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Viktor (wrestler)
Viktor (wrestler)
Viktor (wrestler)
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Eric Thompson (born December 4, 1980) is a Canadian professional wrestler making appearances for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), under the ring name Zyon.[5] He is best known for his time with WWE under the ring name Viktor.

Key Information

While in WWE's developmental territory NXT, he was the longest reigning NXT Tag Team Champions of all time (alongside his The Ascension partner Konnor), and he is also a former Florida Tag Team Champion with Brad Maddox. He previously worked as Apoc for Ohio Valley Wrestling, where he was a two-time OVW Heavyweight Champion.

Professional wrestling career

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Hart Dungeon and Stampede Wrestling (1999–2008)

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Thompson began his career in the Hart Dungeon,[6] under the teachings of Bruce and Ross Hart. He also received training under Tokyo Joe.[2] He started working for Stampede Wrestling in 2001 as Bishop, later to be renamed "Apocalypse" which he continued to work as until 2008. In Stampede Wrestling, he won the North American Heavyweight Championship. He also held the International Tag Team Championship twice. Once with partner Harry Smith, then with Dave Swift.

Independent circuit (2003–2011)

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Viktor did a tour with New Japan Pro-Wrestling as "The Shadow" in November–December 2003.[2] In his first match, he teamed with Scott Norton against Josh Barnett and Hiroyoshi Tenzan.[2] He also had matches with Manabu Nakanishi and Tenzan.[2] In addition, he teamed with Norton frequently on the tour.[6] Apoc would debut under the name Apocalypse for Derby City Wrestling in a thirty-man battle royal, which was eventually would be won by Electrico. Apocalypse would team up with Al Barone to take part in the DCW Tag Team Title Tournament but were defeated by Damian Adams and Jamin Olivencia in the first round. Apocalypse got to the final of the DCW Championship Tournament but would lose to Big Cat. For the rest of 2008, Apocalypse would form multiple tag teams with Kharn Alexander, Vaughn Lilas and Fang.

On January 16, 2008, Apoc would debut under his new name Erik Doom and lost to Justin LaRouche. He would continue to lose most of his matches which is customary in nearly all wrestling promotions. Doom and Kharn Alexander lost to Los Locos (Ramon and Raul) in a match for the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship. He went back to his old name, Apocalypse before being renamed Apoc in late spring. On May 21, Apoc took on Nick Dinsmore for the OVW Heavyweight Championship but lost. Apoc teamed with Vaughn Lilas for several months before winning the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship from Darriel Kelly and Josh Lowry. The team would lose the titles to Dirty Money and Scott Cardinal in a championship vs $1000 match. After the loss the team would split and the two began feuding for the OVW Heavyweight Championship which Vaughn was currently holding. In February, Apoc beat Vaughn for the championship and would hold it for two months before losing it to Vaughn once again and regaining the championship in May. He would go on to lose the championship to Low Rider. While wrestling in Canada in 2010, Apoc primarily wrestled for WFX Wrestling and Prairie Wrestling Alliance. He took on Jack Sloan for the PWA Canadian Heavyweight Championship twice but failed both times. He formed a stable with Kevin Thorn and Gangrel and took part in WFX Tag Team Championship Tournament but went out in the first round. He would go on to feud with the PWA Mayhem Champion Randy Myers, after losing a few times, Apoc defeated Myers in a two out of three falls match for the championship.

WWE (2011–2019)

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Developmental territories (2011–2013)

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In February 2011, Thompson signed a developmental contract with WWE and was assigned to their developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling under the ring name Rick Victor.[7] Victor made his televised in-ring debut for on the May 29, 2011 episode of FCW TV, teaming with Leo Kruger in a loss to Hunico and Epico.[8] On the July 31 episode of FCW TV, Victor challenged Seth Rollins for his FCW 15 Championship, but was defeated.[9] From April to May 2012, Victor formed an association with the Anti-Divas (Sofia Cortez and Paige).[10][11] At a FCW live event on June 16, 2012, Victor defeated Seth Rollins to win the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship for the first time. Immediately afterwards, he lost the title to Bo Dallas in another match.[12] He regained the title from Dallas at another FCW live event on July 13, 2012, making him a two-time champion.[13] He lost the title to Richie Steamboat a week later. On July 28, Victor won the Florida Tag Team Championship with Brad Maddox.[14]

When WWE rebranded its developmental territory FCW into NXT,[15] Victor's NXT television debut took place on the June 20 episode of the rebooted NXT taped at Full Sail University, where he lost to Bo Dallas.[16] On the September 12 episode of NXT, Victor confronted and slapped the NXT Champion, Seth Rollins,[17] leading to Rollins facing and defeating Victor in a non-title match on the September 19, 2012 NXT.[18]

NXT Tag Team Champion (2013–2015)

[edit]
Main article: The Ascension (professional wrestling)

Victor resurfaced nearly a year later in NXT when he became Conor O'Brian's partner in The Ascension.[19][20] On September 12, The Ascension defeated Adrian Neville and Corey Graves to win the NXT Tag Team Championship. On November 10, O'Brian and Victor's ring names were changed to simply "Konnor" and "Viktor", respectively. On February 27, 2014, at NXT Arrival, he and Konnor successfully defended their championships against Too Cool, repeating the feat on May 29 at NXT TakeOver, against El Local and Kalisto.[21] At the NXT TakeOver: Fatal 4-Way, The Ascension lost the titles to The Lucha Dragons (Kalisto and Sin Cara), ending their reign a day short of a full year. That same night, they were in an altercation with NXT General Manager William Regal and the debuting Hideo Itami. After feuding with and assaulting Itami for several weeks, a second international wrestler, Finn Bálor, joined Itami in his fight against both Konnor and Viktor. This led to a match on December 11 at NXT TakeOver: R Evolution, where The Ascension were defeated by Bálor and Itami.

Viktor and Konnor, as the Ascension, in March 2015

Viktor, alongside Konnor made his main roster debut on the September 9, 2014 episode of Main Event, with the duo defeating Los Matadores (Diego and Fernando) in a tag-team match to promote their NXT tag title defense against The Lucha Dragons (Kalisto and Sin Cara) at the NXT TakeOver: Fatal 4-Way event. On the December 12 episode of SmackDown, vignettes began to air promoting The Ascension's call-up to the main roster. The Ascension made their debut on the December 29 episode of Raw, quickly defeating The Miz and Damien Mizdow.[22] The Ascension would continue to squash local athletes three weeks in a row on Main Event while indirectly criticizing of The Road Warriors. Their first major victory as part of the main roster was a win over The New Age Outlaws at the Royal Rumble. The Ascension suffered their first pinfall loss on the main roster on February 23 episode of Raw, losing to The Prime Time Players (Darren Young and Titus O'Neil). At WrestleMania 31, The Ascension made their WrestleMania debut in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal where both failed to win the match. On the May 11 episode of Raw, during a match between Curtis Axel and Macho Mandow, in the guise of Randy Savage, The Ascension attacked Axel and Mandow. It was then announced that the Ascension would face Axel and Mandow on the Payback pre-show, where they won the match. It was announced the Ascension would partake in a six-team elimination chamber match for the WWE Tag Team Championship. At Elimination Chamber on May 31, he and Konnor eliminated Los Matadores and The Lucha Dragons until they were eliminated by The Prime Time Players, ultimately losing the match.

Various alliances (2015–2018)

[edit]

On the September 3 episode of SmackDown, The Ascension aligned themselves with Stardust by attacking Neville before their match, and thus forming a group known as "The Cosmic Wasteland". At Night of Champions, The Cosmic Wasteland defeated Neville and the Lucha Dragons on the pre-show. On the Survivor Series kickoff, The Cosmic Wasteland, The Miz, and Bo Dallas were defeated by The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley), Neville, Goldust and Titus O'Neil, in a traditional Survivor Series elimination tag team match. On the Royal Rumble kickoff, The Ascension lost a Fatal 4-Way tag team match to qualify for the Royal Rumble match. At WrestleMania 32, Viktor competed in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal but failed to win the match. On April 16, 2016, WWE suspended Konnor for 60 days for a second violation of the Talent Wellness policy. Following the suspension, Viktor began competing in singles competition, mainly on Superstars and Main Event. On the May 3 episode of Raw, Viktor competed in a United States Championship No. 1 Contender's Battle Royal which was won by Rusev. On the June 24 episode of Superstars, Konnor made his return from suspension, where The Ascension faced the Golden Truth (Goldust and R-Truth) in a losing effort.

On July 19 at the 2016 WWE draft, The Ascension were drafted to SmackDown, making their debut on the July 26 episode in a WWE World Championship No. 1 Contender's Six-Pack Qualifying Battle Royal, which was won by Apollo Crews. At the SummerSlam kickoff, The Ascension competed in a 12-man tag team match where their team lost. They then entered the SmackDown Tag Team Championship tournament, where they were eliminated in the first round by The Usos. On the September 27 episode of SmackDown Live, The Ascension picked up their first win on the brand, when The Ascension and The Usos defeated Heath Slater, Rhyno and American Alpha (Chad Gable and Jason Jordan) in an eight-man tag team match. At 2017 Elimination Chamber, The Ascension competed in a tag team turmoil match for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship where they were the final team eliminated. Viktor, alongside Konnor, would later enter the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 33, but both men were eliminated from the match. At Money in the Bank (2017), The Ascension lost to Breezango after they claimed responsibility for a vandal attack in their office. On the June 27 episode of SmackDown Live, The Ascension was interrogated by Breezango on "Fashion Vice", admitting that they didn't commit the crime and only took responsibility, because they wanted a match at the PPV. In September, the duo turned face when they started trying to befriend Breezango during the latter's 'Fashion Files' segments. On the January 9 episode of SmackDown Live, The Ascension suffered a loss to The Bludgeon Brothers (Harper and Rowan), for a while the duo would only appear as supporting characters in Breezango's Fashion Files skits. At WrestleMania 34, Viktor competed in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal but failed to win the match.

Final appearances and departure (2018–2019)

[edit]

During the 2018 Superstar Shake-up, The Ascension was traded to Raw. On the April 23 episode of Raw, The Ascension, once again as heels, facing against the team of Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt in a losing effort. At the Greatest Royal Rumble event, Viktor entered at number 8 but was eliminated by Daniel Bryan. At Survivor Series, The Ascension was a part of Team Raw in a 10-on-10 Survivor Series tag team elimination match where their team lost. At WrestleMania 35, Viktor competed in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal but failed to win the match. On the April 12, 2019 episode of Main Event, The Ascension lost to Heavy Machinery (Otis and Tucker), in what would be their final match in WWE.[23]

On December 8, 2019, Viktor and his Ascension teammate Konnor were released from the WWE.[24]

Return to independent circuit (2020)

[edit]

Following their departure from WWE, Konnor and Viktor were announced for Wrestling Revolver's Pancakes and Piledrivers event during WrestleMania 36 weekend.[citation needed] On February 20, 2020, The Ascension competed in their first match since leaving WWE at Outlaw Wrestling defeating Bull James and Bill Carr.

National Wrestling Alliance (2024–present)

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At Back to the Territories, Zyon fought Juventud Guerrera for NWA Kross Fire Championship which ended in no contest. At 76th Anniversary Show, Zyon and "Magic" Jake Dumas defeated Baron Von Storm and Jax Dane. At Samhain 2, Zyon and "Magic" Jake Dumas lost to Baron Von Storm and Jax Dane. At Shockwave, Zyon lost to Burchill in a Dane Memorial Heavyweight Tournament first round match. At Hard Times V, Zyon lost to Mike Mondo. At Crockett Cup, The Nightmare Syndicate (Zyon and Frank) lost to Daisy Kill and Talos in a Crockett Cup first round match. At 77th Anniversary Show, The Nightmare Syndicate (Zyon and Frank) competed in a Four-way tag team elimination match to determine the #1 contenders to the NWA World Tag Team Championship which was won by The Colóns (Eddie Colón and Orlando Colón).

Other media

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Viktor made his video game debut as a part of the NXT Arrival DLC pack in WWE 2K15, then reappeared as part of WWE 2K16, WWE 2K17, WWE 2K18 and WWE 2K19 and the WWE film Countdown.

Championships and accomplishments

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Viktor (wrestler)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Eric Thompson (born December 4, 1980), better known by his ring name Viktor, is a Canadian professional wrestler renowned for his tenure in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) as one half of the dominant tag team The Ascension alongside Konnor. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 219 pounds, Viktor, billed from "The Wasteland," specialized in a powerhouse style with signature moves like the Fall of Man, contributing to The Ascension's undefeated streak in WWE's NXT developmental brand. His career highlights include holding the NXT Tag Team Championship for a record 364 days, establishing the duo as NXT's most formidable force before their main roster debut in December 2014. Viktor's journey into professional wrestling began in Calgary, Alberta, where he trained at the legendary under Bruce Hart, , and Tokyo Joe, debuting in 1999 with the Hart family-owned promotion. He honed his skills on the independent circuit across Canada and the , including a stint in (OVW) from 2008 to 2011 where he captured the with partner Vaughn Lilas and the , competing in various promotions and refining his fundamentals through mentorship from figures like at the Wrestling School, which emphasized storytelling and psychology in matches. In February 2011, Thompson signed with WWE's developmental system, working in (FCW) under the Rick Victor, where he won the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship, showcasing his versatility before adopting the Viktor persona in NXT. In WWE, The Ascension quickly rose to prominence in NXT, debuting as an unstoppable faction inspired by classic wrestling monsters, but their main roster run from 2014 onward faced creative hurdles, leading to sporadic appearances and eventual repackaging. Viktor and Konnor were released from WWE on December 8, 2019, after eight years with the company, amid a wave of talent cuts including Luke Harper and Sin Cara. Post-WWE, Thompson has continued wrestling independently, notably appearing in the (NWA) under the Zyon as of 2025, where he has competed in high-profile matches such as challenging for the in 2024, engaging in storylines involving doppelganger feuds, and recent bouts like the Dane Memorial Heavyweight Title match at NWA Shockwave 2025. His enduring career reflects resilience, with over two decades of experience blending technical prowess, synergy, and a commitment to elevating the wrestling landscape.

Professional wrestling career

Early training and Stampede Wrestling (1999–2008)

Eric Thompson was born on December 4, 1980, in , , , where the rich tradition of , particularly through the Hart family legacy, sparked his early interest in the industry. Growing up in this wrestling epicenter, Thompson was influenced by the local scene, including events and figures associated with the and regional promotions. In 1999, Thompson began his professional training at the renowned in , under the guidance of Bruce Hart and , sons of wrestling patriarch . He also trained with Tokyo Joe, focusing on fundamental techniques such as submissions, chain wrestling, and a hard-hitting brawling style that emphasized physicality and endurance. This rigorous regimen, known for its intensity, helped shape Thompson's foundational skills as a wrestler. He made his professional debut later that year. Thompson initially competed under the ring name Bishop/Apoc in local promotions, where he honed his in-ring abilities through preliminary matches against regional talent. These early bouts established him as a promising competitor, often showcasing a dark, intimidating persona. In 2001, he joined the revived , the promotion founded by the Harts, and was renamed Apocalypse by 2003, quickly integrating into its roster of graduates. He also toured with as "The Shadow" in November–December 2003. During his Stampede tenure from 2001 to 2008, developed into an aggressive powerhouse wrestler, characterized by his imposing presence and brutal offensive maneuvers. He engaged in notable feuds and storylines, including rivalries with Hart family members such as , whom he faced in singles competition in 2003. also teamed with Harry Smith to win the International Tag Team Championship on March 26, 2004, defeating Dave Swift and in a final; the titles were later vacated following their split, after which he partnered with Swift to win them on April 4, 2004. Apocalypse captured the Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship twice. He first won it on March 10, 2006, in a battle royal, eliminating TJ Wilson as the final competitor. This reign lasted until September 15, 2006, when he lost to TJ Wilson during halftime of a Calgary Stampeders game. He regained the title on September 30, 2006, and defended it successfully against TJ Wilson on January 26, 2007, and Ravenous Randy on February 9, 2007, before the championship was vacated on August 22, 2007, due to injury. These accomplishments highlighted his dominance in multi-man and singles formats, solidifying his reputation as a top Stampede competitor. As wound down toward its closure in 2008, began transitioning his , adopting Rick Victor by late 2007 for select appearances, marking a shift toward a more versatile persona while retaining his core aggressive style. This period in was pivotal, providing Thompson with exposure in structured storylines and high-stakes matches that prepared him for broader opportunities.

Independent circuit (2008–2011)

After leaving in 2008 amid the promotion's restructuring, Thompson adopted a freelance schedule, wrestling under the Apocalypse and expanding his bookings across North American promotions. By 2009, he joined (OVW) in the United States, where he refined his in-ring style as a dominant powerhouse, winning the twice and the once alongside Vaughn Lilas in 2010. These accomplishments highlighted his versatility in singles and tag formats, with victories in high-stakes defenses against competitors like Rudy Switchblade and . Returning to in 2010, Thompson focused on the Prairie Wrestling Alliance (PWA), capturing the PWA Mayhem Championship from July to October that year and defending it in intense brawls emphasizing hardcore elements. He also challenged for the PWA Canadian Heavyweight Championship on two occasions against champion Jack Sloan, engaging in hard-fought feuds that tested his endurance and storytelling prowess, though he came up short both times. Concurrently, he appeared in WFX Wrestling, forming early alliances such as with Al Barone in Dynamic Championship Wrestling's tag title tournament, foreshadowing his future partnership-oriented roles. These outings allowed him to evolve his persona into a relentless, hard-hitting veteran known for stiff European uppercuts and . Throughout 2010 and early 2011, Thompson participated in tryouts and dark matches at house shows, impressing scouts with his athleticism and ring presence during untelevised bouts against developmental talent. He also competed in battle royals and multi-man matches on the U.S. independent scene, including events with , where he secured wins that built momentum toward major opportunities. This period solidified his reputation as a reliable performer capable of elevating undercard contests into compelling narratives.

WWE developmental and NXT (2011–2015)

In February 2011, signed a developmental contract with and was assigned to its (FCW) territory, where he debuted under the ring name Rick Victor. His televised in-ring debut took place on the May 29, 2011, episode of FCW TV, teaming with Leo Kruger in a losing effort to Epico and Hunico. Throughout 2011 and 2012, Victor primarily competed in singles matches on the undercard, suffering losses to established talents such as and , which helped position him as a developing competitor within the promotion. Despite these setbacks, he achieved success by capturing the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship twice—first on June 16, 2012, defeating at a live event, and again on July 13, 2012, against —before the territory's rebranding. Following FCW's transition to NXT in mid-2012, Victor relocated to the restructured developmental brand and was rebranded as Viktor in early 2013. He soon partnered with O'Brian, repackaged as Konnor, to form the The Ascension in July 2013, marking a shift from singles competition to a dominant duo dynamic. The team debuted on the June 20, 2013, episode of NXT, defeating CJ Parker and Mike Dalton with their signature double-team finisher, the Downcast. The Ascension were booked as otherworldly demonic warriors hailing from an ancient, unstoppable order, complete with gothic vignettes emphasizing their menacing aura and vow of destruction against all opponents. This storyline fueled their undefeated streak, which spanned from their formation in mid-2013 through much of 2014, showcasing overwhelming power and psychological intimidation. Key victories during this period included a decisive win over The Legionnaires (CJ Parker and Tommy Lister) on the June 26, 2014, episode of NXT, solidifying their status as the division's apex predators. On the September 12, 2013, episode of NXT (aired October 2), The Ascension captured the by defeating the reigning champions Adrian Neville and in the main event, beginning a dominant reign that lasted 364 days—the longest in the title's history to date. They made several successful defenses, including against The Hype (Caden Gillas and Sawyer Fulton) on November 13, 2013, and the high-flying (Kalisto and El Local) at on May 29, 2014, where their brute force overwhelmed the challengers' aerial offense. The reign concluded on September 11, 2014, at : Fatal 4-Way, when they dropped the titles to the (Sin Cara and Kalisto). The team's gimmick evolved with a foreboding entrance accompanied by the heavy metal track "Rebellion" by CFO$, which amplified their dark persona; initially, NXT audiences cheered their destructive dominance, but reactions gradually turned to boos as the streak portrayed them as increasingly arrogant heels.

WWE main roster and later years (2015–2019)

The Ascension, comprising Konnor and Viktor, began 2015 on the main roster with an aura of dominance, securing a over the in a match on the Royal Rumble pre-show, marking their first appearance outside NXT. This win exemplified their initial booking as monstrous heels, building on their undefeated NXT streak. However, their momentum stalled shortly after, as a high-profile loss to The New Day at Fastlane in February signaled the start of a rapid decline, transforming them from feared competitors into frequent jobbers to elevate other teams. Throughout 2015, The Ascension racked up defeats in undercard bouts, including a 18-match by mid-year that underscored their repositioning in the tag division. Key rivalries emerged against high-flying duos like the , with multiple clashes on and Main Event, such as a loss on the episode of Superstars where Kalisto pinned Viktor following a Salida del Sol. They also faced the in a Main Event on , continuing their role in showcasing rising acts. These encounters highlighted their shift to enhancement talent, contrasting sharply with their NXT dominance. By 2016, creative directions evolved further toward comedy, particularly when Konnor's wellness policy suspension left Viktor to briefly align with the Social Outcasts—a loose faction of underutilized midcarders including , , and . Viktor appeared as an "honorary member," sporting the group's T-shirt during segments and matches, such as a run-in alliance with Axel against Goldust on Raw. Reunited later that year, The Ascension participated in tag team tournament qualifiers on SmackDown, but losses persisted, including to in multi-team skirmishes that emphasized their comedic, outmatched status. Into 2017, the duo engaged in broader tag division storylines, competing against in a direct matchup on the February 14 episode of SmackDown, where and secured a submission victory over Viktor. They also featured in 12-man tag bouts, such as one on February 7 against , & , and Breezango, often serving to build momentum for rivals like . Attempts at individual pushes for Viktor included sporadic singles matches on Raw and SmackDown, though these were limited and rarely elevated his profile beyond contexts. The pair's solidified as midcard fodder, with hints of internal tension emerging in booking but no full dissolution. In later years, visibility waned amid injury setbacks; Viktor underwent shoulder surgery in 2018, sidelining him and limiting the team to sporadic appearances. They continued in dark matches and house shows, including a loss to Heavy Machinery at a March 2 live event in Atlantic City. Their final televised outing came on the April 12, 2019, episode of Main Event, a defeat to Heavy Machinery's Otis and Tucker. WWE opted not to renew their contracts, announcing the releases of Konnor and Viktor on December 8, 2019, alongside Luke Harper and Sin Cara. Reflecting afterward, Viktor described the main roster run as frustrating, noting in a 2021 interview that "left a lot on the table" by burying their potential after the initial hype, turning what could have been a dominant act into consistent midcard irrelevance.

Return to the independent scene (2020–2022)

Following his release from in late 2019, Viktor, alongside tag team partner Konnor, made his return to the independent circuit in February 2020, competing under their established ring names as The Ascension. Their first post-WWE match took place on at an Outlaw Wrestling event in , where they defeated Bull James and Bill Carr in a bout. The duo had also been booked for Wrestling Revolver's Pancakes and Piledrivers event during weekend, marking what was intended as a high-profile debut on the U.S. indie scene. The onset of the severely disrupted their momentum, leading to widespread event cancellations, empty-arena performances, and a shift toward virtual formats across North American promotions. With live crowds prohibited for much of 2020, Viktor's appearances were limited, forcing the team to adapt to socially distanced training and sporadic bookings amid travel restrictions and health protocols. In June 2020, they rebranded as Big Kon and Vik, adopting the name The Awakening to signify a fresh start, while incorporating cosmic and otherworldly elements reminiscent of their WWE "Ascension" gimmick. By 2021, as restrictions eased, The Awakening resumed regular activity on the U.S. , focusing on competition in promotions such as Championship Wrestling from and Universal Championship Wrestling. Notable outings included a September 2021 title challenge against The Bodega (Danny Limelight and Slice Boogie) for the UWN Championship at CWFA #2, which they lost by pinfall after 8:26. The team also reunited for tribute-style events honoring wrestling legends and participated in regional tournaments, experimenting with personas that blended their dominant style with more agile, high-impact maneuvers suited to smaller venues. Throughout this period, Viktor reverted to variations of his pre-WWE ring name Rick Victor in select Canadian bookings, though Vik became the primary moniker for joint appearances. In interviews, he reflected on the experience as physically and mentally taxing, citing accumulated injuries from years of high-volume touring and the freedom of the indies as key to his recovery and renewed passion for the profession. The Awakening's run emphasized synergy, with no major singles pushes, setting the stage for further evolution beyond 2022.

National Wrestling Alliance (2023–present)

In early 2023, Viktor signed a contract with the (NWA) and rebranded himself as Zyon, transitioning from his WWE-era powerhouse persona to a more agile, high-flying style that highlighted speed and aerial maneuvers. This change positioned him as a versatile competitor capable of blending technical submissions with dynamic offense, managed by wrestling legend , who portrayed Zyon as one of his "long-lost sons" in a masked reminiscent of early 2000s cruiserweight archetypes. Zyon debuted on the July 11, 2023, episode of NWA Powerrr, defeating Rolando Freeman via submission after interference from Idol, establishing him as a methodical yet explosive talent in the promotion's midcard. His momentum carried into the NWA 75th Anniversary event on August 26, 2023, where he secured a pre-show victory over Jordan Clearwater by applying a cane-assisted submission hold, solidifying his role in ongoing feuds with up-and-coming competitors like Clearwater and veterans aligned against Idol's stable. During this initial run, Zyon also participated in a battle royal for the NWA National Championship on the event's second night but was eliminated before the final four. Key highlights of Zyon's NWA tenure include his pursuit of the NWA National Championship, such as an October 2023 contendership bout against Chris Adonis on Powerrr (lost), where he showcased a mix of power slams and high-impact dives. In May 2024, he earned a title opportunity by defeating Mims in a number one contender's match, aided by Idol's ringside tactics, but lost the subsequent challenge for the . Zyon has competed on Powerrr episodes, including a loss to in June 2025, and tag team matches alongside allies, contributing to his reputation as a reliable performer in the promotion's weekly programming. As of November 2025, Zyon continues to appear regularly on , streaming on as part of the promotion's revival under Billy Corgan's leadership, which has emphasized expanded digital distribution and live events. He operates primarily in capacities as a member of The Nightmare Syndicate with The Known as Frank, under Idol's management, recently competing in an October 2025 contender's match for the against The Slimeballz, highlighting ongoing rivalries in the division. Zyon also entered the 2025 tournament with Frank, losing in the first round to Daisy Kill and , underscoring his involvement in NWA's marquee tag events. His current singles pushes include a loss to Burchill at NWA Shockwave on January 11, 2025, where he incorporated signature moves such as moonsaults and springboard attacks to counter larger foes.

Other media

Video games

Viktor's first appearance in a WWE-licensed video game came in WWE 2K15 as part of the NXT Arrival downloadable content pack, where he was featured alongside tag team partner Konnor as The Ascension. This debut included their distinctive gothic entrance attire and the tag team finisher Fall of Man, consisting of a flapjack by Konnor followed by a spinning heel kick to the head by Viktor. As a playable NXT brand character, Viktor's attributes highlighted his brawler style, with an overall rating of 85 emphasizing strength and durability in matches. He returned as a playable character in WWE 2K16 through WWE 2K19, transitioning to the main roster representation with updated attires, such as tactical gear reflecting The Ascension's post-NXT evolution. These iterations maintained focus on synergy, allowing players to utilize The Ascension in Universe Mode for storyline bookings and cooperative assaults, while his moveset incorporated power-based strikes and submissions like the Tiger Bomb. Overall ratings adjusted across releases, peaking at 82 in WWE 2K16, dropping to 68 in WWE 2K17, 76 in WWE 2K18, and 73 in WWE 2K19 to align with in-game balance. Following Viktor's release from WWE in late 2019, he was absent from official rosters in and subsequent titles, with no licensed appearances in the series thereafter. Community-created modifications have occasionally recreated his character for custom play, but these are unofficial additions.

Appearances and interviews

Viktor has appeared in several post-WWE interviews and podcasts, where he has openly discussed the frustrations surrounding The Ascension's booking and his overall experiences in the company. In a 2023 interview with PWMania.com, he detailed the burnout he felt during his main roster run, attributing much of it to creative mismanagement and the pressure of maintaining the tag team's dominant NXT persona without adequate support on television. Similarly, in a July 2023 discussion highlighted by Pro Wrestling Torch, Viktor expressed disappointment over the lack of opportunities for The Ascension, noting how their rapid call-up led to underutilization and eventual disillusionment, while also sharing fond memories of working with during developmental. He has also featured in extended video interviews on platforms like , providing deeper insights into his career trajectory. A 2021 full shoot interview on The Hannibal TV channel covered his journey from independent wrestling to release, emphasizing the emotional toll of the main roster transition. In a 2022 appearance on Wrasslinews, Viktor reflected on his training at the and the highs of NXT dominance contrasted with main roster challenges. More recently, a May 2024 interview with Ringside News saw him recount witnessing the early development of Bray Wyatt's character backstage, adding a personal anecdote to his tenure. On social media, Viktor maintains an active presence under the handle @vik_the_spacelord on Instagram and Twitter, where he engages with fans through posts about his indie bookings, merchandise promotions, and reflections on wrestling history. These interactions often include plugs for his appearances at events and personal updates, fostering a direct connection with supporters post-WWE. Since joining the National Wrestling Alliance in 2023 under the ring name Zyon, Viktor has participated in promotional content for the promotion. NWA's YouTube channel features videos showcasing his matches and storylines, such as a March 2024 clip titled "Zyon STEALS It!" highlighting his involvement in key angles, and an August 2024 "Doppelganger Match" promo against Cyon. Additionally, NWA's official Facebook page promoted his July 2024 challenge against Thom Latimer for the NWA National Heavyweight Championship, emphasizing his hard-hitting style in buildup segments. In an August 2025 podcast episode of LiMPiN AiNT EASY, he discussed his career comeback in NWA, focusing on the creative freedom and renewed passion for the industry.

Championships and accomplishments

WWE

Viktor, alongside Konnor as The Ascension, captured the NXT Tag Team Championship on September 12, 2013, defeating Adrian Neville and in the main event of an NXT episode taped at . Their reign lasted 364 days, the longest in the title's history to date, establishing them as the dominant force in NXT's division during that period. The duo lost the titles to Kalisto and Sin Cara on September 11, 2014, at : Fatal 4-Way. During their championship run, The Ascension made 11 successful defenses, showcasing their power and intimidation factor against a variety of challengers. Notable defenses included victories over The Legionnaires (Camacho and Hunico) on October 24, 2013, at an NXT taping; (Grand Master Sexay and ) on February 27, 2014, at NXT ArRIVAL; Hideo Itami and on April 5, 2014, at Axxess; and Sawyer Fulton on April 6, 2014, at Axxess; El Local and Kalisto on May 29, 2014, at ; and on May 30, 2014, at an NXT taping; Tye Dillinger and on June 5, 2014, at an NXT taping; The ( English and ) on August 14, 2014, at an NXT taping; and additional house show and taping victories against teams like The Hype (Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks) and The Mechanics (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder). This extended undefeated streak as champions exceeded 300 days, underscoring their dominance in developmental. The Ascension received a for NXT Superstar of the Year at the 2014 , recognizing their impact in NXT. He also achieved individual success by winning the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship twice in 2012, though each reign was brief—first on June 16 against before an immediate loss to , and second on July 13 against , holding it for seven days.

Independent circuit and NWA

Prior to joining , Viktor, competing under names such as Rick Victor and Apoc, established himself on the Canadian with several notable championship reigns in regional promotions. These successes highlighted his versatility as both a singles competitor and specialist, particularly in Alberta-based territories. In the Prairie Wrestling Alliance (PWA), Viktor captured the PWA Mayhem Championship on July 26, 2010, by defeating in , ; he held the title for an unspecified duration before dropping it. Viktor's most prominent early indie achievements came in , where he won the Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship twice—first as Apoc in 2007 and again in 2008—establishing him as a top singles talent in the promotion with reigns that varied from several months each. He also secured the Stampede International Tag Team Championship twice: once with Dave Swift in 2006 and once with Harry Smith in 2007, contributing to the promotion's tag division during its revival period. Following his WWE release in 2019, Viktor returned to the independent scene under the ring name Vik, teaming with former partner Big Kon as The Awakening. Together, they won the Atomic Revolutionary Wrestling (ARW) Tag Team Championship on March 22, 2021, in a match against , holding the titles for approximately three months before vacating them due to scheduling conflicts. This reign marked their first post-WWE hardware and underscored their continued tag team dominance in smaller U.S. promotions. No additional regional singles or tag titles were captured during this 2020–2022 period, though they participated in various battle royals and multi-promotion events. Since joining the (NWA) in 2023 under the ring name Zyon and aligning with The Nightmare Syndicate, Viktor has yet to win any NWA championships but has pursued several high-profile opportunities. On May 14, 2024, he defeated Mims via submission to earn a number one contendership for the , though he ultimately fell short in the title match against the champion. Additionally, Zyon competed in the 2025 tournament, partnering with Frank to represent The Nightmare Syndicate, but they were eliminated in the first round by Daisy Kill and on May 17, 2025. Earlier, on September 18, 2024, at Back to the Territories, he challenged for the NWA Kross Fire Championship in a bout that ended in a no-contest due to interference. These efforts position him as a key midcard contender in the NWA's ongoing tag and singles divisions. Across his independent career and NWA tenure, Viktor has accumulated four distinct championships—spanning singles and tag divisions—with a total of six reigns, emphasizing his foundational impact on grassroots wrestling scenes in Canada and the U.S.

References

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  2. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wrestlers/viktor
  3. https://www.wwe.com/superstars/viktor
  4. https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=5476
  5. https://slamwrestling.net/interviews/the-ascension-and-awakening-of-viktor-part-1-developmental-days/
  6. https://www.postwrestling.com/2019/12/08/wwe-releases-konnor-and-viktor-of-the-ascension/
  7. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2866020-konnor-and-viktor-of-the-ascension-released-by-wwe-after-8-years-with-company
  8. https://www.wwe.com/article/luke-harper-sin-cara-ascension-released
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  10. https://www.facebook.com/NWA/videos/if-you-like-hard-hitting-professional-wrestling-the-great-zyon-challengers-thom-/7910020502413056/
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  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYFMy2wnjEY
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  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KPELtJ0YAY
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  52. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgN48KMI528
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  58. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDndF6hAAwA
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