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Grayson Waller
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Matthew Farrelly (born 21 March 1990) is an Australian professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw brand under the ring name Grayson Waller. He is a one-time WWE Tag Team Champion alongside Austin Theory as A-Town Down Under.
Key Information
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Before signing with WWE, he previously performed on the independent circuit under the ring name Matty Wahlberg. Outside of professional wrestling, Farrelly was a contestant on season six of Australian Survivor.
Professional wrestling career
[edit]Independent circuit (2017–2021)
[edit]On 15 April 2017, at a Newcastle Pro Wrestling event, Farrelly made his debut under the ring name Matty Wahlberg (a reference to Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg), losing to SnapChad.[4] Wahlberg would form a tag team with Carter Dreams, known as The BABES (Blonde And Blue Eyed Squad), managed by Harley Wonderland. Wahlberg then returned to singles competition and he would receive a PWA Heavyweight Championship match against Caveman Ugg, but lost to Ugg at the PWA Black Label: Wahlberg Vs. Ugg event in March 2019.[5] At the PWA Black Label: Break Their Back & Make Them Rumble event, Wahlberg lost to TJ Perkins. At the PWA Black Label: Colosseum event, Wahlberg won the 2019 Colosseum tournament by defeating Chris Basso in the first round, Orange Cassidy in the semi-finals, and Travis Banks in the final.[6] After the PWA Black Label: It Started Out With A Kiss event went off the air, Wahlberg addressed the live crowd, informing them that he was leaving PWA.[7][8] On 12 October 2024, Farrelly returned to PWA under his WWE ring name Grayson Waller, defeating Jimmy Townsend during Night One of the Colosseum Tournament.
WWE
[edit]NXT (2021–2023)
[edit]On 14 March 2021, it was reported that Farrelly had signed with WWE.[9] On the 11 June episode of 205 Live, he made his WWE debut under the ring name Grayson Waller, defeating Sunil Singh.[10] He then made his debut for NXT on the 24 August episode of NXT, teaming with Drake Maverick against Imperium's Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner, where they lost. On the 28 September episode of NXT, Waller took on newly crowned NXT Cruiserweight Champion Roderick Strong for the title after issuing the challenge the week prior, and would go on to lose the match. On the 9 November episode of NXT, he lost to Solo Sikoa in a triple threat match which also included LA Knight.[11]
On the 23 November episode of NXT, Waller berated the fans, thus turning heel.[12] At NXT WarGames, he teamed up with Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, and Tony D'Angelo as Team 2.0, where they defeated Team Black & Gold (Johnny Gargano, LA Knight, Pete Dunne, and Tommaso Ciampa) in a WarGames match.[13] On the following episode of NXT, Waller brutally attacked Johnny Gargano during his farewell promo where he thanked his fans and friends, thus cementing his heel turn.[14] On the 21 December episode of NXT, he attacked Dexter Lumis after the latter's match and announces that he will dismantle the old NXT one by one, and he then confronted AJ Styles, whom he had criticized on social networks a few days before.[15] At NXT: New Years Evil on 4 January 2022, Styles once again confronted Waller, resulting into a brawl between the pair.[16] The following week, Waller lost to Styles. After the match, he was attacked by the returning LA Knight.[17] On the 1 February episode of NXT, Waller, alongside his new "insurance policy" Sanga, interfered in Knight's match against Joe Gacy, causing Knight to lose the match.[18] At NXT: Roadblock on 8 March, Waller defeated Knight in a Last Man Standing match when he used Sanga to make it to his feet and beat the ten count.[19]
At NXT Stand & Deliver, Waller failed to win the NXT North American Championship in a ladder match.[20] Waller and Sanga would enter the tag team gauntlet match for the vacant NXT Tag Team Championship, where they were eliminated by the Creed Brothers.[21] Waller then turned on Sanga and defeated him a week later on the 19 April episode of NXT.[22] Waller then briefly feuded with the debuting Nathan Frazer,[23] who he lost to at Spring Breakin'.[24] Waller would then pursue the NXT North American Championship by tricking Carmelo Hayes into signing the contract. At NXT: The Great American Bash on 5 July, Waller lost to Hayes due to interference from Trick Williams and Wes Lee.[25] Despite this, Waller blamed his loss on Wes Lee and defeated him on the 26 July episode of NXT due to interference from Williams.[26] Waller then started a rivalry with Apollo Crews, defeating him on the 30 August episode of NXT after "injuring" his eye,[27] but lost to him at NXT Halloween Havoc in a casket match.[28]
At NXT Deadline, Waller won the inaugural Iron Survivor Challenge to become the number one contender for Bron Breakker's NXT Championship.[29] The match was later scheduled for NXT: New Year's Evil on 10 January 2023,[30] where the match ended when the middle rope snapped, causing Waller to fall out of the ring and be counted out, allowing Breakker to retain the title. A steel cage match between the two for the title was subsequently scheduled for NXT Vengeance Day on 4 February,[31] where Waller again failed to win the title.[32] At NXT Roadblock, Waller hosted The Grayson Waller Effect with Shawn Michaels as the special guest. Waller challenged Michaels to come out of retirement for a match at NXT Stand & Deliver, Michaels said that someone wanted a match with Waller more than him, which was revealed to be the returning Johnny Gargano. At NXT Stand and Deliver on 1 April, Waller lost to Gargano via submission in an unsanctioned match.[33] On the 11 April episode of NXT, Waller won a fatal four-way match to earn an NXT Championship match against Carmelo Hayes at Spring Breakin', where Waller failed to win the championship from Hayes in what would be his final match in NXT.[34][35] It was later revealed that Waller broke his leg towards the end of the match.[36]
A-Town Down Under (2023–2025)
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As part of the 2023 WWE Draft, Waller was drafted to the SmackDown brand.[37][38] He made his SmackDown debut on 19 May 2023, interviewing AJ Styles on The Grayson Waller Effect. At Money in the Bank, Waller interrupted the returning John Cena, where he confronted and attacked Cena before getting hit with an Attitude Adjustment.[39] On the 7 July episode of SmackDown, Waller interviewed Edge on The Grayson Waller Effect. Waller then made his main roster in-ring debut later that night against Edge, who would defeat him. Despite the loss, Edge would praise Waller.[40] On the 15 September episode of SmackDown, Waller interviewed Cena on The Grayson Waller Effect for The Bloodline to come out. On the 10 November episode of SmackDown, Waller and his new tag team partner Austin Theory (who are collectively known as A-Town Down Under) provoked the newest member of the SmackDown roster Kevin Owens. Owens attacked both Waller and Theory and was suspended by the WWE.[41]
On the 15 December episode of SmackDown, both Waller and Theory lost in the first rounds of the United States Championship #1 Contender Tournament to former rival Carmelo Hayes and Owens respectively.[42] Waller returned to NXT at NXT: New Year's Evil on 2 January 2024 and was put into a match against Trick Williams for Williams' Iron Survivor Challenge title match opportunity by Hayes. Waller lost the match after interference from Owens.[43] At the Royal Rumble on January 27, Waller entered his first Royal Rumble match at #3, lasting four minutes before being eliminated by Hayes.[44] At Elimination Chamber: Perth held in his home country of Australia, Waller co-hosted The Grayson Waller Effect with Theory featuring Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins as his guests. Seth and Cody then attacked Theory and Waller did not get involved, teasing the dissolution of their tag team. On the 26 February episode of Raw, Waller, in his debut match on Raw, was defeated by Rhodes in the main event.
Waller and Theory went on to win a tag team tournament, defeating The O.C. (Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows) on the 22 March episode of SmackDown and The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) in the finals one week later to qualify for the six-pack ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania XL. At Night 1 of WrestleMania XL, Waller retrieved the SmackDown Tag Team Championship for A-Town Down Under to become the new champions, thus making it Waller's first championship win in WWE.[45] On the 19 April episode of SmackDown, the SmackDown Tag Team Championship was renamed as the WWE Tag Team Championship and the team was presented with new title belts by WWE's chief content officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque, and the general manager of SmackDown Nick Aldis.[46] On the May 3 episode of SmackDown, Theory and Waller defeated The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) in their first title defense.[47] On the July 5 episode of SmackDown, Grayson Waller and Austin Theory as A-Town Down Under lost the titles to #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa), ending their reign at 90 days.[48] Grayson Waller and Austin Theory also had previously feuded with #DIY weeks before the title loss.[49][50][51] They failed to win the titles in a rematch on the following episode of SmackDown, ending their feud.[52]
After a promo on social media the previous week, Waller and Theory returned to NXT on 24 September, challenging Nathan Frazer and Axiom for the NXT Tag Team Championship, which they accepted. Later that night, they defeated Cedric Alexander and Je'Von Evans following a backstage confrontation.[53] On the 8 October episode of NXT, they failed to win the titles from Fraxiom.[54]
On the 13 December episode of SmackDown, Waller and Theory met with Braun Strowman backstage and asked him to be a guest on The Grayson Waller Effect next week, which Strowman accepted.[55] On the 20 December episode of SmackDown, Waller hosted The Grayson Waller Effect alongside Austin Theory with Braun Strowman as the special guest, which was later interrupted by Carmelo Hayes.[56]
On the 24 January 2025 episode of SmackDown, it was announced by SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis that A-Town Down Under would be moving to the Raw brand as part of the transfer window.[57] On the 28 January episode of NXT, A-Town Down Under hosted a special edition of The Grayson Waller Effect with the new NXT Champion Oba Femi as guest to see if Femi was "worth the hype." Femi then offered to defend the NXT Championship in a triple threat match against A-Town Down Under at NXT Vengeance Day on 15 February, where Femi retained the title after Waller cost Theory the win.[58]
Alliance with The New Day (2025–present)
[edit]Following Austin Theory's legitimate injury report, which marked the quiet disbandment of A-Town Down Under, on the July 21 episode of Raw, Waller began aligning himself with The New Day.[59]
Other media
[edit]In 2019, Farrelly appeared on Australian Survivor: Champions vs. Contenders 2. He competed on the Contenders team, and garnered attention for his outspoken personality, essentially playing a version of his Matty Wahlberg wrestling character on reality television. He would be eliminated from the competition after several weeks on the island.[60]
Farrelly also made a cameo appearance on Young Rock in 2021, playing the role of Ric Flair.[61]
Farrelly, as Grayson Waller, made his first video game appearance in WWE 2K23,[62] also returning for WWE 2K24[63] and would appear again in WWE 2K25.
Personal life
[edit]Farrelly is a former Golden Gloves boxer in Australia, and also worked as a history teacher at De La Salle College Revesby in Revesby Heights, New South Wales while competing on the Australian independent circuit on the weekends. He left his teaching job in 2021 after signing with WWE and became a full-time professional wrestler.[64] Farrelly is a supporter of the NRL's Sydney Roosters, the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, and the NBA's Sacramento Kings.[65]
Championships and accomplishments
[edit]- Future Wrestling Australia
- FWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[66]
- Newcastle Pro Wrestling
- Pro Wrestling Australia
- PWA Colosseum Tournament (2019)[6]
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Wrestling GO!
- Wrestling GO! Silver Medal Championship (1 time)[66]
- Wrestling GO! 24/7 Watermelon Championship (1 time)[69]
- Wrestling GO! Year End Awards (3 times)
- Male Wrestler of the Year (2018)[70]
- Match of the Year (2018) – Dalton Castle vs Matty Wahlberg vs Ricky South[71]
- Rivalry of the Year (2018) – Matty Wahlberg vs Ricky South[72]
- WWE
Notes
[edit]- ^ Waller and Theory won the WWE Tag Team Championship as the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship. The title was renamed on April 19, 2024 during their reign.
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Sarray headlines new class of international WWE Performance Center recruits". WWE. 23 April 2021.
- ^ a b c "Grayson Waller's WWE profile". WWE. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "Grayson Waller's Cagematch profile". cagematch.net. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
- ^ "Newy Pro House Show #5". Cagematch. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
- ^ "Grayson Waller Cagematch Profile". Cagematch. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
- ^ a b "WrestleWatch- PWA Colosseum 2019 (Night 2)". The Arena Media. 22 October 2019. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
- ^ "Grayson Waller Instagram (video)". Grayson Waller Instagram.
- ^ "Report: Australian Wrestlers Matty Wahlberg And Steph De Lander Sign With WWE". Heel By Nature. 14 March 2021.
- ^ Nason, Josh (14 March 2021). "WWE signs two Australian talents to developmental contracts". Wrestling Observer. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
- ^ Middleton, Mark (12 June 2021). "International Star Wins WWE Debut On 205 Live". Wrestling Inc. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
- ^ "WWE NXT results: Nov. 9, 2021". wwe.com. 9 November 2021. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
- ^ Moore, John (23 November 2021). "11/23 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Carmelo Hayes vs. Johnny Gargano vs. Pete Dunne for the NXT North American Title, Tommaso Ciampa vs. Grayson Waller in a non-title match, Mandy Rose vs. Cora Jade in a non-title match, Kayden Carter and Kacy Catanzaro vs. Indi Hartwell and Persia Pirotta". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
- ^ Moore, John (5 December 2021). "NXT WarGames results: Moore's live review of two WarGames matches, Roderick Strong vs. Joe Gacy for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship, Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel vs. Kyle O'Reilly and Von Wagner for the NXT Tag Titles, Cameron Grimes vs. Duke Hudson in a hair vs. hair match". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on 6 December 2021. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
- ^ Hazelwood, Bruce Lee (7 December 2021). "12/7 NXT on USA Report: Hazelwood's live alt-perspective on WarGames fallout, Gargano's goodbye, O'Reilly vs. Wagner, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on 22 November 2022. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
- ^ Moore, John (21 December 2021). "12/21 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of AJ Styles responding to Grayson Waller, Raquel Gonzalez vs. Dakota Kai in a street fight, Pete Dunne vs. Tony D'Angelo, Dexter Lumis vs. Trick Williams, Julius Creed and Brutus Creed vs. Zack Gibson and James Drake, Von Wagner in action". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on 23 December 2021. Retrieved 9 January 2022.
- ^ Moore, John (4 January 2022). "1/4 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Tommaso Ciampa vs. Bron Breakker for the NXT Title, Gunther, Fabian Aichner, and Marcel Barthel vs. Riddle and MSK, Mandy Rose vs. Raquel Gonzalez vs. Cora Jade for the NXT Women's Title, Carmelo Hayes vs. Roderick Strong in a title unification match, AJ Styles confronts Grayson Waller". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on 5 January 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
- ^ Moore, John (11 January 2022). "1/11 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of AJ Styles vs. Grayson Waller, Santos Escobar vs. Xyon Quinn, Pete Dunne vs. Tony D'Angelo in a Crowbar on a Pole match, Solo Sikoa vs. Boa, Kacy Catanzaro, Kayden Carter, and Amari Miller vs. Indi Hartwell, Portia Pirotta, and Wendy Choo". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on 24 January 2022. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
- ^ Moore, John (1 February 2022). "2/1 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Bron Breakker and Tommaso Ciampa vs. Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza, Cora Jade vs. Raquel Gonzalez, Gunther, Fabian Aichner, and Marcel Barthel vs. Roderick Strong, Julius Creed, and Brutus Creed, LA Knight vs. Joe Gacy". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on 3 February 2022. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
- ^ Moore, John (8 March 2022). "3/8 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of the Roadblock themed show featuring Born Breaker vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Tommaso Ciampa for the NXT Title, Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel vs. The Creed Brothers for the NXT Tag Titles, LA Knight vs. Grayson Waller in a Last Man Standing match". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on 4 December 2022. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
- ^ Moore, John (2 April 2022). "NXT Stand & Deliver results: Moore's live review of Dolph Ziggler vs. Bron Breakker for the NXT Title, Mandy Rose vs. Cora Jade vs. Io Shirai vs. Kay Lee Ray for the NXT Women's Title, Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel vs. MSK vs. The Creed Brothers for the NXT Tag Titles, the NXT North American Title ladder match". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
- ^ Wells, Kelly (12 April 2022). "4/12 NXT ON USA REPORT: Wells's Report on Dakota Kai vs. Mandy Rose, Cameron Grimes vs. Solo Sikoa, tag team championship gauntlet, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 24 November 2022.
- ^ Moore, John (19 April 2022). "4/19 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Santos Escobar vs. Carmelo Hayes, Tiffany Stratton vs. Sarray, Natalya vs. Tatum Paxley, Grayson Waller vs. Sanga, NXT Tag Champions Pretty Deadly appear". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
- ^ Wells, Kelly (26 April 2022). "4/12 NXT ON USA REPORT: Wells's Report on Nikkita Lyons vs. Lash Legend, Solo Sikoa vs. Trick Williams, Briggs & Jensen & Henley vs. Legado del Fantasma, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
- ^ Moore, John (3 May 2022). "5/3 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Spring Breakin' with Bron Breakker vs. Joe Gacy for the NXT Title, Cameron Grimes vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Solo Sikoa for the NXT North American Title, The Viking Raiders vs. The Creeds, Cora Jade and Nikkita Lyons vs. Natalya and Lash Legend, Nathan Frazer vs. Grayson Waller, Tony D'Angelo and Santos Escobar meeting". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
- ^ Moore, John (5 July 2022). "7/5 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Bron Breakker vs. Cameron Grimes for the NXT Title, Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne vs. Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade for the NXT Women's Tag Titles, Carmelo Hayes vs. Grayson Waller for the NXT NA Title, The Creeds vs. Roderick Strong and Damon Kemp for the NXT Tag Titles". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on 6 July 2022. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
- ^ Moore, John (26 July 2021). "7/26 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Roderick Strong, Julius Creed, Brutus Creed, and Damon Kemp vs. Tony D'Angelo, Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo, Raul Mendoza, and Joaquin Wilde, Apollo Crews vs. Xyon Quinn, Grayson Waller vs. Wes Lee, Giovanni Vinci vs. Andre Chase". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
- ^ Hazelwood, Bruce Lee (30 August 2022). "8/30 NXT 2.0 REPORT: Hazelwood's live report on Worlds Collide go-home with slew of tag matches, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
- ^ Moore, John (22 October 2022). "NXT Halloween Havoc results: Moore's live review of Bron Breakker vs. Ilja Dragunov vs. JD McDonagh for the NXT Title, Mandy Rose vs. Alba Fyre for the NXT Women's Title, Carmelo Hayes vs. Wes Lee vs. Von Wagner vs. Oro Mensah vs. Nathan Frazer in a ladder match for the vacant North American Title, Roxanne Perez vs. Cora Jade in a Weapons Wild match". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on 23 October 2022. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
- ^ Moore, John (10 December 2022). "NXT Deadline results: Moore's live review of Bron Breakker vs. Apollo Crews for the NXT Championship, Pretty Deadly vs. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods for the NXT Tag Team Titles, men's and women's Iron Survivor Challenge matches, Alba Fyre vs. Isla Dawn". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on 11 December 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
- ^ Mrosko, Geno (11 December 2022). "NXT New Year's Evil set for Jan. 10 with two big title matches". Cageside Seats. Archived from the original on 14 December 2022. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
- ^ Hazelwood, Bruce Lee (10 January 2023). "1/10 NXT NEW YEAR'S EVIL REPORT: Hazelwood's live report on Breakker vs. Waller for title, #1 contender's battle royal, Pretty Deadly in the gauntlet, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
- ^ Hazelwood, Bruce Lee (4 February 2023). "2/4 NXT VENGEANCE DAY REPORT: Hazelwood's live report on five title matches out of six, Breakker vs. Waller steel cage, Perez vs. Dolin vs. Jayne, The New Day defends, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on 5 February 2023. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
- ^ McGuire, Colin (1 April 2023). "NXT Stand & Deliver results: McGuire's live review of Bron Breakker vs. Carmelo Hayes for the NXT Title, Roxanne Perez vs. Zoey Stark vs. Gigi Dolin vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Lyra Valkyria vs. Indi Hartwell in a ladder match for the NXT Women's Title, Wes Lee vs. Dragon Lee vs. JD McDonagh vs. Ilja Dragunov vs. Axiom for the NXT North American Title, Johnny Gargano vs. Grayson Waller". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on 1 April 2023. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
- ^ Moore, John (11 April 2023). "4/11 NXT TV results: Moore's review of Dragon Lee vs. JD McDonagh vs. two others in a four-way for a shot at the NXT Championship, Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn vs. Kiana James and Fallon Henley for the NXT Women's Tag Team Titles, Ilja Dragunov vs. Von Wagner, Tiffany Stratton vs. Sol Ruca, Chase U's celebration for Duke Hudson". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on 12 April 2023. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
- ^ Moore, John (25 April 2023). "4/25 NXT TV results: Moore's review of Carmelo Hayes vs. Grayson Waller for the NXT Title, Indi Hartwell vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Tiffany Stratton for the NXT Women's Title, Bron Breakker vs. Andre Chase, Josh Briggs and Fallon Henley vs. Brooks Jensen and Kiana James, Cora Jade vs. Lyra Valkyria, Tony D'Angelo and Stacks Lorenzo vs. Pretty Deadly in a Trunk Match, Oba Femi debuts". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on 26 April 2023. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
- ^ O'Loughlin, Liam (27 July 2023). "Grayson Waller Talks Broken Leg, Concerns Injury Would Affect WWE Draft Prospects". Pro Wrestling Inc. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
- ^ "See all the results from the 2023 Draft". WWE. 28 April 2023.
- ^ Keller, Wade (1 May 2023). "5/1 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on WWE Draft, Riddle vs. Uso, Judgment Day vs. LWO mixed tag, Lesnar, Cody". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
- ^ Dosskey, Michael (1 July 2023). "John Cena Appears At WWE Money In The Bank, Adjusts Grayson Waller's Attitude". Wrestling Inc. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
- ^ Aguilar, Matthew (7 July 2023). "Edge Shoots Down Retirement, Battles Grayson Waller in SmackDown In-ring Debut". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
- ^ "Kevin Owens Suspended For His Actions On 11/10 WWE SmackDown". Yahoo Entertainment. 11 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
- ^ Mrosko, Geno (15 December 2023). "Carmelo Hayes, Kevin Owens advance in United States Title Tournament". Cageside Seats. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
- ^ Powell, Jason (2 January 2024). "NXT TV results (1/2): Moore's review of New Year's Evil with Ilja Dragunov vs. Trick Williams for the NXT Championship, Lyra Valkyria vs. Blair Davenport for the NXT Women's Championship". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
- ^ Powell, Jason (27 January 2024). "WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Universal Championship". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on 27 January 2024. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
- ^ Powell, Jason (6 April 2024). "WrestleMania XL results: Powell's live review of night one with The Rock and Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley vs. Becky Lynch for the Women's World Championship". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
- ^ LAMBERT, JEREMY (19 April 2024). "New WWE Tag Team Titles Given To Austin Theory And Grayson Waller On 4/19 WWE SmackDown". Fightful. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
- ^ Powell, Jason (3 May 2024). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (5/3): Powell's review of Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles, A-Town Down Under vs. Street Profits for the WWE Tag Titles, AOP vs. New Catch Republic, RKO Show". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on 4 May 2024. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
- ^ Thomas, Jeremy. "DIY Capture WWE Tag Team Championships On Smackdown". 411mania.com. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
- ^ WWE.con Staff. "Johnny Gargano takes on Grayson Waller". WWE.com. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
- ^ Staff, Foxsports.com. "Grayson Waller pulls Austin Theory into harm's way in match vs. Johnny Gargano | WWE on FOX". Foxsports.com. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
- ^ Elizabeth, Claire (31 May 2024). "WWE SmackDown results, live blog: Queen of the Ring coronation". Cageside Seats. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
- ^ Powell, Jason (12 July 2024). "WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (7/12): Powell's review of DIY vs. Grayson Waller and Austin Theory for the WWE Tag Titles, Tiffany Stratton celebrates her MITB win, Nia Jax vs. Michin". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on 13 July 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Thomas, Jeremy. "WWE News: A-Town Down Under Defeat Je'Von Evans & Cedric Alexander On NXT, Wes Lee & Zachary Wentz Brawl". 411mania.com. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
- ^ Lopez, Joshua (8 October 2024). "WWE NXT Results 10/8/24". Wrestlingheadlines.com. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
- ^ Nemer, Roy. "WWE SmackDown Results – 12/13/24 (Go-Home show for Saturday Night's Main Event)". Wrestleview.com. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
- ^ Mrosko, Geno. "SmackDown recap & reactions (Dec. 20, 2024): Happy holidays!". Cagesudedseats.com. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
- ^ NASH, ANTHONY (25 January 2025). "A-Town Down Under Moved To WWE RAW". Www.wrestlezone.com. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
- ^ Moore, John (15 February 2025). "NXT Vengeance Day results: Moore's live review of Oba Femi vs. Grayson Waller vs. Austin Theory for the NXT Championship, Giulia vs. Bayley vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Cora Jade for the NXT Women's Title". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
- ^ "Grayson Waller says Austin Theory is injured and A-Town Down Under is done on WWE RAW". Www.wrestlezone.com. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
- ^ "Australia's Grayson Waller looking to go from reality TV to championship gold as part of new-look WWE NXT". The Sporting News. 20 October 2021. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
- ^ "Matty Farrelly- IMDb". IMDb. 26 December 2021. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
- ^ Staff, Www.thesmackdownhotel.com (24 February 2024). "Grayson Waller". Www.thesmackdownhotel.com. Retrieved 24 February 2024.
- ^ Staff, Www.thesmackdownhotel.com. "Grayson Waller". Www.thesmackdownhotel.com. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
- ^ "Sydney History teacher turned pro WWE wrestler opens up about his career". Sydney Morning Herald. 16 March 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
- ^ "Roasted Podcast: WWE Superstar Grayson Waller on Apple Podcasts".
- ^ a b c "CAGEMATCH » Wrestlers Database »Grayson Waller» Titles". cagematch.net. Cagematch. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
- ^ "Kings Of The Castle 2018". Cagematch. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ "Awards Grayson Waller". Cagematch. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ "Wrestling GO! Luchamania Tour". Cagematch. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ "Male Wrestler Of The Year Award". Cagematch. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ "Match Of The Year Award". Cagematch. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ "Rivalry Of The Year Award". Cagematch. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ Russell, Skylar (10 December 2022). "Grayson Waller Wins Men's Iron Survivor Challenge At NXT Deadline 2022". Fightful. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
External links
[edit]- Grayson Waller's profile at WWE , Cagematch, Wrestlingdata, Internet Wrestling Database
- Grayson Waller at IMDb
- Grayson Waller on Twitter
Grayson Waller
View on GrokipediaEarly life and background
Upbringing in Australia
Matthew Farrelly, known professionally as Grayson Waller, was born on March 21, 1990, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.[8] He was raised in Sydney, where he developed an interest in Australia's sports culture, particularly as a dedicated fan of the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Sydney Roosters.[8][13] As a youth, Farrelly showed an early interest in combat sports, participating in the Australian Golden Gloves boxing competition.[8]Education and pre-wrestling pursuits
Waller pursued higher education with a focus on history, particularly ancient history encompassing themes of combat such as the Spartans, ancient Rome, and the Colosseum.[7] This academic interest in fighting and competition laid an early foundation for his later athletic pursuits.[7] Before transitioning to full-time professional wrestling, Waller established a career in education as a high school history teacher at De La Salle Catholic College Revesby Heights, a secondary school for boys in New South Wales.[14] He also worked as a full-time substitute teacher specializing in history, often described as an engaging educator who made lessons interactive and enjoyable for students.[14] These roles occupied his weekdays while he began exploring wrestling on weekends, providing him with skills in public speaking and crowd management that proved valuable in his athletic endeavors.[14] In addition to his teaching, Waller built a physical foundation through amateur boxing, competing in the Australian Golden Gloves tournaments.[8] This experience honed his striking abilities and resilience, contributing to the combat-oriented approach he would later adopt in wrestling.[15] Waller's entry into wrestling around 2017 was motivated by his longstanding passion for hitting, competition, and physical contact, elements he had long admired through his historical studies and boxing background.[7] Personal aspirations to channel this energy into a professional athletic career, influenced by the entertainment and spectacle of the sport, prompted him to leave teaching and pursue wrestling opportunities in Australia.[7]Professional wrestling career
Independent circuit (2017–2021)
Farrelly made his professional wrestling debut on April 15, 2017, under the ring name Matty Wahlberg, at a Newcastle Pro Wrestling event in New South Wales, Australia, where he competed in his first match against SnapChad.[16] He quickly established himself on the Australian independent scene, training under Robbie Eagles and Madison Eagles while performing for promotions such as Pro Wrestling Australia (PWA) and Newcastle Pro Wrestling.[17] Early in his career, Wahlberg formed tag teams like the Natural Born Athletes with Carter Deams, showcasing his athleticism through high-flying maneuvers and building a foundation in regional events.[18] By 2018, Wahlberg had aligned with groups such as The BABES and Generation NOW in PWA, adopting a cocky, self-absorbed heel persona that positioned him as an arrogant upstart mocking opponents and fans alike.[19] This character resonated strongly, leading to title opportunities; he captured the Newcastle Pro Wrestling Middleweight Championship and shared in the 2018 Kings of the Castle tournament victory.[18] In 2019, Wahlberg reached a career highlight by winning the PWA Colosseum Tournament, defeating a field of competitors in a single-elimination format to claim the Green Thunder sword, solidifying his status as a top singles competitor.[20] That same year, he pursued the PWA Heavyweight Championship in a high-profile feud with champion Caveman Ugg, culminating in multiple intense matches that highlighted his technical prowess and showmanship.[21] Wahlberg expanded his reach into Melbourne City Wrestling (MCW) in 2019, debuting on June 8 at the Tensions Rising event with a victory over a veteran opponent, which propelled him into a heated rivalry with Intercommonwealth Champion Danny Psycho.[22] The feud escalated through promos and confrontations, with Wahlberg challenging for the title at MCW New Horizons on August 31, entering with theatrical flair including a fight robe and Apollo Creed-inspired attire, though he ultimately fell short in the main event bout.[23] This storyline exemplified his heel development, drawing on his real-life villainous portrayal from the Australian Survivor: Champions vs. Contenders reality series to amplify his in-ring arrogance.[23] The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted the Australian independent wrestling landscape in 2020 and early 2021, canceling numerous events and limiting live audiences, which forced Wahlberg to adapt through virtual appearances and reduced bookings.[24] Despite these challenges, he continued competing in select shows, such as settling a personal rivalry with Dirty Harry stemming from their Survivor history in a March 2020 match.[25] The downtime ultimately facilitated WWE tryouts, as Wahlberg, a fixture on the indie circuit since his 2017 debut, signed a developmental contract with the promotion in March 2021 after impressing scouts with his consistent performances and championship pursuits across multiple Australian promotions.[24]WWE NXT (2021–2023)
Waller signed with WWE in early 2021 and began training at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.[26] He made his in-ring debut for the promotion on the June 11, 2021, episode of 205 Live, defeating Sunil Singh in a singles match.[27] Following several appearances on 205 Live, Waller transitioned to WWE's developmental brand NXT, where he competed in his first televised match on the September 28 episode, unsuccessfully challenging Roderick Strong for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship.[28] In NXT, Waller quickly established himself as an arrogant, trash-talking heel with a charismatic "Aussie Icon" persona, often using sharp promos and customized entrances featuring remixed popular songs to mock his opponents and draw heat from the crowd.[3] His rise gained momentum through high-profile feuds, including a heated rivalry with LA Knight that began in late 2021 with parking lot ambushes and escalated into multiple singles and multi-man matches throughout 2022, such as a triple threat bout also involving Solo Sikoa on November 9, 2021.[29] Waller also pursued the NXT Championship, earning a title shot against champion Bron Breakker after winning the inaugural men's Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline on December 10, 2022, by scoring the most points in the timed elimination-style match against Carmelo Hayes, Joe Gacy, and JD McDonagh.[30] Though he fell short in the subsequent championship defense on the January 10, 2023, episode of NXT, the opportunity solidified his status as a top contender.[31] Waller further elevated his profile by debuting his in-ring talk show segment, The Grayson Waller Effect, on the August 23, 2022, episode of NXT, featuring Apollo Crews as the inaugural guest in a confrontational interview that highlighted Waller's provocative hosting style.[32] The segment became a recurring fixture, often used to build storylines and generate buzz ahead of major events. During this period, Waller participated in NXT's flagship premium live events, including a fatal five-way ladder match for the NXT North American Championship at Stand & Deliver on April 2, 2022, where he competed alongside Cameron Grimes, Carmelo Hayes, Santos Escobar, and Solo Sikoa but did not capture the title.[33] He returned to the event the following year on April 1, 2023, facing Johnny Gargano in an unsanctioned match stemming from a personal feud that saw Waller target Gargano's family, resulting in a hard-fought loss after interference from Candice LeRae.[34]WWE SmackDown and main roster (2023–present)
Following his successful tenure in NXT, Grayson Waller was selected by SmackDown during the 2023 WWE Draft on April 28, 2023, marking his transition to the main roster.[35] Shortly after arriving on the blue brand, Waller aligned with fellow SmackDown competitor Austin Theory, forming the tag team A-Town Down Under in late September 2023.[36] The duo quickly established themselves as arrogant heels, leveraging their shared self-absorbed personas to mock opponents and fans alike, with Waller often leading promos that highlighted their perceived superiority.[36] A-Town Down Under pursued tag team gold throughout late 2023 and early 2024, entering several multi-team matches but falling short until WrestleMania XL on April 6, 2024, where they captured the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship in a Six-Pack Tag Team Ladder Match, defeating teams including The Judgment Day, Awesome Truth, and DIY.[37] Their 90-day reign included one successful defense against The Street Profits on the May 3, 2024, episode of SmackDown, showcasing Waller's high-flying offense and Theory's power moves in a hard-fought bout.[38] The titles were lost to DIY on July 5, 2024, ending their championship run,[39] after which the team continued competing in tag division contention matches, such as losses to The Usos on March 24, 2025,[40] and The Street Profits in the August 2024 WWE Tag Team Title No. 1 Contender's Tournament. By July 22, 2025, the partnership dissolved when Waller announced Theory's injury on Raw, effectively ending A-Town Down Under amid growing tensions and Waller's pivot toward individual opportunities.[41] Waller maintained his in-ring talk show segment, The Grayson Waller Effect, upon arriving on SmackDown, adapting its confrontational format to main roster guests and storylines.[3] The show became a platform for key feuds in 2024 and 2025, including a February 24, 2024, edition at Elimination Chamber: Perth co-hosted with Theory featuring Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins, which escalated rivalries with top stars.[42] In 2025, episodes highlighted Waller's post-tag team ambitions, such as a segment inviting NXT Tag Team Champions Fraxiom that underscored his heel tactics amid roster shifts following major drafts and injuries.[43] Transitioning to singles competition in mid-2025 after the tag team's dissolution, Waller embraced an intensified heel role, trash-talking established acts while positioning himself for bigger spots amid WWE's evolving roster dynamics, including new arrivals like Penta and Rey Fenix.[44] This shift led to notable feuds, such as a loss to Penta on the August 4, 2025, episode of Raw, where Waller unsuccessfully vied for New Day affiliation in a high-energy clash emphasizing his opportunistic style.[45] He rebounded with a victory over Rey Fenix on the October 18, 2025, episode of WWE Main Event in Perth, Australia, debuting a new finisher to a supportive home crowd and fueling his momentum.[46] As of November 2025, Waller aligned with The New Day, appearing in their corner during matches, and continued his singles push with a loss to Otis on the November 8, 2025, episode of WWE Main Event.[47][48] Throughout this period, Waller expressed ambitions for a Premium Live Event match in Australia, citing it as a personal 2025 goal to headline in his homeland, though it remained unfulfilled as of November 15, 2025.[49]In-ring persona and style
Character development
Grayson Waller's on-screen persona originated in WWE NXT as a cocky heel known as the "Aussie Icon," drawing heavily from Australian cultural stereotypes of brashness and unapologetic confidence. Influenced by his Sydney upbringing and the local independent scene, particularly Pro Wrestling Australia (PWA), Waller incorporated authentic Aussie slang, quick-talking bravado, and cultural nods like the "shoey" to embody a loud, overconfident everyman who positions himself as Australia's representative in wrestling.[50][51] This arrogance was amplified through his NXT talk show segments, where his sharp-witted, provocative promos established him as an antagonist who belittled opponents and fans alike, reflecting a "big energy" Aussie archetype.[51] Upon his main roster debut in 2023, Waller's character evolved to emphasize social media savvy and celebrity-targeted jabs, refining his heel role into that of a smug influencer who thrives on viral controversy. This was exemplified by his ongoing references to a 2023 feud with Taylor Swift fans, where he mocked her personally, leading to real-world backlash from Swifties and even threats of confrontation from her partner Travis Kelce, which he later claimed heightened his "love to hate" appeal.[10] By 2025, reconciliation with Swift was announced, but the incidents underscored his persona's shift toward pop culture antagonism, blending NXT's foundational arrogance with broader entertainment critiques. Waller's character underwent notable shifts in dynamics, transitioning from a solo heel in NXT to a tag team role as part of A-Town Down Under with Austin Theory starting in 2023, where their partnership highlighted shared self-absorbed traits in comedic, arrogant vignettes. The duo captured the WWE Tag Team Championship, but the alliance dissolved in mid-2025 following Theory's on-screen injury angle, leading Waller to join The New Day as "Big G" in July 2025.[2][41][47] This move to a new faction reinforced his core persona as a braggart entertainer, critiquing the industry in promos and social media posts about fan tolerance for "mediocrity."[52] Fan reception has solidified Waller's status as a polarizing "love to hate" figure, with his unfiltered promos earning boos for perceived arrogance while drawing cheers in Australia for national pride. In 2025 interviews, he highlighted the WWE roster's depth as "the most stacked it's ever been," yet used segments to jab at underutilized talent, enhancing his role as a vocal agitator who resonates through controversy rather than universal acclaim.[11][53]Signature moves and matches
Grayson Waller stands at 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) and weighs 205 lb (93 kg), employing a wrestling style that blends technical brawling with flamboyant, high-impact maneuvers designed to accentuate his arrogant persona.[17] His approach emphasizes fluid transitions between strikes, grapples, and aerial elements, often incorporating taunts to draw crowd reactions mid-match.[54] Waller's signature moves include the superkick, delivered with precision to stagger opponents, and various cutter variations that showcase his athleticism. His primary finisher, known as the Rolling Thunder Stunner (also referred to as Waller Time), is a somersaulting stunner executed from a rolling position, allowing for dynamic setups from the mat or ropes.[3] He frequently integrates trash-talking elements into his offense, such as verbal jabs during holds or before strikes, enhancing the psychological edge of his bouts. Among Waller's notable matches, his 2022 Iron Survivor Challenge victory at NXT Deadline highlighted his resilience in the multi-man survival format, earning him a future title opportunity. In 2023 and 2024, as part of the tag team A-Town Down Under with Austin Theory, he participated in several WWE Tag Team Championship defenses, including a successful retainal against The Street Profits on the May 3, 2024, episode of SmackDown.[55][56] A standout 2025 singles match saw Waller defeat Rey Fénix on the October 18 episode of WWE Main Event, utilizing his technical prowess to counter Fénix's high-flying offense in a fast-paced encounter.[57] Waller's entrance themes have evolved to complement his music-influenced persona, starting with "Say So" during his NXT tenure for a upbeat, confident vibe, and transitioning to "Eye On The Prize" upon main roster promotion in 2023, which features bolder production.[58] Accompanying pyrotechnics have grown more elaborate over time, incorporating synchronized bursts and spotlights that mimic a concert setup, reinforcing his self-proclaimed status as an entertainer in the ring.[59]Other media
The Grayson Waller Effect
The Grayson Waller Effect is a recurring WWE interview segment hosted by Grayson Waller, debuting on the August 23, 2022, episode of NXT in a late-night talk show format where Waller poses provocative questions to guests, often sparking tension or confrontations. The inaugural episode featured Apollo Crews, with Waller grilling him on his intentions in NXT 2.0, establishing the segment's style of blending humor, arrogance, and storyline advancement.[32][60] During its NXT run, the show hosted multiple wrestlers to build hype for events, such as featuring all qualified participants for the Men's Iron Survivor Challenge ahead of NXT Deadline 2022.[61] Following Waller's call-up to the main roster, The Grayson Waller Effect transitioned to SmackDown, premiering on the May 19, 2023, episode with guest AJ Styles, whom Waller interviewed about his ongoing rivalries. The segment quickly became a staple, showcasing high-profile WWE Superstars as guests—including John Cena on September 15, 2023, Logan Paul on June 30, 2023, and Kevin Owens on November 24, 2023—with interactions frequently escalating into brawls or interruptions that advanced feuds.[62][63][64] Other notable appearances included Asuka on June 2, 2023, Charlotte Flair on June 16, 2023, and Bayley and Iyo Sky on August 4, 2023, often highlighting Waller's heelish banter.[65] In 2024, key episodes intensified the segment's chaotic reputation, such as the May 24 SmackDown installment where LA Knight interrupted Waller, Austin Theory, and Carmelo Hayes, roasting Waller before trashing the set in a brawl-fueled confrontation.[66][67] Additional highlights included #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) on June 14 and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes on August 23, where Waller's taunts generated significant crowd reactions.[68][69] The segment continued into 2025 with episodes like the January 28 NXT appearance featuring Oba Femi and a September 16 clash between Oba Femi and Trick Williams, underscoring its versatility across brands.[70][71] In interviews, Waller has tied the show to his career aspirations, including ambitions for premium live events in Australia, using it to amplify his persona.[72] Overall, The Grayson Waller Effect has elevated Waller's microphone prowess and heel heat, integrating seamlessly into WWE programming by blending entertainment with feud-building opportunities.[3]Additional appearances and endorsements
Waller debuted in the WWE 2K video game series with the 2023 release of WWE 2K23, marking his first inclusion as a playable character complete with his signature moveset and entrance.[73] He returned in WWE 2K24 the following year, featuring a custom entrance cinematic that highlighted his in-ring persona.[74] His appearances continued into WWE 2K25, solidifying his presence in the franchise's annual installments.[75] In November 2025, Waller made headlines with a personal appearance meeting Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at a public event, following a 2023 online feud where he drew backlash from Swift's fans for critical comments about her.[76] The encounter resolved any lingering tension, as Waller later confirmed the positive interaction in interviews.[10] That same year, he discussed WWE's stacked roster and its transition to Netflix streaming, emphasizing the company's top entertainers in media appearances.[77] Waller's social media engagement has seen notable growth from 2023 to 2025, fueled by viral X posts critiquing wrestling trends and high-profile moments like his Swift comments, which amplified his online reach. These interactions, including ongoing commentary on WWE's global expansion, have helped cultivate a dedicated following leveraging his brash persona.[78]Personal life
Family and relationships
Grayson Waller, whose real name is Matthew Farrelly, is currently single and has not publicly confirmed any marriage or long-term romantic partner as of 2025.[79] After signing with WWE in 2021, Waller relocated from his native Australia to the United States to focus on his professional wrestling career, a move that separated him from his immediate family who remain in Australia. He has openly discussed the personal toll of this transition, noting the sacrifices of leaving behind friends and family, including missing weddings and other significant events due to his rigorous travel demands.[80] Waller has not made public mentions of having children, and details about his extended family remain private. To balance his international WWE schedule, he cherishes opportunities to return to Australia for events, such as the 2025 Crown Jewel and subsequent shows in Perth, where he reconnects with his roots and local supporters.[81]Interests and philanthropy
Prior to his full-time wrestling career, Waller worked as a substitute high school history teacher in Australia, a role that reflected his early academic passion for the subject, though he has not publicly detailed ongoing pursuits in historical studies or recommendations in recent interviews.[82] Waller's affinity for music and pop culture is evident in his WWE entrance theme, "Eye on the Prize" by Def Rebel, which has become a staple of his performances since 2021.[58] This interest extends to broader celebrity interactions, including a high-profile 2023 online feud with Taylor Swift fans that led him to jokingly anticipate a confrontation with her partner, NFL player Travis Kelce; in November 2025, Waller confirmed he had reconciled with Swift after meeting her and Kelce at a party, describing them as "super chill".[83][10] In 2025, he continued engaging with pop culture through commentary on influencer boxing matches, criticizing how figures like Logan Paul have elevated expectations for celebrity crossovers in wrestling.[84] Waller's philanthropic efforts have centered on WWE-supported initiatives benefiting children and veterans. In October 2025, during WWE's events in Perth, Australia, he visited Perth Children's Hospital to interact with patients and assisted in packing Supertees for Telethon, a major Australian charity fundraiser for sick children.[85] Earlier that year, in May 2025, he participated in a WWE collaboration with the Bob Woodruff Foundation to honor U.S. veterans, highlighting his involvement in community support events.[86] His lifestyle emphasizes rigorous fitness routines rooted in his background as a former Golden Gloves boxer in Australia, which informs his high-intensity training.[13] Waller maintains peak physical condition through gym sessions, running, and collaborations like his 2024 shoulder workout appearance on Sheamus's Celtic Warrior Workouts series, crediting these habits for achieving what he describes as the best shape of his career in 2025.[87]Championships and accomplishments
Title reigns
Grayson Waller's professional wrestling career includes four significant championship reigns across independent promotions and WWE, spanning a total of 888 days as champion up to November 2025. His first major title win occurred in the Australian independent scene, where he captured the Wrestling GO! Silver Medal Championship on January 14, 2018. This reign lasted 336 days until he lost the title on December 16, 2018.[88] Waller captured the Future Wrestling Australia (FWA) Heavyweight Championship on September 29, 2018, by defeating Kingston Eclipse and Jason Dewhurst in a three-way match. This reign lasted 196 days until he lost the title to Robbie Eagles on April 13, 2019. During this period, Waller defended the championship successfully on multiple occasions, establishing himself as a top heel in the Australian circuit.[18][89] Prior to his WWE signing, Waller also secured the Newcastle Pro Wrestling (Newy Pro) Middleweight Championship on July 14, 2018, winning a three-way ladder match against Concrete Davidson and Adam Hoffman. This reign endured for 266 days, ending on April 6, 2019, when he dropped the title to Adam Hoffman. These early reigns contributed to his reputation as a versatile performer before transitioning to WWE in 2021. Waller made multiple successful defenses during this run, highlighting his technical prowess and showmanship in multi-man stipulations.[18][89] In WWE, Waller's sole major title reign came as part of the tag team A-Town Down Under alongside Austin Theory. They won the WWE Tag Team Championship (formerly the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, renamed during their tenure) on April 6, 2024, at WrestleMania XL in a Six-Pack Ladder Match, defeating teams such as The Street Profits, DIY, and The New Day. The 90-day reign concluded on July 5, 2024, when they lost to DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) on SmackDown. A-Town Down Under made one successful defense during this run, retaining against The Street Profits on April 19, 2024, in a match that showcased their opportunistic style and interference tactics. As of November 2025, Waller has not captured any additional WWE titles, with his overall record in title matches standing at 4 wins and 4 losses across all promotions.[90][91]| Championship | Reign Number | Date Won | Date Lost | Duration (Days) | Successful Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrestling GO! Silver Medal Championship | 1 | January 14, 2018 | December 16, 2018 | 336 | Multiple[88] |
| FWA Heavyweight Championship | 1 | September 29, 2018 | April 13, 2019 | 196 | Multiple[89] |
| Newy Pro Middleweight Championship | 1 | July 14, 2018 | April 6, 2019 | 266 | Multiple[89] |
| WWE Tag Team Championship (w/ Austin Theory) | 1 | April 6, 2024 | July 5, 2024 | 90 | 1 (vs. The Street Profits)[90] |
Awards and nominations
Grayson Waller has received several accolades throughout his professional wrestling career, primarily from independent promotions in Australia and rankings by Pro Wrestling Illustrated, as well as a notable nomination in WWE's Slammy Awards.[54][92][93] In 2018, Waller won the Wrestling GO! Year End Award for Male Wrestler of the Year, recognizing his standout performance in the Australian independent scene that year.[54][92] He also secured tournament victories, including the Newy Pro Kings of the Castle in 2018 alongside Carter Deams and the PWA Black Label Colosseum Tournament in 2019, highlighting his competitive prowess in multi-man formats.[54][94] Waller's success continued in WWE's developmental brand, where he won the inaugural Men's Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline in 2022, earning a future title opportunity against the NXT Champion and establishing him as a top contender.[30] Pro Wrestling Illustrated has ranked Waller in its annual PWI 500 list of top singles wrestlers multiple times, reflecting his rising profile:| Year | Ranking |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 439 |
| 2022 | 323 |
| 2024 | 261 |