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Tyler Rust
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Russell Gene Taylor[3] (born January 26, 1987),[3] is an American professional wrestler better known by the ring name of Tyler Rust in WWE. After WWE, he would adopt the ring name Taylor Rust in NJPW and ROH, however prior to WWE, he was known in his independent career as Ryan Taylor and later Rust Taylor.

Key Information

Professional wrestling career

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Empire Wrestling Federation (2004–2020)

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At 16 years old, he began training at the EWF's training school, Jesse Hernandez's School of Hard Knocks and had his first match for the EWF on March 27, 2004. Taylor wrestled to gain experience and won the 2004 Rookie of the year award in the company. In the spring of 2006, Taylor had his first feud with Joey Harder and after a series of hard matches, Taylor won the EWF Cruiserweight Championship on June 9, 2006. Taylor also won the 2006 Most Improved Award, becoming the first recipient of it. Taylor's reign as the Cruiserweight Champion lasted for 399 days until ending on July 13, 2007, when Markus Riot defeated Taylor in a Best of 3 Falls match to win the EWF Cruiserweight Championship.[4] Ryan won back the EWF Cruiserweight Championship after only 22 days at EFW's Meltdown. Taylor's second reign as the EWF Cruiserweight Champion lasted only 77 days until October 10, 2007 when Maximo defeated Ryan Taylor.[4] In November, Taylor competed in the EWF's Inland Title Series Tournament against J.T. Blackstar, Scorpio Sky and Brandon Gatson. He placed third with a final score of 1-2-0.[5] Taylor also won the 2007 Match of the Year Award for his match against Marcus Riot at the Covina Classic on June 9. In the early part of 2008, Taylor formed a stable known as the KOS alongside Mondo Vega and Hook Bomberry. On August 23, 2008 in San Bernardino, California, Taylor defeated Vizzion in the main event at Flirting With Disaster for the EWF American Championship[6] and new female wrestler Aiden Riley joined the KOS. The KOS then feuded with T. J. Perkins and Liger Rivera until the end of the year in a very intense feud that not only won the Feud of the Year 2008 Award but Taylor would win the Match of the Year 2008 Award for the Belt on a Pole match against Perkins in which Taylor would win the NWA Heritage Championship from Perkins and Taylor won the EWF Wrestler of the Year 2008. Taylor also wrestled the main event of the first ever So-cal supershow featuring the combined companies of EWF and AWS against Perkins and Scott Lost in a triple threat match for the AWS Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Championships and Taylor's NWA Heritage Championship, in which Taylor retained his title. Taylor held and defended both the EWF American Championship and the NWA Heritage Championship in the early parts of 2009 until losing the Heritage title to Oliver John in a fatal four-way match at the main event of the Cauliflower Alley Club Show after pinning Chris Hero and he lost the American title to Rivera at the EWF's 14th Anniversary Show. On October 30, 2009, after returning from Japan, Taylor defeated Brandon Gatson to win the EWF Heavyweight Championship. Taylor began to feud with his former stable the KOS in late 2009 and the early parts of 2010, ultimately ending with a Street Fight between Taylor and Mondo Vega. Taylor would win the EWF Wrestler of the Year for a second time in 2010. Taylor holds the record for the longest title reign in EWF history at 567 as EWF Heavyweight Champion. On May 20, 2011, Taylor lost the EWF Heavyweight Championship to Johnny Starr. On August 12, he would regain the championship, only to lose it 21 days later to Shaun Ricker. Taylor then participated in Inland Title Series Tournament for a second time in November 2012 and made it to the finals, wrestling 3 matches in 1 night but lost to Jeremy Jaeger. Taylor and Mondo Vega came together again but not as the KOS group, only the two and were collectively known as The Fallen Empire. In 2013, they would win the EWF Tag Team Championship in San Bernardino, that match would win the EWF MOTY for 2013. The two would have 2 championship runs as EWF Tag Champs until losing the belts to Tyshon Prince and Tommy Wilson in January 2015.[7]

Early WWE appearances (2008–2009, 2012, 2019)

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On October 17, 2008, Taylor made his debut for WWE, on its SmackDown brand, where he was defeated by Big Show in a I Quit Match.[8] He returned to WWE on the May 26, 2009, episode of WWE ECW, where he teamed with Joey Munoz and was defeated by Vladimir Kozlov. Taylor would be used by WWE for several commercials promoting SmackDown moving to SyFy Network, working with Kofi Kingston. Taylor also appears in a Don't Try This At Home commercial from WWE, again with Kingston.

In 2012, Taylor was invited to a WWE three day tryout camp, along with other independent notables such as Adam Pearce, Timothy Thatcher and Davina Rose (now known as Bayley).[9]

Taylor would make another appearance in WWE on the June 17, 2019 episode of Raw, teaming with Randy Taylor in a loss to The Viking Raiders.

Kaientai Dojo (2009)

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In 2009, Taylor was heavily involved in Kaientai Dojo. His debut was at 1st Ring in Shinkiba where he was successful in a tag match teaming with Quiet Storm. His first match with KDojo he teamed with Boso Boy Raito and Yuu Yamagata and they were defeated by Omega (Saburo Inematsu, Shiori Asahi and Yuji Hino). He joined Omega that week and wrestled as a part of the top team in Kaientai Dojo. Taylor wrestled in one of HUSTLE's last shows at the Tokyo Dome Hotel.[10] On 3 July 2009, Taylor was defeated by Quiet Storm in a match for the UIWA Light Heavyweight Championship.[11] Taylor made his final appearance for the promotion in his first tour on September 13, 2009, as he teamed with Saburo Inematsu and they were defeated by Monster Plant (KAZMA and Kengo Mashimo).[12]

Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (2009–2013)

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On November 20, 2009, Taylor made his Pro Wrestling Guerrilla debut at the first night of the 2009 Battle of Los Angeles, where he teamed with Malachi Jackson in a losing effort against the Cutler Brothers (Brandon and Dustin Cutler).[13] Taylor continued to perform on every PWG show from 2010 to 2013. Taylor teamed with Roderick Strong at the DDT4 tournament in May 2010, where they were eliminated in the first round by the Cutler Brothers.[14][15] On September 4, 2010 Taylor entered the 2010 Battle of Los Angeles, but was eliminated in the first round by Brandon Gatson.[16] The following day Taylor formed a new alliance with Chuck Taylor and Brian Cage (who would adopt the ring name Brian Cage-Taylor), called the Fightin' Taylor Boys.[17][18] From the end of 2010 until summer of 2012, The Fightin' Taylor Boys would do numerous tag team matches and compete in PWG's 2012 DDT4, losing to the RockNes Monsters in the first round. Their final match as a group was Chuck Taylor and Ryan Taylor in mid late 2012. Ryan Taylor's last match for PWG was in 2013 at the 10yr Anniversary show.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2020)

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In June, Taylor took part in secret TV tapings at NJPW's Los Angeles Dojo for a new show named Lion's Break Collision. On June 13, Taylor made his New Japan Pro-Wrestling debut as Rust Taylor, teaming with Rocky Romero in a losing effort against TJP and Clark Connors. At the same tapings, Taylor got his first win in New Japan by defeating The DKC.

In November, Taylor returned to NJPW aligning with J. R. Kratos, Tom Lawlor, and Danny Limelight to form the new Team Filthy. The duo of Taylor and Kratos made their tag team debut defeating Rocky Romero and Jeff Cobb. On November 20, Taylor defeated Rocky Romero in his first singles match back in Japan. One week later at NJPW Strong #17, Taylor competed in his last match in New Japan teaming with Kratos, Lawlor, and Limelight in a winning effort against Cobb, Romero, Fred Rosser and P. J. Black.

Ring of Honor (2020)

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On October 2, 2020, Taylor made his Ring of Honor debut as Rust Taylor, competing in the ROH Pure Tournament. In his debut match he lost in the first round to the eventual runner-up Tracy Williams, in a match that was considered one of the best of the whole tournament. Rusts last match with ROH before going to WWE would be a tag match teaming with Dalton Castle vs Rocky Romero and Kenny King.

Return to WWE (2020–2021)

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On December 2, 2020, WWE announced Taylor as a recruit to the WWE Performance Center.[19] That same day, he made his debut on NXT as a heel, in a Thatch-as-Thatch Can segment with Timothy Thatcher as Thatcher's student under the ring name Tyler Rust. Later on in the night, he was seen backstage talking to Malcolm Bivens.[20][21] After debuting in ring Vs Tommaso Ciampa, Rust and Bivens formed their partnership and Bivens began referring to his new nickname, Diamond in the Rust, as he would gain his first win in WWE on the Christmas Eve episode of NXT vs Ariya Daivari. Rust would work on the NXT weekly show during the first half of 2021 with Bivens,[22][23][24] until June 22, when Rust and Bivens were revealed to be a part of the Diamond Mine stable along with Hachiman and Roderick Strong, thus cementing Rust's status as a heel.[25][26] However, he was released on August 6.[27]

Return of ROH and NJPW (2021–2022)

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Taylor returned to Ring of Honor on September 12, 2021 at Death Before Dishonor XVIII, where he defeated Jake Atlas. Rust would continue to be a part of ROH throughout the rest of 2021 having notable matches against Chris Dickinson, Tracy Williams and the Briscoe Brothers (Jay and Mark). ROH held its final show (before being bought out by Tony Khan) in December of 2021 where Rust competed with Team Honor vs Violence Unlimited at Final Battle 2021. Rust would return to NJPW in December 2021 at NJPW Strong: Detonation to surprise his former teammate Tom Lawlor after the main event. Rust however turned on Lawlor, becoming a Face in NJPW and challenging Lawlor for the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship. Lawlor vs Rust for the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship would take place in January of 2022 in Seattle, Wa at NJPW Strong: New Beginning. Rust would lose to Lawlor and continue to wrestle for NJPW throughout the rest of 2022, with his last match being an 8 man tag, teaming with his former WWE foe Kushida, along with Rocky Romero and Trent Baretta vs Bullet Club.

Championships and accomplishments

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Luchas de Apuestas

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See also: Luchas de Apuestas
Wager Winner Loser Location Date Notes
Hair Ryan Taylor Peter Avalon Hollywood, California July 10, 2011 Six man tag team captain's hair vs. captain's hair match, where Taylor, Aaron Bolo and Famous B faced Avalon, Ray Rosas and Rico Dynamite.

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tyler Rust

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Tyler Rust, whose real name is Russell Gene Taylor, is an American retired professional wrestler born on January 26, 1987, in . Standing at 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing 210 pounds, he gained prominence on the independent wrestling circuit before signing with , where he performed on the NXT brand under the ring name from 2020 to 2021. Known for his technical wrestling style and affiliation with the , Rust competed in various promotions, including the and , amassing several championships early in his career. Rust began his professional wrestling career in 2004, training under Jesse Hernández and debuting in regional promotions in . He achieved notable success in the EWF, where he won the EWF Heavyweight Championship twice, the EWF American Championship once, the EWF Cruiserweight Championship twice, and the EWF Championship three times alongside Mondo Vega. Throughout the and , Rust wrestled extensively on the West Coast independent scene, including stints in (2008–2020) and PWG (2009–2012), often competing as part of tag teams like The Fightin' Taylor Boys with . His technical prowess and athleticism earned him recognition in these circuits, though he remained primarily a mid-card talent until his WWE opportunity. In December 2020, Rust signed with and debuted on NXT as Tyler Rust, initially under the management of Malcolm Bivens. He quickly integrated into storylines, competing in matches against talents like , Dante Rios, Kushida, and , showcasing a character focused on intellectual and calculated aggression. As a founding member of the Diamond Mine faction alongside , Bivens, and others, Rust contributed to the group's push toward NXT dominance, participating in and multi-man bouts. His tenure ended abruptly with his release on August 6, 2021, amid 's budget cuts during the , a decision he described as surprising given positive feedback from NXT leadership, including . Following his WWE departure, Rust returned to the independent scene, appearing in at in September 2021 and wrestling for (NJPW) in 2022, including matches against and in multi-man tags. His last documented in-ring activity was in 2022, after which he transitioned away from full-time wrestling. By 2025, Rust has pursued interests outside the ring, identifying as an adventurer and animal advocate, though he occasionally reflects on his wrestling legacy in interviews.

Early life

Upbringing and family background

Russell Gene Taylor, professionally known as Tyler Rust, was born on January 26, 1987, in Phelan, California. Phelan is a small, unincorporated high desert community in the Victor Valley region of the Mojave Desert, situated at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains in San Bernardino County. Taylor spent his early years in this rural setting, characterized by open land, a close-knit atmosphere, and proximity to natural landscapes that define much of the area's lifestyle.

Training and professional debut

Rust began his professional wrestling training at the age of 16 under veteran trainer at the , a facility affiliated with the in , commencing in late 2003 or early 2004. This intensive program emphasized foundational skills, physical conditioning, and in-ring fundamentals, preparing young talents for the rigors of the independent circuit. During his early appearances, Rust competed under ring names such as Ryan Taylor and Russ Taylor, reflecting his initial foray into the profession while building experience. Rust made his professional debut on March 27, 2004, in an independent match in , marking the start of his in-ring career at just 17 years old. This inaugural bout served as a practical test of his , allowing him to apply Hernandez's teachings in a live setting and gain valuable exposure.

Professional wrestling career

Independent circuit beginnings (2004–2009)

Taylor Rust, then performing under the ring name Ryan Taylor, launched his professional wrestling career on the in , debuting with the (EWF) in 2004 at the age of 16 after at Jesse Hernandez's . Over the next five years, he established a long-term tenure with EWF, competing regularly on undercard and midcard bouts against local talents such as TJ Perkins and Joey Harder, which honed his skills as a technical wrestler emphasizing and submissions. His early moveset featured submission holds like the Liontamer, a modified that showcased his focus on joint locks and control, laying foundational elements for his later "Rust" centered on methodical, wear-down tactics. Key feuds during this period marked significant character development for Taylor within EWF. In late 2008, he engaged in a high-profile with TJ Perkins, defeating the veteran to capture the NWA Heritage Championship on December 13 in a match that highlighted his rising status as a top cruiserweight contender. This victory, combined with retaining the EWF American Championship, earned him the promotion's Wrestler of the Year accolade, reflecting his growth from a novice to a reliable performer capable of carrying intense, submission-heavy bouts. Earlier, in 2006, Taylor's feud with Joey Harder culminated in a series of matches that solidified his reputation for resilient, technically proficient wrestling on the California indie scene. In mid-2009, Taylor ventured internationally for the first time, embarking on a three-month tour with Kaientai Dojo in to immerse himself in strong-style wrestling and further his training. Departing in June and returning in September, he adapted to the promotion's stiff, hard-hitting environment through a series of matches against Japanese and international competitors, including a singles loss to on July 3 in Chiba and tag team defeats alongside partners like against local teams such as Nyanko Kid and PSYCHO. These outings, part of events like the Club-K Tour and Friday Omega Night, exposed him to rigorous pacing and cultural differences in booking, enhancing his in-ring versatility despite the physical toll of the strong style. Upon his return to EWF, Taylor resumed his momentum with a grudge match against Australian import Kiel Steria on , integrating lessons from into his technical arsenal. However, the early independent circuit in presented substantial financial and logistical hurdles, with wrestlers like Taylor often earning minimal guarantees—sometimes as low as $20–50 per show—while covering travel costs across sprawling venues in a car-dependent region, compounded by inconsistent bookings and the lack of health benefits in the fragmented indie landscape of the 2000s.

Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and international exposure (2009–2013)

In 2009, Ryan Taylor entered (PWG), a premier independent promotion known for its high-flying and technical wrestling style, marking a significant step up from his earlier regional work. He debuted on November 20 at the first night of the tournament, partnering with Malachi Jackson in a match against The Cutler Brothers (Brandon and Dustin Cutler), which they lost via pinfall after 10 minutes. This appearance showcased Taylor's emerging role as a cerebral technician, emphasizing precise submissions and strategic chain wrestling amid PWG's fast-paced environment. His first singles outing followed on January 30, 2010, at PWG's seventh event, where he fell to TJ Perkins in a competitive bout highlighting his ground-based offense. Taylor's PWG tenure evolved through successful tag team partnerships that solidified his status as a versatile competitor. In 2010, he teamed with stepbrother Brian Cage as The Fightin' Taylor Boys, advancing to the finals of the Dynamite Duumvirate Tag Team Title Tournament (DDT4) on October 9 by defeating teams like Johnny Goodtime and Johnny Yuma, before losing to The Young Bucks. Transitioning in 2011, Taylor paired with Chuck Taylor (no relation) as The Fightin' Taylors, reaching the DDT4 finals again on August 20. These runs exposed Taylor to PWG's athletic intensity, influencing his adaptation of fluid transitions and high-impact maneuvers while networking with international talents who frequented the promotion. Complementing his PWG breakthrough, Taylor gained international exposure through a summer tour of Japan with Kaientai Dojo in 2009, building on his Empire Wrestling Federation foundation for more rigorous competition. Debuting on July 24 in Mobara, Chiba, he competed in multi-man and tag matches, including a victory alongside Quiet Storm over Hiro Tonai and Tadanobu Fujisawa on July 26 via submission. The tour culminated on September 13 with a loss teaming with Saburo Inematsu against Milano Collection A.T. and Jado, providing Taylor with insights into strong-style wrestling and enhancing his technical precision for global stages. By 2013, Taylor returned to PWG for the Battle of Los Angeles on August 31, contributing to a six-man tag win with B-Boy and Willie Mack over The Dynasty (Joey Ryan, Peter Avalon, and Ray Alexander), reaffirming his growth amid standout clashes with established names like Ryan in multi-person formats. This period in PWG and abroad honed Taylor's cerebral approach, prioritizing calculated risks in an athletic ecosystem that propelled his indie evolution.

Sporadic WWE tryouts and continued indie work (2014–2019)

Following his prominent run in , Taylor Rust, performing primarily under the Ryan Taylor, maintained a steady presence on the independent scene, establishing himself as a reliable veteran performer in promotions like the (EWF). In 2014, he and tag partner Mondo Vega, as The Fallen Empire, defended the EWF Tag Team Championship against teams such as Los Maravillas on April 5, successfully retaining the titles in a match that highlighted their technical synergy and veteran poise. Throughout the mid-2010s, Taylor continued booking regular appearances in EWF events, often competing in high-stakes singles and tag bouts that underscored his adaptability and submission-based style, including a pinfall victory on November 7, 2014. By 2018, he captured the EWF American Heavyweight Championship, only to lose it to Loco on December 7 at Jingle Slam 9 in a title change that ended his reign after several defenses, reflecting his ongoing role as a top draw in the promotion's roster. Taylor expanded his indie footprint to emerging California promotions during this period, balancing multiple bookings while honing a more dynamic moveset that incorporated high-impact maneuvers like diving attacks and stiff strikes to appeal to broader audiences. In Bar Wrestling, a beer-fueled indie series that gained traction in 2017, he competed in several events, including a four-way loss to on December 31, 2018, at Bar Wrestling 27, where his performance showcased calculated aggression against established talents. Earlier that year, on February 21 at Bar Wrestling 31, Taylor participated in a multi-team showcase match, teaming in a losing effort that emphasized his teamwork and endurance in fast-paced environments. He also ventured into (CWFH), forming the The Soul Burners with Tomaste; on July 28, 2019, they defeated to win the promotion's titles in a hard-fought bout, followed by a successful defense against Wasted Youth on August 5. These outings solidified his status as a seasoned indie mainstay, often drawing on his prior PWG championship credentials to secure prominent spots. Amid this sustained indie schedule, Taylor pursued opportunities with WWE through sporadic tryouts and dark match appearances, navigating the challenges of transitioning to a major promotion without disrupting his regional commitments. In June 2019, he received an invitation to WWE's Performance Center tryout, leading to televised and dark match exposure on the West Coast tour. On June 17, during Raw tapings at Staples Center in , Taylor teamed with Randy Taylor in a squash loss to The Viking Raiders (Erik and Ivar) in 35 seconds, a brief but intense dark match that tested his pairing chemistry under bright lights. The following night, on June 18 at 205 Live from the same venue, he faced former WWE Cruiserweight Champion The Brian Kendrick in a singles match, losing via submission in 2:15 after a competitive exchange that highlighted Taylor's technical prowess and resilience. These appearances, part of WWE's evaluation process for independent talent, represented a culmination of years of persistence but did not immediately yield a contract, prompting Taylor to return to indie circuits like Bar Wrestling, where he scored a tag victory with Tyler Bateman over and on April 10, 2019. Despite occasional injuries from the rigors of travel and high-risk spots—such as a minor shoulder issue recovered from in early 2018—Taylor's dual focus exemplified the indie wrestler's balancing act between aspiration and reliability.

Full-time WWE stint (2020–2021)

Following several successful tryouts dating back to 2014, Rust signed a full-time developmental contract with in late 2020. On December 2, 2020, announced Rust as a new recruit to the , and he made his television debut on that night's episode of NXT. Rust was introduced under a gimmick, entering with a lab coat and portraying a deranged obsessed with conducting "experiments" on opponents through intricate submission maneuvers and unorthodox holds. Managed by the scheming Malcolm Bivens, who recruited him as his prized client, Rust made his in-ring debut on the December 16 episode of NXT, facing in a technical showcase that highlighted his expertise and drew praise from for a "star-making ." Throughout early 2021, Rust competed in several individual matches on NXT, including a victory over on December 23, 2020, where he applied his experimental submissions to secure the win, and bouts against submission specialists like Kushida on February 17, 2021, emphasizing his focus on and control. He also suffered a quick loss to on January 20, 2021, but continued to build his character through aggressive interference and post-match "analyses" with Bivens. In June 2021, Rust aligned with the newly formed Diamond Mine stable, led by Roderick Strong and Malcolm Bivens, alongside Hideki Suzuki, debuting by ambushing NXT Cruiserweight Champion Kushida to assert their dominance. The faction's dynamics centered on Bivens' motivational promos and the members' combined martial arts and power-based offense, positioning Diamond Mine as an unstoppable unit targeting top talent; Rust contributed with his technical precision in group assaults and tag team action. Key matches for the stable included Rust teaming with to face Kushida and on July 20, 2021, in a hard-fought bout that advanced their feud, as well as Rust's individual return victory over on July 13, 2021, showcasing the group's coordinated aggression. Rust's full-time tenure ended abruptly on August 6, 2021, when released him as part of widespread talent cuts aimed at reducing costs. In a subsequent interview, Rust revealed his surprise at the timing, stating it occurred during an active Diamond Mine storyline, though he appreciated how WWE had utilized him effectively throughout his stint.

Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2020–2022)

Taylor Rust made his Ring of Honor (ROH) debut on October 3, 2020, competing as Rust Taylor in the first round of the ROH Pure Championship tournament, where he was defeated by Tracy Williams via submission. This appearance occurred shortly before Rust signed with WWE, marking a brief foray into ROH's competitive landscape. Following his release from WWE in August 2021, Rust returned to ROH at Death Before Dishonor XVIII on September 12, 2021, under the name Taylor Rust, defeating Jake Atlas in a singles match that highlighted his technical grappling prowess. He continued with ROH later that year, securing a pure rules victory over Tracy Williams on November 14, 2021, at Honor For All, showcasing submissions like the ankle lock that echoed his WWE style. Rust's WWE release served as the catalyst for his renewed focus on independent promotions, including deeper involvement with ROH and its ties to (NJPW). In ROH's multi-man tags during this period, such as those intersecting with NJPW co-promotions, Rust often teamed against established factions, adapting his hybrid moveset that blended MMA-inspired strikes with high-flying elements from his indie background. For instance, on November 30, 2021, he fell to Chris Dickinson in a singles bout on ROH Week by Week, demonstrating resilience amid escalating competition. Prior to his WWE stint, Rust appeared in NJPW's Strong series in late 2020, aligning with Tom Lawlor's Team Filthy stable. On November 6, 2020, he and J.R. Kratos defeated Rocky Romero and Jeff Cobb in a tag match on NJPW Strong #14. He followed with a singles win over Romero on November 20, 2020, at NJPW Strong #16, utilizing quick armbars and suplexes against the LA Dojo graduate. His final pre-WWE NJPW outing came on November 27, 2020, in an eight-man tag where he, Lawlor, Kratos, and Danny Limelight bested Fred Rosser, Cobb, PJ Black, and Romero, reinforcing his role in the stable's dominance. Rust returned to in December 2021, turning on Lawlor post-match at by attacking him with a stablemate, signaling a heated . This feud culminated on February 26, 2022, at in USA, where Lawlor defended the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship against Rust in a 19-minute submission victory via , pitting Rust's technical submissions against Lawlor's ground-and-pound approach. Throughout 2022, Rust competed in additional singles and tags against LA Dojo talents, including a loss to on July 9, 2022, at #98. His final NJPW match occurred on August 21, 2022, at Fighting Spirit Unleashed, where he teamed with , KUSHIDA, and in an eight-man tag loss to Bullet Club's , Hikuleo, , and . The ROH-NJPW overlaps, facilitated by joint tapings and shared talent pools, allowed Rust to refine his hybrid style, incorporating NJPW's strong-style strikes with ROH's pure wrestling rules. However, by mid-2022, his bookings in both promotions began to decline, with fewer high-profile opportunities signaling a gradual wind-down of his active wrestling schedule.

Retirement from wrestling

Rust's final documented in-ring appearance occurred on August 21, 2022, during New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Fighting Spirit Unleashed, where he teamed with , KUSHIDA, and in an eight-man tag team match against , Hikuleo, , and . No further matches or appearances in promotions have been recorded for Rust from 2023 through 2025, marking the end of his active in-ring career. This cessation aligns with an apparent retirement around 2023, as indicated by his shift to non-wrestling pursuits and lack of involvement in the industry thereafter. The decision to step away was influenced by several factors, including the aftermath of his 2021 release from , which Rust described as unexpected and shocking despite positive internal feedback on his performances. He expressed satisfaction with his WWE tenure, noting that he felt well-utilized in NXT and appreciated opportunities like his role in The Diamond Mine stable. Additionally, family priorities played a significant role, as Rust highlighted in a 2023 update the personal milestones of gaining a wife and three children during the preceding years, alongside five pets, which shifted his focus toward home life. By 2025, Rust had fully transitioned away from wrestling, identifying publicly as a former professional wrestler dedicated to adventuring and , with no indications or teases of a potential return to the ring.

Personal life

Family and personal relationships

Tyler Rust is married to Hailie Rust, a and behavior change coach based in . The couple shares two children, son Milo and daughter Zoey, along with their dog Pearl. Their relationship became publicly noted in social media posts around 2023, following Rust's release from in 2021, highlighting Hailie's role in their family life. In a May 2023 Instagram post, Rust expressed gratitude to his wife on , stating, "Thanks Hailie for being amazing the kids and I are very lucky. We love you xoxoxo." The family relocated to from Rust's hometown of , embracing a more private existence centered on parenthood and personal well-being. Rust maintains a low public profile regarding his personal relationships, sharing occasional glimpses of moments while prioritizing amid transitions.

Life after wrestling

Following his last in-ring match in 2022, Tyler Rust shifted his focus to full-time adventuring and advocacy. On his profile, he describes himself as a "full time Adventurer and Animal Saver," highlighting a commitment to environmental causes such as and . As of November 2025, Rust is out of , attributing his departure to the physical toll of nearly two decades of in-ring competition. Rust has shared glimpses of his adventurous pursuits through , including family hikes in natural settings that underscore his embrace of outdoor exploration. He also expresses interests in non-wrestling creative endeavors, aligning with his stated appreciation for the "Freedom of Art, and Thought," as evidenced by posts featuring artwork. As of 2025, Rust resides in , where he balances daily life with family responsibilities, such as celebrating milestones like his daughter's first birthday and his wife's 31st. These activities reflect a lifestyle centered on personal growth and rather than competitive sports.

Championships and accomplishments

Empire Wrestling Federation titles

Tyler Rust, competing under the ring name Ryan Taylor during his time in the (EWF), achieved significant success as a multi-time in the promotion, which served as his primary training ground and home base in . His title wins in EWF highlighted his versatility across weight classes and formats, contributing to his reputation as a foundational figure in the independent scene during the 2000s and early 2010s.

EWF Heavyweight Championship

Taylor captured the EWF Heavyweight Championship on two occasions, with his first reign marking the longest in the title's history at 567 days. He won the belt on October 30, 2009, by defeating Brandon Gatson in , and held it until May 20, 2011, when he lost to Handsome Johnny Starr. During this extended reign, Taylor defended the title against local rivals such as Joey Ryan on multiple occasions, Extreme Loco, and even his former stablemate Mondo Vega in a high-profile match on March 7, 2010, solidifying his dominance in EWF's main event scene. Taylor regained the Heavyweight Championship for a brief second reign on August 12, 2011, defeating Johnny Starr in a rematch, but lost it after just 21 days to Shaun Ricker on September 2, 2011. This short tenure nonetheless underscored his resilience following the end of his record-setting run, with defenses focused on maintaining momentum against established EWF talent like Ricker.

EWF American Championship

Taylor secured the EWF American Championship once, in the late 2000s, winning it on August 23, 2008, by defeating Vizzion in San Bernardino, California. His 265-day reign, which lasted until May 15, 2009, when he dropped the title to Liger Rivera, saw him defend the belt successfully against challengers including a rematch with Vizzion on October 11, 2008. Notably, Taylor held the American Championship concurrently with the NWA Heritage Championship during early 2009, using defenses to elevate his profile as a midcard powerhouse before transitioning to heavier divisions.

EWF Cruiserweight Championship

Early in his career, Taylor claimed the EWF Cruiserweight Championship twice, establishing himself as a high-flying technical standout. His first reign began in mid-2006 and endured for 399 days, ending on July 13, 2007, in a Best of Three Falls match against Markus Riot in . Key defenses during this period included victories over on September 23, 2006, and Shawn Bateman on October 27, 2006, showcasing his aerial prowess and submission skills against agile local competitors. Taylor recaptured the Cruiserweight title on August 10, 2007, at EWF's Meltdown event, pinning to start his second reign, which lasted 77 days until October 26, 2007, when Maximo defeated him. This shorter run highlighted his quick recovery and adaptability, with defenses emphasizing fast-paced matches that defined his early breakout in EWF.

EWF Tag Team Championship

Taylor partnered with Mondo as The Fallen Empire to win the EWF Tag Team Championship three times. Their first reign began on July 13, 2013, by defeating the defending champions and (The Von Dooms) in . Their 84-day run until October 5, 2013, involved storyline tensions stemming from Taylor's prior KOS stable history with Vega, evolving into a dominant heel tandem that feuded with teams like The Von Dooms and Anchors Away. Defenses included a retention against Ridiculously Bigg (Biggie Biggz and El Ridiculoso) on August 2, 2013, emphasizing their coordinated power moves and betrayal narratives within EWF's tag division. The duo won the titles again on December 6, 2013, defeating Anchors Away (David E. Jones and Ryan Stone), holding them for 161 days until May 16, 2014. Their third reign started on May 18, 2014, again over Anchors Away, lasting 236 days until January 9, 2015. These reigns further solidified their dominance in EWF's division.

Pro Wrestling Guerrilla achievements

Ryan Taylor, performing under his real name during his tenure in (PWG) from 2009 to 2012, emerged as a consistent presence on the promotion's cards, frequently showcasing his technical prowess and athleticism in both singles and bouts that highlighted PWG's emphasis on innovative indie wrestling. As a core member of the comedic yet hard-hitting stable The Fightin' Taylor Boys—alongside and Chuck Taylor—he helped inject energy into PWG's tag division, competing in high-stakes events that drew praise for their fast-paced action and storytelling. One of Taylor's notable non-title accomplishments came in the 2010 tournament, PWG's premier annual showcase, where he entered as a singles competitor and delivered a competitive opening-round performance against Brandon Gatson before being eliminated, demonstrating his ability to hold his own against established talents in the promotion's grueling multi-night format. The following year, at the 2011 Reunion event, Taylor teamed with Cage to face in a spirited tag match that underscored his role in elevating undercard contests through sharp teamwork and resilience against top-tier opponents. His singles outings further highlighted his versatility, including a standout 2012 clash with TJ Perkins at Death to All But Metal, noted for its blend of high-flying sequences and technical exchanges that captivated audiences. Taylor's consistent involvement across PWG shows, from opener multi-person tags to mid-card features, cemented his status as a reliable mainstay during a golden era for the promotion, where his contributions to events like DDT4 2012—despite a first-round loss as part of The Fightin' Taylor Boys to The RockNES Monsters—helped foster PWG's reputation for unpredictable, talent-driven storytelling. This period not only honed Taylor's skills amid a roster of future stars but also boosted his profile on the independent circuit, positioning him as a dependable draw capable of enhancing any card's intensity and entertainment value.

Other promotions and awards

In Championship Wrestling from Hollywood, Ryan Taylor, performing under his real name, captured the MAV Television Championship on May 11, 2014, by defeating Joey Ryan in Port Hueneme, California. He held the title for approximately 70 days before losing it back to Ryan. Taylor also secured a second reign with the MAV Television Championship later that year, contributing to his status as one of the promotion's most accomplished competitors. Taylor teamed with Joey Ryan to win the CWFH Heritage Tag Team Championship on March 22, 2015, defeating the RockNES Monsters (Johnny Yuma and ) in a match that highlighted their alliance as part of the stable . The duo defended the titles successfully multiple times before vacating them on June 28, 2015, after 98 days as champions. Earlier in his career, Taylor won the CWFH Heritage Heavyweight Championship on December 12, 2008, defeating TJ Perkins in , in a bout that marked a significant early achievement in the promotion. He reigned for 122 days until losing the title to Oliver John on April 13, 2009. Outside of CWH, Taylor emerged victorious in the MPW World Title Tournament on November 13, 2010, defeating Brandon Parker in the finals to claim the MPW World Heavyweight Championship in a street fight stipulation match held in . This win solidified his reputation on the independent scene during a period of extensive indie circuit exposure. Taylor trained at Kaientai Dojo in starting in June 2009, where he honed his technical wrestling style and gained international recognition among and strong-style practitioners, though he did not capture any titles during his stint there. In Bar Wrestling, he competed in several high-profile events between 2018 and 2019, including intergender and multi-man matches that showcased his versatility, earning acclaim for performances against talents like and Eli Drake, but without securing championship honors.

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