In a surprising move, WWE has removed Bobby Lashley from its latest Superstars banner, replacing him with up-and-coming star Thea Hail. This development comes on the heels of Lashley’s injury, which forced him to withdraw from the King of the Ring Tournament earlier this month. According to reports, Lashley sustained an undisclosed injury while training, prompting WWE to pull him from the tournament and replace him with Angelo Dawkins.
The update to the Superstars banner, shared by WrestleTalk on social media, sees Hail taking Lashley’s place alongside other newcomers, including Solo Sikoa, Trick Williams, Sami Zayn, and Roxanne Perez. These additions come at the expense of established stars Finn Balor, IYO SKY, Carmelo Hayes, and Lyra Valkyria, who were all removed from the banner.
Hail, just 20 years old, has been making waves on the NXT roster since joining WWE in March 2022. As part of Chase University, she has gained popularity among fans and even challenged Tiffany Stratton for the NXT Women’s Championship on two occasions. Although she has yet to compete at a Big Four premium live event, Hail’s inclusion on the Superstars banner signals WWE’s confidence in her potential.
Meanwhile, Lashley’s injury concerns have sparked speculation about the severity of his condition. While there were initial doubts about the legitimacy of his injury, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has confirmed that Lashley’s injury is indeed real, and WWE was informed in advance of his status.
The good news for Lashley fans is that his injury is reportedly minor, and he may return to action soon. However, it remains to be seen when exactly he will make his comeback. In the meantime, WWE is clearly investing in its newer talent, including Thea Hail, who is poised to make a significant impact on the company’s women’s division.