Spike Dudley Then and Now

Spike Dudley Then

Matthew Jonathan Hyson, better known by his ring name “Spike Dudley,” was born on August 13, 1970, in Providence, Rhode Island, United States. 

Before pursuing a professional wrestling career, Hyson attended Skidmore College, where he earned a degree in English. 

His journey into the wrestling world began in May 1993 when he entered All Pro Wrestling’s “Boot Camp” in Hayward, California, with the initial goal of training as a referee and manager. 

However, his passion for wrestling quickly grew, and he soon transitioned to in-ring training. 

Over the next few years, Hyson honed his craft in various independent promotions in California, building a solid foundation for the career that would make him a staple of the hardcore wrestling scene.

Spike Dudley Wrestling Career

Hyson’s big break came when he debuted in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) on September 14, 1996, at the event When Worlds Collide II, under the ring name “Little Spike Dudley,” as part of the Dudley family. 

Initially presented as the smallest and scrappiest member of the group, his in-ring persona emphasized his underdog nature, even incorporating drug references into his character. 

Spike Dudley’s nickname “LSD” and finishing move, the “Acid Drop,” added a rebellious and edgy touch that fit well within ECW’s hardcore environment.

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Spike quickly became known for his “giant killer” persona, where he scored surprising wins against larger opponents like Bam Bam Bigelow. 

His hardcore style and fearless attitude made him a fan favorite in ECW, and he experienced considerable success, notably teaming with Balls Mahoney to capture the ECW World Tag Team Championship twice in 1999. 

After ECW’s closure in 2001, Hyson joined WWE (then WWF), aligning with his kayfabe brothers, Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley. 

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His time in WWE saw him hold the Hardcore Championship eight times and later become a prominent figure in the Cruiserweight Division.

Though Hyson’s WWE tenure ended in 2005, he continued his wrestling career in Total Nonstop Action (TNA) as “Brother Runt” and remained active on the independent circuit for several more years. 

Known for his resilience, Spike Dudley left a lasting legacy in the world of professional wrestling as one of the most memorable underdog figures in the industry.

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Spike Dudley Wrestling Competition

• Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) (1996–2001)
• World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/WWE) (2001–2005)
• Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) (2006–2007)
• Independent Circuit (2007–2015)
• LIVE Pro Wrestling (2023)

Spike Dudley’s Wife and Children

Spike Dudley, whose real name is Matthew Hyson, is married to Vikki Hyson. The couple has two children together, a daughter and a son. 

While Spike Dudley is well-known for his high-flying wrestling style and his significant contributions to promotions like ECW and WWE, he also cherishes his role as a family man. 

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Balancing the demands of a professional wrestling career with family life, he has maintained a strong bond with his wife and children. 

This aspect of his life reflects his commitment to his family, providing a supportive and loving environment while he navigated the challenges and successes of his wrestling career.

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Spike Dudley Now

As of now, Spike Dudley is 54 years old and remains a respected figure in the world of professional wrestling. 

Although he is semi-retired, his legacy as a performer continues to be celebrated by fans and peers alike. 

Known for his tenure in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) under the ring name Spike Dudley, he made a significant impact during his time there, both as a solo competitor and as part of the iconic Dudley Brothers faction.

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Before his WWE success, Spike Dudley gained prominence in the 1990s with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), where he was a fan favorite due to his daring high-flying moves and fearless attitude. 

His character, often portrayed as the underdog “runt” of The Dudley Brothers, became a symbol of resilience and grit.

In recent years, Spike Dudley has transitioned to a more behind-the-scenes role, occasionally making appearances and participating in wrestling-related events. 

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Despite his reduced in-ring activity, he continues to influence the wrestling world through his experiences and contributions. 

His career remains a testament to his dedication and the lasting impact he has had on professional wrestling.

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