Shelton Benjamin Dedicates Tag Title To Former WWE Star Who Died From Drowning

KEY POINTS

Shelton Benjamin honors former WWE star who died in May
Benjamin becomes three-time WWE Tag Team Champion
Benjamin's break-up with Cedric Alexander is looming after the odd sequence in their last match

Shelton Benjamin has gold around his waist once more after The Hurt Business became the new Raw Tag Team Champions at WWE TLC Sunday.

He and tag team partner Cedric Alexander defeated the New Day duo of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods.

It was a big win for Benjamin and Alexander, although there seems to be a storyline brewing if one looks closely to the finish.

Regardless, the 45-year-old has an intricately-crafted hardware around his waist once again after a long while, making him a three-time WWE Tag Team champion.

The last time he wore them was 17 years ago as part of The World’s Greatest Tag Team alongside Charlie Haas.

Benjamin later shared on social media that the win was dedicated to his late friend Shad Gaspard. The 39-year-old and one-half of Cryme Tyme died last May when he and his son were caught in a rip current at Venice Beach.

Let's take a moment to commend Shelton Benjamin for being an incredible human being and friend. Not only did he...Posted by The Signature Spot on Monday, December 21, 2020

For those who may not know the story, Gaspard told lifeguards to save his son, Aryeh, first before disappearing underwater.

A search was conducted for him but was eventually called off on May 19. His body washed ashore the next day at Venice Beach and was identified at the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.

Benjamin put up a post on social media that read: “This one’s for you Shad.” The post showed an old picture of the two friends along with a picture of his newly acquired title belt next to his wristband which reads "4 S.G" or "For Shad Gaspard."

Aside from that, other pictures from Benjamin’s post showed him hugging Gaspard’s son. It was a class act from the WWE star which drew praises from people who were able to see it.

Looking ahead, folks who were able to watch WWE TLC may have caught that part when Benjamin was seemingly wondering why Alexander tagged himself in as he was trying to finish off Kingston.

It could be a start of a falling out between the two stars, something that is hardly surprising in the WWE.

The Hurt Business was in the Dec. 21 edition of WWE Raw where they celebrated their victory. However, it was crashed by Jeff Hardy and Riddle.

That appeared to be part of a bigger plan with both ending up facing Bobby Lashley and MVP in an official match.