Cedric Alexander Reveals He Turned Down Opportunity To Join AEW, Wanted To Be His Own Man
Former WWE star and TNA wrestler Cedric Alexander confirmed on March 13 that he turned down an offer to immediately rejoin AEW's The Hurt Syndicate alongside Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, and MVP. Speaking during a recent appearance on Busted Open Radio via Wrestlingnews reports (Mar 05), the former WWE Superstar explained his decision was driven by a desire "to be my own man" rather than simply reuniting with old buddies from The Hurt Business era in AEW's Dynamite or Collision segments as previously speculated.
Key Points
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1Cedric Alexander confirmed he turned down an offer to join AEW's The Hurt Syndicate.
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2He explicitly stated his decision was made in order 'to be my own man' and pursue a different direction rather than rejoining the group associated with Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, or MVP.
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3Alexander discussed this choice during appearances on Busted Open Radio to address fan speculation regarding why he did not reunite.
Developments
Cedric Alexander explained that he chose AEW over rejoining Bobby Lashley's The Hurt Syndicate in order to establish his own identity separate from the legacy of WWE's former faction. He has since transitioned into TNA Wrestling, where on January 22, 2026, defeated Moose and joined Eddie Edwards' heel group known as "The System."
Former WWE Superstar and former Hurt Business member Cedric Alexander revealed he turned down an opportunity to join AEW as part of The Hur Syndicate because his stablemates were there only for their careers. He stated that with 10–15 years remaining in wrestling, he prefers the freedom "to be my own man" rather than being linked again by past business associations like Hurt Business or WWE's C.W.C., and will instead compete on TNA iMPACT!.
Cedric Alexander confirmed he had been offered a spot on AEW's The Hurt Syndicate but declined because his friends Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin were finishing their careers, whereas Alexander intended to pursue an independent path as "his own man." He is set to compete in TNA iMPACT against Moose.