Keith Lee Returns To WWE Raw For First Time In 5 Months

Home state hero returns to face WWE Champion Bobby Lashley in big-time comeback.

by Andy H Murray
Keith Lee Bobby Lashley
WWE

Keith Lee was back in action on last night's WWE Raw, answering WWE Champion Bobby Lashley's open challenge for a non-title fight.

The comeback king was unsuccessful in defeating Lashley, who put him away in just under six minutes, pinning Keith with a Spinebuster/Spear one-two punch after failing to secure the Hurt Lock due to his opponent's colossal frame. Lee did score some shine early on, however, controlling Lashley throughout the opening stages before MVP's distraction helped turn the tide decisively in the WWE Champion's favour.

This was only Lee's fifth televised WWE match of the year. His last bout saw him defeat Riddle on Raw's 8 February episode, having been pulled from television (and the 2021 Royal Rumble) in January, though he was soon sidelined again.

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Seemingly rendered unable to compete, the Texan's latest absence forced WWE to change plans for him to win the United States Championship at February's Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.

The exact reason behind Lee's five-month WWE absence remains a mystery. An undisclosed medical issue has been reported, and the former NXT Champion has kept things cryptic on social media, though he now appears to be good to go once more.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.