USASMDC/ARSTRAT Soldiers train with former WWE fighter

By Rachel L. Griffith (USASMDC/ARSTRAT)April 21, 2011

AURORA, COLO.-Soldiers from United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command Headquarters Headquarters Company took part in a training opportunity with former World Wrestling Entertainment star Bobby Lashley at American Top Team on April 15. The Soldiers were there as part of an off-site physical training activity.

"I like to give my soldiers opportunities like this to help boost morale and give them a different aspect of cardio respiratory training and to give them a chance to learn from a MMA fighter and former WWE Hardcore Champion" said Sgt. First Class George T. Hartwell, Noncommissioned officer in charge of the USASMDC/ARSTRAT operations center.

Lashley put the Soldiers through a tough cardio routine, including circuit training, and then gave them the opportunity to try Army Combatives moves on the mat. Lashley doesn\'t usually train soldiers at his gym, and opened this opportunity especially to the members of the USASMDC/ARTRAT operations center soldiers.

"Every day, every class, every person, I do something different. I don't usually train Soldiers. But this class is no different than something I'd put an aspiring fighter through. Training is training. But I used to be a soldier. I like to help out when I can." said Lashley.

About 10 soldiers participated in the full class, with a few brave enough to try to take on Lashley.

"I couldn't get a grip around his neck!" said Sgt Erik Slott, Global Operations/ Assistant Operations Sergeant. Every two to three weeks Hartwell gives his soldiers the opportunity to do an offsite PT session, focusing on different aspects of cardio, weight lifting and nutritional information.

Lashley was a professional wrestler from 2004 to 2008, where participated in Smackdown and he took home the title of Extreme Elimination Chamber champion. He was also selected by Donald Trump to represent him in Battle of the Billionaires. He also worked with Trump in Wrestlemania 23 Hair vs. Hair challenge, where he and Trump shaved his opponent's head after Lashley defeated him. Lashley currently owns American Top Team gym in Aurora, Colorado and has his own nutrition line, Lashley Performance.