 2007-04-09|quote=With Shelton Benjamin's retirement after four years as reigning champion, a fresh crop of competitors will put their skills to the test and see what it takes to earn bragging rights among fellow Superstars and WWE fans.}}</ref>
*'''[[Dave Meltzer|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Underrated|Most Underrated Wrestler]] (2005)
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Underrated|Most Underrated Wrestler]] (2006)
==Outside of wrestling==
Shelton is an avid video gamer. He won WWE's THQ Superstar Challenge, a video game tournament that takes place every year during [[WrestleMania]] weekend, four years in a row before retiring in 2007.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/05/11/4172053.html | title = Shelton Benjamin hard to faze | author = Bob Kapur | publisher = SLAM! Wrestling | accessdate=2007-06-18 | date = [[2007]]-[[05-11]]}}</ref><ref name=games>{{cite web | url = http://www.us.playstation.com/News/Editorials/54 | title = Shelton Benjamin: WWE Superstar and PSP® Fan | author = John Gaudiosi | accessdate=2007-06-18 | date = [[2007]]-[[05-18]]}}</ref> He spends time everyday playing.<ref name=games/>
==Notes==
{{reflist|2}}
==References==
* {{cite web | url = http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/05/11/4172053.html | title = Shelton Benjamin hard to faze | author = Bob Kapur | publisher = SLAM! Wrestling | accessdate=2007-06-18 | date = [[2007]]-[[05-11]]}}
* {{cite web | url = http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/benjamin.html | title = Shelton Benjamin's Profile | author = John Milner | publisher = SLAM! Wrestling | accessdate=2007-06-18 | date = [[2005]]-[[05-17]]}}
* {{cite web | url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_5_3/ai_81826834 | title = It's all about the Benjamin | author = Jason Scales | publisher =Wrestling Digest | accessdate=2007-06-18 | date = February 2002}}
* {{cite web | url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20040404/ai_n12539469 | title = Benjamin stuns HHH -- and WWE | author = Blackjack Brown | publisher = Chicago Sun Times | accessdate=2007-06-18 | date = [[2004]]-[[04-04]]}}
* {{cite web | url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_1_5/ai_101337650 | title = Next: we pick the 10 WWE wrestlers primed for stardom | author = Kevin Eck | publisher = Wrestling Digest | accessdate=2007-06-19 | date = June 2003}}
* {{cite web | url = http://www.us.playstation.com/News/Editorials/54 | title = Shelton Benjamin: WWE Superstar and PSP® Fan | author = John Gaudiosi | accessdate=2007-06-18 | date = [[2007]]-[[05-18]]}}
* {{cite web | url = http://sports.ign.com/articles/510/510993p1.html | title = Shelton Benjamin Interview | author = Jon Robinson | publisher= IGN.com | accessdate=2007-06-18 | date = [[2004]]-[[05-03]]}}
* {{cite web | url = http://www.fhmonline.com/articles-3457.asp | title = Shelton Benjamin Interview | author = Shallow Lester | publisher = FHMOnline | accessdate=2007-06-18}}
* {{cite web | url = http://prowrestling.about.com/od/interviews/a/sheltonint.htm | title = Shelton Benjamin Talks About Tribute to the Troops 2006 | author =Eric Cohen | publisher = About.com Professional Wrestling | accessdate=2007-06-18}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.blackathlete.net/artman2/publish/In_the_Black_42/2005_African-American_Wrestler_of_the_Year_1411.shtml|title=2005 African-American Wrestler of the Year|author=Korbid Thompson|date= [[2006]]-[[01-03]]|accessdate=2007-06-18}}
==External links==
*[http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/sheltonbenjamin/ WWE Profile]
*[http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/s/shelton-benjamin.html Benjamin at Online World of Wrestling]
*{{imdb|1215864|Shelton Benjamin}}
<!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]] -->
{{Persondata
|NAME=Benjamin, Shelton
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=Professional wrestler
|DATE OF BIRTH=[[July 9]], [[1975]]
|PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Orangeburg, South Carolina]]
|DATE OF DEATH=
|PLACE OF DEATH=
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Benjamin, Shelton}}
[[Category:1975 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:American sport wrestlers]]
[[Category:People from South Carolina]]
[[Category:People from Minnesota]]
[[Category:African American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:University of Minnesota alumni]]
[[bg:Шелтън Бенджамин]]
[[de:Shelton Benjamin]]
[[es:Shelton Benjamin]]
[[fr:Shelton Benjamin]]
[[it:Shelton Benjamin]]
[[he:שלטון בנג'מין]]
[[nl:Shelton Benjamin]]
[[ja:シェルトン・ベンジャミン]]
[[no:Shelton Benjamin]]
[[pt:Shelton Benjamin]]
[[ru:Шелтон Бенджамин]]
[[simple:Shelton Benjamin]]
[[sv:Shelton Benjamin]]
[[tl:Shelton Benjamin]]
| 