Byron Saxton: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox professional wrestler |
{{Infobox professional wrestler |
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|name = Byron Saxton |
|name = Byron Saxton |
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|image = Byron Saxton |
|image = Byron Saxton 2024 (cropped).jpg |
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|caption = Saxton in |
|caption = Saxton in 2024 |
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|image_size = |
|image_size = |
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|alma_mater = [[University of Florida]] |
|alma_mater = [[University of Florida]] |
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|birthname = Bryan Jesús Kelly |
|birthname = Bryan Jesús Kelly |
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|names = Bryan Kelly<ref name="OWOW"/><br />'''Byron Saxton'''<ref name="WWEbio"/><br />Michael Cade<ref name="OWOW"/> |
|names = Bryan Kelly<ref name="OWOW"/><br />'''Byron Saxton'''<ref name="WWEbio"/><br />Michael Cade<ref name="OWOW"/> |
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|height = {{height|ft=6|in= |
|height = {{height|ft=6|in=1}}<ref name="NXTbio"/> |
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|weight = {{convert| |
|weight = {{convert|212|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name="NXTbio"/> |
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|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|8|20}}<ref name="OWOW"/> |
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|8|20}}<ref name="OWOW"/> |
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|birth_place = [[Burke, Virginia]], U.S.<ref name="OWOW"/> |
|birth_place = [[Burke, Virginia]], U.S.<ref name="OWOW"/> |
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|billed = Burke, Virginia<ref name="NXTbio"/> |
|billed = Burke, Virginia<ref name="NXTbio"/> |
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|trainer = [[Florida Championship Wrestling]]<ref name="OWOW"/> |
|trainer = [[Florida Championship Wrestling]]<ref name="OWOW"/> |
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|debut = 2003<ref name="OOCInterview">{{cite AV media|last1=Satin|first1=Ryan|author-link=Ryan Satin|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-b_8zo1B_c |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/p-b_8zo1B_c |archive-date=2023-01-06 |url-status=live|title=Byron Saxton discusses how he got his start in wrestling - Full Episode - Out of Character|date=May 30, 2022|access-date=January 6, 2023|via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |
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|debut = 2007<ref name="OWOW"/> |
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|retired = 2012 (in-ring competition) |
|retired = 2012 (in-ring competition) |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Bryan Jesús Kelly'''<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/b/byron-saxton.html|title=Byron Kelly Profile|access-date=2008-03-04|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> (born August 20, 1981) is an American [[professional wrestling]] [[Sports commentator|commentator]], [[ring announcer]], and former [[professional wrestler]]. He is currently signed to [[WWE]], where he works as a [[ |
'''Bryan Jesús Kelly'''<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/b/byron-saxton.html|title=Byron Kelly Profile|access-date=2008-03-04|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2008-12-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212190749/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/b/byron-saxton.html|url-status=live}}</ref> (born August 20, 1981) is an American [[professional wrestling]] [[Sports commentator|commentator]], [[ring announcer]], and former [[professional wrestler]]. He is currently signed to [[WWE]], where he works as a backstage interviewer on ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'' and color commentator on ''[[WWE NXT Level Up|NXT Level Up]]'' under the [[ring name]] '''Byron Saxton'''.<ref name="OWOW"/> |
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Kelly signed with WWE in 2007 as a wrestler and was a "rookie" on the [[WWE NXT (seasons 1–5)#Season 4|fourth]] and [[WWE NXT (seasons 1–5)#Season 5|fifth]] seasons of ''[[WWE NXT|NXT]]''.<ref name="NXTbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wwenxt/byronsaxton/|title=Byron Saxton Bio|access-date=2010-12-04|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref name="NXT"/> Following his elimination on the latter season of ''NXT'', he began working as a play-by-play and color commentator on ''NXT'' before eventually working on other WWE programming including the company's flagship shows, ''[[WWE Raw|Monday Night Raw]]'' and ''[[WWE SmackDown|Friday Night SmackDown]]''. He is also a former [[List of WWE 24/7 Champions|one-time]] [[WWE 24/7 Champion]]. |
Kelly signed with WWE in 2007 as a wrestler and was a "rookie" on the [[WWE NXT (seasons 1–5)#Season 4|fourth]] and [[WWE NXT (seasons 1–5)#Season 5|fifth]] seasons of ''[[WWE NXT|NXT]]''.<ref name="NXTbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wwenxt/byronsaxton/|title=Byron Saxton Bio|access-date=2010-12-04|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=2010-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204045001/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wwenxt/byronsaxton/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NXT"/> Following his elimination on the latter season of ''NXT'', he began working as a play-by-play and color commentator on ''NXT'' before eventually working on other WWE programming including the company's flagship shows, ''[[WWE Raw|Monday Night Raw]]'' and ''[[WWE SmackDown|Friday Night SmackDown]]''. He is also a former [[List of WWE 24/7 Champions|one-time]] [[WWE 24/7 Champion]]. |
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==Early life== |
==Early life== |
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Kelly was born in [[Burke, Virginia|Burke]], [[Virginia]]. He was raised in Burke and [[Orlando, Florida|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)|WUFT-TV]].<ref name="WJXT">{{cite web|url=http://www.news4jax.com/station/4108384/detail.html|title=Bryan Kelly|access-date=2008-03-04|publisher=news4jax.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080804061001/http://www.news4jax.com/station/4108384/detail.html|archive-date=2008-08-04|url-status=dead}}</ref> He graduated in 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/10/20/1883690/meet-wwe-superstar-sheamus-at.html |title=Meet WWE superstar Sheamus at FCW show; Interview with Batista |date=2010-10-20 |access-date=2010-10-23 |work=[[The Miami Herald]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20101023191020/http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/10/20/1883690/meet-wwe-superstar-sheamus-at.html |archive-date=2010-10-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Kelly worked as an associate producer for [[WJXT]] Channel 4 News in [[Jacksonville, Florida|Jacksonville]], and was then promoted to work on [[camera]] as a [[Traffic reporting|traffic reporter]]. It was revealed in ''The JBL and Cole Show'' that he was in the same kindergarten class with [[Alex Riley]].<ref name="WWEbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/superstars/byronsaxton/|title=Byron Saxton Bio|access-date=2009-10-31|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref name="WJXT"/> Saxton lives in Tampa, Florida.<ref name="WWERideAlong">{{cite web|url=http://network.wwe.com/video/v1182846183|title=WWE Ride Along|access-date=2016-09-27|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> |
Kelly was born in [[Burke, Virginia|Burke]], [[Virginia]]. He was raised in Burke and [[Orlando, Florida|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)|WUFT-TV]].<ref name="WJXT">{{cite web|url=http://www.news4jax.com/station/4108384/detail.html|title=Bryan Kelly|access-date=2008-03-04|publisher=news4jax.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080804061001/http://www.news4jax.com/station/4108384/detail.html|archive-date=2008-08-04|url-status=dead}}</ref> He graduated in 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/10/20/1883690/meet-wwe-superstar-sheamus-at.html |title=Meet WWE superstar Sheamus at FCW show; Interview with Batista |date=2010-10-20 |access-date=2010-10-23 |work=[[The Miami Herald]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20101023191020/http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/10/20/1883690/meet-wwe-superstar-sheamus-at.html |archive-date=2010-10-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Kelly worked as an associate producer for [[WJXT]] Channel 4 News in [[Jacksonville, Florida|Jacksonville]], and was then promoted to work on [[camera]] as a [[Traffic reporting|traffic reporter]]. It was revealed in ''The JBL and Cole Show'' that he was in the same kindergarten class with [[Alex Riley]].<ref name="WWEbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/superstars/byronsaxton/|title=Byron Saxton Bio|access-date=2009-10-31|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=2009-10-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091031042722/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/superstars/byronsaxton/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="WJXT"/> Saxton lives in Tampa, Florida.<ref name="WWERideAlong">{{cite web|url=http://network.wwe.com/video/v1182846183|title=WWE Ride Along|access-date=2016-09-27|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=2016-09-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160929072808/http://network.wwe.com/video/v1182846183/?|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==Professional wrestling career== |
==Professional wrestling career== |
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===Independent circuit (2003–2007)=== |
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Kelly made his professional wrestling debut in 2003, wrestling in the [[independent circuit]] in Florida and Georgia.<ref name="OOCInterview"/> In 2004, Kelly auditioned for the [[WWE Tough Enough#$1,000,000 Tough Enough (season 4)|fourth season]] of ''[[WWE Tough Enough]]'', but failed to make it past the tryouts.<ref name="OOCInterview"/> He continued to wrestle on the independent circuit before being offered a WWE tryout in 2007.<ref name="OOCInterview"/> |
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===World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE=== |
===World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE=== |
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====Developmental territories (2007–2012)==== |
====Developmental territories (2007–2012)==== |
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Kelly signed a [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental]] contract with World Wrestling Entertainment and was assigned to [[Florida Championship Wrestling]] (FCW). Kelly, at first using his real name, made his FCW debut on October 13, 2007, losing to Hade Vansen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2007) – October 13, 2007–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Jewish Community Center|date=2007-10-13|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> His next appearance was just over a week later on October 23, when he lost to [[Nick Cvjetkovich|"The Carnival Freak" Sinn Bowdee]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2007) – October 23, 2007–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club|date=2007-10-23|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Kelly competed sporadically in FCW over the next few months, winning a six-man tag team match against Vansen, [[Sheamus|Sheamus O'Shaunessy]] and Bowdee with [[Ezekiel Jackson|Rycklon Stephens]] and Chet Douglas as his partners, but losing a [[Professional wrestling match types#Variations of singles matches|singles match]] to [[Afa Anoaʻi Jr.|Afa Jr.]] a few weeks later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2007) – November 6, 2007–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club|date=2007-11-06|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2007) – December 4, 2007–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club|date=2007-12-04|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> He finished off 2007 with a win against Tommy Taylor on December 18.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2007) – December 18, 2007–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club|date=2007-12-18|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> |
Kelly signed a [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental]] contract with World Wrestling Entertainment and was assigned to [[Florida Championship Wrestling]] (FCW). Kelly, at first using his real name, made his FCW debut on October 13, 2007, losing to Hade Vansen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2007) – October 13, 2007–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Jewish Community Center|date=2007-10-13|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2017-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818202851/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007|url-status=live}}</ref> His next appearance was just over a week later on October 23, when he lost to [[Nick Cvjetkovich|"The Carnival Freak" Sinn Bowdee]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2007) – October 23, 2007–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club|date=2007-10-23|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2017-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818202851/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007|url-status=live}}</ref> Kelly competed sporadically in FCW over the next few months, winning a six-man tag team match against Vansen, [[Sheamus|Sheamus O'Shaunessy]] and Bowdee with [[Ezekiel Jackson|Rycklon Stephens]] and Chet Douglas as his partners, but losing a [[Professional wrestling match types#Variations of singles matches|singles match]] to [[Afa Anoaʻi Jr.|Afa Jr.]] a few weeks later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2007) – November 6, 2007–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club|date=2007-11-06|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2017-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818202851/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2007) – December 4, 2007–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club|date=2007-12-04|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2017-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818202851/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007|url-status=live}}</ref> He finished off 2007 with a win against Tommy Taylor on December 18.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2007) – December 18, 2007–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club|date=2007-12-18|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2017-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818202851/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2007|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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[[File:Byron Saxton.jpg|thumb|left|Bryan Kelly in March 2008]] |
[[File:Byron Saxton.jpg|thumb|left|Bryan Kelly in March 2008]] |
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Kelly started off 2008 with a win, defeating [[Steven Lewington|Steve Lewington]] on FCW's first show of the year on January 8.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – January 8, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club|date=2008-01-08|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> His next match against Afa Jr., however, was ruled a [[Professional wrestling#No contest|no contest]] after [[Tyson Kidd|TJ Wilson]] interfered.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – January 15, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club|date=2008-01-15|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Kelly then began teaming with Rycklon, losing to the teams of [[Nick Nemeth]] and [[Rob Terry|Big Rob]], [[ |
Kelly started off 2008 with a win, defeating [[Steven Lewington|Steve Lewington]] on FCW's first show of the year on January 8.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – January 8, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club|date=2008-01-08|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2015-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030030719/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|url-status=live}}</ref> His next match against Afa Jr., however, was ruled a [[Professional wrestling#No contest|no contest]] after [[Tyson Kidd|TJ Wilson]] interfered.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – January 15, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club|date=2008-01-15|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2015-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030030719/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|url-status=live}}</ref> Kelly then began teaming with Rycklon, losing to the teams of [[Dolph Ziggler|Nick Nemeth]] and [[Rob Terry|Big Rob]], [[Jake Hager]] and Shawn Osborne, and [[Heath Slater|Heath Miller]] and Steve Lewington.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – January 22, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club|date=2008-01-02|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2015-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030030719/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – January 29, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club|date=2008-01-29|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2015-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030030719/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – February 5, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club|date=2008-02-05|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2015-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030030719/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|url-status=live}}</ref> Another match on April 15, when Kelly and Rycklon faced [[Fandango (wrestler)|Johnny Curtis]] and [[Gabbi Tuft|Gabe Tuft]] ended in a [[Professional wrestling#Countout|double countout]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – April 15, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club|date=2008-04-15|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2015-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030030719/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On June 3, Kelly became a [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]], [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Promo|cutting a promo]] for [[José Torres (wrestler)|Black Pain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – June 3, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at Club Bourbon Street|date=2008-06-03|last=Westbrook|first=David|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Kelly managed Black Pain regularly, accompanying him for matches, and also teaming occasionally with him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – August 26, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club|date=2008-08-26|last=Cooper|first=Tony|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – July 12, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Port Richey, Florida|date=2008-07-12|last=Cooper|first=Tony|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> On September 30, Kelly debuted a new [[ring name]], Byron Saxton.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – September 30, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Florida|date=2008-09-30|last=Wellington|first=Richard|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> With Black Pain, and the rest of his [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|faction]], known as the Saxton Conglomerate or simply the Conglomerate, composed of [[Wade Barrett|Stu Sanders]] (later Lawrence Knight) and [[Michael Tarver|Tyson Tarver]], Saxton began a [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] with [[Kafu]], having the members of the Conglomerate face off against him in matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – October 23, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida|date=2008-10-23|last=Pritchard|first=Andrew|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – October 25, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Florida|date=2008-10-25|last=Pritchard|first=Andrew|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – October 28, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Florida|date=2008-10-28|last=Pritchard|first=Andrew|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> After this feud ended, the Conglomerate quickly began another one with [[Johnny Prime]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – October 30, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Florida|date=2008-10-30|last=Pritchard|first=Andrew|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – November 6, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Florida|date=2008-11-06|last=Pritchard|first=Andrew|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – November 13, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Florida|date=2008-11-13|last=Pritchard|first=Andrew|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> In the course of this feud Kaleb O'Neal began teaming with Prime in order to help him out, however, O'Neal later [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Turn|turned]] on Prime and joined the Conglomerate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – December 18, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida at the FCW Arena|date=2008-12-18|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2009/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2009) – January 22, 2009–Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida at the FCW Arena|date=2009-01-22|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> In January 2009, Black Pain broke away from the Conglomerate and changed his ring name to Sweet Papi Sanchez, prompting a feud with the remaining Conglomerate members.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2009/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2009) – January 29, 2009–Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida at the FCW Arena|date=2009-01-29|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2009/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2009) – February 5, 2009–Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida at the FCW Arena|date=2009-02-05|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2009/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2009) – February 13, 2009–Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida at the Florida State Fair|date=2009-02-13|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Following that, Saxton associated himself with [[Abraham Washington]]. When [[Josh Mathews]] left FCW to commentate on ''[[ECW |
On June 3, Kelly became a [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]], [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Promo|cutting a promo]] for [[José Torres (wrestler)|Black Pain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – June 3, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at Club Bourbon Street|date=2008-06-03|last=Westbrook|first=David|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2015-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030030719/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|url-status=live}}</ref> Kelly managed Black Pain regularly, accompanying him for matches, and also teaming occasionally with him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – August 26, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in New Port Richey, Florida at the Bourbon Street Night Club|date=2008-08-26|last=Cooper|first=Tony|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2015-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030030719/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – July 12, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Port Richey, Florida|date=2008-07-12|last=Cooper|first=Tony|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2015-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030030719/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 30, Kelly debuted a new [[ring name]], Byron Saxton.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – September 30, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Florida|date=2008-09-30|last=Wellington|first=Richard|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2015-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030030719/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|url-status=live}}</ref> With Black Pain, and the rest of his [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|faction]], known as the Saxton Conglomerate or simply the Conglomerate, composed of [[Wade Barrett|Stu Sanders]] (later Lawrence Knight) and [[Michael Tarver|Tyson Tarver]], Saxton began a [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] with [[Kafu]], having the members of the Conglomerate face off against him in matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – October 23, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida|date=2008-10-23|last=Pritchard|first=Andrew|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2015-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030030719/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – October 25, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Florida|date=2008-10-25|last=Pritchard|first=Andrew|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2015-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030030719/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – October 28, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Florida|date=2008-10-28|last=Pritchard|first=Andrew|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2015-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030030719/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|url-status=live}}</ref> After this feud ended, the Conglomerate quickly began another one with [[Lucky Cannon|Johnny Prime]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – October 30, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Florida|date=2008-10-30|last=Pritchard|first=Andrew|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2015-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030030719/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – November 6, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Florida|date=2008-11-06|last=Pritchard|first=Andrew|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2015-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030030719/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – November 13, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Florida|date=2008-11-13|last=Pritchard|first=Andrew|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2015-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030030719/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the course of this feud Kaleb O'Neal began teaming with Prime in order to help him out, however, O'Neal later [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Turn|turned]] on Prime and joined the Conglomerate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008) – December 18, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida at the FCW Arena|date=2008-12-18|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2015-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030030719/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2009/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2009) – January 22, 2009–Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida at the FCW Arena|date=2009-01-22|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2019-04-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404072450/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2009/|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2009, Black Pain broke away from the Conglomerate and changed his ring name to Sweet Papi Sanchez, prompting a feud with the remaining Conglomerate members.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2009/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2009) – January 29, 2009–Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida at the FCW Arena|date=2009-01-29|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2019-04-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404072450/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2009/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2009/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2009) – February 5, 2009–Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida at the FCW Arena|date=2009-02-05|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2019-04-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404072450/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2009/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2009/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2009) – February 13, 2009–Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida at the Florida State Fair|date=2009-02-13|access-date=2009-04-21|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=2019-04-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404072450/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2009/|url-status=live}}</ref> Following that, Saxton associated himself with [[Abraham Washington]]. When [[Josh Mathews]] left FCW to commentate on ''[[WWE ECW|ECW]]'' full-time, Saxton began working as a commentator alongside first [[Dusty Rhodes]] and then Abraham Washington. In November 2010 Saxton turned on Washington and began feuding with him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wadekellerdotcom/46080.shtml|title=Free sample day: Step on in for a taste of the new PWTorch newsletter|date=2010-12-15|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|access-date=2011-01-19|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=2010-12-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218173724/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wadekellerdotcom/46080.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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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 |
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 4, 2012 episode when Saxton unexpectedly removed his sling and hit [[Thom Latimer|Kenneth Cameron]] with a Coin roll.<ref>Resulta of FCW 4th March</ref> 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 [[W. Morrissey|Colin Cassady]]. Saxton then worked as an announcer for the remainder of FCW's tenure until the promotion was shut down in August 2012.<ref>Results of FCW 11th March</ref> |
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[[File:Curt Hawkins and Byron Saxson.jpg|thumb|Saxton (right) with [[Curt Hawkins]] commentating in FCW]] |
[[File:Curt Hawkins and Byron Saxson.jpg|thumb|Saxton (right) with [[Brian Myers|Curt Hawkins]] commentating in FCW]] |
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In October 2009, the ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'' [[color commentator]], [[Jim Ross]], suffered a [[Bell's palsy]] attack, resulting in a shuffle of the other commentators. [[Matt Striker]] was moved from ''[[ |
In October 2009, the ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'' [[color commentator]], [[Jim Ross]], suffered a [[Bell's palsy]] attack, resulting in a shuffle of the other commentators. [[Matt Striker]] was moved from ''[[WWE ECW|ECW]]'' to ''SmackDown'', and Saxton was called up to ''ECW'' as a commentator, working alongside Josh Mathews.<ref name="ecw">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1256705768.php?style=dark|title=Changes with WWE commentary|date=2009-10-28|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=2009-10-28|publisher=WrestleView|archive-date=2009-10-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091031125740/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1256705768.php?style=dark|url-status=live}}</ref> He debuted on the October 27 episode.<ref name="ecw"/> 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. |
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On the third |
On the third-season finale of ''[[WWE NXT|NXT]]'' on November 30 it was announced that Saxton would be competitor on season four, with [[Chris Masters]] as his mentor.<ref name="NXT">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/30/16381991.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630191038/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/30/16381991.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 30, 2012|title=WWE NXT: Season 3 mercifully ends with new breakout diva crowned|date=2010-11-30|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=2010-12-01|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_45683.shtml|title=WWE News: NXT Season 4 cast – full list of Pros & Rookies for the new season of NXT, plus noticeable absences|date=2010-11-30|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=2010-12-01|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=2010-12-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212153543/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_45683.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> He made his in-ring debut on the December 14 episode of ''NXT'', teaming with Masters in a loss to [[Tyrus (wrestler)|Brodus Clay]] and his mentor, [[Ted DiBiase Jr.|Ted DiBiase]]. Earlier that night, Saxton won the karaoke challenge, earning a point towards immunity from elimination.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/12/14/16554521.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630023703/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/12/14/16554521.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 30, 2012|title=WWE NXT: Decent matches, embarrassing challenges|date=2010-12-14|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=2010-12-19|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> He earned his first win on the following episode when he teamed with Masters and [[WWE Diva]] [[Natalya Neidhart|Natalya]] to defeat Clay, DiBiase, and [[Maryse Mizanin|Maryse]] in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Multiple man teamed matches|six-person]] [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Mixed tag team match|mixed tag team match]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/12/22/16639541.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630023707/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/12/22/16639541.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 30, 2012|title=WWE NXT: More fodder for the blooper reel|date=2010-12-22|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=2010-12-23|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On January 4, 2011, episode of ''NXT'', [[Dolph Ziggler]] became Saxton's new Pro, after Ziggler won a [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|Battle royal]] to earn the right to choose a new rookie and he chose Saxton.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/05/16764121.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630191057/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/05/16764121.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 30, 2012|title=WWE NXT: First rookie sent packing|date=2011-01-05|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=2011-01-05|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the February 8 episode of ''NXT'', Saxton was eliminated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/09/17206116.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714013844/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/09/17206116.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=WWE NXT: Another one bites the dust|date=2011-02-09|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=2011-02-13|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> |
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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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/09/17546731.html|title=WWE NXT: Redemption beings for 6 former rookies|date=2011-03-09|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=2011-03-09|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> 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 (professional wrestling)|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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Byron Saxton Matches |url=http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/byron-saxton-3429.html |website=Internet Wrestling Database |access-date=16 November 2021}}</ref> |
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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/09/17546731.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630121749/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/09/17546731.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 30, 2012|title=WWE NXT: Redemption beings for 6 former rookies|date=2011-03-09|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=2011-03-09|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> 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 (professional wrestling)|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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Byron Saxton Matches |url=http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/byron-saxton-3429.html |website=Internet Wrestling Database |access-date=16 November 2021 |archive-date=5 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205121443/http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/byron-saxton-3429.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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====Commentator and ring announcer (2012–present)==== |
====Commentator and ring announcer (2012–present)==== |
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[[File:Byron Saxton in April 2016.jpg|thumb|upright|Saxton in April 2016]] |
[[File:Byron Saxton in April 2016.jpg|thumb|upright|Saxton in April 2016]] |
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On January 27, 2014, Saxton made his [[WWE Raw|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 (wrestling)|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 [[ |
On January 27, 2014, Saxton made his [[WWE Raw|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 (wrestling)|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 [[Tenille Dashwood|Emma]]. On January 8, 2015, it was announced that Saxton would join the announce team on ''[[WWE SmackDown]]'' and by [[Fastlane (2015)|Fastlane]] he was called "the voice" of the show. |
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⚫ | 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 (wrestler)|Booker T]], who would be one of the coaches on the [[WWE Tough Enough#Season 6|sixth season]] of ''[[WWE Tough Enough]]'', with [[The Usos|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 and departure|Hulk Hogan scandal]]. After ''Tough Enough'' ended, Saxton was kept on as ''Raw'' announcer permanently and Booker T switched to the ''SmackDown'' announce team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0829/600082/update-on-the-wwe-raw-and-smackdown-announce-teams/|title=Change To WWE RAW And SmackDown Announce Teams|first=Marc|last=Middleton|access-date=September 23, 2015|date=August 29, 2015|work=Wrestling Inc.|archive-date=January 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124183045/http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0829/600082/update-on-the-wwe-raw-and-smackdown-announce-teams/|url-status=live}}</ref> 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 (professional wrestling)|face]] commentator in contrast to [[Corey Graves]]' [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] commentary. Saxton's character is often bullied by villainous characters, including Graves, [[John Layfield|John "Bradshaw" Layfield]] and [[Kevin Owens]] and, occasionally, by fellow babyface commentator, [[Michael Cole (wrestling)|Michael Cole]]. On April 10, after ''Raw'' went off-air, it was announced that Saxton was traded to the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] [[WWE brand extension|brand]] in exchange for [[David Otunga]]. |
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⚫ | On January 27, 2020, Saxton returned to the ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' announce team alongside [[Tom Phillips (wrestling)|Tom Phillips]] and [[Jerry Lawler]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/01/wwe-makes-another-raw-announce-team-change-665542/|title=WWE Makes Another RAW Announce Team Change|work=WrestlingInc.com|date=January 27, 2020|access-date=January 28, 2020|archive-date=January 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128053052/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/01/wwe-makes-another-raw-announce-team-change-665542/|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 15, he became the play-by-play commentator on ''[[WWE 205 Live|205 Live]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=WWE 205 Live Results: Tony Nese vs. Jack Gallagher |date=15 May 2020 |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-205-live-results-tony-nese-vs-jack-gallagher-311091 |access-date=23 May 2020 |archive-date=22 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522072135/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-205-live-results-tony-nese-vs-jack-gallagher-311091 |url-status=live }}</ref> On the November 8, 2021 episode of ''Raw'', Saxton pinned Corey Graves to win the [[WWE 24/7 Championship]], but lost it seconds later to [[Drake Maverick]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Barile|first=Steve|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/wwe-raw-nov-8-2021/article/raw-results|title=Raw results: Nov. 8, 2021|date=November 8, 2021|website=WWE.com|access-date=May 19, 2024|archive-date=January 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112050532/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/wwe-raw-nov-8-2021/article/raw-results|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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⚫ | 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 (wrestler)|Booker T]], who would be one of the coaches on the [[WWE Tough Enough#Season 6|sixth season]] of ''[[WWE Tough Enough]]'', with [[The Usos|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 and departure|Hulk Hogan scandal]]. After ''Tough Enough'' ended, Saxton was kept on as ''Raw'' announcer permanently and Booker T switched to the ''SmackDown'' announce team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0829/600082/update-on-the-wwe-raw-and-smackdown-announce-teams/|title=Change To WWE RAW And SmackDown Announce Teams|first=Marc|last=Middleton|access-date=September 23, 2015|date=August 29, 2015|work=Wrestling Inc.}}</ref> 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 (professional wrestling)|face]] commentator in contrast to [[Corey Graves]]' [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] commentary. Saxton's character is often bullied by villainous characters, including Graves, [[John Layfield|John "Bradshaw" Layfield]] and [[Kevin Owens]] and, occasionally, by fellow babyface commentator, [[Michael Cole (wrestling)|Michael Cole]]. On April 10, after ''Raw'' went off-air, it was announced that Saxton was traded to the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] [[WWE brand extension|brand]] in exchange for [[David Otunga]]. |
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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 for [[Crown Jewel (2023)|Crown Jewel]]. Throughout February 2024, Saxton performed as the color commentator for ''[[WWE NXT|NXT]]'', filling in for [[Booker T (wrestler)|Booker T]] while he recovered from a medical procedure. |
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⚫ | On January 27, 2020, Saxton returned to the ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' announce team alongside [[Tom Phillips (wrestling)|Tom Phillips]] and [[Jerry Lawler]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/01/wwe-makes-another-raw-announce-team-change-665542/|title=WWE Makes Another RAW Announce Team Change|work=WrestlingInc.com|date=January 27, 2020}}</ref> On May 15, he became the play-by-play commentator on ''[[WWE 205 Live|205 Live]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=WWE 205 Live Results: Tony Nese vs. Jack Gallagher |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-205-live-results-tony-nese-vs-jack-gallagher-311091 |access-date=23 May 2020}}</ref> On the November |
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==Championships and accomplishments== |
==Championships and accomplishments== |
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**SCW Florida Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with [[Chris Nelson (wrestler)|Chris Nelson]]<ref name="OWOW"/> |
**SCW Florida Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with [[Chris Nelson (wrestler)|Chris Nelson]]<ref name="OWOW"/> |
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*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''''' |
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''''' |
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**Ranked him No. 223 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]]'' in 2011<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com/2011/08/pwi-500-201-300.html|title="PWI 500": 201–300|date=2011-08-05|access-date=2011-08-05|work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]}}</ref> |
**Ranked him No. 223 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]]'' in 2011<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com/2011/08/pwi-500-201-300.html|title="PWI 500": 201–300|date=2011-08-05|access-date=2011-08-05|work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]|archive-date=2017-12-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229181348/http://prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com/2011/08/pwi-500-201-300.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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*'''United States Championship Wrestling''' |
*'''United States Championship Wrestling''' |
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**USCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="OWOW"/> |
**USCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="OWOW"/> |
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*{{facebook|Byron-Saxton-WWE-174035009282192}} |
*{{facebook|Byron-Saxton-WWE-174035009282192}} |
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*{{Twitter}} |
*{{Twitter}} |
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* https://www.instagram.com/officialbyronsaxton/ Official Instagram |
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*{{IMDb name|id=3818114|name=Bryan J. Kelly}} |
*{{IMDb name|id=3818114|name=Bryan J. Kelly}} |
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* [http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/b/bryan-kelly.html Online World of Wrestling profile] |
* [http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/b/bryan-kelly.html Online World of Wrestling profile] |
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[[Category:Living people]] |
[[Category:Living people]] |
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[[Category:African-American journalists]] |
[[Category:African-American journalists]] |
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[[Category:African-American |
[[Category:African-American professional wrestlers]] |
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[[Category:American male journalists]] |
[[Category:American male journalists]] |
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[[Category:American male professional wrestlers]] |
[[Category:American male professional wrestlers]] |
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[[Category:Screenwriters from Florida]] |
[[Category:Screenwriters from Florida]] |
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[[Category:African-American screenwriters]] |
[[Category:African-American screenwriters]] |
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[[Category:21st-century African-American sportspeople]] |
[[Category:21st-century African-American sportspeople]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]] |
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⚫ |
Revision as of 03:33, 22 August 2024
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 | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[3] |
Billed weight | 212 lb (96 kg)[3] |
Billed from | Burke, Virginia[3] |
Trained by | Florida Championship Wrestling[1] |
Debut | 2003[4] |
Retired | 2012 (in-ring competition) |
Bryan Jesús Kelly[1] (born August 20, 1981) is an American professional wrestling commentator, ring announcer, and former professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE, where he works as a backstage interviewer on SmackDown and color commentator on NXT Level Up under the ring name Byron Saxton.[1]
Kelly signed with WWE in 2007 as a wrestler and was a "rookie" on the fourth and fifth seasons of NXT.[3][5] Following his elimination on the latter season of NXT, he began working as a play-by-play and color commentator on NXT before eventually working on other WWE programming including the company's flagship shows, Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown. He is also a former one-time WWE 24/7 Champion.
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 developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment and was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). Kelly, at first using his real name, made his FCW debut on October 13, 2007, losing to Hade Vansen.[9] His next appearance was just over a week later on October 23, when he lost to "The Carnival Freak" Sinn Bowdee.[10] Kelly competed sporadically in FCW over the next few months, winning a six-man tag team match against Vansen, Sheamus O'Shaunessy and Bowdee with Rycklon Stephens and Chet Douglas as his partners, but losing a singles match to Afa Jr. a few weeks later.[11][12] He finished off 2007 with a win against Tommy Taylor on December 18.[13]
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 manager, cutting a promo for Black Pain.[20] Kelly managed Black Pain regularly, accompanying him for matches, and also teaming occasionally with him.[21][22] On September 30, Kelly debuted a new ring name, Byron Saxton.[23] With Black Pain, and the rest of his faction, known as the Saxton Conglomerate or simply the Conglomerate, composed of Stu Sanders (later Lawrence Knight) and Tyson Tarver, Saxton began a feud with Kafu, having the members of the Conglomerate face off against him in matches.[24][25][26] After this feud ended, the Conglomerate quickly began another one with Johnny Prime.[27][28][29] In the course of this feud Kaleb O'Neal began teaming with Prime in order to help him out, however, O'Neal later turned on Prime and joined the Conglomerate.[30][31] In January 2009, Black Pain broke away from the Conglomerate and changed his ring name to Sweet Papi Sanchez, prompting a feud with the remaining Conglomerate members.[32][33][34] Following that, Saxton associated himself with Abraham Washington. When Josh Mathews left FCW to commentate on ECW full-time, Saxton began working as a commentator alongside first Dusty Rhodes and then Abraham Washington. In November 2010 Saxton turned on Washington and began feuding with him.[35]
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 4, 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 NXT on November 30 it was announced that Saxton would be competitor on season four, with Chris Masters as his mentor.[5][39] He made his in-ring debut on the December 14 episode of NXT, teaming with Masters in a loss to Brodus Clay and his mentor, Ted DiBiase. Earlier that night, Saxton won the karaoke challenge, earning a point towards immunity from elimination.[40] He earned his first win on the following episode when he teamed with Masters and WWE Diva Natalya to defeat Clay, DiBiase, and Maryse in a six-person mixed tag team match.[41] On January 4, 2011, episode of NXT, Dolph Ziggler became Saxton's new Pro, after Ziggler won a Battle royal to earn the right to choose a new rookie and he chose Saxton.[42] On the February 8 episode of NXT, Saxton was eliminated.[43]
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 play-by-play commentator for the relaunched NXT on the May 17, 2012 taping at Full Sail University. Later on he would become the NXT ring announcer in addition to having some creative responsibilities for the company. Saxton continued to perform as a commentator for NXT until the December 23, 2015 episode of the show.
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 Raw announce team alongside Tom Phillips and Jerry Lawler.[47] On May 15, he became the play-by-play commentator on 205 Live.[48] On the November 8, 2021 episode of Raw, Saxton pinned Corey Graves to win the WWE 24/7 Championship, but lost it seconds later to Drake Maverick.[49]
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 for 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]
- 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. Archived from the original on 2008-12-12. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- ^ a b "Byron Saxton Bio". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on 2009-10-31. Retrieved 2009-10-31.
- ^ a b c d "Byron Saxton Bio". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on 2010-12-04. 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 Bishop, Matt (2010-11-30). "WWE NXT: Season 3 mercifully ends with new breakout diva crowned". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on June 30, 2012. Retrieved 2010-12-01.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ a b "Bryan Kelly". news4jax.com. Archived from the original on 2008-08-04. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- ^ "Meet WWE superstar Sheamus at FCW show; Interview with Batista". The Miami Herald. 2010-10-20. Archived from the original on 2010-10-23. Retrieved 2010-10-23.
- ^ "WWE Ride Along". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on 2016-09-29. 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. Archived from the original on 2017-08-18. 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. Archived from the original on 2017-08-18. 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. Archived from the original on 2017-08-18. 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. Archived from the original on 2017-08-18. 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. Archived from the original on 2017-08-18. 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. Archived from the original on 2015-10-30. 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. Archived from the original on 2015-10-30. 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. Archived from the original on 2015-10-30. 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. Archived from the original on 2015-10-30. 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. Archived from the original on 2015-10-30. 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. Archived from the original on 2015-10-30. 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. Archived from the original on 2015-10-30. 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. Archived from the original on 2015-10-30. 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. Archived from the original on 2015-10-30. 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. Archived from the original on 2015-10-30. 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. Archived from the original on 2015-10-30. 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. Archived from the original on 2015-10-30. 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. Archived from the original on 2015-10-30. 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. Archived from the original on 2015-10-30. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
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External links
- Byron Saxton on WWE.com
- Byron Saxton on Facebook
- Byron Saxton on Twitter
- Bryan J. Kelly at IMDb
- Online World of Wrestling profile
- Byron Saxton's profile at Cagematch.net , Internet Wrestling Database
- 1981 births
- Living people
- African-American journalists
- African-American professional wrestlers
- American male journalists
- American male professional wrestlers
- American television writers
- American color commentators
- American male television writers
- Professional wrestling announcers
- Professional wrestling managers and valets
- Professional wrestlers from Virginia
- WWE 24/7 Champions
- People from Burke, Virginia
- People from Orlando, Florida
- Screenwriters from Virginia
- Screenwriters from Florida
- African-American screenwriters
- 21st-century American sportsmen
- 21st-century African-American sportspeople
- 21st-century male professional wrestlers