Bobby Lashley had a bittersweet night on the May 12 episode of SmackDown. ‘The Almighty’ locked horns with Sheamus and Austin Theory in the first-round match of the World Heavyweight Championship race. While the 46-year-old won the bout, overcoming the two opponents, he was busted open. Despite blood oozing out, the two-time WWE Champion kept on jostling. Fans took to social media to laud the superstar for ignoring his pain while putting on a display.

Fans hail Bobby Lashley’s fighting spirit

Lashley was busted open after hitting the steel steps. The sharp edge cut open his head after Sheamus pushed him against the object. Seconds later, Lashley was seen rolling on the floor as drops of blood trickled from the wound.

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He, however, came back and continued the fight and even showed a tremendous presence of mind. Sheamus had landed a Brogue Kick on United States Champion Austin Theory, who was trying to escape Lashley’s, Hurt Lock. The Celtic Warrior would have picked up the victory, but his senior colleague threw him outside the ring and pinned Austin himself.

Fans applauded his valor.

This social media user said they have “mad respect” for Lashley

Another user shared a picture of the 46-year-old’s wound and informed that he needed 12 staples in his head.

Other reactions:

Meanwhile, Bobby Lashley was defeated in the next round by AJ Styles. The Phenomenal One has set up a date with Seth Rollins as the two will clash for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia on May 27.

Lashley’s accident bore an eerie similarity to his arch nemesis, Brock Lesnar, thus giving rise to an important question.

Has WWE made changes to its blood policy?

For years, the Stamford-based promotion barred blood in their shows. This was evident when Finn Balor got hit by a ladder that busted his head open at WrestleMania 39. The match between him and Edge was halted for a while as Balor received medical attention.

However, in the last few weeks, the norms seemed to have changed. Earlier in May, NXT star Jacy Jayne was allowed to compete after she was busted open. Then it was Brock Lesnar, who was covered in blood at a PLE. The Beast Incarnate hit an exposed steel turnbuckle, causing his forehead to crack open. And now Lashley.

In all three instances, WWE has allowed the respective athletes to compete, begging the question, has the blood policy changed? Well, there hasn’t been an official announcement from the promotion yet. Coincidentally, all three instances have taken place after the WWE-UFC merger. The MMA company has had no reservation about showing blood on TV. Has the merger emboldened WWE? Only time will tell.

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What do you make of the recent busted open incident? Did you root for Bobby Lashley? Do let us know in the comments.