10 Wrestlers Who Should Replace Shelton Benjamin As SmackDown's New Star

8. Jay Lethal

MVP WWE United States Champion
Oli Sandler/Ringside Perspective

Current Ring of Honor Champion Jay Lethal is one of the most highly thought of wrestlers in America, and another man that WWE have had their eyes on for a while. With his ROH contract allegedly expiring at the end of December, it may finally be time for Lethal to make the jump to the biggest stage of them all.

His story is similar to Galloway’s. Chronically misused as a TNA comedy act, Lethal found new life after returning to ROH, and has really grown into his role as the company’s champion and leading performer. He’s an absolute master of his craft with no obvious weaknesses, and he’s in the prime of his career: the time has never been better for Jay Lethal to jump to WWE, and if the company are smart, they’ll bring him in sooner rather than later.

WWE typically prefer to bring their new signees in through NXT and Full Sail University, but Lethal is more than capable of bypassing this entirely. As a well-travelled ring veteran who wrestles a smart style without sacrificing big spots and excitement, Lethal is the total package, and brings an all-important element of star quality with him.

Bringing him in makes all the sense in the world.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.