Nicholas Harry Aldis (born 6 November 1986) is an English
professional wrestler
Professional wrestling, often shortened to either pro wrestling or wrestling,The term "wrestling" is most often widely used to specifically refer to modern scripted professional wrestling, though it is also used to refer to real-life wrest ...
. He is signed to
WWE
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is an American professional wrestling promotion. It is owned and operated by TKO Group Holdings, a majority-owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. A global integrated media and entertainment company, ...
, where he is a producer and the on-screen general manager of the
SmackDown brand
SmackDown is a WWE brand extension, brand of the American professional wrestling promotion WWE that was established on March 25, 2002. Brands are divisions of WWE's roster where wrestlers are assigned to perform on a weekly basis when a brand ex ...
. He is best known for his tenure in
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (abbreviated as TNA Wrestling or TNA) is an American professional wrestling promotion based in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment, a Canadian media company owned by busines ...
(TNA) under the
ring name
A ring name is a type of stage name or nickname used by an athlete such as a professional wrestler, mixed martial artist, or boxer whose real name is considered unattractive, dull, difficult to pronounce or spell, amusing for the wrong reasons ...
Magnus from 2008 to 2015, and the
National Wrestling Alliance
The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) is an American professional wrestling professional wrestling promotion, promotion and governing body owned by Billy Corgan and operated by its parent company Lightning One, Inc.
Founded in 1948, the NWA be ...
(NWA) from 2017 to 2022.
Aldis made his debut on the British
independent circuit
In professional wrestling, the independent circuit (often shortened to the indie circuit or the indies) is the collective name of independently owned promotions which are deemed to be smaller and more regionalized than major national promotions. ...
in 2004 before signing with his first major contract with TNA in 2008. During his seven-year tenure there, he won the
TNA World Heavyweight Championship
The TNA World Championship is a professional wrestling world championship created and promoted by Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). It is the promotion's principal championship. Like most professional wrestling championships, the title is won ...
once
Once may refer to:
Film, television and theatre
* ''Once'' (film), a 2007 Irish musical film by John Carney
** ''Once'' (musical), a 2011 stage adaptation of the film
* ''Once'' (TV series), a 2017–2019 Argentine telenovela
* Canal Once (Mex ...
, becoming the first British-born world champion in the company's history along with becoming a three-time tag team champion, winning the
TNA World Tag Team Championship
The TNA World Tag Team Championship is a men's professional wrestling #World Tag Team Championship, world tag team championship (professional wrestling), championship which is owned by the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) professional wrestlin ...
twice
Twice (; Japanese language, Japanese: トゥワイス, Hepburn romanization, Hepburn: ''Tuwaisu''; commonly stylized in all caps) is a South Korean girl group formed by JYP Entertainment. The group is composed of nine members: Nayeon, Jeongyeon ...
and the
IWGP Tag Team Championship
The is a professional wrestling world tag team championship owned by the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) promotion. "IWGP" is the acronym of the NJPW's governing body, the . The title was introduced on December 12, 1985 at an NJPW live event. T ...
once
Once may refer to:
Film, television and theatre
* ''Once'' (film), a 2007 Irish musical film by John Carney
** ''Once'' (musical), a 2011 stage adaptation of the film
* ''Once'' (TV series), a 2017–2019 Argentine telenovela
* Canal Once (Mex ...
. At Ring Ka King in 2011, he won the RKK World Heavyweight Championship.
Immediately after leaving TNA in 2015, Aldis signed with Global Force Wrestling (GFW), where he was the inaugural GFW Global Champion and subsequently became the longest-reigning champion in the title's history. In 2017, Aldis briefly returned to TNA, now Impact Wrestling, due to their new partnership with GFW, dropping the title and leaving the company later that year. He then signed with the NWA and would soon after win the NWA World's Heavyweight Championship, a title he would hold twice, becoming the second British wrestler to hold that championship (after Gary Steele), making him a four-time world champion in professional wrestling. Aldis then left the NWA in late 2022 and briefly returned to Impact Wrestling in 2023 before departing the company in July and subsequently began working for WWE in August.
Aldis also appeared in the revival of '' Gladiators'', where he was known as Oblivion. He was also a co-presenter of '' Britain's Strongest Man'' on Challenge TV.
Early life
Nicholas Harry Aldis was born on 6 November 1986 in
Docking, Norfolk
Docking is a village and ancient civil parish in the King's Lynn and West Norfolk borough of Norfolk, England. It is near the North Norfolk Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Topography Parish
The parish covers an area of (one of the ...
. Before training to be a wrestler, Aldis became proficient in swimming and tennis; he then began bodybuilding, which ultimately led to him becoming a professional wrestler.
In 2008 he made several appearances on ''Gladiators'' under the name "Oblivion" along with fellow professional wrestler
Mason Ryan
Barri Griffiths (born 13 January 1982) is a Welsh stunt performer, actor, and former Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is best known for his time with WWE, where he performed under the ring name Mason Ryan from 2009 to 2014. He j ...
under the name "Goliath".
Professional wrestling career
Early career (2004–2008)
After beginning his training at the age of 16, Aldis made his professional debut on 17 December 2004 for the British Wrestling Promotion Dropkixx Wrestling (DKW), losing to Charlie Rage.
Early title matches included a DAM Promotions event where Aldis teamed up with Bash to take on the DAM Tag Team Champions Big Dave and The Bulk for the titles and he also went up against Ashe for the LDN Championship at Summit Wrestling, he would lose both matches. In 2007, he would face the WAW British Heavyweight Champion Brett Meadows for the title and lost. His last match before joining TNA was a win against Marty Scurll. During his time in
England
England is a Countries of the United Kingdom, country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is located on the island of Great Britain, of which it covers about 62%, and List of islands of England, more than 100 smaller adjacent islands. It ...
he wrestled primarily at
All Star Wrestling
All Star Wrestling (ASW), also known as Super Slam Wrestling (SSW), is a British professional wrestling promotion founded by Brian Dixon in 1970 and based in Birkenhead, England. Founded as Wrestling Enterprises of Birkenhead in October 1970, i ...
and World Association of Wrestling.
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2008–2015)
Early feuds (2008–2009)
In November 2008, Aldis signed with
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (abbreviated as TNA Wrestling or TNA) is an American professional wrestling promotion based in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment, a Canadian media company owned by busines ...
(TNA). On 11 December 2008 episode of '' Impact!'', TNA started airing vignettes of Aldis' debut under the name Brutus Magnus, a modern-day gladiator.
Aldis competed under his Brutus Magnus name and
gimmick
A gimmick is a novel device or idea designed primarily to attract attention or increase appeal, often with little intrinsic value. When applied to retail marketing, it is a unique or quirky feature designed to make a product or service "stand out ...
Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow is the Cities of Scotland, most populous city in Scotland, located on the banks of the River Clyde in Strathclyde, west central Scotland. It is the List of cities in the United Kingdom, third-most-populous city in the United Kingdom ...
on 22 January 2009, where he defeated Matt Morgan. Two days later on the last night of the tour, Magnus defeated Sheik Abdul Bashir in
London
London is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, with a population of in . London metropolitan area, Its wider metropolitan area is the largest in Wester ...
at the
Wembley Arena
Wembley Arena () (originally the Empire Pool, currently known as OVO Energy, OVO Arena Wembley for sponsorship reasons) is an indoor arena next to Wembley Stadium in Wembley, Greater London, England. The 12,500-seat facility is Greater Lond ...
. On 29 January episode of ''Impact!'', another vignette of Magnus was played and it stated that Magnus' debut would occur next week. He debuted on 5 February episode of ''Impact!'' as a villainous character, defeating Shark Boy with his finishing move, the Tormentum. After the match, he issued an open challenge to anyone on the TNA roster.
Chris Sabin
Joshua Harter (born February 4, 1982), better known by the ring name Chris Sabin, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown brand.
After being trained by Scott D'Amore, Sabin debuted in 2000 f ...
On 30 April 2009 episode of ''Impact!'', Magnus dropped the gladiator character and formed a villainous group called The British Invasion with fellow British wrestlers Doug Williams and
Rob Terry
Robert Terry (born 30 April 1980) is a Welsh Bodybuilding, bodybuilder and a former Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is known for his work in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) under the ring names Rob Terry, Robbie T and Th ...
. In their debut match as a team, Williams and Magnus defeated
Homicide
Homicide is an act in which a person causes the death of another person. A homicide requires only a Volition (psychology), volitional act, or an omission, that causes the death of another, and thus a homicide may result from Accident, accidenta ...
in a two-on-one handicap match after assaulting his tag team partner Hernandez backstage prior to the match, and stealing his Feast or Fired briefcase. The Invasion has since formed an alliance called World Elite with Eric Young, Sheik Abdul Bashir and Kiyoshi and engaged in a feud with Team 3D over the
IWGP Tag Team Championship
The is a professional wrestling world tag team championship owned by the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) promotion. "IWGP" is the acronym of the NJPW's governing body, the . The title was introduced on December 12, 1985 at an NJPW live event. T ...
. On 30 July episode of ''Impact!'', Magnus and Williams won the IWGP Tag Team Championship by defeating Team 3D in a
Tables match
Many types of wrestling matches, sometimes called " gimmick matches" in the jargon of the business, are performed in professional wrestling. Some gimmick matches are more common than others and are often used to advance or conclude a storyline. ...
. However,
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
(NJPW) is a Puroresu, Japanese professional-wrestling Professional wrestling promotion, promotion founded on January 13, 1972, by Antonio Inoki, and based in Nakano, Tokyo. It is currently majority owned by card-game company Bushiroad, with TV As ...
later stated that as the title change did not occur with the sanction of the promotion, they still recognised Team 3D as the official champions. On 10 August 2009, NJPW formally recognised the title switch. At Bound for Glory, the British Invasion lost the IWGP Tag Team Championship back to Team 3D, but managed to win the TNA World Tag Team Championship in a four wayFull Metal Mayhem Tag Team match against
Booker T Booker T or Booker T. may refer to
* Booker T. Washington (1856–1915), African American political leader at the turn of the 20th century
** List of things named after Booker T. Washington, some nicknamed "Booker T."
* Booker T. Jones (born 194 ...
and
Scott Steiner
Scott Rechsteiner (born July 29, 1962), better known by the ring name Scott Steiner, is an American professional wrestler.
Steiner is perhaps best known for his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and has also wrestled for Jim Crockett ...
James Storm
James Allen Cox (born June 1, 1977) is an American professional wrestler better known by the ring name James Storm. He currently competes on the independent circuit. He is best known for his time in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).
He sta ...
and
Robert Roode
Robert Francis Roode Jr. (born May 11, 1976) is a Canadian retired Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he is a Producer (professional wrestling), producer and was formerly an in-ring performer.
Roode is known ...
). The following month at Turning Point Magnus and Williams successfully defended the title in a three-way match against Beer Money and
The Motor City Machine Guns
The Motor City Machine Guns are an American professional wrestling tag team consisting of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin. They are signed to WWE, where they perform on the SmackDown brand and are former one-time WWE Tag Team Champions. They are ...
(
Alex Shelley
Patrick Kenneth Martin (born May 23, 1983), better known by the ring name Alex Shelley, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown (WWE brand), SmackDown brand. He is widely known for his tenure ...
and Chris Sabin). At
Final Resolution
Final Resolution is a professional wrestling TNA+ event held by Total Nonstop Action Wrestling in December. Initially introduced as a pay-per-view by TNA in 2005, the event originally took place in January until 2008, when TNA moved the event to ...
they were once again able to retain their title in a match against Shelley and Sabin. At
Genesis
Genesis may refer to:
Religion
* Book of Genesis, the first book of the biblical scriptures of both Judaism and Christianity, describing the creation of the Earth and of humankind
* Genesis creation narrative, the first several chapters of the Bo ...
the British Invasion lost the TNA World Tag Team Titles to Matt Morgan and Hernandez. Afterwards, Magnus and Williams began abusing Terry and blaming him for their losses. On 18 February 2010 episode of ''Impact!'', Terry finally grew tired of this and attacked Magnus, thus ending his alliance with the British Invasion and completing his fan favourite turn. At Destination X 2010, Magnus announced that from now on he would be known only by the name Magnus. He then went on to lose to his former mate and wrestling partner Rob Terry in a match for the Global Championship.
After not being seen for over three months, Magnus returned on 14 June at the tapings of '' Xplosion'', defeating
Suicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death.
Risk factors for suicide include mental disorders, physical disorders, and substance abuse. Some suicides are impulsive acts driven by stress (such as from financial or ac ...
and afterward challenging Rob Terry to a rematch for the Global Championship. The rematch took place at 29 June tapings of ''Xplosion'', with Terry retaining his Global Championship. On 3 July 2010,
Dixie Carter
Dixie Virginia Carter (May 25, 1939 – April 10, 2010) was an American actress. She starred as Julia Sugarbaker on the sitcom ''Designing Women'' (1986–1993) and as Randi King on the drama series ''Family Law (American TV series), Family La ...
announced that Aldis had signed a new long-term contract with TNA. On the edition of 14 July 2010 of '' TNA Today'', Aldis debuted a new charming but promiscuous gimmick. He then went on to form a tag team with Desmond Wolfe, with the two of them defeating
Amazing Red
Jonathan Figueroa (born April 26, 1982), better known by his ring name Amazing Red, is a Puerto Rican professional wrestler and promoter. He is best known for working for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he is a former three-time X ...
and Suicide in their first match together at 13 July tapings of ''Xplosion''. At the 26 and 27 July tapings of ''Xplosion'' Magnus and Wolfe defeated the teams of Hernandez and Rob Terry and
Ink Inc.
Ink Inc. was a professional wrestling Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable, stable, consisting of Shannon Moore, Jesse Neal, and their Manager (professional wrestling)#Managers vs. valets vs. enforcers, valet Christina Von Eerie, Toxxi ...
(
Jesse Neal
Jesse Neal (born April 10, 1980) Profightdb.com. Retrieved on August 5, 2010. is an American and
Shannon Moore
Shannon Moore (born July 27, 1979) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is best known for his work with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) between 1999 and 2001 and with WWE, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) for ...
) in a four tag team tournament to earn the right to challenge for the TNA World Tag Team Championship. On 26 August episode of ''Impact!'' the tag team of Magnus and Wolfe was named London Brawling. They were scheduled to receive their shot at The Motor City Machine Guns and the TNA World Tag Team Championship at No Surrender, but were at the last minute pulled from the event, with TNA citing a "personal issue" as the reason. It was later reported that Wolfe had been sidelined due to an undisclosed medical situation. Magnus returned to working live events on 30 September.
On 16 December, Magnus made his first appearance on ''Impact!'' in three months, when he met his former tag team partner Douglas Williams and informed him that Wolfe was close to a comeback. On 30 December episode of ''Impact!'' Magnus offered to team up with Williams in a tag team match, where they were defeated by
Fortune
Fortune may refer to:
General
* Fortuna or Fortune, the Roman goddess of luck
* Luck
* Wealth
* Fate
* Fortune, a prediction made in fortune-telling
* Fortune, in a fortune cookie
Arts and entertainment Film and television
* ''The Fortune'' (19 ...
members A.J. Styles and Rob Terry. Magnus reappeared as a heel on 24 February 2011 episode of ''Impact!'', in a match, where he was defeated by
Crimson
Crimson is a rich, deep red color, inclining to purple.
It originally meant the color of the kermes dye produced from a scale insect, '' Kermes vermilio'', but the name is now sometimes also used as a generic term for slightly bluish-red col ...
. On 31 March episode of ''Impact!'', Magnus and Douglas Williams officially reformed the British Invasion once again as a heel group by attacking the team of Eric Young and Orlando Jordan. In their first match back together, Magnus and Williams were defeated by Ink Inc. on 12 April, on ''Xplosion''. On 17 April at
Lockdown
A lockdown () is a restriction policy for people, community or a country to stay where they are, usually due to specific risks that could possibly harm the people if they move and interact freely.
The term is used for a prison protocol that us ...
, Magnus and Williams were defeated again by Ink Inc. in a four tag team number one contenders'
steel cage match
Many types of wrestling matches, sometimes called "Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Gimmick, gimmick matches" in the Glossary of professional wrestling terms, jargon of the business, are performed in professional wrestling. Some gimmick m ...
. Despite not having won a match since their reformation, the British Invasion received a TNA World Tag Team Championship match at
Slammiversary IX
Slammiversary IX was a professional wrestling pay-per-view List of TNA pay-per-view events, event produced by Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), which took place on June 12, 2011, at the Impact Wrestling Zone in Orlando, Florida. It was the sev ...
, which they lost to James Storm and Alex Shelley. On 30 June, Magnus and Williams turned face by responding to Mexican America's bad remarks by praising the United States. They were then attacked until Rob Terry returned to save them, effectively adding him back to the group. On 14 July episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Mexican America's Anarquia and Hernandez defeated Magnus and Williams in a TNA World Tag Team Championship number one contender's match, following outside interference from their stablemate Rosita. At 9 August tapings of ''Xplosion'', Magnus defeated Alex Shelley in the finals of a sixteen-man Xplosion Championship Challenge tournament to earn the right to challenge for the title of his choosing.
Teaming and feuding with Samoa Joe (2011–2012)
In December 2011, Magnus began teaming up with
Samoa Joe
Nuufolau Joel Seanoa (born March 17, 1979), better known by the ring name Samoa Joe, is an American professional wrestler and actor. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a member of the Opps, and is one-third of the AEW Worl ...
to take part in the Wild Card Tournament. On 5 January 2012 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Magnus and Samoa Joe defeated A.J. Styles and Kazarian to win the four-week-long Wild Card Tournament and become the number one contenders to the TNA World Tag Team Championship. Three days later at
Genesis
Genesis may refer to:
Religion
* Book of Genesis, the first book of the biblical scriptures of both Judaism and Christianity, describing the creation of the Earth and of humankind
* Genesis creation narrative, the first several chapters of the Bo ...
, Magnus and Joe failed to capture the TNA World Tag Team Championship from Crimson and Matt Morgan. Despite the loss, Magnus and Joe remained together as a tag team, attacking Crimson and Morgan on the next two episodes of ''Impact Wrestling''.
On 2 February, Magnus and Joe defeated Crimson and Morgan in a non-title match to earn another shot at the TNA World Tag Team Championship, and at Against All Odds, Magnus and Joe defeated Crimson and Morgan to win the TNA World Tag Team Championship. Magnus and Joe then defeated Crimson and Morgan in two rematches in February and March and Mexican America (Anarquia and Hernandez) in March to retain the championship. On 15 April at
Lockdown
A lockdown () is a restriction policy for people, community or a country to stay where they are, usually due to specific risks that could possibly harm the people if they move and interact freely.
The term is used for a prison protocol that us ...
, Magnus and Joe defeated The Motor City Machine Guns in a steel cage match to retain the TNA World Tag Team Championship. During the first "Open Fight Night" on 26 April, Magnus and Joe successfully defended the TNA World Tag Team Championship against the team of
Jeff Hardy
Jeffrey Nero Hardy (born August 31, 1977) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and also appears on partner promotion WWE on its NXT (WWE brand), NXT brand.
He is re ...
and Mr. Anderson, after which they were attacked by
Christopher Daniels
Christopher Daniel Covell (born March 24, 1970), better known by the ring name Christopher Daniels, is an American retired Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he works as the Head of Ta ...
and Kazarian, who had asked for a title shot earlier in the event. On 13 May at
Sacrifice
Sacrifice is an act or offering made to a deity. A sacrifice can serve as propitiation, or a sacrifice can be an offering of praise and thanksgiving.
Evidence of ritual animal sacrifice has been seen at least since ancient Hebrews and Gree ...
, Magnus and Joe lost the TNA World Tag Team Championship to Daniels and Kazarian.
On 14 June episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Magnus entered the 2012 Bound for Glory Series, taking part in the opening
gauntlet match
Many types of wrestling matches, sometimes called "Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Gimmick, gimmick matches" in the Glossary of professional wrestling terms, jargon of the business, are performed in professional wrestling. Some gimmick m ...
, from which he was eliminated by Samoa Joe. Magnus' participation in the tournament ended on 16 August episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', when he was defeated by Joe in a singles match, leaving him outside a spot in the semifinals. Afterwards, Magnus would attack Joe after the latter offered a sign of respect, turning heel in the process. On 14 October at Bound for Glory, Magnus unsuccessfully challenged Joe for his
TNA Television Championship
The TNA Television Championship was a professional wrestling Professional wrestling championship, championship owned by the professional wrestling promotion, promotion Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA, later Impact Wrestling, now TNA). It was ...
.
The New Main Event Mafia (2012–2013)
On 1 November episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Magnus challenged Joe to a rematch as part of the Open Fight Night, however, he lost the match via disqualification, after hitting Joe with a wrench. The rivalry culminated in a No Disqualification match on 11 November at Turning Point, where Magnus was again unsuccessful in winning the title. On the following episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Magnus was sidelined with a storyline injury after he was ambushed by the Aces & Eights and hit in both his knees with a
ball-peen hammer
A ball-peen or machinist's hammer, is a type of peening hammer used in metalworking. It has two heads, one flat and the other, called the peen, rounded. It is distinguished from a cross-peen hammer, diagonal-peen hammer, point-peen hammer, or c ...
.
Magnus returned as a fan favourite on 31 January 2013 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'' in
Manchester, England
Manchester () is a city and the metropolitan borough of Greater Manchester, England. It had an estimated population of in . Greater Manchester is the third-most populous metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, with a population of 2.92&nbs ...
, interrupting and attacking Bad Influence (Christopher Daniels and Kazarian) who were insulting the country. Afterwards, Magnus wrestled his return match, defeating TNA Television Champion
Devon
Devon ( ; historically also known as Devonshire , ) is a ceremonial county in South West England. It is bordered by the Bristol Channel to the north, Somerset and Dorset to the east, the English Channel to the south, and Cornwall to the west ...
in a non-title match via disqualification after interference from the Aces & Eights. At
Lockdown
A lockdown () is a restriction policy for people, community or a country to stay where they are, usually due to specific risks that could possibly harm the people if they move and interact freely.
The term is used for a prison protocol that us ...
in March, Team TNA, consisting of Magnus, Eric Young, James Storm, Samoa Joe, and Sting defeated Aces & Eights, consisting of Devon,
DOC
DOC, Doc, doc or DoC may refer to:
People and characters
* Doc, an abbreviation of doctor
* Doc (nickname)
* Doc (mascot), the Towson University mascot
Persons
* The D.O.C., American rapper (born 1968)
* Doc Gallows (born 1983), ring nam ...
,
Garett Bischoff
Garett Bischoff (born April 20, 1984) is an American professional wrestler. He is best known for his time in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and is the son of pro-wrestling executive and personality Eric Bischoff.
Early life
Bischoff was bo ...
Lethal Lockdown match
A Lethal Lockdown match is a professional wrestling match used in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). This match has become a staple of TNA's Lockdown pay-per-view event, but has also made appearances at other TNA pay-per-views, and during ''Im ...
. On 21 March episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Magnus was defeated by Jeff Hardy in a four-way number one contenders match for the World Heavyweight Championship, which also included
Kurt Angle
Kurt Steven Angle (born December 9, 1968) is an American retired professional wrestler and amateur wrestling, amateur wrestler. He first earned recognition for winning a Wrestling at the 1996 Summer Olympics – Men's freestyle 100 kg, gold me ...
and Samoa Joe. On 18 April episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Magnus was scheduled to face Devon for his Television Championship, however, was attacked by DOC and Knux before the match could start. Magnus returned on 9 May episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', defeating DOC after an inadvertent distraction from D'Lo Brown. Later that night, Magnus was again attacked by the Aces & Eights. At Slammiversary XI, Magnus teamed with Jeff Hardy and Samoa Joe in a winning effort against Aces & Eights (Garett Bischoff, Mr. Anderson, and Wes Brisco).
On 13 June episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Magnus defeated Kenny King, Matt Morgan, and Rob Terry in a four-way match to qualify for the 2013 Bound for Glory Series. The following week, Magnus defeated Kazarian in his first Bound for Glory Series match via submission to earn ten points and take an early lead in the tournament. On 4 July episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Magnus was named the fourth member of the newly reformed
Main Event Mafia
The Main Event Mafia was an American professional wrestling Professional wrestling stable, stable in the United States, American Professional wrestling promotion, promotion Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). Beginning in 2008, the group includ ...
along with Kurt Angle, Sting, and former tag team partner and rival Samoa Joe.CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 7/11: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Impact from Las Vegas – Rampage Jackson joins Mafia, Dest. X hype, BFG Series gauntlet PWTorch.com (11 July 2013). Retrieved on 25 September 2015. On 12 September episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Magnus defeated Roode in a Bound For Glory Series Final Four match to advance before ultimately losing to A.J. Styles in the finals.
After the Bound for Glory Series, Magnus began a feud with Bad Influence, who assaulted him during the finals, and first challenged them to a six-man tag team match against himself, Sting and Samoa Joe, prior to the match Bad Influence incapacitated Magnus and injured his knee, but Sting and Joe emerged victorious. In the aftermath, Magnus announced he was going to take on all three members of Bad Influence himself in a gauntlet match. During the gauntlet, Magnus defeated Kazarian and Christopher Daniels, but was defeated by Bobby Roode, who took advantage of his injured knee and made him submit. After the match Magnus began venting his frustrations around the ring before Sting came out to calm him down, which culminated in Sting offering Magnus a match against him at Bound for Glory, which Magnus accepted. Magnus defeated Sting at Bound for Glory after Sting tapped out to the King's Lynn Cloverleaf.
TNA World Heavyweight Champion (2013–2014)
On 21 November 2013 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Magnus was entered into a tournament to crown a new TNA World Heavyweight Champion after the title was vacated. He defeated Samoa Joe in a
Falls Count Anywhere match
Many types of wrestling matches, sometimes called " gimmick matches" in the jargon of the business, are performed in professional wrestling. Some gimmick matches are more common than others and are often used to advance or conclude a storyline. ...
at Turning Point and Kurt Angle on ''Impact Wrestling'' to advance to the finals. He defeated
Jeff Hardy
Jeffrey Nero Hardy (born August 31, 1977) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and also appears on partner promotion WWE on its NXT (WWE brand), NXT brand.
He is re ...
in a Dixieland match to become the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion on 3 December; the match aired on 19 December, on '' Impact Wrestling: Final Resolution''. In the process, he turned heel by joining Team Dixie and allying himself with Dixie Carter,
Ethan Carter III
Michael Hutter (born March 18, 1983) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler and promoter better known by the ring name Ethan Carter III (or simply EC3). He is signed to the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), where he is a f ...
, and Rockstar Spud.
Styles returned on the edition of 2 January 2014 of ''
Impact Wrestling
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (abbreviated as TNA Wrestling or TNA) is an American professional wrestling promotion based in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment, a Canadian media company owned by busine ...
'' still claiming to be the legitimate champion as he was never defeated for the title. He then lost to Magnus due to TNA President Dixie Carter directing a heavy amount of interference against Styles, making Magnus undisputed champion.
Samoa Joe
Nuufolau Joel Seanoa (born March 17, 1979), better known by the ring name Samoa Joe, is an American professional wrestler and actor. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a member of the Opps, and is one-third of the AEW Worl ...
then stepped up to challenge Magnus, labelling him a "paper champion".
On 9 January 2014 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Magnus defeated A.J. Styles in a no disqualification title unification match after Styles had returned to TNA with his own TNA World Heavyweight Championship; Styles left TNA after the match. The next week, Magnus defeated Sting in a no disqualification title match to end Sting's TNA career.
On 30 January episode of ''Impact Wrestling'',
Samoa Joe
Nuufolau Joel Seanoa (born March 17, 1979), better known by the ring name Samoa Joe, is an American professional wrestler and actor. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a member of the Opps, and is one-third of the AEW Worl ...
and
Kurt Angle
Kurt Steven Angle (born December 9, 1968) is an American retired professional wrestler and amateur wrestling, amateur wrestler. He first earned recognition for winning a Wrestling at the 1996 Summer Olympics – Men's freestyle 100 kg, gold me ...
defeated Magnus and
Ethan Carter III
Michael Hutter (born March 18, 1983) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler and promoter better known by the ring name Ethan Carter III (or simply EC3). He is signed to the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), where he is a f ...
in a stipulated tag match. In the match, Joe forced Magnus to tap out and as a result of the stipulation put in place, he would receive a shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. On 2 March, Magnus successfully defended the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, officially the Tokyo Metropolis, is the capital of Japan, capital and List of cities in Japan, most populous city in Japan. With a population of over 14 million in the city proper in 2023, it is List of largest cities, one of the most ...
Wrestle-1
was a Japanese ''puroresu'' or professional wrestling Professional wrestling promotion, promotion, founded in July 2013 by Keiji Mutoh following his resignation from All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). The core of the promotion's roster was formed b ...
Lockdown
A lockdown () is a restriction policy for people, community or a country to stay where they are, usually due to specific risks that could possibly harm the people if they move and interact freely.
The term is used for a prison protocol that us ...
, Magnus successfully defended his TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Samoa Joe. On 3 April, Magnus successfully defended his TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Samoa Joe, Eric Young and Abyss. On 8 April, Director of Wrestling Operations MVP announced a 10-man gauntlet match that took place on 10 April episode of ''Impact Wrestling'' where the winner would receive a future TNA World Heavyweight Championship that same night. The match would later be won by Eric Young who requested to have his shot at the same night, in which Magnus lost the TNA World Heavyweight Championship to Young. At
Sacrifice
Sacrifice is an act or offering made to a deity. A sacrifice can serve as propitiation, or a sacrifice can be an offering of praise and thanksgiving.
Evidence of ritual animal sacrifice has been seen at least since ancient Hebrews and Gree ...
, Magnus received a rematch for the title, but was again defeated by Young.
Later feuds (2014–2015)
Shortly after his loss to Eric Young, Magnus began a losing streak, after losing out on a number one contender's spot for the championship Magnus was met in a backstage segment by his childhood friend and fellow Brit Bram, who began to chastise him, claiming he had gone soft. Over the next several weeks, Magnus began showing signs of a face turn when Bram would throw weapons into the ring and encourage him to let out a more intense side but Magnus would refuse. More signs began to show from Magnus when he first attacked Bram in a backstage segment, and then when Magnus saved Tigre Uno from an assault from Bram the following week. On the edition of 5 June of Impact Wrestling, it looked as though Magnus would finalise his face turn and save
Willow
Willows, also called sallows and osiers, of the genus ''Salix'', comprise around 350 species (plus numerous hybrids) of typically deciduous trees and shrubs, found primarily on moist soils in cold and temperate regions.
Most species are known ...
from Bram, but would in fact remain heel and attack Willow himself with a steel pry bar. Since developing a more violent persona, Magnus and Bram began a rivalry with
Willow
Willows, also called sallows and osiers, of the genus ''Salix'', comprise around 350 species (plus numerous hybrids) of typically deciduous trees and shrubs, found primarily on moist soils in cold and temperate regions.
Most species are known ...
and the returning
Abyss
Abyss may refer to:
Religion
* Abyss (religion), a bottomless pit, or a passage to the underworld
* Abyss (Thelema), a spiritual principle within the system of Thelema
Film and television
* ''The Abyss'' (1910 film), a Danish silent film s ...
. Magnus defeated Willow on 15 June 2014, at Slammiversary XII. On 26 June 2014, episode of ''Impact Wrestling'' Magnus and Bram defeated Willow and Abyss in a tag team
Monster's Ball match
A Monster's Ball match is a professional wrestling, hardcore match type that originated in and is primarily staged by Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA - known as Impact Wrestling from 2017–2023).
The key premise of the match is that all cont ...
. On 20 August 2014, at
Hardcore Justice
Hardcore Justice, originally known as Hard Justice, was an annual professional wrestling Impact Plus event produced by Impact Wrestling. It was originally introduced as a pay-per-view (PPV) event held by Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in ...
, Magnus was a participant in a six-sides of steel match to determine a number 1 contender for the
TNA World Heavyweight Championship
The TNA World Championship is a professional wrestling world championship created and promoted by Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). It is the promotion's principal championship. Like most professional wrestling championships, the title is won ...
, the match was ultimately won by Eric Young and Bobby Roode.
On 23 January 2015, episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Magnus competed in the Feast or Fired match grabbing the final case which contained a
TNA World Tag Team Championship
The TNA World Tag Team Championship is a men's professional wrestling #World Tag Team Championship, world tag team championship (professional wrestling), championship which is owned by the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) professional wrestlin ...
title opportunity, in which Bram claimed to have been the one to obtain it for himself but the chance was stolen from Magnus. On 30 January episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Magnus tried to reconcile with Bram in a bar, but after leaving the bar he was then viciously attacked by Bram, which would turn Magnus face once again. The following week
Mickie James
Mickie Laree James (born August 31, 1979) Additional January 6, 2017. is an American Country music, country singer and Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. She is signed to WWE. She is also signed to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) as Cre ...
, (Magnus's real-life fiancé) returned to TNA to confront Bram who threatened Mickie in return. The week after, Magnus returned and attacked Bram in retaliation for threatening Mickie. This would lead to a match between the two which Magnus won by disqualification after Magnus was strapped to the ropes, after which Mickie ran down to the ring and was grabbed by Bram who forced Magnus to kiss his boot, to which he obliged. Magnus would get redemption and attack Bram backstage. This would lead to a No Disqualification match between the two which Magnus won to end the feud.
Magnus would enter into a storyline with
James Storm
James Allen Cox (born June 1, 1977) is an American professional wrestler better known by the ring name James Storm. He currently competes on the independent circuit. He is best known for his time in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).
He sta ...
who intervened in his final match with Bram by saving
Mickie James
Mickie Laree James (born August 31, 1979) Additional January 6, 2017. is an American Country music, country singer and Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. She is signed to WWE. She is also signed to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) as Cre ...
from being attacked. On 24 April episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Magnus and
Mickie James
Mickie Laree James (born August 31, 1979) Additional January 6, 2017. is an American Country music, country singer and Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. She is signed to WWE. She is also signed to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) as Cre ...
both came down to the ring to announce Mickie's retirement from professional wrestling to focus on raising their son but were interrupted by Storm who managed to convince her not to. Magnus was later approached backstage by
Davey Richards
Wesley David Richards (born March 1, 1983), best known under the ring name Davey Richards, is a retired American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. Best known for his time in Impact Wrestling, TNA Wrestling and Ring of Honor, and for ...
(who had previously feuded with Storm) who warned Magnus not to trust Storm, after which Magnus asked a member of the camera crew to follow Mickie around to keep an eye on her. After consulting the footage the crew gathered, Magnus confronted Storm and warned him to stay out of his and Mickie's business. The following week the two would have another confrontation where Storm would push Magnus too far and provoked him to attack Storm with a guitar officially igniting their feud. The following week on ''Impact Wrestling'', Magnus called out Storm for a fight to instead be met by former rival and Storm's Revolution teammate Abyss and eventually the rest of The Revolution members Manik and Khoya. At Slammiversary XIII, Magnus faced
James Storm
James Allen Cox (born June 1, 1977) is an American professional wrestler better known by the ring name James Storm. He currently competes on the independent circuit. He is best known for his time in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).
He sta ...
in a losing effort. On 29 July episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Magnus and Mickie James defeated James Storm and Serena in a mixed tag match. On 29 June 2015, TNA announced that Magnus was released from the TNA, after nearly 8 years with the company.
GHC Tag Team Championship
The is a professional wrestling tag team Championship (professional wrestling), title in Japanese Professional wrestling promotion, promotion Pro Wrestling Noah. It was created on October 19, 2001, when Big Van Vader, Vader and 2 Cold Scorpio, Sc ...
. On 8 October, Magnus and Joe lost the title to
KENTA
Kenta (廉侍) is a masculine Japanese given name. (written: , , , or in katakana).
Notable people with the name include:
*, Japanese baseball player
*, Japanese film director
*, Japanese kickboxer
*, Japanese professional wrestler
*, Japane ...
On 29 June 2015, it was announced that Aldis had signed with Global Force Wrestling, and will compete under his real name. On 9 July, Aldis made his in-ring debut defeating
Tommaso Ciampa
Tommaso Whitney (born May 8, 1985) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown (WWE brand), SmackDown WWE brand extension, brand under the ring name Tommaso Ciampa () and ...
as part of the inaugural GFW Grand Slam Tour. On 10 July 2015, Aldis faced
Kongo Kong
Steven Wilson (born August 10, 1979) is an American professional wrestler best known under the ring name Kongo Kong. He is best known for his time with Global Force Wrestling and Impact Wrestling.
Early career
Wilson went to Saginaw Valley S ...
as part of the GFW Grand Slam Tour in
Erie, Pennsylvania
Erie is a city on the south shore of Lake Erie and the county seat of Erie County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, fifth-most populous city in Pennsylvania and the most populous in Northwestern Pen ...
making this their first of three matches during the tour which saw him winning on all three occasions.
On 24 July 2015, Aldis entered into a tournament to crown the inaugural GFW Global Champion, defeating
Kongo Kong
Steven Wilson (born August 10, 1979) is an American professional wrestler best known under the ring name Kongo Kong. He is best known for his time with Global Force Wrestling and Impact Wrestling.
Early career
Wilson went to Saginaw Valley S ...
in the quarterfinals of the tournament. On 5 September, Aldis defeated Chris Mordetzky in the semifinals to advance to the finals of the tournament.
On 23 October 2015, at the ''GFW Amped'' taping, Aldis defeated
Bobby Roode
Robert Francis Roode Jr. (born May 11, 1976) is a Canadian retired Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he is a Producer (professional wrestling), producer and was formerly an in-ring performer.
Roode is known ...
Jeff Jarrett
Jeffrey Leonard Jarrett (born July 14, 1967) is an American professional wrestler and professional wrestling promoter. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he both wrestles and serves as Director of Business Development. He is also ...
's hiring as TNA's executive consultant in January 2017 and promotion to executive producer and chief creative officer status a month later by its new owners
Anthem Sports & Entertainment
Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. (formerly Anthem Media Group) is a Canadian multinational media company based in Toronto, Ontario and founded by Leonard Asper.
Anthem is majority-controlled by Asper via his Sygnus Corporation. Fight Holdings ...
, GFW talent and championships started being featured on TNA (renamed Impact Wrestling in March) television. Aldis returned on 6 April episode of ''Impact!'' under the Magnus ring name as a fan favourite, helping to save Matt Morgan from a 4-on-1 attack by Team Josh Mathews ( Bram,
Eli Drake
Shaun Edward Ricker (born November 1, 1982) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler and actor. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown (WWE brand), SmackDown WWE brand extension, brand under the ring name LA ...
, Lashley, and Tyrus), beating down Bram and, in the process, being revealed as Team
Jeremy Borash
Jeremy Borash (born July 19, 1974) is an American professional wrestling play-by-play commentator, announcer, ring announcer, booker, interviewer, and producer, working for WWE as Vice President of Content and Development. He is known for his ...
's 4th member, joining Chris Adonis, Morgan and Alberto El Patrón, that would battle the aforementioned foursome. The two sides squared off on the following episode of ''Impact!'', with Magnus getting the pinfall victory on Bram.
Over the next two TV airings, Magnus exhibited villain-type arrogance during backstage segments, by verbally putting himself over, berating other wrestlers, especially El Patrón, and proclaiming himself number one contender for the
Impact World Championship
The TNA World Championship is a professional wrestling Professional wrestling championship#World championships, world championship created and promoted by Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). It is the promotion's principal championship. Like mo ...
. On 4 May episode of ''Impact!'', Magnus successfully defended the GFW Global Championship against Matt Morgan following a low-blow and Michinoku Driver. On 11 May episode of ''Impact!'', Magnus lost the GFW Global Championship to El Patrón via submission to the cross armbreaker. Magnus then acted as guest commentator during a match between
Ethan Carter III
Michael Hutter (born March 18, 1983) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler and promoter better known by the ring name Ethan Carter III (or simply EC3). He is signed to the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), where he is a f ...
and
James Storm
James Allen Cox (born June 1, 1977) is an American professional wrestler better known by the ring name James Storm. He currently competes on the independent circuit. He is best known for his time in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).
He sta ...
the following week on ''Impact!'' and got involved himself in the post-match melee between the two wrestlers, beating and leaving Storm laying by the ring steps then entering the ring to argue with Carter. Consequently, Impact authority figure
Bruce Prichard
Bruce Prichard (born March 7, 1963) is an American professional wrestling executive, booker, and producer and a former manager, commentator, and occasional professional wrestler who works for WWE as Executive Director - CWT. In addition to ...
booked the three rivals in a triple threat match for an opportunity at the Impact World Heavyweight Championship. This match took place on 25 May episode of ''Impact!'', where Magnus lost to Carter.
The ''
Wrestling Observer Newsletter
The ''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'' (''WON'') is a newsletter that covers professional wrestling and mixed martial arts.
Founded in print in 1982 by Dave Meltzer, the ''Wrestling Observer'' website merged with Bryan Alvarez's ''Figure Four Wee ...
'' reported on 20 July that Aldis rejected a contract offer from Anthem, who had purchased and merged Jarrett's promotion with Impact Wrestling (renaming the company GFW) on 20 April and that he only worked April's ''Impact!'' tapings on a
handshake deal
An oral contract is a contract, the terms of which have been agreed by spoken communication. This is in contrast to a written contract, where the contract is a written document. There may be written, or other physical evidence, of an oral contrac ...
to protect the lineage of the GFW Global Championship by transitioning it to El Patrón. On 26 July edition of sports writer Chris Featherstone's Pancakes and Powerslams
podcast
A podcast is a Radio program, program made available in digital format for download over the Internet. Typically, a podcast is an Episode, episodic series of digital audio Computer file, files that users can download to a personal device or str ...
, Aldis cited the lack of financial compensation and creative challenge GFW would offer him as his reasons for not signing. He added that "it’s not a contract that anyone with any value, any sense of self-value or self-worth would sign...There’s no point in signing a contract to make you exclusive to one place if you’re not getting anything in return". He said he was willing to continue working for the company as an independent contractor on handshake agreements, but he was rebuffed.
National Wrestling Alliance (2017–2022)
On 23 September 2017, Aldis made his debut for Championship Wrestling from Hollywood, defeating Will Roode. Immediately following the match Aldis set forth a challenge to Tim Storm for the NWA World's Heavyweight Championship. That match took place on 12 November and saw Storm retain the title; this was the first title match under the new NWA regime headed by
Billy Corgan
William Patrick Corgan Jr. (born March 17, 1967) is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and professional wrestling promoter. He is best known as the co-founder, lead guitarist, primary songwriter, singer, and only constant member of alter ...
. On 9 December, Aldis defeated Storm in a rematch at Cage of Death 19 to become the new NWA World Heavyweight Champion, making him the second British-born champion after Gary Steele. The same evening, retired NWA star Austin Idol made a surprise return to professional wrestling as Aldis' corner and spokesman.
Now working as a solidly "tweener" character, Aldis' primary angle was that of a traveling champion who actively accepts all challengers in a bid to raise the profile of the title and bring back some of its lost prestige. His first major story as champion was known as "The Aldis Crusade," a self-imposed mission to undertake twenty title defences over the course of sixty days across three continents in the spring of 2018, concluding with a title defence against
Colt Cabana
Scott Colton (born May 6, 1980), better known by the ring name Colt Cabana, is an American professional wrestler, color commentator, and podcaster. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a wrestler and as a coach, and he performs the same ...
in
Wenzhou
Wenzhou; Chinese postal romanization, historically known as Wenchow is a prefecture-level city in China's Zhejiang province. Wenzhou is located at the extreme southeast of Zhejiang, bordering Lishui, Zhejiang, Lishui to the west, Taizhou, Zheji ...
,
China
China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. With population of China, a population exceeding 1.4 billion, it is the list of countries by population (United Nations), second-most populous country after ...
. That summer, Billy Corgan made an announcement at the All In press conference, naming
Cody Rhodes
Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes (born June 30, 1985) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. As of April 2022, he is signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown (WWE brand), SmackDown brand. He is also known for co-fou ...
as the new challenger for the title at the 1 September event. To promote the match, Aldis wrestled two matches in Ring of Honor: on 24 May 2018 he and Mark Haskins were defeated by
The Young Bucks
The Young Bucks are an American professional wrestling tag team consisting of brothers Matthew Massie and Nicholas Massie, who perform under the ring names Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson. , they are signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), whe ...
, and at Honor For All, Aldis would successfully retained the NWA World Championship against Flip Gordon. On 1 September 2018, Aldis lost the title to Cody at All In.
On 21 October 2018, at the NWA 70th Anniversary Show, Nick Aldis beat Cody to regain the NWA World's Heavyweight Championship. On 24 November, Aldis successfully defended the title against Jake Hager at WrestleCade: SuperShow. Other challengers have included Cowboy James Storm, Jimmy Havoc, Leland Race (son of Harley), and Marty Scurll. Aldis retained the title throughout 2019, leading into the October debut of the weekly '' Powerrr'' studio streaming show, which he headlined as champion and on the first episode of which retained the title against Tim Storm. At Into The Fire, Aldis successfully defended the title against
James Storm
James Allen Cox (born June 1, 1977) is an American professional wrestler better known by the ring name James Storm. He currently competes on the independent circuit. He is best known for his time in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).
He sta ...
in a 2-out-of-3 Falls match. On the next episode of ''Powerrr'' on 17 December, Aldis turned full heel when he aligned with The Wild Cards ( Thomas Latimer and Royce Isaacs) and led an attack on Tim Storm.Kamille looked to have come to Storm's aid but would instead join the beatdown and aligned with the three men. This foursome would go on to be called Strictly Business.
Shortly after forming the new faction, Aldis retained the title against
Ricky Morton
Richard Wendell Morton (born September 21, 1956) is an American professional wrestler, currently performing on the independent circuit. For most of his career, Morton has performed with Robert Gibson (wrestler), Robert Gibson as the Rock 'n' Roll ...
on ''Powerrr'' and Villain Enterprises' Flip Gordon at Hard Times, which set up a title defense for Aldis against Gordon's teammate Marty Scurll at Crockett Cup, a rematch between the two from the previous year's Crockett Cup. In preparation for the title match, Aldis appeared at ROH's ''Free Enterprise'', where he teamed with Rush against Scurll and PCO in a losing effort. Crockett Cup was cancelled due to the
COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus pandemic and COVID pandemic), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), began with an disease outbreak, outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, in December ...
and the rematch never came to fruition due to Scurll leaving ROH amid allegations of the Speaking Out movement. NWA did not hold any events throughout 2020 but Aldis defended the title on a few occasions during the fall of the year.
NWA resumed hosting events with Back For The Attack on 21 March 2021, where Aldis retained the title against Aron Stevens in the main event. In the weeks following the event, the recently debuted Chris Adonis joined Strictly Business as its newest member. The group immediately began feuding with Trevor Murdoch, who won a battle royal to face Aldis for the title at When Our Shadows Fall, where Aldis retained the title after Murdoch got disqualified. Aldis retained the title against Murdoch in a rematch at T-Mart Promotions event ''The Gathering II'' on 24 July. However, Murdoch earned another opportunity against Aldis after his team won the Champions Series on ''Powerrr''. The subsequent Title vs Career match for Aldis' championship and Murdoch's career match took place at the NWA 73rd Anniversary Show, where Aldis lost the NWA World's Heavyweight Championship to Murdoch, ending his reign at 1,043 days.
On 6 November 2022, Aldis announced on his
Instagram
Instagram is an American photo sharing, photo and Short-form content, short-form video sharing social networking service owned by Meta Platforms. It allows users to upload media that can be edited with Social media camera filter, filters, be ...
for his subscribers that he requested a release from NWA. As Aldis was publicly critical about the direction of the company, he was later suspended by NWA. Aldis pointed the new direction of the promotion as the reason to leave NWA.
Second return to Impact Wrestling (2022–2023)
While still employed by the NWA, Aldis returned to Impact Wrestling on 1 April 2022 for the Multiverse of Matches event, teaming with Mickie James to compete against Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green. He also appeared at Slammiversary 2022 on 19 June 2022.
After leaving the NWA, Aldis would return to Impact Wrestling at
Rebellion
Rebellion is an uprising that resists and is organized against one's government. A rebel is a person who engages in a rebellion. A rebel group is a consciously coordinated group that seeks to gain political control over an entire state or a ...
match
A match is a tool for starting a fire. Typically, matches are made of small wooden sticks or stiff paper. One end is coated with a material that can be ignited by friction generated by striking the match against a suitable surface. Wooden matc ...
to become the number one contender for the Impact World Championship, he faced champion
Alex Shelley
Patrick Kenneth Martin (born May 23, 1983), better known by the ring name Alex Shelley, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown (WWE brand), SmackDown brand. He is widely known for his tenure ...
at Slammiversary, but was defeated. On 16 July, it was reported that Aldis was officially done with Impact Wrestling. He competed in his final match with the company on the 27 August tapings of ''Impact'' in a losing effort against Eric Young.
WWE (2023–present)
In August 2023, Aldis began working with
WWE
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is an American professional wrestling promotion. It is owned and operated by TKO Group Holdings, a majority-owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. A global integrated media and entertainment company, ...
SmackDown brand
SmackDown is a WWE brand extension, brand of the American professional wrestling promotion WWE that was established on March 25, 2002. Brands are divisions of WWE's roster where wrestlers are assigned to perform on a weekly basis when a brand ex ...
. On the 28 April 2025 episode of '' Raw'', Aldis filled in for Adam Pearce as the on-screen general manager for the Raw brand due to Pearce being forced to miss the show because of "doctor's orders".
Personal life
Aldis married American professional wrestler
Mickie James
Mickie Laree James (born August 31, 1979) Additional January 6, 2017. is an American Country music, country singer and Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. She is signed to WWE. She is also signed to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) as Cre ...
on 31 December 2015. They have a son named Donovan Patrick Aldis, who was born in 2014.
Pro Wrestling Illustrated
''Pro Wrestling Illustrated'' (''PWI'') is an American professional wrestling magazine that was founded in 1979 by publisher Stanley Weston. ''PWI'' is headquartered in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, and published by Kappa Publishing Group. The maga ...
''
**
Most Improved Wrestler of the Year
This is a list of both active and inactive ''Pro Wrestling Illustrated'' awards which are voted on by ''Pro Wrestling Illustrated'' (''PWI'') readers every year from 1972 onwards, expanding to more categories in later years.
Unlike other wrestling ...
(2013)
** Ranked No. 8 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''
PWI 500
''Pro Wrestling Illustrated'' (''PWI'') is an American professional wrestling magazine that was founded in 1979 by publisher Stanley Weston. ''PWI'' is headquartered in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, and published by Kappa Publishing Group. The maga ...
'' in 2014
*
National Wrestling Alliance
The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) is an American professional wrestling professional wrestling promotion, promotion and governing body owned by Billy Corgan and operated by its parent company Lightning One, Inc.
Founded in 1948, the NWA be ...
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
(NJPW) is a Puroresu, Japanese professional-wrestling Professional wrestling promotion, promotion founded on January 13, 1972, by Antonio Inoki, and based in Nakano, Tokyo. It is currently majority owned by card-game company Bushiroad, with TV As ...
**
IWGP Tag Team Championship
The is a professional wrestling world tag team championship owned by the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) promotion. "IWGP" is the acronym of the NJPW's governing body, the . The title was introduced on December 12, 1985 at an NJPW live event. T ...
GHC Tag Team Championship
The is a professional wrestling tag team Championship (professional wrestling), title in Japanese Professional wrestling promotion, promotion Pro Wrestling Noah. It was created on October 19, 2001, when Big Van Vader, Vader and 2 Cold Scorpio, Sc ...
Samoa Joe
Nuufolau Joel Seanoa (born March 17, 1979), better known by the ring name Samoa Joe, is an American professional wrestler and actor. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a member of the Opps, and is one-third of the AEW Worl ...
Scott Steiner
Scott Rechsteiner (born July 29, 1962), better known by the ring name Scott Steiner, is an American professional wrestler.
Steiner is perhaps best known for his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and has also wrestled for Jim Crockett ...
,
Abyss
Abyss may refer to:
Religion
* Abyss (religion), a bottomless pit, or a passage to the underworld
* Abyss (Thelema), a spiritual principle within the system of Thelema
Film and television
* ''The Abyss'' (1910 film), a Danish silent film s ...
Sonjay Dutt
Retesh Bhalla (born April 7, 1982) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a Glossary of professional wrestling terms#agent, producer and Glossary of professional wrestling terms#manage ...
*Stand Alone Wrestling
**SAW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
*
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (abbreviated as TNA Wrestling or TNA) is an American professional wrestling promotion based in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment, a Canadian media company owned by busines ...
**
TNA World Heavyweight Championship
The TNA World Championship is a professional wrestling world championship created and promoted by Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). It is the promotion's principal championship. Like most professional wrestling championships, the title is won ...
TNA World Tag Team Championship
The TNA World Tag Team Championship is a men's professional wrestling #World Tag Team Championship, world tag team championship (professional wrestling), championship which is owned by the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) professional wrestlin ...
2015
2015 was designated by the United Nations as:
* International Year of Light
* International Year of Soil __TOC__
Events
January
* January 1 – Lithuania officially adopts the euro as its currency, replacing the litas, and becomes ...