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Austin Matelson (born March 10, 1985),[3] better known by his ring name Luchasaurus, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is one-half of Jurassic Express with "Jungle" Jack Perry.

Key Information

Matelson began his professional wrestling career in 2009. He then signed a developmental contract with WWE in 2012 and was sent to train at the former Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) under the ring name Judas Devlin; that same year, FCW was rebranded as NXT, where Matelson remained until his release in 2014. After a two-year hiatus, he signed with Lucha Underground as Vibora and worked there from 2016 to 2018. He also began working on the independent circuit in 2016 under the Luchasaurus gimmick until he signed with AEW in 2019. He continued his partnership with Jungle Boy as Jurassic Express, becoming a one-time AEW World Tag Team Champion. He later aligned with Christian Cage, which saw him win the AEW TNT Championship, and later took on the ring name Killswitch in September 2023.

During his two-year wrestling hiatus from 2014 to 2016, Matelson appeared on Access Hollywood and was a house-guest on the reality competition, Big Brother 17, in which he placed 5th.[4] He also appeared on The Price Is Right.[citation needed]

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

Early career (2009–2012)

[edit]

Matleson started his wrestling career out in California working in various independent promotions.

WWE (2012–2014)

[edit]

In 2012, Matelson signed a developmental contract with WWE and was sent for training at Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) where he was given the ring name Judas Devlin. On August 1, 2012, he made his FCW debut teaming with Corey Graves defeating Briley Pierce and CJ Parker.[5] In 2012, FCW was rebranded as NXT and Devlin transferred to the new development brand, performing mainly at house shows. Matelson was released in 2014 after a severe hip injury suffered in March 2013.[6] He would be inactive from wrestling.

Independent circuit (2016–2019)

[edit]

Matelson made his return to professional wrestling in 2016, having not competed since his release from WWE in 2014. On June 17, 2016, in a match for Millenium Pro Wrestling (MPW) under the ring name Austin Draven, he defeated Ryan J. Morales.[7] On September 30, 2016, under the ring name Just Judas, he defeated Danny Divine to become MPW Heavyweight Champion.[8]

On November 9, 2017, Matelson teamed with fellow Big Brother contestant Jessie Godderz under the team name "Team Big Brother", they defeated HATE (Peter Avalon and Ray Rosas) in a match for Bar Wrestling.[9]

After Matelson became known for his work as the Vibora character in Lucha Underground, he started to use the character in the independent circuit. He changed the name to "Luchasaurus", after fans chanted that during his Lucha Underground debut.[10] On November 17 and 18, Matelson wrestled for House of Hardcore under the new gimmick and ring name Luchasaurus, defeating Alex Reynolds on the first night and winning on the second night in a three-way by defeating Matt Riddle and Willie Mack.[11][12]

Lucha Underground (2016–2018)

[edit]

In May 2016, Matelson, under a mask and the ring name Vibora, made his Lucha Underground debut as a part of the Reptile Tribe stable. On May 7, 2016, Vibora along with Pindar and Drago won the Lucha Underground Trios Championship.[13] On October 11, at Ultima Lucha Tres, Reptile Tribe lost the Lucha Underground Trios Championship against Dante Fox, Killshot and The Mack.[14]

On the July 18, 2018 episode of Lucha Underground, Vibora defeated Johnny Mundo.[15] On the August 1 episode of Lucha Underground, the character Vibora was "killed off" via decapitation by a sword-wielding Taya Valkyrie.[16]

All Elite Wrestling (2019–present)

[edit]

Jurassic Express (2019–2022)

[edit]
See also: Jurassic Express

On May 25, 2019, Matelson debuted for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) at Double or Nothing as a part of the pre-show Casino Battle Royale. He lasted until the final three, before being eliminated by Adam Page.[17] Three days later, it was revealed that he had signed with the company full-time as Luchasaurus.[18] He would then continue his tag team with Jungle Boy, as he managed him at Fyter Fest.[19] At Fight for the Fallen, they were defeated in a Triple Threat tag team match involving The Dark Order (Evil Uno and Stu Grayson) and The Hybrid 2 (Angélico and Jack Evans).[20] At All Out, Luchasaurus, alongside Jungle Boy and Marko Stunt, would debut as the stable Jurassic Express.[21] Luchasaurus also sporadically competed as a singles competitor, most notably participating in the Casino Ladder match at Double or Nothing on May 23, 2020.[22] On the August 12 episode of Dynamite, Jurassic Express unsuccessfully challenged Page and Kenny Omega for the AEW World Tag Team Championship.[23] The following year, Christian Cage began mentoring Jungle Boy, which saw Cage become a prominent figure as an associate of the stable, and led to Stunt being eventually phased out.[24]

On the August 18, 2021 episode of Dynamite, Jurassic Express received a title shot for the World Tag Team Championship against The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson), but failed to win.[25] Following that, Jurassic Express participated in a tournament to determine the #1 contenders for the World Tag Team Championship. On the August 20 episode of Rampage, they defeated Private Party in the opening round.[26] On the August 27 episode of Rampage, they lost to the Lucha Brothers (Penta El Zero Miedo and Rey Fénix) in the final.[27] For three months, Jurassic Express feuded with various members of The Elite. On the September 1 episode of Dynamite, they partnered the Lucha Brothers in a loss to the Good Brothers (Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson) and the Young Bucks.[28] On the September 24 episode of Rampage, Cage and Jurassic Express were defeated by the SuperKliq (Adam Cole and the Young Bucks), with Luchasaurus taking the pin.[29] On the October 6 episode of Dynamite, Cage, Jurassic Express and Bryan Danielson were defeated by Cole, Omega and the Young Bucks.[30] At Full Gear, Cage and Jurassic Express defeated the SuperKliq in a falls count anywhere match.[31] On the November 19 episode of Rampage, Jurassic Express defeated Cole and Bobby Fish.[32] On the January 5, 2022 episode of Dynamite, Jurassic Express defeated the Lucha Brothers to win their first World Tag Team Championship.[33]

At the Revolution event on March 6, Jurassic Express successfully defended the championship against the Young Bucks and reDRagon (Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly) in a three-way tag team match.[34] At Double or Nothing on May 29, they retained the championship in a three-way tag match against Team Taz (Ricky Starks and Powerhouse Hobbs) and Swerve In Our Glory (Keith Lee and Swerve Strickland).[35] After Jurassic Express lost the championship to the Young Bucks in a ladder match at Road Rager, Cage turned on Jungle Boy, with Luchasaurus also turning heel when he joined Cage.[36] At the start of his alliance with Cage, Luchasaurus was presented as a "monster heel" and started squashing a number of opponents within minutes, all at Cage's direction.[37][38] At week two of Fyter Fest, Luchasaurus turned on Christian Cage to realign with Jungle Boy.[39] However, this was also a short-lived reunion, as at All Out, Luchasaurus cemented himself as a heel by attacking his tag partner once again and solidifying his alliance with Cage.[40] As a result, Luchasaurus began feuding with Jungle Boy, who by this point was going by "Jungle Boy" Jack Perry, defeating him in a match on the October 12 episode of Dynamite.[41] However, Luchasaurus lost to Perry in a steel cage match at Full Gear to end the rivalry.[42]

The Patriarchy (2023–2025)

[edit]
See also: The Patriarchy
Killswitch and Cage in September 2023. Despite holding the AEW TNT Championship for three months, Killswitch was not presented as champion, with Cage, who later succeeded him, holding the belt instead.

On the June 17 premiere episode of Collision, Luchasaurus defeated Wardlow to win the TNT Championship.[43] Luchasaurus held the title for three months, retaining against Shawn Spears at Battle of the Belts VII,[44] Brock Anderson on the August 12 episode of Collision[45] and Darby Allin at All Out.[46] Luchasaurus would later lose the title to Cage in a three-way match that also involved Allin on the September 23 episode of Collision.[47] At WrestleDream, Cage defeated Allin in a two out of three falls match to retain the championship. After the match, Cage, Luchasaurus, and Nick Wayne (who turned on Allin) assaulted Allin and Sting; they were interrupted by the debuting Adam Copeland, who ran out to confront Cage and save Allin.[48] Cage's faction was later called The Patriarchy.[49] At Full Gear, The Patriarchy lost to Copeland, Sting, and Allin in a six-man tag team match with Luchasaurus taking the pin.[50] On the November 22 episode of Dynamite, Cage renamed Luchasaurus as Killswitch (named after Cage's finishing move) and dubbed Killswitch as his "finisher".[51] At Worlds End, Killswitch won a 20-man battle royale for a future TNT Championship title match. Later that night, Cage lost the TNT Championship to Copeland in a no disqualification match. As Killswitch was about to sign off his title match contract on Copeland, Cage demanded Killswitch to hand over the contract and Killswitch relented. Cage then defeated Copeland to regain the TNT Championship.[52][53] Cage eventually lost the TNT Championship to Copeland again in March 2024.[54] On the July 21 episode of Collision, The Patriarchy defeated the Bang Bang Gang (Juice Robinson and The Gunns) for the vacant AEW World Trios Championship after interference from Mother Wayne.[55] On August 25 at All In, The Patriarchy lost the AEW World Trios Championship in a four-way London ladder match to Pac and Blackpool Combat Club (Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta), ending their reign at 37 days. Later in the event, Killswitch and Cage entered the Casino Gauntlet Match, where Killswitch assisted Cage to win the match.[56]

On September 30, it was reported that Matelson was hospitalized due to double pneumonia after his fiancé found him collapsed at home. He was rushed to the hospital where they found his blood oxygen level was below 80% and was days away from permanent lung damage.[57] Matelson was told his recovery period could take up to a month, sidelining him indefinitely.[58] During his time away, The Patriarchy was disbanded when Nick turned on Cage after the pair failed to win the AEW World Tag Team Championship from The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin) at All In: Texas on July 12, 2025.[59]

Jurassic Express reunion (2025–present)

[edit]
Main article: Jurassic Express

On the August 20, 2025 episode of Dynamite, Killswitch returned and was revealed as the replacement partner for Kip Sabian against Adam Copeland and Christian Cage at Forbidden Door, filling in for the injured Nick Wayne.[60] On August 24 at Forbidden Door, Killswitch and Sabian were defeated by Copeland and Cage.[61][62] On September 17 at September to Remember, Killswitch teased a face turn after walking out on Sabian during their match against JetSpeed.[63] On September 20 at All Out, Killswitch cemented his face turn after saving Jack Perry from The Young Bucks, reuniting Jurassic Express and reverting back to his Luchasaurus name.[64] On October 12 at WrestleDream, Jurassic Express defeated The Young Bucks.[65]

In other media

[edit]

In the summer of 2015, Matelson appeared as a contestant in the 17th season of Big Brother.[66] He was evicted during the twelfth week and placed fifth. He returned during the 19th season for the "BB Comics" competition with other former contestants, including Dan Gheesling and fellow wrestler Jessie Godderz.

Filmography

[edit]
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2015 Access Hollywood Himself
2015 Big Brother 17 Himself
2016 The Price Is Right Himself
2017 Big Brother 19 Himself

Personal life

[edit]

Before beginning studies at California State University, Northridge, Matelson had been entirely homeschooled. He earned two history degrees at CSUN — a B.A. in 2008 and a M.A. in 2010, with his master's concentration and thesis in medieval literature.[67][68]

While in the Big Brother house, Matelson began a relationship with Liz Nolan. The two continued to date for five months before breaking up in February 2016.[69]

Bill DeMott scandal

[edit]

In late February and March 2015, several former NXT trainees previously working within the WWE developmental system alleged misconduct by head trainer Bill DeMott, with Matelson and Brandon Traven publicizing complaints which they claimed they had submitted to WWE management about DeMott back in March 2013, when they were still employed with WWE.[70] Meanwhile, other ex-trainees like Briley Pierce and Derrick Bateman also made allegations in 2015,[6][70][71][72] while previous allegations made in 2013 by Chad Baxter and Chase Donovan were also noted.[73] They accused DeMott of making trainees perform dangerous drills,[6] physically assaulting and bullying trainees,[6][70] using homophobic and racial slurs amongst other derogatory terms,[70][73] and condoning sexual harassment.[71] WWE released statements regarding some of the claims that came to light in 2013 and 2015, saying that investigations were done and no wrongdoing was found.[6][73] On March 6, 2015, DeMott denied the allegations, but resigned from WWE "to avoid any embarrassment or damage" to the company.[71]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]
Jurassic Express as AEW World Tag Team Champions

References

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

Luchasaurus

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Austin Matelson (born March 10, 1985), better known by the Luchasaurus, is an American professional wrestler signed to (AEW). Billed at a of 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m), he portrays a dinosaur-themed luchador character distinguished by exceptional and aerial maneuvers atypical for a performer of his size. Luchasaurus rose to prominence in AEW through the tag team Jurassic Express with Jungle Boy (Jack Perry), defeating The Young Bucks to capture the AEW World Tag Team Championship in January 2022. The duo held the titles for nearly seven months before vacating them due to injury, marking one of the longest reigns in the championship's history at that point. Individually, Luchasaurus won the AEW TNT Championship by defeating Wardlow on the debut episode of AEW Collision in June 2023, holding it for 58 days amid defenses that highlighted his dominant style. In September 2023, Luchasaurus aligned with Christian Cage as part of The Patriarchy stable, adopting the ring name Killswitch and serving as Cage's enforcer. This period included retaining the TNT Championship with interference from Cage before losing it. Following a life-threatening health collapse in 2024 that required hospitalization, Luchasaurus returned at AEW All Out in September 2025, reuniting with Perry to reform Jurassic Express under his original moniker. Earlier, Luchasaurus and AEW faced a copyright infringement lawsuit from Composite Effects over the design of his signature mask, with the case involving claims of unauthorized use and merchandising; a 2023 motion to dismiss was denied, though ongoing developments remain unresolved.

Professional wrestling career

Early career (2009–2012)

Austin Matelson, standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing around 280 pounds, began his professional wrestling training under the Ballard Brothers, Shane and Shannon, in during the late 2000s. He made his in-ring debut on October 25, 2009, competing in New Wave Pro Wrestling as part of the independent scene. This initial outing marked the start of his efforts to build core wrestling fundamentals through local matches. From 2009 to 2012, Matelson worked various independent promotions across the circuit, often under ring names such as Austin Morrison and Austin Draven. These appearances emphasized his physical attributes and athletic prowess, with performances centered on power-based maneuvers rather than developed storylines or personas. The period served as foundational experience, honing his in-ring technique amid smaller crowds and regional events before transitioning to larger opportunities.

WWE (2012–2014)

In 2012, Austin Matelson signed a developmental contract with and was sent to its (FCW) territory, adopting the ring name Judas Devlin. He debuted for FCW on August 1, 2012, partnering with to defeat Briley Pierce and CJ Parker in a match. Following FCW's rebranding to NXT later that year, Devlin transitioned to the NXT roster, where he primarily competed in untelevised house shows and dark matches, emphasizing improvements to his in-ring fundamentals amid a deep pool of talent. Devlin's televised appearances were sparse, with no significant storylines or title pursuits, as WWE prioritized established prospects over newer developmental signees like him. Reports indicated he was briefly considered for integration into stable on the main roster but was not selected, forgoing any call-up to Raw or SmackDown. Devlin sustained a severe hip injury during his tenure, contributing to his release from WWE in 2014 without ever advancing to the main roster.

Independent circuit (2014–2016)

Following his release from WWE in June 2014 due to a hip injury sustained during training, Matelson entered a two-year hiatus from professional wrestling, during which medical professionals advised him to consider retirement owing to risks of chronic arthritis. During this period, he pursued non-wrestling endeavors, including competing as a houseguest on the CBS reality series Big Brother 17 in summer 2015, where he finished in sixth place. Matelson resumed in-ring competition in mid-2016 on the independent scene, initially performing under the ring name Austin Draven for Millennium Pro Wrestling (MPW), a regional promotion based in Moorpark. On June 17, 2016, Draven defeated Ryan J. Morales in a singles match at an MPW event. He continued appearing in MPW throughout the year, showcasing a power-based style emphasizing his 6 ft 5 in frame and athleticism for high-impact maneuvers. By September 2016, Matelson transitioned to the ring name Just Judas, a variation evoking his prior persona, Judas Devlin. On September 30, 2016, Just Judas defeated Danny Divine to capture the MPW Heavyweight Championship in the main event of an MPW show, marking his first title win post-. This reign highlighted his resilience amid the physical demands of independent booking, with defenses against local competitors like Hot Young Briley, though he began incorporating elements of masked aesthetics in preparation for broader opportunities. These MPW appearances solidified his regional presence, focusing on character evolution from unmasked brawler to a more versatile performer blending power and agility.

Lucha Underground (2016–2018)

In 2016, Austin Matelson debuted in under the masked ring name Vibora, portraying a towering, prehistoric serpent enforcer aligned with Tribe stable alongside figures like Kobra Moon. His introduction emphasized raw power and reptilian ferocity within the promotion's mythologically infused narratives, allowing the 6-foot-5 performer to adapt his athletic background to the fast-paced, aerial-oriented environment. Vibora's matches highlighted his versatility as a big man capable of executing dives and chain wrestling sequences amid the Temple's high-stakes atmosphere, contrasting his grounded striking with opponents' flips and submissions. The Reptile Tribe storyline positioned Vibora in territorial conflicts against rival factions, such as clashes involving the , where his role as an unyielding brute advanced plots centered on dominance and betrayal in taped episodes spanning Seasons 3 and 4. This period exposed Matelson to innovative booking that integrated elements with grounded athleticism, fostering his growth in portraying menacing, otherworldly antagonists without relying on verbal promos. Audience reactions during live tapings notably included spontaneous chants of "Luchasaurus" for the dinosaur-like Vibora, reflecting organic fan engagement with his imposing physique and the promotion's blend of horror and spectacle. Matelson's tenure concluded with the end of his contract in , coinciding with Lucha Underground's production hiatus after Season 4 tapings, during which Vibora contributed to the stable's cult appeal through visceral, blood-soaked confrontations that epitomized the show's boundary-pushing style. This era solidified his reputation for durable, high-impact performances in a promotion renowned for elevating undercard talent via narrative depth over traditional hierarchies.

All Elite Wrestling (2019–present)

Luchasaurus debuted for (AEW) on May 25, , at the pay-per-view event, entering the pre-show Casino Battle Royale and advancing to the final three entrants before elimination by MJF and Hangman Page. His early appearances highlighted his combination of size—at 6 feet 5 inches and over 260 pounds—and agility, positioning him as a versatile competitor capable of high-flying maneuvers alongside power-based offense. By late , he secured his first televised singles victory on the November 20 episode of , defeating , which solidified his integration into AEW's roster amid its inaugural year expansion. Throughout his tenure, Luchasaurus has balanced singles and multi-person competition, participating in high-stakes matches such as the Casino Ladder bout at on May 23, 2020, where he competed against a field including and . Notable singles feuds included challenges for the TNT Championship, such as his June 17, 2023, encounter with champion Wardlow on Collision, emphasizing his role as a credible threat to established titleholders due to his physical dominance and technical skill. He also faced Copeland in the latter's AEW in-ring debut on October 10, 2023, during Dynamite's Title Tuesday, a match that underscored Luchasaurus's adaptability against veteran opponents. These bouts contributed to his overall record of 86 wins and 39 losses in ranked matches as of late 2025, reflecting consistent mid-card to upper-mid-card prominence. Luchasaurus's character evolved from a fan-favorite powerhouse to a more aggressive alignment by 2023, marked by a that amplified his intimidating presence while retaining core athletic elements. As of October 2025, he remains an active member of AEW's roster, benefiting from the promotion's demanding schedule of weekly television and events, with recent activity including a return appearance on the August 20, 2025, episode of . His sustained role demonstrates resilience in a competitive environment, where wrestlers must navigate frequent high-impact matches to maintain visibility.

Jurassic Express formation and tag team success (2019–2022)

formed in (AEW) when Luchasaurus began teaming with Jungle Boy () on May 25, 2019, adopting a prehistoric, dinosaur-themed that resonated with audiences through its unique blend of athleticism and character-driven storytelling. The duo quickly gained traction as fan favorites, leveraging Luchasaurus's imposing size and power alongside Jungle Boy's high-flying agility to deliver energetic matches that highlighted their chemistry. Over the following years, Jurassic Express built momentum through consistent victories in tag team competition, including notable triumphs over established teams that positioned them as contenders for AEW's top prizes. Their breakthrough came on January 5, 2022, during the TBS debut episode of Dynamite, when Jungle Boy pinned Penta El Zero M of The Lucha Brothers to capture the AEW World Tag Team Championship, marking the team's first major title reign. This victory solidified their status as one of AEW's premier tag teams, with the championship run lasting 161 days until June 15, 2022. During their reign, successfully defended the titles in high-profile matches, such as a three-way bout at on May 29, 2022, against ( and ) and Swerve in Our Glory ( and Keith Lee), retaining via pinfall after a chaotic sequence of near-falls and high-impact maneuvers. The partnership's peak began to show strains in mid-2022 following their title loss to Swerve in Our Glory, as creative directions involving Jungle Boy's mentorship under introduced interpersonal conflicts that eroded team unity and foreshadowed its dissolution.

Transition to The Patriarchy and Killswitch persona (2022–2024)

On June 29, 2022, during an episode of AEW Dynamite, Luchasaurus turned heel by attacking Jungle Boy and aligning himself with Christian Cage, marking the dissolution of their Jurassic Express partnership and his shift to a villainous role as Cage's enforcer. This betrayal intensified the ongoing feud between Cage and Jungle Boy, with Luchasaurus solidifying his loyalty through interference in matches, including aiding Cage's victory over Jungle Boy at All Out on September 4, 2022. The alliance evolved into the formation of The Patriarchy stable, with Luchasaurus serving as its primary muscle alongside Cage, emphasizing themes of familial dominance and hierarchical control within All Elite Wrestling storylines. Luchasaurus's character underwent further reinvention in late 2023, adopting a masked alter ego named Killswitch on November 22, 2023, during , at the behest of to amplify his menacing aura and obscure his identity for psychological impact. The Killswitch persona featured a darker, more robotic demeanor, enhanced by the full-face mask and modified attire, shifting focus from his prior dinosaur-themed to a silent, power-driven destroyer loyal to The Patriarchy's patriarch. This change coincided with Luchasaurus—now Killswitch—capturing the in September 2023, using brute strength moves like the Tsunami Splash and Go To Hell to dominate opponents. Throughout 2023 and 2024, Killswitch pursued tag team opportunities within The Patriarchy, often partnering with or newer members like in challenges for the , though unsuccessfully reclaiming the titles he once held. Feuds highlighted his unwavering allegiance, including defenses of the TNT Championship against challengers like at on September 3, 2023, where his raw power and interference underscored the faction's tactical edge. Killswitch's role emphasized enforcer duties, intervening in Cage's matches and elevating the group's intimidation factor through consistent displays of loyalty and physical dominance.

Injury hiatus and return (2024–present)

In September 2024, Luchasaurus, whose real name is Austin Matelson, was hospitalized after collapsing at home on September 27 due to bilateral , with his blood oxygen levels dropping below 80 percent. He required supplemental oxygen and faced a recovery period complicated by severe lung involvement, reportedly days from potential permanent damage, sidelining him from in-ring competition. Matelson received medical clearance and made his return to programming on the August 20, 2025, episode of , substituting for the injured in a context ahead of the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event. The appearance elicited a positive crowd response, marking his first on-screen activity in nearly a year following the ordeal. At AEW All Out on September 20, 2025, Luchasaurus reunited with former partner Jack Perry—reverting to his Jungle Boy persona—to reform the Jurassic Express tag team, intervening post-match to attack The Young Bucks after a ladder match. This reunion, absent for over three years, positioned the duo in active storylines emphasizing their partnership's revival amid the physical demands of professional wrestling. By October 2025, Jurassic Express had secured a victory and a $500,000 prize in a tag team contest at AEW WrestleDream on October 17, highlighting Luchasaurus's resilience post-recovery.

Other media

Television appearances

Matelson appeared as a on the seventeenth season of the CBS reality competition series Big Brother (US), which aired from June 24 to September 23, 2015. Entering on day 1 as a professional wrestler from his prior tenure, he formed a primary alliance known as the Twist of Fate, centered on twin sisters and Julia Nolan, with whom he developed a showmance relationship with Liz that influenced his strategic decisions. His gameplay emphasized social bonds and competition wins, including a Head of Household victory in week 6, but he was evicted on day 63 (September 10, 2015) in a 3-0 vote, finishing in sixth place and advancing to the jury. This stint on Big Brother 17 occurred amid Matelson's 2014–2016 hiatus from active following his WWE release and spinal injury recovery, providing mainstream exposure that highlighted his physical presence and competitive mindset outside scripted matches. He also made a brief on the entertainment news program during this period. No additional non-wrestling television roles have been documented.

Filmography

Luchasaurus has no credited roles in feature films, with his career centered on rather than cinematic . Comprehensive databases of acting credits, including those tracking wrestler crossovers to entertainment, confirm the absence of any movie appearances, underscoring the prioritization of in-ring commitments over film pursuits. This limited aligns with patterns among active wrestlers, where scripted television or live events dominate media exposure.

Personal life

Early life and education

Austin Matelson was born on March 10, 1985, in Woodland Hills, . He grew up with four younger sisters in a led by parents who homeschooled him and permitted him to discontinue formal schooling prior to completing the . Matelson subsequently attended , earning a in 2008 and a in 2010, with his graduate work concentrating on , including a on topics such as the . This academic focus aligned with his early intellectual interests in historical and literary scholarship, distinct from athletic pursuits. At 6 feet 5 inches tall and around 280 pounds, Matelson's physical stature, coupled with encounters with Southern California's independent wrestling promotions, prompted a pivot toward training for a career in following his education.

Family and relationships

Matelson was raised in Woodland Hills, , by parents described as hippies, alongside four younger sisters. His upbringing featured an unconventional approach to , as his parents allowed him to stop attending school before completing the . Matelson keeps details of his personal relationships largely private, consistent with his low public profile beyond professional wrestling and his 2015 appearance on Big Brother 17. Following that period, he became engaged, though the identity of his fiancée has not been publicly disclosed. In September 2024, she discovered him collapsed at home from a severe medical episode, prompting his hospitalization. No verified information exists on children or prior long-term partnerships beyond brief post-reality television associations that concluded shortly after.

Health challenges

In September 2024, Luchasaurus, whose real name is Austin Matelson, was hospitalized after collapsing at home on September 27 due to double affecting both , with his blood oxygen levels dropping below 80 percent, placing him days away from potential permanent damage. He required supplemental oxygen during his hospital stay and continued needing it at home post-discharge in early October 2024, as routine activities risked and training was prohibited to avoid exacerbating respiratory complications. The condition interrupted his (AEW) appearances, with his last match occurring at All In on August 25, 2024, prior to the diagnosis. By December 2024, updates indicated significant improvement, avoiding long-term respiratory impairment, though full clearance for in-ring activity was not granted until February 2025 amid ongoing monitoring for related issues like reduced iron production. Matelson experienced a minor tear in August 2025 while preparing for an AEW match, briefly sidelining him but not posing a sustained career threat given professional wrestling's inherent physical toll, which often involves high-impact maneuvers and frequent travel. He resumed competition shortly thereafter, appearing on AEW programming on August 21, 2025, confirming no enduring health barriers to his performance.

Controversies

Bill DeMott allegations

In March 2013, Austin Matelson, performing in WWE's NXT developmental territory under the ring name Judas Devlin, emailed company executives alleging abusive conduct by head trainer during training sessions at the . Matelson claimed DeMott engaged in verbal , including homophobic slurs directed at trainees perceived as effeminate, and physical such as slapping performers across the face for minor errors or forcing those with documented injuries to continue drills that worsened their conditions. He further described instances of DeMott mocking accents of non-native English speakers and fostering a environment that prioritized intimidation over skill development, asserting these practices created an unsafe and demoralizing atmosphere for developmental talent. Matelson's complaints, initially handled internally by WWE without immediate action against DeMott, resurfaced publicly in early 2015 amid similar accounts from other former trainees, amplifying scrutiny on DeMott's methods. DeMott resigned from his position as head trainer on March 6, 2015, issuing a statement denying any intent to harm or discriminate but acknowledging the allegations had become a distraction to WWE's operations. He framed his training style as "tough love" rooted in the wrestling industry's historical emphasis on mental and physical resilience, claiming it was never malicious and that he had received no formal reprimands prior to the escalation. WWE confirmed it had previously investigated Matelson's 2013 email and other reports but deemed insufficient evidence for dismissal at the time, though the 2015 wave prompted DeMott's exit and subsequent reforms, including diversified training staff, enhanced injury protocols, and oversight committees to address concerns in developmental programs. No criminal charges or civil lawsuits resulted from the allegations, with DeMott later stating in 2023 that an internal WWE probe cleared him of wrongdoing, though he chose resignation to preserve the company's focus amid public pressure. Matelson departed WWE in 2014 prior to these developments and did not pursue further legal recourse.

Championships and accomplishments

  • AEW World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Jungle Boy (January 5, 2022 – June 15, 2022, 161 days)
  • Lucha Underground Trios Championship (1 time) – with Reptile Tribe (Daga and Pindar) (October 31, 2018)
Millennium Pro Wrestling
  • MPW Heavyweight Championship (1 time, as Just Judas) (September 30, 2016 – January 2017)
All-Star Wrestling
  • ASW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with The Thunder From Jalandhar (February 17, 2018)
Pro Wrestling Blitz
  • PWB Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Serpentico

In-ring style and persona

Luchasaurus portrays a masked luchador embodying a prehistoric warrior, fusing traditions with monstrous, reptilian imagery to create a mysterious and intimidating presence. He debuted this on the independent circuit in 2016 and has consistently worn the mask, even during promos delivered in a deep, gravelly voice that enhances his enigmatic aura. This persona emphasizes and primal ferocity, often roaring or adopting dinosaur-like mannerisms to immerse audiences in a fantastical, extinct-era . In the ring, Luchasaurus operates as a powerhouse wrestler at 6 feet 5 inches tall and 275 pounds, delivering impactful strikes, chokeslams, and lariats while showcasing surprising agility through maneuvers like standing moonsaults, top-rope moonsaults, and spinning kicks. His moveset includes signature techniques such as the Tailwhip, Cyclone Kick, and , with finishers like the Tombstone Age (a piledriver variation) and Blindside Lariat underscoring his dominance over opponents. This blend of brute force and athleticism allows him to excel as both a singles competitor and specialist, adapting fluidly between high-energy aerial spots and ground-based power assaults. The character's evolution reflects shifts in alignment and partnerships within . As a face in with Jungle Boy () from 2019 to 2022, Luchasaurus embodied a heroic, adventurous in a that won the on June 15, 2022. A heel turn in 2022 saw him betray Perry to join Christian Cage's stable, adopting the "Killswitch" moniker as a silent, enforcer-like figure focused on and , which persisted until a reunion with Perry at on September 20, 2025. These developments highlight his versatility in portraying loyal allies or ruthless subordinates while maintaining the core gimmick's visual and thematic consistency.

References

  1. https://www.sportskeeda.com/player/luchasaurus
  2. https://www.allelitewrestling.com/aew-tnt-championship-history
  3. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wrestlers/luchasaurus-judas-devlin
  4. https://www.allelitewrestling.com/aew-world-tag-team-championship-history
  5. https://www.newsweek.com/sports/wrestling/former-aew-wrestler-reveals-surprising-new-career-10929581
  6. https://www.wrestlingnewssource.com/news/95723/Jack-Perry-Reveals-Luchasaurus-Nearly-Died-From-Serious-Illness/
  7. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1417953/update-lawsuit-aew-facing-luchasaurus/
  8. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/Judas_Devlin
  9. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=11924
  10. https://www.thesportster.com/aew-luchasaurus-judas-devlin-nxt-wyatt-family/
  11. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/doctors-told-luchasaurus-retire-when-he-was-wwe
  12. https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/judas-draven-austin-matelson-vibora-interview/
  13. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/judas-devlin/
  14. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9grYDTITn_c
  15. https://www.thesportster.com/lucha-underground-wrestlers-wwe-aew-ray-fenix-swerve-strickland-penta/
  16. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2017/10/19/lucha-underground-season-3-recap/
  17. https://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/08/05/lucha-underground-august-1-2018-why-did-it-have-to-be-vibora/
  18. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7397379/
  19. https://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/luchasaurus-9699.html
  20. https://aewresults.com/wrestler/luchasaurus/
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju0G8xdf8wQ
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2A8-uKBmio
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vk1DjPxvCV0
  24. https://aewresults.com/tagteam/jurassic-express/
  25. https://www.thesportster.com/aew-jurassic-express-jungle-boy-luchasaurus-tag-team-trivia/
  26. https://wrestletalk.com/news/jurassic-express-win-aew-world-tag-team-championship/
  27. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10036433-jurassic-express-retain-aew-world-tag-team-titles-at-double-or-nothing-2022
  28. https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1304947-luchasaurus-turns-heel-aligns-with-christian-cage-on-6-29-aew-dynamite-blood-guts
  29. https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2022/9/4/23337354/aew-all-out-2022-results-christian-beats-jungle-boy-thanks-to-another-luchasaurus-turn
  30. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=29&nr=3797
  31. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/christian-cage-renames-luchasaurus-killswitch-030028490.html
  32. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/the-patriarchy/
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBvnKLQY0EM
  34. https://wrestlingheadlines.com/aew-star-killswitch-luchasaurus-hospitalized-with-pneumonia-in-both-lungs/
  35. https://www.newsweek.com/sports/fan-favorite-aew-wrestler-big-brother-star-hospitalized-serious-illness-1963005
  36. https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2024/10/1/24259263/luchasuarus-killswitch-hospitalized-double-pneumonia-aew
  37. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/killswitchluchasaurus-hospitalized-oxygen-he-recovers-double-pneumonia/
  38. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/spoiler-return-at-aew-dynamite/
  39. https://sports.yahoo.com/article/luchasaurus-returns-aew-dynamite-020415142.html
  40. https://www.ringsidenews.com/aew-dynamite-august-20-sees-massive-decrease-despite-luchasaurus-surprise-return/
  41. https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/384240/aew-all-out-2025-toronto-results-jungle-boy-jack-perry-returns-reunion-luchasaurus-young-bucks
  42. https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/1nmc92e/aew_all_out_2025_spoilers_wrestler_returns_and/
  43. https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/aew/jack-perry-on-reuniting-jurassic-express
  44. https://www.facebook.com/AEW/posts/jurassic-express-jungle-jack-perry-luchasaurus-have-picked-up-the-w-and-the-500k/1290834879750155/
  45. https://bigbrother.fandom.com/wiki/Austin_Matelson
  46. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1762115-austin-matelson?language=en-US
  47. http://www.bigbrotherdaily.com/big-brother-17/houseguest-bio/austin-matelson.html
  48. https://www.bustle.com/articles/92740-who-is-austin-matelson-from-big-brother-17-the-former-professional-wrestler-has-the-right-kind
  49. http://www.oafe.net/yo/aew_jels.php
  50. https://www.dailynews.com/arts-and-entertainment/20150617/woodland-hills-wrestler-austin-matelson-tries-his-big-brother-luck/
  51. https://bigbrotheraccess.com/big-brother-17-cast-austin-matelson/
  52. https://www.bigbrotherdaily.com/big-brother-17/houseguest-bio/austin-matelson.html
  53. https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/wrestling/aew-wwe-luchasaurus-hospital-pnuemonia-33796674
  54. https://www.whosdatedwho.com/dating/austin-matelson
  55. https://www.postwrestling.com/2024/09/30/report-aews-killswitch-hospitalized-recovering-from-pneumonia-in-both-lungs/
  56. https://411mania.com/wrestling/health-update-luchasaurus-oxygen-relapse-risk/
  57. https://www.reddit.com/r/AEWFanHub/comments/1itz7mq/luchasaurus_and_skye_blue_cleared_to_wrestle/
  58. https://www.newsweek.com/sports/massive-health-update-aew-superstar-killswitch-2000963
  59. https://www.ringsidenews.com/luchasaurus-cleared-return-months-aew-absence-continues/
  60. https://bm.klyant.com/90814743/luchasaurus-suffered-injury-preparing-for-aew.html
  61. https://whatculture.com/wwe/missing-aew-star-finally-returns-on-dynamite-after-1-year-out-aew-news
  62. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2015/03/06/wwe-trainer-bill-demott-resigns-amid-allegations-of-racist-homophobic-and-abusive-behavior/
  63. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2387875-wwe-trainer-bill-demott-resigns-amid-abuse-allegations
  64. https://www.si.com/more-sports/2015/03/06/wwe-trainer-bill-demott-resigns-abuse-allegations
  65. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/bill-demott-allegations-wwe-resignation-150751510.html
  66. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/AEW_World_Tag_Team_Championship/Champion_history
  67. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=2420&page=4
  68. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=11924&page=11
  69. https://allelitemoves.com/men/Luchasaurus/
  70. https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/jack-perry-returns-aew-all-out-reunites-luchasaurus/
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