Byron Saxton
Byron Saxton | |
---|---|
Birth name | Bryan Jesús Kelly |
Born | [1] Burke, Virginia, U.S.[1] | August 20, 1981
Alma mater | University of Florida |
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | Bryan Kelly[1] Byron Saxton[2] Michael Cade[1] |
Billed height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)[3] |
Billed weight | 230 lb (100 kg)[3] |
Billed from | Burke, Virginia[3] |
Trained by | Florida Championship Wrestling[1] |
Debut | 2003[4] |
Retired | 2012 (in-ring competition) |
Bryan Jesús Kelly
Kelly signed with WWE in 2007 as a wrestler and was a "rookie" on the
Early life
Kelly was born in Burke, Virginia. He was raised in Burke and Orlando, Florida. He studied at the University of Florida, where he worked as a producer and a reporter for WRUF-AM, WUFT-FM, and WUFT-TV.[6] He graduated in 2003.[7] Kelly worked as an associate producer for WJXT Channel 4 News in Jacksonville, and was then promoted to work on camera as a traffic reporter. It was revealed in The JBL and Cole Show that he was in the same kindergarten class with Alex Riley.[2][6] Saxton lives in Tampa, Florida.[8]
Professional wrestling career
Independent circuit (2003–2007)
Kelly made his professional wrestling debut in 2003, wrestling in the independent circuit in Florida and Georgia.[4] In 2004, Kelly auditioned for the fourth season of WWE Tough Enough, but failed to make it past the tryouts.[4] He continued to wrestle on the independent circuit before being offered a WWE tryout in 2007.[4]
World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
Developmental territories (2007–2012)
Kelly signed a
Kelly started off 2008 with a win, defeating Steve Lewington on FCW's first show of the year on January 8.[14] His next match against Afa Jr., however, was ruled a no contest after TJ Wilson interfered.[15] Kelly then began teaming with Rycklon, losing to the teams of Nick Nemeth and Big Rob, Jake Hager and Shawn Osborne, and Heath Miller and Steve Lewington.[16][17][18] Another match on April 15, when Kelly and Rycklon faced Johnny Curtis and Gabe Tuft ended in a double countout.[19]
On June 3, Kelly became a
Following his stints on ECW and NXT Redemption, Saxton returned to FCW as a commentator and wore an arm sling, claiming to be injured and unable to compete until the March 4th, 2012 episode when Saxton unexpectedly removed his sling and hit Kenneth Cameron with a Coin roll.[36] A match was scheduled between Saxton and Cameron the following week, but Saxton once again claimed to be injured and unable to compete and was replaced in the match by Colin Cassady. Saxton then worked as an announcer for the remainder of FCW's tenure until the promotion was shut down in August 2012.[37]
In October 2009, the SmackDown color commentator, Jim Ross, suffered a Bell's palsy attack, resulting in a shuffle of the other commentators. Matt Striker was moved from ECW to SmackDown, and Saxton was called up to ECW as a commentator, working alongside Josh Mathews.[38] He debuted on the October 27 episode.[38] He continued commentating until February 2010, when Vince McMahon announced that ECW was to be replaced with NXT. Saxton then returned to FCW in March of that year.
On the third-season finale of
In March 2011, Saxton was selected as one of the six former NXT contestants to return to the show in its fifth season, NXT Redemption. During this season, Saxton was mentored by Yoshi Tatsu. On the April 26 Edition of NXT, Saxton attacked Tatsu after he cost him the match against Lucky Cannon.[44] Going into late May 2011, he began referring to himself as "Big League" Byron Saxton, believing that he is bigger than the NXT Rookies and/ or the WWE Pros, turning heel. On May 31, Saxton was voted off of NXT Redemption. After his elimination, Saxton was sent back to FCW, where he would wrestle until his last match in August 2012 before transitioning into a full-time commentator.[45]
Commentator and ring announcer (2012–present)
Byron Saxton made his return as the
On January 27, 2014, Saxton made his Raw debut on the WWE App. Three days later on January 30 he appeared alongside Tom Phillips as a commentator on WWE Superstars. On the February 10, 2014 edition of Raw Saxton conducted a backstage interview with Sheamus and was announced as the newest member of the WWE announce team by Michael Cole. Saxton continued to announce on NXT as a heel, while simultaneously appearing neutral on the main roster. On the May 13, 2014 episode of Main Event, Saxton was attacked by Alicia Fox after she lost her match to Emma. On January 8, 2015, it was announced that Saxton would join the announce team on WWE SmackDown and by Fastlane he was called "the voice" of the show.
On the March 30, 2015 edition of Raw the night after WrestleMania 31, Saxton and Jerry Lawler filled in for Michael Cole, JBL, and Booker T after they were brutally assaulted by Brock Lesnar. From the June 8 episode of Raw, Saxton filled in on commentary for Booker T, who would be one of the coaches on the sixth season of WWE Tough Enough, with Jimmy Uso filling in for Saxton on SmackDown. In July, Saxton would become the new host of the WWE Network show, Tough Talk, replacing former host The Miz, who would become the new judge on Tough Enough after the Hulk Hogan scandal. After Tough Enough ended, Saxton was kept on as Raw announcer permanently and Booker T switched to the SmackDown announce team.[46] In December 2015, Saxton left the NXT announce team and rejoined the SmackDown announce team along with Mauro Ranallo, replacing Booker T and Rich Brennan. Saxton left the SmackDown announce team in July 2016 and became exclusive to the Raw announce team following the 2016 WWE Draft, performing as a face commentator in contrast to Corey Graves' heel commentary. Saxton's character is often bullied by villainous characters, including Graves, John "Bradshaw" Layfield and Kevin Owens and, occasionally, by fellow babyface commentator, Michael Cole. On April 10, after Raw went off-air, it was announced that Saxton was traded to the SmackDown brand in exchange for David Otunga.
On January 27, 2020, Saxton returned to the
On April 1, 2022 at WrestleMania 38, after the main event match between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Kevin Owens, Austin invited Saxton for a beer party before hitting him with the Stone Cold Stunner. On November 5, 2023, Saxton served as the ring announcer Crown Jewel. Throughout February 2024, Saxton performed as the color commentator for NXT, filling in for Booker T while he recovered from a medical procedure.
Championships and accomplishments
- Southern Championship Wrestling
- SCW Florida Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Chris Nelson[1]
- SCW Florida Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- United States Championship Wrestling
- USCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[1]
- WWE
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Byron Kelly Profile". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- ^ World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2009-10-31.
- ^ World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2010-12-04.
- ^ a b c d Satin, Ryan (May 30, 2022). Byron Saxton discusses how he got his start in wrestling - Full Episode - Out of Character. Archived from the original on 2023-01-06. Retrieved January 6, 2023 – via YouTube.
- ^ )
- ^ a b "Bryan Kelly". news4jax.com. Archived from the original on 2008-08-04. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- The Miami Herald. 2010-10-20. Archived from the originalon 2010-10-23. Retrieved 2010-10-23.
- World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2016-09-27.
- ^ "Florida Championship Wrestling (2007) – October 13, 2007–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Jewish Community Center". Online World of Wrestling. 2007-10-13. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ "Florida Championship Wrestling (2007) – October 23, 2007–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club". Online World of Wrestling. 2007-10-23. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ "Florida Championship Wrestling (2007) – November 6, 2007–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club". Online World of Wrestling. 2007-11-06. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ "Florida Championship Wrestling (2007) – December 4, 2007–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club". Online World of Wrestling. 2007-12-04. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ "Florida Championship Wrestling (2007) – December 18, 2007–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club". Online World of Wrestling. 2007-12-18. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ "Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – January 8, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club". Online World of Wrestling. 2008-01-08. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ "Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – January 15, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club". Online World of Wrestling. 2008-01-15. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ "Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – January 22, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club". Online World of Wrestling. 2008-01-02. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ "Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – January 29, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club". Online World of Wrestling. 2008-01-29. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ "Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – February 5, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club". Online World of Wrestling. 2008-02-05. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ "Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – April 15, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club". Online World of Wrestling. 2008-04-15. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ Westbrook, David (2008-06-03). "Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – June 3, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at Club Bourbon Street". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ Cooper, Tony (2008-08-26). "Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – August 26, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ Cooper, Tony (2008-07-12). "Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – July 12, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Port Richey, Florida". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ Wellington, Richard (2008-09-30). "Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – September 30, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Florida". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ Pritchard, Andrew (2008-10-23). "Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – October 23, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ Pritchard, Andrew (2008-10-25). "Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – October 25, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Florida". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ Pritchard, Andrew (2008-10-28). "Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – October 28, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Florida". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ Pritchard, Andrew (2008-10-30). "Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – October 30, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Florida". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ Pritchard, Andrew (2008-11-06). "Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – November 6, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Florida". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ Pritchard, Andrew (2008-11-13). "Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – November 13, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Florida". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ "Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – December 18, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida at the FCW Arena". Online World of Wrestling. 2008-12-18. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ "Florida Championship Wrestling (2009) – January 22, 2009–Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida at the FCW Arena". Online World of Wrestling. 2009-01-22. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ "Florida Championship Wrestling (2009) – January 29, 2009–Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida at the FCW Arena". Online World of Wrestling. 2009-01-29. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ "Florida Championship Wrestling (2009) – February 5, 2009–Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida at the FCW Arena". Online World of Wrestling. 2009-02-05. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ "Florida Championship Wrestling (2009) – February 13, 2009–Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida at the Florida State Fair". Online World of Wrestling. 2009-02-13. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
- ^ Keller, Wade (2010-12-15). "Free sample day: Step on in for a taste of the new PWTorch newsletter". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2011-01-19.
- ^ Resulta of FCW 4th March
- ^ Results of FCW 11th March
- ^ a b Martin, Adam (2009-10-28). "Changes with WWE commentary". WrestleView. Retrieved 2009-10-28.
- ^ Caldwell, James (2010-11-30). "WWE News: NXT Season 4 cast – full list of Pros & Rookies for the new season of NXT, plus noticeable absences". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2010-12-01.
- )
- )
- )
- )
- )
- ^ "Byron Saxton Matches". Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- ^ Middleton, Marc (August 29, 2015). "Change To WWE RAW And SmackDown Announce Teams". Wrestling Inc. Retrieved September 23, 2015.
- ^ "WWE Makes Another RAW Announce Team Change". WrestlingInc.com. January 27, 2020.
- ^ "WWE 205 Live Results: Tony Nese vs. Jack Gallagher". 15 May 2020. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
- ^ ""PWI 500": 201–300". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. 2011-08-05. Retrieved 2011-08-05.
External links
- Byron Saxton on WWE.com
- Byron Saxton on Facebook
- Byron Saxton on Twitter
- https://www.instagram.com/officialbyronsaxton/ Official Instagram
- Bryan J. Kelly at IMDb
- Online World of Wrestling profile
- Byron Saxton's profile at Cagematch.net , Internet Wrestling Database