WWE Wishful Thinking: Return Promos for Bobby Lashley?

I'm 99 percent positive that the return promos are not for Bobby Lashley, but honestly, I really wish they were, and that's for a lot of reasons. His time in the WWE may not have been extremely long, but it was pretty entertaining.

Bursting onto the scene of WWE on Smackdown in 2005, Lashley proved himself not only an impressive-looking individual, but his mentioned accolades gave him technical credibility as well, and in a WWE career that spanned three years, Bobby proved he was the real deal in that ring.

Bobby was perhaps one of the most fortunate men in WWE. He had the size and physique that the WWE loves. I think of him, personally, as a more refined version of current WWE Superstar Ezekiel Jackson.

Lashley could throw guys all over the ring, and may have very well been the strongest man in WWE (or at least given whoever was a run for his money) during his time.

Add to that, for those who thought Lashley was all muscle, like a lot of WWEs favorites, I'd have you turn your attention to Lashley's accolades before coming to the WWE. Commentators often spoke of these with good reason. Working for the military, Lashley earned several medals for his amateur skill, and when you saw him in the ring, it was no wonder why.

That all handles the "wrestling" aspect of WWE, but what about the "pro" part? By that, I mean Lashley's ability to entertain—work a mic, to be more specific. Personally, I was not disappointed. He wouldn't be confused for The Rock or Ric Flair, but the man could hold his own when given a microphone.

With all those qualities, I think it's quite easy to see why WWE pushed him as hard as it did and why I'd want him back on the roster. In his rookie year, he was in the main event at one of the big four—Survivor Series—as a part of Team SmackDown, and prior to being eliminated (and he wasn't even pinned cleanly), Lashley was destroying most of Raw's team.

His fortunes wouldn't quit there, as he competed in his first WrestleMania in his rookie year as well, entered into the Money in the Bank ladder match. He didn't win, but obviously WWE saw something in this young man and continued to put him in high-profile spots, including his next noteworthy feud with Booker T, whom he lost to in the finals of the King of the Ring Tournament. The feud would end up getting Lashley his first title (the U.S. Championship) and his first world title match (though he was unable to get the gold).

Afterward, Lashley truly cemented his place as a top guy in WWE in one of the most unlikely places: ECW. This was done by winning the Extreme Elimination Chamber (I wonder why we don't do that at EC every year?) and becoming ECW champion. From there, Lashley, for lack of a better term, dominated the competition from Mr. Kennedy, RVD, Sabu, Umaga (costing Mr. McMahon his hair at WrestleMania 23) and even Mr. McMahon. In fact, Lashley's second run with the ECW title only ended because he was drafted to Raw, where he was forced to vacate the title.

That said, it wouldn't be long before he set his sights on a new prize: the WWE Championship. After failing to win the title at Night of Champions, Lashley became the No. 1 contender for the title at The Great American Bash in one of the most hyped matches in recent memory. However, Lashley was unable to win the title and was written off for surgery for an old injury.

Now, maybe it's just me, but this certainly seems like someone I'd like to have back on the roster. I can't think of any huge flaw Bobby had in his game. He was solid in the ring and on the mic. He had the look that Vince McMahon and Creative love and the ability the IWC appreciates.

Looking at the current roster, I could easily see Lashley emerging as a top guy in WWE with all of his tools. I think a run as a monster heel would be a good way to go with Bobby, as it would also serve as a true test for CM Punk, the current WWE champion.

Likewise, on SmackDown, Lashley could be the man to end Mark Henry's Hall of Pain hit list, or if Daniel Bryan should take the title, (not holding my breath, though) Lashley could step up and call Daniel out for his actions as of late (particularly in cashing in MiTB early, like he said he wouldn't do).

Even in the mid-card, Lashley could help to work his way up, and perhaps elevate a guy or two. I personally think a Lashley/Ziggler match would look good, or a Rhodes vs. Rhodes or even a Wade Barrett.

Now, as I said, I'm not thinking that these 2012 return promos are Bobby Lashley. I'm just saying, I really wish they were. Nothing against Chris Jericho, who it most likely is. I like Jericho, but he was here not too long ago.

Lashley's been away from WWE for a much longer time, and I just think having him back would bring something a bit more different to WWE.