Fred Rosser
Fred Rosser | |
---|---|
![]() Rosser in 2016 | |
Birth name | Frederick Douglas Rosser III |
Born | [1] Union Township, New Jersey, U.S.[2] | November 2, 1983
Alma mater | Fairleigh Dickinson University |
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | Darren Young[2] Fred Rosser[2] Fred Sampson[2] Fred Sanford[2] Frederick of Hollywood[3] Officer Sampson[3] |
Billed height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[4] |
Billed weight | 239 lb (108 kg)[4] |
Billed from | Miami, Florida[4] |
Trained by | Kevin Knight[2] Florida Championship Wrestling[2] |
Debut | September 11, 2002[5][6] |
Frederick Douglas Rosser III (born November 2, 1983) is an American professional wrestler. He is currently signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he is a trainer at the NJPW Academy and a former Strong Openweight Champion. He is best known for his time with WWE under the ring name Darren Young.
Prior to signing with WWE, Rosser competed in Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic independent promotions including Chaotic Wrestling, East Coast Wrestling Association, Independent Wrestling Federation and the National Wrestling Alliance. Rosser signed with WWE's developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling in 2009 and participated in the first season of NXT in 2010. Later that year, he debuted on the main roster as part of The Nexus. In 2012, Young formed The Prime Time Players with Titus O'Neil, with whom he is a one-time WWE Tag Team Champion. Rosser was the first openly gay wrestler to compete in WWE.
Early life
Rosser was born in Union Township, New Jersey. He began watching professional wrestling during the mid-1980s and became interested in becoming a professional wrestler as a teenager, wrestling in several backyard wrestling federations. He attended Union High School in New Jersey, where he played American football, both offensively and defensively.[7] He attended Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he played football for a year before deciding to focus on his academic studies and professional wrestling.[7]
Professional wrestling career
Training and independent circuit (2002–2004)
Rosser became interested in becoming a professional wrestler as a teenager, wrestling in several backyard wrestling federations. He researched a number of wrestling schools before deciding on Camp IWF in West Paterson, New Jersey. This was due in part to his employer, whose uncle was a friend of a local wrestler training there at the time, and helped him enroll in the wrestling school.[8]
Rosser made his professional debut on September 11, 2002, and spent several years on the independent circuit, including wrestling for the Independent Wrestling Federation and Chaotic Wrestling during his early career.[9] On May 17, 2003, he won his first major title when he defeated the IWF Heavyweight Champion in Woodland Park, New Jersey and held it for over half a year until losing to Roman on January 17, 2004. It was at a house show in Chaotic Wrestling that he was first noticed by promoter Jim Kettner and invited to compete for the East Coast Wrestling Association where he made his debut in the summer of 2004.[10] Shortly after entering the promotion, Rosser began feuding with Prince Nana over the ECWA Mid Atlantic Championship and eventually defeated him for the title[8] in Newark, Delaware on September 18, 2004. He lost the title to Nick Malakai less than two months later.
World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE (2005–2017)
Early appearances and Florida Championship Wrestling (2005–2010)
During 2005 and 2006, Rosser made several appearances for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on its weekly programs Sunday Night Heat and Velocity as well as in dark matches on SmackDown and Raw.[11][12] In May 2009, Rosser signed a WWE developmental contract and was sent to WWE's developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling, under the name Darren Young.[2][13] In FCW, Young was in a tag team called "The South Beach Party Boys" with Percy Watson.
The Nexus (2010–2011)
On February 16, 2010, it was announced that he would compete as part of the first season of WWE NXT, mentored by CM Punk.[14]
On February 23, 2010, Young made his debut on NXT with a character described as a "South Beach Party Boy", losing his debut match to David Otunga. His storyline had mentor CM Punk showing apathy towards him, claiming he had no idea why he's in NXT and did not want to train Young unless he accepted his Straight-edge lifestyle.[15] Despite this, Punk and his disciples, Luke Gallows and Serena, helped Young win his rematch against Otunga the following week.[16] Young was ranked eight in the first Pros' Poll. After the pros' poll, Young decided to join Straight Edge Society in an attempt to improve, only to change his mind before getting his hair shaved off. CM Punk decided to forgive him for standing up to him when he defeated Luke Gallows with Young's own hair on the line. Because of this victory, CM Punk had then been interested in Young's potential, but in turn started feuding with a jealous Luke Gallows. On May 11 in the second Pros poll, Young was ranked fifth out of the six remaining contestants and narrowly escaped elimination.[17] The following week, however, Young was eliminated from the competition.[18]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0d/The_Nexus_at_SummerSlam_2010.jpg/308px-The_Nexus_at_SummerSlam_2010.jpg)
The week following the Season 1 finale, Young, along with the other season one NXT rookies turned heel and interfered in the main event match on Raw between John Cena and Young's former Pro, CM Punk, and attacked both wrestlers, the announce team and the ring announcer Justin Roberts, and dismantled the ring area and surrounding equipment.[19] On the June 14, 2010, edition of Raw, the rookies attacked general manager Bret Hart, when he refused to give them contracts.[20] The following week on Raw, Vince McMahon fired Hart and announced that a new general manager had been hired, one that had signed all seven season one NXT rookies to contracts.[21] The following week, the group was named The Nexus.[22] On the July 5 episode of Raw, The Nexus tried to attack John Cena as he confronted Wade Barrett during their "truce" with one another. The segment ended with The Nexus leaving without Young, when other Raw wrestlers arrived to aid Cena, and Young was assaulted by Cena to end the show. Due to Cena's actions, the new general manager booked Cena in a 7 on 1 handicap match against The Nexus scheduled for the following week.[23] Young did not participate due to injuries caused by Cena the previous week but The Nexus won the match.[24] He returned at Money in the Bank with the rest of The Nexus, sporting a new haircut and costing Cena the WWE Championship against Sheamus. After the match, Cena attacked Young and fellow Nexus teammate, Michael Tarver.[25] The Nexus continued to feud with Cena and the Raw roster, resulting in a seven-on-seven elimination tag team match at SummerSlam. Young was the first person to be eliminated from the match, when he submitted to Daniel Bryan in under a minute, and The Nexus lost the match.[26] On the next episode of Raw the members of The Nexus fought in individual matches against members of the victorious Team WWE with the stipulation that losing a match would have them exiled from the group. Young chose to face John Cena, but failed to win and was exiled and attacked as a result.[27]
Young returned on the September 6 episode of Raw, distracting Barrett and costing him a match against Randy Orton thus turned Young face.[28] On the October 4 episode of Raw, Young participated in a battle royal to determine the number one contender to the WWE Championship, but was eliminated by The Nexus.[29] Young had his first singles match since leaving The Nexus on the October 7 episode of Superstars, losing to William Regal.[30] Young had his first win in singles competition on the October 14 airing of Superstars defeating Primo.[31] Young teamed up with Tatsu in a losing effort against The Usos in mid November on two occasions. Young got his first victory of 2011 when he teamed with Primo, Yoshi Tatsu and David Hart Smith to defeat Zack Ryder, William Regal and The Usos on the January 13 episode of Superstars.[32]
Return to NXT (2011–2012)
In March 2011, Young was selected as one of six former NXT contestants to return to the show in its fifth season, NXT Redemption[broken anchor]. During this season, Young was mentored by Chavo Guerrero Jr. In the season premiere, Young defeated Jacob Novak and won the first challenge to earn himself "redemption points".[33] On the April 12 episode of NXT, Young attacked Titus O'Neil after their match and tried to attack O'Neil's pro Hornswoggle, but was stopped by Guerrero.[34] He turned heel, when he attacked Hornswoggle, and later he and Guerrero faced O'Neil and different tag team partners on several occasions. On the April 19 edition of Redemption, Young faced Hornswoggle in single match. During their match, Chavo Guerrero gave Young a blindfold but in the end Hornswoggle won after a Tadpole splash. On the May 3 edition of Redemption, Young lost to his Pro, Chavo Guerrero, with Hornswoggle as a special guest referee. On the May 10 edition of Redemption, Hornswoggle didn't appear on NXT and accused by Hornswoggle Rookie's Titus O'Neil. The following week, it was revealed Chavo Guerrero kidnapped Hornswoggle and hid Hornswoggle in the box. Then, Guerrero and Young was attack Hornswoggle in the ring until O'Neil made a save. The feud was settled when Titus O'Neil and Darren Young faced each other in a No Disqualitication Match on the May 24 episode of NXT Redemption. The match ended with Titus O'Neil a victor after Hornswoggle interfered in a match which O'Neil attack Guerrero and Young. Guerrero was later released from WWE, leaving Young on his own. In August he formed an alliance with Derrick Bateman and the duo teamed up against O'Neil and NXT host Matt Striker, but were defeated.[35] Young then moved into a feud with Striker, defeating him on two consecutive occasions.[36][37] After Young attacked Striker following a handshake, William Regal intervened, saving Striker.[38] Two weeks later, Young was defeated by Regal in a singles match. Young then formed an alliance with JTG and defeated Striker and O'Neil. After the match they were attacked by the Usos.[39]
Young was suspended for 30 days on October 5, 2011.[40] Following his suspension, Young returned on the November 16, 2011, episode of NXT and assaulted Titus O'Neil.[41] Young was then able to get the better of O'Neil twice in tag team matches.[42][43] The conclusion to Young's feud with O'Neil came when O'Neil defeated Young in a no disqualifications match.[44]
The Prime Time Players (2012–2014)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/Prime_Time_Players_in_Minehead.jpg/170px-Prime_Time_Players_in_Minehead.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/Darren_Young_April_2012.jpg/160px-Darren_Young_April_2012.jpg)
O'Neil then turned heel and formed an alliance with Young. Young and O'Neil feuded with Percy Watson and Alex Riley in February 2012, defeating them twice.[45][46] In March, while he and O'Neil were feuding with the Usos, Young started chasing the affections of Tamina.[47]
On the April 18 episode of NXT, Young and O'Neil were signed by John Laurinaitis to the SmackDown brand.[48] The team made their debut for the brand on the April 20 episode of SmackDown with a victory over the Usos. The team suffered their first team loss against the WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston and R-Truth on the May 18 edition of Smackdown.[49][50] At the No Way Out pay-per-view in June, minutes before Young and O'Neil teamed up to defeat Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd, Primo & Epico and the Usos in a four-way #1 tag team match to earn a future shot at the WWE Tag Team Championship, after A.W. turned on his clients, Epico and Primo.[51] On the July 16 episode of Raw, Young and O'Neil unsuccessfully challenged Kofi Kingston and R-Truth for the WWE Tag Team Championship.[52] On the August 10 episode of SmackDown, they defeated Primo and Epico in a #1 contenders match via disqualification when A.W. provoked Kingston and R-Truth, who were on commentary, into interfering in the match.[53] That same day, A. W. was released from his contract.[54]
Prime Time Players received their title shots at SummerSlam, but were again defeated by Kingston and R-Truth.[55] On the September 7 edition of Smackdown, Prime Time Players defeated Primo and Epico and The Usos in a triple threat tag team match to earn another shot at the title.[56] But on Raw three days later, Prime Time Players lost their title shot to the team of Daniel Bryan and Kane (soon to be known as Team Hell No).[57] At the Survivor Series pay-per-view, Young took part in a 10 man elimination tag team match, but was eliminated by Rey Mysterio.[58] Young also competed in the 2013 Royal Rumble entering at entrant 15, but was quickly eliminated by Kofi Kingston. On the August 19, 2013, edition of Raw, the Prime Time Players turned face in a winning effort against the Real Americans (Jack Swagger and Antonio Cesaro).
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/be/Prime_time_players.jpg/220px-Prime_time_players.jpg)
The face turn had been speculated about for some months, especially after Young's real-life coming out the previous week which received mainstream media coverage.[59] The team gained a push, challenging for the WWE Tag Team Championship, but lost a match to the Shield. The duo also sided with other face wrestlers from the active roster, only to get punished by COO Triple H for preventing Daniel Bryan from being critically injured by Randy Orton.The Prime Time Players were amongst the select few ordered to battle The Shield in separately sanctioned 3 on 1 handicap matches on the September 20 edition of SmackDown, as punishment for their intervention.
Singles competition (2014–2015)
On the January 31, 2014, episode of SmackDown after Young was pinned in a tag team match against RybAxel (Ryback and Curtis Axel), O'Neil attacked him and disbanded the team. On SmackDown the following week, Young attacked O'Neil backstage after his interview.[60] Young picked up a victory over Damien Sandow on the February 14 edition of SmackDown before being attacked by O'Neil, which turned into a brawl and left O'Neil in tattered clothes. They fought at the Elimination Chamber, with the victor being O'Neil. However, Young defeated O'Neil in a rematch on Main Event. At WrestleMania XXX, Young was in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, where he was eliminated by 3MB. At a WWE live event on April 12, Young was injured in a match against Fandango, and on April 16, he underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee that would take him out of action for four to six months.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/Darren_Young_April_2014.jpg/220px-Darren_Young_April_2014.jpg)
The Prime Time Players reunion (2015–2016)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/The_Prime_Time_Player_April_2015.jpg/220px-The_Prime_Time_Player_April_2015.jpg)
On the January 5, 2015, episode of Raw, Young appeared with the rest of the WWE roster in the opening segment. His official return came on the February 16 episode of Raw, where Young and an unnamed independent wrestler, Kevin Kross, were scheduled to face The Ascension, but were attacked by them before the match, leading to Young's former tag team partner Titus O'Neil making the save.[61] This turned O'Neil face again and the Prime Time Players reunited. On the February 23 edition of Raw, The Prime Time Players defeated The Ascension to hand them their first loss as part of the main roster, only to then being attacked by the two. Young participated in the 2nd Annual André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 31, where he was eliminated by Ryback.[62]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/76/Darren_Young_in_March_2015.jpg/143px-Darren_Young_in_March_2015.jpg)
At Elimination Chamber, The Prime Time Players participated in the first ever tag team Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Tag Team Championship, where they were the last team to be eliminated by The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods).[63] At Money in the Bank, the Prime Time Players defeated The New Day to win the title.[64] At Battleground, The Prime Time Players retained the title against The New Day but dropped the title back to The New Day on August 23 at SummerSlam in a fatal–four-way match, also involving The Lucha Dragons and Los Matadores. Young and O'Neil would invoke their rematch clause for the September 14 episode of Raw, which they lost.
Towards the end of 2015, O'Neil and Young began focusing on singles careers. Young teamed with Damien Sandow on the Royal Rumble 2016 Kickoff Show in a Fatal 4-Way tag team match in a losing effort. On the February 2, 2016, taping of Main Event, the duo returned to team with The Usos to defeat the Ascension, Stardust and Tyler Breeze.[65] They have since quietly disbanded when O'Neil received a 60-day suspension after the February 8 episode of Raw after an alleged physical altercation with Vince McMahon. At WrestleMania 32, Young entered the third André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and came within the final three, being eliminated by Kane.
Bob Backlund's protégé and departure (2016–2017)
On the May 5 episode of SmackDown, Bob Backlund agreed to be Young's life coach, in a campaign to "Make Darren Young Great Again", a parody of Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan.[66] Throughout the next couple of months on Raw and SmackDown, various vignettes featuring Young and Backlund aired, with Backlund assuming the role of Young's life coach. In a "life lesson" segment on the July 4 episode of Raw, Backlund approved of Young adopting his famous Crossface chickenwing.[67] The week after on Raw, Young won an 18-man battle royal (after Apollo Crews and Baron Corbin eliminated themselves) to become the #1 contender for The Miz's Intercontinental Championship at Battleground. The following week on Raw, Young defeated Alberto Del Rio, despite interference from The Miz. On July 19, Young with Backlund was drafted to the Raw brand as a result of the 2016 WWE draft. At Battleground, Young faced The Miz in a match that resulted in a Double Disqualifaction after he applied the Crossface Chickenwing to Miz outside the ring to protect Backlund from Miz and Maryse.[68]
Young began a feud with his former tag team partner Titus O'Neil on the August 1 episode of Raw. O'Neil questioned Young's motives on being "great again". Later that night, he defeated Young when he pinned him while grabbing Young's tights. Afterwards, he got into a backstage altercation with Backlund before Young came to the defense of Backlund by attacking O'Neil.[69] The week after on Raw, Young defeated O'Neil by pinning him while grabbing O'Neil's tights, mimicking the way O'Neil defeated him.[70] On the August 15 episode of Raw, Young and O'Neil seemingly reconciled and were placed in a match against The Shining Stars. During the match, O'Neil attacked Young with a Clash of the Titus, allowing The Shining Stars to win the match.[71] Young would once again defeat O'Neil on the August 29 episode of Raw. After the match, he was attacked by O'Neil.[72] Young teamed with Neville to defeat O'Neil and Curtis Axel on the September 16 episode of Superstars to culminate the feud.[73]
In January 2017, Young suffered an arm injury in a match against Epico on Main Event.[74] On October 29, 2017, Young was released from his WWE contract without him reappearing on television.[75]
Chikara (2018)
On March 2, 2018, it was announced that Rosser, along with former Nexus co-members Michael Tarver and Justin Gabriel would be competing at that year's Chikara: King of Trios tournament.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2020–present)
On August 27, 2020, it was announced that Rosser had signed with New Japan Pro-Wrestling and would make his debut on the September 4 episode of Strong.[76][77] In his first match, Rosser teamed up with Alex Zayne to face The DKC and Clark Connors, which Rosser and Zayne won.[78] On October 24, Rosser faced Clark Connors in Connors' first match since winning the Lions Break Crown; Rosser won the match.[79] In June, it was announced Rosser signed a contract with NJPW.[80]
National Wrestling Alliance (2021–present)
On March 23, 2021, Rosser made his National Wrestling Alliance debut, defeating Marshe Rockett and Matt Cross to become the Number One Contender for the NWA World Television Championship. He failed to defeat Da Pope who dropped the title to Tyrus in June 2021.
Other media
Young appears in the video games WWE 2K14,[81] WWE 2K15,[82][83] WWE 2K16,[84] WWE 2K17,[85] and WWE 2K18[86]
Filmography
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2013 | Total Divas | Himself | |
2013 | The Ellen DeGeneres Show | Himself |
Personal life
Rosser has cited Shawn Michaels and Ricky Steamboat as his favorite wrestlers.[13]
In an interview released on August 15, 2013, he publicly came out as gay.[87][88] While Pat Patterson, Chris Kanyon, and Orlando Jordan (bisexual) came out after either leaving the company or retiring, Rosser is the first professional wrestler ever to publicly come out while still signed to WWE.[89][90] WWE released a statement in support of Rosser for being open about his sexuality,[91] and various fellow wrestlers tweeted their support for him.[92]
On April 26, 2017, Rosser disclosed that his mother is a lesbian during his interview with Afterbuzz TV.[93]
Championships and accomplishments
- Chaotic Wrestling
- East Coast Wrestling Association
- Independent Wrestling Federation
- National Wrestling Superstars
- NWS Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Bulldog Collare[2]
- New Japan Pro-Wrestling
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Feud of the Year (2010) The Nexus vs. WWE[101]
- Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (2013)[101]
- Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (2010) As part of The Nexus[101]
- Ranked No. 89 of the top 500 wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2013[102]
- Rolling Stone
- Most Deserved Push (2015)[103] As a member of The Prime Time Players
- World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE
- WWE Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Titus O'Neil
- Slammy Award for Shocker of the Year (2010) The debut of The Nexus[104]
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- Worst Feud of the Year (2016) vs. Titus O'Neil[105]
References
- ^ Powell, Jason (November 4, 2013). "WWE Raw in Greenville, S.C. (correspondents needed), Dot Net Audio, Raw dark main events, Ariane "Cameron" Andrew, Dawn Marie, Queen Sharmell, Darren Young, Larry Cameron, Ryan Nemeth". ProWrestling.net. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Darren Young". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved April 27, 2010.
- ^ a b "Cagematch profile". Cagematch. Retrieved March 4, 2010.
- ^ a b c "Darren Young Bio". WWE. Retrieved December 28, 2011.
- ^ "The 18th Annual PWI 500." Pro Wrestling Illustrated Oct. 2008: 112+.
- ^ Lio Rush was the man Friday! | STRONG backstage, retrieved July 4, 2021
- ^ a b Varsallone, Jim (April 26, 2010). "Young believes he's NXT". The Miami Herald. p. 1. Archived from the original on July 23, 2010. Retrieved July 23, 2010.
- ^ a b Martin, Josh (December 2006). "Superstar Spotlight on Frederick of Hollywood". ECWAProWrestling.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved September 10, 2008.
- ^ "Fred "Bonecrusher" Sampson". Chaotic Wrestling. Archived from the original on February 29, 2008. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
- ^ "Frederick of Hollywood". ECWA Current Roster Biographies & Photo Gallery. ECWAProWrestling.com. 2008. Archived from the original on December 20, 2008.
- ^ "IWF Wrestling School Begins 9th Year this Weekend". Combat-Hooligans.com. December 5, 2007. Archived from the original on May 1, 2008.
- ^ Martin, Adam (December 27, 2007). "New episode of Pro Wrestling Ohio TV, 'CHIKARA' update + IWF events". WrestleView.com.
- ^ a b Varsallone, Jim (April 26, 2010). "Young believes he's NXT". The Miami Herald. p. 2. Archived from the original on July 23, 2010. Retrieved July 23, 2010.
- ^ Caldwell, James (February 16, 2010). "WWE News: Complete cast of the NXT show revealed including The Miz mentoring Bryan Danielson". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved February 17, 2010.
- ^ Bauer, Michael (February 23, 2010). "411's WWE NXT Report 2.23.10". 411Mania. Retrieved March 4, 2010.
- ^ Keller, Wade (March 2, 2010). "Keller's WWE NXT Report 3/2: Competition explained, Cornfed Meathead debuts, Punk, Hardy, Regal, Jericho, Miz appear with Rookies". PWTorch. Retrieved March 4, 2010.
- ^ Tedesco, Mike (May 12, 2010). "WWE NXT Results – 5/11/10". WrestleView. Archived from the original on May 14, 2010. Retrieved May 12, 2010.
- ^ Caldwell, James (May 18, 2010). "Caldwell's WWE NXT TV Report 5/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of NXT on Syfy Week 13". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
- ^ Plummer, Dale (June 8, 2010). "Raw: Vote early, vote often; NXT takes over". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on June 30, 2012. Retrieved June 12, 2010.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Stephens, David (June 14, 2010). "Raw Results – 6/14/10". WrestleView. Archived from the original on July 19, 2010. Retrieved June 22, 2010.
- ^ Keller, Wade (June 21, 2010). "WWE Raw results 6/21: Keller's report on the fallout from the Fatal 4-Way PPV event, Jericho puts his career on the line". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved June 22, 2010.
- ^ Keller, Wade (June 28, 2010). "WWE Raw results 6/28: Keller's ongoing report on NXT-McMahon attack fallout, Sheamus-Cena confrontation". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
- ^ Stephens, David (July 5, 2010). "Raw Results – 7/5/10". WrestleView. Archived from the original on July 8, 2010. Retrieved July 6, 2010.
- ^ Martin, Adam (July 12, 2010). "Raw Results – 7/12/10". WrestleView. Archived from the original on July 16, 2010. Retrieved July 14, 2010.
- ^ Martin, Adam (July 18, 2010). "Money in the Bank PPV Results – 7/18/10". WrestleView. Archived from the original on July 22, 2010. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
- ^ Plummer, Dale; Tylwalk, Nick (August 15, 2010). "Rumored return helps Team WWE fend off Nexus at SummerSlam". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on June 30, 2012. Retrieved August 16, 2010.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Stephens, David (August 16, 2010). "Raw Results – 8/16/10". WrestleView. Archived from the original on August 19, 2010. Retrieved August 18, 2010.
- ^ Plummer, Dale (September 6, 2010). "Raw: Edge, Jericho fight to keep PPV spots". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on June 30, 2012. Retrieved September 7, 2010.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Caldwell, James (October 4, 2010). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 10/4: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Raw with Hell in a Cell fall-out – John Cena joins Nexus". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved October 5, 2010.
- ^ Johnson, Matt (October 8, 2010). "Superstars: Former tag team champions splitting up?". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 19, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2010.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Johnson, Matt (October 15, 2010). "Superstars: Divas, former Nexus member highlight show". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved February 18, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Bishop, Matt (January 14, 2011). "Superstars: All your favorites meet in 8-man tag action". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 18, 2012. Retrieved February 18, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Bishop, Matt (March 9, 2011). "WWE NXT: Redemption beings for 6 former rookies". SLAM! Wrestling. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on June 30, 2012. Retrieved March 9, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Bishop, Matt (April 13, 2011). "WWE NXT: Show revolves around Maryse". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 19, 2012. Retrieved December 28, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Bishop, Matt (August 3, 2011). "WWE NXT: Striker back in ring following 4 year absence". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved December 28, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Bishop, Matt (August 10, 2011). "WWE NXT: Kidd continues to shine". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 18, 2012. Retrieved December 28, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Bishop, Matt (August 17, 2011). "WWE NXT: Bateman gains a girlfriend". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 16, 2012. Retrieved December 28, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Bishop, Matt (August 24, 2011). "WWE NXT: Kidd is show's shining star". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved December 28, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Bishop, Matt (September 14, 2011). "WWE NXT: Regal, Striker want piece of JTG, Young". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved December 28, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Caldwell, James (October 6, 2011). "WWE News: Wellness Policy violation announced – NXT Rookie suspended for 30 days". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved December 28, 2011.
- ^ Bishop, Matt (November 17, 2011). "WWE NXT: Curtis creating a rift between BetaMax". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 20, 2012. Retrieved December 28, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ James, Justin. "James's WWE NXT Report 11/23: Percy & Titus vs. Reks & D-Young main event, BetaMaxCurtis love triangle continues, Usos reference heritage". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
- ^ Walek, Gregory. "NXT Results – 12/7/11". Wrestleview. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
- ^ James, Justin. "James's WWE NXT Report 1/18 – Week 46: Wedding interrupted, Titus turns heel, Elvis, out-of-control, destructive, and unproductive Cole commentary". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
- ^ Walek, Gregory. "Wrestleview.com – NXT Results – 2/1/12". Wrestleview. Archived from the original on February 7, 2012. Retrieved March 22, 2012.
- ^ Walek, Gregory. "Wrestleview.com – NXT Results – 2/29/12". Wrestleview. Archived from the original on March 3, 2012. Retrieved March 22, 2012.
- ^ James, Justin. "James's WWE NXT Report 3/28 – Week 56: Kidnapping angle continues, very long backstage segment delivers, Uso main event". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
- ^ "Titus O'Neil shows Darren Young a contract from John Laurinaitis: WWE NXT – April 18, 2012 (1:00)". Archived from the original on April 23, 2012.
- ^ "The Usos vs. Titus O'Neil & Darren Young: SmackDown – April 20, 2012 (1:43)". Archived from the original on April 23, 2012.
- ^ Michael Burdick (April 20, 2012). "Smackdown Results". WWE. Retrieved April 21, 2012.
- ^ Kara A. Medalis (June 17, 2012). "No Way Out – Fatal-4-Way tag team match results". WWE. Retrieved June 22, 2012.
- ^ "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/16: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #998 – MITB PPV fall-out, Cena's announcement".
- ^ Burdick, Michael (August 10, 2012). "SmackDown Results: Del Rio ambushed Sheamus, taking the law into his own hands". WWE. Retrieved August 14, 2012.
- ^ "A. W. released from WWE". WWE. August 10, 2012. Archived from the original on August 12, 2012. Retrieved August 14, 2012.
- ^ "WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & R-Truth def. The Prime Time Players". WWE. August 19, 2012. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
- ^ "Parks' WWE Smackdown Report 9/7: Ongoing coverage of Friday night show, including Rey Mysterio & Sin Cara vs. Cody Rhodes & The Miz".
- ^ "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 9/10: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Hart back in Montreal, final PPV hype".
- ^ Caldwell, James. "Caldwell's WWE Survivor Series PPV Report 11/18: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Punk-Cena-Ryback". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
- ^ Killam, Mike (August 20, 2013). "Prime Time Players Wrestle as Babyfaces on Raw; Video of Their Match Against Real Americans". WrestleZone.com. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
- ^ "Parks's WWE Smackdown Report 1/31: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including The Shield vs. Daniel Bryan & Sheamus & Rey Mysterio".
- ^ Caldwell, James (February 16, 2015). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 2/16: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Fast Lane final hype, Cena opens Raw, Bryan and Reigns singles matches, Dusty Rhodes, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved February 16, 2015.
- ^ Clapp, John. "2nd Annual André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal". WWE. Retrieved February 24, 2015.
- ^ Caldwell, James (May 31, 2015). "Caldwelll's WWE E. Chamber PPV Report 5/31: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of WWE Title match, Cena vs. Owens, two Elimination Chamber matches, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved May 31, 2015.
- ^ Caldwell, James (June 14, 2015). "Caldwell's WWE MITB PPV Results 6/14: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Dusty Rhodes 10 bell salute, WWE Title match, MITB match, Cena vs. Owens II, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
- ^ "NoDQ.com > WWE > WWE Main Event Spoilers – February 5th, 2016". nodq.com. Archived from the original on February 4, 2016. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
- ^ "5/5 Barnett's WWE Smackdown TV Review: AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows vs. Roman Reigns and The Usos, Sami Zayn on Chris Jericho's Highlight Reel – Pro Wrestling Dot Net". May 6, 2016. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- ^ "7/4 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Live TV Report". PWTorch.com. July 5, 2016. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ^ "7/24 WWE Battleground Results – Caldwell's Complete Report". PWTorch.com. July 25, 2016. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ^ "8/1 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Live TV Report". PWTorch.com. August 2, 2016. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
- ^ "WWE Raw Results – 8/8/16 (Live results from Anaheim, Foley invites Bryan to Raw, Lesnar/Orton hype)". WrestleView. August 8, 2016. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
- ^ "WWE Raw Results – 8/15/16 (Live results from Corpus Christi, Brock Lesnar to appear, SummerSlam hype)". WrestleView. August 15, 2016. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
- ^ Benigno, Anthony. "Darren Young def. Titus O'Neil". WWE.com. Retrieved August 29, 2016.
- ^ Engstrom, Anders (September 16, 2016). "WWE Superstars Recap: Braun Strowman, Curtis Axel & Titus O'Neil Vs. Neville & Darren Young". WrestlingInc.com. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ Martin, Adam (January 21, 2017). "Darren Young posts photo of injury to his arm, WWE posts more slow motion footage from 1/16 RAW". WrestleView. Archived from the original on February 1, 2017. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
- ^ "Emma, Darren Young and Summer Rae released". WWE. October 29, 2017. Retrieved October 29, 2017.
- ^ NJPW. "Major matches lined up For Fighting Spirit Unleashed on NJPW STRONG! 【NJoA】 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". NJPW. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
- ^ Cal, Jay (June 15, 2021). "Fred Rosser becomes Exclusive to NJPW of America". Alliance Wrestling.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
- ^ "9/4 NJPW Strong results: Anish V's review of Jay White vs. Flip Gordon, Karl Fredericks vs. Misterioso, Brody King vs. Hikuleo, Fred Rosser and Alex Zayne vs. Clark Connors and The DKC". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. September 5, 2020. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
- ^ NJPW. "2020.10.23 NEVER | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". NJPW. Retrieved October 24, 2020.
- ^ "NJPW contrata de manera exclusiva a Fred Rosser". June 15, 2021.
- ^ "'WWE 2K14' full roster revealed". WWE.com. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
- ^ "WWE 2K15 Character Art:photos". WWE.com. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
- ^ Hayner, Chris (July 11, 2014). "WWE's Darren Young reveals his 'WWE 2K15' character: Pic". Zap2It. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
- ^ "Superstars and Divas featured on WWE 2K16 roster list". WWE.com. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
- ^ "Superstars to be featured on WWE 2K17 roster". WWE.com. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
- ^ "WWE 2K18 roster: Meet the Superstars joining the list of playable characters". WWE.com. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
- ^ Ranft, Shaun (October 25, 2022). "Fred Rosser Reveals Reason He Came Out In TNA". Wrestling Inc. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
- ^ Hansford, Amelia (January 7, 2023). "Ex-WWE star Fred Rosser reveals what Vince McMahon told him when he came out". PinkNews. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
- ^ "WWE wrestler Darren Young comes out as gay". Telegraph. Archived from the original on January 12, 2022. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
- ^ "Darren Young and Superstars discuss his revelation about his sexual orientation". Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- ^ "WWE releases statement in support of Darren Young". WWE.com. August 15, 2013. Archived from the original on August 17, 2013. Retrieved August 15, 2013.
- ^ "WWE Superstars tweet support for Darren Young". WWE.com. July 1, 2013. Archived from the original on August 17, 2013. Retrieved August 17, 2013.
- ^ "Darren Young Sits Down With X-Pac – AfterBuzz TV's X-Pac 12360 Ep. #34". YouTube. April 26, 2017. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
- ^ "Chaotic Wrestling New England Heavyweight Title History". Puroreso Dojo. 2003.
- ^ "Chaotic Wrestling Tag Team Title History". Puroreso Dojo. 2003.
- ^ Dupree, Jim (2008). "ECWA Heavyweight Title History". Solie's Title Histories.
- ^ Dupree, Jim (2008). "ECWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title History". Solie's Title Histories.
- ^ Tsakiries, Phil; Eric Roelfsema (2008). "IWF Heavyweight Title History". Solie's Title Histories.
- ^ a b c d "Rankings & Titles". IWF Title History & Wrestler Rankings. CampIWF.com. 2008. Archived from the original on September 14, 2008.
- ^ "NJPW Strong Openweight Championship History".
- ^ a b c "PWI Awards". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Kappa Publishing Group. Archived from the original on January 21, 2016. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2013". The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
- ^ "WWE Wrestler of the Year (So Far)". Rolling Stone. July 2015. Retrieved July 1, 2015.
- ^ "WWE News: Full list of 2010 Slammy Awards – 12 announced on Raw, 10 announced on WWE's website". Pro Wrestling Torch. December 13, 2010. Retrieved December 19, 2010.
- ^ Meltzer, Dave (March 6, 2017). "March 6, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Awards issue, talent departing TNA, more". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California: 24. ISSN 1083-9593.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Fred Rosser on X
- Darren Young on WWE.com
- Fred Rosser III at IMDb
- Fred Rosser's profile at Cagematch.net , Wrestlingdata.com , Internet Wrestling Database