Hubbry Logo
Erick StevensErick StevensMain
Open search
Erick Stevens
Community hub
Erick Stevens
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Erick Stevens
Erick Stevens
from Wikipedia

Eric Koenreich (born March 12, 1982)[1] is an American professional wrestler. He is known by his ring name Erick Stevens and for his time in Ring of Honor.

Key Information

Career

[edit]

NWA Florida (2003–2004)

[edit]

Stevens debuted in May 2003 after completing his training with Roderick Strong. He began working for the now defunct NWA Florida promotion and eventually won the 2005 Rage in the Cage, an annual cage match battle royal that rewarded the winner with a heavyweight championship shot. Before Stevens could capitalize and challenge then champion Bruce Santee for the belt, however, the promotion folded. Shortly after Stevens was involved in rivalries with both Sedrick Strong and Vordell Walker.

Full Impact Pro (2005–2009)

[edit]

In 2005 Stevens debuted for Full Impact Pro as Steve Madison's tag partner as The Miracle Violence Connection 2005/2006. After feuding with The Fast and The Furious (Jerrelle Clark and Jay Fury), the Miracle Violence Connection 2006 took on Sal Rinauro and Colt Cabana in a series of matches that culminated in a loss during a Crystal River Street Fight in May 2006. After losing the match, Madison turned on Stevens, giving him a piledriver. Stevens and Madison, along with his YRR stable, feuded for the better part of 2006 and capped their bitter rivalry off with a Dog Collar Match in Crystal River, where Stevens was victorious.

On March 10, 2007 during the Eddie Graham Memorial Battle for the Belts, Stevens defeated Shingo, Delirious, and Roderick Strong on his way to becoming the first FIP Florida Heritage Champion. Stevens claimed his entire purpose for winning and defending the belt was to bring back the prestige Florida had lost since its Golden Age. After becoming champion he defended it against the likes of Nigel McGuinness, Claudio Castagnoli, and Delirious. After months of successful defenses, Sal Rinauro became the new champion after hitting Stevens with his own belt.

At ROH's Final Battle 2007, Stevens defeated Roderick Strong to win the FIP World Heavyweight Championship. Stevens would make successful defenses of the title in ROH against the likes Austin Aries and Bryan Danielson before losing it back to Strong at FIP's Redefined. Stevens then came up short in a rematch for the title at "Dangerous Intentions 2008" on April 26, 2008, in a Last Man Standing match. Three months later, on July 19, Stevens regained the FIP World Heavyweight Championship from Strong in a Dog Collar match.

Stevens was defeated for the FIP World Heavyweight Championship by Go Shiozaki at FIP's Heatstroke 2008 on August 23, 2008.

On December 20, 2008, Stevens teamed with former rival Roderick Strong to defeat Kenny King and Jason Blade of The YRR to win the FIP Tag Team Championship, making Stevens the first triple crown champion in FIP. On October 3, 2009, Strong turned on Stevens in a match where they lost the Tag Team Championship to Chris Gray and Tommy Taylor of The British Lions.

Ring of Honor and retirement (2007–2010)

[edit]

On March 31, 2007 Stevens made his debut for Ring of Honor (ROH) in Detroit, Michigan at All Star Extravaganza III.[3] Shortly after this, he was contacted by Austin Aries to join The Resilience. Doing so, Stevens aligned himself against Roderick Strong and his No Remorse Corps (NRC). The NRC and The Resilience were currently engulfed in a heated feud, until Aries disbanded The Resilience at Glory By Honor VI Night 2, which left Stevens' position in ROH uncertain. Stevens returned to Ring of Honor on November 30 in Dayton and December 1 in Chicago. Stevens made a giant impact in ROH as he defeated Roderick Strong for the FIP World Championship ending Roderick's 13-month reign. Stevens occasionally teamed with The Briscoe Brothers against the NRC and The Age of the Fall.

On June 6, 2008, Stevens defeated Necro Butcher and Brent Albright in a three-way dance. The following night, however, he lost the final match in his feud with Strong when Strong defeated him in a Fight Without Honor.

On July 25, 2008, Stevens fought Go Shiozaki to a 15-minute time-limit draw. Shiozaki's manager, Larry Sweeney, refused to allow the match to continue for an additional five minutes, which resulted in a brawl between Stevens and Sweeney's faction, Sweet N' Sour Incorporated. On July 26, 2008, he won a Four Corners Survival Match after defeating Shane Hagadorn, Delirious and Ruckus when he pinned Delirious.

On November 6, 2009, Stevens turned heel and joined Prince Nana's Embassy stable. ROH stopped using Stevens in the Fall of 2010 and he retired from professional wrestling soon after. He's now a strength coach who primarily works with women and owns his own powerlifting gym in Sarasota, FL.

Return to wrestling (2019–2020)

[edit]

On May 19, 2019 Stevens returned to pro-wrestling having his comeback match for Beyond Wrestling in a losing effort against Chris Dickinson.[4] Stevens later began competing for smaller indies such as IPW.[5] On December 20, 2019 it was announced that Stevens would be debuting for MLW on January 11 at their Zero Hour event.[6] Stevens was victorious in his debut match against Douglas James.[7] Later that night he joined Tom Lawlor's Team Filthy stable and assisted in an attack on the Von Erichs.[8] On March 17, 2020 Erick Stevens announced on Twitter that he was once again retiring.[9] Stevens planned to retire from wrestling in April, but due to the COVID pandemic, he delayed his retirement to October 12, 2020.[10]

Personal life

[edit]

Stevens operates a YouTube channel and Instagram account with his family, where he is known as the Family Food Dude.[11] As of September 2020, Stevens has 17,000 YouTube subscribers and 100,000 Instagram followers.[12]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Erick Stevens (born Eric Koenreich; March 12, 1982) is an American professional wrestler from , recognized for his powerhouse style and contributions to the independent wrestling scene in the and . Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 235 pounds, he debuted in 2003 after training under and quickly rose to prominence through intense, hard-hitting matches. Stevens gained significant attention during his primary run from 2003 to 2010, competing primarily as a singles wrestler and specialist in promotions such as (ROH), (FIP), (PWG), and (CZW). In FIP, he captured the FIP World Heavyweight Championship twice, first defeating allies like in high-profile defenses, and also held the FIP Florida Heritage Championship once. His notable rivalries, including multiple bouts against , showcased his technical prowess and signature moves like the Doctor Bomb and Northern Lights Bomb. After a hiatus beginning in 2010, Stevens made sporadic returns, including brief stints in 2019–2020 and 2022, where he added titles such as the IWTV Independent Wrestling Title and BLP Heavyweight Title across independent circuits like Beyond Wrestling, Black Label Pro, and Independent Wrestling TV. In June 2025, Stevens announced his return to full-time wrestling via , marking his active status as a as of November 2025, with recent appearances including his first match of the year against Noah Veil on July 12, 2025, and a bout against on October 19, 2025. His career, spanning over two decades with periods of retirement and resurgence, highlights resilience in the demanding world of independent , where he has wrestled in more than 260 documented matches.

Early life

Upbringing

Erick Stevens, born Eric Koenreich on March 12, 1982, in , spent his childhood and formative years in the coastal city where he was raised. During high school, he weighed approximately 300 pounds, an experience that sparked his initial interest in fitness and self-improvement amid struggles with and . This focus on physical transformation outside of organized sports or entertainment pursuits later informed his personal development and life choices.

Entry into wrestling

Erick Stevens developed an interest in during his late teens and early twenties, entering the sport later than many of his peers who often began as teenagers. Born and raised in , Stevens first became captivated by the industry around 2002 while watching WWF's Monday Night Raw, a period when the promotion emphasized high-profile performers and athletic displays. His inspiration stemmed from a deep appreciation for the athleticism and technical skill in wrestling, rather than its more flamboyant or character-driven elements. Stevens was particularly drawn to "monsters" like and Vader for their physical dominance, as well as agile cruiserweights such as , and he explored Japanese wrestling through tapes that highlighted disciplined, in-ring storytelling. He valued the sport's demand for genuine athletic prowess, stating, "You want to have an identity, but you don’t want to become a character." At approximately age 20 in 2002, Stevens made the decision to pursue formal training, motivated by his respect for wrestling's physical and technical challenges. This marked the initial step toward a professional career, setting him apart from those who discovered the sport earlier in life.

Professional wrestling career

Training and debut (2003–2004)

Stevens entered relatively late, beginning his formal training at the age of 20 under the guidance of in , in 2003. This apprenticeship focused on building foundational skills in a local independent scene, preparing him for the physical and technical demands of the ring. He made his professional debut in May 2003 for the National Wrestling Alliance's Florida territory (NWA Florida), a promotion that served as a key developmental ground for regional talent. Early appearances included bouts, such as his November 22, 2003, loss alongside Mikey Batts to the for the in St. Petersburg. On December 6, 2003, Stevens fell to Todd Shane in a singles match, followed by a victory with Batts over Mikey Tenderfoot and Rod Steel on December 13. These initial contests highlighted his emerging presence in the promotion's undercard. Throughout 2004, Stevens continued to compete regularly in NWA Florida, facing a variety of opponents that helped refine his in-ring approach. Notable matches included a disqualification victory over Lex Lovett on March 27 in Brandon, a loss to James Hendrix on April 29 in New Port Richey, and a defeat to Todd Shane on April 17. He also teamed with Luther Jackson as the Most Valuable Players, securing wins like their November 4 triumph over The Ladykillers in Brandon, though they suffered setbacks such as a September 4 loss to Double Deuce Inc. in Clearwater. During this period, Stevens began developing his signature powerhouse style, characterized by brute strength and impactful maneuvers that established him as a formidable big man in the territory.

Full Impact Pro (2005–2009)

Erick Stevens made his debut in (FIP) on March 26, 2005, at the event, where he defeated in a match that showcased his emerging power-based style. Over the following months, Stevens built his reputation through a series of competitive bouts, including a victory over Pelle Primeau on November 12, 2005, in , establishing him as a reliable midcard talent capable of delivering hard-hitting performances. His early FIP run focused on honing his technical skills and physical presence, often facing local competitors in events that highlighted the promotion's emphasis on intense, no-frills wrestling. By 2007, Stevens became embroiled in a high-profile feud with Roderick Strong, a rivalry that defined his ascent in FIP and spanned singles and tag team competition. This storyline began with tensions from their shared training background and evolved into a series of grudge matches, emphasizing themes of betrayal and dominance within the promotion's roster. The feud gained momentum during the inaugural FIP Florida Heritage Championship tournament on March 10, 2007, in Crystal River, Florida, where Stevens defeated Strong in the finals to become the first champion, capping a bracket that included victories over Shingo and Delirious. Stevens held the title for 244 days, successfully defending it against challengers such as Sal Rinauro on August 19, 2007, before losing it to Rinauro on November 9, 2007, in another Crystal River event. The Strong feud intensified later in 2007, overlapping briefly with Stevens' early exposure in , where he captured the FIP World Heavyweight Championship from on December 30, 2007, at in . Stevens' first reign lasted 48 days, ending on February 16, 2008, when reclaimed the title in a Crystal River match, though Stevens had defended it successfully against in January. He regained the FIP World Heavyweight Championship from on July 19, 2008, at an FIP event, marking his second reign and continuing their personal rivalry. This 35-day run included defenses that solidified his status as a top contender, but ended on August 23, 2008, at Heatstroke, when defeated him for the title in a hard-fought bout. In late 2008, Stevens and transitioned their dynamic into a alliance, defeating Kenny King and Jason Blade on December 20, 2008, in Crystal River to win the FIP Tag Team Championship. This partnership highlighted Stevens' versatility, allowing him to contribute his brawling prowess to successful defenses while maintaining the underlying tension from their singles history. The duo held the titles into 2009, with their reign ending on October 3, 2009, when they lost to the British Lions (Chris Gray and ). This underscored Stevens' growth from a solo powerhouse to a multifaceted competitor in FIP's landscape.

Ring of Honor (2007–2010)

Erick Stevens debuted in (ROH) on March 30, 2007, at All Star Extravaganza III in Chicago, Illinois, defeating in a squash match that showcased his powerhouse style. The next night at Supercard of Honor II, he followed up with another quick victory over Mitch Franklin, quickly positioning himself as a physical force amid ROH's competitive roster. Early in his run, Stevens frequently partnered with high-flyer Matt Cross in bouts, challenging established units like the No Remorse Corps ( and ), though the duo suffered defeats in and standard tag matches against them throughout mid-2007. His concurrent success in provided a boost to his ROH momentum, culminating in a marquee singles opportunity at 2007 on December 30, where Stevens defeated to capture the FIP World Heavyweight Championship in a hard-fought main event. This win elevated Stevens' profile, leading to defenses of the FIP title within ROH events in against top competitors such as , , and . During this period, a post-match by at Glory By Honor VI Night 2 in November 2007 resulted in an arm injury for Stevens, adding to the physical demands of his rising status. In 2008 and 2009, Stevens shifted toward a prominent tag team role alongside Brent Albright, forming a gritty powerhouse duo that engaged in heated rivalries, including multiple clashes with the All Night Express (Kenny King and Rhett Titus). The pair pursued the ROH World Tag Team Championship, securing victories over teams like the Super Smash Bros. but falling short in direct title challenges and related feuds. Stevens also briefly teamed with Joey Ryan in late 2009, defeating the Briscoe Brothers in a non-title bout, further demonstrating his adaptability in ROH's tag division. By 2009, Stevens transitioned more prominently to singles competition, earning a shot at the ROH World Heavyweight Championship in a four-way match at Take No Prisoners on April 4 against champion , , and , though he was eliminated en route to Lynn's retention. Earlier, in April 2007 at Good Times, Great Memories, he had engaged in a 15-minute time-limit draw with , a match that tested his endurance and foreshadowed his main event potential. Teaming sporadically with in 2010, Stevens continued to compete in high-stakes bouts, including a loss to Grizzly Redwood by disqualification in a heated singles encounter at Hate: Chapter II on July 23. Stevens' 2010 singles push peaked on September 10 at Fade to Black, where he challenged Eddie Edwards for the but fell short via pinfall. Following this defeat, ROH discontinued booking him, and Stevens retired from later that year, citing the cumulative toll of injuries sustained throughout his career, including the prior arm damage from Richards.

First retirement (2010–2018)

Following his departure from in late 2010, Erick Stevens retired from after wrestling his final match on September 10 at the promotion's Fade to Black event, where he lost to Eddie Edwards in a World Television Championship bout. The retirement was a quiet one with no formal announcement, stemming primarily from the exhaustive travel schedule—often two shows per trip outside , occurring twice monthly—and the ongoing physical discomfort from years of performing a hard-hitting, power-based style that emphasized heavy impacts and suplexes. From 2010 to 2018, Stevens stepped away completely from in-ring competition to prioritize physical recovery from the cumulative wear on his body, including joint strain and general accumulated during his active years. This period also allowed him to adjust to personal life outside the demanding wrestling environment, focusing on family and stability after nearly a decade on the independent circuit. During this hiatus, Stevens initially explored avenues in fitness and , leveraging his athletic background to experiment with coaching and personal training roles without establishing any structured business. These early efforts centered on self-directed pursuits like and informal guidance for others interested in techniques, marking a gradual transition toward health-focused activities.

Brief return (2019–2020)

After nearly a decade away from professional wrestling, Erick Stevens announced his return in early 2019 via social media, aiming for a final run on the independent circuit. His comeback match took place on May 22, 2019, at Beyond Wrestling's Uncharted Territory Episode 8, where he faced Chris Dickinson in a hard-fought loss. Throughout 2019, Stevens appeared across various promotions, including Full Impact Pro (FIP), where he competed in the Fighting Spirit Heavyweight Grand Prix on November 15, defeating Derek Neal before losing to Dominic Garrini in the semifinals. He impressed with victories such as capturing the Black Label Pro (BLP) Heavyweight Championship from Kobe Durst in a 21-second squash on November 16 and the IWTV Independent Wrestling Title from Orange Cassidy on September 21, followed by a quick loss to Warhorse later that night. Stevens maintained strong physical condition, showing no signs of ring rust as he worked promotions like AIW, Beyond, and MLW, earning positive fan reception for his renewed intensity and seamless integration into modern indie scenes. In early 2020, Stevens continued his momentum with successful title defenses, including retaining the BLP Heavyweight Championship against on January 18 and on February 29. He also defeated in a non-title match at AIW's Baby It's 2 Cold Outside on December 27, 2019, highlighting his enduring power-based style. Stevens planned a match for April 5, 2020, at Beyond Wrestling's "Big Balls" event to cap his year-long farewell tour. However, the forced the postponement of numerous independent shows, delaying his exit until October. On October 11, 2020, Stevens announced his second retirement after suffering a torn (MCL) earlier that week during training, which prevented his scheduled farewell bout at Paradigm Pro Wrestling. The injury, compounded by the ongoing disruptions, ended his brief comeback after approximately 18 months of active competition.

2025 return

On June 19, 2025, Erick Stevens announced his return to professional wrestling via a post on X (formerly Twitter), simply stating "I'm back." This marked Stevens' third comeback to the ring, following prior retirements in 2010 and 2020. Stevens made his in-ring debut on August 8, 2025, at Deadlock Pro Wrestling's (DPW) Showdown in Cary in Cary, North Carolina, teaming with Violence Is Forever (Dominic Garrini and Kevin Ku) to defeat Calvin Tankman, LaBron Kozone, and Manny Lo. His subsequent DPW outings included a first-round loss to LaBron Kozone in the Carolina Classic tournament on September 14, 2025, in Durham, North Carolina. On September 19, 2025, Stevens challenged Myung-Jae Lee for the C*4 Underground Championship at Capital City Championship Combat's A Fistful Of Dynamite but was defeated. On October 19, 2025, Stevens faced longtime rival in a special singles match at DPW Super Battle in , where Strong emerged victorious after 15 minutes of technical wrestling. Stevens continued his momentum with a singles match against Bryan Keith on November 7, 2025, at Showdown in Cary II in . As of November 2025, Stevens remains active in DPW and on the independent circuit with a focus on rebuilding his in-ring presence.

Personal life

Family

Erick Stevens, whose real name is Eric Koenreich, is married to Kelsea Koenreich, with whom he co-manages their family-oriented cookie business, Kookies and Kream, in Sarasota, Florida. The couple, based in the Lakewood Ranch area of Sarasota where Stevens was born and raised, emphasize a grounded family life away from the spotlight of professional wrestling. Stevens is a father of three young children and has publicly described himself as happily married, prioritizing his role as a devoted family man. He has expressed that his primary life goal is to be an exemplary , aspiring to create a positive legacy for his children through fitness and personal example. Following his first retirement from wrestling in 2010, Stevens shifted focus to building a stable family life, eventually meeting his wife and starting a family while pursuing local ventures like training. This period allowed him to achieve greater work-life balance, transitioning from the demanding travel of wrestling to community-based pursuits in Sarasota. His 2020 retirement was similarly driven by family commitments, as he cited obligations that prevented him from missing key moments like his daughter's first soccer practice. Stevens maintains a high degree of privacy regarding his personal relationships, sharing limited details beyond his commitment to family stability and avoiding public disclosure of specific events or children's names.

Media presence

Erick Stevens maintains an active media presence through social media, emphasizing family-oriented content creation and public engagement. He launched the YouTube channel Family Food Dude, dedicated to family cooking videos where his relatives frequently appear as subjects, accumulating 17,000 subscribers as of 2020. Complementing this, Stevens operates the Instagram account @familyfooddude, where he posts lifestyle and food content, drawing 100,000 followers as of 2020. In a lighthearted nod to his wrestling roots, Stevens shared a humorous promo video in July 2025, filmed from his to announce elements of his professional return while muting household noise.

Post-wrestling pursuits

Coaching and fitness

Following his first retirement from in 2010, Erick Stevens, whose real name is Eric Koenreich, transitioned into strength and conditioning coaching, applying the physical conditioning knowledge gained from his athletic background to help others build resilience and performance. He became a certified through the (NASM) in 2008 and leveraged this expertise to establish a career focused on and general strength development. In , Stevens co-owned and operated Sarasota Barbell, a dedicated , alongside his wife Kelsea Koenreich, until its closure in 2025. Through his associated coaching brand, Koenreich Power Systems, he delivers tailored programs for a diverse clientele, including recreational trainees, beginner , and elite competitors who have qualified for (IPF) World Championships; he has coached hundreds of athletes overall. In 2023, he launched Tired Dad Fitness Club, an online coaching program aimed at helping fathers improve their and mindset to become role models for their families. Services encompass off-season preparation, meet-day strategy, nutritional guidance for and , and customized strength programming to enhance overall athletic output without requiring competition involvement. Stevens' approach emphasizes practical, effective methodologies rooted in drug-free powerlifting principles, with ongoing support via weekly check-ins, technique video analysis, and community interaction to foster long-term progress in strength and fitness. Following the physical toll of his wrestling career, he incorporated into his personal regimen for recovery from injuries, which informed his client-focused programs on building durable athletic performance.

Business ventures

In 2022, Eric Koenreich, known professionally as Erick Stevens, opened a brick-and-mortar location for his business, Kookies & Kream, in , following its initial success as an online operation launched during the . The venture specialized in oversized, gourmet cookies inspired by nostalgic childhood snacks, such as oversized creme pies and brownie hybrids, transforming classic treats into premium baked goods. This expansion marked a significant step in integrating his entrepreneurial pursuits with his personal brand as a former professional wrestler, drawing on his local Sarasota roots to build community appeal. The bakery's product line emphasized from-scratch with flavors like oatmeal creme pies and hand-crafted pairings, offered through both in-store sales and shipping to capitalize on demand for indulgent, retro-style desserts. Operations were managed from a small at 39 S. Beneva Road, focusing on limited daily batches to maintain quality and freshness, which helped foster a loyal customer base amid the competitive scene. Stevens promoted the business via platforms, sharing behind-the-scenes content and tying it to his resilient from his wrestling career. Despite initial growth, the physical store faced significant challenges, including operational demands and economic pressures, leading to its closure in July 2022 after just months of operation. These hurdles were compounded by Stevens' intermittent wrestling commitments during his post-retirement phase, requiring him to balance baking production with travel and training schedules. However, the business demonstrated resilience by pivoting back to online sales and shipping, reopening for nationwide orders in April 2024 to sustain growth without a permanent retail presence. This adaptability allowed Kookies & Kream to continue evolving as a key part of Stevens' entrepreneurial portfolio outside the ring.

Championships and accomplishments

Full Impact Pro titles

Erick Stevens achieved significant success in (FIP), capturing multiple championships that highlighted his status as a top competitor in the promotion during the late 2000s. His title wins included the inaugural FIP Florida Heritage Championship, two reigns with the FIP World Heavyweight Championship, and one FIP Tag Team Championship alongside . These accomplishments solidified his reputation within FIP and contributed to his opportunities in affiliated promotions like . Stevens became the first FIP Florida Heritage Champion on March 10, 2007, defeating in the tournament final at an event in . His 244-day reign, which lasted until November 9, 2007, when he lost to , featured several successful defenses that showcased his power-based style against agile opponents. Notable defenses included victories over on April 21, 2007, and Jigsaw on June 30, 2007, both in events where Stevens retained via pinfall after signature moves like the Doctor Bomb. This reign established Stevens as a foundational figure for the midcard title, emphasizing his role in elevating FIP's -based heritage. Stevens' FIP World Heavyweight Championship reigns demonstrated his main event prowess, with two short but intense periods as champion. He first won the title on December 30, 2007, at Ring of Honor's event in by defeating long-reigning champion , ending Strong's 415-day run in a hard-fought match. This 48-day reign included a key defense against on January 11, 2008, at an ROH event, where Stevens retained via submission with the into a Doctor Bomb. The title changed hands back to Strong on February 16, 2008, at FIP Redefined in , via countout after a grueling no-disqualification bout. Stevens recaptured the championship in his second reign on July 19, 2008, defeating Strong in a match at an FIP event in Crystal River, symbolizing the culmination of their heated rivalry. This 35-day stint ended abruptly on August 23, 2008, at FIP Heatstroke in , when Stevens lost to in a title vs. career stipulation match. In the tag team division, Stevens partnered with former rival to win the FIP Tag Team Championship on December 20, 2008, at FIP Unstoppable in , defeating The YRR (Kenny King and Jason Blade). This alliance, born from mutual respect after years of competition, led to a 287-day reign that highlighted their technical and power synergy in a storyline emphasizing redemption and dominance. They defended the titles successfully against teams like The YRR in rematches and The British Lions, including a tornado tag title defense on May 2, 2009. The reign ended on October 3, 2009, in a steel cage match at an FIP event, where The British Lions (Chris Gray and ) captured the belts, marking a pivotal shift as Stevens soon transitioned to new alliances. This partnership not only extended Stevens' championship legacy in FIP but also influenced his tag team dynamics in other promotions.

Other achievements

Stevens earned recognition as a top independent talent early in his career, highlighted by his 2007 Rookie of the Year award, which acknowledged his rapid rise through promotions like and his emergence as a standout performer. His success in FIP laid the groundwork for broader acclaim, including main event opportunities in without capturing a world title there. In September 2007, Stevens won a four-way match against , , and Kevin Steen to earn a shot at the ROH World Heavyweight Championship, main eventing against champion later that evening. Stevens formed a notable tag team legacy as part of the MLW stable alongside and leader , debuting with the group in February 2020 and contributing to their dominant run against prominent teams. The faction's matches, including defenses against groups like the Von Erichs and Top Flight, showcased Stevens' power-based style complementing Fish's technical prowess, influencing MLW's tag division dynamics during his brief tenure before retirement. Following his 2019 return to wrestling after a nine-year hiatus, Stevens captured the IWTV Independent Wrestling Championship on September 21, 2019, defeating at a Black Label Pro event, and the BLP Heavyweight Championship on November 16, 2019, defeating Kobe Durst. He received fan enthusiasm for his comeback match at Beyond Wrestling's Americanrana '19 event, marking a celebrated re-entry into the indie scene. His 2025 return further highlighted this enduring popularity, with announcements generating buzz and leading to high-profile bookings like a singles match against longtime rival at Deadlock Pro-Wrestling's Super Battle on October 19.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.