Cedric Alexander Reveals Why He Declined AEW & Hurt Syndicate Offer | Wrestling News
Former WWE Superstar Cedric Alexander revealed he turned down an opportunity to join All Elite Wrestling (AEW) earlier this year, opting instead to forge his own path in professional wrestling. The decision came as The Hurt Business – the faction Alexander was previously a part of in WWE – reunited in AEW as The Hurt Syndicate, presenting him with a potential avenue back to a familiar dynamic.
However, speaking on Busted Open Radio, Alexander explained his reasoning stemmed from a desire to establish himself as an individual talent, rather than being perpetually defined by his association with the group. He felt his former stablemates, Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, and MVP, were at a stage in their careers where joining The Hurt Syndicate represented a fitting conclusion, while he believes he still has a significant amount of time left to build his own legacy.
“All of the above,” Alexander said, reflecting on his feelings when he learned of the reunion. “Bobby, Shelton, MVP, they’re all legit close friends of mine so I was exceptionally happy for them that they got to bring the group back and finish their story, their careers the way they wanted to. But I was also like, ‘Man, what about me? I was a part of that group too. I helped make that group what it was.’”
The core of Alexander’s decision, however, was a proactive one. He didn’t want to simply fall back into a pre-existing role. He saw the AEW opportunity as potentially limiting his individual growth. “When I had the opportunity to go to AEW, I was looking at it in a sense of, well, for them, they’re finishing their careers with The Hurt Business,” he explained. “I still got another 10, 15 years to go. So, I kind of wanna do my own thing and just be my own man for a while and not be linked to all he did was Hurt Business stuff.”
Alexander’s desire to be recognized for his own accomplishments is rooted in his pre-WWE career. He emphasized that he had already established himself as a performer before joining the company through the Cruiserweight Classic. “Cedric Alexander, because of the Hurt Business. Like, nah, no, I was a self-made man before I came to WWE in C.W.C. So I would like to be able to say, nah, this was my choice. Something I did for me.”
This pursuit of individual identity led Alexander to TNA Wrestling, where he signed a short-term deal last summer and recently re-upped with the company earlier this year. He is currently scheduled to compete in an Atlanta Street Fight against Moose on tonight’s edition of TNA iMPACT!
Alexander’s career has been marked by a consistent drive to prove himself. From his early days on the independent circuit to his run in WWE, and now in TNA, he has consistently sought opportunities to showcase his abilities. The decision to decline the AEW offer, despite the comfort and familiarity of reuniting with The Hurt Business, underscores this commitment to self-determination.
The wrestling world often sees established groups reform, offering a nostalgic appeal for fans and a potentially easy path for performers. However, Alexander’s choice highlights a growing trend among wrestlers prioritizing individual branding and long-term career development over short-term gains. He’s betting on his own talent and vision, aiming to build a lasting legacy that isn’t solely defined by his association with any particular faction or promotion.
His current run in TNA provides that platform. The Atlanta Street Fight against Moose represents a significant opportunity to make a statement and further establish himself as a force to be reckoned with. While the reunion with The Hurt Business in AEW might have offered a comfortable return, Cedric Alexander is clearly focused on building something new, something uniquely his own.