Ryan Henderson | |
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Henderson as part of 1WM in August 2020. | |
Birth name | Michael Ryan Henderson Jr. |
Born | July 16, 1988 (age 31) Columbus, Ohio |
Resides | Orlando, Florida Cleveland, Ohio |
Spouse(s) | Angelita Connelly (m. 2014) |
Children | 4 |
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | Ryan Henderson Ryan Henderson Jr. |
Billed height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
Billed weight | 200 lb (90 kg) |
Billed from | Cleveland, Ohio Columbus, Ohio Orlando, Florida |
Trained by | Michael Henderson Sr. |
Debut | June 15, 2007 |
Michael Ryan Henderson Jr. (born July 16, 1988), better known by the ring names Ryan Henderson and Ryan Henderson Jr. is an American professional wrestler signed to One Wrestle Movement where he is a one-time and inaugural Pride of 1WM Champion. Henderson is also currently signed with Legacy Pro Wrestling.
He previously made appearances for United Championship Wrestling Association, Maple Leaf Wrestling Association, Max Japan Pro Wrestling, Portland Pro Wrestling and Seattle Pro Wrestling where the latter he was the inaugural World Television Champion and a former Seattle Pro Tag Team Champion with Billy Danielson, Jack Tillman and Mark Storm which all three held under the freebird rule. Henderson is also widely known for his time with both World Elite Wrestling and Xtreme Wrestling Organization.
Henderson is a third-generation professional wrestler; his grandfather Ryan "The Hammer" Henderson and Henderson's father Michael Henderson Sr. both competed in the professional wrestling industry. Michael's two brothers, Colby Henderson and Jack "Nero" Henderson also competed in the professional wrestling industry. Henderson is widely regarded as one of the most athletically gifted wrestlers in the world as well as one of the most innovative when it comes to his offense. Henderson has held a total of nine different championships in his career.
Henderson would begin his wrestling career with Xtreme Wrestling Organization (xWo) and would capture the xWo North American Championship less than a month later, Henderson would hold the title for two weeks before being released from his contract.
After re-signing with the xWo in 2010 Henderson joined the Revenge brand and was in line for a push but the idea was scrapped and Henderson started a losing streak which got to three losses in a row. Following the three losses, Henderson received a big push and went on to capture the X Division Championship for the first time and would begin a winning streak as well as an un-pinned streak. Henderson would go on to hold the X Division Championship until it's deactivation making him the last X Division Champion. Henderson would be named the new Madness Champion following the deactivation of the X Division Championship. Following this Henderson began an arrogant rich kid gimmick and re-activated the Million Dollar Championship, becoming a double champion. In late September Henderson would take some time off to heal a knee injury he suffered at the end of the summer and had been working through.
Henderson ended up taking the next two years off from wrestling to spend time with his family as well as to pursue other ventures. Henderson would make his return to wrestling by signing a contract with World Elite Wrestling in July 2013. In 2014, xWo announced that there would be a reunion show and Henderson himself confirmed he would be apart of it. It was later announced that xWo was making a complete comeback and Henderson would revealed he was going to split his time between xWo and WEW. Beginning in September 2017, Henderson signed a contract with CWC – Championship Wrestling Coalition and initially debuted in their Pacific Northwest (PNW) territory, before being released and later moved to Sentinel Wrestling Alliance (SWA) and then being moved again this time to Sixth City Pro (SCP) which operates out of Cleveland, Ohio - where Henderson grew up. Henderson would move territories for the fourth time moving from SCP to CWC Japan: Legacy.
Early life[]
Michael Ryan Henderson was born in Columbus, Ohio but was raised in Cleveland before he moved to Seattle, Washington at the age of 15 where he would watch his two brothers wrestle for local promotions, that was when Michael knew what he wanted to do. Michael finished high school and would attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. While attending college, Henderson split his time between college and beginning his wrestling training with his father and older brother, Colby. Shortly after Michael started his training his grandmother died so he took some time away from wrestling before deciding to quit both the business as well as drop out of college, before enrolling into the US Army. After completing boot camp and serving two tours, Henderson received a medical discharge after being wounded by shrapnel from a car bomb from the army, while he was there his Sergeant was a wrestling promoter and would put on small little shows at the Army base and would reignite Henderson's spark for the business as after all his first love was wrestling and after a little more inspiration from his older brother, Michael started his training again. A few years went by and Michael's grandfather who was a big inspiration for Michael passed away which again resulted in Michael taking some time away from his wrestling training before he resumed his training six months later.
Professional wrestling career[]
Xtreme Wrestling Organization (2007–2011; 2014)[]
Debut and North American Champion (2007)[]
Michael debuted in Xtreme Wrestling Organization under the ring name; Ryan Henderson, in an in ring confrontation with, Tyler Thompson. Ryan would turn on Tyler and spear him down to the match thus making him a heel. Ryan's brother Colby Henderson the current Madness Champion at the time came out and was impressed with his brothers actions and made a match where it would be Tyler Hensley vs Ryan Henderson winner becomes a member of the Alliance. However the match wouldn't take place, as Henderson would be traded to Meltdown only to debut against Mr. Kennedy and Shaggy 2 Dope.
Henderson would walk out of the match the winner thus winning his first match in the xWo. John Kendrick the Meltdown GM, was impressed during this match and rewarded Ryan with a shot at the xWo North American Championship against Omar Perkins, current champion at the time and Jesse. On the June 22nd edition of Meltdown, Ryan Henderson would capture the xWo North American Championship after pinning Omar Perkins after a countering the Long Island Lariat into the Blaze of Glory and thus become the youngest champion ever in xWo history at the age of 18.
The next week, when Ryan would try and celebrate John Kendrick would come down and congratulate Ryan only to get knocked out by Bryan Matthews, whom he had stripped of the xWo T.V. Title the week before. Tyler Hensley would come out and challenge Ryan to a match for the xWo North American Championship. Ryan accepted a match between the two at Vendetta, but it is unknown if the match will take place or not. Ryan is scheduled to have his first title defense against Jesse this coming Friday. Ryan would lose the North American Championship to Jesse and shortly there after would be released from the company.
Return; X-Division and Million Dollar Champion (2010)[]
It boiled for weeks on whether or not Michael would re-sign with the xWo after leaving well over three years ago. Michael began negotiations with xWo management and the two sides have yet to come to an agreement. On June 16, 2010 both the xWo and Michael came to an agreement on a one year contract. Michael was placed on the Revenge roster, the same brand his brother, Colby is on under his old ring name, Ryan Henderson. On the June 28th edition of Monday Night Revenge, Ryan debuted as a villain, making it known that he wanted to make his own mark on the brand and stray away from his brother, believing his brother was weak, he made his intentions known for the Revenge Championship.
Ryan would lose in his in-ring return to the xWo against Arion Catcher and would lose again in his second match this time a tag team match involving Swift Payne and Peyton Star with his partner being Rob Kelleher. At Vendetta, in his PPV debut (haven't not competed on PPV during his first run in the xWo) he will face Ripper in a match that is said to have a very good reward for the winner as the two have impressed GM, Mr. Armstrong. Ryan lost to Ripper at Vendetta increasing his win, loss record to 0-3.
The next night on Revenge he was put up against Ripper and Rob Kelleher in a triple threat match, for the vacant X-Division Championship and this time Ryan would not be denied as he managed to hit both Kelleher and Ripper with the Blaze of Glory, only to utilize a move that his brother is famous for, the Running Punt on Ripper, to pin him and capture the X-Division Championship for the first time in his career. The following week, Ryan faced off with a new addition to the Revenge roster in Tyson Clark and was being beaten for the majority of the match by Clark before distracting the referee long enough for him to hit a low blow before pinning Clark and picking up his second victory in a row. It was announced that in the main event of next week's Revenge that Ryan would go one on one with former xWo World Heavyweight Champion, Mephisto.
Ryan would get himself disqualified in the main event against Mephisto, and would proceed to beat down Mephisto however a small mistake allowed the veteran to beat down Ryan leaving him a bloody mess at the end of the show, earlier in the night Ryan would make an appearance in Brad Cruise's match attacking both him and his opponent, Ripper obviously sending a message to both men for SummerClash. Ryan made an appearance early in the night of the following episode of Revenge interfering in the Jayson Knox and Tyson Clark match, attacking both men and laying them both out with a Blaze of Glory, again sending a message to the new talent who are gunning for his X-Division Championship. Later in the night in the main event, Team Revenge much like Team MeltDown had a warm up match, with the exception of Colby Henderson, however unlike their MeltDown counterparts, they were not victorious.
As Team Revenge managed to eliminate all members of Ryan's team, leaving Ryan left all on his own however the X-Division Champion managed to eliminate each member one by one until it was down to himself and Cleon Base and Ryan managed to hit the Blaze of Glory and pinned the former World Heavyweight Champion, to win the match for his team and gain a whole lot of momentum towards SummerClash. At SummerClash, Ryan retained the X Division Championship in a Six Pack Challenge.
Following the match though, Ryan put Brad Cruise through a table with the Blaze of Glory, before attacking Robb Daniels' already injured arm with a steel chair. Ryan dropped Swift Payne with a Rope Hung Spike DDT onto a steel chair. Later on in the night Ryan was interviewed regarding his attacks on those three men and Ryan stated that it was a favor for Co-Meltdown GM, Chase Klemmens and in returned asked that he be named the Million Dollar Champion, a title he found in the General Manager's office. Of course Ryan didn't wait until Klemmens agreed to it as he knew that Klemmens would so Ryan re-activated the Million Dollar Championship as an active championship, making him a double champion, for the first time in his career.
Madness Champion and feud with Ripper (2010–2011)[]
Again later on in the night Ryan made an appearance as he interfered in the Revenge vs. Meltdown Brand Clash Match and hit Lex Marsters with the Blaze of Glory, allowing Rob Kelleher to hit the Saving Grace and pin Marsters giving Revenge their fourth win in a row in the Brand Clash. On the following edition of Monday Night Revenge, Ryan will go one on one with Meltdown Superstar, Hell's Guardian. On August 31, the X Division Championship was declared defunct and Ryan was named the new xWo Madness Champion, which has history with his family as his brother is a former Madness Champion and the longest reigning Champion as well. Following this, Ryan entered into a feud with Lex Marsters, the former Meltdown Champion and the man he attacked at SummerClash.
On the final showing of Revenge, Ryan lost to Hell's Guardian by disqualification after utilizing a low blow right in front of the referee as he proceeded to take Hell's Guardian down with a Blaze of Glory however got a little too ahead of himself as he lined up for a Punt but was stopped dead in his tracks by the giant hand of Hell's Guardian which in turn led to the low blow and the disqualification. Later in the night after the main event and after Lex Marsters, Tyler Chandler and Mariusz Pudzianowski were victorious, the Initiative cut a promo and revealed Rob Kelleher as the newest member of the Initiative.
Following the promo, Ryan rushed to the ring through the crowd as he leveled Lex Marsters with the Blaze of Glory before exiting the ring and heading back into the crowd before Chandler or Kelleher could attack as it is now set in stone and that on the debut episode of Affliction these two will compete for the first time ever, one on one and the Million Dollar Championship along with the Meltdown Championship will be on the line and also if Ryan is to beat Lex, he joins the Initiative. Ryan would lose to Lex Marsters thanks to some interference from Tyler Chandler and would however proceed to attack Lex after the match leveling him with his new finishing move, The Money Drop. Ryan would try and get into the International Championship hunt, only to be turned down by Chase Klemmens, who in turn told Ryan he would defend the Madness Championship in a triple threat, just like his brother three years earlier.
Ryan would lose the Madness Championship to Ripper after Damien Carter was leveled with the Scar, allowing Ripper to cover him for the three count. It is being said that Ryan is invoking his rematch clause at Ground Zero. Ryan lost in his rematch for the Madness Championship at Ground Zero. In late September, Ryan legitimately landed badly on his knee and was examined backstage and it was revealed that he had done some severe damage to his patella and that he had the choice of having surgery or not. Ryan is expected to be out of action if he doesn't go along with the surgery, anywhere between two to four months. If he goes with the surgery, he will be expected to miss four to six months of action.
On the February 2nd edition of Affliction, Ryan made his return as a face and addressed his most recent injury as well as an individual who believes he needs to get even with and that individual being Ripper who beat Henderson for the Madness Championship. Following this xWo went into bankruptcy and along with most of the roster Ryan ended up leaving the company.
Reunion Show: We Ain't Dead Yet! (2014)[]
It was revealed in July that xWo was planning a reunion show. It was later confirmed in August 2014 that there would be one and many former xWo Superstars as well as AWF Superstars had confirmed their participation in the reunion show, including Henderson and that the show would take place on October 26, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. However Henderson would be pulled from the show due to a shoulder injury he sustained in WEW (World Elite Wrestling) and later didn't even make an appearance on the show when it aired.
World Elite Wrestling / WEW (2013–2015)[]
Henderson signed a contract with World Elite Wrestling on July 16, 2013 which coincidentally happened to also be his twenty-seventh birthday as well. Henderson was assigned to the Adrenaline brand that takes place on Friday nights. On the August 9, 2013 episode of Anarchy, Henderson made his debut with a win over Ryan Preston and Trip Johnson. A week later, Henderson suffered his first loss losing to Gabriel Asar in a match that Henderson had requested to a Twitter war that had started between the two men. On the following August 23, 2013 Adrenaline, Henderson defeated Grayson Anderson Jr. After not being seen for a number of weeks, Henderson returned on the September 20, 2013 Adrenaline and would face Brian James however both men were counted out after battling on the outside eventually being broken up by officials. Again after a month of inactivity, Henderson suffered a loss to Craig Anderson on the October 25, 2013 episode of Adrenaline.
It was later announced that Henderson would team up with Adrian Jobs to face Calvin Harris in a handicap match made by Harris' uncle Michael Harris at Crossroads. At the aforementioned PPV, Harris was able to get the victory over both Henderson and Jobs, after pinning Adrian. Following the match Henderson shook Calvin's hand as a sign of respect, before hitting him with the Fatal Encounter, much to the chagrin of the crowd thus effectively turning heel in the process and aligning himself with Michael and started a feud with Calvin. On the following episode of Adrenaline Henderson teamed with Jobs once again defeating American Prominence (Brian James & Phoenix Winterborn) in a tag team match, despite the fact that there was animosity between the two men, leading to Henderson attacking Jobs.
The feud between Calvin and Ryan escalated as earlier in the night both Henderson and Michael spoke about the events that took place at the PPV, before calling Calvin a cancer and that Ryan was the cure. Later in the night following Calvin's impressive victory over Gabriel Asar, Henderson attempted to attack Calvin only for him to counter and attempt to Superkick him, however Henderson ducked underneath the bottom rope escaping. A week later on the November 22, 2013 episode of Adrenaline Henderson lost to Shady Layne after being superkicked by Calvin Harris who had joined commentary. A week later, Henderson defeated Tom Sykes.
It was then revealed that Henderson would in fact face Calvin at Third Degree Burns and that it would be a 3 Stages of Third Degree Burns match – a match that Calvin came up with. It's pretty much a regular Three Stage of Hell match with the exception being that any kind of weapon that's used is allowed to be set on fire and used. The first fall will be a Flaming Kendo Stick match, where whoever gets to the Kendo stick first is allowed to use it. The second fall will be a Flaming table match where the only way to win is to put your opponent through a flaming table. The Third and final fall will be an I Quit Match with various flaming objects at ringside. At the event Henderson defeated Harris after both men split the first two falls and forced into third and final fall, with Henderson coming out on top after Michael Harris threw in the towel for Calvin, later revealing that he didn't do it for Calvin's safety but merely wanted to humiliate him.
Over the next few weeks, Henderson started a small rivalry with Brian James. And it was announced that after multiple jabs at one another on social media that the two would face off on the first episode of Adrenaline in the new year. It was also revealed that Henderson would team up with Michael Harris to face Calvin in a Handicap match at Free Fall 2 Fury.
On January 10, 2014 episode of Adrenaline, Henderson defeated Brian James after hitting him with the Final Encounter, the Silencer and a punt to the head, before pinning him. After the match, Gabriel Asar made his way down to the ring and started beating down James, only for the latter to start getting the advantage, so Henderson made his way back down to the ring and joined in on the beatdown, attacking Brian James. Phoenix Winterborn would attempt to even the odds however Brooklyn Carter would come out and hit Winterborn with the Women's Championship allowing for both Henderson and James to get the upper hand. The three later raised their arms in unison signaling a possible alliance between the three. After the alliance was formed, Henderson ran into Michael Harris backstage and the two got into an arguement teasing tension between the two men heading into their handicap match against Calvin at Free Fall 2 Fury. A week later, on the January 17, 2014 WEW Awards Supershow Henderson and Asar defeated James and Winterborn in a non-title match.
Over the course of the next few weeks, Henderson and Asar continued their feud with James and Winterborn defeating them both in singles matches respectively before defeating them again in a tag team match on the February 7, 2014 episode of Adrenaline which ended their brief feud. That same night the Takeover started a feud with Trish Newborn and Calvin Harris, having attacked Calvin a week prior and then attacking them for the second week in a row, while Newborn attempted to intervene she was unsuccessful. This started a feud between Henderson and Newborn and Henderson has since announced his intentions of challenging for the WEW Titan Championship. On the WEW Draft Adrenaline Supershow, Asar and Henderson defeated the WEW Tag Team Champions in a non-title match to earn a draft pick for Adrenaline. Later that night, Gabriel Asar would be drafted to Animosity. A week later, Henderson teamed up with Brooklyn Carter and lost to the team of Calvin Harris and Tiffany Krys, with Krys pinning Carter. After the match the Takeover disbanded, opting to go their separate ways.
After this Henderson was named a member of Team Adrenaline along with Trish Newborn, Craig Anderson and Michael Hardy where they will take on Team Animosity's Gabriel Asar, Dexter Black and the Divas of Harlem in a Four on Four Elimination Tag Team match. Henderson later named himself captain of the team that he would lead Adrenaline to victory and prove that he was the future and the future WEW World Champion. At Battlefield, Team Adrenaline was victorious after Trish Newborn became the sole survivor outlasting Gabriel Asar.
At Retribution, Henderson entered the rumble at #12 and lasted over twenty minutes before being eliminated by Dexter Black. After Henderson revealed he was taking some time off. After two months of inactivity Henderson made his return at Legacy: Jamaica along with his wife where he stated that he had realized a lot of things during his absence. He realized that he let his ego get the better of him, that he had allowed it to consume him and turn him into something that he wasn't. He later stated that since becoming a father again he realized that he needs to set a good example for her and that he needs to be someone that she can look up to thus turning face. On the August 15, 2014 episode of Adrenaline, Henderson made his return to the ring suffering a loss to Damien Kingston and during that match he suffered an injury - a separated shoulder.
On the November 7, 2014 episode of Adrenaline, after being out for almost three months Henderson returned from his shoulder injury and defeated Leakee Reigns in his return match. A week later on the November 14, 2014 episode of Adrenaline, Henderson defeated Saint Jericho. Henderson has since made it known that he has the Universal Championship in his sights. Henderson would go on to lose his first match since returning on the December 22, 2014 episode of Animosity to Equinox. On the March 6, 2015 episode of Adrenaline, Henderson teamed with his wife for the first time, suffering a loss to The Natural Born Killaz. Following the match it looked as though Daniel Richards was going to attack Henderson, Team #JAndi made the save before The Enterprise made their way out and a all out brawl ensued. It was later revealed that at Free Fall 2 Fury IV that Natural Born Killaz would defend their WEW Tag Team Championships against Team #JAndi, The Enterprise and The Hendersons in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match. At the PPV, Henderson along with his wife were unsuccessful. Henderson along with his wife later left WEW after their contracts expired and they both opted not to renew them.
Independent circuit (2015–2018)[]
After Henderson left WEW, he started taking bookings on the Independent circuit. Henderson would compete against a variety of wrestlers all over the world and for various promotions, including ROH, New Japan Pro Wrestling, NYCC, and GFW. As of late, Henderson has found himself competing regularly in EVOLVE, WCPW and PWG.
Championship Wrestling Coalition (2017–2018)[]
Pacific Northwest and Sixty City Pro (2017–2018)[]
In September 2017, Henderson signed a contract with Championship Wrestling Coalition making his debut in their Pacific Northwest (PNW) promotion. Henderson made his official in-ring debut on the October 4, 2017 episode of Warfare in a Triple threat match against Rhiannon and PNW Champion, Liam Callaghan which was won by the latter. A week later, Henderson teamed with El Forastero in a loss against Rhiannon and Konstantine.
After not being on television for a couple weeks, Henderson returned on the October 28, 2017 episode of Warfare and came up short in a Scramble match to determine the #1 Contendership for the PNW Championship. After this Henderson would be released from his PNW contract thus making him a free agent and able to sign with any CWC territory. In January 2018, Henderson signed with Sentinel Wrestling Alliance (SWA) and made his debut on the January 2, 2018 episode teaming with Kenyon Long suffering a loss to the team of Rock n' Roll God and Osiris Lincoln. This would be Henderson's only appearance with SWA as he would soon transfer over to Sixth City Pro (SCP) based out of Cleveland, Ohio where he grew up.
Henderson made his debut for SCP on the January 15, 2018 episode in a Six Pack Challenge where he came up short. A week later, Henderson had a second opportunity to qualify for the SCP Championship tournament but came up short again this time against Adam Webb. On the January 30, 2018 episode, Henderson managed to pick up his first win against Tyrell Davidson beating him with the Final Eclipse. A week later, Henderson got his second win this time defeating his sister-in-law, Kylie Connelly. Henderson continued his winning streak with a win over Darlin' Clementine, Charlie Van Zwet and Veeka Manns in a Fatal Four Way Elimination match. At the Sixth Supershow, Henderson interrupted the debut of Matt Stone before attacking him and laying him out after Stone had said that nobody could shut him up, seemingly beginning a feud between the two men. Henderson later competed in the Gauntlet match to crown the first-ever SCP Trios Champions, however he came up short.
In Stone's debut match on SCP #7, Henderson was defeated by Stone after the latter rolled him up with a handful of tights. A week later, Henderson teamed with Cameron Powell and Nick Sanders against the team of Stone, Shane Browne and Cece Durden in a Sixth City Trios match. Henderson would be the first eliminated by Matt Stone in what would turn out to be Henderson's final match in SCP.
Japan: Legacy (2018)[]
Henderson after leaving Sixth City Pro would sign with CWC Japan: Legacy. Henderson would make his debut at Legacy #25: Warfare in Hiroshima and would defeat Nicole Evans in under a minute. Henderson would continue his winning streak at Legacy #26 where he would get a non-title victory over CWC Junior Heavyweight Champion, Jack Tillman. It would later be announced that the victory earned Henderson a shot at the CWC Junior Heavyweight Championship at Legacy #28. Henderson would come up short against Tillman at Legacy #28, suffering his first loss in Japan, however after the match, respect was shown by the two men and Tillman offered Henderson a spot within the Dogs of War which Henderson accepted becoming the newest member. At United We Stand II, Henderson would be one of the 100 entrants in the Sole Survivor match and would last quite awhile in the match managing to eliminate Samantha Tolson as well as the Beast, but would ultimately be eliminated. It would be revealed that at Japan: Legacy #30: "Denouement" that Henderson would face Austin Carter to determine the inaugural Japan Junior Heavyweight Champion. At the event Henderson defeated Carter to win the Japan Junior Heavyweight Championship for the first time before it was revealed that Japan would be going on a hiatus until September. In August 2018, CWC closed, while the remaining promotions with the exception of a few formed United Championship Wrestling Association (UCWA), it was unsure if Japan: Legacy would join them or not.
United Championship Wrestling Association (2018–2019)[]
San Francisco Wrestling (2018)[]
In July 2018, Henderson signed with San Francisco Wrestling, previously CWC's now UCWA's California territory while Japan was on hiatus. At San Fran Graps #1, Henderson defeated Matthew Gamble. At San Fran Graps #2 Henderson would begin a feud with Angel Kash over the SFW Breakout Championship as it was announced that Henderson would be one of the two competitors competing for the title while the other was Angel Kash. The two would exchange words with one another and proclaim to one another why they would be leaving with the title. At San Fran Graps #3 Kash would defeat Henderson after interference from Matthew Gamble who turned heel and aided Kash after weeks of being tormented by her and being propositioned back during San Fran Graps #1 when Gamble lost to Henderson.
Portland Pro Wrestling (2018–2019)[]
The same day he signed with SFW, Henderson also signed with CWC's Portland Pro Wrestling territory based out of Portland, Oregon. Henderson made his debut as a face at Breakdown 1 where he defeated Warren Corbett. That same night it was revealed that Henderson would be one of the competitors who would compete for the PPW Portlandia Championship in a Six Person Tag Team match where the winning team would face off in a Triple Threat match at CWC Worldwide Night 1 in London, England. CWC would fold and Portland Pro would be acquired by UCWA and thus Worldwide didn't take place, instead the match for the Portlandia Championship took place at Breakdown IV with Kem Dynamo winning the championship. At Breakdown V, Henderson would suffer another loss this time to Marilyn Lee Cross. At Breakdown VII, Henderson would defeat Dakota Lockard, however he'd be eliminated from the Cascade Championship contention.
New Japan Fighting Championship (2018)[]
In February 2018, Henderson announced his intentions of making appearances for New Japan Fighting Championship and entering their FIGHTING Spirit tournament to crown a new GPC FIGHTING Junior Heavyweight Champion. On February 6, 2018, Henderson was officially announced as a participant in the tournament. In the first and second rounds of the tournament, Henderson defeated Samantha Tolson and Jason Hunter, before defeating Joseph White in the third round to advance to the finals against Craig Anderson. Henderson would go onto lose to Anderson in the finals, coming up just short in the tournament.
Seattle Pro Wrestling (2018)[]
In March 2018, Henderson signed a contract with Seattle Pro Wrestling and it was revealed that he would make his debut on March 24, 2018 at Mainstream 9: Lust where he would unsuccessfully challenge for the Endurance Championship against Stephen J. Eversol. On April 7, 2018 at Conflict: SLOTH, Henderson defeated Dayna Grace in a Endurance Championship Contenders Series match. On April 21, 2018 at Fusion: GLUTTONY, Henderson came up short against JT Saint in a Endurance Championship Contenders Series match. It was later revealed that the Endurance Championship was being retired and that the winner of the Contenders Series would instead become the inaugural Television Champion and that the winner would be determined in two matches with the winners of the first two matches competing for the championship.
On May 5, 2018 at Mainstream X: PRIDE, Henderson first managed to defeat Trixie, before going onto defeating JT Saint to become the inaugural Television Championship and thus winning the Television Championship Contenders Series. Henderson would make his first title defense against Jim Davis, defeating him at Mainstream 11. It would later be revealed that Henderson would be apart of the Emerald City Classic single elimination tournament, Henderson would defeat Pride Champion, AJ Knight in a Champion vs. Champion match to advance to the semi-finals, before losing to Eli Buchanan in the finals. In a rematch at FUSION 5, Henderson was able to defeat Buchanan with his Television Championship on the line. Later that night, Jack Tillman made his Seattle Pro debut as a stand off occurred between Henderson, Tillman and Billy Danielson – who joined the Dogs of War earlier in the night and Hammerstein and his Killswitch stable to end the show.
At Mainstream 13, Henderson defeated JT Saint in a Winner Take All match for both the SPW Television Championship and the WTC World Television Championship, becoming the undisputed World Television Champion. The SPW Television Championship would then become the World Television Championship with it having been defended outside of North America. At NVR 4: RIOT, Henderson retained his SPW World Television Championship in a Fatal Four Way Ladder match, however wasn't able to retain his WTC World Television Championship. It was later revealed that the WTC World Television Championship was being retired in favor of a new championship, the WTC Destiny Crown Championship and that a tournament would take place to crown the first-ever champion. Henderson would be added to the tournament due to him having been the last to hold the WTC World Television Championship and will face Mariano Fernandez in the first round of the tournament on September 13th, 2018 at Destiny 8. At Mainstream 14, Henderson would team with AJ Morales against Da Trix Turners (Mariano Fernandez & Trixie) and the two would suffer a loss. At #Destiny8, Henderson would defeat Fernandez in what many are considering a candidate for match of the year – it would be rated five stars by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestler Observer Newsletter, this being Henderson's third five star match of the year. Henderson would be eliminated in the second round by James Remy after the latter used a cowbell. At Fusion 6, Henderson lost the World Television Championship to Fernandez ending his reign at 140 days. A week later, Henderson faced SILK and would lose by disqualification after hitting him with a wrench, before cutting a scathing promo and pointing all the blame of his recent misfortunes on AJ Morales – turning heel in the process, before proceeding to challenge him to a match for the Pride Championship, the match would later be made official for the October 12, 2018 episode which Henderson would go on to lose, this would turn out to be Henderson's last match in Seattle Pro as he would quietly leave the company for unknown reasons.
Maple Leaf Wrestling Association (2019)[]
In February 2019, Henderson signed a contract with Maple Leaf Wrestling Association based in Ontario, Canada. On the February 28, 2019 episode a video package would air highlighting Henderson's career and announcing his arrival to MLWA, while also making it known that he had his eyes set on the MLWA World's Heavyweight Championship and that he would be making his in-ring debut a week later. On the March 7, 2019 episode, Henderson made his official in-ring debut defeating Jeremy Squire.
Max Japan Pro Wrestling (2019)[]
Coming Soon
One Wrestle Movement (2020–present)[]
On January 30th 2020 after an extended hiatus from wrestling, Henderson signed an exclusive contract with 1 Wrestle Movement and made his debut at Legendary 3 as a babyface where he defeated Fredrick Becker. At Legendary 5, Henderson continued his winning ways teaming with his wife, Angelita and her twin sister, Kylie to defeat the team of James Gordon, Liam Archer and Nathan McAleese. It would later be announced that Henderson would be a participant in a 30 Person Battle Royal at Legendary 6 to crown the first-ever Pride of 1WM Champion. At Legendary 6, Henderson managed to outlast 29 other Superstars to become the inaugural Pride of 1WM Champion, but not before being attacked after the match by Diana whom he would lastly eliminate. At Legendary 7, Henderson would defend his championship against Erick St. John, the match would end in a draw after the time limit had expired however Henderson would retain the championship. After the match Henderson would be attacked by both St. John and Solomon Monster. At Legendary 8, Henderson would defeat "Pretty" Ricky Stanton to retain the Pride of 1WM Championship, however once again he would be attacked after the match by Erick St. John, Solomon Monster, Ricky Stanton and Jenni Drew ― whom appeared to be making the save for Henderson only to attack him herself and align herself with St. John, Monster and Stanton, dubbing themselves as Emeritus. At Glory 4, Henderson would successfully retain the Pride of 1WM Championship against Alex Drake. At Legendary 9, Henderson would lose the Pride of 1WM Championship to Graham Baker ending his reign at 92 days.
Legacy Pro Wrestling (2020–present)[]
Henderson would signed with Legacy Pro Wrestling in August 2020 based out of the United Kingdom, having be close friends with Craig Anderson who was a part owner of the company along with Alfie Craddock ― the son of Austin Craddock who was the owner of Legacy: Japan, which Henderson had previously worked for. It was announced for the first show that Henderson would face Magnus in the first round of the Legacy Championship Tournament which will crown the first-ever Legacy Champion at the end of the night.
Personal life[]
Henderson is a third generation professional wrestler. His grandfather Ryan "The Hammer" Henderson, and his father Michael Henderson Sr. are professional wrestlers. His two older brothers Colby and Nero "Jack" Henderson are also professional wrestlers. In 2013, Henderson got a tattoo of a rose on his right wrist with the initials A.V. which are the initials of his wife, Angelita Vargas; Henderson added onto the tattoo by adding the date in which they were married underneath the rose. Henderson later got another tattoo of his wife's initials on his ring finger. Henderson later described this as the most painful tattoo that he's gotten. In 2017, Henderson got a full sleeve of various designs on his right arm that begins at his wrist and goes all the way up his arm and over his right pectoral. He also got the words "Be Fearless" on his left pectoral.
In May 2012, Henderson started his own non-profit organization, the Michael Henderson Foundation. As part of the foundation, individuals with life threatening illnesses or disabilities are offered the chance to meet Henderson at live events, and further programs for youth leadership and community causes are being developed. The foundation ceased operations in 2015.
Henderson is a big fan of comic books, even naming two of his children after comic book characters - his son; Kalel named after DC Comics character Superman and his daughter; Kara also named after DC Comics character Supergirl. Henderson is also a supporter of English football club Liverpool FC, stating he got into the sport and began supporting the club whilst living in an apartment with a friend from high school. It was around this time that he was involved in a romantic relationship with Keagan Reid. The two would end their romance after Reid went off to Law school.
Henderson married his girlfriend of three years, Maria Lopez on August 15, 2010. In February 2012 Maria filed for divorce from Henderson citing "irreconcilable differences", the divorce was finalized on January 20, 2013.
Henderson is married to former WEW Hairstylist and WEW Starlet, Angelita Vargas. On August 13, 2013 they announced their engagement after a year of dating and were married on February 13, 2014. In December 2013, Henderson revealed on Twitter that the two were expecting their first child together – a daughter; this being the first child for both Vargas and Henderson. It was revealed on June 2, 2014 that Angelita had given birth to a baby girl – 6 weeks premature and that they named her Andrea Harper Remy Henderson. The couple divide their time between their homes in Orlando, Florida and Cleveland, Ohio. On June 21, 2015 the couple revealed that they were currently expecting their second child due sometime in March 2016. Angelita gave birth to twins; a boy and a girl – Kalel Ryan and Kara Quinn. In September 2017, Angelita revealed that she was pregnant with the couple's fourth child and she was due in June 2018. In November 2017, the couple revealed they were expecting another boy. On June 3, 2018 Angelita gave birth to a baby boy – Logan James "LJ" Henderson.
In wrestling[]
- Finishing moves
- Killshot (Fireman's carry spun out into a knee strike); 2019–present
- Fatality (540 kick); 2018–present
- Signature moves
- Welcome to O-HIO (Backflip handstand headscissors takedown), followed by a dropkick
- Axe Bomber (Big boot, sometimes to a seated opponent)
- Diving clothesline, sometimes while springboarding
- Double underhook backbreaker
- Dropping down and uppercutting the opponent, as a back body drop counter
- European uppercut, sometimes while springboarding
- Feint clothesline transitioned into a clothesline to the back of the opponent's head
- Fireman's carry takeover transitioned into a single leg basement dropkick
- High knee to an oncoming opponent
- Inverted headlock backbreaker
- Meteora
- Multiple DDT variations
- What's Up?! (Float over, followed by a kip up and Henderson yelling out: "What's Up?!")
- Reverse
- Snap
- Revelation (Rolling Thunder into a Jumping)
- Rope-hung
- Multiple kick variations
- Backflip, usually followed by an enzuigiri
- Drop
- Hanging soccer
- Rolling thunder into a front drop
- Roundhouse
- Running drop from the floor to the head of an opponent draped over the second rope
- Spin, usually preceded by a bicycle knee
- Springboard roundhouse
- Standing, leg-feed, step-over or a running enzuigiri
- Northern Lights suplex followed by a deadlift vertical suplex
- Over the top rope no-handed corkscrew moonsault plancha
- Rebound clothesline
- Rolling thunder into a standing frog splash
- Running knee lift
- Snap scoop powerslam
- Spinebuster
- Spinning back elbow, usually preceded by a couple of forearm shots; 2017–present
- Springboard 450° splash
- Superman (Suicide somersault plancha)
- Kryptonite Fist (Superman punch)
- Managers
- Angelita Henderson
- Keagan Reid
- Maria Henderson
- Nicknames
- "The Axe" – adopted from his father
- "The Cure" (WEW)
- "The Chosen One" (WEW)
- "The Dark Horse" (WEW)
- "The End of Days" (WEW)
- "The Evolution" (WEW)
- "Greatness Personified" (xWo)
- "The Fortunate One" (xWo)
- "The Future" (WEW) – bestowed upon by Michael Harris
- "The Man of Destiny" (xWo)
- "The (Self-Proclaimed) Evolution of the Wrestling business" (WEW)
- "The One Man Dynasty" (WEW)
- "The Next Generation"
- "The Workhorse"
- "The Thoroughbred"
- "The Natural"
- "The Aerial Assassin"
- "Mr. Fly High"
- "Cleveland's Prodigal Son"
- "The King of Flight"
- "Limitless"
- "Mr. No Limits"
- "Mr. Worldwide"
- "Mr. Five Star"
- "The Human Highlight Reel"
- "Highlight of the Night"
- "The Unpredictable One"
- Entrance themes
- "King of My World" by Saliva
- "Voices" by Rev Theory
- "Burn in My Light" by Mercy Drive
- "Born 2 Run" by 7Lions
- "Smoke and Mirrors" by Emphatic
- "The Takeover" by Avery Watts (Used while apart of The Takeover)
- "Line in the Sand" by Motörhead
- "The Truth Reigns" by Jim Johnston
- "Voices" by Rev Theory
- "Running From My Shadow" by Mike Shinoda (2018)
- "Born For This" by The Score (2019–2020)
- "To The Top" by Def Rebel (1WM; 2020–present)
- "War Ready (feat. Chris Toli)" by Def Rebel (Legacy Pro; 2020–present)
Championships and accomplishments[]
- Legacy: Japan
- Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time, inaugural and final champion)
- New Japan Fighting Championship
- FIGHTING Spirit Tournament (2018 Finalist)
- One Wrestle Movement
- Pride of 1WM Championship (1 time, inaugural)
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- PWI ranked him #15 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2017
- PWI ranked him #8 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2018
- PWI ranked him #93 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2019
- Seattle Pro Wrestling
- Seattle Pro Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Dogs of War*
- Seattle Pro World Television Championship (1 time, inaugural)
- Television Championship Contenders Series Winner
- Emerald City Classic (2018 Finalist)
- World Elite Wrestling
- 2013 WEW Award for Hottie of the Year (Nominated)
- 2013 WEW Award for Match of the Year (Nominated) – with Calvin Harris (Third Degree Burns II)
- 2014 WEW Award for Hottie of the Year (Nominated)
- Match of the Night - vs. Calvin Harris in a 3 Stages of 3rd Degree Burns match at Third Degree Burns II
- World Television Council
- WTC World Television Championship (1 time, final champion)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- 5 Star Match (2018) vs. Craig Anderson on March 4 (NJFC FIGHTING Spirit Tournament Finals)
- 5 Star Match (2018) vs. Jack Tillman on May 8 (CWC Junior Heavyweight Championship)
- 5 Star Match (2018) vs. Mariano Fernandez on September 13 (WTC Destiny 8 Tournament)
- 5 Star Match (2018) vs. Mariano Fernandez on September 22 (SPW World Television Championship)
- Xtreme Wrestling Organization
- xWo Madness Championship (1 time)
- xWo Million Dollar Championship (1 time)
- xWo North American Championship (1 time)
- xWo X-Division Championship (1 time)
*Reign was shared with Billy Danielson, Jack Tillman and Mark Storm under the Freebird rule.