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Trevor Lee Caddell[5] (born September 30, 1993) is an American professional wrestler. He is best known for his time in WWE as Cameron Grimes and in Impact Wrestling as Trevor Lee.

Key Information

Caddell made his debut on the independent circuit in 2009 as Trevor Lee, most notably in Pro Wrestling Guerilla (PWG), where he was PWG Tag Team Champion with Andrew Everett. He signed with Impact Wrestling in 2015, where he stayed for the next 4 years, winning the Impact X Division Champion 3 times, and the TNA World Tag Team Champion once with Brian Myers. After leaving Impact, he signed with WWE and was assigned to NXT with the name Cameron Grimes. In WWE, he is a former NXT North American Champion and was the final Million Dollar Champion. He then joined the SmackDown brand in 2023 until his release from the company the next year 2024.

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

Independent circuit (2009–2019, 2024–present)

[edit]
Lee in August 2013

Caddell began his career with CWF-Mid Atlantic in North Carolina in 2009 under the name Trevor Lee, and won his first championship, the CWF Mid-Atlantic Rising Generation League Championship, in March 2010.[6] He competed in various independent promotions over the years, including OMEGA Championship Wrestling. On May 2, 2015, at Chaos In Cameron II, he defeated C. W. Anderson and his mentor Matt Hardy in a triple threat match to win the vacant OMEGA Heavyweight Championship.[7] He dropped the title to Hardy in a triple threat match including Ethan Carter III on November 2, at Loco In Joco 3.[8] On February 27, 2016, Lee won the CWF Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship by defeating Roy Wilkins.[6] At All American Wrestling's AAW Showdown on February 7, 2018, Lee won the AAW Heritage Championship from Zema Ion.[9] He successfully defended the title over the following months against Trey Miguel, Ace Romero and Rich Swann before losing the title in December to DJ Z (the former Ion).[6]

Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (2014–2019)

[edit]

Lee made his debut with Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) on March 28, 2014, at Mystery Vortex II, losing to Andrew Everett in a three-way match also involving Cedric Alexander.[10] At Eleven on July 26, he scored an upset victory on three-time PWG World Champion, Kevin Steen, in his farewell match for the company.[11] Lee participated in the 2014 Battle of Los Angeles tournament, defeating Alexander in the first round and Michael Elgin in the quarter-finals, before losing to Johnny Gargano in the semi-finals.[12] He then defeated former PWG World Champions Adam Cole at Untitled II on October 17,[13] and Chris Hero on December 12, at Black Cole Sun.[14] On February 27, 2015, at From Out of Nowhere, Lee challenged Roderick Strong for the PWG World Championship in a losing effort.[15]

On May 22, Lee and Everett defeated The Beaver Boys (Alex Reynolds and John Silver) in the finals of the 2015 DDT4 tournament to win the PWG World Tag Team Championship.[16] They lost the titles to The Young Bucks at Mystery Vortex III on June 26, after interference from Strong.[17] On July 24, at Pro Wrestling Guerrilla's 12 year anniversary show, Threemendous IV, Lee defeated Tommaso Ciampa.[18] He then entered the 2015 Battle of Los Angeles tournament, defeating Trent? on Night 1.[19] On Night 2, he, Biff Busick and Andrew Everett lost to Mount Rushmore 2.0 (The Young Bucks and Super Dragon) in a six-man Guerrilla Warfare match.[20] He lost in the second round of the tournament to Marty Scurll on Night 3.[21]

Lee at a Ring of Honor taping in January 2014

At PWG's All Star Weekend 11, Lee began to show villainous traits, cheap shotting opponents before matches and insulting the crowd; he defeated Will Ospreay on Night 1 and Matt Sydal on Night 2.[22][23] He made it to the finals of the 2016 Battle of Los Angeles tournament, a three-way elimination match along with Scurll, eliminating Ospreay before tapping to Scurll's crossface chicken wing submission.[24] At the 2017 Battle Of Los Angeles tournament, he was eliminated in the first round by Donovan Dijak.[25] The following year, at the 2018 Battle Of Los Angeles tournament, he defeated Marko Stunt in the first round and Brody King in the second round, but lost to Jeff Cobb in the semi-finals.[26][27] On January 18, 2019, at Hand of Doom, Lee failed to win the PWG World Championship from Cobb in his final match for PWG. After the match, he gave a farewell promo to the crowd.[28]

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling / Impact Wrestling

[edit]

The Helms Dynasty (2015–2017)

[edit]
Trevor Lee (right) with Brian Myers in October 2015

Lee made his Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) debut on the August 12, 2015 episode of Impact Wrestling, teaming with Brian Myers as part of Team GFW, and lost to TNA World Tag Team Champions The Wolves (Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards).[29] On the September 2 episode of Impact Wrestling, Lee and Myers defeated The Wolves in a rematch to win the TNA World Tag Team Championship after interference from Sonjay Dutt.[30] They lost the titles back to The Wolves on the following episode of Impact Wrestling.[31] On October 4, at Bound for Glory, Lee and Myers failed to regain the titles from The Wolves.[32]

After a four-month hiatus, Lee returned on the February 2, 2016 episode of Impact Wrestling, winning the TNA X Division Championship from Tigre Uno with help from his new manager, Gregory Shane Helms.[33] He successfully defended his title against Uno in a Six Sides of Steel match at Lockdown on February 23.[34] On the April 19 episode of Impact Wrestling, he defeated Eddie Edwards and DJZ in a triple threat match to retain the title after Andrew Everett interrupted the match, joining Lee and Helms to form the Helms Dynasty.[35] Lee defeated Edwards in a singles match at One Night Only: Victory Road on May 20.[36] At Slammiversary on June 12, he lost the title to Edwards in a four-way match including Everett and DJZ.[37] At Destination X on July 12, he lost a ladder match for #1 contendership to the X Division Championship.[38] On October 2, at Bound for Glory, he unsuccessfully challenged DJZ for the X Division Championship.[39]

On the February 2, 2017 episode of Impact Wrestling, Lee defeated DJZ in a ladder match to win the title for the second time.[40] The following week, Lee and Helms attacked Everett, kicking him out of The Helms Dynasty.[41] On the April 20 episode of Impact Wrestling, Lee lost the X Division Championship to Low Ki in a six-way match that included Everett, Dutt, Dezmond Xavier and Suicide.[42]

The Cult of Lee (2017–2019)

[edit]

On the July 6 episode of Impact, Lee attacked X Division Champion Sonjay Dutt and stole his title, declaring himself the new X Division Champion.[43] He then began "defending" the X Division Championship against handpicked local competitors and wrestled with the title around his waist.[44][45] On August 17, at Destination X, Dutt regained his title from Lee in a ladder match after interference from the returning Petey Williams.[46] On the September 14 episode of Impact!, Lee formed an alliance with Caleb Konley, who helped him regain the X Division Championship in a Falls Count Anywhere match.[47] Lee and former Helms Dynasty teammate Andrew Everett lost to Dutt, Williams and Matt Sydal on the October 5 episode of Impact!.[48] At Bound for Glory on November 5, he retained the title against Dutt, Williams, Sydal, Garza Jr. and Dezmond Xavier in a six-way match.[49] On the November 9 episode of Impact!, Lee lost the X Division Championship to Taiji Ishimori.[50]

On the February 22, 2018 episode of Impact!, Lee and Konley defeated TNA World Tag Team Champions Santana and Ortiz of Latin American Xchange in a non-title match to earn a title match at Crossroads on March 8, which they lost.[51][52] At Redemption on April 22, he competed in a six-way match, which was won by Brian Cage.[53] Lee competed in his final match for the company on the December 13 episode of Impact!, losing to Trey Miguel in an Ultimate X qualifying match.[54] His contract with Impact Wrestling expired on December 31. Lee was written off television in an angle where Killer Kross punched a concrete block through his face, which aired on the January 3, 2019 episode of Impact.[55][56]

WWE (2019–2024)

[edit]

NXT beginnings (2019–2020)

[edit]

On January 12, 2019, Caddell revealed at a CWF Mid-Atlantic show that he signed a contract with WWE.[57] It was made official on February 11, as he began working at the WWE Performance Center.[58] Shortly after, he started appearing at NXT Live events in the Florida area and made his Full Sail University debut in a dark match before the May 1 NXT television tapings, defeating Shane Strickland.[59][60] In June, his ring name was changed to Cameron Grimes.[61]

Later that month, Grimes was announced to be a participant in the NXT Breakout Tournament, where the winner received an opportunity to challenge for any title in NXT.[62] Grimes made his debut on the July 3 episode of NXT, defeating Isaiah "Swerve" Scott in the first round of the tournament.[63] On the July 31 episode of NXT, Grimes defeated Bronson Reed to advance to the finals, losing to A.C.H. on August 14.[64][65] On September 18, Grimes defeated Sean Maluta on NXT's debut on the USA Network.[66] Over the next few weeks, Grimes developed a winning streak, defeating Raul Mendoza and Boa before losing to Matt Riddle on the October 23 episode of NXT.[67][68][69] After a brief feud with Kushida,[70][71][72] Grimes faced Keith Lee for the NXT North American Championship on the March 11, 2020 episode of NXT, but failed to win the title.[73]

On the May 6 episode of NXT, Grimes called out Finn Bálor, and after his match against Denzel Dejournette, he was attacked by Bálor, leading to a match between the two the following week, which Grimes won after interference from Damian Priest.[74][75] Grimes flaunted his victory over Bálor while mocking Priest for losing to Bálor at TakeOver: In Your House and calling him a loser, causing Priest to attack him backstage.[76][77][78] On the June 17 episode of NXT, Priest found the tires of his Dodge Challenger punctured, which was done by Grimes, who once again mocked Priest and was challenged to a match the next week.[79] Before the match, Priest was attacked and came into the match injured, which allowed Grimes to win.[80] He lost to Priest in a rematch on the July 15 episode of NXT.[81] On the August 12 episode of NXT, Grimes defeated Velveteen Dream and Kushida to qualify for the NXT North American Championship ladder match at NXT TakeOver XXX.[82] At the event on August 22, Grimes was unsuccessful in capturing the title.[83] On the September 23 episode of NXT, Grimes competed in the inaugural Gauntlet Eliminator match to determine the #1 contender for the NXT Championship at TakeOver 31 against Finn Bálor, where he lost to Kyle O'Reilly.[84]

The following week on NXT, he entered a feud with Dexter Lumis, who he felt disrespected him backstage.[85] Grimes attacked Lumis after his match with Austin Theory on the October 7 episode of NXT and cost him his NXT North American Championship match against Priest the following week.[86][87] Grimes was put in a Haunted House of Terror match against Lumis at Halloween Havoc on October 28, which he lost by submission.[88][89] On the November 11 episode of NXT, Grimes interfered in Lumis's match against Timothy Thatcher, subsequently wrapping his head in a burlap sack and attacking him.[90] A blindfold match between the two on the following episode of NXT ended in an apparent no contest after Grimes unknowingly knocked the referee unconscious and ran off.[91] On December 6, Grimes lost again to Lumis in a strap match at TakeOver: WarGames, ending their feud.[92] Three days later on NXT, after losing to Tommaso Ciampa, Grimes was attacked by Thatcher because he had angrily questioned Thatcher about being at ringside.[93] It was announced the following week that Grimes was out injured for four to six weeks after Thatcher's attack, which had been done to write him off television as Grimes legitimately needed arthroscopic knee surgery.[94][95][96]

The Richest Man In NXT (2021–2022)

[edit]

Grimes returned on the February 10, 2021 episode of NXT with a new gimmick, claiming to have become a GameStop investor during his time away (in reference to the GameStop stock rise), thus making him the "richest man in NXT."[97] On April 7, he failed to win a gauntlet match at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver for a future North American Championship match.[98] On the April 27 episode of NXT, Grimes began a feud with WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase after encountering him in a jewelry store over their watches.[99] Over the following weeks, DiBiase would one-up Grimes, outbidding him in various purchases and costing him a match to Jake Atlas.[100][101][102] On the May 25 episode of NXT, Grimes was attacked by LA Knight, who aligned himself with DiBiase, turning face in the process.[103]

On the June 8 episode of NXT, DiBiase reintroduced the Million Dollar Championship and announced that the winner of a ladder match between Grimes and Knight at TakeOver: In Your House would win the title.[104][105] At the event on June 13, Grimes failed to win the title.[106] On the following episode of NXT, Grimes saved DiBiase from an attack by Knight, further signaling his face turn.[107] On the June 29 episode of NXT, Grimes challenged Knight for the title at The Great American Bash, which he accepted on the condition that if Grimes lost, he would become Knight's personal butler.[108][109] At the event on July 6, Grimes failed to win the title and was forced to become Knight's butler.[110] On the August 10 episode of NXT, a rematch for the title between Knight and Grimes was made official for NXT TakeOver 36, on the condition that DiBiase would replace Grimes as Knight's butler if Knight won.[111][112] At the event on August 22, Grimes defeated Knight after interference from DiBiase to win the Million Dollar Championship.[113] Two days later on NXT, Grimes gave the title back to DiBiase, who said that Grimes should keep it, however, DiBiase actually kept the title and instead gave Grimes a replica.[114] In September, the title was deactivated and Grimes was recognized as the final Million Dollar Champion.[115]

In October, Grimes began a feud with Duke Hudson.[116][117] On the November 16 episode of NXT, Grimes defeated Hudson in a poker showdown, after which Hudson powerbombed him through the poker table and trimmed his beard and ponytail.[118] The following week, a short-haired Grimes challenged Hudson to a hair vs. hair match at NXT WarGames, which he accepted.[119][120] At the event on December 5, Grimes defeated Hudson.[121] He defeated Hudson again in a no holds barred match on the December 14 episode of NXT, ending their feud.[122]

NXT North American Champion (2022–2023)

[edit]

On the January 25, 2022 episode of NXT, Grimes defeated Tony D'Angelo to become the number one contender to the NXT North American Championship.[123] At NXT: Vengeance Day on February 15, he failed to win the title from Carmelo Hayes.[124] On April 2, at NXT Stand & Deliver, Grimes defeated Hayes, Santos Escobar, Solo Sikoa and Grayson Waller in a fatal five-way ladder match to win the North American Championship.[125] He made his first successful title defense against Sikoa on the April 12 episode of NXT.[126] On May 3, Grimes would make another successful title defense in a triple threat match at NXT Spring Breakin' against Hayes and Sikoa.[127] At NXT In Your House on June 4, Grimes lost the NXT North American Championship to Hayes, ending his reign at 63 days.[128]

Grimes then entered a rivalry with NXT Champion Bron Breakker.[129][130] At NXT: The Great American Bash on July 5, Grimes failed to win the NXT Championship from Breakker.[131] Later that month, he began feuding with Joe Gacy and The Dyad (Jagger Reid and Rip Fowler), known as Schism, with Gacy claiming that he could be his father figure as Grimes lost his real life father years prior.[132][133] During this rivalry, Gacy made his main roster debut on the October 17 episode of Raw, asking The O.C. (Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows) to be his partners for a six-man tag team match against Schism, which they accepted.[134] The next night on NXT, Grimes and The O.C. defeated Schism.[135] On November 8, Grimes lost to Gacy in his final match for NXT after interference from Schism's newest member, Ava Raine.[136]

SmackDown (2023–2024)

[edit]

As part of the 2023 WWE Draft, Grimes was drafted to the SmackDown brand.[137] He made his main roster in-ring debut on the May 12 episode of SmackDown, defeating Baron Corbin in 6 seconds.[138] On the July 21 episode of SmackDown, Grimes competed in a United States Title Invitational fatal four-way match, which was won by Rey Mysterio.[139] He returned to NXT on November 28, competing in a fatal four-way match for #1 contendership to the NXT North American Championship at NXT Deadline, but lost.[140] On the April 12, 2024 episode of SmackDown, Grimes lost to Bron Breakker in his final match for WWE, as he was released from his contract on April 23.[141][5]

Major League Wrestling (2024)

[edit]

On September 9, 2024, Major League Wrestling announced that Lee would make his debut for the promotion at Slaughterhouse on October 4.[142] However, on September 27, MLW cancelled the event due to the effects of Hurricane Helene.[143]

Personal life

[edit]

Caddell's father, Tracy Caddell, was a professional wrestler and promoter who died on July 29, 2018.[144]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]
Lee is a former three-time Impact X Division Champion.

Luchas de Apuestas record

[edit]
See also: Luchas de Apuestas
Winner (wager) Loser (wager) Location Event Date Notes
Cameron Grimes (Hair) Duke Hudson (Hair) Orlando, Florida NXT WarGames (2021) December 5, 2021

References

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

Cameron Grimes

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Trevor Lee Caddell (born September 30, 1993), better known by the ring name Cameron Grimes, is an American professional wrestler from Cameron, North Carolina.[1] As a second-generation wrestler, he is the son of the late Tracy Caddell, a former professional wrestler and promoter who performed alongside talents like the Hardy Boyz in the indie promotion OMEGA.[2][3] Grimes began his career in 2009 and gained prominence in Impact Wrestling (then TNA) under the name Trevor Lee, where he secured the TNA X Division Championship three times between 2016 and 2017, along with the TNA World Tag Team Championship once with Caleb Konley.[4][5] In 2019, he signed with WWE and adopted the Cameron Grimes persona, debuting in NXT with a boastful "rich kid" gimmick characterized by technical prowess, powerful strikes, and a signature move called the Cave-In.[3][6] During his NXT tenure, he achieved significant success, winning the NXT North American Championship at NXT Stand & Deliver on April 2, 2022, for a 63-day reign, and capturing the revived Million Dollar Championship from LA Knight at NXT TakeOver 36 in August 2021, becoming its final holder before its retirement.[7][8][9] Promoted to the SmackDown brand in May 2023, Grimes made his main roster debut but saw limited opportunities before WWE released him on April 23, 2024.[10][6] Since his release, he has returned to the independent circuit, competing under both his WWE and TNA personas. In August 2025, he won the AAW Heavyweight Championship, which he holds as of November 2025, while expressing optimism about future accomplishments in interviews.[4]

Professional wrestling career

Independent circuit (2009–2014)

Trevor Lee Caddell, performing under the ring name Trevor Lee, made his professional wrestling debut at the age of 15 in 2009 on the independent circuit in North Carolina, primarily through house shows and regional events. Born on September 30, 1993, in Cameron, North Carolina, Caddell began training in 2007 under the guidance of established wrestlers Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, and Jeff Rudd, which laid the foundation for his early development as a versatile performer capable of blending high-flying aerial techniques with solid technical grappling.[11][12] His initial appearances focused on building experience in small venues, where he quickly established himself as a promising talent in the local scene. Caddell's early career was closely tied to the Carolina Wrestling Federation Mid-Atlantic (CWF Mid-Atlantic), where he competed regularly starting in 2009, honing his skills against regional competitors in matches that emphasized athleticism and storytelling. By 2010, he achieved his first significant accolade, winning the CWF Mid-Atlantic Rising Generation League Championship on March 19 in Burlington, North Carolina, by defeating Roo-D Lewis in a title versus hair match that highlighted his aggressive in-ring style.[12] He held the title for 121 days, defending it successfully against opponents such as Matt Smith on April 16, 2010, before losing it to Chase Dakota on July 18, 2010, in another high-stakes bout.[13] These defenses, often part of multi-man tournaments or grudge matches, helped solidify his reputation as a resilient high-flyer with strong fundamentals, drawing comparisons to his mentors' innovative approaches. Throughout 2011 and 2012, Lee continued to evolve in CWF Mid-Atlantic and other North Carolina independents, participating in house shows and smaller tournaments that showcased his growing versatility, including dives from the top rope and submission holds. A notable partnership formed with Ben Tyler as The Fun Athletic Guys, leading to tag team contests against established duos like Chip Day and Corey Hollis in promotions such as Premiere Wrestling Xperience (PWX), where they competed for tag titles in fast-paced matches.[14] In September 2012, Lee captured the CWF Mid-Atlantic Television Championship by defeating Donnie Dollars, marking another milestone in his regional ascent and demonstrating his ability to carry singles storylines involving personal rivalries and athletic showcases.[14] These experiences in low-profile events across the Southeast built his endurance and fanbase, positioning him as a key figure in the indie landscape before broader exposure.

Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (2014–2019)

Trevor Lee made his Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) debut on January 31, 2014, at DDT4, participating in a six-man tag team match alongside Johnny Gargano and Cedric Alexander against Kevin Steen, Matt Jackson, and Nick Jackson, which his team lost.[15] His first singles match followed on July 26, 2014, at PWG Eleven, where he upset Steen—Steen's final PWG bout before departing for WWE—with a small package roll-up in a hard-fought encounter that highlighted Lee's resilience and technical prowess.[16] This victory established Lee as an up-and-coming talent capable of competing against established stars on the West Coast indie circuit. Lee's profile rose significantly through his participation in PWG's annual Battle of Los Angeles (BOLA) tournament. In the 2014 edition, he advanced to the semifinals by defeating Cedric Alexander in the first round and Michael Elgin in the quarterfinals with a combination of aerial maneuvers and submissions, before submitting to Johnny Gargano via a modified armbar.[17] He returned for BOLA 2015, securing a first-round win over Trent? with a bridging German suplex, but was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Marty Scurll following a intense exchange of strikes and suplexes.[18] By BOLA 2017, Lee entered as a seasoned competitor but was defeated in the first round by Donovan Dijak via a Feast Your Eyes pop-up powerbomb, ending his tournament run early despite showcasing his evolving high-risk style.[19] In tag team competition, Lee teamed with Andrew Everett to win the 2015 DDT4 tournament, capturing the vacant PWG World Tag Team Championship in the process; they overcame teams like Matt Sydal and Mike Bailey in the first round, Ricochet and Rich Swann (the Inner City Machine Guns) in the semifinals, and the Beaver Boys (Alex Reynolds and John Silver) in the finals with a War Games-style superkick combination.[20] This success positioned the duo as reliable mid-card attractions, involved in multi-man feuds such as a 2015 six-man tag against Mount Rushmore 2.0 (The Young Bucks and Roderick Strong) alongside Biff Busick, where they emphasized chaotic brawls and cooperative spots to build momentum.[21] Key singles bouts further demonstrated Lee's versatility, including a 13:54 upset victory over Chris Hero at Black Cole Sun on December 12, 2014, via small package after countering Hero's loaded elbow strikes with agile reversals.[22] Another standout was his 2017 clash with Ricochet at Pushin' Forward Back, a high-flying showcase of aerial skills where Ricochet prevailed with a 630 senton, underscoring Lee's growth in incorporating flips and dives into his technical base.[23] PWG's fast-paced environment influenced Lee's development of a high-risk move set, notably refining his Trevor Lee Driver—a twisting brainbuster—into a signature finisher used to close out several competitive bouts against technically proficient opponents.[24] Over his tenure from 2014 to 2019, Lee appeared in approximately 35 matches across 20 events, compiling a record of 18 wins, 16 losses, and 1 draw, often thriving as a heel mid-carder in feuds emphasizing underdog tenacity and opportunistic pins.[25] His final PWG appearance came on January 18, 2019, at Hand of Doom, challenging Jeff Cobb for the PWG World Championship in a farewell match that he lost via a spinning Tour of the Island, marking the end of his indie run before signing with WWE.[26] During this period, Lee balanced PWG commitments with his Impact Wrestling schedule from 2015 onward.[27]

Impact Wrestling (2015–2019)

Trevor Lee signed a developmental contract with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in 2015, making his television debut on the August 12 episode of Impact Wrestling, where he teamed with Brian Myers as part of a Global Force Wrestling invasion storyline.[14] The duo quickly rose to prominence, defeating The Wolves on the September 2 episode to capture the TNA World Tag Team Championship in an upset victory.[28] Their reign lasted until Bound for Glory on October 4, where they dropped the titles back to The Wolves in a hard-fought rematch, marking Lee's introduction to TNA's high-stakes tag team division.[29] By early 2016, Lee transitioned toward singles competition within the X Division, aligning with manager Gregory Shane Helms to form the core of The Helms Dynasty faction, later expanded to include tag partner Andrew Everett.[11] Under Helms' guidance, Lee captured the TNA X Division Championship on January 9 by defeating Tigre Uno in a singles match, beginning his first reign as a technical, hard-hitting champion emphasizing precision strikes and aerial maneuvers.[30] The stable's internal dynamics added layers to Lee's character, with Helms Dynasty matches often featuring interference and tag team brawls that highlighted Lee's evolution from tag specialist to a cunning solo competitor. This period saw tensions simmer, particularly after Everett's involvement in multi-man defenses, culminating in Lee's title loss to Eddie Edwards in a four-way match at Slammiversary XIV on June 12, alongside Everett and DJZ.[31] Lee reclaimed the X Division Championship on January 8, 2017, defeating Eddie Edwards in a rematch, solidifying his status as a dominant heel with a second reign focused on aggressive defenses against X Division staples.[30] By mid-2017, following the dissolution of The Helms Dynasty amid internal conflicts—including a high-profile split with Everett—Lee formed The Cult of Lee, recruiting Caleb Konley as his enforcer to create a stable built on heel promos portraying Lee as a charismatic cult leader demanding unwavering loyalty.[32] The faction's storyline emphasized psychological warfare, with Lee delivering intense mic work about building a "following" to dominate the X Division, leading to tag team outings and interference in singles bouts that amplified his solo heel persona. Konley's addition brought raw power to the group, allowing Lee to pursue individual glory while using the stable for protection in feuds.[33] Throughout 2017 and 2018, Lee's feuds intensified, particularly with Eddie Edwards over the X Division title in multiple high-profile clashes that showcased Edwards' resilience against Lee's technical savagery, including a notable defense at Bound for Glory 2016.[34] He also crossed paths with Johnny Impact in a series of matches, highlighted by Impact's victory over Lee on July 26, 2018, which underscored Lee's role as a resilient antagonist in the division's evolving landscape.[35] Lee's third X Division reign began on September 14, 2017, lasting 112 days and further establishing his impact through defenses that blended athleticism with faction-backed heel tactics.[36] Amid these arcs, The Cult of Lee pursued opportunities like the Feast or Fired briefcase, but internal strains and booking shifts led to the stable's fade by late 2018.[37] Lee's final Impact run concluded with matches against rising talents like Killer Kross, who infamously attacked him post-match on January 3, 2019, symbolizing the end of his tenure.[38] Contract disputes surfaced in late 2018, with Lee giving notice during tapings and his deal expiring on December 31, 2018, prompting his departure announcement on January 1, 2019, after four years that transformed him from tag contender to X Division cornerstone.[39] During this period, Lee maintained concurrent appearances in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla for additional high-profile exposure.[11]

WWE NXT (2019–2023)

In February 2019, Trevor Caddell signed a developmental contract with WWE and reported to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, as part of a class of new recruits including ACH and Samuel Shaw. Initially competing under his real name, Caddell wrestled in several untelevised dark matches and house shows for NXT throughout 2019, facing opponents such as Eddie Kingston and local talents to hone his skills in the developmental system. By June 2019, WWE changed his ring name to Cameron Grimes, drawing from his father's legacy as a wrestler, and he continued training while occasionally appearing in non-televised events.[40] Grimes made his televised NXT debut on the February 12, 2020, episode, where he lost to Johnny Gargano in a competitive singles match following a confrontation at a prior live event. Over the next several months, he built momentum in the mid-card with victories over competitors like Tony Nese and Denzel Dejournette, while suffering defeats to top stars including Damian Priest and Keith Lee, establishing himself as a technical and agile performer. A notable feud with Dexter Lumis ensued in late 2020, culminating in a blindfold match on November 18 and a haunted house stipulation bout at NXT Halloween Havoc on October 25, where Lumis emerged victorious, highlighting Grimes' versatility in gimmick-driven storytelling. After a brief hiatus, Grimes returned on the February 10, 2021, episode of NXT with a transformed persona as the self-proclaimed "son of the richest man in wrestling," portraying a brash millionaire who had amassed wealth through investments in GameStop stocks and Dogecoin; this "rich kid" gimmick was amplified by promotional vignettes featuring "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, who appeared as a mentor figure and added layers of humor and nostalgia to Grimes' arrogant character.[41] The new gimmick propelled Grimes into a high-profile feud with LA Knight, beginning with verbal barbs and escalating to physical confrontations involving DiBiase, who endorsed Grimes as the rightful heir to his legacy. On June 13, 2021, at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, Grimes challenged Knight in a ladder match for the revived Million Dollar Championship but fell short, allowing Knight to claim the title. Grimes entered the 2021 NXT Breakout Tournament later that summer, defeating Isaiah "Swerve" Scott in the first round on July 7 but losing to Duke Hudson in the quarterfinals on July 27, which prevented him from advancing to a potential title opportunity. He rebounded on August 22, 2021, at NXT TakeOver 36, defeating Knight to capture the Million Dollar Championship in a hard-fought singles match with DiBiase in his corner; however, just two days later on the August 24 episode of NXT, Grimes relinquished the title to DiBiase as part of the storyline, leading to its deactivation and marking the end of his brief but memorable reign with the prop-based prize.[42] Grimes continued his mid-card push into 2022, aligning occasionally with DiBiase while feuding with rising stars like Joe Gacy and Josh Briggs. On April 2, 2022, at NXT Stand & Deliver, he won the NXT North American Championship in a fatal five-way ladder match against champion Carmelo Hayes, Solo Sikoa, Grayson Waller, and Santos Escobar, securing his first active WWE title after climbing the ladder to retrieve the belt amid chaotic spots and high-risk dives. During his 63-day reign, Grimes successfully defended the championship against Wes Lee on May 10, Joe Gacy on May 17, and Josh Briggs on May 24, showcasing his in-ring prowess and using the "rich kid" bravado to mock opponents post-match. The reign concluded on June 4, 2022, at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, where Hayes recaptured the title in a singles match via pinfall after a grueling exchange of strikes and submissions. Following the title loss, Grimes remained a consistent performer in NXT storylines through 2022, including brief alliances and rivalries, before being drafted to the SmackDown brand in the 2023 WWE Draft, signaling his transition to the main roster.

WWE SmackDown (2023–2024)

Following his success in NXT, including a reign as North American Champion, Cameron Grimes was drafted to the SmackDown brand during the 2023 WWE Draft on April 28.[43] He made his main roster in-ring debut two weeks later on the May 12 episode of SmackDown, securing a quick three-second pinfall victory over Baron Corbin. Grimes followed this with another win against Ashante "Thee" Adonis on the May 26 episode. However, his role quickly shifted to that of an enhancement talent, as he suffered losses to established mid-card performers, including United States Champion Austin Theory in non-title matches on August 4 and September 29, 2023.[44] Grimes' television time remained limited throughout the remainder of 2023 and into 2024, with sporadic bookings in multi-person contests and singles bouts that highlighted other competitors. On July 21, 2023, he competed in a fatal four-way match in the United States Championship Invitational Tournament against Rey Mysterio, LA Knight, and Sheamus, but was eliminated early by Mysterio.[45] He lost to Grayson Waller on the November 17 episode and was attacked by The Bloodline without competing on January 12, 2024. His final SmackDown appearance came on April 12, 2024, where he was decisively defeated by Bron Breakker in a match that underscored his undercard status.[46] Throughout this period, Grimes received no significant storylines or pushes, often serving to elevate rising stars. Behind the scenes, Grimes' transition to the main roster was hampered by internal tensions, particularly a power struggle between Vince McMahon and Triple H that disrupted creative planning during his call-up.[47] Although he had advocates within WWE, including Triple H, the lack of consistent direction under the evolving regime left him without meaningful opportunities or character development.[48] Grimes was released from his WWE contract on April 23, 2024, as part of a series of talent cuts that affected multiple performers.[49] This ended his five-year tenure with the company, during which he had hoped for a prominent main roster role following his NXT achievements. Subject to WWE's standard 90-day non-compete clause, he was barred from signing with other promotions until mid-July 2024.[50] In subsequent interviews, Grimes reflected on his SmackDown stint as a "disaster," citing the power dynamics and absence of creative support as key factors in its underwhelming outcome.[51]

Post-WWE career (2024–present)

Following his release from WWE in April 2024, Trevor Lee returned to the independent wrestling scene, resuming performances under his birth name after serving a standard 90-day non-compete period.[52] Lee made his Major League Wrestling (MLW) debut on December 5, 2024, at the Eric Bischoff's One-Shot event in New York City, where he challenged Místico for the MLW World Middleweight Championship in a double jeopardy match that also put Místico's mask on the line; Lee lost by pinfall after a competitive clash of styles.[53][54] His entry into MLW immediately positioned him in a rivalry with Alex Kane and the Bomaye Fight Club, marked by antagonistic vignettes that emphasized Lee's technical prowess against Kane's powerhouse style, though no direct singles match occurred during his initial run.[55] In November 2024, during an international tour covering over 10,000 miles, Lee captured his first championship since departing WWE, marking a significant early milestone in his post-WWE resurgence.[56] That same month, in an interview, he voiced openness to potential returns to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) or Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), stating his interest in any promotion offering meaningful direction and top billing.[57] Lee's independent momentum carried into 2025 with a highly anticipated return to AAW Wrestling on February 28 at the Berwyn Eagles Club in Illinois for the Epic: The 21st Anniversary Event, where he challenged AAW Heavyweight Champion Ren Jones but lost in a singles title match, followed by an emotional post-match promo reflecting on his career journey and renewed passion for the ring.[58][25] He later won the AAW Heavyweight Championship on August 9 at Take No Prisoners in a triple threat elimination match by defeating champion Ren Jones and Rafael Quintero, becoming a triple crown winner in the promotion alongside his prior tag team and Heritage title reigns.[59][60] Throughout early 2025, Lee competed across multiple promotions, including a loss to Kevin Blackwood for the West Coast Pro Heavyweight Championship on March 22 at West Coast Best Coast in California; a loss in a three-way tag match on March 16 at DEADLOCK Pro-Wrestling's Forever in Las Vegas; and a loss in a tag team match against The Crush Boys for the West Coast Pro Tag Team Championship on April 12 at Prestige Wrestling's Roseland XI, often incorporating character elements drawn from his extensive career experience to elevate storylines against rising talents.[61] These performances highlighted feuds centered on Lee's established status as a technical savant and former world title contender, positioning him as a top draw on the indie circuit while he balanced wrestling with select outside pursuits.[62]

Personal life

Family and early background

Trevor Lee Caddell, professionally known as Cameron Grimes, was born on September 30, 1993, in Cameron, North Carolina.[63][64] He was raised by his single father, Tracy Caddell, a professional wrestler and independent promoter who played a pivotal role in the local North Carolina wrestling scene during the 1990s.[1][65] Tracy promoted events through organizations like OMEGA, where he worked closely with emerging talents such as the Hardy Boyz, fostering connections that extended to his family.[3][66] Growing up in the small town of Cameron, Caddell was immersed in the independent wrestling culture from a young age, attending his father's shows and observing the inner workings of the industry.[67] The family's proximity to the Hardy brothers, who lived next door and trained in the area, provided additional exposure to professional wrestling techniques and dedication, shaping Caddell's foundational understanding without direct familial involvement in major promotions.[66][68] This environment sparked Caddell's early passion for wrestling, leading him to learn the basics from his father as a teenager and eventually pursue training that culminated in his independent debut in 2007.[67][11]

Other professional pursuits

Caddell has worked as a motion capture artist, providing performance capture for the video game WWE 2K20 in 2019.[69]

Championships and accomplishments

Championships

Cameron Grimes has captured multiple championships across various promotions, highlighting his versatility in both independent and major league wrestling. His title wins include early indie accolades, a key midcard belt in Impact Wrestling, and notable achievements in WWE's developmental brand, culminating in his current reign as a top champion in the independent scene. In 2010, Grimes, then known as Trevor Lee, won the CWF Mid-Atlantic Rising Generation League Championship by defeating Roo-D Lewis in a title vs. hair match on March 19, marking his first recorded title victory and establishing him as a rising star in the Carolina independent circuit.[12] Grimes secured the Impact X Division Championship on February 2, 2016, defeating Tigre Uno in a singles match on Impact Wrestling, beginning a 131-day reign during which he defended the high-flying division's top prize against competitors like DJZ and Eddie Edwards, solidifying his reputation as a premier X Division talent.[70] He won the title for a second time on January 8, 2017, defeating Low Ki to begin a 102-day reign. His third reign began on August 19, 2017, when he defeated Sonjay Dutt, lasting 82 days until November 9, 2017. On July 28, 2015, Lee and Brian Myers defeated The Wolves to win the TNA World Tag Team Championship, but lost the titles the next day on July 29, marking the shortest reign in the title's history at 1 day. On August 22, 2021, at NXT TakeOver 36, Grimes defeated LA Knight in a ladder match to win the revived Million Dollar Championship, a unique midcard title originally created by "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase in the 1980s, ending Knight's 70-day reign and marking Grimes' first WWE championship; however, he lost the belt back to Knight just two days later on August 24, tying for the shortest reign in the title's modern history.[8][71] Grimes captured the NXT North American Championship on April 2, 2022, at NXT Stand & Deliver, prevailing in a fatal five-way ladder match against Carmelo Hayes, Santos Escobar, Solo Sikoa, and Grayson Waller to claim the secondary NXT title introduced in 2018.[72] His 63-day reign included one successful defense against Sikoa on April 12, 2022, before losing the title to Hayes on June 4 at NXT In Your House, contributing to the championship's legacy of intense multi-man contests.[7] Most recently, on August 9, 2025, at AAW Take No Prisoners, Grimes defeated Ren Jones to win the AAW Heavyweight Championship, becoming a triple crown champion in the promotion (also having held the tag and heritage titles previously) and marking his first world heavyweight title in the post-WWE phase of his career; as of November 2025, he continues to defend the belt against top Midwest talent, with the reign ongoing at over 90 days.

Luchas de Apuestas record

Cameron Grimes has engaged in Luchas de Apuestas-style matches, characterized by high-stakes stipulations such as hair versus hair, primarily during his tenure in WWE NXT where such bouts enhanced his portrayal as a cunning heel character. These encounters emphasized personal risk and intensified rivalries, drawing strong audience engagement through the dramatic consequences like post-match haircuts. Although Grimes competed in the high-flying, intense environment of Impact Wrestling's X Division from 2015 to 2019, where stipulation teases involving masks and hair were common among competitors, he did not participate in verified Luchas de Apuestas matches there.[73] His sole documented Luchas de Apuestas bout occurred in NXT, aligning with the promotion's tradition of incorporating lucha libre elements into storylines. This match underscored Grimes' aggressive persona within the Chase University faction context, as he leveraged the stipulation to assert dominance and provoke fan reactions to the loser's humiliation.[74]
DateOpponentStipulationOutcome
December 5, 2021Duke HudsonHair vs. HairWin; Hudson shaved bald[73]

References

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  2. Cameron Grimes | WWE
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  4. Trevor Lee: I Feel Like My Best Work Has Not Been Accomplished Yet
  5. Trevor Lee Officially Signs With WWE - WrestleTalk
  6. Cameron Grimes' success story solidified with new home, WWE ...
  7. NXT North American championship history - ESPN
  8. Million Dollar Championship - WWE
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  10. Cameron Grimes Tearfully Announces He's Been Released by WWE
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  13. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=2532
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  15. http://wwfoldschool.com/pwg-pro-wrestling-guerrilla-2014/
  16. Recap of PWG's Eleven July 26th – SoCalUNCENSORED.com
  17. PWG "BOLA 2014 - Night Three" Review - Voices of Wrestling
  18. https://www.411mania.com/wrestling/guerrilla-reviewfare-pwg-battle-of-los-angeles-2015-stage-one/
  19. PWG 2017 Battle of Los Angeles Stage 2 Results & Review
  20. PWG DDTIV 2015 5/22/2015 - Wrestling Recaps
  21. PWG Battle of Los Angeles 2015 Final Stage
  22. https://socaluncensored.com/2014/12/13/results-pwgs-black-cole-sun-on-dec-12th-2014/
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  24. Kevin Steen vs. Trevor Lee, PWG ELEVEN (7/26/2014) | HANDWERK
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  28. https://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/trevor-lee-9579.html
  29. Cameron Grimes / Trevor Lee - The SmackDown Hotel
  30. TNA/IMPACT Wrestling X Division Title
  31. TNA Slammiversary 2016 | Match Card & Results
  32. The Cult of Lee dominates the X-Division - Slam Wrestling
  33. Trevor Lee, Caleb Konley and Why Presentation is Everything
  34. DJZ vs. Trevor Lee (FULL MATCH) | TNA Bound For Glory 2016
  35. 'Impact Wrestling' Review (July 26th 2018) - Nerdly
  36. TNA X Division Championship | TNA Title History
  37. The Cult of Lee - Trevor Lee and Caleb Konley are the latest people ...
  38. Killer Kross Crushes a CINDER BLOCK on Trevor Lee's Head!
  39. Trevor Lee Announces His Departure From Impact Wrestling
  40. ACH, Samuel Shaw and Karen Q among new WWE Performance ...
  41. WWE NXT results, Feb. 12, 2020
  42. LA Knight def. Cameron Grimes to win the Million Dollar ... - WWE
  43. Report: Cameron Grimes Set For A WWE Main Roster Push
  44. Austin Theory vs. Cameron Grimes: SmackDown highlights, Aug. 4 ...
  45. SmackDown: July 21, 2023 | WWE
  46. Bron Breakker obliterates Cameron Grimes: SmackDown highlights ...
  47. Vince McMahon-Triple H Power Struggle Harmed Cameron Grimes ...
  48. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cameron-grimes-has-people-pushing-him-backstage-wwe
  49. Cameron Grimes released from WWE - POST Wrestling
  50. Cameron Grimes' WWE Non-Compete Clause Is Up Very Soon
  51. Cameron Grimes says he will be back in WWE | Cageside Seats
  52. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/trevor-lee-cameron-grimes-announced-first-post-wwe-appearance
  53. Trevor Lee challenging Místico for World Middleweight ...
  54. One-Shot Recap: Eric Bischoff Takes Over NYC - MLW
  55. Characters in MLW PLE Era - TV Tropes
  56. Trevor Lee (Cameron Grimes) Wins His First Championship ...
  57. Trevor Lee Wants To Be A Top Talent Who Will Have A Direction ...
  58. Trevor Lee Gets Emotional After AAW Return | AAW Pro - YouTube
  59. FULL MATCH – Ren Jones (c) vs Trevor Lee | EPIC 2025 | AAW Pro
  60. Trevor Lee Becomes AAW Heavyweight Champion - PWPonderings
  61. Matches « Trevor Lee « Wrestlers Database « - Cagematch
  62. West Coast Pro x DPW x Prestige Unit3d Results (6/1) - Fightful
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  69. Cameron Grimes Reveals Details on When He'll Be Free to Work ...
  70. Cameron Grimes' First Post-WWE Appearance Revealed
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  72. Cameron Grimes' First Appearance Announced Post-WWE Release
  73. Trevor Lee Returning to Prestige Wrestling at Roseland XI
  74. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/trevor-lee-cameron-grimes-says-he-avoided-fines-weed-wwe-i-came-after-riddle
  75. How Timing Helped Cameron Grimes Escape WWE Marijuana Fines
  76. Trevor Lee Wins X Division Championship, defeating Tigre Uno
  77. Cameron Grimes Beats LA Knight, Wins Million Dollar Title at NXT ...
  78. NXT North American Championship | WWE
  79. Cameron Grimes def. Duke Hudson in a Hair vs. Hair Match - WWE
  80. Cameron Grimes Defeats Duke Hudson in Hair vs. Hair Match at ...
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