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Lance Kurtis McNaught (March 2, 1981 – August 13, 2010) was an American professional wrestler. He was best known for his time in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) where he performed under the ring names Garrison Cade and Lance Cade.

Key Information

After being trained by Shawn Michaels, Cade made his debut in 1999 and worked in Japan before being signed to a developmental contract in February 2000 by WWE. He was assigned to Memphis Championship Wrestling, and later Heartland Wrestling Association, before ending up in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) in 2003. In OVW, he formed a tag team with Mark Jindrak, and they were promoted to the Raw brand in June 2003. In 2004, the team split up, and Cade took time off after a knee injury, before returning to Raw with new tag partner Trevor Murdoch. The pair teamed together for almost three years and won the World Tag Team Championship three times before they broke up in May 2008. Cade then entered a storyline with Chris Jericho and Michaels, however, he was released in October 2008.

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

Early career (1999–2001)

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Cade started his wrestling career by becoming a student of Shawn Michaels at the Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy in San Antonio, Texas in 1999.[2][6][9]

Cade and fellow wrestler Bryan Danielson went to Japan on December 1, 1999. They competed in Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW).[9][10] Cade and Danielson worked as a tag team for a while before they went their separate ways; Cade stayed in FMW and faced off against Extreme Championship Wrestling wrestler Balls Mahoney in tag team matches and a three-way dance against another FMW wrestler. Cade left FMW after he was defeated by Mahoney in a three-way dance on February 25, 2000, also involving Crazy Boy.[11]

World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment (2001–2008)

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Heartland Wrestling Association (2001–2002)

[edit]

After Cade signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), he was sent to Memphis Championship Wrestling in 2001.[12] During the summer of that same year, he was moved to Les Thatcher's Heartland Wrestling Association (HWA).[9] Cade quickly formed a tag-team with Surfer Cody Hawk, but the team split after only a few months when Cade joined the World Championship Wrestling camp in HWA's Invasion angle.[12] Cade aligned with Mike Sanders, a former WCW wrestler.[12] The downfall of the team came on February 13, 2002, when Lance Cade and Mike Sanders defeated Val Venis and Steve Bradley to win the HWA Tag-Team titles.[13] Cade and Sanders broke up that very day, and the titles were vacated.[12][13] The next week, Cade faced Sanders and defeated him in a singles match, giving Cade the belts.[13] Cade then chose Steve Bradley to be his new partner.[13] However, Cade and Bradley had problems defeating WWF competition, as Hugh Morrus and Raven defeated on March 12, 2002, for the titles.[13] Cade and Bradley, however, won the HWA Tag Titles three days later.[13]

In April 2002, Cade's first HWA tag-team partner returned, as Cody Hawk and the Ice Cream Man defeated Cade and Bradley for the tag-team titles.[12] Cade and Bradley tried for the next month to get the titles back, even winning a tag team championship contendership match to get another shot, but never managed to get the titles back.[12] On May 19, 2002, Cade defeated Johnny the Bull to become the HWA Heavyweight Champion.[14] Cade defended the title for 2 months before Johnny the Bull won the title back on July 20.[14] On the same night, however, Cade defeated Johnny in a second match, becoming the 2-time Heavyweight Champion.[14] This reign lasted only one day, as Cade, lost his title to Cody Hawk.[14]

Ohio Valley Wrestling (2003–2004)

[edit]

During the summer of 2002, the HWA was dropped as a developmental territory by the renamed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), but Cade was transferred over to WWE's main developmental company, Ohio Valley Wrestling when he signed a developmental contract in 2003.[9] Cade continued to search for a strong tag-team partner to work with. He found René Duprée and both joined Kenny Bolin's Bolin Services.[4][15] The two worked as a tag-team throughout most of their stay in OVW.

In the OVW Tag Team Championship Tournament contested in February/March 2003, Cade and Duprée defeated Matt Morgan and BJ Payne, but could not beat the Disciples of Synn in the finals.[16] Cade and Duprée had another shot at Spring Break-Out 2003, but the current champions at the time were WWE regulars The APA, and Cade and Duprée could not overcome the odds.[17] Mark Jindrak later joined Bolin Services. Duprée appeared in WWE only a few weeks after their title shot. Cade continued tagging with Mark Jindrak, but was promoted to the Raw brand in June 2003 under the name, Garrison Cade.

Teaming with Mark Jindrak; return to Ohio Valley Wrestling (2003–2005)

[edit]
Cade slaps opponent Shelton Benjamin prior to a match.

Cade debuted on an episode of Sunday Night Heat against Lance Storm on June 1, who forced him to submit to the Sharpshooter. The next week on Raw, he faced Storm in a re-match.[2] Stone Cold Steve Austin came out interrupted, chanting the word "Boring", and Storm became distracted, allowing Cade to sneak in and get the victory. Soon afterwards, Cade again found a tag-team partner in Mark Jindrak and began to challenge for the World Tag Team Championship.[2][9] The belts were being held by former Cade ally René Duprée and his new partner Sylvain Grenier, a unit collectively known as La Résistance.

Over the next few months, Cade and Jindrak fought against many different teams, from La Resistance and the face gimmicks of the Dudley Boyz to battles against the top heels on Raw, Evolution. The duo also formed a semi-partnership with then babyface, Maven, helping each other out on occasion. Cade and Jindrak soon began to be known more for their cheating ways, however, rather than their abilities. This led them to turn heel and be entered into the Tag-Team Turmoil Match at Armageddon for the World Tag Team Championship.[18] They came in from the crowd when their turn hit and quickly rolled up The Hurricane to eliminate him and Rosey. Cade and Jindrak next faced a face gimmick of Lance Storm and Val Venis, and Cade tripped up Venis from the outside on a suplex attempt, then held onto Venis' legs while Jindrak made the pinfall. The next team to come down were the Dudley Boyz, who eventually took out Jindrak with the 3-D to eliminate the boys. The duo got some revenge, though, attacking the Dudley Boyz after the match before leaving, making it harder for the Dudley Boyz to come out victorious (which they did not, losing at the end to then heels, Ric Flair and Batista).

Going into 2004, Cade and Jindrak continued to work together as a team, firmly entrenched in the mid-card ranks. The team got a win in March 2004, when they defeated The Hurricane and Rosey to earn a shot at the World Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania XX. Cade and Jindrak entered a four-way tag match against the champions, then babyface, Booker T and Rob Van Dam, and the other two competing teams, La Résistance and the Dudley Boyz. Cade and Jindrak lost the match, though, after Rob Van Dam pinned Rob Conway.[19]

After Jindrak was drafted to the SmackDown! brand, Cade briefly associated himself with Jonathan Coachman,[2] helping Coachman get a win over Tajiri at Backlash.[20] Cade later teamed up with Coachman at Vengeance to take on the debuting team of Rhyno and Tajiri. Cade and Coachman lost the match, and Cade was taken off WWE television after an injury in July 2004.[21] While off WWE television for quite some time, Cade returned to OVW in 2005 under his former ring name Lance Cade in order begin a return to the main roster. Cade sided with The Blueprint Matt Morgan and Vengeance against the OVW Heavyweight Champion Elijah Burke. In February 2005, Cade took on Burke in a $5,000 Bounty Match, but was defeated.

Cade faded into the background for the next few weeks, eventually making his return to the ring at the June 3 OVW Summer Sizzler Series 2005 show, taking on Al Snow. While Cade brought his cowboy hat with him, Snow brought Head, routinely turning to the mannequin head for guidance. During the match, when Cade was knocked to the outside, Snow destroyed Cade's hat, stomping on it. This made the match more personal to Cade, but in the end, Snow knocked out Cade with Head, getting the victory. Later that night, Cade interfered in the Brent Albright/Elijah Burke OVW Heavyweight Title match, with Cade attacking the champion, Albright. The two foes had a No Disqualification, Loser Must Tap Out Match at the OVW Summer Sizzler Series 2005 show on June 17, 2005. Cade tried to pin Albright early in the match. The ref did not allow it, causing a shoving match between the two. Later in the match, Albright got his Crowbar submission on Cade, but Cade escaped, then appeared to be leaving, with Albright chasing him down. Albright got the Crowbar applied on Cade again, right on the ramp. With nowhere to go, Cade was forced to tap, losing to Albright.

Teaming with Trevor Murdoch (2005–2008)

[edit]
Main article: Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch
Cade (left) with his then tag team partner, Trevor Murdoch in 2005.

On August 22, 2005, a promo was shown on Raw showcasing a long-haired Cade, who was soon to be returning with tag team partner Trevor Murdoch. The promo showed Cade and Murdoch portraying rednecks, with Cade (who retained his real first name) playing the role of a smooth-talking cowboy while Murdoch was depicted as an angry Southern trucker.

Cade and Murdoch debuted as a team on Raw on September 5, 2005.[5] They defeated the World Tag Team Champions, the Hurricane and Rosey in a non-title match.[22] This earned them a World Tag Team title shot at Unforgiven. During the title match, Murdoch delivered an elevated DDT on The Hurricane to the outside. The DDT caused Hurricane to suffer a kayfabe stinger. It also allowed Cade and Murdoch to defeat Hurricane and Rosey for the World Tag Team championships.[23] They defended against random teams on Raw for the next month before losing the titles to Big Show and Kane at Taboo Tuesday.[24] After losing in a rematch on the November 7 episode of Raw,[25] Cade and Murdoch began to be squashed by other tag teams, before wrestling singles matches.[26]

On the November 28 episode of Raw, it was announced that Cade and Murdoch had parted ways as a tag team.[27] The next week, Cade debuted with the gimmick of a "Refined Southern Gentleman," wearing new tights with rhinestones on them as well as his new jacket he wore to the ring. Cade was relegated to Heat, making very few appearances on Raw at the end of 2005. He had a chance to get into the 2006 Royal Rumble, competing with Rob Conway and Gregory Helms against the Big Show in a Second Chance Battle Royal. However, The Big Show won the spot in the Rumble.[28]

Eventually, the Cade and Murdoch tandem reformed as they were seen helping Chris Masters and Carlito attack Kane. On the edition of April 14 of Heat, it was announced that Cade and Murdoch were reuniting as a tag team after Murdoch helped Cade defeat Goldust. Cade also debuted another slight change with wet hair and shorter tights with a design similar to when he was teaming with Murdoch. On the edition of May 19 of Heat Cade and Murdoch officially reformed their tag team by facing and defeating Charlie Haas and Viscera.

Cade and Murdoch next entered a short-lived feud against D-Generation X (Triple H and Shawn Michaels). It started when Cade and Murdoch ambushed Shawn Michaels and Triple H, before Triple H's match with Vince McMahon on the September 11 episode of Raw.[29] Cade and Murdoch continued to battle DX, until they were defeated in a street fight, ending the feud on the October 9 episode of Raw.[30]

Cade leaps to deliver a dropkick to Shelton Benjamin in 2007.

After biding much of their time on Raw's sister show Heat, Cade and Murdoch began a feud in April with World Tag Team Champions The Hardys, leading to their title match at Backlash, which The Hardys won.[31] In the storyline, Cade and Murdoch suddenly gained a great deal of respect for The Hardys and began to praise their abilities.[32] The Hardys then began an alliance with Cade and Murdoch. Despite the alliance, Cade and Murdoch faced The Hardys in a rematch at Judgment Day which The Hardys won.[33] On the edition of June 4 of Raw, Cade and Murdoch were given another shot at the World Tag Team Championship against The Hardys and were successful, becoming two time World Tag Team Champions.[34] When Cade made the pin on Jeff Hardy, Hardy's foot was on the ropes but was pushed off by Murdoch. After the match, when Matt Hardy argued with Cade and Murdoch, they attacked Matt and Jeff with the tag belts, becoming heels again. At Vengeance: Night of Champions, Cade and Murdoch defeated the Hardys to retain the gold after Cade pinned Jeff.[35] Cade along with Murdoch lost the titles at a house show on September 5 to Paul London and Brian Kendrick on a South Africa tour.[36] Later on, in that same tour, Cade and Murdoch won the titles back.[36] After 93 days, their third reign came to an end on December 10 at the Raw XV anniversary, when they lost the championship to the team of Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes.[8][37][38] On December 28, Cade separated his shoulder at a house show in Atlanta, and was inactive for the next month.[39] Cade made his return, teaming with Murdoch, on the February 4 episode of Raw, in a losing effort to Holly and Rhodes.[40]

Late in April 2008, Murdoch began to develop a country singing gimmick.[41] On the May 12 episode of Raw, Cade turned on Murdoch following a "victory song," punching Murdoch in the face twice, ending the partnership.[42][43] The two faced off on the edition of June 2, 2008 of Raw, with Cade getting the victory to end their feud.[44]

Alliance with Chris Jericho and departure (2008)

[edit]

Cade formed an alliance with Chris Jericho on the June 16 airing of Raw when he assisted Jericho in laying out John Cena and Triple H.[45] In the following weeks, Cade began accompanying Jericho to the ring for his matches, becoming a protégé of sorts and aiding him in his feud with Shawn Michaels.[46] Cade claimed that, being a former protégé of Michaels, he was not going to wait for him to turn on him like Michaels did several past partners.

At a Raw house show in early August, Cade suffered a broken nose in a match against Paul London, who was also busted open as a result of a botched move. Cade returned to in-ring action on Raw on September 22 in a handicap match with Jericho and John "Bradshaw" Layfield, defeating Michaels and Batista, with Cade pinning his former mentor. Michaels would then defeat Cade one-on-one in a no disqualification match on the October 6 episode, in what was Cade's last appearance.[8][47] On October 14, 2008, Cade was released from his WWE contract.[48] Jim Ross later stated that "he made a major league mistake while utilizing bad judgment" and that it was instrumental to his departure, also noting that Cade having a seizure on a plane and needed emergency medical care.[49]

Independent circuit (2008–2010)

[edit]
Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch at NWA Showcase.

Less than a week after Cade's release, he began accepting bookings with Trevor Murdoch as a team on the independent circuit, including Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South as well as NWA Showcase.

Cade returned to Japan in December 2008 teaming with his former tag team partner René Duprée for Hustle on December 24 and 25. They appeared as masked wrestlers, Dyna and Might Sharpe, a parody of the Sharpe Brothers. The team defeated Tenyru and Koshinaka both nights. Five nights later they had their third and final match with Tenyru and Koshinaka and HUSTLEMANIA in a losing effort. Cade returned as "Cowboy" Cade, his former WWE character, on February 19 at Korakuen Hall to defeat the tag team of Tajiri and Akebono when Cade pinned Tajiri. On February 22, Cade defeated Akebono in a singles match in the main event of Hustle's debut show in Chiba, Japan.

Cade was scheduled to face NWA North American Heavyweight Champion Apollo in an NWA On Fire event on August 22, 2009, but was unable to attend due to a family emergency. He wrestled Trevor Murdoch at a World Stars of Wrestling event in September 2009.

In September 2009, Cade was re-signed by WWE, appearing in its developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling, but was released in April 2010 without returning to the main roster.[8]

All Japan Pro Wrestling (2010)

[edit]
See also: Voodoo Murders

In May 2010, Cade began wrestling for All Japan Pro Wrestling, where he joined the Voodoo Murders stable. He participated in AJPW's "Rise Up" and "Cross Over" tours. He primarily wrestled alongside his stablemates such as René Duprée, Hate, Minoru, and TARU in tag team matches and six-man tag team matches. He wrestled what became the final match of his career on July 4, 2010, defeating Seiya Sanada. At the time of his death, he had been scheduled to challenge for the World Tag Team Championship alongside René Duprée.[50][51]

Personal life

[edit]

McNaught married Tanya Gonzalez on June 14, 2000, but they divorced on May 16, 2006.[52][53] In September 2008, he and Tanya remarried in Las Vegas, NV, and they remained married until his death in 2010. He had two daughters, Natallye and Laryssa, and a stepson named Brian.[7][50] Tanya is the daughter of professional wrestler Black Gordman.[7] In January 2010, McNaught attended rehabilitation, and completed a 30-day program in February.[50]

Death

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Wikinews has related news:

McNaught died on August 13, 2010, at the age of 29 of apparent heart failure in San Antonio, Texas.[54][8] His wife Tanya had noticed that he was not looking well in the week prior to his death. He was taken to a hospital on August 10, 2010, with difficulty breathing, but discharged himself the next day.[50] Two months later, on October 13, 2010, a staffer of the San Antonio medical examiner said he had accidentally died from "mixed drug intoxication, complicating a cardiomyopathy".[55]

A "Lance Cade Tribute Show" took place on March 5, 2011, at the Texas Wrestling Academy Gym in San Antonio.[56]

Championships and accomplishments

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Cade and Trevor Murdoch were three-time World Tag Team Champions in WWE.

See also

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References

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

Lance Cade

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Lance Kurtis McNaught (March 2, 1981 – August 13, 2010), better known by the ring name Lance Cade, was an American professional wrestler renowned for his work in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). He gained prominence as part of the tag team Cade and Murdoch alongside Trevor Murdoch, capturing the World Tag Team Championship on three occasions between 2005 and 2007. His WWE tenure highlighted his physical prowess and technical skills, though his career was cut short by personal struggles and health issues. Born in , to Harley and Jane McNaught, Cade developed an interest in during his youth. He received formal training at the under the guidance of Hall of Famer , debuting in the independent circuit in 1999. Initially performing under the name Garrison Cade, he competed in promotions like (HWA), where he held the HWA Heavyweight Championship and the HWA Tag Team Championship. Signed to a developmental contract in 2001, Cade honed his abilities in (OVW) before making his main roster debut on the Raw brand in 2005. Cade's partnership with Murdoch quickly elevated their status, as the duo embodied a rugged, cowboy-inspired persona that resonated with audiences. Their first championship reign began at in 2005, defeating , and they defended the titles against various notable teams, including . After their third reign ended in 2007, Cade transitioned to singles competition, facing high-profile opponents including in his final match in 2008. Released from in October 2008, he briefly returned to the developmental (FCW) in 2009 before his second release in April 2010 following a stint in . Tragically, at age 29, Cade died in , , from accidental mixed drug intoxication that complicated his pre-existing , a condition involving a weakened heart. His passing prompted tributes from the wrestling community, including from mentor , underscoring the perils of the industry's demanding lifestyle.

Early life

Birth and family background

Lance Kurtis McNaught, better known by his ring name , was born on March 2, 1981, in , to parents Harley and Jane McNaught. He had a sister, Shelby Beers. His family relocated from to , during his early years, where he spent much of his childhood and completed his basic education at Millard North High School. There, McNaught distinguished himself as an outstanding player, showcasing early athletic talent that influenced his physical development and interests in competitive sports. Details on specific early family dynamics remain limited in public records, though his upbringing in a Midwestern family environment laid the foundation for his later pursuits in athletics.

Wrestling training

Lance Cade began his entry into by enrolling at the Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy in , , in 1999. The school, founded earlier that year by superstar in collaboration with mentors Jose Lothario, Ken Johnson, and Rudy Boy Gonzalez, provided a structured environment for aspiring wrestlers to develop their craft. Cade, originally from , relocated to pursue this training opportunity. Under the direct tutelage of and head trainer Rudy Boy Gonzalez, Cade's regimen focused on building foundational skills essential for the industry. The academy's curriculum covered in-ring techniques, including basic maneuvers and safety protocols, alongside athletic conditioning to enhance strength, endurance, and agility for high-impact performances. Emphasis was placed on in-ring , teaching students how to engage audiences through , pacing, and match structure, drawing from Michaels' extensive experience in character-driven narratives. This holistic approach aimed to prepare trainees not only physically but also mentally for the demands of professional bouts. Cade gained initial ring experience through the academy's internal events and student showcases, allowing him to apply learned fundamentals in controlled settings prior to broader exposure. For instance, he participated in taped matches for the school's Total Impact series, such as a singles bout against Natural Born Thriller on November 20, 1999, which helped refine his timing and adaptability. These style encounters, part of the training process, enabled Cade to experiment with and conditioning under Gonzalez's oversight, fostering rapid progress. By early , after approximately a year of intensive preparation, Cade emerged as one of the academy's inaugural standout graduates, ready for further advancement.

Professional wrestling career

Early career (1999–2001)

Lance Cade made his professional wrestling debut in 1999, performing under his ring name in independent promotions across , where he honed his skills in front of local audiences. He primarily competed for Texas Wrestling Alliance (TWA), a promotion based in , showcasing his athleticism as a brawler and all-rounder in singles matches that emphasized and endurance. On May 9, 2000, Cade captured the TWA Television Championship in , , holding the title for 17 days before losing it to Jeromy Sage on May 26, 2000, which marked an early highlight of his technical growth and in-ring presence. In late 1999, Cade expanded his experience internationally by touring with fellow trainee for (FMW), arriving on December 1, 1999. During this stint, he adapted to FMW's hardcore style, teaming with Danielson in bouts against Japanese competitors; a notable example was their December 11, 1999, match against Naohiko Yamazaki and Yoshinori Sasaki, where they displayed coordinated offense but fell short in the stiff, fast-paced environment. The tour continued into early 2000, including a three-way dance on February 25, 2000, involving and Crazy Boy, exposing Cade to deathmatch elements and further building his reputation for resilience and adaptability in diverse match formats. These early outings in Texas independents and FMW helped Cade establish a solid foundation, earning praise for his physicality and willingness to wrestle in varied styles, which attracted attention from larger promotions by the end of 2000.

Heartland Wrestling Association (2001–2002)

In 2001, Lance Cade signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) following his independent work, and was assigned to the Heartland Wrestling Association (HWA), WWE's Midwestern developmental territory based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Under HWA promoter Les Thatcher, Cade transitioned from his prior experiences to the structured WWE system, which emphasized character development, in-ring psychology, and alignment with the company's high-impact style over independent circuit flair. This period marked his introduction to WWE oversight, where scouts monitored progress through regular evaluations and match bookings designed to refine technical skills and promo abilities. Cade debuted in HWA on September 15, 2001, teaming with Cody Hawk to defeat the Jablonski Brothers in a match, quickly establishing himself in the promotion's competitive tag division. He continued partnering with Hawk through late 2001. Transitioning to singles competition, Cade engaged in various matches. Key feuds emerged, notably a rivalry with his former partner Cody Hawk, stemming from their dissolution; this culminated in intense matches, including a disqualification win over Hawk to retain the HWA Heavyweight Championship on July 16, 2002, amid ongoing tension. Cade had won the HWA Heavyweight Championship on May 19, 2002, by defeating Johnny the Bull. Cade's most significant achievement in HWA came in the tag team ranks, where he captured the HWA Tag Team Championship for the first time on February 13, 2002, partnering with Mike Sanders to defeat and in . The following week, on February 20, Cade turned on Sanders in a singles match to claim sole possession of the titles and selected Bradley as his new partner, a move that solidified their alliance. Together, they regained the championships on March 15, 2002, by defeating and Hugh Morrus in Dayton, holding the belts until losing them to Cody Hawk and (as the Ice Cream Man) on April 6, 2002. These reigns demonstrated Cade's adaptability in team dynamics and contributed to positive evaluations from WWE scouts, who noted his progress in executing coordinated offense and building heel personas suited to the main roster. On October 31, 2001, at HWA's Halloween Bash, Cade and challenged for the HWA Tag Team Championship against champions and but lost by disqualification.

Ohio Valley Wrestling (2003–2005)

Following the closure of WWE's developmental partnership with in the summer of 2002, Lance Cade was reassigned to (OVW), WWE's primary developmental territory, in early 2003. Upon arrival, Cade received an initial singles push, competing in high-profile matches against established talents, including a victory over on January 22, 2003. This period allowed him to showcase his technical skills and power-based style, positioning him as a promising midcard contender within OVW's roster. In mid-2003, Cade aligned with Kenny Bolin's Bolin Services stable and transitioned to competition, partnering with . The duo competed in the tournament, reaching the finals but losing to Chris Cage and on June 27, 2003, during the OVW Summer Sizzler Series. Their run highlighted Cade's versatility as a tag specialist, including standout matches against teams like Nova and Chris Cage, before the pair's promotion to WWE's main roster later that year. After a and the dissolution of his tag team with Jindrak on the main roster in , Cade returned to OVW in early for additional seasoning. Adopting his original and a rugged, Southern-inspired that foreshadowed his later , he engaged in a prominent storyline pursuing a bounty on OVW Heavyweight Champion , culminating in intense confrontations that tested his resilience as a singles competitor. This return emphasized character development and in-ring refinement, preparing him for renewed main roster opportunities.

WWE main roster and tag teams (2005–2008)

Lance Cade made his WWE main roster debut on the September 5, 2005, episode of Raw, partnering with as the Cade and Murdoch, portraying roughneck cowboys from with a Southern drawl that emphasized their brawling style and attitude. In their debut match, they decisively defeated the World Tag Team Champions in a non-title bout, establishing themselves as aggressive heels in the Raw division. The duo quickly rose to prominence, capturing the World Tag Team Championship for the first time on September 18, 2005, at by defeating in a , marking Cade's first title win on the main roster. They defended the belts against notable challengers, including a high-profile feud with the , where Cade and Murdoch's power-based offense clashed with the cheerleader stable's numbers advantage during several Raw episodes in late 2005. Their reign ended on October 30, 2005, at Taboo Tuesday, when they lost to in a match voted by fans, but the loss highlighted their resilience in facing larger opponents. After a period in the midcard, Cade and Murdoch reclaimed the World Tag Team Championship for their second reign on June 4, 2007, defeating on Raw in a hard-fought contest that showcased Cade's technical prowess alongside Murdoch's brawling. They successfully defended the titles at Vengeance later that month against the Hardys in a rematch, solidifying their status as dominant midcard heels with a 93-day reign that included victories over teams like The Highlanders and . The reign concluded on September 5, 2007, at a live event in against , only for Cade and Murdoch to win the belts back three days later on September 8 in , beginning their third and final joint reign of 93 days. During this period, they feuded intensely with London and Kendrick, retaining the titles at events like Night of Champions through strategic double-team maneuvers. By early 2008, tensions within the team surfaced, leading to its dissolution when Cade turned on during a Raw match on January 14, transitioning Cade into a brief singles push as an upper-midcard . Cade aligned with amid Jericho's World Heavyweight Championship feud with , serving as an enforcer and competing in tag matches, including a loss to at No Mercy on October 5, 2008, which elevated his profile through association with top stars before the partnership ended.

Release from WWE and independent circuit (2008–2010)

Cade was released from WWE on October 14, 2008, during a brief singles push aligned with Chris Jericho. The decision stemmed from an in-flight seizure he suffered after a Raw event, attributed by company officials to prescription pill abuse and poor judgment, though Cade had no prior violations of WWE's Wellness Policy. This backstage incident overshadowed his potential, leading to his abrupt departure despite recent television exposure. Following his release, Cade quickly returned to the independent circuit, reuniting with former tag team partner for appearances in (NWA) territories. On November 1, 2008, they competed in an NWA event where Kevin Nash defeated Cade in a singles match. The duo continued work, including a victory over The Dynasty on March 8, 2009, at an NWA taping, adapting their cowboy gimmick to smaller venues while rebuilding momentum outside WWE's structured environment. Cade also made a promotional appearance on New England Championship Wrestling's Mouthpiece Wrestling Show on December 5, 2008, discussing the recent passing of wrestler . In late 2009, Cade was re-signed by to a developmental contract and assigned to (FCW), where he wrestled in several matches. Notable bouts included a loss to Yoshi Tatsu and Tyler Reks alongside on October 22, 2009, as he aimed to regain a main roster spot. However, personal challenges resurfaced; in April 2010, released him again after he requested time off to enter a rehabilitation facility for substance issues, which had previously affected his reliability and bookings on the independents. This second exit forced Cade back to sporadic independent dates, where lingering health concerns limited his opportunities before transitioning overseas.

All Japan Pro Wrestling (2010)

Following his release from WWE's developmental territory in April 2010, Lance Cade signed with (AJPW) for an initial tour, marking his return to Japanese professional wrestling after a decade away. In an April 2010 interview, Cade expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, outlining plans to divide his schedule between AJPW tours and appearances in the United States with NWA Southwest, allowing him to balance international exposure with domestic bookings. He quickly aligned with the villainous stable , frequently teaming with members such as TARU, Hate, Minoru, Rene Dupree, and MAZADA during his stint. Cade debuted on AJPW's Rise Up Tour on , 2010, in a six-person tag team match alongside Rene Dupree and TARU, defeating Akebono, BUSHI, and Taiyo Kea. Over the course of the tour, which ran through May 30, he participated in multiple matches, often in multi-man tags showcasing the promotion's hard-hitting strong style, including a loss to Masayuki Kono and Ryota on May 21 and a victory with Dupree over MAZADA and on May 29. Transitioning to the Cross Over Tour starting June 22, Cade continued his momentum with wins in tag and singles competition, such as defeating Antonio Thomas on June 30 and Taiyo Kea—a respected AJPW veteran—on July 2. These bouts highlighted his adaptation to AJPW's intense, stiff striking and submission-oriented approach, contrasting with the more varied pacing of his recent U.S. independent circuit appearances. His final matches came during the Cross Over Tour's concluding days, with a tag team win over BUSHI and Seiya Sanada alongside Minoru on June 22, followed by his last televised appearance on July 4, 2010, where he defeated Seiya Sanada in a singles match in . In , Cade received a solid push within , earning several victories against established talent and positioning him as a credible foreign , which elevated his profile compared to the sporadic, lower-profile U.S. indie dates he had been working since 2008. This brief run in AJPW represented a career resurgence, though it was abruptly halted by unforeseen circumstances before any extended storylines could fully develop.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Lance McNaught, known professionally as Lance Cade, married Tanya Gonzalez on June 14, 2000, when he was 19 years old. The couple divorced on May 16, 2006, after six years of marriage. They had one during this time, Natallye, born in 2003. In September 2008, McNaught and Gonzalez remarried in , . Tanya Gonzalez was the of professional wrestler Black Gordman and his wife Bebe A. Rogoff Gonzalez. The remarried couple welcomed a second daughter, Laryssa, in 2008, and McNaught became a to Gonzalez's son, Brian Curry II. During McNaught's career from 2005 to 2008, which demanded frequent travel and long absences from home, his family provided essential support amid the demanding schedule. In a 2008 interview following his release, McNaught expressed concern for his family's well-being, stating, "Even more important than Lance Cade is his family," and noting that they would suffer the consequences of his professional setbacks. McNaught often spoke publicly about his in personal contexts, emphasizing his role as a devoted father. His obituary highlighted his love for "keeping fit, cooking and being with his girls," reflecting the centrality of his daughters in his life despite the rigors of .

Health struggles and rehabilitation

During his time in , Lance Cade developed an to painkillers, which began after sustaining an on-the-job that necessitated the use of prescription medications to manage pain and continue performing. He continued wrestling despite the injuries, driven by fears of jeopardizing his career, a common pressure in the industry that exacerbated his reliance on these substances. Cade's struggles with contributed to his release from in October 2008, following a believed to be linked to prescription pill overuse, though he had not previously failed any drug tests under the company's Wellness Policy. Reports indicate that around this time, he requested assistance for rehabilitation but was denied because he was no longer under contract. In a subsequent effort toward recovery, Cade was rehired by in September 2009 and, at his own request, entered a program, completing a 28-day stint in March 2010. Despite successfully finishing the program, he was released again in April 2010. Cade had spoken publicly about his battles with painkillers and sleeping pills, highlighting the toll on his health and prior to his death. His family, including father Harley McNaught, later discussed the addiction's devastating impact, noting how easy access to painkillers after injuries led to a downward spiral affecting his overall .

Death

Circumstances and cause

On August 13, 2010, Lance Cade, whose real name was Lance Kurtis McNaught, was found dead at age 29 in his , , apartment by his father, Harley McNaught. In the days leading up to his death, family members, including his wife Tanya, had noticed Cade appearing unwell with breathing difficulties; he was rushed to a on the evening of August 10 but was released the following day after being cleared medically. On August 12, Cade visited his father's workplace while still looking unhealthy, and the next morning, his father discovered his body. Prior to his death, Cade had recently returned to professional wrestling, debuting for All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) in June 2010 and scheduled to participate in their August tour. This came after his second release from WWE in April 2010, following a brief rehiring in September 2009 during which he entered drug rehabilitation at his own request amid struggles with addiction. The Bexar County Medical Examiner's , released in October 2010, ruled the death accidental, resulting from mixed intoxication complicating , an enlarged and weakened heart condition. The intoxication involved multiple prescription painkillers, including and , though no alcohol was present. The report noted that can be linked to long-term substance use, aligning with Cade's history of , but did not confirm specific causes for the heart condition.

Tributes and legacy

Following Lance Cade's death on August 13, 2010, the professional wrestling community expressed widespread grief and remembrance. , who trained Cade at his wrestling academy and had been a mentor figure throughout his career, issued a public statement mourning the loss, stating, "My prayers and thoughts have already been given to his family and will continue. Goodbye, , I love you. I ask that all of you would lift up his family in prayer during this difficult time." confirmed the news of his passing through an official announcement, extending condolences to his family and noting his contributions to the organization over a decade. Memorial events honored Cade's memory in the years that followed. A "Lance Cade Tribute Show" was held on March 5, 2011, at the Texas Wrestling Academy Gym in , , featuring matches and tributes from fellow wrestlers to celebrate his life and career. In a posthumous recognition, Cade was inducted into the Nebraska Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2022, with former WWE wrestler Eugene performing the induction ceremony to acknowledge his impact on the regional and national wrestling scene. Cade's legacy endures as a skilled tag team specialist, particularly remembered for his successful partnership with , with whom he captured the World Tag Team Championship on three occasions in , embodying a hard-hitting, traditional style that resonated with fans. His untimely death at age 29 from mixed drug intoxication complicating has also positioned him as a cautionary figure in discussions of wrestler wellness, underscoring the industry's ongoing efforts to address and health risks among performers. Ongoing remembrances, including annual social media acknowledgments by peers and fans, continue to highlight his dedication to the profession and his role in mentoring younger talent during his developmental years.

Championships and accomplishments

Major championships

Lance Cade's major championship successes primarily occurred in WWE's developmental territories and on the main roster as part of the tag team with Trevor Murdoch. These victories highlighted his versatility as both a singles and tag team competitor, propelling him from developmental wrestler to a prominent midcard figure on Raw. Cade and captured the WWE World Tag Team Championship three times, establishing themselves as a reliable with a persona. Their first reign began on September 18, 2005, at in , , where they defeated champions via pinfall after hit a . They defended the titles successfully twice on Raw against teams like Eugene and before losing them on November 1, 2005, at Taboo Tuesday in to in a no disqualification match. This 44-day reign marked Cade's breakthrough on the main roster, transitioning him from OVW enhancement talent to a competitive tag division player. The duo's second reign started on June 4, 2007, during a Raw episode in , defeating The (Matt and ) when Cade pinned Jeff following a high-low combination. They held the championships for 93 days, with notable defenses including a win over The Highlanders at Vengeance: Night of Champions on June 24, 2007, before dropping the titles to the Hardys on September 3, 2007, on Raw. Their third and final reign came shortly after, on September 8, 2007, at a house show in , , regaining the belts from the Hardys in a two-out-of-three falls match. This 93-day run included defenses against and a successful pay-per-view retention at against Matt and on September 16, 2007, ending on December 10, 2007, at Raw's 15th Anniversary show when they lost to and . Collectively, these reigns positioned Cade as a key specialist, leading to opportunities in multi-man matches and feuds that extended his tenure. In WWE's developmental system, Cade demonstrated singles prowess by winning the HWA Heavyweight Championship twice in 2002. His initial reign commenced on May 19, 2002, at an HWA event in Jeffersonville, Indiana, defeating champion Johnny the Bull with a spinebuster. Over 62 days, Cade made several successful defenses, including victories over local competitors like Matt Stryker and Val Venis in non-title bouts that built his momentum, before losing the title back to the Bull on July 20, 2002, in Batavia, Ohio. That same evening, Cade reclaimed the championship from the Bull in a rematch, only to drop it the next day, July 21, 2002, to Cody Hawk after a short 1-day second reign with no recorded defenses. These quick but impactful reigns in Heartland Wrestling Association elevated Cade's profile within WWE's territory system, showcasing his power-based style and paving the way for his OVW transition and eventual main roster debut. Cade also won the HWA Tag Team Championship three times: once with Mike Sanders on February 13, 2002, for a 7-day reign, and twice with , first on March 15, 2002, defeating Hugh Morrus and , and a second reign beginning February 20, 2002, lasting 20 days. These tag team successes further demonstrated his early partnership skills in developmental promotions.

Other accomplishments

In addition to his championship successes, Lance Cade earned recognition for standout performances in non-title matches at WWE pay-per-view events. At Armageddon 2003, Cade, teaming with as the New Texans, advanced through the Turmoil by defeating and , followed by a victory over , demonstrating their aggressive brawling style in a multi-team elimination format. This performance helped establish Cade as a reliable mid-card competitor capable of high-energy action. Cade continued to shine in multi-person bouts later in his WWE tenure. At No Mercy 2007, he joined Mr. Kennedy and to defeat , in a six-man match, showcasing his versatility in fast-paced encounters against popular fan favorites. These appearances underscored Cade's role in elevating undercard matches through his physical presence and teamwork, often alongside trusted partners like . Following his passing, Cade received posthumous honors for his career impact. In 2022, he was inducted into the Nebraska Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame, acknowledging his roots in the state and contributions as a WWE tag team specialist trained under Shawn Michaels. The induction, presented by fellow wrestlers including Eugene and Nick Dinsmore, highlighted Cade's dedication to the industry despite his short life.

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