Bobby Lashley is a famous professional wrestler and mixed martial artist who has won several championships in WWE, ECW, and Impact Wrestling. He is also known for his impressive MMA career in Bellator and Strikeforce. But do you know who are the people behind his success and support?
Bobby Lashley’s Early Life and Family Background
Bobby Lashley was born on July 16, 1976 (age: 47 years, as of 2023), in Junction City, Kansas, as Franklin Roberto Lashley. He is the son of Clara Lashley and Mr. Lashley, who both emigrated to the U.S. from the Panama Canal Zone, at the time a U.S. territory. He has three elder sisters, Cathy, Jessica, and Frances, who he grew up with.
His father was a drill sergeant in the U.S. Army, which meant that the family had to move frequently from one station to another. His father was also very strict and disciplined and expected the same from his children. He once said that his father would make him do push-ups and sit-ups every morning before school.
His mother, Clara, was the one who raised him and his sisters as a single parent, as his father was mostly away on duty. She was very supportive of his passion for sports and wrestling, and encouraged him to pursue his dreams. Clara also worked hard to provide for the family and instilled in Bobby the values of hard work, perseverance, and respect.
He attended Fort Riley Middle School and Junction City High School, where he excelled in amateur wrestling. He won several state and national titles, and earned a scholarship to Missouri Valley College. There, he continued to dominate the wrestling scene, and became a three-time NAIA National Wrestling Champion. He also graduated with a bachelor’s degree in human-service agency management and recreation administration.
After college, he followed his father’s footsteps and joined the U.S. Army, where he served for three years. He also continued to wrestle in the Army’s World Class Athlete Program, and had hopes of qualifying for the 2004 Olympics. However, an injury forced him to put his wrestling career on hold, and he decided to try his luck in professional wrestling instead.
Bobby Lashley Quick Info
| Name | Bobby Lashley |
| Birth Name | Franklin Roberto Lashley |
| Nicknames | The Boss, The Dominator, The Real Heel Deal, Blaster Lashley, Lashley |
| Date of Birth | July 16, 1976 |
| Place of Birth | Junction City, Kansas, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-Caribbean (Panamanian, Barbadian, Jamaican) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (187 cm) |
| Weight | 264 lb (120 kg) |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Bald |
| Occupation | Professional Wrestler, Mixed Martial Artist, Actor |
| Education | Missouri Valley College (B.A.) |
| Parents | Clara Lashley and Mr. Lashley |
| Siblings | Kathy, Jessica, and Francis (sisters) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Wife | Kristal Marshall |
| Children | Myles (son), Kyra (daughter), Naomi (daughter) |
| Wrestling Debut | September 23, 2005 |
| MMA Debut | December 13, 2008 |
| TV Debut | Deal or No Deal (2007) |
| Film Debut | The Way of War (2009) |
| Trainer | Josh Bernett |
| Finishing Moves | The Dominator, Spear |
| Awards and Honors | PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (2006), PWI Rookie of the Year (2005), PWI ranked him #9 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2007, KWCA Collegiate Wrestler of the Year (1998), and many more |
| Hobbies | Doing Workouts, Singing, Acting, Reading Books, Cycling, Horse Riding, Spending Time With His Children |
| Tattoo | A man with horn on head on the left biceps |
| Links | Instagram- @bobbylashley Homepage- Newsunzip |
Professional Wrestling and MMA Career
Bobby Lashley signed with WWE in 2004, and made his debut on SmackDown in 2005. He quickly rose to fame with his impressive physique, strength, and charisma. He won his first title, the WWE United States Championship, in 2006, and later moved to ECW, where he became a two-time ECW World Champion. He also had memorable feuds with superstars like John Cena, Umaga, Vince McMahon, and Booker T.
He left WWE in 2008, and ventured into mixed martial arts. He made his MMA debut in 2008, and won his first fight by TKO. He then signed with Strikeforce, where he faced notable opponents like Chad Griggs and Wes Sims. He also competed in Shark Fights, Titan FC, and Bellator, where he amassed a record of 15 wins and 2 losses. He is currently ranked as the #8 heavyweight in the world by Tapology.
He returned to professional wrestling in 2009, and joined Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA). There, he became a four-time Impact World Champion, and also held the X Division Championship and the King of the Mountain Championship. He also formed alliances with MVP, Kenny King, and Drew Galloway, and feuded with stars like Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, and Eddie Edwards.
Bobby made his second WWE comeback in 2018, and joined the Raw brand. He has since won the WWE Intercontinental Championship twice, and the WWE Championship once. He is currently the leader of The Hurt Business, a stable that includes MVP, Shelton Benjamin, and Cedric Alexander. He has also faced some of the biggest names in WWE, such as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, and Brock Lesnar.
Bobby Lashley’s Parents Today
Bobby Lashley is very close to his parents, and often credits them for his success and motivation. He has said that his mother is his biggest fan, and that she watches all his matches and calls him after every show. He has also said that his father is his role model, and that he taught him how to be a man and a leader.
His parents are very proud of their son, and have attended some of his matches and events. He has also shared some photos and videos of his parents on his social media accounts, showing his love and appreciation for them. His parents are also supportive of his personal life, and have welcomed his wife and children into the family.
Bobby Lashley’s parents are currently living in Colorado, where they enjoy a peaceful and happy life. They are also very involved in their community, and have participated in various charitable and social causes. His parents are also avid travelers, and have visited several countries and places around the world.
Bobby Lashley is one of the most successful and popular wrestlers and MMA fighters in the world. He has achieved many accolades and honors in his career, and has entertained millions of fans with his skills and charisma. But behind his fame and glory, there are two people who have always been there for him, his parents, Clara and Mr. Lashley. They are the ones who raised him, supported him, and inspired him to chase his dreams. They are the ones who made him who he is today.
