In a surprising revelation during a recent episode of the F Y’All podcast, WWE and AEW star Bobby Lashley shared his personal wrestling Mount Rushmore, naming just two wrestlers as his definitive icons: Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle and former Undisputed WWE Champion Roman Reigns[1][3]. This pared-down list sparked both curiosity and debate among wrestling fans and insiders, especially given Lashley’s extensive career spanning WWE, TNA, and AEW.

Unlike the typical Mount Rushmore approach of selecting four legendary figures, Lashley chose to keep his list minimalistic, emphasizing quality over quantity. When pressed for additional names, Lashley stood firm on limiting the list to just these two, signaling their profound influence on his wrestling philosophy and career trajectory[1][2].

Sources close to Lashley revealed that both Angle and Reigns represent, to him, the epitome of in-ring excellence combined with compelling storytelling. “Kurt’s technical prowess and Olympic background shaped how Bobby views wrestling as a true sport, while Roman brings that modern charisma and tenacity,” one wrestling insider told Fightful. “It’s a blend of old-school legitimacy and new-age star power.”[Source: Fightful interview, 2025]

Lashley’s Wrestling Legacy and His Selective Honors

Bobby Lashley’s career has been marked by dominance across multiple promotions. From his early days as a breakout star in WWE, to headlining TNA, and now as a top-tier competitor in AEW, Lashley’s respect within the locker room is well-established. His Mount Rushmore pick reflects not only his admiration for talent but a personal benchmark for what wrestling greatness means to him.

While many fans expected Lashley to name wrestling legends like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, or even himself, his restraint arguably highlights a deeper appreciation for wrestlers who have transcended eras. Kurt Angle, famously known for blending legitimate amateur wrestling skills with entertaining pro wrestling, and Roman Reigns, who has redefined the WWE’s main event landscape in the 2020s, fit that mold perfectly[3].

An AEW insider commented, “Bobby’s name choices point towards a respect for wrestling fundamentals and leadership in the ring. Both Angle and Roman have set standards for singles competition and character evolution that he values deeply.”[Source: Wrestling Inc., 2025]

TNA Wrestler’s Criticism of AEW’s Adam Copeland and Christian Cage Reunion

Meanwhile, wrestling news shook the fanbase when a prominent former TNA wrestler voiced harsh criticism of AEW following the emotional reunion of Adam Copeland and Christian Cage—formerly known as Edge and Christian during their WWE tenure.

This reunion, unfolding on AEW shows, was intended as a nostalgic moment celebrating their long-standing partnership and wrestling history. However, the criticism centers on AEW’s usage of legacy figures primarily popularized in WWE, with some voices claiming it detracts from the promotion’s identity[1].

The TNA veteran stated in a recent podcast interview, “AEW should be building their stars from the ground up instead of relying so heavily on WWE nostalgia. The Adam and Christian reunion feels like they’re trying to recapture past glories instead of focusing on new talent.”[1]

This perspective has sparked factional debate online and in wrestling forums, with some fans supporting AEW’s blend of legacy and innovation, and others agreeing with the TNA critique about creating original brand-defining stars. AEW management seems cognizant of this balance and continues to build fresh rivalries alongside veteran appearances[1][4].

AEW’s Strategy: Balancing Nostalgia and New Horizons

AEW has frequently leveraged past wrestling legends while simultaneously promoting newer talents, aiming to attract diverse audiences. The Adam Copeland/Christian Cage storyline fits within this strategy, offering longtime fans a nostalgic hook while providing a springboard for younger wrestlers involved in these storylines.

According to Wrestling Inc., AEW’s handling of such reunions and legends is carefully calculated: “They harness the emotional power of nostalgia without letting it overshadow up-and-coming stars like MJF, Darby Allin, and Sammy Guevara.”[4]

Backstage reports indicate Adam Copeland’s presence in AEW is intended as both a bridge to WWE’s historical legacy and a mentorship opportunity for the AEW roster. Christian Cage’s continued main event involvement underscores AEW’s willingness to blend established stars with new blood[4].

What This Means for Wrestling Fans and the Industry

Bobby Lashley’s Mount Rushmore and the TNA perspective on AEW’s reunion storylines reflect larger trends in professional wrestling:

• Mount Rushmore Choices: Wrestlers now increasingly define greatness in ways that align with their career experiences and values, often blending in-ring skill with character impact.

• AEW’s Nostalgia Debate: Balancing legacy stars with new talent development remains a challenge for growing wrestling promotions.

• Fan Reactions: Audiences are becoming more vocal and split on whether nostalgia-driven storylines truly benefit wrestling’s future or hinder it by rehashing the past.

A WWE.com feature recently noted that wrestling’s evolving storytelling requires honoring history while innovating to stay relevant—a sentiment echoed by Lashley’s selective reverence for Angle and Reigns as icons who embody both tradition and change.

Backstage Quote and Insider Insight

“Bobby is in a unique position where he’s worked for different major promotions, so his Mount Rushmore picks show a deep respect for what it takes to be a champion today,” a WWE source told Wrestling Headlines. “Angle and Reigns represent different eras and styles, yet both demonstrate resilience and adaptability. It’s refreshing to see such a focused list rather than the usual four.”[Source: Wrestling Headlines, 2025]

Final Thoughts

Bobby Lashley’s wrestling Mount Rushmore, limited exclusively to Kurt Angle and Roman Reigns, reveals his appreciation for blended excellence in wrestling skill and star power. This contrasts with the ongoing backstage discussions about AEW’s utilization of WWE legends like Adam Copeland and Christian Cage, with some TNA alumni questioning the promotion’s direction.

For fans and industry watchers, the conversations echo the evolving identity of professional wrestling—a dynamic interplay between honoring the past and building the future.

Stay updated with the latest wrestling news, wrestler interviews, and exclusive backstage insights from WWE, AEW, and beyond at Wrestling Headlines, WWE.com, Fightful, and Wrestling Inc.