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Silas Young
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Caleb DeWall (born September 9, 1980) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Silas Young. He was last contracted for Ring of Honor, where he is a two-time ROH World Television Champion, and has wrestled on the revived Ring of Honor Wrestling in 2023. He also is currently performing on the independent circuit.
Key Information
Professional wrestling career
[edit]World Wrestling Entertainment (2007, 2010)
[edit]Young made his World Wrestling Entertainment debut on the September 24, 2007, episode of Heat, facing Val Venis in a losing effort. The next day he lost to The Miz in a singles match taped for Friday Night SmackDown!. Following these appearances, Young was signed to a developmental contract and assigned to Ohio Valley Wrestling.[3][4] On December 5, Young made his OVW debut, defeating Seth Skyfire in a dark match before losing to James Curtis in a match for the Television Championship;[5] however, Young was released from his contract shortly thereafter due to WWE briefly dropping its affiliation with OVW.[6] Young later made an appearance for WWE on the February 25, 2010, episode of Superstars, where he lost to Luke Gallows.
Ring of Honor (2007–2021)
[edit]Early appearances (2007–2009)
[edit]On September 14, 2007, Young made his Ring of Honor debut at the promotion's Motor City Madness event, where he was defeated by Davey Richards.[2][7] Following his debut, Young secured his first victory in ROH upon defeating Rhett Titus at Tag Wars on June 28, 2008.[3] Young would then go on to occasionally compete throughout the rest of 2008 and 2009 before leaving ROH in mid-2009.
The Last Real Man (2012–2021)
[edit]Young would make his return to ROH on July 14, 2012, losing against Michael Elgin after a three-year-long absence. On September 15 at Death Before Dishonor X, he lost to Tadarius Thomas in a qualifying match for Survival of the Fittest 2012.[8] He participated in Top Prospect Tournament in 2013. On January 5, he beat Adam Page and qualified for the next round. He was eliminated from the tournament by Matt Taven February 2. On March 2, at 11th Anniversary Show, he lost in a 'Six Man Mayhem match' for the benefit of A. C. H.[9] On September 20, 2013, at Death Before Dishonor XI, Young lost to Jay Lethal.[10]

On September 28, 2013, Young challenged anyone to beat him in a singles match. Mark Briscoe answered the challenge and proceeded to defeat Young.[11][12] Later that evening, Young participated in a battle royal to determine who would receive a title shot for World Championship and was one of the final two participants before he was eliminated by Briscoe.[11] After the match, he refused to shake hands with Briscoe and attacked him. The two subsequently began feuding and at Glory by Honor XII, Young defeated Briscoe.[13] On November 15, Young lost to Mark's brother Jay. On December 14 at Final Battle 2013, their feud culminated when Young defeated Briscoe in a strap match.[14][unreliable source?] On January 4, Young competed against World Television Champion Tommaso Ciampa, but was unsuccessful in winning the title.[15][unreliable source] After that match, former champion Matt Taven came to congratulate them, but Young refused to shake his hand and instead attacked him.[15] As a result, Young and Taven wrestled against each other at the 12th Anniversary Show, where Taven was victorious.[16] The next day however, Young responded with a victory over Taven as well as Caprice Coleman and Takaaki Watanabe.[17][unreliable source?] On March 8 at Raising the Bar - Night 2, Young defeated Taven following a distraction by Truth Martini.[18][unreliable source?] On May 10 at Global Wars, Young received another opportunity at the World Television Championship in a match also involving Taven, Tommaso Ciampa and Jay Lethal, but was again unable to win the title as Lethal retained it.[19] After losing to Kevin Steen on June 22 at Best in the World 2014,[20] Young rebounded with a victory over Matt Taven, Jimmy Jacobs and A. C. H. on July 12 to secure a title match for the World Championship.[21] Six days later, Young continued his momentum by defeating Steen in a no disqualification match.[22][unreliable source] Young was scheduled to face Cedric Alexander at All Stars Xtravaganza, but he suffered a broken leg and was out of action for nearly seven months.[23][unreliable source?] During his absence, a series of vignettes aired of Young giving out a PSA—a public Silas announcement—that largely criticized most men in today's culture, signifying a major push once Young came back from injury.[24]
Young made his return from injury on March 13, 2015, in a losing effort to Will Ferrara after he hit Ferrara with a low blow.[25] The following night, Young defeated Mark Briscoe, Matt Taven and Roderick Strong in a Proving Ground four-corner survival match to earn a title match with World Champion Jay Briscoe later that night.[25] However, he was unsuccessful in defeating Briscoe for the title.[25] After defeating his tag partner Takaaki Watanabe in May at Global Wars '15, he started a feud with Dalton Castle, surviving past Young's defeat in June at Best in the World 2015. The feud development about Young wanting to take Castle's boys and make them "real men". Castle agreed to a match at All Star Extravaganza VII with the stipulations that if he lost, Young would get the boys, while if Young lost, he would become one of Castle's boys. Castle subsequently lost the match, with Silas Young getting the boys. Young faced Castle in another losing effort at Final Battle, but despite the boys seemingly siding with Young in the weeks prior to the event,[26] they rejoined Castle following the match.[27]
On June 12, 2016, Young and the Beer City Bruiser defeated The Briscoes and The All Night Express in a three-way final to win the 2016 Tag Wars tournament.[28] On July 1, Young announced his contract with ROH had expired.[29] On September 17, 2016, Young won the Honor Rumble by eliminating Jay Lethal. On November 25, 2016, Young was added to the Final Battle 2016 match card and was put in a match versus Jyushin Thunder Liger. Young defeated Liger after hitting him with Misery. During 2017, Young had a feud against Jay Lethal, calling him the Golden Boy of ROH. At Supercard of Honor, Young defeated Lethal in a Last Man Standing match. At Final Battle on December 15, 2017, Young defeated Kenny King, Punishment Martinez and Shane Taylor in a Fatal four-way elimination match to win the ROH World Television Championship.[30] Young lost the title to King on February 10, 2018,[31] but won it back on April 7, 2018, by defeating King in a Last Man Standing match at Supercard of Honor XII. He lost the title again to Punishment Martinez on June 16, 2018, at Ring of Honor's State of the Art event in Dallas. He and Josh Woods formed Two Guys One Tag. On March 26, 2021, on ROH 19th Anniversary Show, Young turned on Woods splitting up the team.[32]
All Elite Wrestling (2022–2023)
[edit]Young made his All Elite Wrestling debut on the June 22, 2022 episode of Dynamite, facing "Hangman" Adam Page in a losing effort.[33] He then faced Powerhouse Hobbs on the April 12, 2023 episode of Dynamite, losing in a squash match.
Personal life
[edit]During a 2011 interview, DeWall revealed that he had been a heroin addict prior to his professional wrestling career.[34] He stated that training to become a professional wrestler allowed him to overcome his addiction and meet his wife.[34] Although DeWall previously claimed to be the nephew of Stan Hansen, Hansen stated in an interview with Jim Ross that he and DeWall are not actually related.[35]
In a 2017 interview with Solowrestling.com, DeWall revealed that his "Last Real Man" gimmick is inspired by his father's work ethic and physical appearance.[36] Starting in mid-2019, DeWall began incorporating his real-life habit of tobacco smoking into his "Last Real Man" gimmick by smoking cigarettes after winning a match.[37]
Championships and accomplishments
[edit]- All American Wrestling
- AAW Heavyweight Championship (2 times)[38]
- AAW Heritage Championship (1 time)[39]
- Allegiance Tag Team Tournament (2013) – with Jimmy Jacobs[40]
- All-Star Championship Wrestling / NWA Wisconsin
- NWA Mid American Wrestling
- MAW Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[43]
- MAW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Zach Gowen[44]
- NWA Midwest
- NWA Midwest Heavyweight Championship (3 times)[45]
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Real Canadian Wrestling
- RCW British Commonwealth Championship (1 time)[47]
- Ring of Honor
- ROH World Television Championship (2 times)[30]
- Honor Rumble (2016)
- Tag Wars (2016) – with The Beer City Bruiser[28]
- ROH Year-End Award (1 time)
- ROH Feud of the Year (2017) vs. Jay Lethal
- UPW Pro Wrestling
- UPW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[48]
- Xtreme Intense Championship Wrestling
- XICW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Gavin Starr[49]
- Pure Pro Wrestling
- PPW Michigan State Heavyweight Champion (2 times) [50]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Silas Young « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net.
- ^ a b c "ROH profile". Archived from the original on July 24, 2014. Retrieved August 31, 2014.
- ^ a b "411MANIA". Dark Pegasus Video Review: Ring of Honor — Tag Wars 2008.
- ^ "411MANIA". Various News: Storm, Silas Young, Test Retires, WWE/Jakks Press Release.
- ^ "Matches « Silas Young « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net.
- ^ "Wrestling's Greats: ROH's Last Real Man in Professional Wrestling, Silas Young". Archived from the original on September 3, 2014.
- ^ "411MANIA". RB Report: ROH Motor City Madness 2007.
- ^ "ROH Death Before Dishonor X". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
- ^ "3/2 Shore's ROH 11th Anniversary IPPV and review results". www.prowrestling.net. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
- ^ "9/20 Ring of Honor Death Before Dishonor Results: New ROH Champion Crowned". Wrestlezone. September 21, 2013. Retrieved November 4, 2013.
- ^ a b "SILAS YOUNG VS MARK BRISCOE STRAP MATCH". Ring of Honor. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
- ^ "PWTorch.com - SHOW RESULTS - 9/28 ROH in Hopkins, Minn.: Honor Rumble produces ROH Title match, plus TV Title match, more". www.pwtorch.com.
- ^ "Glory By Honor XII". Ring of Honor. July 15, 2013. Archived from the original on September 25, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
- ^ "Live ROH Final Battle results". Gerweck.net. December 15, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
- ^ a b "ROH TV Taping Results 04.01.14". 411Mania. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
- ^ "PWTorch.com - SHOW RESULTS - 2/21 ROH Anniversary show in Philadelphia, Pa.: Cole vs. Hero for ROH Title, A.J. Styles, two other title matches, Hardy misses the show, more". www.pwtorch.com.
- ^ "Résultats TV recordings of ROH Wrestling on SBG (2/22/2014)". CatchAuQuotidien. Archived from the original on February 23, 2014. Retrieved February 23, 2014.
- ^ "Résultats ROH "Raising The Bar - Night 2" (08/03/2014)". CatchAuQuotidien. Archived from the original on March 9, 2014. Retrieved March 9, 2014.
- ^ "CALDWELL'S ROH vs. NEW JAPAN IPPV REPORT 5/10". Retrieved May 11, 2014.
- ^ "CALDWELL'S ROH "BEST IN THE WORLD" PPV RESULTS 6/22: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV cable debut". PWTorch.
- ^ "7/12 ROH in Hopkins, Minnesota results: Matt Hardy's last ROH dates? Michael Elgin challenges Hardy to year ROH Title match, one of Kevin Steen's farewell matches". ProWrestling.net. Retrieved July 13, 2014.
- ^ "ROH 07/18/14 Summer Heat Tour results (Live Report)". PWPonderings. Retrieved July 19, 2014. [permanent dead link]
- ^ "411MANIA". Silas Young Suffers Broken Leg, Off ROH All-Star Extravaganza.
- ^ "PSA - Public SILAS Announcements - YouTube". YouTube.
- ^ a b c "News | ROH Wrestling". www.rohwrestling.com.
- ^ "12/16 ROH TV Results – Final Hype for "Final Battle," Jerry Lynn, more - PWTorch". PWTorch.com. December 17, 2015. Retrieved December 19, 2015.
- ^ "ROH Final Battle Notes – title change, #1 contenders, Castle, ROH/NJPW, more - PWTorch". PWTorch.com. December 19, 2015. Retrieved December 19, 2015.
- ^ a b "6/12 ROH in Milwaukee, Wis. – Tag Wars finale, Lethal & Cabana vs. Young Bucks main event". Pro Wrestling Torch. June 12, 2016. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
- ^ Johnson, Mike (July 1, 2016). "ROH star's deal expires". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
- ^ a b Dave Meltzer (December 15, 2017). "ROH Final Battle 2017 Live Results: Cody vs Dalton Castle". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
- ^ "2/10 ROH TV TAPING SPOILERS FROM ATLANTA, GA - PWInsider.com". www.pwinsider.com.
- ^ "New Champion Crowned At ROH State Of The Art Event In Dallas". June 17, 2018.
- ^ "Kazuchika Okada finally walks through the Forbidden Door (UPDATED)". June 22, 2022.
- ^ a b "411MANIA". 411 Interviews: Silas Young of AAW, DGUSA, and Evolve.
- ^ "TRR - Ep29 - Stan "The Lariat" Hansen". Retrieved December 10, 2023.
- ^ Solowrestling (June 21, 2017). "Silas Young, sobre ir a WWE: 'Antes tengo que ganar el campeonato mundial de ROH'".
- ^ @lastrealmanROH (May 22, 2019). "Does it get any cooler than this???" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "AAW Heavyweight Title (Illinois)". Wrestling-Titles.com.
- ^ "AAW Heritage Title (Illinois)". Wrestling-Titles.com.
- ^ "AAW Allegiance Tag Team Tournament « Tournaments Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net.
- ^ "ACW Heavyweight Title (Wisconsin)". Wrestling-Titles.com.
- ^ "Wisconsin Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.com.
- ^ "MAW Title (Wisconsin)". Wrestling-Titles.com.
- ^ "MAW Tag Team Title (Wisconsin)". Wrestling-Titles.com.
- ^ "NWA Midwest Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.com.
- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2018". cagematch.net. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
- ^ "RCW British Commonwealth Championship". CageMatch. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
- ^ UPW Heavyweight Championship CageMatch
- ^ "XICW Tag Team Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net.
- ^ "Wrestling News | Pure Pro Wrestling".
External links
[edit]- Silas Young's profile at Cagematch , Wrestlingdata , Internet Wrestling Database
Silas Young
View on GrokipediaEarly life and training
Early life
Caleb DeWall, better known by his ring name Silas Young, was born on September 8, 1980, in Appleton, Wisconsin.[1] He grew up in a working-class Midwestern family as one of six brothers, raised by his father James, who instilled an old-school, disciplined work ethic in his sons amid a large and boisterous household.[5] This upbringing emphasized resilience and manual labor values typical of the region's blue-collar communities, with limited public details available about his mother or extended family dynamics.[6] From a young age, DeWall developed a passion for professional wrestling through watching events on television, particularly those from the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), which captivated him during his childhood and planted the seeds for his future career, especially influenced by wrestlers like Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, and Hulk Hogan.[7] These viewings formed some of his earliest memories, fostering a deep fascination with the industry's athleticism and storytelling despite not participating in organized sports himself.[8] DeWall attended local high schools in the Appleton area, completing his secondary education without pursuing college or higher learning, instead channeling his energy into personal physical development and informal activities that built his endurance.[8] This period marked a straightforward youth in Wisconsin's Fox Valley region, where community ties and family responsibilities shaped his formative years before his interest in wrestling prompted further exploration.[6]Wrestling training and debut
Young began his wrestling training in 2001 at around the age of 20, motivated by a childhood interest in the sport and encouraged by a friend who was already pursuing a career in professional wrestling.[7][9] He trained under local instructors Angel Armoni, Chris Bassett, and Mike Mercury in a makeshift facility located in a garage in Appleton, Wisconsin, where the absence of a proper ring forced trainees to use a basic bumping platform for practice.[10][7] The early training environment presented significant physical and mental challenges, as Young had to build fundamental skills like taking bumps and executing basic maneuvers without the support of formal infrastructure or safety equipment. Injuries were common in this rudimentary setup, which tested his resilience and prompted him to seek more structured methods shortly after starting. Despite these hurdles, the experience instilled a strong work ethic and helped him develop a hybrid brawling and technical style that emphasized gritty, hard-hitting exchanges combined with precise holds and counters.[7][10] Young made his professional debut on March 2, 2002, in an independent promotion in the Midwest, wrestling under the ring name Silas Young against an unspecified opponent; this match marked his transition to full-time professional wrestling.[10][11] The debut showcased the raw fundamentals he had honed during his garage sessions, solidifying his commitment to the industry at a time when major promotions like WCW and ECW had recently folded, limiting opportunities for newcomers.[9]Professional wrestling career
Independent circuit (2002–2007)
Young began his professional wrestling career on the independent circuit shortly after his debut in March 2002, primarily competing in Midwest promotions to hone his skills. He frequently appeared for All American Wrestling (AAW) in Illinois, where he engaged in competitive bouts against established talents, including a victory over Jimmy Jacobs on September 9, 2006.[11] His training under Angel Armoni laid the groundwork for these early outings, emphasizing fundamentals that allowed him to adapt quickly to the rigors of regular booking.[2] In addition to AAW, Young worked with Midwest Superstar Pro Wrestling (MSPW) and IWA Mid-South, contributing to his development as a versatile performer. A notable early rivalry developed with Colt Cabana in 2006; on May 18, Cabana defeated Young in IWA Mid-South, followed by a three-way loss to Steve Stone involving both wrestlers on July 30 in MSPW.[11][12] These encounters showcased Young's emerging technical prowess, often incorporating chain wrestling and submissions against more experienced opponents. He also faced Steve Stone multiple times in MSPW, securing wins on August 26 and October 14, 2006, which helped solidify his presence in regional scenes.[11] Young's style evolved during this period from an initial technical and high-flying approach to a more hard-hitting, brawling technique, influenced by the physical demands of frequent matches featuring strikes, backbreakers, and lariats.[11] Extensive touring across the Midwest, including stops in Wisconsin with NWA Wisconsin and Indiana with IWA Mid-South, along with occasional East Coast dates, built his reputation as a dependable midcard talent capable of delivering consistent performances in multi-man and singles competition.[11] This grind of regional bookings from 2002 to 2007 prepared him for larger opportunities, establishing a foundation of reliability among promoters.[2]World Wrestling Entertainment (2007–2010)
In late 2007, Silas Young participated in a WWE developmental tryout, where he impressed officials enough to secure a developmental contract assigned to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), WWE's primary training territory at the time.[13] His tryout performances led to on-screen opportunities, including a debut loss to Val Venis on the September 24, 2007, episode of WWE Heat, taped during a Raw event.[14] The following evening, Young appeared on WWE's ECW brand, competing as enhancement talent in a televised squash match against The Miz on the September 25, 2007, episode of ECW on Sci-Fi, lasting just over two minutes.[15] These appearances highlighted Young's technical skills honed on the independent circuit but positioned him primarily as a jobber to elevate established stars.[11] However, Young's WWE tenure was short-lived; the developmental contract was terminated in early 2008 when WWE abruptly ended its affiliation with OVW on February 7, effectively releasing him and several other prospects without further opportunities in the system.[13] Despite the setback, the exposure from his ECW match and Heat appearance garnered positive feedback from WWE scouts, enhancing his reputation among independent promoters as a reliable performer capable of holding his own against mainstream talent.[15] Young returned for another evaluation in 2010, wrestling in dark matches during WWE Superstars tapings as part of a renewed tryout process. On February 22, he lost to Vladimir Kozlov in an untelevised bout, followed by a televised defeat to Luke Gallows on the February 25 episode of Superstars, again in a quick squash to showcase the winner.[14] These encounters brought him close to another developmental offer, but WWE's roster reductions and shift toward in-house training at Florida Championship Wrestling prevented a signing, marking another near-miss in his pursuit of a full-time role.[16] The 2010 appearances further solidified Young's indie credibility, demonstrating his adaptability to WWE's style without committing to the promotion long-term, allowing him to thrive elsewhere in the industry.[11]Ring of Honor (2007–2021)
Silas Young made his Ring of Honor (ROH) debut on September 14, 2007, at the Motor City Madness event, where he was defeated by Davey Richards in a singles match.[11] During his initial years from 2007 to 2011, Young primarily worked as a jobber, competing in undercard bouts against established talents such as Austin Aries, Nigel McGuinness, and Rhett Titus, often resulting in losses that helped elevate opponents.[17] He secured his first ROH victory on June 28, 2008, against Rhett Titus at the Tag Wars event, marking a gradual shift toward midcard status.[1] Throughout this period, Young formed early alliances, including brief tag team partnerships, but remained a consistent presence in multi-man matches and dark contests, building experience amid sporadic bookings.[17] In 2012, Young transitioned to a full-time role in ROH after a three-year absence, adopting the "The Last Real Man" persona, a macho, no-nonsense heel character inspired by his father's old-school toughness as a Navy veteran and firefighter.[15] This gimmick emphasized traditional masculinity, complete with a signature entrance featuring a fur-lined coat and a brash theme song, setting him apart as a throwback brawler who mocked modern wrestling's perceived softness.[15] The character debuted prominently upon his return on July 14, 2012, with a loss to Michael Elgin, but quickly gained traction through provocative promos and aggressive in-ring style.[7] Young's major feuds during the mid-2010s highlighted his midcard reliability, including a heated rivalry with Kevin Steen that culminated in a no-disqualification match on July 18, 2014, during the Summer Heat Tour, known for its intense weapon spots and physicality.[18] He also clashed with The Briscoes, defeating Mark Briscoe in a singles bout at Glory by Honor XII on September 20, 2014, after refusing a post-match handshake and attacking him, sparking a personal animosity.[19] Against Bullet Club members, Young engaged in high-stakes encounters, such as challenging Adam Cole and others in 2015 storylines that underscored ROH's invasive faction dynamics.[2] From 2014 to 2016, he pursued the ROH World Television Championship relentlessly, positioning himself as a credible contender through consistent performances in title qualifiers and non-title defenses by champions like Tommaso Ciampa.[20] Young captured the ROH World Television Championship for the first time on December 15, 2017, at Final Battle, winning a four-way elimination match against Kenny King, Cody, and Punishment Martinez by last eliminating King.[20] He held the title for 57 days before losing it to Kenny King on February 10, 2018.[20] Young regained the championship 57 days later on April 7, 2018, defeating King in New Orleans, embarking on a second reign of 70 days marked by defenses including a successful retention against Austin Aries by disqualification on June 2, 2018, that solidified his status as a workhorse champion.[20][21] This second run ended on June 16, 2018, against Punishment Martinez, after which Young continued as a key midcard pillar, often allying with Beer City Bruiser in tag team pursuits like their 2016 Tag Wars tournament victory.[19] Young's ROH tenure concluded in 2021 amid the promotion's indefinite hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with his contract expiring at the end of the year following the Final Battle: End of an Era event on December 11, 2021, where he competed in a four-corner survival match for the TV Title.[22] Reflecting on the closure after nearly a decade as a company mainstay, Young described it as "a kick in the balls," noting the emotional toll despite continued payments during the shutdown and his contributions to ROH's gritty undercard identity.[22]All Elite Wrestling and later career (2022–present)
Following the hiatus of Ring of Honor programming in late 2021, Silas Young transitioned to freelance wrestling while making sporadic appearances for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and the revived Ring of Honor (ROH) under the AEW banner in 2022 and 2023.[23] He debuted on AEW Dynamite on June 22, 2022, in his hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, losing to "Hangman" Adam Page in a singles match.[23] Young competed in additional bouts, including a tag team loss to FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) on the August 31, 2022, episode of Dynamite and a singles defeat to Powerhouse Hobbs on the April 12, 2023, episode.[24] On ROH television, he appeared five times in 2023, featuring in singles matches such as a loss to Shane Taylor on the March 23 episode and a victory over Marcus Kross in a February taping.[25] In interviews, Young expressed optimism that these outings could lead to a full-time contract with AEW or ROH, noting his prior tenure as a foundation for potential expanded opportunities.[26] Young returned to the independent circuit in earnest during 2023 and 2024, leveraging his veteran status for bookings across regional promotions while retaining his "Last Real Man" persona. He secured the Pure Pro Wrestling (PPW) Michigan State Heavyweight Championship on December 9, 2023, by defeating champion Danny Astro at the "Twas The Fight Before Christmas" event.[27] PPW continued to feature him prominently, with a scheduled appearance at the "Last Rites" event in Holland, Michigan, on October 10, 2024, highlighted for his hard-hitting style. Beyond PPW, Young challenged for titles in other independents, including a loss to Schwartzy for the KAOS Pure Michigan Championship on July 28, 2024, and a victory over Rhino to claim the IWR Heavyweight Title on August 1, 2024.[11] These matches underscored his role as a reliable draw in Midwest promotions like AAW and Ragin Pro Wrestling, where he competed in multiple events throughout the period.[28] Young won the RPW Heavyweight Championship by defeating Brick McCarthy on May 31, 2025. As of November 2025, Young has maintained an active freelance schedule in the United States, with ongoing bookings emphasizing his established gimmick and drawing on his ROH legacy for credibility. Independent appearances continued, including a singles victory in a triple threat match on November 8, 2025, in events with promotions such as Great Lakes Wrestling Association and New Sound Wrestling.[29] While no full-time contract has materialized, his consistent work across AEW-adjacent and independent scenes positions him for potential international opportunities.[23]Personal life
Family and background
Silas Young, born Caleb DeWall, met his wife, Valerie Malone (professionally known as Val Malone), through connections in the professional wrestling world during his early training in the early 2000s.[30] Malone, a former wrestler and manager, has been a steadfast supporter of Young's career, often accompanying him on tours and serving as his on-screen valet in various promotions.[31] The couple married, balancing the demands of Young's extensive travel schedule with their shared passion for wrestling.[19] Young and Malone are parents to at least one child, their son Jack, born in the late 2000s; the family maintains privacy regarding further details on their household size.[31] Jack has shown interest in wrestling from a young age, influenced by his parents' involvement, though Young has emphasized not pushing the sport on him.[32] The family resides long-term in the Milwaukee area of Wisconsin, specifically Greenfield, where Jack attends a local school just blocks from their home, allowing Young to integrate family life with his professional commitments despite frequent tours.[33][34] Beyond wrestling, Young remains deeply rooted in his Midwestern heritage, participating in local community events to give back to the Milwaukee region where he now resides, having grown up in Appleton, Wisconsin.[33][34] For instance, he has volunteered at his son's school for Read Across America Day, reading to students and using his public profile to promote literacy and family-friendly activities.[33] These efforts reflect Young's commitment to community involvement while maintaining a grounded family life amid his wrestling pursuits. They continue to appear together professionally as of 2025.[35]Overcoming addiction
In his late teens and early twenties, prior to committing fully to professional wrestling, Silas Young struggled with heroin addiction, a period he later described as stemming from youthful poor decisions.[36] The turning point came in 2001 when Young began wrestling training, which provided the structure, discipline, and supportive community he needed to quit drugs and pursue a new path. He has credited this entry into wrestling as the key factor that motivated him to get clean, start working out rigorously, undergo training, and secure bookings on independent shows.[36] Young achieved sobriety around 2002 and has reported no relapses in subsequent public accounts, attributing his sustained recovery to the wrestling environment's influence in reshaping his life. Through this journey, he met his wife, who offered additional personal support during his early recovery.[36] In interviews over the years, Young has reflected on wrestling as a lifesaving career choice that not only ended his addiction but also built his character, occasionally sharing his story to raise awareness about overcoming substance abuse. For instance, in a 2017 reflection, he described the experience as one of life's most challenging self-battles, emphasizing daily mental resilience.[36]Championships and accomplishments
Professional wrestling championships
Throughout his career, Silas Young has captured numerous championships across various independent promotions and Ring of Honor (ROH).[37] His reigns often highlighted his brawling style and ability to engage in hard-fought defenses against top competitors, elevating his status from an independent journeyman to a key figure in ROH's television division.[38] Young's most prominent achievements were his two reigns as ROH World Television Champion. He won the title for the first time on December 15, 2017, at Final Battle in a four-way elimination match, defeating Kenny King, Punishment Martinez, and Shane Taylor after eliminating Martinez last; this 57-day reign included successful defenses against opponents such as Kenny King, showcasing his resilience in intense bouts that helped solidify his "Last Real Man" persona.[38][39] He lost the championship to Kenny King on February 10, 2018, during ROH TV tapings. Young recaptured the title on April 7, 2018, at Supercard of Honor XII by defeating Kenny King in a singles match; this second 70-day reign featured key defenses, including victories over Flip Gordon on April 27, 2018, and Austin Aries on May 18, 2018, which drew significant attention for their athleticism and storytelling, further cementing his credibility in ROH.[38][40][41] The reign ended on June 16, 2018, when he was defeated by Punishment Martinez at State of the Art. These combined 127 days as champion marked Young's peak in ROH, where his defenses emphasized gritty, no-nonsense wrestling that resonated with fans and positioned him as a gatekeeper for rising stars.[37][42] On the independent circuit from 2002 onward, Young amassed several regional titles that built his reputation as a versatile performer. In 2006, he won the MSPW Heavyweight Championship on August 26, holding it for 84 days before losing it on November 18; this early success came during a period of consistent booking in Midwest promotions and helped him gain exposure against established talent.[37] He also secured the AAW Heavyweight Championship twice, first on November 28, 2009, defeating Michael Shard for a 469-day reign that included defenses against challengers like Colt Cabana on April 17, 2010, demonstrating his endurance in long-term titleholds; his second reign began on July 23, 2011, lasting 426 days until September 21, 2012, further highlighting his dominance in the All American Wrestling promotion.[11][37] Other notable independent victories include the NWA Midwest Heavyweight Championship (three times, with reigns spanning 2004–2009 and totaling 580 days combined) and the MAW Junior Heavyweight Championship (one time, 2005–2006).[37] These accomplishments underscored Young's adaptability and hard-hitting approach, paving the way for his ROH tenure. In his later independent career as a freelancer (2022–present), Young continued to add to his resume with titles such as the UPW Heavyweight Championship (March 11, 2023 – July 29, 2023, 140 days), RCW British Commonwealth Championship (May 8, 2022 – February 18, 2023, 286 days), MCPW Heavyweight Championship (May 11, 2024 – November 2, 2024, 175 days), IWR World Heavyweight Championship (August 1, 2024 – May 2, 2025, 274 days), GLWA Heavyweight Championship (March 15, 2025 – April 5, 2025, 21 days), PPW Michigan State Heavyweight Championship (twice: October 8, 2022 – October 29, 2022, 21 days; December 9, 2023 – March 16, 2024, 98 days), and RPW Heavyweight Championship (May 31, 2025 – present, 168 days as of November 15, 2025).[37]| Promotion | Title | Reigns | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROH | World Television Championship | 2 | First: Dec 15, 2017–Feb 10, 2018 (57 days, 4 defenses); Second: Apr 7, 2018–Jun 16, 2018 (70 days, 5 defenses)[38] |
| AAW | Heavyweight Championship | 2 | First: Nov 28, 2009–Mar 12, 2011 (469 days); Second: Jul 23, 2011–Sep 21, 2012 (426 days)[37] |
| MSPW | Heavyweight Championship | 1 | Aug 26, 2006–Nov 18, 2006 (84 days)[37] |
| NWA Midwest | Heavyweight Championship | 3 | Feb 22, 2004–Jul 16, 2004 (145 days); Aug 15, 2008–Oct 23, 2009 (434 days); Dec 4, 2009–Dec 5, 2009 (1 day)[37] |
| MAW | Junior Heavyweight Championship | 1 | May 29, 2005–Jun 23, 2006 (390 days)[37] |
| UPW | Heavyweight Championship | 1 | Mar 11, 2023–Jul 29, 2023 (140 days)[37] |
| RCW | British Commonwealth Championship | 1 | May 8, 2022–Feb 18, 2023 (286 days)[37] |
| MCPW | Heavyweight Championship | 1 | May 11, 2024–Nov 2, 2024 (175 days)[37] |
| IWR | World Heavyweight Championship | 1 | Aug 1, 2024–May 2, 2025 (274 days)[37] |
| GLWA | Heavyweight Championship | 1 | Mar 15, 2025–Apr 5, 2025 (21 days)[37] |
| PPW | Michigan State Heavyweight Championship | 2 | Oct 8, 2022–Oct 29, 2022 (21 days); Dec 9, 2023–Mar 16, 2024 (98 days)[37] |
| RPW | Heavyweight Championship | 1 | May 31, 2025–present (168 days as of Nov 15, 2025)[37] |
