Billy Kidman
Ring name(s)	Billy Kidman[1] Kid Flash[1] Kidman[2] El Technico[1]
Billed height	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)[3]
Billed weight	195 lb (88 kg)[3]
Born	(1974-05-11) May 11, 1974 (age 38)[2] Allentown, Pennsylvania[3]
Resides	Tampa, Florida[1]
Billed from	Allentown, Pennsylvania[3]
Trained by	Afa Anoa'i[1][3]
Debut	September 11, 1994[1][2]

Peter Alan Gruner, Jr.^[1] (born May 11, 1974)^[1][2] is an American professional wrestler, trainer, and wrestling producer, better known by his ring name Billy Kidman. Kidman is best known for his work with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and his current workplace of the WWE throughout the late 1990s, early to late 2000s, and now into the early 2010s. He trained the likes of Wade Barrett in Florida Championship Wrestling.

He joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and ultimately gained fame as a key member of several strong wrestling factions. In addition to being a member of Raven's Flock, he also was a member of the Filthy Animals and later New Blood.^[3] As a member of these factions, Gruner participated in memorable rivalries with top WCW names, including Hulk Hogan, Jeff Jarrett, and Rey Mysterio.^[3] Kidman wrestled for WCW for many years and won tag team gold with partner and real life friend Mysterio. After leaving the group, he won the WCW Cruiserweight Championship three times. Gruner also met his now ex-wife Torrie Wilson while the two were working in WCW.

Upon WCW's purchase by World Wrestling Federation (WWF), Kidman became a member of the WCW/ECW Alliance faction, and later a successful champion in WWE's Cruiserweight and Tag Team divisions.

Professional wrestling career[link]

Early career[link]

Gruner was trained by Afa Anoa'i, one half of the Wild Samoans, and wrestled his first match on September 11, 1994 in Hellertown, Pennsylvania against "Wild Thing" Dan Kallis independent circuit as "Kid Flash".^[1] He formed a tag team with Ace Darling known as "Shooting Stars" and they would win the ECWA Tag Team Championship and USWA World Tag Team Championship.

World Championship Wrestling (1996–2001)[link]

Gruner first started wrestling as Billy Kidman for WCW in mid 1996, spending over a year as a cruiserweight jobber with no gimmick.^[1] Finally, he was added to Raven's Flock in 1997^[1] as a disheveled street junkie with a gimmick of a heroin addict^{[citation needed]}, constantly scratching his arms, and named his shooting star press maneuver the "Seven Year Itch" to further tie in with the gimmick.^[1] Kidman found little personal success with the group and aided Perry Saturn in defeating Raven in a match, thus disbanding the group.^[4]

Kidman shed his grungy attire and began performing as a babyface, eventually pinning Juventud Guerrera to win his first Cruiserweight Championship. Guerrera won the belt back a few weeks later, but Kidman regained it at World War 3.^[5] Kidman eventually lost the title on an episode of WCW Monday Nitro to Rey Mysterio, Jr. They had a rematch at Spring Stampede, where Mysterio was victorious.^[6]

Following this, Mysterio asked Kidman to be his tag team partner in a match for the World Tag Team Championship. Kidman at first declined, as a previous attempt at a tag team between the two did not reach any level of success. The two, however, faced Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko for the titles and succeeded with unwanted aid from Raven and Saturn. The three teams feuded for several weeks, which ended in a three way tag team match for the titles.^[7] Chris Kanyon's interference led to the victory for Raven and Saturn.^[7] Kidman spent the next several months in assorted feuds. He won the Cruiserweight Championship one more time from Prince Iaukea at a house show, but lost it back to Iaukea 24 hours later. Kidman also defeated Psicosis in a hair vs. mask match, and came close to defeating Jeff Jarrett for the United States Heavyweight Championship. He then entered a short feud with Vampiro.

During this time, Kidman was a part of the WCW face faction, the Filthy Animals, with Mysterio, Konnan, and Eddie Guerrero.^[8] Guerrero left the group when he left WCW, and Kidman left the group when they became a heel faction. He later rejoined them when they were faces once more in the last few months of WCW.

Following his first departure from the Filthy Animals, Kidman joined Vince Russo's New Blood faction, taking another heel turn.^[9] His gimmick was a young hotshot not wanting to be held back by wrestlers beyond their prime. This led to his biggest feud to date with Hulk Hogan, defeating him in three matches in a row.^[10] After the New Blood split up, Kidman became a face once more by entering a feud with Shane Douglas for the affection of his on-screen girlfriend, Torrie Wilson. During the feud, Wilson turned on Kidman. Kidman was legitimately injured in a match at New Blood Rising in August 2000, when in a strap match, Douglas hung Kidman from the neck using the strap, and was forced to take several weeks for to recover.^[1][11]

Following the Douglas feud, Kidman began teaming with Mysterio again.^[12] They entered the Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship tournament, but lost in the finals to Elix Skipper and Kid Romeo.^[13] On the final episode of Nitro, Kidman and Mysterio won the titles from Skipper and Romeo. That night, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) purchased WCW and Kidman's contract was picked up by the WWF.^[14]

World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment (2001–2005)[link]

When the WWF purchased WCW, the contract of Gruner (who was still wrestling as Billy Kidman) was one of twenty-five involved in the purchase. When The Invasion storyline commenced, Gruner appeared on WWF television as a tweener for the WCW Alliance faction. In July 2001, he won the Cruiserweight Championship from Gregory Helms in the first televised WCW match on SmackDown!.^[3][15] Kidman then defeated the WWF's Light Heavyweight champion at the time, X-Pac, after a Shooting Star Press at InVasion 2001. Kidman was later sidelined with an injury during the Invasion angle and thus did not have as big of an impact as other WCW superstars. On the October 11 edition of Smackdown, Kidman won the Cruiserweight title back after losing it to X-Pac on an episode of Raw is War in late July.

Kidman turned face after the WCW/ECW Alliance broke up. He was drafted to SmackDown! as part of the brand extension, and in his return match defeated Tajiri to win his first Cruiserweight Championship under the WWE brand.^[16] Tajiri reclaimed the title at Backlash.^[17] At Rebellion 2002, Kidman and his real life girlfriend at the time, Torrie Wilson defeated John Cena and Dawn Marie in an intergender tag team match. He later went on to capture the Cruiserweight Championship for the seventh time (making him the record holder for most Cruiserweight Titles at the time), by defeating Jamie Noble at Survivor Series.^[18] Kidman lost the title three months later to Matt Hardy at No Way Out. He spent the next few years as a star attraction in the cruiserweight division, relying solely on his in-ring work and no real gimmick. In early 2004, Kidman began teaming with Paul London, slowly working their way up the tag team ranks. They went on to win the WWE Tag Team Championship from The Dudley Boyz on July 8, 2004.^[19] Proving the win was not an upset, they went on to win a rematch for the titles.

Their championship run came to an abrupt end after Kidman turned his back on London. The heel turn played off of a legitimate injury which occurred on an August 24, 2004 taping of SmackDown!, when Gruner's Shooting Star Press unintentionally caused Chavo Guerrero to suffer a concussion.^[20][21] The next week, Kidman was on the top rope ready to hit the Shooting Star Press, but hesitated, climbed down the turnbuckles, and slowly walked backstage overwhelmed with guilt after injuring Guerrero.^[20][21] London was left alone to defend the titles against Kenzo Suzuki and Rene Dupree, and was brutally defeated.^[21] London and Kidman fought at No Mercy 2004, where Kidman injured London with a shooting star press while London was strapped to a stretcher.^[22] This completed Kidman's heel turn, blaming the fans for wanting him to be more brutal with his in-ring style.^[23] Kidman and Guerrero ended their feud upon Chavo's return, the latter being victorious in the final match. Kidman then competed against London over the Cruiserweight title in the coming months.^[24] At the start of 2005, Kidman suffered a broken orbital bone, which sidelined him for three months.^[1]

Gruner was released from his WWE contract on July 6, 2005.^[25] It was rumored that the reason behind his release was the lack of crowd reaction and unintentional injuries he caused, but Gruner later stated in an interview with the UK newspaper The Sun that it was because he argued with management over their decision to stop booking wrestlers on first class flights overseas.^[26] Recently, he has become a trainer for developmental talent in World Wrestling Entertainment's official territory Florida Championship Wrestling, making appearances as a wrestler but as of yet has not rejoined WWE in an official wrestling role.^[1]

Independent circuit (2005–2010)[link]

During his first tour of the UK since leaving WWE, Kidman would make a few appearances in independent British promotions. Other than his notable Frontier Wrestling Alliance 3-way match with Jody Fleisch and Jonny Storm, Kidman would also wrestle British wrestling legend Robbie Brookside in a losing effort during a British rules match to determine the first Real Quality Wrestling Heavyweight Champion. He also competed in Wales for Alan Ravenhill's Welsh Wrestling at Maesteg Town Hall.

In 2007, Gruner made his International Wrestling Association debut in a match for the IWA World Heavyweight Championship against Ray Gonzalez, which he lost.^[27] Gruner also took part in the East Coast Australian "International Assault II" Tour from June 1–3, 2007 wrestling Australian superstars TNT and Mark Hilton, and pinned Bryan Danielson to win the WSW World Heavyweight Championship on the 3rd night in Newcastle.

On July 8, 2007, Kidman teamed up with Sean "X-Pac" Waltman as part of a triple threat match in McAllen, Texas to crown the new NWA World Tag Team Champions. The title was previously vacated by Team 3D after TNA Wrestling officially pulled out of the National Wrestling Alliance. They would lose the match to Karl Anderson and Joey Ryan.

Return to World Wrestling Entertainment (2010–present)[link]

He is currently a producer on WWE RAW brand and was mentioned by John Cena in an episode on November 22, 2010. On September 21, 2011, WWE ran a story on their website about Kidman and where he is now.

Personal life[link]

Gruner grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania in the Lehigh Valley region, where he graduated from Parkland High School. Gruner was a banker before he started training to be a professional wrestler, and was good friends with Chris Kanyon, whom he met at the Wild Samoan training center in Pennsylvania.^[10] Gruner is the cousin of fellow professional wrestler, Mikey Batts.^[28]

After being together for four years,^[29] Gruner married former WWE Diva, Torrie Wilson on July 11, 2003.^[26][30] They lived together in Tampa, Florida when not traveling.^[31] The couple separated in mid-2006, with their divorce finalised in 2008.^[32]

Kidman is Jewish.^[33]

In wrestling[link]

• Finishing moves
  • BK Bomb (Lifting sitout spinebuster, sometimes from the second rope)^[1]
  • Kid Krusher (Jumping inverted double underhook facebuster)^[1]
  • Shooting star press (WCW / WWF/E / Independent circuit) / Seven Year Itch (WCW)^[1]

• Signature moves
  • DDT
  • Diving bulldog while running up the ring ropes^[1]
  • Dropkick, sometimes from the top rope
  • Fireman's carry neckbreaker^[1]
  • Frankensteiner, sometimes from the top rope
  • Kid Factor (Sitout facebuster, often used as a powerbomb counter)^[1]
  • Moonsault
  • Sidewalk slam
  • Slingshot leg drop
  • Spin-out powerbomb
  • Wheelbarrow suplex

• With Rey Mysterio, Jr.
  • Catapult by Kidman into a diving hurricanrana by Mysterio
  • Wheelbarrow facebuster (Kidman) / Springboard leg drop (Mysterio) combination

• Managers
  • Raven
  • Torrie Wilson^[34]
  • Tygress
  • Dawn Marie
  • Lacey Von Erich

• Nicknames

• "The Master of the Shooting Star Press" (WCW / WWF/E)

• Entrance themes
  • "Rock The World" (WCW)
  • "Destroyer" (WCW)
  • "Kid Krusher" (WCW / WWF/E)
  • "Kidman's Theme" by Jim Johnston (WWE)
  • "You Can Run" by Lord Akkim (WWE)

Championships and accomplishments[link]

• East Coast Wrestling Association
  • ECWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Ace Darling^[2]
  • ECWA Hall of Fame (Class of 2004)^[35]

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI ranked him #92 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the year in PWI 500 in 2004^[36]

• Revolution Xtreme Wrestling
  • RXW World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[1]

• Trans–World Wrestling Federation
  • TWWF Cruiserweight Championship (1 time)^[2]

• United States Wrestling Association
  • USWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Ace Darling^[2]

• World Championship Wrestling
  • WCW Cruiserweight Championship (3 times)^[37]
  • WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Rey Mysterio, Jr.^[37]
  • WCW World Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Rey Mysterio, Jr. (1), Konnan (1)^[3][37]

• World Series Wrestling
  • WSW World Heavyweight Championship (1 time, current)^[38]

• World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment
  • WCW / WWF/E Cruiserweight Championship (4 times)^[3][37]
  • WWE Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Paul London^[3][37]

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • Worst Feud of the Year (2000) vs. Hulk Hogan

References[link]

External links[link]

Professional wrestling portal

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Billy Kidman

• Billy Kidman at Bodyslamming.com
• WWE Alumni Profile
• Billy Kidman on Twitter

Paul London
Ring name(s)	El Gran Luchadore[1][2] Paul London[3] Sydistiko[4]
Billed height	5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)[3]
Billed weight	180 lb (82 kg)[3]
Born	(1980-04-16) April 16, 1980 (age 32)[5] Austin, Texas[6]
Resides	Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California[7]
Billed from	Austin, Texas[3]
Trained by	Texas Wrestling Academy[8] Dory Funk, Jr.[5] Ivan Putski[2] Christopher Daniels[9]
Debut	April 7, 2000[6]

Paul Michael London^[10] (born April 16, 1980) is an American professional wrestler best known for his time with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

After being trained at the Texas Wrestling Academy, London began competing for Ring of Honor where his high risk offensive moves contributed to his popularity with the fans. He later competed for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Zero-One, and various independent promotions, winning numerous championships and won the ECWA Super 8 Tournament in 2003.

London made his debut in WWE in late 2003 and immediately began teaming with fellow cruiserweight Brian Kendrick, known as Spanky at the time. After Kendrick left WWE, London formed a tag team with Billy Kidman with whom he won the WWE Tag Team Championship. After their split, London began competing in the cruiserweight division and won the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. In late 2006, Kendrick returned and the two reformed as a team. London and Kendrick were managed by Ashley Massaro. London and Kendrick won the WWE Tag Team Championship, becoming the longest reigning WWE Tag Team Champions since the title's creation and the World Tag Team Championship.^[3] The team split when Kendrick was drafted to the SmackDown brand in June 2008 and London was released later that year. In 2009, he returned to the independent circuit, competing for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, where he is one half of the former PWG World Tag Team Champions with partner El Generico under the team name ¡Peligro Abejas!.

In WWE, London is a former one-time WWE Cruiserweight Champion, one-time World Tag Team Champion, and two-time WWE Tag Team Champion. During his second reign as WWE Tag Team Champion, London and his partner, Brian Kendrick, became the longest reigning WWE Tag Team Champions since the title's creation. Overall he is a former 4 time World Tag Team Champion with the 3 title reigns in World Wrestling Entertainment and 1 title reign in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla.

Professional wrestling career[link]

Early career[link]

After graduating from high school, London trained at several wrestling schools, some which never even had a wrestling ring in West Memphis, Arkansas and a school run by Ivan Putski in North Austin, Texas.^[6] He met the head trainer of the Texas Wrestling Academy, Rudy Gonzales, and enrolled in his school for further training. He made his debut on the independent circuit on April 7, 2000, and went on to compete for independent promotions in Texas. In August 2000, London attended Southwest Texas State University where he studied theater.

Ring of Honor (2003–2004)[link]

He made his debut in Ring of Honor (ROH) on March 30, 2002 in a match against Chris Marvel.^[11] He began a lengthy feud with Michael Shane during a tag team match for ROH contracts on July 27, 2002. During the bout, both Shane and London made simultaneous pinfalls on their opponent's partners. The referee only counted for Shane, giving his team the victory, which led to London and Shane brawling.^[12] The two continued to feud over the next several months in matches such as Street Fights (where the crowd chanted "please don't die" due to London's high risk offense), a Triple Threat match and a Gauntlet match.^[13][14][15]

On December 7, 2002, London won a tournament to capture the ROH Number One Contender's Trophy, guaranteeing a match for the ROH Championship.^[16] He lost the match three weeks later to then-champion Xavier.^[17] On February 8, 2003, London competed in a Triple Threat match for the Number One Contender's Trophy, pinning A.J. Styles for the win.^[18] After the match, Xavier informed London that he would compete for the title immediately.^[18] London again lost to the champion.^[18] London's final match in ROH was for the title against Samoa Joe on July 19, 2003, in which he lost.^[5][19]

Other promotions[link]

During his time in ROH, London made brief appearances in Japanese promotion Pro Wrestling Zero-One (Zero1) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). London competed in Zero1 for several months on a match-by-match basis, beginning in January 2003, before turning down a contract.^[6] London was contacted by TNA after ROH's one year anniversary show, and told that they were interested in him doing some matches on a try-out basis.^[20] On February 12, 2003 he made his TNA debut in a Gauntlet match against Jerry Lynn, which he lost.^[21][22] London competed mainly in the company's X Division, even earning shots at the NWA TNA X Division Championship.^[23] His last appearance in TNA was on June 18, 2003 at the TNA Anniversary show.^[24] He wrestled X Division Champion Chris Sabin for the title, only to lose due to interference from CM Punk.^[24] London has said that he viewed his time in TNA as a "stepping stone", but knew that he didn't want to be there long-term.^[20] London also made several appearances East Coast Wrestling Association and won the 7th Annual ECWA Super 8 Tournament

World Wrestling Entertainment[link]

Cruiserweight division (2003–2005)[link]

London signed with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in mid–2003, working a few dark matches before being sent to the company's developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling, on August 30.^[2] London made his official WWE television debut on the SmackDown! brand, losing to Brock Lesnar in a match for the WWE Championship on October 9.^[5] After the match, Lesnar continued to attack London until fellow cruiserweight Spanky (Brian Kendrick) made the save.^[25] The two competed as a tag team on SmackDown!'s sister show Velocity until Spanky left the company in January 2004.^[2][26]

London in 2005 as the WWE Cruiserweight Champion

London then began a tag team with Billy Kidman on January 29, 2004.^[27] On the July 8 episode of SmackDown!, the duo won the WWE Tag Team Championship from the Dudley Boyz.^[28] They defended the title against the Dudleys on several occasions before losing the championship to René Duprée and Kenzo Suzuki on September 9, due to Kidman leaving London to fight by himself.^[29][30][31] Kidman's heel turn led to a feud between the two, which culminated at No Mercy where Kidman defeated London with a shooting star press. After the match, London was bleeding from the mouth and being stretchered when Kidman pulled him back into the ring with the stretcher and delivered another shooting star press to London's injured ribs.^[32] This storyline was put in place after London had broken his nose wrestling Booker T on an episode of SmackDown! a few weeks prior to the event.^[33] The nose required surgery and for London to miss a few months.^[34] London returned on November 25, wrestling on Velocity until the end of the year.^[35]

On March 10, 2005, London became the number one contender for Chavo Guerrero's WWE Cruiserweight Championship, which he later won in a cruiserweight battle royal.^[36][37] Guerrero challenged London for the title at Judgment Day, where London emerged victorious.^[38] During another title match with Guerrero on June 23, The Mexicools stormed the ring, attacking both London and Guerrero.^[39] On the July 14 episode of SmackDown!, London teamed with Scotty 2 Hotty and Funaki to face The Mexicools. The ending of the match saw Juventud perform the 450° splash on London for the win, but landing his knee onto London's face and legitimately injuring him in the process.^[40][41] London lost the Cruiserweight Title on the August 4 edition of Velocity to Nunzio.^[42] Later in the night, London cut a heel promo encouraging the fans to protest his title loss.^[43] London went on a losing streak before returning as a face and teaming with the newly rehired Brian Kendrick.^[44]

Teaming with Brian Kendrick (2005–2008)[link]

On the December 16 episode of Velocity London and Kendrick remade their image, wearing theatrical masks to the ring and matching vests and shorts.^[45] On the April 7, 2006 edition of SmackDown!, London and Kendrick defeated WWE Tag Team Champions MNM in a non-title match.^[46] They continued their winning streak on the champions, including singles victories for both Kendrick and London on Johnny Nitro and Joey Mercury, respectively.^[47][48][49] London and Kendrick won the WWE Tag Team Title at Judgment Day,^[50] thus defeating MNM six times in a row in both singles and tag team matches.^[51] On August 11, K. C. James and Idol Stevens defeated the champions in a non-title match, igniting a feud between the two teams.^[52] During the rivalry, WWE Diva Ashley Massaro began accompanying London and Kendrick to the ring. She acted as a valet to the team, combating the actions of James and Stevens' manager Michelle McCool.^[53]

London making his entrance at a WWE house show held in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada on January 15, 2005.

On October 14, London and Kendrick became the longest reigning WWE Tag Team Champions of all time, surpassing MNM's previous record of 145 days.^[54][55][56] They, however, soon began a losing streak to the team of William Regal and Dave Taylor. Regal defeated both team members in singles matches,^[57][58] and on the December 8 edition of SmackDown!, Kendrick and London lost a tag team match to the pair.^[59] During a scheduled title defense at Armageddon, London and Kendrick not only retained against Regal and Taylor but won a Fatal Four-Way tag team ladder match which also involved MNM and The Hardys.^[60] On the January 12, 2007 edition of SmackDown! London and Kendrick were successful in retaining their championship against Regal and Taylor in a traditional tag team match.^[61]

On February 2, 2007, London and Kendrick suffered a non-title loss to the rookie team Deuce 'n Domino,^[62] though, they were able to successfully defend the titles at No Way Out.^[63][64] London and Kendrick lost the championship to Deuce 'n Domino on the April 20 edition of SmackDown!, ending their reign at 331 days (SmackDown! was recorded on April 17).^[65] During the match London missed a moonsault from the ring apron to the floor kayfabe injuring his ribs, leaving Kendrick to battle Deuce 'n Domino alone.^[66] Selling his injured ribs, London was absent from physical action until the May 11 edition of SmackDown, defeating Domino in singles competition.^[67] London and Kendrick unsuccessfully competed for the title on June 1 in a Triple Threat tag team match, which also involved Regal and Taylor,^[68] and lost a rematch on June 15 in a standard tag team match.^[69]

London, along with Kendrick, was drafted to the Raw brand on June 17, 2007 during the Supplemental Draft.^[70] They won their debut match on Raw against The World's Greatest Tag Team on June 18.^[71] On September 3, they won a number one contender's match for Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch's World Tag Team Championship.^[72] At a house show in South Africa on September 5, London and Kendrick defeated Cade and Murdoch to win the World Tag Team Title, only to lose it back in a rematch three days later.^[73][74] At the end of 2007, he was inactive due to a foot injury.^[75] On the February 4, 2008 edition of Raw, London returned to action in a match with Kendrick against the team of Carlito and Santino Marella.^[76] On the March 17 edition of Raw, London and Kendrick faced Umaga in a handicap match. During the match, Kendrick walked out and left London to get pinned,^[77] however, no dissension came of the incident, as London and Kendrick continued to team up.^[78]

The team came to an end when Kendrick was drafted back to the SmackDown brand as part of the 2008 WWE Supplemental Draft.^[79] London was briefly involved in a storyline between Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, and Lance Cade, aiding Michaels during attacks by Jericho and Cade. During the next few weeks, London went on to lose matches to both Cade and Jericho. London was released from his WWE contract on November 7, 2008.^[80]

Independent circuit (2009–present)[link]

London made his debut in Big Time Wrestling on February 28, defeating the BTW Champion Jason Styles by disqualification.^[9] At the event, he also debuted a new gimmick, described as "a nerdy blend of 1970s band Devo and a nerdy Air Force cadet with flight jacket and goofy, oversized sunglasses".^[9]

On November 13, 2009 London defeated Jason Blade to win the Northeast Wrestling Championship.^[81]

On March 26, 2010, London made his debut for Dragon Gate USA in a tag team match, where he and Jimmy Jacobs were defeated by Brian Kendrick and Jon Moxley.^[82] After the match, Kendrick turned on Moxley and re-formed his team with London, which led to a Loser Leaves Company tag team match between London and Kendrick and Jacobs and Jack Evans at the following day's tapings of the Mercury Rising pay-per-view. In the end Jacobs forced Kendrick to tap out and as a result he was forced to leave Dragon Gate USA for good. After the match London was assaulted by Teddy Hart.^[83]

On July 30, 2011, London competed at Vanguard Championship Wrestling's Liberty Lottery 2011 event. He faced John Kermon, the VCW Liberty Champion, and defeated him to become the Liberty Champion.^[84]

Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (2009–2010)[link]

London made his return to the independent circuit by making his Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) debut on February 21, 2009 at Express Written Consent.^[9] He wrestled in a six man tag team main event where he and The Young Bucks (Nick and Matt Jackson) defeated The Dynasty (Joey Ryan, Scott Lost and Karl Anderson). He has since formed an alliance with Bryan Danielson and Roderick Strong, known as the "Hybrid Dolphins". On January 30, 2010, London re-formed his partnership with Brian Kendrick in PWG and together the two of them defeated the PWG World Tag Team Champions Generation Me in a non-title match.^[85]

On April 10, 2010, London defeated PWG mainstay El Generico in a singles match.^[86] On May 9, the two men teamed up to form a duo introduced as ¡Peligro Abejas! (literal translation: Danger Bees!) in the fourth annual DDT4 eight-team tag tournament. After defeating "The Professional" Scott Lost and Chuck Taylor in the first round and Jay and Mark Briscoe in the semifinals, London and Generico defeated the Young Bucks in the finals of the tournament to not only win DDT4, but also the PWG World Tag Team Championship.^[87] On July 10, 2010, London defeated Joey Silvia in a two out of three falls match to become the new Pro Wrestling Xperience Heavyweight Champion.^[88] Later in the year on December 11, 2010, ¡Peligro Abejas! successfully defended the PWG World Tag Team Championship against the ROH World Tag Team Champions The Kings of Wrestling (Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli).^[89] On April 9, 2011, London was forced to miss a PWG event, during which El Generico and London's replacement, Ricochet, lost the PWG World Tag Team Championship back to The Young Bucks.^[90]

Lucha Libre USA (2010–2011)[link]

In December 2010, London began working for Lucha Libre USA as the masked Sydistiko, taking over the role previously held by T.J. Perkins.^[4] He teamed up with Rellik to defeat Dinastia (El Oriental and Tinieblas Jr.) on December 12, 2010. The pair participated in three way match to decide the new LLUSA Tag Team Championship but this time El Oriental and Tinieblas Jr. would get the better of the pair. As Sydistiko, he would go on to lose all his matches including LLUSA Championship number one contendership lucha roulette elimination.

Personal life[link]

London was born in Austin, Texas, and has two older brothers, Daniel and Jonathan. In 1996, Daniel was killed by a drunk driver at the age of nineteen.^[6][91] Jonathan is a music video director.^[92] He is half-Mexican on his mother's side.^[93] He is also bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish.^[94] London attended Westlake High School in Texas.^[6] He helped create the school's first-ever wrestling team where he was the captain, first varsity letterman and still holds the record for the fastest pinfall time of 7.4 seconds.^[6] London has dated former WWE Diva Ashley Massaro.^[95]

In wrestling[link]

London performing a Standing Shooting star press.

• Finishing moves
  • As Paul London
    • 450° splash^[3]
    • Legsweep DDT^[2] – ROH
    • Shooting star press, sometimes while running or standing^[96] / London Calling^[96] (WWE) / London Star Press^[2] (ROH)
    • Waffle Face (Chickenwing facebuster)^[2] – 2004–2005
  • As Sydistiko
    • Totally Sydistik (Shooting star press)^[4]

• Signature moves
  • Arm wrench inside cradle^[2]
  • Elbow smash^[2]
  • Diving crossbody^[2]
  • Frankensteiner^[2]
  • Multiple kick variations
    • Dropsault^[2][3]
    • Spinning wheel^[2]
    • Super^[2]
  • Mushroom stomp^[3]
  • Northern Lights suplex^[2]
  • Plancha,^[4] sometimes while performing a somersault^[2]
  • Slingshot Oklahoma roll^[2]
  • Springboard moonsault^[2]
  • Tornado DDT^[2]

• Managers
  • Ashley
  • Finnegan the Space Owl^[97]

• Nicknames
  • "The Excellence of Innovation"^[98]
  • "The Intrepid Traveler"^[99]
  • "The Dolphin Master"^[100]

• Entrance themes
  • "South Texas Deathride" by The Union Underground^[101] (ROH)
  • "Pompeii" by E.S. Posthumus^[101] (ROH)
  • "Battle Without Honor or Humanity" by Tomoyasu Hotei^[101] (ROH)

Championships and accomplishments[link]

London and Kendrick were the longest reigning WWE Tag Team Champions since their inception in 2002.

• East Coast Wrestling Association
  • ECWA Super 8 Tournament (2003)^[98]

• Extreme Texas Wrestling
  • ETW Television Championship (1 time)^[98]

• Funking Conservatory
  • FC United States Championship (1 time)^[98]
  • FC Television Championship (1 time)^[98]
  • FC Hardcore Championship (1 time)^[98]
  • FC Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Adam Windsor^[98]

• Northeast Wrestling
  • NEW Championship (1 time)^[81]

• NWA Southwest
  • NWA Texas Television Championship (1 time)^[98]

• Professional Championship Wrestling
  • PCW Television Championship (1 time)^[98]

• Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
  • PWG World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with El Generico^[87]
  • Dynamite Duumvirate Tag Team Title Tournament (2010) – with El Generico^[87]

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • Tag Team of the Year (2007) with Brian Kendrick^[102]
  • PWI ranked him #36 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the PWI 500 in 2005^[103]

• Pro Wrestling Xperience
  • PWX Heavyweight Championship (1 time, current)^[88]

• Vanguard Championship Wrestling
  • VCW United States Liberty Champion (1 time, current)

• World Wrestling Entertainment
  • World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Brian Kendrick^[104]
  • WWE Cruiserweight Championship (1 time)^[105]
  • WWE Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Billy Kidman (1)^[106] and Brian Kendrick (1)^[107]

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • Most Underrated (2004)

See also[link]

Professional wrestling portal

• Paul London and Brian Kendrick

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Paul London

• Official website
• Online World of Wrestling profile
• Paul London at the Internet Movie Database

Jamie Noble
Ring name(s)	James Gibson[1] Jamie Howard[1] Jamie Knoble[1] Jamie Noble[1] Jamie-San[1][2]
Height	5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)[3][4]
Billed height	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)[5]
Billed weight	202 lb (92 kg)[5]
Born	(1976-12-23) December 23, 1976 (age 35)[1] Hanover, West Virginia[1]
Resides	Melbourne, Florida
Billed from	Hanover, West Virginia[5]
Trained by	"Adorable" Danny Ray Dean Malenko[1][2] Bill Weaver[1] WCW Power Plant[1]
Debut	1995[1]
Retired	November 6, 2009

James Howard Gibson^[6] (born December 23, 1976)^[1][6] better known by his WWE ring name Jamie Noble, is an American former professional wrestler working for WWE as a producer. He is best known for his work from 2002 to 2009 when a severe back injury forced him to retire from competition. He is also known for his appearances in World Championship Wrestling in its cruiserweight division under the names Jamie-San and Jamie Knoble and is a one time Cruiserweight Champion.^[7] Gibson also wrestled in Ring of Honor as James Gibson and is a one time world champion, having won the ROH World Championship during his time in that organization.^[8]

Professional wrestling career[link]

World Championship Wrestling[link]

In 2000, Gibson got his first national exposure in World Championship Wrestling. He wore a mask to hide the fact that he was Caucasian and was called Jamie-San; as part of Leia Meow's Jung Dragons with Jimmy Yang and Kaz Hayashi. They feuded with 3 Count ("Sugar" Shane Helms, Shannon Moore and Evan Karagias). While known as Jamie-San, he also had a stint in Independent Professional Wrestling, winning their Light Heavyweight title.^[9] He eventually unmasked and became Jamie Knoble to form a tag team with Karagias. After WCW closed, he wrestled in the Heartland Wrestling Association and became the Cruiserweight Champion.^[10]

World Wrestling Entertainment (2002-2004)[link]

Gibson later signed with World Wrestling Entertainment under the name Jamie Noble. He made his debut as a heel on the June 6, 2002 episode of SmackDown! by attacking the Hurricane and was joined by Nidia in a trailer park trash gimmick. He won the WWE Cruiserweight Championship^[7] and feuded with Tajiri and Billy Kidman. Noble then got an inheritance, making both Nidia and Noble rich.^[11] Noble and Nidia both turned face by befriending Torrie Wilson and Billy Gunn. Nidia finally left him after she was "blinded" by then heel Tajiri's black mist. He became a heel again by doing things he thought Nidia could not see (mainly using her as a human shield) and lied to her about them. During that time he also feuded with Rey Mysterio for the Cruiserweight Championship. The two would face off for the Championship and Noble lost. A Boyfriend vs. Girlfriend Blindfold Match was then scheduled for Noble and Nidia at No Way Out. Noble came out on top after cheating to see where Nidia was. He left WWE on September 15, 2004 when his steroid usage came to light following a staph infection. WWE suggested a contractual release (which at first Gibson was a little disappointed with) to return whenever he wanted.

Independent circuit[link]

After his staph infection cleared up, he began wrestling in promotions all over the world including New Japan Pro Wrestling, Heartland Wrestling Association, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, AZW Hawaii, Ring of Honor, PowerSlam Pro Wrestling and Italian Championship Wrestling, as James Gibson. On June 28, 2005, it was confirmed that he would be returning to World Wrestling Entertainment after a one year absence and fulfilling his independent circuit commitments.^[12] Before returning to WWE, he became the ROH World Champion when he wrestled in an elimination four-way match against then champion CM Punk, Samoa Joe, and Christopher Daniels on August 12, 2005 in Dayton, Ohio.^[8] He lost the title to Bryan Danielson on September 17, 2005.^[8]

Return to World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE (2005-present)[link]

SmackDown![link]

Jamie Noble about to wrestle a dark match.

Jamie Noble made his return to WWE on the December 17, 2005 edition of Velocity and would later frequently team with fellow cruiserweight Kid Kash; during June 2006, Noble and Kash debuted a gimmick, where they would wear dog collars as well as bark and bite^[13] and had a short face run. The pair quickly turned heel and were soon named "The Pitbulls". They then entered the hunt for the WWE Tag Team Championship. The team came to an end after Kash's release from the company on September 27, 2006.^[14]

Afterwards, in 2007, Noble would return to competing in the cruiserweight division and performing as an enhancement talent against Rey Mysterio and Bobby Lashley. At No Way Out, Noble competed in a cruiserweight Gauntlet Match for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. He was eliminated by his former WCW teammate, Jimmy Wang Yang.^[15]

Noble returned to television on the June 8 edition of SmackDown!, teaming up with Chavo Guerrero and Daivari against Paul London, Brian Kendrick and Wang Yang in a losing effort.^[16] On the June 15 edition of Smackdown, Noble competed in a Fatal Four-Way number 1 contenders match for the Cruiserweight Championship, which he lost to Jimmy Wang Yang and also involved Shannon Moore and Daivari.^[17] In July, Noble would come up short in a Triple Threat Match for the Cruiserweight Championship against then Champion Guerrero and Funaki. Noble then competed in the Cruiserweight Open at The Great American Bash but was pinned by Hornswoggle.^[18] Noble would then begin a feud with Hornswoggle that would see him lose in various humiliating fashions, usually by count-out. Moore would constantly use his obsession with Hornswoggle to humiliate him as well.^[19]

After his feud with Hornswoggle ended, Noble began an angle where he was easily defeated in his matches as punishment for being disrespectful to then-SmackDown! general manager, Vickie Guerrero.^{[20][21][22][23][24][25]} He was eventually placed in a match with Chuck Palumbo, which was expected to be yet another squash. Noble, however, defeated Palumbo,^[26] which began a feud between the two, as well as involving Palumbo's "friend" Michelle McCool.^[27][28] After his fourth win against Palumbo he came out when Chuck threatened to hurt McCool. Later in a tag team match, Palumbo attacked Noble and McCool, becoming a heel in the process.^[29][30] As a result of the double turn, Noble became a face character once again.

Raw (2008-2009)[link]

Jamie Noble and Mickie James at a Puerto Rican house show.

As part of the 2008 WWE Supplemental Draft, Noble was drafted to the Raw brand.^[31]

Noble was then involved in a storyline where he tried to impress Layla on multiple occasions only to antagonize and be beaten by larger opponents.^[32][33] He started a feud with William Regal over the course of the storyline, with the two trading wins, and Layla, between them.^[34][35] On the September 15, 2008 edition of Raw, the feud escalated following Noble's victory over Paul Burchill.^[36] Layla came out and told Noble it was over and she found a man worthy of her in Regal.^[36]

On the February 3 edition of ECW Noble asked then-ECW General Manager Theodore Long for an ECW contract and lost to The Boogeyman.

On the February 23 episode of Raw, Noble suffered a neck injury in a match with Mike Knox, and was taken to a local hospital. His injury meant that the scheduled segment between Chris Jericho and Ricky Steamboat that was meant to take place in the ring, had to take place on the stage instead.^[37] It was later confirmed, however, that the injury was not severe.^[38] Noble made his return about one month later.

Retirement[link]

On the November 2 episode of Raw, Noble wrestled his last match against Sheamus, which went to a no-contest after Sheamus kicked Noble as he climbed to the top turnbuckle causing him to fall to the outside landing on his right shoulder, then Sheamus proceeded to power bomb him on the floor and severely injured his back. Noble was placed on a stretcher and rolled out of the ring area. According to Michael Cole, Noble would be out for at least 2 months while recovering. However on November 10, 2009 Noble announced his retirement from professional wrestling after a 14-year career due to his injury.^[39] He now works as a producer in the company.

On June 9, 2010, Noble wrestled a one-off match as he defeated Tyler Reks at WWE's developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling.^[40]

On January 13, 2012 Noble competed in a losing effort against World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan at a WWE House Show in Yakima,Washington. Noble made an appearance on the April 9, 2012 edition of Monday Night Raw, he, along with numerous other WWE officials and superstars, were attempting to break up a brawl between Brock Lesnar and John Cena.

Personal life[link]

Noble is a 1994 graduate of Baileysville High School in Baileysville, West Virginia. He resides in Melbourne, Florida, with his wife Angela, who went to the same high school. Together, they have one son, named Gage.^[2]

In wrestling[link]

Gibson at a Ring of Honor event.

• Finishing moves
  • Crucifix armbar^[36][41] – 2008–2009
  • Diving leg drop^[1][3] – 2000–2001
  • Dragon sleeper to a facedown opponent, sometimes with bodyscissors^[1][5] – 2006–2007
  • Fireman's carry double knee gutbuster^[19] – 2007–2008
  • Guillotine choke^[1][6] – 2007–2008
  • Jumping belly to belly piledriver^[1] – 2000–2001
  • Paydirt (Single underhook DDT)^[1][42] – 2002–2005
  • Sitout double underhook powerbomb^[1][6] – 2002–2005
  • Trailer Hitch (Modified figure four leglock)^[1] – 2003–2005; Innovated

• Signature moves
  • Camel clutch^[43]
  • Cloverleaf^[42]
  • High knee^[42]
  • Low-angle dropkick to an opponent's knees^[43]
  • Missile dropkick^[41]
  • Multiple suplex variations
    • Belly to back^[41]
    • German^[42]
    • Northern Lights^[41]
    • Super^[44]
  • Reverse hammerlock^[42]
  • Single arm DDT^[42]
  • Swinging neckbreaker^[1][44]

• Managers
  • Nidia^[44]

• Nicknames
  • "New Attitude"^[3]
  • "The Redneck Messiah"^[4]
  • Jamie "By God" Noble^[2]

• Entrance themes
  • "A Country Boy Can Survive" by Hank Williams, Jr.^[45] (Independent circuit)

Championships and accomplishments[link]

• Heartland Wrestling Association
  • HWA Cruiserweight Championship (1 time)^[2][10]

• Independent Professional Wrestling (Florida)
  • IPW Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[9]

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI ranked him #42 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the year in the PWI 500 in 2002^[46]

• Ring of Honor
  • ROH World Championship (1 time)^[8]

• World Wrestling Entertainment
  • WWE Cruiserweight Championship (1 time)^[2][7]

References[link]

External links[link]

Professional wrestling portal

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Jamie Noble

• WWE Alumni profile