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Ariya Daivari
Ariya Daivari
Ariya Daivari
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Ariya Daivari (Persian: آریا داوری; born April 11, 1989) is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and is a member of The Premier Athletes stable. He also works as a coach for the promotion. Daivari is best known for his time in WWE, where he performed in the now-defunct Cruiserweight Division. He has also performed for Ring of Honor (ROH), New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), and has made brief appearances for Global Force Wrestling and Impact Wrestling's project Ring Ka King.

Key Information

Professional wrestling career

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Independent circuit (2006–2017)

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After building a background in Taekwondo and amateur wrestling during his high school years, Ariya was trained in professional wrestling by his brother Shawn Daivari and fellow wrestler Arik Cannon.[1] He also trained with Shelton Benjamin and former WWE wrestler Ken Anderson.[8] Ariya debuted in a Midwest Pro Wrestling Academy event on September 26, 2006, at the First Avenue nightclub.[7] Before his 2016 WWE debut, Ariya performed for various U.S. wrestling promotions, including Ring of Honor,[9] Global Force Wrestling,[10] and Impact Wrestling's India project, Ring Ka King.[4][6]

WWE (2016–2021, 2022)

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Cruiserweight division (2016–2021)

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Daivari's first experience with WWE was wrestling in a non-televised match for WWE SmackDown at the Target Center in 2013.[8] The following year he participated in a tryout at the WWE Performance Center.[11] On June 13, 2016, Daivari was announced as a competitor in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic.[3] On June 23, 2016, Daivari was eliminated from the tournament in his first round match by Ho Ho Lun.[12] On the October 10, 2016 episode of Raw, Daivari made his main roster debut as part of the cruiserweight division on Raw as a heel, losing by submission to the Cruiserweight Champion T. J. Perkins. On the Hell in a Cell pre-show, Daivari teamed with Tony Nese and Drew Gulak in a losing effort to Cedric Alexander, Lince Dorado and Sin Cara.[13] On the Survivor Series pre-show, Daivari, Nese and Gulak were defeated by TJ Perkins, Rich Swann and Noam Dar. He then started a feud with Gentleman Jack Gallagher, which ended in an "I forfeit" match, which he lost.

Daivari began his championship pursuits for the Cruiserweight Championship in July 2017. Akira Tozawa called Daivari out on the July 24 episode of Raw for a rematch after Titus O'Neil forfeited their singles match the week prior on Tozawa's behalf. While Neville showed up to confront Tozawa, Daivari then appeared to attack both Tozawa and Neville. He faced off against Neville the next night on 205 Live, winning via count-out. When Enzo Amore became the Cruiserweight Champion, Daivari appeared to support Amore on 205 Live and became a member of Amore's heel faction "The Zo Train", along with Tony Nese, Drew Gulak, and Noam Dar. On January 23, 2018, Enzo Amore was fired from WWE after allegations of sexual assault were made public, thus forcing Amore to vacate the Cruiserweight Championship and quietly disbanding "The Zo Train". Following this, Daivari participated in a tournament to crown a new Cruiserweight Champion but lost in the first round to the debuting Buddy Murphy on the February 6, 2018 episode of 205 Live.

In WWE Greatest Royal Rumble, Ariya teamed up with his brother Shawn Daivari and insulted four Saudi Arabian prospects before being driven out by Mansoor. After an extended break from action to recover from an unspecified injury, Daivari returned on the November 28 episode of 205 Live, joining Hideo Itami in an attack on a local competitor. After that, he began accompanying Itami to the ring for his matches and interfering on his behalf. On January 29 episode of 205 Live Daivari turned on Itami after the latter lost to Akira Tozawa, the same day that Itami requested his release from WWE. On the March 23 episode of 205 Live, Daivari defeated Cedric Alexander, following a distraction from Oney Lorcan. On the April 23 episode of 205 Live, Daivari defeated Lorcan to become the number one contender for the Cruiserweight Championship. However at Money in the Bank, he failed to capture the title from Tony Nese. Shortly after he would feud with Oney Lorcan which lead to an Anything Goes match where he was defeated to end their feud.

In October 2019 he would begin a feud with Isaiah "Swerve" Scott but never defeated him. Around this time he would start wearing white pants and a Gucci belt to the ring. In 2020 he took a long hiatus from the ring and returned in August 2020 upset that new cruiserweights weren't respecting him. He would then form an alliance with Tony Nese calling themselves the "205 Live OG's" and throughout the first few months of 2021, they would mostly be defeated by the likes of newcomers Curt Stallion and August Grey. On June 25, 2021, Daivari was released from his WWE contract.[14]

Producer (2022)

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In April 2022, Daivari was rehired by WWE as a producer.

New Japan Pro Wrestling (2021–2022)

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On September 28, 2021, it was announced that Daivari would be debuting for New Japan Pro Wrestling for their New Japan Showdown shows facing Alex Zayne on Night 1 and teaming with Lio Rush against El Phantasmo and Chris Bey on Night 2.[15][16] He would make his return on June 18, 2022, at NJPW Strong, scoring a victory over Delirious.[17]

All Elite Wrestling (2021–present)

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On November 12, 2021, Daivari made his All Elite Wrestling debut on AEW Rampage losing to Dante Martin.[18] On the June 28, 2022 episode of AEW Dark, he would make his return for the brand, defeating Caleb Konley.[19] Daivari also serves as a coach for AEW.[20]

National Wrestling Alliance (2022)

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On April 16, 2022, Daivari made his debut for the National Wrestling Alliance, facing Nick Aldis in a losing effort.[21]

Personal life

[edit]

Daivari attended Wayzata High School in Plymouth, Minnesota.[1] He is Iranian-American and sometimes incorporates spoken Persian in his performances.[1] His brother, Dara, is also a professional wrestler, mostly known for his time in WWE under the names Khosrow Daivari and Daivari (shortened from his previous in ring name).[3]

Other media

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Ariya Daivari made his video game debut as a playable character in WWE 2K19.[22] He would also appear in WWE 2K20.

He would make a reappearance in WWE 2K22.

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]
  • American Wrestling Association
    • AWA Rush YouTube Championship (1 time)
  • American Wrestling Federation
    • AWF Elite Championship (1 time)
    • AWF Heavyweight Championship (2 times)[23]
  • Born Championship Wrestling
    • BCW Tag Team Championships (1 time) – with Judd Jennrich
  • F1RST Wrestling
    • F1RST Wrestlepalooza Championship (2 times)[5]
  • French Lake Wrestling Association
    • FLWA VFW Championship (1 time)
  • Heavy on Wrestling
    • HOW Undisputed Championship (1 time)[24]
  • Insane Championship Wrestling (Milwaukee)
  • Mid American Wrestling
    • MAW Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • National Wrestling Alliance Midwest
  • National Wrestling Alliance Wisconsin
    • NWA Wisconsin Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Dysfunction[25]
  • Prime Time Wrestling
    • PTW Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
  • Pro Wrestling Illustrated
    • PWI ranked him No. 201 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2017[26]

References

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

Ariya Daivari

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ariya Daivari is an Iranian-American professional wrestler, producer, and coach, born on April 11, 1989, in , standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds. Known for his high-flying and technical wrestling style, he represents in his performances and employs signature moves such as the Frog Splash and Hammerlock Lariat. Daivari began his professional wrestling career in 2006 on the independent circuit, competing in promotions like NWA Wisconsin and ICW, where he captured several tag team and midcard titles. In 2016, he signed with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), primarily performing on the cruiserweight brand 205 Live and NXT, engaging in notable rivalries with competitors including Tony Nese, Cedric Alexander, and The Lucha House Party. During his five-year tenure with WWE, he positioned himself as a self-proclaimed "rich kid" character, offering monetary incentives in matches through his "Daivari’s Dinero Division" gimmick, though he did not secure any major championships. Released by WWE in 2021, Daivari briefly competed for before transitioning to (AEW) later that year, where he joined the stable The Premier Athletes alongside and Josh Woods, competing regularly on AEW programming and its sister promotion (ROH). In addition to in-ring work, he serves as a producer for AEW, contributing to events such as the well-received women's matches in 2022. Daivari is the younger brother of fellow wrestler , and both maintain family ties to Iranian heritage while being U.S.-born.

Early life and training

Childhood and family background

Ariya Daivari was born on April 11, 1989, in , to Iranian immigrant parents. As an Iranian-American, Daivari has expressed pride in his heritage. His parents had immigrated from to the in the 1970s, seeking better opportunities for their family amid political and social changes in their home country. His father, Khosrow Daivari, owns two award-winning pizza restaurants, "Leaning Tower of Pizza," in . The family settled in the area. Daivari shares a close relationship with his older brother, , who introduced him to at the age of 8 through shared viewings of WWF and later programming. At the time, Shawn was around 14, and the brothers bonded over matches featuring stars like The Rock and , sparking Ariya's initial fascination with the industry. Shawn's own successful wrestling career later served as direct inspiration for Ariya's pursuits.

Amateur wrestling and initial training

Daivari grew up in , where he attended and developed an interest in combat sports during his teenage years. He competed in at the high school level, participating in folkstyle wrestling events common to the Midwest region. In addition to wrestling, Daivari trained in , ultimately achieving the rank of second-degree black belt, which honed his striking skills and discipline. This background provided a foundation for his athleticism and footwork, bridging his amateur experiences to professional aspirations. His family heritage, including his brother Shawn's established wrestling career, motivated Daivari to pursue the sport seriously. Following high school, Daivari began formal training in 2006 under the guidance of his brother and independent wrestler in the area. This mentorship focused on technical fundamentals, mat work, and in-ring psychology, drawing from the gritty Midwest indie scene's emphasis on hard-hitting, story-driven matches. Cannon, a veteran of local promotions, emphasized resilience and adaptability, while Shawn provided insights from his own and international experience. To prepare for his debut, Daivari incorporated his kicks and wrestling takedowns into wrestling maneuvers, practicing in local gyms and small events. He made his professional in-ring debut later that year under variations of his real name, such as Arya Daivari or Ari Daivari, in Midwest independent shows, allowing him to test his skills against regional talent without formal contracts. The early indie environment in and surrounding states influenced his style, blending technical grappling with flashy strikes to stand out in crowded cards.

Professional wrestling career

Independent circuit (2006–2017)

Daivari made his professional wrestling debut on September 26, 2006, at a Midwest Pro Wrestling Academy event held at the First Avenue nightclub in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he defeated Craven Knyte under the ring name Arya Daivari. Early in his career, he competed primarily in Minnesota-based independent promotions such as the American Wrestling Federation (AWF) and Independent Championship Wrestling (ICW), building foundational experience through singles and tag team bouts. His ring name evolved from Ari Daivari to Prince Arya during this period, as he developed a Persian prince gimmick that emphasized his Iranian heritage and arrogant heel persona, which became a staple in his early character work. Throughout the late 2000s and early , Daivari expanded his presence across various independent promotions, including F1RST Wrestling, NWA Midwest, and Steel Domain Wrestling (SDW), where he engaged in notable feuds and high-stakes matches that honed his technical and aerial skills. In NWA Midwest, he pursued the X-Division Championship in intense rivalries that showcased his speed and submission expertise, while in SDW, he faced off against Ryan Cruz in a on January 18, 2016, highlighting his willingness to compete in hardcore-style contests. Feuds in F1RST Wrestling, such as those against local standouts like , further solidified his reputation as a versatile performer capable of carrying mid-card storylines. Daivari also ventured into tag team wrestling, forming partnerships that advanced his career, including teaming with his brother Shawn Daivari in ICW, where their collaboration led to pursuits of the promotion's tag team titles and emphasized family dynamics in their heel roles. As his experience grew, he began traveling more extensively, appearing in promotions across the like and DREAMWAVE, as well as internationally in with Canadian Wrestling's Elite (CWE) and in with TNA's project, where he adopted the persona Mustafa Bashir alongside his brother. These opportunities allowed him to adapt to diverse audiences and styles, culminating in tryouts in 2014 and 2015 that tested his potential on a larger stage despite initial rejections. By 2017, Daivari had established himself as a seasoned independent talent with over a decade of matches under his belt, ready for broader exposure.

WWE career (2016–2021)

Daivari signed a developmental contract with in 2016 and debuted in the tournament, where he competed in the first round against HoHo Lun on July 13, 2016, ultimately being eliminated via submission with the Dragon Sleeper. His performance in the tournament led to his assignment to the cruiserweight division on the main roster, appearing on shows like 205 Live and Raw. Following his debut, Daivari received a push in the cruiserweight division, featuring prominently on 205 Live and Raw with feuds against notable competitors including , , and . He adopted the ring persona of "The Persian Lion," characterized by aggressive tactics and mannerisms, often accompanied by manager as part of The Zo Train stable. This alliance highlighted Daivari's role in multi-man tag matches and singles bouts, emphasizing his technical prowess and submission-based offense. His experience prior to aided his adaptation to the high-flying, fast-paced cruiserweight style. Daivari participated in key events, including the 2018 WWE Cruiserweight Championship tournament, where he advanced to the first round on 205 Live but was defeated by Buddy Murphy on , 2018, preventing him from reaching the showcase finals. He maintained a consistent midcard presence through ongoing storylines on 205 Live, competing in showcase matches and tournaments that showcased the division's talent. During the , Daivari's opportunities diminished as WWE limited main roster appearances for NXT call-ups, shifting focus to established performers amid production changes. On June 25, 2021, WWE released Daivari as part of widespread budget cuts affecting multiple performers. Over his five-year tenure from 2016 to 2021, Daivari appeared in 160 matches across programming, compiling a record of 41 wins and 119 losses.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2021–2022)

Following his release from in June 2021, Daivari made his (NJPW) debut on November 13, 2021, at the live New Japan Showdown event in , , where he competed in the junior heavyweight division against in a singles match, losing via pinfall after 10 minutes and 49 seconds. This appearance marked Daivari's introduction to NJPW's brand, which emphasizes a blend of strong-style striking, technical grappling, and high-flying maneuvers tailored to an international audience. One week later, on the November 20, 2021, episode of (taped October 17, 2021), Daivari teamed with fellow American indie veteran to face Bullet Club's and in a match, which they lost after 13 minutes and 12 seconds when Bey pinned Daivari following a C-B-Knee assisted by Phantasmo. The bout showcased Daivari's adaptation to NJPW's fast-paced junior heavyweight style, incorporating aerial exchanges and chain wrestling sequences that highlighted his technical proficiency alongside high-risk dives from his opponents. A rematch with Zayne occurred on the December 9, 2021, episode of (taped live at in ), where Daivari again fell short, losing by pinfall in 10 minutes and 7 seconds after Zayne's Z1 knee strike. Daivari's NJPW run continued into 2022 on the brand, beginning with a loss to Kevin Blackwood on the March 12, 2022, episode (taped February 17, 2022), where Blackwood secured the pin after 8 minutes and 51 seconds via a modified backslide, emphasizing Daivari's efforts in ground-based submissions against Blackwood's power-based offense. He rebounded on June 18, 2022, defeating NJPW's in a singles match at Collision 2022 tapings (held May 15, 2022) after 10 minutes and 15 seconds with his signature Golden Time finisher, demonstrating improved integration of NJPW's hard-hitting exchanges. His final documented appearance came on September 11, 2022, at NJPW Strong Autumn Action tapings, pinning Kevin Knight after 8 minutes and 19 seconds to close out his stint with a victory in a showcase against the young prospect. Throughout these outings, Daivari's performances reflected his transition from WWE's scripted environment to NJPW 's more athletic, tournament-oriented format, though he did not advance in any major brackets during this period.

All Elite Wrestling (2021–present)

Daivari signed a full-time contract with in August 2022, following his initial appearance for the promotion. He had debuted on the , 2021, episode of Rampage, losing to in a singles match. After AEW's acquisition of in March 2022, Daivari integrated into ROH programming, competing regularly on ROH on HonorClub and contributing as a producer. In 2023, Daivari joined the stable originally known as the Varsity Athletes, rebranded as The Premier Athletes, alongside , Josh Woods, and manager Smart Mark Sterling. The group portrays arrogant, fitness-obsessed athletes, with Daivari serving as a key in-ring competitor emphasizing technical prowess and tactics. Stori Denali joined the stable in September 2025, expanding its mixed-tag capabilities. Daivari and his stablemates engaged in several notable feuds within the AEW and ROH ecosystems. Early interactions included losses to House of Black members in multi-man matches on AEW Dark in 2022, highlighting the stable's underdog positioning against dominant factions. The Premier Athletes also clashed with The Acclaimed in promotional segments and tag bouts on ROH TV, where Daivari's team unsuccessfully pursued opportunities in the tag division. As part of their tag team efforts with Nese, Daivari participated in multiple pursuits of the ROH World Tag Team Championship, including challenging defenses against teams like The Sons of Texas in July 2025, though they did not capture the titles. From 2024 to 2025, Daivari's role evolved with increased visibility on AEW's flagship shows. He appeared on in multi-man tags, such as a loss alongside Nese to and in October 2025, reinforcing the stable's midcard heel dynamic. A pivotal storyline in June 2025 saw Sterling lobby the ROH commission to expunge the Premier Athletes' prior losses, allowing Daivari and Nese to claim an "undefeated" streak for the year on ROH TV, which fueled arrogant promos and a series of victories in tag matches. This character shift emphasized Daivari's persona as a smug, elite athlete demanding , culminating in high-profile bouts like a trios loss to , , and Hologram at All Out 2024. As of November 2025, Daivari remains an active member of The Premier Athletes, with 21 combined AEW and ROH matches in the year, yielding a record of 8 wins and 13 losses primarily in tag and multi-man formats. The stable continues to angle for contention, issuing open challenges on ROH TV and positioning Daivari for potential singles title shots in the Pure or Television divisions based on recent momentum.

Other promotions (2022)

In early 2022, Daivari competed sporadically for the (NWA) as part of the buildup to major events. On January 8, at NWA Hard Times 2, he took part in a pre-show four-way match against Alex Taylor, , and , with Homicide securing the pinfall victory after a grueling exchange of strikes and submissions. Daivari then entered the tournament, defeating J. Spade via submission in a first-round qualifier on the January 15 episode of , advancing with a series of technical holds and suplexes. However, his run ended in the semifinals on the February 5 episode of , where Darius Lockhart overcame him with a decisive frog splash following a high-paced sequence of aerial maneuvers and counters. Daivari returned to NWA programming in April for additional non-title matches. On , on NWA USA, he defeated in a quick squash bout, showcasing his signature Arabian to secure the win. The following week, on April 16, Daivari challenged NWA World Heavyweight Champion in a singles match, but Aldis retained his focus and dominance, pinning Daivari after a King's Landing elbow drop in a competitive 10-minute encounter that highlighted Daivari's resilience against heavier opposition. These appearances positioned Daivari in the junior heavyweight and midcard divisions without pursuing a sustained feud for the NWA . Concurrently, in April 2022, Daivari was rehired by on a trial basis as a , marking a shift to backstage responsibilities after his release. He contributed to production on 205 Live and NXT episodes, focusing on match layouts, timing cues, and training sessions for the cruiserweight roster to refine high-flying techniques and elements. Daivari handled these duties independently by May, producing segments on while balancing his in-ring schedule elsewhere, until parted ways with him in early July amid ongoing roster adjustments. This period represented a transitional freelance phase, with no notable guest spots in promotions like or during 2022.

Personal life

Family and heritage

Ariya Daivari maintains a close familial bond with his older brother, Shawn Daivari, a fellow professional wrestler who has also competed in WWE. The siblings have shared joint training experiences and have teamed up in tag team matches on multiple occasions, with Ariya expressing ongoing interest in expanded collaboration between them. Daivari's family immigrated from to the in the 1970s, establishing their roots in where Ariya was born. As Iranian-Americans, the Daivaris embody a strong tied to their Persian heritage, which Daivari publicly honors through his persona. In his wrestling career, Daivari incorporates elements of Persian pride into his character, most notably adopting the nickname "The Persian Lion" to symbolize strength and cultural resilience. This allows him to celebrate his background while navigating the performative aspects of the industry.

Residence and interests

Daivari resides in , , a change from his upbringing, which he has described as making the city feel like home despite his roots in the Midwest. His wrestling schedule demands a travel-heavy lifestyle, often keeping him on the road for extended periods with and events across . A key interest for Daivari is fitness, which he maintains rigorously even amid constant travel by seeking out hotel gyms and adhering to structured routines. He emphasizes balanced nutrition, including macro tracking to support his physique and recovery needs as a performer. Daivari has a background in , holding a second-degree black belt from his youth, though he focuses more on integrating its principles into his overall conditioning today. Family has played a supportive role in Daivari's personal decisions, particularly through his close bond with brother Shawn, who offered guidance drawn from his own WWE experiences. Daivari avoids public involvement in politics or controversies, prioritizing a low-key personal profile outside the ring.

Other media

Video games

Ariya Daivari made his debut as a playable character in the WWE 2K video game series with WWE 2K19, released in 2018, where he was featured as part of the 205 Live brand. His digital representation included a moveset with signature maneuvers such as the Cobra Clutch and the Persian Lion Splash, a variant of the frog splash, alongside attire accurately reflecting his cruiserweight style with stylish trunks and accessories. Daivari returned in WWE 2K20 (2019), maintaining his 205 Live affiliation with refinements to his overall rating and move animations for improved gameplay authenticity. He made a third appearance in WWE 2K22 (2022), featuring updated statistics, an enhanced entrance sequence showcasing his heel persona, and continued emphasis on his agile, high-flying attributes. Daivari is also featured as a playable character in AEW: Fight Forever (2023), the debut licensed video game for . These inclusions across three mainline titles highlighted Daivari's midcard role during his WWE tenure, allowing fans to recreate his matches and explore his character in various game modes.

Television and interviews

During his tenure with from 2016 to 2021, Ariya Daivari frequently appeared in promotional segments across Raw, SmackDown, and particularly 205 Live, where he established himself as a character emphasizing his self-proclaimed status as a "205 Live OG." On 205 Live, Daivari delivered memorable promos, such as his confrontation with Cruiserweight Champion following Nese's victory over in April 2019, positioning himself as the next challenger. He also participated in talk segments and in-ring interviews, including a reflective video on WWE.com in April 2020 where he discussed matches that inspired his career, blending personal anecdotes with character development. Additionally, Daivari cut a notable promo at the 2018 event in , which he later recalled in a 2021 as a pivotal moment in his run. Following his release from in August 2021, Daivari engaged in several high-profile interviews reflecting on his career trajectory. In an of the with aired on August 17, 2021, he discussed the circumstances of his WWE departure, his relationship with his brother , the legacy of the Muhammad Hassan storyline, and his excitement for unrestricted creative opportunities moving forward. In 2025, as part of his ongoing role with (ROH) and [All Elite Wrestling](/page/All Elite_Wrestling) (AEW), Daivari featured prominently in media segments tied to The Premier Athletes' storyline claiming an undefeated record for the year. On the June 19, 2025, episode of ROH TV, Daivari and tag partner asserted their undefeated status in a backstage promo, with manager emphasizing their dominance amid challenges from opponents like the Spanish Announce Project. This narrative continued in subsequent ROH broadcasts, including a July 24, 2025, segment where Sterling and the team addressed attempts to "expunge" their record, reinforcing the group's persona through televised declarations. Daivari maintains an active presence on social media platforms, where he shares content to engage fans beyond live events. His official Instagram account (@ariyadaivari), with over 52,000 followers as of late 2025, features posts including workout routines, behind-the-scenes glimpses from ROH and AEW tapings, and promotional reels for matches. On YouTube, his channel (@AriyaDaivariAEW) hosts videos such as match highlights from his independent and major promotion runs, along with occasional personal updates, amassing around 688 subscribers by November 2025. He also uses X (formerly Twitter) to post about his "Iron Yuppie" persona and Premier Athletes activities, often tying into ongoing storylines.

Championships and accomplishments

Title wins

Daivari's title wins have primarily occurred in regional independent promotions, where his victories underscored his technical prowess and persona, establishing him as a reliable in the Midwest wrestling scene. These accomplishments, spanning from 2007 to 2022, include and singles reigns that highlighted his versatility and helped solidify his reputation before and during transitions to larger promotions like and AEW. Although he has not captured major world titles in those organizations, his independent successes—totaling over ten reigns across multiple promotions—provided crucial experience in defenses and storyline building. Daivari first tasted tag team success in 2007 when, teaming with Dysfunction (also known as Kurt Krueger), he won the NWA Wisconsin Tag Team Championship on June 30 in Kimberly, Wisconsin, by defeating Esteban Molina in a match to unify or claim the belts. The reign lasted 35 days, during which the duo defended the titles against local competitors, including a successful outing against Bobby Valentino and Rocky Kisses by disqualification, emphasizing Daivari's opportunistic style that became a hallmark of his career. Later that year, Daivari partnered with his brother to capture the ICW Tag Team Championship on December 14, 2007, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, defeating Esteban Molina and . The brotherly duo held the titles into 2008 before they were vacated, with the exact duration estimated at several months; this reign featured defenses that showcased their family-oriented tactics and contributed to Daivari's growing regional draw. In 2008, Daivari achieved a brief but notable solo title run as NWA Midwest X-Division Champion. He won the belt on May 25 in , , by defeating Jason Dukes in the finals of a one-night tournament, only to lose it later that same evening to in a multi-man match also involving . This less-than-a-day reign, while short, highlighted Daivari's high-flying capabilities in the X-Division style and served as a stepping stone in NWA territories. During the early 2010s, Daivari claimed the novelty Rush YouTube Championship in the , a unique title tied to online and matches, reflecting the era's emerging digital wrestling trends. Details on the exact win date and reign length are sparse, but it was a one-time honor that added a lighthearted yet promotional element to his independent portfolio. Daivari secured multiple reigns as in the , a Midwest indie promotion, with his victories occurring around 2011. These two reigns established him as a dominant force in the territory, where he defended against local heavyweights, building his credibility as a main-event through intense, story-driven matches that emphasized his Persian heritage . Daivari also held the PTW Heavyweight Championship twice for Wrestling, first from March 29, 2013, to May 31, 2013 (63 days), and second from June 3, 2016, to January 27, 2017 (238 days), showcasing his main-event ability in Midwest independents. In F1RST Wrestling, Daivari captured the F1RST Grand Championship twice: a record-setting reign from January 9, 2015, to January 15, 2017 (737 days), and another from March 27, 2022, to June 19, 2022 (84 days), highlighting his dominance in Minnesota-based promotions.
PromotionTitleReign DetailsPartner (if applicable)Notable Context
NWA WisconsinNWA Wisconsin Tag Team Won June 30, 2007; 35 daysDysfunctionDefenses included DQ win vs. Valentino & Kisses; regional unification match.
ICW (Milwaukee)ICW Tag Team Won December 14, 2007; ~several months (vacated 2008)Brother tag run; focused on family heel dynamics.
NWA MidwestNWA Midwest X-Division Won May 25, 2008; <1 daySoloTournament final vs. Dukes; lost in multi-man later that night.
AWAAWA Rush 2010s; 1 time (novelty)SoloTied to YouTube-era promotions; exact dates unavailable.
AWFAWF Heavyweight ~2011; 2 reignsSoloMain-event defenses in Midwest; built heel persona.
PTWPTW Heavyweight March 29, 2013–May 31, 2013 (63 days); June 3, 2016–January 27, 2017 (238 days); 2 timesSoloMain-event runs in Midwest promotion.
F1RST WrestlingF1RST Grand January 9, 2015–January 15, 2017 (737 days); March 27, 2022–June 19, 2022 (84 days); 2 timesSoloRecord-long first reign; Minnesota-based dominance.

Tournament victories and awards

Daivari has participated in several tournaments, often achieving competitive placements that highlighted his skills in independent and major promotions. In the 2008 Best of the Midwest II organized by Insane Championship Wrestling-Milwaukee, he advanced to , demonstrating early promise in Midwest circuits. Similarly, in the 2010 CWE Title for Canadian Wrestling's Elite, Daivari reached as part of a , contributing to his growing reputation in North American independents. During his WWE tenure, Daivari competed in high-profile events, including the 2016 , where he lost in the first round to . He also entered the 2018 WWE Cruiserweight Championship tournament but was eliminated in the early stages. Later, in NXT, Daivari and tag partner participated in the 2021 , advancing briefly before elimination. In independent promotions, Daivari reached the semi-finals of multiple tournaments, such as the 2007 Beat Down tournament, the 2011 RKK Title Tournament, the 2013 PTW Title Tournament, and the 2016 MIW Lion Title Tournament, underscoring his consistency as a versatile performer. Upon joining in 2021, he competed in the 2022 tournament with The Premier Athletes stable but was eliminated prior to the semifinals. While Daivari has not secured major tournament victories or formal awards in or AEW as of November 2025, his tournament showings served as key building blocks.

References

  1. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wrestlers/ariya-daivari
  2. https://www.foxsports.com/wwe/ariya-daivari-superstar-bio
  3. https://www.wwe.com/section/cruiserweight-classic-competitors/article/ariya-daivari-bio
  4. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/ariya-daivari/
  5. https://www.wwe.com/superstars/ariya-daivari
  6. https://wrestletalk.com/news/ariya-daivari-working-producer-aew/
  7. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wrestlers/shawn-daivari
  8. https://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/ariya-daivari-8836.html
  9. https://www.si.com/wrestling/2018/05/01/ariya-shawn-daivari-greatest-royal-rumble-saudi-arabia-death-threats
  10. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/shawn-daivari-49298.php
  11. https://chrisvanvliet.com/2021/08/17/ariya-daivaris-wwe-release-his-brother-shawn-daivari-muhammad-hassan-whats-next/
  12. http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/ariya-daivari-8836.html
  13. https://twitter.com/AriyaDaivari/status/1966706073575825808
  14. https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=7081
  15. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=4836
  16. http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/ariya-daivari-8836.html?year=2016&res=25
  17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vOO4YoD_pQ
  18. https://www.postwrestling.com/2021/08/10/ariya-daivari-recalls-bill-demotts-reaction-to-his-magic-carpet-move-during-wwe-tryout/
  19. https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/ariya-daivari-discusses-the-formation-of-205-live-being-hired-by-wwe
  20. https://www.wwe.com/videos/hoho-lun-vs-ariya-daivari-first-round-match-cruiserweight-classic-july-13-2016
  21. https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/18462279/wwe-profile-page-ariya-daivari
  22. https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-205-live/2017-12-12/article/cedric-alexander-def-ariya-daivari
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7AhuDM-1zE
  24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePSjPXwGAK4
  25. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/ariya-daivari-recalls-being-told-vince-mcmahon-not-wanting-nxt-wwe-locker-room-during-pandemic
  26. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-releases-tony-nese-and-ariya-daivari/
  27. http://www.profightdb.com/winlossrecord/ariya-daivari-8836.html?year_from=2016&year_to=2021&prom_id=2
  28. https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/result/o108490
  29. https://411mania.com/wrestling/ariya-daivari-vs-alex-zayne-more-added-njpw-showdown-in-philadelphia/
  30. https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/result/o109170
  31. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/NJPW_STRONG_-_Episode_76
  32. https://backbodydrop.com/blog/reviews/njpw-strong-e82-rivals-march-12-2022/
  33. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/events-results/ppv-special/njpw-strong-collision-2022
  34. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=347473
  35. https://www.thesportster.com/ariya-daivari-aew-debut-rampage/
  36. https://wrestlezone.com/news/1313615-report-ari-daivari-has-signed-with-aew-roh-update-on-ian-riccabonis-status
  37. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/The_Premier_Athletes
  38. https://www.instagram.com/ariyadaivari/p/DOGLg7qDp2L/
  39. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=353624
  40. https://www.facebook.com/ringofhonor/videos/mark-sterling-and-the-premier-athletes-tony-nese-and-ariya-daivari-set-the-recor/1437621240823260/
  41. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=413942
  42. https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/06/20/roh-on-honorclub-results-6-19-robinsons-review-of-grizzled-young-veterans-and-the-infantry-vs-top-flight-and-the-kingdom-deonna-purrazzo-vs-marti-belle-in-a-pure-rules-match/
  43. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10134541-aew-all-out-2024-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights
  44. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=4836&page=22
  45. https://www.instagram.com/p/DB2KCOBxAw0/
  46. https://slamwrestling.net/report/nwa-usa-junior-heavyweight-tourney-reaches-the-semis/
  47. https://wrestlingheadlines.com/nwa-usa-results-4-16-22/
  48. https://www.bodyslam.net/2022/05/14/ariya-daivari-is-now-a-solo-backstage-producer-with-wwe/
  49. https://www.chrisvanvliet.com/2021/08/17/ariya-daivaris-wwe-release-his-brother-shawn-daivari-muhammad-hassan-whats-next/
  50. https://www.ringsidenews.com/ariya-daivari-still-wants-team-his-brother-shawn-daivari/
  51. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/ariya-daivari-still-wants-team-his-brother-tommy-dreamer-told-shawn-daivari-return-wwe
  52. https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-205-live/2017-07-18
  53. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ari-daivari/id1499587701?i=1000584891687
  54. https://fitnessinformant.com/podcast/ariya-daivari/
  55. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/roster/wwe2k19/ariya-daivari
  56. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/roster/wwe2k20/ariya-daivari
  57. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/roster/wwe2k22/ariya-daivari
  58. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/aew-fight-forever/roster/
  59. https://www.giantbomb.com/ariya-daivari/3005-40208/
  60. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r9v7AB-TXo
  61. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XozJa4U1BDs
  62. https://www.wwe.com/videos/ariya-daivari-looks-back-at-the-most-memorable-matches-to-his-career-wwe-205-live-april-24
  63. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlmrdIkSIDU
  64. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ariya-daivaris-wwe-release-his-brother-shawn-daivari/id1468939064?i=1000532244522
  65. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUo0BQym7D8
  66. https://www.instagram.com/ariyadaivari/?hl=en
  67. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Qnp34pUfjKCI26ca37kpQ
  68. https://x.com/AriyaDaivari
  69. https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/wi/icw/icw-t.html
  70. https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/il/nwa-mw/nwa-mw-x.html
  71. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=4147
  72. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=4120
  73. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=2651
  74. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1495
  75. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=4836&page=16
  76. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=7659
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