Hubbry Logo
Ace AustinAce AustinMain
Open search
Ace Austin
Community hub
Ace Austin
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Ace Austin
Ace Austin
Ace Austin
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Austin James Highley (born February 28, 1997), better known by the ring name Ace Austin, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a member of the Bang Bang Gang.

Key Information

He began his career in Combat Zone Wrestling[7] after graduating from the "Wild Samoan Pro-Wrestling Training Center" wrestling school and has also competed for various promotions throughout the United States and Mexico including Major League Wrestling, Tommy Dreamer's House of Hardcore,[8] Florida-based World Xtreme Wrestling, and Mexico's Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA).[9][10] He then signed with Impact Wrestling or Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in 2019, where he would go on to become a three-time TNA X Division Champion and a three-time TNA World Tag Team Champion with Chris Bey as ABC. Through TNA's working relationship, he worked in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he joined Bullet Club. He departed TNA in May 2025. He signed with AEW that August.

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

Early career (2015–2019)

[edit]

Austin began his career in Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW)[7] after graduating from the "CZW Dojo" wrestling school.[citation needed] He spent his early years also wrestling for the Anoaʻi family's World Xtreme Wrestling promotion.[11]

Impact Wrestling / Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2019–2025)

[edit]

X Division Champion (2019–2020)

[edit]

In early 2019, vignettes began airing to promote Ace Austin's debut in Impact Wrestling. On the March 8 episode of Impact!, Austin made his debut in Impact by defeating Jake Atlas. It was then revealed that Austin had signed with the company. Eventually over the next couple of weeks, Austin would remain undefeated against Damian Hyde and Aiden Prince before making his pay-per-view debut at the United We Stand event, where he participated in an Ultimate X match to determine the #1 contender for the X Division Championship. Johnny Impact won the match. Austin continued his winning streak by defeating Aiden Prince, Eddie Edwards, Jake Crist, Jake Deaner and Petey Williams in a six-way match at Rebellion. Austin would then engage in a brief feud with Williams, which led to a match between the two on the May 3 episode of Impact!, which Austin won. Austin's winning streak ended on the June 21 episode of Impact!, when he lost to the returning TJP. Austin received title shots for the X Division Championship at Code Red and Unbreakable, but failed to win on both occasions.[12][13]

In the summer of 2019, Austin would enter into a feud with Eddie Edwards over his wife, Alisha. Austin defeated Edwards in a match on the October 11 episode of Impact! to qualify for a five-way ladder match for the X Division Championship at Bound for Glory, which he won by defeating Tessa Blanchard, Daga, Jake Crist and Acey Romero.[14] Austin continued his feud with Edwards, losing to him in a street fight at Prelude to Glory but won a street fight rematch on the October 29 episode of Impact!. Their feud concluded with a tables match between the pair at No Surrender, which Edwards won.[15] Austin continued to successfully defend the X Division Championship against former champion Jake Crist at Turning Point, Dez at Motown Showdown and Trey at Hard to Kill.[16][17]

Austin began feuding with the Impact World Champion Tessa Blanchard in early 2020, stemming from the fact that Austin had beaten her in a ladder match to win the X Division Championship at Bound for Glory. The feud between the two led to a champion vs. champion match between the pair at Sacrifice, which Blanchard won.[18] This win earned Blanchard a title shot against Austin for the X Division Championship on the February 25 episode of Impact!. Austin retained the title by getting disqualified after Taya Valkyrie attacked Blanchard.[19] Austin lost the title to Willie Mack at Rebellion Night 1.[20] He received a rematch for the title against Mack in a three-way match, also involving Chris Bey, on the May 5 episode of Impact!, where Mack retained the title.

Alliance with Madman Fulton (2020–2022)

[edit]

After losing the X Division Championship, Austin participated in a tournament to determine the #1 contender for the Impact World Championship. He defeated Rhino, Hernandez and Wentz to win the tournament but didn't win the title. In 2020, he began an alliance with Madman Fulton to capture the Impact World Championship. At Slammiversary, he lost a five-way elimination match for the vacant title in a match that also involved Trey, Rich Swann, Eric Young and Eddie Edwards who was the eventual winner.[21] At Bound for Glory, Austin and Fulton participated in a match for the Impact Tag Team Championship, but were defeated by The North.[22] Austin was inactive for weeks since Impact didn't have plans for him, but he returned as part of the 2021 Super X Cup at Genesis.[23][24] At the event, he defeated Suicide in the first round, Cousin Jake in the semifinals, and Blake Christian in the finals to win the tournament.[25] At Hard to Kill, Austin issued an open-challenge, who was answered by Matt Cardona. Austin lost the match by disqualification.[26] At No Surrender, Austin participated in the Triple Threat Revolver to determine the number one contender for the X Division Championship, but the match was won by Josh Alexander.[27]

Austin in December 2021

On the March 2 episode of Impact!, Austin defeated Black Taurus and Chris Bey to become the number one contender for the X Division Championship at Sacrifice.[28] At the event, Austin defeated TJP and won the title for the second time of his career. He successfully retained his title against TJP on the March 23 episode of Impact!, losing by disqualification, but lost the title to Josh Alexander at Rebellion, in a match who also included TJP, ending his reign at 43 days.[29][30] He failed to regain the title against Alexander on the April 29 episode of Impact!.[31] At Under Siege, Austin and Fulton defeated Petey Williams and TJP, XXXL (Acey Romero and Larry D) and Rohit Raju and Shera to become the new number one contenders for the Impact World Tag Team Championship.[32] On the May 20 Episode of Impact!, Austin and Fulton were defeated by FinJuice (David Finlay and Juice Robinson) and failed to win the titles.[33] On July 17 at Slammiversary, Austin competed in an Ultimate X match for the X Division Championship, but failed to win the title.[34] At Emergence, he defeated Chris Sabin, Moose, and Sami Callihan in a four-way match to become the number one contender to the Impact World Championship.[35] On September 18 at Victory Road, he faced Christian Cage for the title in a losing effort.[36] At Bound for Glory, Austin participated in the Call Your Shot Gauntlet match, which was won by Moose.[37] Austin then started to feud against Chris Sabin, leading to a match at Turning Point, which Austin lost.[38]

On January 8, 2022, at the Countdown to Hard To Kill pre-show, Austin was pinned by the debuting Mike Bailey in a four-way match.[39] During the following weeks, Austin tried to befriend Bailey, eventually teaming with him on several occasions before Bailey turned on Austin after he asked him to attack X Division champion Trey Miguel. At Rebellion, Austin defeated Bailey and Miguel in a three-way match, winning the X Division Championship for the third time of his career.[40] Austin successfully retained his title against Rocky Romero on the May 5 episode of Impact! and against former champion Miguel at Under Siege.[41][42] On June 19 at Slammiversary, Austin lost the title to Bailey in an Ultimate X match, ending his reign at 57 days.[43]

ABC (2023–2024)

[edit]
See also: ABC

On February 25, 2023, Ace Austin and Chris Bey, better known as ABC, defeated the Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) to capture the Impact World Tag Team Championships and bringing them back to Bullet Club.[44] On July 15, at Slammiversary, Austin and Bey lost the tag titles to Subculture in a four-way tag team match also involving Rich Swann and Sami Callihan, and Moose and Brian Myers, after The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz and Trey Miguel) interfered in the match.[45] On July 20, during the rematch, The Rascalz once again cost Austin and Bey their rematch against Subculture for the Impact World Tag Team Championships. However, on Impact 1000, Austin and Bey were involved in a Feast or Fired match where Bey secured one of the cases which contained a future Impact World Tag Team Championship title shot. On October 5, it was announced that Bey and Austin would invoke the title shot at Bound for Glory against new Impact World Tag Team Champions The Rascalz, where they won to become two-time Impact Tag Team Champions.[46] On March 8, 2024, at Sacrifice, Austin and Bey lost the tag titles to The System members Brian Myers and Eddie Edwards, ending their reign at 134 days,[47] only to regained them at Slammiversary on July 20.[47] On September 13 at Victory Road, Austin and Bey lost the tag titles back to Myers and Edwards, ending their third reign at 55 days.[48]

Singles competition and departure (2024–2025)

[edit]

On the October 27 tapings of Impact, Bey suffered a legitimate injury during ABC's match against The Hardys. The match was immediately called off by the referee and Bey was stretchered out and taken to a nearby hospital, where he received surgery. The details of his injury were kept private and a GoFundMe was later set up to help fund his recovery.[49] This injury put the team on an indefinite hiatus and left Austin as a singles wrestler. On January 19, 2025, at Genesis, Austin unsuccessfully challenged Moose for the TNA X Division Championship.[50] On the January 30 and February 6 episodes of Impact!, Austin faced NXT's Wes Lee (former Rascalz member) and Tyson Dupont respectively, losing against the former and winning against the latter. After both matches, Austin was attacked by Lee, Dupont and their teammate Tyriek Igwe and was saved by The Rascalz.[51][52] Despite their past differences, Austin joined The Rascalz in their feud against Lee.[53] At Sacrifice on March 14, The Rascalz and Austin defeated Lee, Igwe and Dupont in a "Lucha Rules" six-man tag team match to end the feud.[54] On May 22, it was reported by former TNA executive Scott D'Amore that Austin's contract had expired and he would be leaving TNA.[55] On that day's episode of Impact!, Austin wrestled his final TNA match, losing to Mustafa Ali.[56] On May 28, Austin confirmed that he was a free agent, ending his six-year tenure with TNA.[57]

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2022)

[edit]

On May 1, Austin was announced to compete in the 29th annual Best of the Super Juniors event held by New Japan Pro Wrestling, he competed in the A-Block and finished with a record of 5 wins and 4 losses, resulting in a total of 10 points, failing to advance to the finals.[58] On the final day, Austin, Alex Zayne, El Lindaman and Wheeler Yuta defeated Robbie Eagles, Yoh, Clark Connors and Titán. Later, in the night Austin interrupted a tag team match, helping Bad Luck Fale, Chase Owens and El Phantasmo defeat the United Empire's Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan and Aaron Henare, and celebrated with them post-match, therefore joining the Bullet Club.[59]

All Elite Wrestling (2025–present)

[edit]
See also: Bang Bang Gang

Austin made his All Elite Wrestling (AEW) debut on the August 16, 2025, episode of Collision, where he was defeated by Ricochet. After the match, AEW president Tony Khan confirmed that Austin had signed with the promotion.[60][61] On the September 27 episode of Collision, Austin rejoined the Bullet Club as a member of the Bang Bang Gang.[62] On the October 25 episode of Collision, Austin picked up his first win in AEW, defeating Bryan Keith.[63] On the November 8 episode of Collision, Austin unsuccessfully challenged Kyle Fletcher for the AEW TNT Championship.[64]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ace Austin

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Austin James Highley (born February 28, 1997), better known by his ring name Ace Austin, is an American professional wrestler currently signed to (AEW). He began his professional wrestling career in 2015 after training at the Wild Samoan Wrestling School and initially competed in promotions such as (CZW). In 2018, Austin joined Impact Wrestling (later rebranded as TNA Wrestling), where he rose to prominence as a high-flying singles competitor and specialist, capturing the X Division Championship three times (2019–2020, 2021, and 2022) and the World Tag Team Championship three times as part of the duo ABC with (2023, 2023–2024, and 2024). Known for his athleticism, cocky persona, and signature moves like and Ace's High, Austin departed TNA in May 2025 as a free agent before signing with AEW, where he made his debut against on the August 16, 2025, episode of .

Early life and training

Background and education

Austin James Highley, better known by his ring name Ace Austin, was born on February 28, 1997, in . He grew up in Robesonia, Pennsylvania, a small town near Reading, where he was raised primarily by his grandmother, who served as a key supportive figure in his life amid family challenges, including the absence of his father. During his youth, Austin developed a passion for and struggled with traditional sports, finding greater success in creative pursuits. He discovered an affinity for , becoming a lead in his high school's club and starring in 12 school productions. His early exposure to , inspired by the , began to shape his aspirations. Austin attended Conrad Weiser High School in Robesonia, Pennsylvania, graduating in 2015. He did not pursue post-secondary education, instead focusing on his wrestling career immediately after high school.

Wrestling training and debut

Austin began training for a professional wrestling career in May 2014 at the age of 17, enrolling at the Wild Samoan Pro-Wrestling Training Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The facility, operated by members of the renowned Anoa'i family, emphasized rigorous fundamentals, resilience, and traditional wrestling techniques, which Austin credited as the ideal foundation for his development. His grandmother played a key role in facilitating his attendance, accompanying him to sessions and enabling his commitment despite logistical challenges. Under the mentorship of Samu Anoa'i, nephew of the WWE Hall of Famers Afa and Sika Anoa'i and a member of the renowned Anoa'i family, Austin honed his skills with a focus on athleticism and in-ring psychology, drawing inspiration from WWE stars he admired as a youth. The training regimen was demanding, preparing him for the physical and mental rigors of the profession while instilling a strong work ethic. By early 2015, having turned 18, Austin was deemed ready for competition, marking the transition from student to performer. Austin made his professional in-ring debut on April 4, 2015, competing on the independent circuit in under the ring name "," a that highlighted his confident, high-flying style from the outset. This initial bout, part of a local promotion event, showcased the agile offense and charisma he developed during training, setting the stage for his early indie appearances.

Professional wrestling career

Independent circuit (2015–2019)

Austin made his professional wrestling debut on April 4, 2015, in Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), where he quickly established himself as a promising high-flying talent after training at the Wild Samoan Wrestling School. Throughout 2015 and 2016, he competed regularly in Midwest promotions such as AAW: Professional Wrestling Redefined and Freelance Wrestling, both based in the Chicago area, honing his athletic style through multi-man matches and showcases that highlighted his agility and technical prowess. His early bookings often featured him in opening-card bouts against regional competitors, building a foundation in the independent scene while occasionally traveling to nearby states like Ohio for events with Powerbomb.tv Wrestling (PWR). By 2017 and 2018, Austin expanded his presence in promotions like and continued his CZW run, participating in tournaments such as the Best of the Best 17 qualifier, where he faced Dan Barry in a hard-fought loss that showcased his resilience. Notable rivalries emerged, including intense exchanges with John Silver in CZW's Dark City event, where Austin's aggressive offense earned praise for its intensity, and a standout over Gavin Glass in True Wrestling, solidifying his reputation for delivering high-energy performances. His pinnacle indie achievement came on September 7, 2018, at PWR Bombshell, when he defeated Zachary Wentz and Alex Colon in a triple threat match to capture the CZW Wired Television Championship, PWR Scramble Championship, and DTU Alto Impacto Championship simultaneously, marking a rare triple title win that elevated his status among peers. During this period, Austin refined his in-ring style from pure aerial acrobatics to a more versatile approach incorporating technical holds and signature maneuvers like , while developing a cocky, self-assured that emphasized his athletic superiority and flair for showmanship. This character evolution, often portrayed through taunts and crowd interactions, resonated in Midwest venues, where he built a dedicated regional following through consistent bookings and word-of-mouth from fans and promoters. Out-of-state appearances, such as in MLW events, provided broader exposure, positioning him as a rising star ready for larger platforms by late 2019.

Impact Wrestling / TNA Wrestling (2019–2025)

Ace Austin transitioned from the independent wrestling circuit to a full-time with Impact Wrestling in early , marking his entry into a major promotion after building a reputation on the indies. His television debut occurred on the March 8, , episode of Impact!, where he competed in a fast-paced match against , showcasing his athleticism and immediately positioning him as a promising addition to the roster. This signing came amid Impact's efforts to refresh its talent pool following a period of instability, with Austin's arrival helping to inject new energy into the promotion's undercard. Throughout his tenure from 2019 to 2025, Austin established himself as a versatile midcard performer, primarily within the high-flying and technically demanding X Division while occasionally venturing into broader storylines. He renewed his contract multiple times, including a multi-year extension in April 2022 and another in March 2024, reflecting his growing importance to the company. During this period, Impact Wrestling underwent a significant rebranding back to Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling in January 2024, aiming to recapture its legacy from the early 2000s era of innovative wrestling; Austin adapted seamlessly to the change, continuing to embody the promotion's emphasis on athletic competition. The landscape of Impact/TNA during Austin's run featured a mix of established veterans and emerging talents, with the promotion focusing on weekly television programming and pay-per-view events to rebuild audience engagement in a competitive industry. Austin's consistent performances played a key role in revitalizing the X Division, which had been a cornerstone of TNA's identity but had waned in prominence in prior years; his dynamic style and commitment to the division's "no limits" ethos helped restore its status as a showcase for innovative matches and rising stars. By emphasizing the historical significance of the X Division in interviews, he underscored its potential to launch careers and attract fans seeking alternatives to mainstream wrestling products. His departure from TNA in May 2025, after his contract expired without renewal, concluded a six-year run that had solidified his influence on the promotion's mid-tier landscape.

Arrival and X Division Championship (2019–2020)

Ace Austin signed a contract with Impact Wrestling in early 2019, with promotional vignettes airing on television to build anticipation for his arrival. He made his in-ring debut on the episode of Impact!, defeating in a fast-paced matchup that showcased his athleticism and technical prowess. Following his debut, Austin quickly integrated into the landscape, competing in multi-man contests and earning opportunities through his high-flying maneuvers and agile style. In April 2019 at , he won a six-way match against , , Eddie Edwards, Aiden Prince, and to secure a spot in the ongoing contention for the Championship. Throughout the summer and fall of 2019, Austin built momentum in the with notable victories, including a win over in a non-title bout on an episode of Impact! in June, highlighting his ability to hang with established stars through innovative offense like springboard attacks and submission holds. His rivalry with Eddie Edwards intensified during this period, culminating in a best-of-three series where Austin defeated Edwards on the October 11 episode of Impact! to qualify for the Championship at Bound for Glory. On October 20, 2019, at Bound for Glory in , Austin captured the Impact Championship in a chaotic five-way against champion , , Daga, and . The match featured high-risk spots, including ladder dives and superkicks, with Austin ultimately climbing to retrieve the title after thwarting Blanchard's near-victory, leading to a triumphant celebration in the ring as confetti fell. As champion, Austin's 184-day reign emphasized his versatile wrestling style, blending high-flying dives with precise technical grapples during key defenses. On November 2, 2019, at , he retained against former champion in a hard-fought singles , countering Crist's hardcore tactics with a folding press for the pinfall. Another standout defense came on January 12, 2020, at , where Austin overcame Trey Miguel's explosive aerial assault, securing victory with his signature maneuver after a sequence of near-falls. These rivalries, including ongoing tension with Edwards that spilled into non-title encounters, underscored Austin's adaptability in the X Division's no-limits environment, where he defended the title against a variety of challengers like Dez and TJP before losing it to on April 21, 2020, at .

Partnership with Madman Fulton (2020–2022)

In June 2020, Ace Austin formed a partnership with , who debuted as his enforcer by interfering in Austin's street fight against Eddie Edwards on the June 16 episode of Impact Wrestling, enabling Austin to secure the victory. This alliance positioned them as a formidable duo, with Fulton's imposing physical presence complementing Austin's technical prowess and cunning tactics, allowing them to dominate mid-card storylines and target higher stakes in the division. During this partnership, Austin also pursued singles success in the X Division. On March 13, 2021, at Sacrifice, Austin defeated TJP to win the Impact X Division Championship for a second time in a 43-day reign, showcasing his resilience with key defenses before losing the title to Josh Alexander on April 25, 2021. The duo engaged in several high-profile feuds, including rivalries with established tag teams like The North and the Motor City Machine Guns. On September 29, 2020, Austin and Fulton challenged The North (Ethan Page and Josh Alexander) for the Impact World Tag Team Championship in a non-title match but fell short after a competitive bout marked by Fulton's power moves and Austin's agility. Their conflict with the Motor City Machine Guns escalated through a six-man tag team match on September 15, 2020, where Austin and Fulton allied with The North against Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, Doc Gallows, and Karl Anderson, emerging victorious via pinfall in a chaotic encounter that highlighted their opportunistic style. This was followed by a direct tag team clash on October 6, 2020, against Sabin and Shelley, where the Machine Guns retained momentum in the division despite the heels' aggressive assault. Austin and Fulton pursued the Impact World Tag Team Championship more aggressively in 2021, mounting multiple challenges that underscored their status as contenders. A key opportunity came on the May 20, 2021, episode of Impact Wrestling, when they faced champions FinJuice (David Finlay and Juice Robinson) in a title match, but were defeated after Finlay countered Fulton's chokeslam attempt into a decisive roll-up. Their efforts at events like Slammiversary 2021 were indirect, as Fulton competed in an impromptu tag match alongside Shera against FinJuice, losing in a bout that extended their tag division ambitions without securing gold. In 2022, Austin reclaimed the X Division Championship for a third time on April 23 at Rebellion, defeating Trey Miguel in the main event to begin a 57-day reign focused on high-stakes defenses, including multi-man matches, before dropping the title to Mike Bailey in an Ultimate X match at Slammiversary on June 19. Despite consistent performances, including victories over teams like Johnny Swinger and Hernandez on January 6, 2022, the partnership waned as Fulton's on-screen role diminished. The alliance effectively dissolved in mid-2022 following Fulton's departure from Impact Wrestling in August.

ABC tag team formation and success (2022–2024)

Following his split from long-time partner Madman Fulton earlier in 2022, Ace Austin began teaming with Chris Bey, forming the core of the ABC tag team (Ace Austin, Chris Bey, and occasional third members such as Juice Robinson). The duo debuted as a unit at Against All Odds in July 2022, where they competed in high-profile matches that showcased their budding synergy, including a loss to the Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin). ABC quickly aligned with the Bullet Club stable, adopting its signature too sweet gesture and incorporating occasional multi-man bouts to build momentum, with Bey's aerial prowess complementing Austin's agile, technical offense for a fast-paced, high-energy style that emphasized quick tags and innovative double-team maneuvers like the 1-2-Sweet. ABC captured the Impact World Tag Team Championship for the first time on October 7, 2022, at Bound for Glory, defeating the defending champions The Rascalz ( and Zachary Wentz) in a 9:48 match. Their 42-day reign featured defenses against teams like the , highlighting ABC's resilience in multi-layered storylines involving infighting and external challengers, before losing the titles to Shelley and Sabin at on November 18, 2022. The partnership's chemistry was evident in these encounters, as Austin and Bey adapted their complementary styles to counter veteran teams, often relying on Bey's high-flying dives and Austin's ground-based strikes to turn the tide. The team reclaimed the Impact World Tag Team Championship on February 25, 2023, episode of Impact Wrestling, pinning the after a series of three high-stakes matches that symbolized a generational shift in the division. During their 142-day second reign, ABC defended the belts against notable challengers including the Guns at in April 2023 and various affiliates in ongoing feuds that explored internal stable tensions, such as alliances and betrayals within the group. Key highlights included their victory over (Mark Andrews and ) at on July 15, 2023, ending the reign on a high note with a display of athletic tandem spots that underscored their evolution into fan favorites. ABC achieved further success by winning the titles a third time at Bound for Glory on October 21, 2023, defeating The Rascalz in a rematch that reignited their rivalry with the high-flying duo. This 139-day reign involved defenses against teams like The System (Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers), culminating in intense storyline peaks around Bullet Club loyalty and ABC's internal dynamics, where occasional third-member involvement added layers of unpredictability. The partnership's high-energy matches, blending Bey's explosive flips with Austin's precise counters, solidified their status as division standouts until losing the championships to The System at Hard to Kill on January 13, 2024.

Return to singles competition and departure (2024–2025)

Following Chris 's serious injury on October 27, 2024, during a Wrestling tag team match against The Hardys, the ABC stable was placed on indefinite hiatus, prompting Ace Austin to pivot back to singles competition. Austin provided updates on Bey's recovery, noting his partner's start of rehabilitation sessions in shortly after the incident, which required and left Bey sidelined long-term. In late 2024, Austin immersed himself in the landscape, participating in high-stakes multi-man bouts to reestablish his solo presence. On August 17, 2024, he competed in an Ultimate X qualifying match against and Jason Hotch, securing advancement toward the stipulation's return at TNA . There, on August 30, 2024, Austin entered the Ultimate X match for a shot at the X Division Championship but was eliminated as claimed victory over the field, including Swann, Mike Bailey, Zachary Wentz, and Samuray Del Sol. By December 21, 2024, Austin engaged in a heated with AJ Francis, culminating in a multi-man rumble at The Wrestling Revolver event where Rhino outlasted both, alongside Alex Melee, Brent Oakley, and others. Transitioning into 2025, Austin's singles momentum built through targeted feuds and title pursuits within TNA. He reignited a rivalry with , stemming from their 2024 clashes, facing him in singles action on April 10 and May 22, 2025, episodes of , where Ali's interference had previously cost Austin a contendership opportunity. On January 19, 2025, at TNA Genesis, Austin earned a high-profile challenge against but fell short in the bout. These efforts highlighted Austin's versatility as a high-flyer and technician, positioning him as a key contender amid the division's competitive revival. Austin's TNA tenure concluded amicably as his contract expired on May 22, 2025, rendering him a free agent without public renewal discussions. His final appearance came the next day at TNA Under Siege, marking the end of a six-year run that began in 2019. In a June 9, 2025, social media statement, Austin reflected on his contributions, crediting TNA for launching his career with three X Division Championship reigns and three TNA World Tag Team Championship wins as part of ABC, while emphasizing his role in elevating the promotion's resurgence under its rebranded era. Scott D'Amore, TNA's executive vice president, praised Austin's growth from an up-and-comer to a cornerstone talent, expressing confidence in his future stardom.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2022)

In May 2022, Ace Austin was announced as a participant in 's (NJPW) 29th tournament, representing Impact Wrestling as part of an ongoing crossover partnership between the two promotions. Placed in the A Block alongside competitors such as , , and , Austin's inclusion marked a significant opportunity for the Champion to showcase his skills on an international stage. The tournament ran from May 15 to May 30, with Austin balancing the demanding schedule while maintaining his primary commitments in Impact. Austin delivered a strong showing in the round-robin format, competing in seven matches and earning 10 points with five wins and two losses. His victories included submissions and pins over on Night 1 via a roll-up after a competitive back-and-forth exchange, YOH on Night 7 with The Fold, on Night 11 following a Buzzsaw Kick setup, on Night 9 in a hard-fought bout highlighting Austin's , and on Night 10 with a counter into a folding press. Losses came against on Night 5, where Takahashi's secured the pin after a high-intensity sequence praised for its pacing and near-falls, and Francesco Akira on Night 12 via countout after a chaotic dive outside the ring. These performances, particularly the clash with Takahashi, were noted for Austin's adaptation to NJPW's strong style and his incorporation of high-flying spots like attacks. Finishing fourth in the block behind block winner (12 points), the run solidified Austin's reputation as a versatile junior heavyweight. The stint significantly boosted Austin's global visibility, exposing him to NJPW's dedicated fanbase and critics who commended his seamless integration into the tournament's athletic demands. Culminating at the June 4 finals event in Tokyo's Korakuen Hall, Austin made headlines by aligning with NJPW's stable during a post-main event angle, accepting an invitation from leader David Finlay and receiving the signature black-and-white shirt. This affiliation enhanced his "Ace of Spades" persona internationally while allowing him to return to Impact shortly thereafter, where he wove the ties into ongoing narratives, including tag team angles with partner . The brief underscored the value of cross-promotional talent exchanges without disrupting his TNA tenure.

All Elite Wrestling (2025–present)

Following his departure from TNA Wrestling earlier in 2025, Ace Austin signed a multi-year contract with , with the deal confirmed by AEW President immediately after Austin's in-ring debut on the August 16, 2025, episode of Collision. In his debut match, Austin faced in a high-flying showcase bout that highlighted his athleticism, though he fell short in the 12-minute encounter via pinfall after a superkick. The signing positioned Austin as a versatile addition to the roster, emphasizing his experience as a former TNA Champion and his potential to contribute to both singles and tag team divisions. Austin's early run in AEW focused on establishing his presence through multi-man matches and alliances, culminating in his integration into the Bang Bang Gang stable in September 2025. As the newest member alongside , Austin , and , he adopted a cocky, opportunistic that aligned with the group's tactics, participating in skirmishes against factions like FTR. This partnership provided Austin with his first notable storyline momentum, including backstage segments where he showcased his charisma and hinted at ties from his past. Key matches during this period included a singles victory over Hotch on an independent show crossover in late August, though his AEW TV appearances initially yielded losses, such as against Bryan Keith on the October 25 Collision. By 2025, Austin had ascended to a prominent midcard role, leveraging his high-flying arsenal—including the kick and Paperclip submission—in pursuits of secondary titles. On the episode of Collision, he received a TNT Championship opportunity against champion as a representative of Bang Bang Gang, delivering a competitive 15-minute match that ended in defeat via a Michinoku Driver, but earned praise for elevating the division's intensity. As of early , Austin remains an active singles competitor without reported injuries, with speculation around his potential involvement in the ongoing Continental Classic tournament, though no official entry has been confirmed. His tenure has solidified AEW's emphasis on agile, character-driven performers in the midcard landscape.

Championships and accomplishments

Major championships

Ace Austin's first major championship reign came in the X Division, where he captured the Impact X Division Championship on October 20, 2019, at Bound for Glory by winning a five-way ladder match against Rich Swann, Jake Crist, Daga, and Ace Romero. This victory marked Austin's breakthrough as a singles competitor in Impact Wrestling, showcasing his high-flying athleticism and cunning heel tactics during a 184-day reign that ended on April 18, 2020, when he lost the title to Willie Mack at Rebellion. Throughout the reign, Austin made at least eight successful defenses, including notable victories over Jake Crist at Turning Point on November 16, 2019, and Trey Miguel on November 24, 2019, solidifying his status as a top high-flyer and drawing comparisons to past X Division greats for his blend of agility and showmanship. The title run elevated Austin from mid-card talent to a key figure in Impact's undercard, contributing to the division's reputation for innovative matches amid the promotion's rebranding efforts. Austin won the title for a second time on March 13, 2021, at , defeating TJP (c) by pinfall with The Fold after interference from . This 43-day reign featured defenses against opponents like before he lost the title to on April 25, 2021, at in a triple threat match also involving TJP. His third X Division Championship reign began on April 23, 2022, during the pre-show, where he defeated (c) and Mike Bailey in a match by pinning Miguel. The 57-day reign ended on June 19, 2022, at , when Austin was eliminated in an Ultimate X match won by Mike Bailey. Transitioning to tag team success, Austin partnered with Chris Bey as ABC to win the Impact World Tag Team Championship three times between 2023 and 2024, amassing a combined 373 days as champions and establishing the duo as one of Impact's premier teams. Their first reign began on March 2, 2023, when they defeated the Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) in a tag team match on the episode of Impact Wrestling, holding the titles for 135 days until losing to Subculture (Mark Andrews and Flash Morgan Webster) at Slammiversary on July 15, 2023. ABC reclaimed the belts in their second reign on October 21, 2023, at Bound for Glory by defeating The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz and Trey Miguel), defending successfully against teams like The Good Brothers before dropping the titles to The System (Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers) at Sacrifice on March 8, 2024, after 139 days. The pair's third reign started on July 20, 2024, at Slammiversary, where they defeated The System (Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers) in a tag team match, holding for 99 days with key defenses highlighting their chemistry and Bullet Club affiliation until losing to The Hardy Boyz in a Full Metal Mayhem triple threat match also involving The System at Bound for Glory on October 26, 2024. These reigns, characterized by fast-paced, high-risk maneuvers, earned ABC accolades like Tag Team of the Year in 2023 and positioned them as versatile performers capable of main event contention. On the independent circuit, Austin secured the on June 22, 2024, at Cage of Horrors 3 by defeating in under seven minutes, beginning a 168-day reign that emphasized his crossover appeal between major promotions and indies. The title run included defenses against notable opponents like before ending on December 7, 2024, via cash-in by Myron Reed, underscoring Austin's adaptability and drawing from 's emphasis on interpromotional talent. This championship added to Austin's resume as a world title holder outside TNA, bridging his Impact success with the broader indie landscape.

Other accomplishments

Ace Austin has achieved notable success in various tournaments throughout his career. In 2020, he won the Impact World Championship #1 Contender's Tournament, defeating competitors including Rhino, Hernandez, and Wentz in a series of matches culminating in the finals on the June 2 episode of Impact Wrestling, earning him a title shot at . In 2021, Austin captured the Super X Cup at the Genesis event, advancing through a that included victories over in the quarterfinals, Cousin Jake in the semifinals, and in the finals, marking the tournament's return after a four-year hiatus and solidifying his status as a versatile performer. Austin has received several fan-voted accolades through TNA's annual Year End Awards. In 2020, he was named Star of the Year, recognizing his standout performances in the division, and his participation in the five-way match for the Impact World Championship at was honored as Match of the Year. In 2024, alongside tag team partner as ABC, they were voted of the Year, highlighting their impactful run in the tag division. In terms of industry rankings, placed Austin at No. 33 in their 2022 PWI 500 list of top singles wrestlers, reflecting his rising prominence following a strong year in Impact Wrestling that included multiple title defenses and high-profile feuds. He has also been recognized for milestones such as being one of the youngest competitors to achieve multi-time X Division Championship success, debuting his first reign at age 22 in 2019 and contributing to cross-promotional efforts, including participation in New Pro-Wrestling's tournament in 2022.

References

  1. http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/ace-austin-12214.html
  2. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=17405
  3. https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/aew/ace-austin-signs-with-aew-debuts-at-cincinnati-collision-tapings
  4. https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/fighting/article249795318.html
  5. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/ace-austin-recalls-his-grandmother-accompanying-him-training-wild-samoans
  6. https://x.com/The_Ace_Austin/status/1861186393814483332
  7. https://mabumbe.com/people/ace-austin-biography-age-career-net-worth-family/
  8. https://chrisvanvliet.com/2021/04/13/ace-austin-on-winning-the-x-division-title-comparisons-to-aj-styles-wanting-to-become-the-youngest-impact-world-champion/
  9. https://itrwrestling.com/news/ace-austin-reveals-why-training-with-the-wild-samoans-was-the-perfect-professional-wrestling-foundation/
  10. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/ace-austin-recalls-his-grandmother-accompanying-him-training-wild-samoans/
  11. https://www.si.com/wrestling/2021/03/13/ace-austin-impact-wrestling
  12. https://podcasts.apple.com/qa/podcast/ace-austin/id1499587701?i=1000726093432
  13. https://www.soundspheremag.com/features/gimme-a-hull-yeah-interview-ace-austin/
  14. https://gerweck.net/2019/10/31/ace-austin/
  15. http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/ace-austin-12214.html?prom_id=27
  16. https://wrestlingrecaps.com/2018/02/18/czw-nineteen-2-10-2018/
  17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMWhGru6Bis
  18. https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2018/09/08/andnew-ace-austin-becomes-triple-champion-in-one-night/
  19. https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/pa/e/czw/czw-tv.html
  20. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/ace-austin-signs-new-multi-year-deal-impact-wrestling/
  21. https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2019/03/11/getting-in-on-the-ground-floor-impact-wrestlings-ace-austin/
  22. https://www.sescoops.com/news/tna/ace-austin-has-signed-a-new-multi-year-deal-with-impact-wrestling/
  23. https://www.sportskeeda.com/impact-wrestling/news-ace-austin-importance-winning-x-division-title
  24. https://www.indyprowrestling.com/post/ace-austin-re-signs-with-tna-wrestling
  25. https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/impact-wrestling-tna-every-total-nonstop-action-championship-belt/
  26. https://slamwrestling.net/interviews/ace-austin-believes-in-the-power-of-three-letters-in-pro-wrestling/
  27. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/02/impact-x-division-champion-ace-austin-on-his-unique-style-666724/
  28. https://www.wrestlingnewssource.com/news/93965/Ace-Austin-Officially-Departs-TNA-Wrestling-After-Six-Year-Run/
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhHoUCR2w0g
  30. https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2019/04/30/impact-wrestling-rebellion-2019-april-28-results-review/
  31. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/events-results/tna/impact-wrestling-2019
  32. https://prowrestlingtranscriptions.com/2019/10/11/impact-wrestling-results-10-11-19-eddie-edwards-vs-ace-austin-iii/
  33. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2019/10/ace-austin-wins-the-x-division-championship-at-impact-bound-661010/
  34. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2858582-impact-bound-for-glory-2019-winners-grades-reaction-and-highlights
  35. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/impact-wrestling-turning-point-live-coverage-sami-callihan-vs-brian-cage-iii-valkyrie-vs-dashwood/
  36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPbIpx3AumY
  37. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=230230
  38. https://slamwrestling.net/report/impact-wrestling-madman-fulton-helps-ace-austin-beat-eddie-edwards/
  39. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/title-history/tna/tna-x-division-championship
  40. https://www.thesignaturespot.com/articles/2020/9/29/impact-wrestling-results-the-north-vs-ace-austin-and-madman-fulton
  41. https://prowrestlingtranscriptions.com/2020/09/16/impact-wrestling-results-9-15-20-the-motor-city-machine-guns-the-good-brothers-vs-the-north-ace-austin-and-madman-fulton/
  42. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/impact-wrestling-results-live-coverage-10620-mcmg-vs-ace-austin-madman-fulton
  43. https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/05/20/5-20-impact-wrestling-tv-results-moores-review-of-the-under-siege-fallout-edition-with-juice-robinson-and-david-finlay-vs-ace-austin-and-madman-fulton-for-the-impact-tag-titles-kiera-hogan-v/
  44. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/finjuice-return-impact-slammiversary-2021-face-shera-and-madman-fulton-impromptu-match/
  45. https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2022/04/23/andnew-ace-austin-wins-x-division-championship-at-rebellion/
  46. https://cultaholic.com/posts/report-madman-fulton-gone-from-impact-wrestling
  47. https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2023/03/12/passing-the-torch-ace-austin-and-chris-beys-impact-tag-title-win/
  48. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/impact-bound-glory-10-7-22-results-six-titles-mickie-james-career-and-more-stake
  49. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/abc-defend-impact-tag-team-titles-against-brian-myers-and-eddie-edwards-impact-final-resolution
  50. https://wrestletalk.com/news/tna-ace-austin-update-chris-bey-serious-injury/
  51. https://www.cagesideseats.com/2024/10/31/24285099/ace-austin-issues-statement-chris-bey-neck-injury-tna-recovery-gofundme-pro-wrestling-tees-shirt
  52. https://www.cultaholic.com/posts/injury-update-on-chris-bey-ace-austin-releases-statement
  53. https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/tna/ace-austin-discusses-chris-bey-inspirational-injury-recovery
  54. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA1KXbD3SBY
  55. https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2024/08/30/tna-emergence-results-8-30-ultimate-x-match-nemeth-vs-alexander-iron-man-match/
  56. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=17405&page=4
  57. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZNvYArfyJU
  58. https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/1jwbeb2/live_tna_impact_discussion_thread_april_10_2025/
  59. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVERHXsCTVs
  60. https://www.ringsidenews.com/ace-austin-gone-tna-wrestling/
  61. https://www.facebook.com/RingsideRoster/posts/tna-has-officially-announced-that-ace-austin-will-be-leaving-the-company-austins/1293152029479986/
  62. https://theringreport.com/tna/former-x-division-champion-ace-austin-confirms-his-departure-from-tna-wrestling-a25623
  63. https://www.sescoops.com/news/tna/ace-austin-confirms-tna-exit-reflects-on-6-year-journey/
  64. https://sports.yahoo.com/article/ace-austin-confirms-tna-departure-001851167.html
  65. https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2022/05/15/a-golden-opportunity-for-impact-wrestlings-ace-austin/
  66. https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2022/05/23/njpw-best-of-the-super-juniors-29-night-5-may-21-results-review/
  67. https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/njpw-best-of-the-super-juniors-29-night-one-live-results-the-tournament-begins/
  68. https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2022/05/25/njpw-best-of-the-super-juniors-night-7-may-24-results-review/
  69. https://prowrestlingtranscriptions.com/2022/05/29/njpw-bosj-29-results-5-29-22-el-desperado-vs-robbie-eagles/
  70. https://itrwrestling.com/news/njpw-bosj-29-results-standings/
  71. https://411mania.com/wrestling/njpw-best-of-the-super-juniors-29-night-12-results-finals-are-set/
  72. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2022/05/njpw-bosj-29-night-ten-results-el-desperado-vs-douki-ace-austin/
  73. https://www.thesportster.com/ace-austin-joins-bullet-club-new-japans-best-of-the-super-juniors-finals/
  74. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z8bLeirzIQ
  75. https://www.sescoops.com/news/aew/ace-austin-makes-aew-debut-officially-all-elite/
  76. https://411mania.com/wrestling/ace-austin-aew-debut-bang-bang-gang/
  77. https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/aew/aew-collision-results-11-8-25-blood-and-guts-advantages-determined-fletcher-retains
  78. https://www.ringsidenews.com/aew-collision-results-highlights-key-moments-november-8-2025/
  79. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kl9fGOd4qs
  80. https://www.wrestlerant.com/columnist-corner/aew-collision-review-november-8-2025
  81. https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-collision-results-november-8-2025
  82. https://slamwrestling.net/news/aew-collision-results-11-8-2025/
  83. https://www.theouterhaven.net/aew-collision-recap-11-8-2025/
  84. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/ace-austin-becomes-new-x-division-champion-bound-glory-2019
  85. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/willie-mack-wins-x-division-title-ace-austin-impact-rebellion/
  86. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=218549
  87. https://www.thesportster.com/wrestling/ace-austin-wins-impact-x-division-championship-at-sacrifice/
  88. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/ace-austin-wins-x-division-title-impact-wrestling-rebellion
  89. https://itrwrestling.com/news/new-x-division-champion-impact-slammiversary/
  90. https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1415036-abc-wins-impact-tag-team-titles-at-bound-for-glory
  91. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/hardy-boys-win-tna-tag-team-titles-tna-bound-glory
  92. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/ace-austin-wins-revolver-world-title-revolver-cage-horrors-3
  93. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/REVOLVER_Championship/Champion_history
  94. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/michael-elgin-ace-austin-advance-impact-title-number-one-contender-s-tournament
  95. http://www.nerdly.co.uk/2020/06/03/impact-wrestling-review-june-2nd-2020/
  96. https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1217515-ace-austin-wins-the-2021-super-x-cup-tournament
  97. https://www.cagesideseats.com/impact-wrestling/2020/12/23/22197672/impact-recap-review-dec-22-2020-deonna-purrazzo-wrestler-of-the-year
  98. https://www.sportskeeda.com/impact-wrestling/news-deonna-purazzo-the-north-win-big-impact-wrestling-s-end-of-year-awards
  99. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/joe-hendry-wins-tna-wrestling-male-wrestler-year-full-list-2024-tna-wrestling-awards
  100. http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2022.html
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.