It was a path that was irreversibly altered after he sustained a career-ending knee injury in 2003 after diving away from an armed robber during a routine visit to a bank in Colorado Springs. It’s a journey that’s come full circle since his days as a three-time collegiate wrestling champion with Olympic aspirations. This is his second run in the WWE for the 44-year-old, one which started when he made a surprise return on “Raw” in New Orleans in April 2018 after a 10-year hiatus from the company. “I’m looking forward to putting on the show that steals the show,” he said.

As champion, he has big ambitions no matter who his opponent is. “WrestleMania 37,” the company’s biggest show of the year, is around the corner, taking place April 10-11 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. The victory couldn’t have come at a better time for Lashley.