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The Crist Brothers were an American professional wrestling tag team consisting of brothers David Crist Jr. and John Crist, who are best known by their ring names Dave Crist and Jake Crist. They are best known for their time with Impact Wrestling where Jake was a one-time Impact X Division Champion.

Key Information

For much of their career, they wrestled on the Midwest independent circuit, most notably for the Heartland Wrestling Association (HWA) as The Irish Airborne, where they won the HWA Tag Team Championship a record six times. They also wrestled for Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), Chikara, IWA Mid-South (IWA MS), and Ring of Honor (ROH), as well as Canadian promotions, Far North Wrestling (FNW) and UWA Hardcore Wrestling (UWA). After years of being The Irish Airborne, they changed their name to Ohio Is 4 Killers (OI4K). The team also competed for Juggalo Championship Wrestling as The Ring Rydas, where they are former JCW Tag Team Champions. They are also known for their time in Impact Wrestling, where they are one-time Impact World Tag Team Champions.

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

Buckeye Pro Wrestling (2004)

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Under the names Lotus and Crazy J, the Crists made their debut in Buckeye Pro Wrestling against Dean and Chet Jablonski in which they were defeated.[5] The Airborne continued to wrestle their way through the ranks of BPW often feuding with the team of American Youth, ultimately defeating them on February 24, 2004 to become the BPW Tag Team Champions.[5] During their time in BPW, the Irish Airborne had chances to work on cross promotion shows with Heartland Wrestling Association and were eventually offered a match with the HWA.

Heartland Wrestling Association (2004–2006)

[edit]

Now achieving their high school goal, the Irish Airborne entered HWA. They became instant fan favorites due to their performance in BPW and the shared fan base. Their first match was a four-way tag match teaming with Viper and Zeta against 4BJ, J.T. Stahr & Jimmy Turner & Ala Hussein.[6] Airborne had continued success in HWA leading to a tag team title championship victory against Necessary Roughness in May 2005. As success came quickly for the brothers, so did tension, ultimately leading to a bloody feud that began in the Fall of 2005 and lasted through early 2006. The feud culminated in a best of seven series in which each brother would attempt to top the other in amounts of violence and wit. The feud finally ended in one of HWA's bloodiest and most gruesome ladder matches to date. Both men realizing neither could top the other ended the feud and began to wrestle as a team once again.

Name change and Ring of Honor (2006–2007)

[edit]

On January 27, 2006, the Crists were allowed to wrestle a dark match in Ring of Honor against each other in which Lotus defeated Crazy J.[7] The following evening they were again allowed to wrestle in a dark match, this time as a tag team against Shane Hagadorn & Conrad Kennedy III in which they won. On March 4, 2006, at an Insanity Pro Wrestling show in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Airborne announced that they would no longer be wrestling under the names of Lotus and Crazy J, but instead under their real names of Dave and Jake Crist. John decided to use the first name "Jake" rather than John because at that moment there were too many well known Johns in professional wrestling.[citation needed] On March 11, 2006, at Arena Warfare the Crists were able to earn a roster spot with ROH as they took on and defeated Tony Mamaluke and Sal Rinauro at the old ECW Arena.

Combat Zone Wrestling (2011–2012; 2014–2016)

[edit]
The Irish Airborne making their ring entrance in July 2012

On April 9, 2011, Jake Crist was invited to compete in Combat Zone Wrestling's "Best Of The Best X" representing Insanity Pro Wrestling. Jake Crist would go on to lose in the first round losing against Sami Callihan in a triple threat match that also involved AR Fox.[8] The next night on April 10, 2011 at CZW's "International Incident" Jake Crist would go on to wrestle Jon Moxley in Moxley's final match in CZW in another losing effort. After the match Jake would be attacked by both Moxley and Robert Anthony until Devon Moore made the save.[9] Jake Crist return to CZW on May 14, 2011 in a losing effort against Ryan Mcbride however fans chanted Please Come Back after the match.[10] On June 11, 2011 at CZW "Prelude To Violence" Jake Crist was told by CZW Owner DJ Hyde that if Crist wanted a CZW Contract then he would have to go and defeat Sami Callihan. However Callihan would go on to defeat Jake Crist again. After the match both men showed respect by shaking hands. Adam Cole and Mia Yim would come down to mock Callihan. During the verbal confrontation DJ Hyde would come out and lariat Callihan. Jake Crist would try to save Callihan but wound up attacked by DJ Hyde.[11] On July 9, 2011 at CZW "New Heights" AR Fox would offer a CZW Wired TV Championship title match to Jake Crist. Jake Crist would go on to gain his first win in CZW by defeating AR Fox to become the new CZW Wired TV Champion. Jake's Brother, Dave Crist would also make his CZW debut celebrating with his brother on a title win.[12] On September 10, 2011, Jake Crist was originally supposed to defend his newly won title against Chrisjen Hayme. However, Hayme would withdraw from the match and was replaced by Dustin Rayz. Jake Crist would go on to retain against Dustin Rayz. Dave Crist though, would show more concern about his brothers' TV title than in Jake Crists well being.[13] After the show Dustin Rayz would confront the Irish Airborne about Dave getting involved in his match against Jake.[14] Rayz would then challenge Dave Crist at CZW "Cerebral". Dave would go on to win that match. Jake Crist successfully defended his Wired TV title against Latin Dragon earlier that night.[15] On April 14, 2012, Dave defeated Jake with a low blow to win the CZW Wired TV Championship.[16] Upon entering CZW, the Irish Airborne formed Ohio is 4 Killers stable with Nevaeh and Sami Callihan.

On September 27, 2014, at Deja Vu, OI4K defeated the Juicy Product to win the CZW World Tag Team Championship.[17] On July 11, 2015, at New Heights, OI4K lost the CZW World Tag Team Championship to Team Tremendous.[18] In Infinity Pro Wrestling, the Crist Brothers defeated Donnie and Jacob Hollows.[19]

Juggalo Championship Wrestling (2010–2016)

[edit]

The Irish Airborne debuted in Juggalo Championship Wrestling on May 16, 2010 in a losing effort to JCW Tag Team Champions Thomaselli Brothers.[20] On May 26, the duo debuted as the masked tag team Ring Rydas.[21] Jake, as Ring Ryda Red, and Dave, as Ring Ryda Blue, lost to Thomaselli Brothers.[21] At Oddball Wrestling 2010, Ring Rydas defeated The Daivari Brothers (Shawn and Ariya Daivari).[22] The following night at Bloodymania IV, the duo lost in a Fatal 4 way Tag Team match that also featured the Haters, The Briscoe Brothers, and The Kings of Wrestling.[22] At 2011's Up in Smoke, the duo defeated Mad Man Pondo and Necro Butcher to become JCW Tag Team Champions.[23] At the next JCW iPPV "St. Andrews Brawl" they defeated the Haters in their first title defense.[24] On July 28, the Ring Rydas lost the JCW Tag Team Championship to U-Gene and Zach Gowen.[25] However, Gowen forfeited the championship after realizing that U-Gene cheated to win and gave the championships back to the Rydas.[25] On December 20, 2014, at Big Ballas, Ring Rydas lost the title against The Hooligans.[26]

Big Japan Pro Wrestling (2013)

[edit]

On September 10, 2013, Big Japan Pro Wrestling announced that the Irish Airborne, representing CZW, would be making their Japanese debuts, when they take part in the 2013 Dai Nihon Saikyo Tag League, which runs from September 25 to November 22.[27] The Irish Airborne finished their tournament on October 18 with a record of two wins and three losses, failing to advance from their block.[28]

Return to ROH (2017)

[edit]

On June 4, 2017, Jake Crist competed in a gauntlet match at ROH Gateway to Gold for a chance to compete against Christopher Daniels for his ROH World Title later that night. Dave joined the commentary booth for Jake's time in the ring. Dave was not invited to wrestle for ROH due to past conflicts with other roster members. Jake was pinned by Jonathan Gresham.[29]

Impact Wrestling (2017–2020)

[edit]

On August 17, 2017, at Destination X, Dave and Jake Crist made their Impact Wrestling debut under the name Ohio Versus Everything (oVe), defeating Jason Cade and Zachary Wentz.[30] At Victory Road, they defeated The Latin American Xchange (Ortiz and Santana) to win the GFW World Tag Team Championship.[31] During their reign, the championship was renamed as the Impact World Tag Team Championship.[32] On the October 12 episode of Impact!, LAX invoked their rematch clause by challenging oVe to a 5150 Street Fight at Bound for Glory.[33]

At Bound for Glory on November 5, Sami Callihan would debut as well as establish his alliance with The Crist Brothers by helping them defeat LAX, with Jake Crist low blowing Ortiz before Callihan delivered a piledriver through a table for the win.[34] They proceeded to attack LAX after the match, resulting in a double turn, with oVe turning from a face tag team into a heel faction also including Callihan.[35] On the January 4, 2018 episode of Impact!, they lost the title to LAX, ending their reign at 164 days.[36] The Crist Brothers and Callihan were later joined by Madman Fulton in March 2019.[37]

On the July 26, 2019 episode of Impact!, Jake Crist defeated Rich Swann to win the Impact X Division Championship.[38] Jake then retained his title in a five-way match at Unbreakable[39] and against Rich Swann on the August 23 episode of Impact!.[40] At Bound for Glory, Jake lost the X Division Championship to Ace Austin in an intergender ladder match also involving Tessa Blanchard, Daga, and Acey Romero, ending his reign at 93 days.[41]

In June 2020, Dave Crist was accused of sexual assault by his ex-girlfriend in the Speaking Out movement.[42] On June 22, due to the allegations as well as mounting concerns around unprofessional behavior in the ring (refusing to apologize for causing injuries, being forced out of the locker room, etc), Dave was released from his contract.[43][44] On December 15, Jake announced his departure from the company.[45]

On the September 2, 2021 episode of Impact!, Jake answered Josh Alexander's open challenge for the X Division Championship in a losing effort.[46] On May 26, 2023, at Under Siege, Jake was revealed as the mystery partner of Rich Swann and Sami Callihan, defeating The Design (Deaner, Angels, and Kon).[47]

Personal life

[edit]

Jake Crist is married to fellow professional wrestler Nevaeh.[48][49] The couple were childhood sweethearts while attending Tecumseh High School and have a daughter, Brooklynn, who was born when both were teenagers.[48] Nevaeh gave birth to the couple's second daughter, Johnnie, on November 23, 2015.

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]
The Irish Airborne with the A1 Tag Team Championships

References

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

Crist Brothers

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Crist Brothers were an American tag team composed of real-life brothers Dave Crist and , who competed together from 2003 until Dave's departure from the industry in 2020. Best known under personas such as Irish Airborne and as members of the Ohio Versus Everything (oVe) stable, the duo achieved success in independent promotions including (CZW), where they won the twice, and in Impact Wrestling, capturing the Impact World Tag Team Championship once in 2018. Their high-flying, hardcore style contributed to oVe's reputation for chaotic, violent matches, often involving weapons and interference from stablemate . The team's run ended amid controversy when Dave Crist was terminated by Impact Wrestling in June 2020 following multiple allegations of , including , , and abusive training practices uncovered during the #SpeakingOut movement. continued wrestling independently, later debuting in (MLW) in 2024 and securing additional titles in promotions like .

Early Career

Buckeye Pro Wrestling and Heartland Wrestling Association (2004–2006)

The Crist brothers, David (as Lotus) and Jake (as Crazy J), debuted professionally in Buckeye Pro Wrestling in early 2004, competing in the Ohio-based promotion's events. Their initial matches included bouts against local competitors, establishing their high-flying style rooted in their amateur backgrounds. By mid-2004, they transitioned to the (HWA), a developmental territory affiliated with World Wrestling Entertainment at the time, where they adopted the Irish Airborne to highlight their heritage. In HWA, Irish Airborne quickly rose to prominence by capturing the HWA Tag Team Championship in February 2004 via a victory, marking their first reign with the titles. They defended the championships successfully in subsequent events, including a non-title win over on June 10, 2006, and a retention against Jay Phoenix and TJ Dalton on November 7 of an unspecified year within the period, though records indicate ongoing activity through late 2006. The duo participated in multi-man tags and feuds, such as an eight-man elimination match loss on March 11, 2005, contributing to HWA's emphasis on athletic, hardcore tag division contests. Their HWA tenure through 2006 solidified Irish Airborne as a staple act, with multiple title reigns and defenses totaling over 70 days in at least one documented hold ending October 20, 2006, before losses to emerging teams like GP Code. This period honed their teamwork, leading to broader independent recognition, though HWA's WWE ties provided exposure without major national breakthroughs.

Initial Independent Promotions and Name Changes (2006–2010)

In early , Dave and abandoned their prior ring personas of Lotus and J, adopting their real names while their as Irish Airborne to reflect their high-flying style and roots. This shift occurred amid their expansion beyond initial Midwest territories, marking a deliberate evolution toward a more authentic presentation on the independent circuit. The duo debuted the Irish Airborne moniker in promotions such as Mad-Pro Wrestling on July 22, 2006, where they defeated in a tag team match. They followed with outings in Far North Wrestling on November 10, 2006, securing a victory over Jason Cage and CJ Sensation, and CHIKARA Pro Wrestling on November 12, 2006. By 2007, their momentum continued in Insanity Pro Wrestling, highlighted by an August 4 upset win over and , as well as appearances in on August 18. These bookings emphasized their agile offense against established technical and powerhouse teams, establishing them as versatile mid-card attractions across regional independents. Through 2010, Irish Airborne maintained activity in promotions like All American Wrestling, where on April 17 they challenged unsuccessfully for the AAW against and Tyler Black, and , capturing the HWA for a fifth on January 13. This period solidified their reputation in the Midwest indie scene, with consistent performances blending speed and resilience, though without major national breakthroughs until later affiliations.

Mid-Career Independent Circuit

Ring of Honor and Combat Zone Wrestling (2006–2007; 2011–2012)

The Crist brothers, performing as Irish Airborne, entered (ROH) in 2006, initially wrestling a dark match against each other on January 27. Throughout 2006 and into 2007, they competed in multiple ROH events, primarily in tag team matches against established acts such as the . On December 8, 2006, the defeated Irish Airborne. A notable appearance occurred on August 5, 2006, at ROH's , where Irish Airborne joined a four-way elimination match for the against champions and , Jack Evans and , and the ; Irish Airborne eliminated the Briscoes but were subsequently eliminated by Aries and Strong. Irish Airborne's involvement in ROH remained limited to midcard bouts during this period, with no title contention or major storylines documented. Their matches showcased high-flying maneuvers but often resulted in losses to top teams, positioning them as up-and-coming challengers. In (CZW), the brothers debuted in 2011, facing defeats such as on November 5, when Dustin Rayz and Ricky Shane Page beat Jake and Dave Crist. Intra-team rivalry emerged over the CZW Wired TV Championship, held by entering . On April 14, , at Best of the Best 11, Dave Crist defeated Jake via low blow to claim the title in 5:23. Jake regained it by disqualification on May 12, , at Proving Grounds, in a match lasting 7:13. These encounters highlighted growing factional tensions, leading to the formation of the Ohio is for Killers stable with and , which expanded their CZW presence. The brothers' CZW run emphasized hardcore elements and dynamics amid title pursuits.

Juggalo Championship Wrestling and International Appearances (2010–2016)

The Crist brothers, performing as the Irish Airborne, made their debut in Juggalo Championship Wrestling (JCW) on May 16, 2010, challenging and losing to the JCW Tag Team Champions, the Thomaselli Brothers. They became regular competitors in the promotion, which was affiliated with Psychopathic Records and featured events tied to Insane Clown Posse gatherings. Over the subsequent years, the brothers adopted the masked personas of the Ring Rydas in JCW, securing the JCW Tag Team Championship multiple times. Their first reign as Ring Rydas began on December 31, 2011, lasting 862 days until defeat by the Hooligans on May 11, 2014. They recaptured the titles on July 26, 2015, marking their fourth reign as a team under that gimmick. During this period, the Crist brothers expanded internationally, appearing in Canadian promotions such as Alpha-1 Wrestling. In 2012, they competed at Alpha-1 events, leveraging their high-flying tag team style in matches against local talent. These outings marked early cross-border exposure, contrasting their primary U.S.-based independent schedule. JCW appearances continued through 2016, with the brothers defending titles at events like Gathering of the Juggalos, though specific match outcomes varied amid the promotion's chaotic, entertainment-focused booking. No major European tours were documented in this timeframe, with international efforts centered on North America.

Big Japan Pro Wrestling and Further CZW Runs (2013–2016)

In October 2013, the Crist Brothers, competing as the Irish Airborne and representing (CZW), made their debut tour with (BJW). The excursion centered on participation in BJW's Saikyo Tag League, where they entered Block B and accumulated a record of two wins and three losses across multiple dates. Notable victories included defeats of Madoka and Shinya Ishikawa on October 5, as well as Jay Skillet and Kazuki Hashimoto on October 12; losses came against teams such as Ryuji Ito (in a singles match for Dave Crist on October 11) and Yankee Two Kenju (Isami Kodaka and Yuko Miyamoto) in a hardcore tag league bout on October 14. This appearance marked their primary international exposure during the period, aligning with CZW's inter-promotional ties. Concurrently, the brothers maintained active involvement in CZW as members of the Ohio Is 4 Killers (OI4K) stable, focusing on competition. At CZW's 14th Anniversary event on February 9, 2013, OI4K challenged for the in a three-way against champions Nation of Intoxication ( and ) and The Catalyst (Dustin Rayz and Eric Ryan), though the titles were not won on that occasion. Their persistence paid off on September 27, 2014, at the Deja Vu event, when OI4K defeated Juicy Product ( and David Starr) to capture the for the first time as a unit. The reign lasted nearly ten months, featuring defenses against prominent opponents, including a successful retention over (Matt and Nick Jackson) at CZW's 16th Anniversary Show on September 12, 2015. OI4K lost the titles on July 11, 2015, at the New Heights event to Team Tremendous (Bill Carr and Dan Barry). Through 2016, the brothers continued sporadic CZW appearances, contributing to OI4K's reputation in hardcore and tag division storylines, though without reclaiming the tag championships before shifting focus elsewhere.

Major Promotions and Ohio Versus Everything

Return to Ring of Honor (2017)

The Crist Brothers, competing under the Ohio Is for Killers (OI4K) moniker, returned to in early 2017 after more than a decade away from the promotion, where they had initially performed as Irish Airborne in 2006. Their comeback featured sporadic appearances on ROH live events, emphasizing and multi-man competition amid their broader independent circuit commitments. On June 4, 2017, at the Gateway to Gold event in , , participated in the signature 10-man Gateway to Gold gauntlet match to determine the number one contender to ROH World Champion . The bout included competitors such as , Kenny King, Sho, Dalton Castle, , , , and Punishment Martinez; was eliminated before the finish, which ended in a double count-out between White and Martinez. Dave Crist also competed at the event, contributing to the brothers' renewed presence in ROH. Throughout the year, the duo engaged in additional tag team matches, including bouts against established teams like Kenny King and , aligning with their evolving OI4K persona that foreshadowed the Ohio Versus Everything stable. These outings highlighted their high-risk aerial maneuvers and brawling style honed in promotions like , though they did not secure championship opportunities or major storylines in ROH during this period.

Impact Wrestling Tenure (2017–2020)

The Crist brothers, competing as Ohio Versus Everything (oVe) alongside , debuted in Impact Wrestling on August 17, 2017, at the Destination X event, where Dave and Jake defeated Jason Cade and Zachary Wentz in a . This appearance marked the introduction of the oVe , positioned as an antagonistic Ohio-based faction emphasizing hardcore and anti-establishment elements. On November 5, 2017, at Victory Road, oVe captured the GFW Championship (later rebranded as the Impact World Championship) from LAX ( and Santana) in a , holding the titles until December 2017. The group defended the championships successfully in subsequent defenses, including against teams like The OGz, solidifying oVe's presence in the tag division through aggressive, interference-heavy matches. In March 2019, Dave and Jake re-signed multi-year contracts with Impact, extending their involvement amid ongoing storylines involving faction warfare and hardcore stipulations. Jake Crist transitioned to singles competition in mid-2019, defeating on July 26 to win the Impact X Division Championship in a match aided by oVe interference, ending Swann's reign after 57 days. Crist defended the title against challengers such as Aiden Prince on August 9, 2019, retaining via pinfall after a Buckeye Drop. His 98-day reign concluded at on November 16, 2019, when captured the championship in a multi-person . Throughout 2018–2020, oVe engaged in feuds with stables like and The North, often incorporating weapons and no-disqualification rules that highlighted the brothers' deathmatch background. The faction's run emphasized chaotic brawls and alliances, contributing to Impact's midcard tag and narratives until internal roster tensions surfaced in 2020.

Controversies and Allegations

Speaking Out Movement and Dave Crist's Release (2020)

In June 2020, the emerged within , prompting numerous public allegations of , emotional abuse, and physical assault against various industry figures, akin to broader #MeToo disclosures. Dave Crist became a subject of such claims, with an ex-girlfriend, identified as Hannah Horror, accusing him of abusive and controlling behavior from the outset of their relationship, including non-consensual sex while she was unconscious, physical assaults such as spitting in her face and pushing her down stairs, and pressing thumbs into her eyes during arguments. Additional accusations included predatory advances toward a under his guidance and inappropriate photo solicitations from wrestler Haim. These allegations, shared primarily via platforms, aligned with broader industry reckonings but lacked formal legal proceedings or convictions as of the disclosures. Crist did not publicly respond to the specific claims in contemporaneous reports, though prior backstage tensions at Impact Wrestling—stemming from an in-ring injury to —had reportedly positioned him for departure independent of the scandal. On June 22, 2020, Impact Wrestling terminated Crist's contract effective immediately, alongside that of Joey Ryan, amid the mounting accusations; the promotion's parent company, , confirmed the action in a statement emphasizing zero tolerance for such conduct. This release effectively ended his tenure with the company, where he had performed as part of Versus Everything since 2017.

Impact on the Tag Team and Jake Crist's Response

The allegations against Dave Crist during the #SpeakingOut movement prompted Impact Wrestling to terminate his contract on June 22, 2020, which effectively dissolved the Crist Brothers that had held the Impact World Tag Team Championship twice as part of the Ohio Versus Everything (oVe) . Dave Crist made no subsequent wrestling appearances, leading to the indefinite hiatus of their partnership, while oVe fragmented with leader remaining with Impact and other members like Joey Ryan also released amid separate allegations. Jake Crist, unaffected by direct allegations, continued under contract with Impact but was not booked for matches in the six months following his brother's release, attributing this to guilt by association. In a December 2020 interview, he described himself as "a total victim of Cancel Culture of not doing anything wrong," emphasizing his focus on family and performance over involvement in controversies. Jake requested and received a mutual release from Impact effective January 1, 2021, stating he understood the promotion's need to distance itself from Dave while expressing no hard feelings: "I also understand too them wanting to distance and do everything... there’s no hard feelings, and I wish them nothing but the best." This allowed him to pursue independent bookings, marking a shift from their joint career trajectory.

Post-2020 Developments

Jake Crist's Independent Circuit Activities (2020–2025)

Following his release from Impact Wrestling, Jake Crist became a effective January 1, 2021, and resumed wrestling primarily on the . In his first full year as a , Crist competed in 102 matches across various promotions, including IWA East Coast, New Wave Pro Wrestling, and especially . At 's King of the Deathmatches tournament on July 30–31, 2021, he advanced but was ultimately eliminated. He rebounded by winning the Ted Petty Invitational tournament on September 10–11, 2021, defeating multiple opponents in a multi-night event. Crist captured the IWA Junior Heavyweight Championship on October 28, , by defeating the incumbent champion in , marking his third reign with the title and holding it for 229 days. During this period, he formed the Born to Die with Corey Storm, competing together on the independent scene from into 2022. Tensions with escalated in 2022, culminating in Crist publicly destroying promotion-owned belts in a of against perceived mismanagement, though he continued select appearances elsewhere that year, logging 57 matches overall. Crist sustained his independent schedule through 2023–2025, focusing on promotions like Wrestling Revolver and . In Wrestling Revolver, he defended championships in events such as Unreal on May 31, 2025, and competed in high-profile bouts, including a singles against Matthew Palmer on March 28, 2024. With , he partnered with Marino T. to hold titles entering the King of Hearts Tournament in 2025, but lost them in a three-way handicap to Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes on September 14, 2025. These activities underscored his versatility in singles, , and hardcore styles amid a fragmented indie landscape.

Dave Crist's Absence from Wrestling

Dave Crist was terminated from Impact Wrestling on June 22, 2020, amid allegations of sexual misconduct, abusive training practices, bullying, and hazing that surfaced during the Speaking Out movement. Specific accusations included predatory behavior toward female trainees, including grooming minors via text messages, physical violence during sessions, and controlling relationships marked by emotional and sexual abuse. Impact's parent company, Anthem Sports & Entertainment, confirmed the contract termination effective immediately, stating it took the claims seriously following an internal review. Prior to the public allegations, Crist reportedly faced internal within Impact's locker room, including tensions with other talent over his conduct, which had positioned him for departure even before the Speaking Out disclosures. No criminal charges were filed against him based on available reports, though the accusations contributed to his effective from major promotions. Since his release, Dave Crist has made no documented appearances in matches, events, or promotions as of October 2025, effectively ending his in-ring career that spanned from 2003 to 2020. This prolonged absence contrasts with his brother Jake Crist's continued activity on the independent circuit, with no public statements or sightings of Dave in wrestling contexts post-2020. The lack of return may stem from industry reputational damage following the allegations, though Crist has not issued a public denial or apology in verified sources.

Personal Lives

Dave Crist's Background and Family

David Crist Jr., professionally known as Dave Crist, was born on November 10, 1982, in New Carlisle, Ohio. He resides in the Dayton, Ohio, area and entered professional wrestling in 2003 after training under Bo Dacious, Cody Hawk, and Matt Stryker. Crist is the older brother of John Crist, who wrestles as Jake Crist; the siblings collaborated extensively as the Crist Brothers tag team across independent promotions. Through this familial connection, he is the brother-in-law of Nevaeh, Jake Crist's wife and a fellow professional wrestler. No verified public details exist on Dave Crist's spouse, children, or extended family beyond these wrestling-related ties.

Jake Crist's Background and Family

John Crist, better known by his ring name Jake Crist, was born on July 13, 1984, in New Carlisle, Ohio. He grew up in New Carlisle, where he and his younger brother Dave developed an early interest in professional wrestling by staging backyard matches with friends during their teenage years. Crist married fellow professional wrestler (real name Elizabeth Crist) in 2013; the couple had known each other since high school. They have two children, with their second born in late 2017. Crist's immediate family includes his brother Dave Crist, with whom he has frequently teamed in under the name the Crist Brothers or Irish Airborne.

Championships and Accomplishments

The Crist Brothers, primarily as the Irish Airborne and later oVe, have secured multiple championships across independent promotions. They won the AAW on four occasions, including a tournament victory on March 17, 2017. In , they held the A1 from July 28, 2012, to January 18, 2015, for a record 904-day reign. They also captured the AIW once, reigning from June 26, 2011, to November 25, 2011. In , the brothers won the on September 27, 2014, holding it until July 11, 2015. During their tenure in Impact Wrestling as oVe, Dave and defeated LAX to win the Impact World Tag Team Championship in August 2017, becoming recognized tag team champions before losing the titles later that year. Additional accomplishments include victories in the HWA Tag Team Championship multiple times, such as on December 2, 2009. Individually, Dave Crist won the CZW Best of the Best tournament in 2016 and the CZW Wired TV Championship, while Jake Crist secured the Impact X Division Championship in 2019 and various other singles titles in promotions like HWA. Their tag team success underscores a career built on high-flying and hardcore styles in the Midwest independent scene.

Wrestling Style and Reception

In-Ring Techniques and Tag Team Dynamics

The Crist brothers, performing under the tag team moniker Irish Airborne, utilized a high-flying wrestling style emphasizing aerial maneuvers, speed, and synchronized double-team attacks. Dave Crist, classified as a high flyer, incorporated springboard stunners and double-jump springboard cutters into his arsenal, often transitioning into high-impact strikes from elevated positions. complemented this with a technician-high flyer hybrid approach, featuring suicide dive tornado DDTs, tiger suplexes, and corner springboard cutters known as the Buckeye Drop, blending technical precision with brawling elements for versatility in matches. In tag team dynamics, the brothers leveraged their familial chemistry for seamless transitions, frequently isolating opponents through rapid tags and high-risk dives to maintain offensive pressure. Their signature double-team sequence involved a doublestomp-to- combination, showcasing coordinated aggression rooted in early influences like the ' extreme aerial style. The primary finisher, Irish Air Raid, executed as a diving stomp by Dave Crist to the opponent's head followed immediately by Jake Crist's slam driving the body onto Dave's knees, exemplified their reliance on timing and elevation for conclusive impact. This approach proved effective in independent promotions like , where their agility allowed them to compete against larger or more power-based teams through evasion and counter-aerial offense. Critics noted the Crists' excellence in tag division settings due to intuitive partner awareness, enabling complex spots like rope-hung neckbreakers into assisted dives without verbal cues, though their style occasionally risked overexposure to injury from repeated high-flying commitments. Overall, their dynamics prioritized brotherly synchronization over individual dominance, contributing to multiple tag title reigns across circuits including AAW and HWA.

Critical Assessments and Legacy

The Crist Brothers, known primarily for their work as the high-flying tag team Irish Airborne, earned consistent praise from reviewers for their athleticism, seamless brotherly chemistry, and effective double-team offense during their extensive tenure from the mid-2000s onward. In matches, they were highlighted for delivering competitive bouts against top teams like the , including upset victories that showcased their potential as rising stars in the tag division. Critics noted their crowd-pleasing style, with one review describing their performances as impressive and over with audiences, contributing to memorable multi-man tags and undercard highlights. Their 2017–2019 run in Impact Wrestling as part of the Ohio Versus Everything (oVe) stable further solidified their reputation for hardcore, high-energy matches, where they captured the Impact World Tag Team Championship and were commended for captivating in-ring work that elevated undercard segments. Observers appreciated their dedication, with accounts emphasizing how they "worked their asses off" to build credibility despite limited spotlight. Jake Crist's brief stint as Champion in 2019 was viewed as a positive step for his individual profile, though often framed as transitional amid the promotion's roster dynamics. The brothers' legacy, however, remains tied to the Midwest indie scene, where they amassed multiple regional tag titles and fostered a dedicated following through promotions like and All American Wrestling. Their evolution from Irish Airborne's aerial focus to oVe's brawling intensity demonstrated versatility, influencing perceptions of adaptability in smaller markets. Yet, post-2020 developments, including Dave Crist's release from Impact following #SpeakingOut allegations of misconduct and his subsequent withdrawal from active competition, have overshadowed their achievements. , released shortly after due to association, has characterized the repercussions as an instance of , continuing solo indie appearances while distancing himself from the controversy. Collectively, the Crists are assessed as solid, workmanlike performers whose synergy provided reliable entertainment, though broader stardom eluded them amid personal and professional setbacks.

References

  1. https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=tagteams&team=60976
  2. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=2143&name=Jake%2BCrist
  3. https://impact.fandom.com/wiki/Jake_Crist
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_A0IIgVsv4
  5. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=28&nr=2143
  6. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2020/06/22/impact-fires-dave-crist-and-joey-ryan-suspends-elgin/
  7. https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2020/06/22/joey-ryan-and-dave-crist-fired-by-impact-wrestling-amid-allegations/
  8. https://cultaholic.com/posts/impact-wrestling-fires-joey-ryan-and-dave-crist-suspends-michael-elgin
  9. https://mlw.com/jake-crist/
  10. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/david-crist/
  11. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/irish-airborne/
  12. https://wwfoldschool.com/hwa-heartland-wrestling-association/
  13. https://wrestleinn.wordpress.com/2023/05/01/12-years-in-the-making-the-story-of-jon-moxley-vs-jake-crist/
  14. https://gerweck.net/2020/06/28/dave-crist/
  15. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/jake-crist/
  16. https://dilworthm.tripod.com/indywrestling/hwa.html
  17. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/promotions/hwa/
  18. https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-independent-mid-card-06-19-07-the-briscoes-vs-irish-airborne-part-iii/
  19. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=47739&page=9
  20. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=7406
  21. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=111&nr=1579
  22. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/czw/_2012/
  23. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=78961
  24. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/Ohio_Versus_Everything
  25. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=28&nr=486
  26. https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=titles&titel=766
  27. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=754
  28. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=28&nr=6769
  29. http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/jake-crist-1900.html?prom_id=179&year=2013
  30. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=102160
  31. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/promotions/czw/combat-zone-wrestling-2013/
  32. https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/pa/e/czw/czw-t.html
  33. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wrestlers/jake-crist
  34. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/events-results/ppv-special/roh-gateway-to-gold
  35. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=2143
  36. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2017/08/new-gfw-tag-team-speaks-on-tonight-debut-video-630233/
  37. https://411mania.com/wrestling/csonkas-gfw-destination-x-review-8-17-17/
  38. https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2017/08/18/destination-x-on-pop-tv-august-17-results-review/
  39. https://www.sportskeeda.com/player/jake-crist
  40. https://wrestlingnewsblog.com/2019/03/13/oves-jake-dave-crist-re-sign-with-impact-wrestling/
  41. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/jake-crist-defeats-rich-swann-win-x-division-title-impact
  42. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2019/07/jake-crist-wins-x-division-champion-657830/
  43. https://www.facebook.com/TNAWrestlingFB/videos/jake-crist-vs-aiden-prince-x-division-championship-impact-august-9-2019/2140361306263084/
  44. https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2019/07/28/keeping-things-crist-impact-wrestlings-new-x-division-champion/
  45. https://lovewrestling.ca/jake-crist-on-impact-wrestling-x-division-championship-run/
  46. https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/sports/2020/06/21/speakingout-movement-rocks-pro-wrestling-world/3232512001/
  47. https://www.cagesideseats.com/impact-wrestling/2020/6/20/21297554/anthem-statement-sexual-misconduct-accusations-against-impact-crist-ryan-elgin
  48. https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/hd2uy5/hannah_horror_dave_crist_was_abusive_and/
  49. https://www.ringsidenews.com/dave-crist-accused-sexual-abuse-ex-girlfriend/
  50. https://www.ringsidenews.com/dave-crist-reportedly-blackballed-impact-wrestling-prior-speakingout-movement/
  51. https://www.postwrestling.com/2020/06/22/impact-releases-joey-ryan-and-dave-crist-suspends-michael-elgin/
  52. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2897288-dave-crist-joey-ryan-terminated-by-impact-wrestling-michael-elgin-suspended
  53. https://www.ringsidenews.com/jake-crist-says-he-victim-cancel-culture-because-accusations-against-his-brother/
  54. https://ewrestling.com/article/jake-crist-addresses-impact-departure-brother-dave-crists-speakingout-allegations/
  55. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/12/jake-crist-discusses-why-he-left-impact-678112/
  56. https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1214214-jake-crist-impact-wrestling-free-agent
  57. https://www.postwrestling.com/2020/12/15/jake-crist-officially-a-free-agent-no-longer-with-impact-wrestling/
  58. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=2143&page=22
  59. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=2143&page=10
  60. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=2143&page=16
  61. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=3746&page=2
  62. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=2143&page=8
  63. http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/jake-crist-1900.html
  64. http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/jake-crist-1900.html?res=10
  65. https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1191718-dave-crist-heat-impact-wrestling-talent-locker-room
  66. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=2144&name=Dave%2BCrist
  67. https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/171nl2m/the_whereabouts_of_dave_crist/
  68. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wrestlers/dave-crist
  69. https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=2851
  70. https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=2850
  71. https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local/homegrown-pro-wrestler-rockstar-dayton-and-beyond/TClolXxolXTorXs0ZHZxdK/
  72. https://gerweck.net/2020/05/06/nevaeh/
  73. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2018/01/03/impact-wrestling-success-helps-oves-jake-crist-find-happiness/
  74. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=567
  75. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1599
  76. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=612
  77. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/events-results/tna/impact-wrestling-2018
  78. http://www.accelerator3359.com/Wrestling/bios/dcrist.html
  79. https://impact.fandom.com/wiki/Dave_Crist
  80. https://impact.fandom.com/wiki/Ohio_Versus_Everything
  81. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/Dave_Crist
  82. https://411mania.com/wrestling/ring-of-honor-in-review-the-2006-honor-roll/
  83. https://411mania.com/wrestling/roh-throwdown-dvd-review/
  84. https://411mania.com/wrestling/roh-fight-of-the-century-dvd-review/
  85. https://amusicblogyea.com/2017/10/24/gimme-your-answers-a-video-interview-w-impact-tag-team-champions-dave-and-jake-crist-of-ove/
  86. https://ramblingsaboutwrestling.com/2018/04/27/impact-redemption-2018-review/
  87. https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1215128-jake-crist-comments-impact-release-future-interview
  88. https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/hdwyy6/wrestlezone_dave_crists_issues_started_with/
  89. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/12/jake-crist-on-being-cancel-culture-fallout-due-to-ties-to-678195/
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