Brian Kendrick Then and Now

By / September 11, 2024

Brian Kendrick Then

Brian Kendrick, born on May 29, 1979, in Fairfax, Virginia, grew up in a supportive family environment as the oldest of three children. 

His parents, Barbara Kendrick, and his siblings—brother Neal and sister Shannon—were integral to his early life. 

The family eventually relocated to Olympia, Washington, where Kendrick attended North Thurston High School in Lacey. 

During his senior year, Kendrick worked as a dishwasher at Dirty Dave’s Pizza Parlor, a job he took on to save money for his dream of attending wrestling school.

Growing up, Kendrick was captivated by professional wrestling and idolized several stars of the sport. 

His favorite wrestlers included Ultimate Warrior, Blue Blazer, and Koko B. Ware, all of whom left a significant impact on him. 

brian kendrick wwe
via google

Shawn Michaels, another influential figure in Kendrick’s life, played a crucial role as a trainer, helping to shape his wrestling career. 

Kendrick also admired Chris Jericho, whose innovative style and charisma inspired him.

In addition to his admiration for established wrestlers, Kendrick built strong relationships with his peers in the wrestling world. 

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He was close friends with Paul London, with whom he would later form a successful tag team. 

Kendrick also trained alongside notable wrestlers like Lance Cade and Bryan Danielson, who would go on to achieve significant acclaim in the industry. 

These relationships and training experiences were pivotal in Kendrick’s development as a professional wrestler, setting the stage for his eventual success in the wrestling world.

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Brian Kendrick Wrestling Career

Brian Kendrick’s journey in professional wrestling showcases a blend of perseverance, talent, and adaptability. 

Born in Fairfax, Virginia, Kendrick’s passion for wrestling began at a young age, inspired by legends like Ultimate Warrior and Shawn Michaels. 

His early years were marked by a dedication to wrestling, and working as a dishwasher to save money for training. 

This commitment led him to Texas in 1999, where he trained at the NWA Southwest wrestling school and the Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy, adopting the ring name “Spanky.”

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Kendrick’s debut in professional wrestling came in 1999 when he faced off against American Dragon in a match that ended in a draw. 

His early career saw him gain recognition in promotions like Memphis Championship Wrestling (MCW), where he won multiple championships and became a prominent figure before the promotion’s closure. 

His time in MCW was marked by his impressive performances, including becoming a triple champion in the promotion.

In 2002, Kendrick made his debut in Ring of Honor (ROH), further establishing his reputation in the wrestling world. 

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His international exposure grew with a stint in Pro Wrestling Zero-One (Zero-One) in Japan, where he won the International Junior Heavyweight Championship under the ring name Leonardo Spanky. 

His return to WWE in 2005 saw him reuniting with former tag team partner Paul London. 

Together, they achieved significant success, including becoming the WWE Tag Team Champions and setting a record for the longest reign until 2016.

Kendrick’s WWE career saw him navigating through various storylines, including feuds with notable wrestlers and evolving from a tag team specialist to a singles competitor. 

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His time in WWE included a memorable reign as the interim WWE Champion and a successful run with tag team partner Ezekiel Jackson. 

Despite being released from WWE in 2009, Kendrick’s career continued to flourish in the independent circuit and other promotions.

His return to wrestling saw him competing in Dragon Gate USA, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). 

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brian kendrick wrestler
via google

Kendrick’s time in TNA showcased his versatility and character evolution, culminating in a return to New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 2011. 

There, he competed in high-profile matches and became an associate member of the Chaos stable.

In 2013, Kendrick expanded his influence by founding his own wrestling promotion, Brian Kendrick’s Wrestling Pro Wrestling. 

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This venture allowed him to showcase emerging talent and continue his passion for the sport. 

Kendrick’s ongoing career includes notable feuds and matches in WWE’s 205 Live brand, where he continued to make an impact with his unique style and storytelling in the ring.

Overall, Brian Kendrick’s wrestling career highlights his dedication, adaptability, and the significant impact he has made across various promotions, solidifying his legacy in the wrestling world.

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Brian Kendrick Wrestling Competition

  • NWA Southwest Wrestling School
  • Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy
  • Memphis Championship Wrestling (MCW)
  • Ring of Honor (ROH)
  • Heartland Wrestling Association (HWA)
  • All Pro Wrestling (APW)
  • Pro Wrestling Zero-One (Zero-One)
  • World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
    • SmackDown!
    • Velocity
    • Raw
  • Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)
  • Dragon Gate USA
  • Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG)
  • New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)
  • Brian Kendrick’s Wrestling Pro Wrestling

Brian Kendrick Wife

Brian Kendrick married fellow professional wrestler Taylor Matheny in August 2008. 

Their marriage brought together two prominent figures in the wrestling world, both of whom had extensive careers in various promotions. 

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Matheny, known for her own achievements in wrestling, was a significant presence in Kendrick’s life, both personally and professionally. 

The union of these two wrestlers highlighted a shared passion for the sport, contributing to a deeper bond that extended beyond their professional lives.

Brian Kendrick Now

brian kendrick now
via brian kendrick instagram

Brian Kendrick, currently 45 years old, is an American professional wrestler renowned for his impactful tenure in WWE. 

Known for his high-flying style and innovative techniques, Kendrick’s career has spanned multiple prestigious wrestling promotions. 

He has made notable contributions to Ring of Honor, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and Pro Wrestling Zero1. 

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Since beginning his career in 1999, Kendrick has built a reputation for his versatility and dedication to the sport.

Recently, it has been reported that Kendrick is contributing to WWE in a new capacity as a producer for WWE NXT. 

This role marks a significant shift from his in-ring career, showcasing his extensive knowledge of wrestling and his commitment to the development of emerging talent. 

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As a producer, Kendrick is responsible for overseeing various aspects of NXT programming, including match layouts, storylines, and overall production quality. 

His experience and insight are invaluable in shaping the future of WWE’s developmental territory, where he continues to influence the next generation of wrestlers.

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Brian Kendrick’s Net Worth

Brian Kendrick, an American professional wrestler with a net worth of $4 million, has accumulated his wealth through a successful career spanning multiple wrestling promotions and roles within WWE.

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