John Morrison Then and Now

By / September 18, 2024

John Morrison Then

John Randall Hennigan, widely known by his ring name John Morrison, was born on October 3, 1979, in Los Angeles, California. 

Growing up in the scenic coastal area of Palos Verdes Peninsula, he was exposed to a variety of influences that helped shape his diverse interests. 

He attended Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, where he likely developed the discipline and dedication that would later serve him in both academic and athletic pursuits. 

His childhood in this affluent community offered him many opportunities to explore different activities, which ultimately contributed to his later career in professional wrestling and entertainment.

After completing high school, Hennigan went on to attend the University of California, Davis, where he graduated in 2002. During his time there, he pursued a dual interest in film and geology. 

His choice of subjects reflects his wide-ranging curiosity, blending the creative arts with the scientific study of the Earth. 

john morrison wwe
via john morrison instagram

This academic background in film has been particularly useful in his wrestling career, as it has given him a strong understanding of how to engage audiences and perform for the camera. 

His knowledge of geology, though not directly connected to his later career, speaks to his intellectual curiosity and well-rounded education.

Related Article: The Miz Then and Now

John Morrison Wrestling Career

John Randall Hennigan, better known by his ring name John Morrison, began his journey into professional wrestling after deciding not to pursue careers in film or geology, the subjects he studied at the University of California, Davis. 

Hennigan trained at Supreme Pro Wrestling in Sacramento, California, marking his first steps into the world of wrestling. Initially, his attempts to break into WWE were met with setbacks. 

He auditioned for the second season of WWE’s “Tough Enough” competition but failed to make the cut. 

However, his perseverance paid off when he participated in the third season of “Tough Enough” in 2002, emerging as a co-winner alongside Matt Cappotelli. 

Related Article: Jack Swagger Then and Now

Winning the competition earned Hennigan a developmental contract with WWE and a place in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), WWE’s developmental territory, where he further honed his skills.

Morrison’s early career saw him competing in minor matches, including the Acolytes Protection Agency’s Bar Room Brawl match at WWE’s “Vengeance” event in 2003. 

His first significant main roster appearance came in January 2004 on “Sunday Night Heat,” where he teamed up with Cappotelli against Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak, though they lost the match. 

By March of that year, Hennigan had adopted the ring name “Johnny Superstar” and turned heel by betraying Cappotelli. 

Related Article: Dolph Ziggler Then and Now

This marked his first venture into villainous storylines, setting the stage for his evolution as a wrestler.

Hennigan’s rise continued with the adoption of the ring name “Johnny Blaze,” which was later changed to “Johnny Nitro.” 

He became a personal assistant to the Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff, but it was his transition to the SmackDown brand that solidified his status in WWE. 

Forming the faction MNM with Joey Mercury and Melina, Nitro and Mercury quickly became one of SmackDown’s top tag teams, winning the WWE Tag Team Championships three times. 

Related Article: Kofi Kingston Then and Now

Their success in the tag team division made them one of the standout teams of the era, engaging in memorable rivalries and matches.

After MNM disbanded in 2007 due to Mercury’s release, Hennigan rebranded himself as “John Morrison” and pursued a singles career. 

He was drafted to WWE’s revived ECW brand, where he won the ECW Championship by defeating CM Punk. 

While some fans initially rejected Morrison as champion, preferring ECW originals, he eventually proved himself as a capable titleholder. 

Related Article: CM Punk Then and Now

Morrison’s work on the ECW brand showcased his athleticism and charismatic persona, laying the foundation for his singles’ success.

After his run on ECW, Morrison teamed up with The Miz on SmackDown, forming one of the most iconic tag teams in WWE history. 

The duo won multiple tag team championships, and their chemistry both in the ring and during segments like their “Dirt Sheet” web show made them fan favorites. Their partnership helped Morrison further establish his name in WWE.

In 2011, Morrison left WWE, citing dissatisfaction with the creative direction of his character. 

Related Article: Samoa Joe Then and Now

john morrison icon
via john morrison instagram

He spent the next seven years making a name for himself on the independent wrestling circuit and in major promotions such as Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and Lucha Underground. 

During this time, Morrison won multiple championships and gained a reputation as one of the most talented and versatile performers outside of WWE.

In 2019, Morrison made his highly anticipated return to WWE. However, this time around, he was positioned in the lower mid-card, often playing a supporting role in The Miz’s storylines. 

The two reunited to win the WWE Tag Team Championship once again, but their partnership ultimately ended in betrayal when The Miz turned on Morrison. 

Related Article: AJ Styles Then and Now

This marked Morrison’s last major appearance on WWE’s “Raw” before his departure.

Throughout his career, John Morrison demonstrated his adaptability and resilience, overcoming early challenges to become a decorated wrestler both in WWE and across the global wrestling scene. 

His impressive athleticism, high-flying style, and dedication to his craft have made him a standout performer, earning him fans worldwide.

Related Article: Christopher Daniels Then and Now

John Morrison Wrestling Competition

  • WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment)
  • ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling)
  • Lucha Underground
  • Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA)
  • Impact Wrestling
  • CWFH (Championship Wrestling from Hollywood)
  • 5 Star Wrestling
  • Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG)
  • Dragon Gate USA
  • World Series Wrestling (WSW)
  • PCW Ultra
  • Major League Wrestling (MLW)
  • Wrestling Society X (WSX)
  • Xtreme Pro Wrestling (XPW)
  • Ring of Honor (ROH)

John Morrison Wife

John Morrison is currently married to fellow professional wrestler Taya Valkyrie, a prominent star on the independent wrestling circuit. 

Taya Valkyrie, known for her dynamic in-ring performances and strong persona, has carved out a successful career in various promotions around the world. 

Although she had a brief stint in WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, under the same ring name, her impact was more pronounced in other promotions such as Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and Impact Wrestling, where she established herself as one of the top female wrestlers. 

Related Article: Frankie Kazarian Then and Now

The couple, who share a passion for wrestling and fitness, tied the knot in 2018 and have been living happily together since. 

Their shared love for the sport has strengthened their relationship, and they frequently support each other in their respective careers, both inside and outside the ring.

Before marrying Taya Valkyrie, Morrison was in a long-term relationship with former WWE wrestler Melina Perez. 

Melina, who was also his on-screen manager during their time together in WWE as part of the MNM faction, was a significant figure in his early career. 

Related Article: Alex Shelley Then and Now

The two were a high-profile couple both in and out of the ring, as their professional and personal lives intertwined. 

However, their relationship came to an end in 2015, after which Morrison moved forward, eventually finding love with Taya Valkyrie. 

Despite his past relationship with Melina, Morrison has been able to build a successful marriage with Taya, who shares his dedication to wrestling.

Related Article: Chris Sabin Then and Now

John Morrison Now

john morrison wrestler
via john morrison instagram

John Randall Hennigan, better known by his ring name John Morrison, is currently 44 years old and continues to thrive in the world of professional wrestling. 

As of now, he is signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he competes under the ring name Johnny TV. 

In addition to his work with AEW, Morrison also appears for its sister promotion, Ring of Honor (ROH). 

His presence in both AEW and ROH showcases his continued relevance in the wrestling industry, as these promotions are two of the most exciting platforms for top-tier wrestling talent today.

Related Article: Axl Rotten Then and Now

Morrison has had an extensive and illustrious career, working for numerous promotions around the globe. 

Alongside his work in AEW and ROH, he is also actively competing in Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, one of the most prominent wrestling promotions in Mexico. 

His experience and versatility have made him a valuable asset to each promotion he’s worked for, and he remains a notable figure on the independent circuit as well.

Throughout his career, Morrison has earned a reputation as a mid-card standout during his time in WWE, where he won multiple championships, including the Intercontinental and Tag Team titles. 

Related Article: Eddie Guerrero Then and Now

His agility, athleticism, and charisma helped him build a fanbase that followed him across different promotions. 

Today, Morrison’s career is a testament to his adaptability and commitment, as he continues to compete in top wrestling promotions while also making his mark in the independent wrestling scene.

Beyond his wrestling career, Morrison has ventured into acting, further expanding his skills and personal brand. 

However, wrestling remains his primary passion, and he remains one of the most enduring and dynamic performers in the sport. 

His ability to stay relevant and successful in various wrestling promotions underscores his lasting influence and legacy within the wrestling world.

Related Article: Chavo Guerrero Then and Now

John Morrison’s Net Worth

John Morrison, an American professional wrestler, has amassed a net worth of $1.5 million through his successful career in the wrestling industry, where he has competed in top promotions such as WWE, AEW, Ring of Honor, and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. 

This wealth reflects not only his in-ring achievements but also his ventures into acting and various independent wrestling circuits, contributing to his overall financial success.

Related Article: X-Pac Then and Now

FAQs

How many ring names does John Morrison have?

John Morrison has used many ring names, including Johnny Nitro, Johnny Impact, Johnny Mundo, Johnny TV, and Johnny Blaze, among others.

Who trained John Morrison?

John Morrison was trained by Al Snow, Bill DeMott, Ivory, and Hardcore Holly at WWE’s developmental territories.

Are Jim Morrison and John Morrison related?

No, Jim Morrison (the lead singer of The Doors) and John Morrison are not related. John Morrison took the name as a tribute to the rock icon.

What titles has John Morrison won?

John Morrison has won several championships, including the WWE Intercontinental Championship (3 times), WWE Tag Team Championships (6 times), ECW World Championship (1 time), and titles in other promotions like Lucha Libre AAA, Impact Wrestling, and MLW.

Why did WWE get rid of John Morrison?

John Morrison left WWE in 2011 due to dissatisfaction with the company’s creative direction and to explore other opportunities in wrestling and acting. He returned briefly in 2019 but was released in 2021 as part of budget cuts.

Who trained John Morrison?

John Morrison was trained by Al Snow, Bill DeMott, Ivory, and Hardcore Holly.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top