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Tucker (American wrestler)

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Tucker
Tucker in 2018
Birth nameLevi Rolla Cooper
Born (1990-07-24) July 24, 1990 (age 34)
Clackamas, Oregon, U.S.
Spouse(s)
Ashley Cooper
​
(m. 2016)​
Children1
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Levi Cooper
Tucker
Tucker Knight
Billed height6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)[1]
Billed weight320 lb (150 kg)[1]
Billed fromHubbard, Oregon[1]
Trained byWWE Performance Center
DebutJanuary 24, 2015
RetiredOctober 30, 2024

Levi Rolla Cooper[2] (born July 24, 1990)[3] is an American retired professional wrestler. He is best known for his tenure in WWE, where he performed under the ring name Tucker.[1] After signing with WWE in 2013, he was assigned to their developmental brand NXT, under the ring name Tucker Knight. He is best known for his partnership with Otis, as part of Heavy Machinery. They were promoted to WWE's main roster in 2019, and disbanded in 2020 as a result of the WWE Draft.

Early life

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Cooper attended North Marion High School where he was a successful amateur wrestler. He wrestled at collegiate level for Portland State University, California State University, Bakersfield and Arizona State University, and placed 8th at the NCAA Wrestling Championships in 2011, earning him All-America status.[4] At ASU, he earned a degree in accounting from the W. P. Carey School of Business.[5]

Professional wrestling career

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WWE (2013–2021)

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Main article: Heavy Machinery (professional wrestling)

In 2013, after graduating college, Cooper signed a contract with WWE and was assigned to the WWE Performance Center, where he took the ring name Tucker Knight.[6] He made his professional wrestling debut at an NXT live event in Starke, Florida on January 24, 2015, facing Tye Dillinger in a match that resulted in a no contest.[7] He made his television debut on the July 1 episode of NXT, working as an enhancement talent in a loss to Baron Corbin.[6] Knight continued to make sporadic televised appearances as an enhancement talent throughout the remainder of 2015 and the start of 2016.[8][9][10]

Heavy Machinery – Knight (left) and Otis Dozovic (right) in April 2018

In July 2016, Knight formed a tag team with Otis Dozovic, calling themselves Heavy Machinery.[11] The duo participated in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament, and they made their television debut on the October 19 episode of NXT, losing to the team of Austin Aries and Roderick Strong.[12] The duo returned and had their first televised victory on the March 29, 2017 episode of NXT, defeating the team of Jonathan Ortagun and Mike Marshall.[13] On the July 12 episode of NXT, Heavy Machinery unsuccessfully challenged The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) for the NXT Tag Team Championship.[14] In March 2018, Heavy Machinery once again participated in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament, but were eliminated by The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) in the first round.[15] At the Greatest Royal Rumble event on April 27, 2018, Knight made his first televised main roster appearance, entering the Royal Rumble match at number 24 and eliminating Drew Gulak before being eliminated by Big E.[16] On the December 19 episode of NXT, Heavy Machinery wrestled their final match on NXT, defeating Blake Howell and Danny D'Accardo.[17]

On December 17, 2018, it was announced that Heavy Machinery would be debuting on the main roster.[18] They debuted on the January 14, 2019 episode of Raw, interrupting an interview between Alexa Bliss and Paul Heyman.[19] The following week on Raw, they defeated The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) in their in-ring debut.[20] In February, his ring name was shortened to Tucker, while Dozovic's ring name was shortened to Otis.[21] The duo made their pay-per-view debut at WrestleMania 35, where they both competed in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, but neither would win the match.[22] As part of the Superstar Shake-Up, Heavy Machinery was moved to the SmackDown brand.[23] At Stomping Grounds on June 23, Heavy Machinery faced Daniel Bryan and Rowan for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, but were unable to win the titles.[24] The following month at Extreme Rules, Heavy Machinery again competed for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, this time in a triple threat tag team match involving Bryan and Rowan, and The New Day (Big E and Xavier Woods), which The New Day won.[25] At Crown Jewel on October 31, Heavy Machinery competed in a tag team turmoil match, but were eliminated by The New Day.[26] At Survivor Series, Heavy Machinery participated in an interbrand tag team battle royal, which was won by Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode.[27] At Elimination Chamber on March 8, 2020, Heavy Machinery competed in the namesake match for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, where the champions John Morrison and the Miz retained.[28][29]

At Money in the Bank, Otis, won the Money in the Bank ladder match, earning him a world title match at the time of his choosing.[30][31] In September, The Miz and John Morrison tried to steal Otis' Money in the Bank contract, but they failed on multiple attempts.[32][33] During the 2020 WWE Draft, Otis remained on the SmackDown brand, while Tucker was drafted to the Raw brand.[34][35] The trial over the Money in the Bank contract commenced on the October 23 episode of SmackDown, with John "Bradshaw" Layfield serving as judge and ordering that Otis would defend his Money in the Bank contract against Miz at Hell in a Cell.[36] At the event, Tucker betrayed Otis by hitting him with the briefcase, thus turning heel and disbanding Heavy Machinery.[37]

On the November 9 episode of Raw, Tucker won the WWE 24/7 Championship to claim his first championship within the company, but quickly lost it to Gran Metalik seconds later.[38] He did not reappear on television until the April 9, 2021 episode of SmackDown, where he competed in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.[39] On April 15, Tucker was released from his WWE contract.[40] He retired from pro wrestling on October 30, 2024.[41]

Other media

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Tucker made his video game debut as a playable character in WWE 2K19 and has since appeared in WWE 2K20, [42] WWE 2K Battlegrounds, and in WWE 2K22.[43]

Personal life

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Cooper is married and the couple have a daughter born June 2018.[44]

Championships and accomplishments

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Smackdown Live: Tucker". WWE. Retrieved June 15, 2019.
  2. ^ Gallivan, Joseph. "NXT, please! From Hubbard, Oregon to WWE". Portland Tribune. Retrieved June 8, 2018.
  3. ^ "Levi Cooper Profile - Arizona State University Official Athletic Site". Arizona State University.
  4. ^ "The Improbable Journey of Levi Cooper". mudmosh.com.
  5. ^ "And in this corner: Accountancy alum Levi Cooper, aka Tucker". W. P. Carey News and Research. March 5, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
  6. ^ a b Hawkins, Phil (September 23, 2015). "Hubbard native shows talent, potential in WWE".
  7. ^ "WWE NXT Live on January 24, 2015". January 24, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  8. ^ "WWE NXT Live on March 2, 2016". March 2, 2016. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  9. ^ "WWE NXT Live on March 30, 2015". March 30, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  10. ^ "WWE NXT Live on April 13, 2016". April 13, 2016. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  11. ^ Namako, Jason (October 13, 2016). "WWE NXT Results – 10/12/16 (SAnitY debuts with a returning Eric Young, Nakamura gets revenge on Samoa Joe)". WrestleView. Retrieved October 13, 2016.
  12. ^ "Team Aries vs. Otis Dozovic & Tucker Knight (Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic First Round Match)". WWE. October 17, 2016. Retrieved June 15, 2019.
  13. ^ "3/29 Moore's NXT TV Review: Kassius Ohno vs. Elias Samson in a Loser Leaves NXT Match, Johnny Gargano vs. Dash Wilder vs. Akam, Heavy Machinery in action, Ember Moon and Asuka contract signing for NXT Takeover: Orlando". Pro Wrestling dot Net. March 29, 2017. Retrieved June 15, 2019.
  14. ^ "NXT Tag Team Champions The Authors of Pain def. Heavy Machinery". WWE. July 12, 2017. Retrieved May 3, 2020.
  15. ^ James, Justin (March 14, 2018). "3/14 NXT TV Report: Tomasso Ciampa returns, Adam Cole vs. Pete Dunne, Almas-Black contract signing, Sanity vs. Moss & Sabbatelli". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  16. ^ "WWE Greatest Royal Rumble results, recap, grades: Lesnar-Reigns controversy, Strowman stands tall". CBSSports.com. April 27, 2018.
  17. ^ "Heavy Machinery def. Blake Howell & Danny D'Accardo". WWE. December 19, 2018. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  18. ^ "WWE announces six NXT stars coming to the main roster|". pwinsider.com. Retrieved December 18, 2018.
  19. ^ Powell, Jason (January 14, 2019). "1/14 Powell's WWE Raw TV Review: Dean Ambrose vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Seth Rollins in a Triple Threat for the Intercontinental Championship, Ronda Rousey and Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax and Tamina, the Royal Rumble build continues". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved January 15, 2019.
  20. ^ "Heavy Machinery def. The Ascension". WWE. January 21, 2019. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  21. ^ Quarrinton, Norm (February 5, 2019). "Otis Dozovic And Tucker Knight Undergo Slight Name Changes". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
  22. ^ Powell, Jason (April 7, 2019). "WrestleMania 35 Kickoff Show results: Powell's live review of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, WWE Women's Battle Royal, Buddy Murphy vs. Tony Nese for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved April 7, 2019.
  23. ^ F4W Staff (April 16, 2019). "Full list of WWE Superstar Shake-Up night two roster changes". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Retrieved June 16, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  24. ^ Bristout, Ralph. "SmackDown Tag Team Champions Daniel Bryan & Rowan def. Heavy Machinery". WWE. Retrieved June 23, 2019.
  25. ^ Benigno, Anthony. "The New Day def. Daniel Bryan & Rowan and Heavy Machinery to become the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions (Triple Threat Match)". WWE. Retrieved July 14, 2019.
  26. ^ Powell, Jason (October 31, 2019). "WWE Crown Jewel results: Powell's live review of Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez for the WWE Championship, Seth Rollins vs. Bray Wyatt in a Falls Count Anywhere match for the WWE Universal Championship, Braun Strowman vs. Tyson Fury, Lacey Evans vs. Natalya". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved October 31, 2019.
  27. ^ Benigno, Anthony (November 24, 2019). "Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode won a cross-brand Tag Team Battle Royal (Kickoff Match)". WWE. Retrieved November 24, 2019.
  28. ^ Powell, Jason (March 8, 2020). "WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Shayna Baszler vs. Asuka vs. Ruby Riott vs. Liv Morgan vs. Sarah Logan vs. Natalya in an Elimination Chamber match for a shot at the Raw Women's Championship at WrestleMania 36, Smackdown Tag Title Elimination Chamber match". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  29. ^ Benigno, Anthony (March 8, 2020). "SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison won the SmackDown Tag Team Title Elimination Chamber Match". WWE. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  30. ^ Garretson, Jordan (May 10, 2020). "Otis won the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match". WWE. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  31. ^ Powell, Jason (May 10, 2020). "WWE Money in the Bank results: Powell's review of the Climb The Corporate Ladder MITB matches, Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Championship, Braun Strowman vs. Bray Wyatt for the WWE Universal Championship, Bayley vs. Tamina for the Smackdown Women's Championship". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  32. ^ Powell, Jason (September 4, 2020). "9/4 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman addressing the fans, Matt Riddle vs. Sheamus vs. King Corbin vs. Jey Uso for a shot at the WWE Championship at Clash of Champions, Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax vs. Sasha Banks and Bayley for the WWE Women's Tag Titles". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  33. ^ Powell, Jason (September 11, 2020). "9/11 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Jeff Hardy vs. AJ Styles for the Intercontinental Championship, Bayley addresses her attack on Sasha Banks, Bray Wyatt unveils his newest creation on the Firefly Funhouse". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  34. ^ Powell, Jason (October 9, 2020). "10/9 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of the 2020 WWE Draft night one, Bayley vs. Sasha Banks for the Smackdown Women's Championship, The Fiend vs. Kevin Owens, Big E vs. Sheamus in a Falls Count Anywhere match". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved October 9, 2020.
  35. ^ Powell, Jason (October 12, 2020). "10/12 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of the 2020 WWE Draft night two, Dual-Brand Battle Royal for a shot at the Raw Women's Championship, Kevin Owens vs. Aleister Black in a No DQ match, Seth Rollins says farewell to Raw, Mustafa Ali's first promo as Retribution's leader". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  36. ^ Barnett, Jake (October 23, 2020). "10/23 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of the final push for Hell in a Cell, Roman Reigns reveals the consequences for his match with Jey Uso, Otis goes to court". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  37. ^ Powell, Jason (October 25, 2020). "WWE Hell in a Cell results: Powell's review of Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton in a Hell in a Cell match for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso in an I Quit Hell in a Cell match for the WWE Universal Championship, Bayley vs. Sasha Banks in a Hell in a Cell match for the Smackdown Women's Title". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  38. ^ Powell, Jason (November 9, 2020). "11/09 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Drew McIntyre, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods vs. Randy Orton, The Miz, and John Morrison, Raw Women's Champion Asuka vs. Nia Jax in a non-title match, Jeff Hardy vs. Elias vs. Matt Riddle in a second chance qualifier for Team Raw at Survivor Series, Ricochet vs. Mustafa Ali". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  39. ^ Middleton, Marc (April 9, 2021). "Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal Winner Revealed, Order Of Elimination From SmackDown". WrestlingINC. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  40. ^ "Samoa Joe, Billie Kay, Mickie James and other Superstars released". WWE. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  41. ^ Martínez, Sebastián. "Tucker, ex de WWE, se retira como luchador en activo". Solowrestling. Retrieved October 30, 2024.
  42. ^ Cole, Caitlin (December 19, 2018). "Complete WWE 2K19 Roster". Rumble Ramble. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  43. ^ "Vince McMahon And Others Included In New WWE 2K Battlegrounds Update". Wrestling Inc. February 10, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  44. ^ Benigno, Anthony (June 21, 2018). "Tucker Knight welcomes daughter Kenzi Lovie Cooper into the world". WWE. Retrieved January 21, 2021.
  45. ^ "PWI 500 in 2019".
  46. ^ "WWE 24/7 Championship". WWE.com. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
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