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Tucker (American wrestler)
Tucker (American wrestler)
from Wikipedia

Levi Rolla Cooper[2] (born July 24, 1990)[3] is an American retired professional wrestler. He is best known for his tenure in WWE, where he performed under the ring name Tucker.[1] After signing with WWE in 2013, he was assigned to their developmental brand NXT, under the ring name Tucker Knight. He is best known for his partnership with Otis, as part of Heavy Machinery. He was promoted to WWE's main roster in 2019, and disbanded in 2020 as a result of the WWE Draft.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Cooper attended North Marion High School where he was a successful amateur wrestler. He wrestled at collegiate level for Portland State University, California State University, Bakersfield and Arizona State University, and placed 8th at the NCAA Wrestling Championships in 2011, earning him All-America status.[4] At ASU, he earned a degree in accounting from the W. P. Carey School of Business.[5]

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

WWE (2013–2021)

[edit]

In 2013, after graduating college, Cooper signed a contract with WWE and was assigned to the WWE Performance Center, where he took the ring name Tucker Knight.[6] He made his professional wrestling debut at an NXT live event in Starke, Florida on January 24, 2015, facing Tye Dillinger in a match that resulted in a no contest.[7] He made his television debut on the July 1 episode of NXT, working as an enhancement talent in a loss to Baron Corbin.[6] Knight continued to make sporadic televised appearances as an enhancement talent throughout the remainder of 2015 and the start of 2016.[8][9][10]

Heavy Machinery – Knight (left) and Otis Dozovic (right) in April 2018

In July 2016, Knight formed a tag team with Otis Dozovic, calling themselves Heavy Machinery.[11] The duo participated in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament, and they made their television debut on the October 19 episode of NXT, losing to the team of Austin Aries and Roderick Strong.[12] The duo returned and had their first televised victory on the March 29, 2017 episode of NXT, defeating the team of Jonathan Ortagun and Mike Marshall.[13] On the July 12 episode of NXT, Heavy Machinery unsuccessfully challenged The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) for the NXT Tag Team Championship.[14] In March 2018, Heavy Machinery once again participated in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament, but were eliminated by The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) in the first round.[15] At the Greatest Royal Rumble event on April 27, 2018, Knight made his first televised main roster appearance, entering the Royal Rumble match at number 24 and eliminating Drew Gulak before being eliminated by Big E.[16] On the December 19 episode of NXT, Heavy Machinery wrestled their final match on NXT, defeating Blake Howell and Danny D'Accardo.[17]

On December 17, 2018, it was announced that Heavy Machinery would be debuting on the main roster.[18] They debuted on the January 14, 2019 episode of Raw, interrupting an interview between Alexa Bliss and Paul Heyman.[19] The following week on Raw, they defeated The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) in their in-ring debut.[20] In February, his ring name was shortened to Tucker, while Dozovic's ring name was shortened to Otis.[21] The duo made their pay-per-view debut at WrestleMania 35, where they both competed in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, but neither would win the match.[22] As part of the Superstar Shake-Up, Heavy Machinery was moved to the SmackDown brand.[23] At Stomping Grounds on June 23, Heavy Machinery faced Daniel Bryan and Rowan for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, but were unable to win the titles.[24] The following month at Extreme Rules, Heavy Machinery again competed for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, this time in a triple threat tag team match involving Bryan and Rowan, and The New Day (Big E and Xavier Woods), which The New Day won.[25] At Crown Jewel on October 31, Heavy Machinery competed in a tag team turmoil match, but were eliminated by The New Day.[26] At Survivor Series, Heavy Machinery participated in an interbrand tag team battle royal, which was won by Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode.[27] At Elimination Chamber on March 8, 2020, Heavy Machinery competed in the namesake match for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, where the champions John Morrison and the Miz retained.[28][29]

At Money in the Bank, Otis, won the Money in the Bank ladder match, earning him a world title match at the time of his choosing.[30][31] In September, The Miz and John Morrison tried to steal Otis' Money in the Bank contract, but they failed on multiple attempts.[32][33] During the 2020 WWE Draft, Otis remained on the SmackDown brand, while Tucker was drafted to the Raw brand.[34][35] The trial over the Money in the Bank contract commenced on the October 23 episode of SmackDown, with John "Bradshaw" Layfield serving as judge and ordering that Otis would defend his Money in the Bank contract against Miz at Hell in a Cell.[36] At the event, Tucker betrayed Otis by hitting him with the briefcase, thus turning heel and disbanding Heavy Machinery.[37]

On the November 9 episode of Raw, Tucker won the WWE 24/7 Championship to claim his first championship within the company, but quickly lost it to Gran Metalik seconds later.[38] He did not reappear on television until the April 9, 2021 episode of SmackDown, where he competed in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.[39] On April 15, Tucker was released from his WWE contract.[40]

Independent circuit (2022–2024)

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After being released from WWE, Cooper continued wrestling on the independent circuit under his real name, before announce his retirement from professional wrestling on October 30, 2024.[41]

Other media

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Tucker made his video game debut as a playable character in WWE 2K19 and has since appeared in WWE 2K20, [42] WWE 2K Battlegrounds, and in WWE 2K22.[43]

Personal life

[edit]

Cooper is married and the couple have a daughter born June 2018.[44] Cooper is now a wrestling coach at Skyview High School in Vancouver, Washington.[45]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Levi Rolla Cooper (born July 24, 1990), known professionally as Tucker, is an American retired professional wrestler best known for his tenure with WWE from 2013 to 2021. He competed under the ring name Tucker Knight during his time in WWE's developmental brand NXT and later as Tucker on the main roster, where he gained prominence as one half of the tag team Heavy Machinery alongside Otis Dozovic. After his WWE release in April 2021, Cooper continued wrestling on the independent circuit sporadically, with his final match on June 24, 2023, before announcing his retirement from professional wrestling on October 30, 2024. Born in , Cooper grew up in Hubbard and attended North Marion High School, where he wrestled and earned two-time state runner-up honors while also competing in football and track and field. He continued his amateur career at , becoming an All-American by placing eighth in the heavyweight (285-pound) division at the 2011 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. In the 2012–13 season, he ranked 18th nationally, led the Sun Devils in dual-meet wins and points scored, and advanced to the NCAA Championships again. Cooper signed with in July 2013 following a tryout and began training at the in . He made his in-ring debut for NXT on January 24, 2015, defeating Tye Dillinger at a live event, and appeared on television for the first time in a loss to later that year. In 2016, he partnered with Otis Dozovic to form the Heavy Machinery, which debuted on NXT programming and quickly became known for their power-based style and comedic segments. The duo was promoted to the main roster in January 2019, with their ring names shortened to Tucker and Otis to streamline announcements. Heavy Machinery competed in high-profile matches, including title opportunities against teams like The New Day and , and made appearances at events such as and Extreme Rules, though they never captured championship gold. The team disbanded in 2020 amid storyline developments involving Otis, leading Tucker to a brief singles run before his release. Following his WWE departure, Cooper cited the challenges of the demanding travel schedule with family priorities, including his role as a , as a key factor in his decision to retire. In 2025, Cooper became the head wrestling coach at Skyview High School in , where he mentors young athletes and has received visits from former partner Otis. A married of two, he has reflected on his career as an exciting but short-lived chapter that allowed him to perform alongside legends like , The Rock, and .

Early life

Childhood and family

Levi Rolla Cooper was born on July 24, 1990, in . He was raised in Hubbard, Oregon, a small community in the state's region. Details regarding his parents' backgrounds and family dynamics during his early years remain private, with no public records indicating siblings or specific familial influences on his formative interests. This early environment in laid the groundwork for his later transition to in high school.

Education and amateur wrestling

Cooper began his career at North Marion High School in , where he lettered four times in the sport, earning two-time state runner-up honors in wrestling (2007, 2008), while also lettering three times in football and four times in . After graduating, he progressed to the collegiate level, initially competing for before the program's discontinuation, followed by a stint at . In 2010, he transferred to (ASU), where he continued his athletic pursuits while pursuing academics. At ASU, Cooper majored in accountancy within the W. P. Carey School of Business, initially starting as a general business major before switching after an introductory accounting course. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy in 2013. During his time on the Sun Devils wrestling team, he trained under head coach Shawn Charles and, from 2012, assistant coach Lee Pritts, developing a strong work ethic alongside teammates like 2011 NCAA champion Anthony Robles. In his first season with ASU during the 2010–11 campaign, Cooper compiled a 27–12 record and achieved All-American honors by placing eighth in the heavyweight division at the 2011 NCAA Wrestling Championships in . In the 2011–12 season, he ranked among the top 10 nationally and secured second place in the heavyweight bracket at the Pac-12 Championships. During his senior 2012–13 season, Cooper ranked 18th nationally, led the Sun Devils in dual-meet wins, advanced to third place at the Pac-12 Championships, and qualified for the NCAA Championships. These accomplishments highlighted his technical prowess and resilience, establishing a solid foundation in before his transition to professional pursuits.

Professional wrestling career

WWE tenure (2013–2021)

Tucker Knight signed a developmental contract with shortly after graduating from college in 2013. He was assigned to the NXT brand and began his professional training at the in , where he honed his skills as a power-based wrestler drawing from his amateur background. In 2016, Knight partnered with fellow NXT talent Otis Dozovic to form the Heavy Machinery, embracing a "Blue Collar Solid" persona that emphasized their working-class, hard-hitting style. The duo's offense centered on their combined size and strength, featuring signature double-team maneuvers such as the Compactor—a piggyback falling executed by Dozovic on an opponent elevated by Knight—and the Boom, where Knight hoists Dozovic for a diving senton. This partnership quickly established them as a formidable presence in NXT's landscape. Knight's WWE career evolved from primarily serving as enhancement talent in early matches to becoming a recognized mid-card act through Heavy Machinery's tag team efforts, which included notable achievements in NXT tournaments. His tenure concluded with his release from the company on April 15, 2021.

NXT developmental (2013–2019)

Knight signed with in 2013 and was assigned to the NXT developmental territory, where he trained at the under the ring name Tucker Knight. He made his professional in-ring debut on January 24, 2015, at an NXT live event in , facing Tye Dillinger in a match that ended in a no contest. Knight's television debut followed on the , 2015, episode of NXT, where he competed as an enhancement talent and lost to via pinfall. From 2015 to 2016, Knight appeared in numerous enhancement and undercard matches on NXT television and live events, often showcasing his power-based style against established competitors. Notable bouts included a loss to Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder alongside Elias Samson in the first round of the 2015 on September 9, 2015, and various squash victories over local competitors to build his presence. These appearances helped evolve his character from a solo powerhouse to a foundational member of NXT's division. In July 2016, partnered with Otis Dozovic (later Otis) to form the Heavy Machinery, debuting on live events with a gimmick emphasizing their brute strength and teamwork. The duo made their NXT television debut on the October 19, 2016, episode, losing to and in the first round of the . Heavy Machinery quickly gained momentum through dominant wins, such as against Demitrius Bronson and Patrick Scott on the September 27, 2017, episode of NXT. As Heavy Machinery, and Dozovic challenged for the multiple times without securing the titles, including a hard-fought loss to on the July 12, 2017, episode of NXT and a near-victory against ( and ) on December 26, 2018, where they came close to winning before a controversial finish. Their dynamic, highlighted by synchronized power moves like the , solidified their popularity in NXT. In early 2019, ahead of their promotion to the main roster, 's ring name was shortened to Tucker.

Main roster run (2019–2021)

Heavy Machinery, the tag team of Tucker Knight and Otis Dozovic, transitioned from NXT to WWE's main roster in early 2019, building on their established partnership as blue-collar powerhouses. Their debut appearance came on the , 2019, episode of Raw, where they were introduced alongside other NXT call-ups during a segment highlighting new talent. This marked the beginning of their push on Raw, though they primarily competed on SmackDown, participating in high-profile contention. On SmackDown, Heavy Machinery received an initial push, participating in elimination-style matches and tournaments to position them as contenders for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship. They notably entered a Fatal 4-Way Elimination Match on the January 29, 2019, episode against The New Day, , and The Bar, with the winners earning a title opportunity at ; although they were eliminated, the bout showcased their strength against established teams like . The duo advanced in subsequent tag division storylines, securing victories over midcard opponents such as on the September 17, 2019, episode of SmackDown, which helped build momentum toward a championship challenge. Their power-based offense, including Otis's Caterpillar splash and Tucker's compact athleticism, resonated with fans, leading to a title shot against Daniel Bryan and Rowan at in June 2019, where they came close but fell short in a hard-fought loss. The team's dynamic shifted dramatically at in October 2020, when Tucker turned on Otis during a Money in the Bank contract defense against . Positioned as Otis's corner man, Tucker struck his partner with the briefcase, enabling Miz to secure the victory and effectively disbanding Heavy Machinery after over four years together. This betrayal launched Tucker into singles competition on Raw, where he adopted a more aggressive persona but struggled to gain traction in feuds, often relegated to undercard bouts against competitors like . Tucker's brief stint as a singles competitor included a short-lived WWE 24/7 Championship reign on the November 9, 2020, episode of Raw. In a chaotic chase involving multiple participants, he captured the title from before immediately losing it to in the same segment, holding it for less than a minute. This opportunistic win highlighted the comedic, chase-based nature of the 24/7 division but did little to elevate his standing. By early 2021, Tucker's WWE appearances dwindled to sporadic undercard matches, including participation in the Memorial on the April 9, 2021, episode of SmackDown, where he was eliminated early. On April 15, 2021, WWE announced Tucker's release from his contract, ending his main roster tenure amid a wave of roster cuts.

Independent circuit (2021–2023)

Following his release from in April 2021, Levi Cooper took nearly a year off from before making his independent circuit debut under his real name. His first match occurred on February 20, 2022, at Prestige Roseland 2 in , where he teamed with Malcolm Phlex in a four-way title match but was defeated by Cody Chhun and Guillermo Rosas, who captured the Prestige Tag Team Championship. Cooper primarily worked in the independent scene, focusing on promotions like DEFY Wrestling and Prestige Wrestling, both based in the and Portland areas. He frequently teamed with the Midnight Heat (Eddie Pearl and Ricky Gibson), forming a stable known for high-energy trios matches against local competitors. Notable appearances included DEFY Defyant Nights on March 12, 2022, where he and Midnight Heat lost a six-person match to , , and Schaff under "All Violence Legal" rules, and DEFY On Edge on March 26, 2022, against Adam Brooks, Cody Chhun, and Guillermo Rosas. These bouts highlighted Cooper's power-based style adapted to the unscripted, fast-paced environment of regional indies, allowing greater creative freedom compared to his tenure. Throughout 2022, Cooper engaged in several singles and multi-man , often against established talents. At DEFY The World Is Yours - Night 1 on July 16, he was defeated by Ethan HD in a singles , followed by an elimination loss to in an eight-way bout the next night. His year culminated at DEFY Kingdom Come on October 29, where he competed in a for the Championship but was eliminated by champion Schaff. A prominent developed with Guillermo Rosas, leading to a hair vs. hair at DEFY Most Dangerous on January 20, 2023, which Rosas won, resulting in Cooper shaving his head. Cooper's activity remained sporadic in 2023, with fewer bookings centered on DEFY events. He and Midnight Heat secured a victory in a six-person tag over Ethan HD, Kris Brady, and Malcolm Phlex at DEFY The Juice on May 5, but earlier lost to Reynolds, , and Rosas at DEFY The Realest on April 8. His final independent match took place on June 24, 2023, at DEFY Heathens, entering another for the Heavyweight Championship, again won by Schaff. No further matches were recorded in 2024 as Cooper's appearances dwindled, reflecting a shift toward personal priorities amid limited regional opportunities. Cooper announced his retirement from in October 2024.

Post-wrestling career

Retirement (2024)

In October 2024, after more than a year of inactivity on the independent circuit, Tucker Knight officially announced his retirement from professional wrestling. The announcement came during an interview with Dr. Chris Featherstone of Sportskeeda, where Knight, whose real name is Levi Cooper, stated he had no plans to return to the ring. His last in-ring appearance was on June 24, 2023, in a match for DEFY Wrestling. Knight cited several personal reasons for his decision, emphasizing the emotional challenges of fatherhood and the demands of constant travel, which became "really difficult emotionally" after the birth of his . He described pre-parenthood touring as "95 percent fun," but noted the shift made being away from his two children increasingly unsustainable. Additionally, he highlighted the physical toll of the profession, calling it a "full-on " that "takes its toll" as performers essentially act as live-action artists. This, combined with a desire to prioritize and transition toward coaching, led him to step away permanently. Reflecting on his career in a February 2025 interview with , Knight expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating it was a "cool way to spend my 20s" and a "really special thing to get to do." He characterized as an "art form" that encompasses through physical performance with predetermined outcomes.

Coaching role (2025–present)

Following his retirement from professional wrestling in 2024, Levi Cooper, known professionally as Tucker Knight, assumed the role of head wrestling coach at Skyview High School in Vancouver, Washington, for the 2024–2025 season, after serving as an assistant coach the prior year. Cooper's coaching philosophy integrates lessons from his NCAA Division I wrestling background at and his WWE tenure, emphasizing technical proficiency, mental resilience, and the art of under pressure. He describes wrestling as a "live-action stunt that tells a story without words," drawing parallels to professional wrestling's demands while prioritizing enjoyment and personal growth, encapsulated in his : "Try your best and enjoy the rest." In his inaugural season as head coach, the Skyview achieved significant milestones, including securing the Greater St. Helens League (GHSL) district title for the first time in school history and finishing fourth at the state tournament. The team produced four individual state champions: JJ Schoenlein, a three-time winner; brothers Mason and Jonas DesRochers, each securing their second titles; and Madisyn Cardens, the second female state champion from Skyview. Cooper highlighted the program's emphasis on hard work and self-reliance as key to these successes. Cooper's WWE experience has garnered local media attention, with features portraying his transition as inspirational for students. In 2024, his former tag team partner Otis visited the team at Skyview High School. In a February 2025 KPTV spotlight, he shared stories of meeting icons like Hulk Hogan and The Rock to humanize professional success, motivating athletes by showing that "these are all just human beings trying to do their best." A March 2025 Clark County coverage further celebrated the team's historic run under his leadership.

Other media

Video games

Tucker made his debut as a playable character in the WWE-licensed series with in 2018, appearing under the Tucker Knight as part of the NXT roster. His inclusion reflected his emerging role in WWE's developmental brand, with an overall rating of 75 that highlighted his power-based style. Subsequent appearances included in 2019, where he was rebranded simply as Tucker on the main roster with an overall rating of 75, in 2020 as a technician-class character with an overall rating of 75, in 2022 with an overall rating of 71, and the mobile card-battler across multiple seasons. These portrayals tied into his main roster popularity as part of Heavy Machinery, featuring high strength attributes—often rated in the mid-80s for power categories—to emphasize his role as a dominant big man. In-game movesets for Tucker typically incorporated signature maneuvers like Project Mayhem (a double underhook powerbomb) and Trapping Suplex, alongside heavy strikes, capturing his tag team synergy with Otis through cooperative animations in tag matches.

Merchandise and endorsements

During his tenure with WWE as part of the tag team Heavy Machinery, Tucker was featured prominently in official merchandise lines targeted at fans of the blue-collar themed duo. Apparel items, including authentic t-shirts emblazoned with the slogan "Blue Collar Solid," were available for purchase on the WWE Shop and through licensed retailers from 2019 through 2021, capitalizing on the team's main roster debut and appeal to working-class audiences. These shirts, often in black with graphic designs depicting Heavy Machinery's logo and tagline, became a staple for supporters during live events and online sales. In addition to apparel, Tucker appeared in the Collection action figure series, with a standout release in 2020 as part of a Heavy Machinery two-pack alongside partner Otis, complete with detailed ring gear and accessories for collectors. This figure, scaled at approximately 6 inches and featuring deluxe articulation, highlighted the team's dynamic presence and was distributed through major retailers like and specialty wrestling stores. Tucker did not secure any major personal endorsement deals during his wrestling career, though his image as a rugged, fitness-oriented performer occasionally aligned with local promotions in his home state of for informal appearances. Following his 2021 release from , Tucker ventured onto the independent circuit from 2021 to 2023, where he offered limited custom merchandise such as event-specific t-shirts at select appearances, though these were not widely commercialized.

Personal life

Cooper met his wife, a fellow athlete, while attending Arizona State University. As of 2025, he is married and a father of two children.

Championships and accomplishments

Championships

;World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) :WWE 24/7 Championship (1 time)

Other accomplishments

;Pro Wrestling Illustrated :PWI ranked him #404 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in 2017 :PWI ranked him #261 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in 2018 :PWI ranked him #185 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in 2019

References

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