Matt Cross (wrestler)

Matt Cross

Matt Cross in October 2012
Birth name Matthew Capiccioni[1][2]
Born (1980-12-31) December 31, 1980[3][4]
Brecksville, Ohio, United States[2]
Residence Brecksville, Ohio, United States[2]
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s) The 18th Amendment[1]
M-Dogg 20[1]
Matt Cross[1]
Son of Havoc[5]
Spartan 3000 b.C.[6]
Spartan 3000[1]
Raptor[7]
Billed height 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)[8]
Billed weight 177 lb (80 kg)[8]
Billed from Cleveland, Ohio
The Open Road
Sparta[6]
Trained by J.T. Lightning[1]
Cleveland All Pro Training Center[1]
Debut August 21, 2001[8]

Matthew "Matt" Capiccioni (born December 31, 1980)[3] is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring names M-Dogg 20, Matt Cross and Son of Havoc. He currently competes for Lucha Underground, Capiccioni has also worked for prominent promotions such as Ring of Honor, Chikara and the short-lived Wrestling Society X. His main gimmick is that of an adherent of the straight edge lifestyle, a culture which he follows in real life.[2][9] In 2011, Capiccioni joined the cast of the fifth season of WWE Tough Enough.

Early life

Capiccioni, of descent from the country of San Marino, participated in competitive gymnastics for ten years.[2] In 1999, he won gold medals in both the rings and the vault at the AAU Junior Olympic Games.[2][10]

Professional wrestling career

Debut (1999–2001)

A fan of Extreme Championship Wrestling, Capiccioni was involved in backyard wrestling before enrolling at the Cleveland Pro Wrestling training school under the tutelage of J.T. Lightning.[8][10][11] Upon completing his training, he took on the ring name M-Dogg 20, and began competing on the independent circuit.

Independent circuit (2001–present)

He wrestled for promotions including the Union of Independent Professional Wrestlers, where he defeated Jerry Lynn to win the vacant UIPW Championship on October 11, 2003. He formed a regular tag team with Piscura (who wrestled as Josh Prohibition) known as Youthanazia, and the pair won Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling (CAPW)'s North American Tag Team Championship twice, Xtreme Pro Wrestling's World Tag Team Championship twice, the International Wrestling Cartel's Tag Team Championship twice, and the NWA Upstate Tag Team Championship once. M-Dogg 20 also won the CAPW Junior Heavyweight Championship on November 9, 2003, by defeating H8 Pac. Youthanzia also wrestled for the Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South and Jersey All Pro Wrestling in 2004.[1]

In 2006 he made his debut for Hawaii-based promotion Action Zone Wrestling at their one-year anniversary show in a match against another indy star in Super Hentai in 2006. The two would later return and team up at AZW's "Battleclash 2" in December. Matt returned to Hawaii and AZW in June 2011 for Anniversary Annihilation 6 where Matt took on AZW Heavyweight Champion (and 2004 Olympian) "Mr. Athletic" Jeff Cobb.

Capiccioni also wrestled for UWA Hardcore Wrestling as M-Dogg 20. He debuted as part of the company's second show.[12] On February 16, 2007, M-Dogg unsuccessfully challenged Josh Prohibition for the UWA Canadian Championship, in a three-match also involving Sonjay Dutt.[13] He defeated PUMA to win the UWA Canadian Championship at the Return of the Dragon show on July 28, 2007. Although he missed night one of UWA Hardcore's annual GP tournament, he made a surprise return on the second night of the tournament during the main event steel cage match. M-Dogg 20's return ultimately helped Osiris and Jerry Lynn win the match over the Prohibition Wrestling Alliance, a stable led by his former tag team partner Josh Prohibition. As a stipulation of the match, control of the company reverted from Prohibition back to Osiris, the original owner of the company. One month later at UWA's Return of the Phoenix event, M-Dogg 20 lost the Canadian Championship to Prohibition in a gauntlet match also featuring Rip Impact.

M-Dogg 20 at a Chikara show in April 2010.

During November 2009, Capiccioni participated in the Hulkamania tour of Australia, using the ring name Spartan 3000 and took part in a best of three match series for a prize of US$25,000 with Shannon Moore. Spartan won the first match on November 21, and Moore won the second on November 24.[14][15] The rubber match ended in a draw on November 26, resulting in a ladder match for the final match of the tour two days later, which Spartan won.[16][17]

On April 24, 2010, Capiccioni, under his Matt Cross ring name, made his debut for Philadelphia-based Chikara.[18] In his first match, a four-way elimination match in the Rey de Voladores (King of the Fliers) tournament, Cross defeated Flip Kendrick, Malachi Jackson and Amasis to advance to the finals.[19] The following day, Cross was defeated in the finals by Ophidian.[20]

On March 2, 2012, Cross' former tag team partner Josh Prohibition came out of retirement to reform Youthanazia, and together they defeated Aeroform (Flip Kendrick and Louis Lyndon) to win the Absolute Intense Wrestling Tag Team Championship.[21] Youthanazia made their first successful title defense on April 6 by defeating The Irish Airborne.[21] On October 20, 2013, Cross defeated Matthew Justice to win the Prime Television Championship.[22]

Combat Zone Wrestling (2002–2004)

He made his Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) debut in 2002, appearing at Process of Elimination in April, and defeating Prohibition to qualify for the annual Best of the Best tournament.[23] At the tournament itself on June 8, M-Dogg 20 made it to the second round, where he was defeated by Trent Acid, the eventual winner of the tournament.[24] M-Dogg returned to CZW that September, and defeated Prohibition in a Tables and Ladders match at Ultraviolent Freedom Of Expression.[25] At Night Of Infamy in November, a tag team match between the team of M-Dogg 20 and Nick Mondo and the team of Acid and Johnny Kashmere ended in a no contest.[26] The following month, M-Dogg faced Sonjay Dutt and Ruckus in a three-way match to determine the number one contender to the CZW World Junior Heavyweight Championship, but the match was won by Dutt.[27]

At Best of the Best 4 on July 10, 2004, M-Dogg 20 returned to CZW, attacking CZW Junior Heavyweight Champion Donjay Dutt and stealing his championship belt.[28] He attacked Dutt again at Possession in August, before he teamed with Jimmy Rave to defeat Dutt and Amazing Red at High Stakes 2: Always Bet On Black.[29][30] At Night of Infamy 3 in November, Dutt defeated both M-Dogg 20 and Rave in a three-way match.[31] At Cage of Death 6, M-Dogg lost to Dutt in a match for the World Junior Heavyweight Championship, forcing M-Dogg to leave the company per the pre-match stipulation.[32]

Ring of Honor (2006–2009)

Capiccioni, as Matt Cross, made his debut in Ring of Honor (ROH) on October 7, 2006 at Motor City Madness in a six-man mayhem match, which was won by Pelle Primeau and also involved Jimmy Rave, Shane Hagadorn, and Dave and Jake Crist. His second appearance came the following month, when he lost to Christopher Daniels at The Bitter End. He faced Daniels again at The Chicago Spectacular Night 1 on December 8, in a four-corner survival match, which was won by B.J. Whitmer and also included Davey Richards. The following night, Cross and Daniels teamed together in a loss to Austin Aries and Roderick Strong. He returned to ROH in February 2007, losing a six-man mayhem match at Fifth Year Festival: Dayton.[33]

M-Dogg 20 in 2009.

The following night at Fifth Year Festival: Chicago however, Cross won his first match in ROH when he was victorious in a four-corner survival match, defeating Shingo, CJ Otis, and Trik Davis.[33] Following the match, Cross was approached by Austin Aries, who asked Cross to team with him later night against the No Remorse Corps (NRC) to which Cross agreed. The pair were then attacked by NRC members Roderick Strong and Davey Richards.[34] Cross and Aries won the tag team encounter, but during the match Cross performed a springboard plancha outside the ring, landing on the guardrail and sustaining several cuts.[33][34] The team of Aries and Cross were later joined by Erick Stevens, with the three being named The Resilience.[11] At This Means War II in April, The Resilience lost a six-man elimination match to the NRC (Strong, Richards, and Rocky Romero). At Reborn Again in May, Cross and Stevens teamed with Bryan Danielson in a loss to the NRC in a six-man tag team match. In June, Cross, Stevens, and Delirious defeated the NRC in a six-man tag team match, before Cross lost the Richards in a singles match the following night at Domination. Cross appeared at the Driven pay-per-view on June 22, when he, Stevens, and Delirious lost to the NRC. At Death Before Dishonor V: Night 2 in August, The Resilience and Delirious lost a Philadelphia Street Fight to the NRC and Matt Sydal. The Resilience went on to defeat Richards, Jason Blade, and Eddie Edwards, before Cross and Stevens defeated Mike Quackenbush and Jigsaw at Manhattan Mayhem II.[33] At Motor City Madness 2007 on September 14, Cross and Aries unsuccessfully challenged the Briscoe Brothers (Jay and Mark) for the ROH World Tag Team Championship.[33][35] At the Man Up pay-per-view taping the following night, Cross lost to NRC member Romero in a singles match. The next month, at the taping of Undeniable, Cross and Stevens lost a tag team match to Romero and Richards.[33] The match carried the stipulation that whoever was pinned would be suspended, and because Cross was pinned, he was suspended from ROH for two months.

Cross returned at Rising Above on December 29, where he competed in a four-way match won by the Necro Butcher. The following night at Final Battle, Cross and Bobby Fish lost to Ruckus and Jigsaw in a tag team match. At Breakout on January 25, 2008, Cross and Jigsaw lost to the Briscoe Brothers. The next Cross appeared in ROH was at Steel City Clash on March 20, 2009, when he teamed with Stevens in a loss to Rhett Titus and Kenny King. At A Cut Above the following month, he made his final appearance in ROH as he competed in a four-corner survival match, which was won by Claudio Castagnoli.[33]

Wrestling Society X (2007)

In 2007, when MTV launched its new wrestling program Wrestling Society X, Capiccioni was signed to the project under his Matt Cross ring name, and he formed a tag team with Teddy Hart called The Filth and The Fury. As part of the television tapings, The Filth and The Fury defeated The Trailer Park Boyz (Nate Webb and Josh Raymond) and Team Dragon Gate (Yoshino and Horiguchi) before losing to Los Pochos Guapos (Kaos and Aguilera).[36][37]

Foreign excursion (2005–present)

In March 2005, M-Dogg 20 travelled to Ireland, where he wrestled for the Irish Whip Wrestling promotion, competing against Jonny Storm, Jody Fleisch, Darren Burridge, and Red Vinny.[1] In May 2007, Capiccioni returned to Europe when he was booked by the Queens of Chaos promotion in France. He wrestled in front of 72,000 people, which is the 2007 record for a wrestling show. As Matt Cross, he debuted in German Stampede Wrestling in 2007, and was part of a four-way for the Breakthrough Championship against Germany's Thumbtack Jack, Steve Douglas and X-Dream, who eventually won the match. In April 2010, Cross was a surprise guests (along with Chris Hero, Claudio Castagnoli, Douglas Williams and Ares) for GSW's final show. He lost another Breakthrough Championship match in a three-way against Emil Sitoci and X-Dream on Saturday, and then teamed with X-Dream in a GSW Tag Team Championship scramble match on Sunday, but was again unsuccessful. When GSW reopened with a new structure a few months later, Cross received another match for the Breakthrough Championship, and won by defeating Sitoci. He held the championship through the next three television tapings and successfully defended it against Zack Sabre, Jr.. At the Unstoppable internet pay-per-view, he lost the championship to X-Dream.[21] In 2008, Capiccioni began competing for the Italy-based Nu-Wrestling Evolution as "Spartan 3000 b.C.", a Spartan warrior inspired by the popular movie 300.[6] The same year, Capiccioni wrestled in several matches for Pro Wrestling Noah under a mask as "Raptor".

World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE (2010–2011)

On July 15, 2010, Capiccioni, under his Matt Cross ring name, wrestled a try-out match alongside Jamin Canseco against The Gatecrashers (Vance Archer and Curt Hawkins) on an episode of Superstars, which they lost when Canseco was pinned by Archer.[1]

In 2011, Capiccioni joined the cast of the revived WWE Tough Enough series, which premiered on April 4.[38] That same day Capiccioni, along with the rest of the cast, appeared on Raw in a segment with Tough Enough host Stone Cold Steve Austin.[39] He was eliminated from the competition in the second week, which was analysed as "very surprising".[40]

Lucha Underground (2014–present)

In September 2014, it was reported that Capiccioni had signed with the El Rey network's new television series, Lucha Underground.[41] He assumed a masked character by the ring name of Son of Havoc, and wrestled during the first episode of Lucha Underground on October 29, defeating Sexy Star.[42] The following weeks, Havoc was defeated by Mascarita Sagrada and Pimpinela Escarlata, asking for real competition. On January 17, Havoc was defeated by Angélico and by Johnny Mundo. Finally, on January 25, Havoc break with Ivelisse and defeated Angélico, his first singles win since his debut. On February 8, 2015, Son of Havoc, Angélico and Ivelisse won a tournament to become the inaugural Lucha Underground Trios Champions.[43] On the May 20 episode of Lucha Underground, Ivelisse, Havoc and Angélico successfully retained their championships in a ladder match against The Crew (Cortez, Castro and Bael).[44]

Other media

Capiccioni was featured on Season 6 of American Ninja Warrior,[45] participating in the St. Louis, Missouri qualifying round but failed to qualify.

Personal life

Capiccioni's grandfather was from San Marino and he has dual nationality as a result.[46] Capiccioni attended Cleveland State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in communications.[2] He is also straight edge.[2]

In wrestling

Cross performing a shooting star press.
Cross wrestling Ophidian.

Championships and accomplishments

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 "M-Dogg 20". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2011-04-25.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Matt Capiccioni". USA Network. Archived from the original on June 1, 2011. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  3. 1 2 "SLAM! Wrestling News/Rumours". slam.canoe.ca. 2015-01-01. Retrieved 4 January 2015. Today’s birthdays: Japanese wrestler Ryan Sakoda, who had a cup of coffee stint in WWE, turns 40; independent star Matt “M-Dogg 20” Cross turns 34.
  4. ↑ "Cagematch profile".
  5. ↑ Oliver, Greg (2015-03-18). "Cross tailor-made for Son of Havoc role in Lucha Underground". slam.canoe.ca. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  6. 1 2 3 "SPARTAN 3.000 b.c". Nu-Wrestling Evolution. Retrieved 2011-04-25.
  7. ↑ "Pro Wrestling Noah News Archive Page".
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "Biography". Mdogg20.com (official website). Archived from the original on November 5, 2013. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  9. ↑ "Matt Cross: A punk rock life in pro wrestling". Sweet Phyllis. Retrieved January 30, 2015.
  10. 1 2 Kazumi Downes, Celia. "Cross warming up for WWE with heavyweight title bout". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "The Independent Mid-Card 08.28.07: CIMA vs. MDogg 20".
  12. ↑ Kapur, Bob (October 25, 2006). "Growth continues for Mississauga's UWA". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  13. ↑ Kapur, Bob (February 19, 2007). "Tamer UWA heads into Deathmatch weekend". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  14. ↑ Saunders, Steele (November 22, 2009). "11/21 Hulkamania Tour in Melbourne, Australia: Second Report – Heavy juicing from Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair, Mr. Kennedy vs. Val Venis". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  15. ↑ Gerweck, Steve (November 24, 2009). "11/24 "Hulkamania" Results: Perth". WrestleView. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  16. ↑ Spina, L. (November 27, 2009). "11/26 Hulkamania Tour in Brisbane, Australia: Hulk Hogan vs. Ric Flair III, Mr. Kennedy & Beefcake vs. Jordan & Umaga, Val Venis vs. Eugene". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  17. ↑ Rice, Peter (November 28, 2009). "11/28 Hulkamania Tour in Sydney, Australia: Conclusion of the tour – Hulk Hogan vs. Ric Flair IV, Mr. Kennedy vs. Umaga, Heidenreich vs. Eugene". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  18. ↑ "CHIKARA: Matt "M-Dogg 20" Cross debuts this weekend".
  19. ↑ Streleckis, Brian (2010-04-26). "CHIKARA PRO 4–24 Philadelphia second night of King of Trios". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2010-04-28.
  20. ↑ Streleckis, Brian (2010-04-26). "CHIKARA King of Trios Night Three Results". 411Mania. Retrieved 2010-04-28.
  21. 1 2 3 "Cagematch match listings".
  22. 1 2 Sidel, Nick (October 21, 2013). "Show Results - 10/20 Prime Wrestling in Parma, Ohio: Gargano becomes new Prime champion, Rhino, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
  23. ↑ "'Process of Elimination'; April 27th 2002; West Chester, PA". Combat Zone Wrestling. April 27, 2002. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  24. ↑ "'Best Of The Best 2'; June 8th 2002; Philadelphia, PA". Combat Zone Wrestling. June 8, 2011. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  25. ↑ "'Ultraviolent Freedom Of Expression'; September 14th 2002; Philadelphia, PA". Combat Zone Wrestling. September 14, 2002. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  26. ↑ "'Night Of Infamy'; November 9th 2002; Philadelphia, PA". Combat Zone Wrestling. November 9, 2002. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  27. ↑ "'Cage Of Death 4'; December 14th 2002; Philadelphia, PA". Combat Zone Wrestling. December 14, 2002. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  28. ↑ "'Best of the Best 4'; July 10th 2004; Philadelphia, PA". Combat Zone Wrestling. July 10, 2004. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
  29. ↑ "'Possession'; August 14th 2004; Philadelphia, PA". Combat Zone Wrestling. August 14, 2004. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
  30. ↑ "'High Stakes 2: Always Bet On Black'; September 11th 2004 (day); Philadelphia, PA". Combat Zone Wrestling. September 11, 2004. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
  31. ↑ "'Night of Infamy 3'; November 14th 2004; Philadelphia, PA". Combat Zone Wrestling. November 14, 2004. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
  32. ↑ "'Cage Of Death 6'; December 11th 2004; Philadelphia, PA". Combat Zone Wrestling. December 11, 2004. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  33. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Past Results". Ring of Honor. Retrieved September 26, 2011.
  34. 1 2 Dykens, Brad (February 24, 2007). "Ring of Honor – Fifth Year Festival: Chicago". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
  35. ↑ "Ring Of Honor Tag Team Championship". Ring of Honor. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
  36. ↑ Mackinder, Matt (February 14, 2007). "WSX: Tables, Ladders & Cerveza". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  37. ↑ Tylwalk, Nick (March 14, 2007). "WSX: Five-episode feast leaves many questions". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  38. ↑ Caldwell, James (2011-04-04). "Caldwell's Tough Enough report 4/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of season premiere on USA Network, Overall Thoughts". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2011-04-05.
  39. ↑ Caldwell, James (2011-04-04). "Caldwell's WWE Raw results 4/4: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live Raw – The Rock & Austin live, fall-out from WrestleMania 27, Sin Cara debut". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2011-04-05.
  40. ↑ Caldwell, James (2011-04-11). "Caldwell's Tough Enough report 4/11: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Week 2 on USA Network guest-starring John Cena". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2011-04-12.
  41. ↑ Johnson, Mike (2014-09-06). "First Lucha Underground taping for the El Rey network tonight, updates on all we know". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2014-09-06.
  42. ↑ Johnson, Mike (2014-10-29). "The Temple is open, Prince Puma vs. Johnny Mundo & more: complete coverage of Lucha Underground's debut on the El Rey Network". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2014-11-02.
  43. 1 2 "Lucha Underground TV Taping #24". The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved 2015-02-10.
  44. ↑ Favel, Nathan (May 20, 2015). "5/20 LUCHA UNDERGROUND REPORT". PWInsider. Retrieved May 23, 2015.
  45. ↑ Johnson, Mike (June 8, 2014). "Matt 'MDogg 20' Cross to appear on NBC's American Ninja Warrior tomorrow". PWInsider. Retrieved October 25, 2014.
  46. ↑ 0, 0 (2008). "Interview in Italian on Supereva". Superva. Fabry T. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  47. 1 2 "Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling News 7/6 By Brad Dykens on July 6, 2007".
  48. ↑ "411 Video Review: CZW Best Of The Best 2002 October 4, 2003 posted by Tim Madden".
  49. 1 2 "ROH Chicago Spectacular Night 1 Results 12.08.06".
  50. 1 2 3 "Themes".
  51. ↑ "PRIME Wrestling – Bands". Prime Wrestling. Retrieved 2013-04-04.
  52. ↑ "AIW Tag Team Championship history".
  53. ↑ http://www.cwfcontinental.com/#!newswire/cb30
  54. ↑ http://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=2890
  55. ↑ http://www.extremeringaction.com
  56. 1 2 "Cagematch title listings".
  57. ↑ "Firestorm Pro Heavyweight Championship history".
  58. ↑ "IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship history". wrestling-titles.com. Retrieved 2009-04-26.
  59. ↑ "IWC Tag Team Championship history".
  60. ↑ "Lucha Underground Season 2 Episode 8 Taping". The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved December 13, 2015.
  61. ↑ "Lucha Underground Trios Title Tournament Results".
  62. ↑ Boutwell, Josh (February 8, 2016). "Viva la Raza: Lucha Weekly (2/8/16)". Wrestleview. Retrieved February 8, 2016.
  63. ↑ "NWA New York Tag Team Championship history".
  64. ↑ "NEPW Cruiserweight Championship history".
  65. ↑ Editors, PWI (August 2009). "PWI 500". Pro Wrestling Illustrated.
  66. ↑ "PWO Results". Pro Wrestling Ohio. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
  67. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1048379868525372&id=379605735402792
  68. ↑ http://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=2366
  69. ↑ "XPW championship histories". Xtreme Pro Wrestling. Retrieved April 27, 2011.

External links

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  1. ↑ http://www.toutelatele.com/nadir-mohammedi-la-lucha-underground-est-un-melange-de-breaking-bad-et-de-catch-81106
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