Lexis King Explained

Lexis King
Birth Name:Brian Zachary Pillman
Birth Date:9 September 1993
Birth Place:Erlanger, Kentucky, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in[1]
Weight:205 lb
Names:Alex King
Brian Pillman II
Brian Pillman Jr.
Lexis King
Billed:Cincinnati, Ohio
Trainer:Lance Storm
Rip Rogers
Debut:December 18, 2017

Brian Zachary Pillman (born September 9, 1993),[2] better known by the ring name Brian Pillman Jr., is an American professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs on the NXT brand under the ring name Lexis King. He is known for his time in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) from 2019 to 2023 and Major League Wrestling (MLW) from 2018 to 2021.[3] A second-generation wrestler, he is the son of the late Brian Pillman.[4]

Early life

Brian Zachary Pillman is the son of professional wrestler Brian William Pillman (1962–1997) and model Melanie Diane Pillman (Lawrence; 1965–2022). He had four sisters: Danielle, Brittany, Alexis Reed, and Skylar King, as well as one brother, Jesse Morgan.[5] His sister Alexis became a professional wrestling valet under the ring name Lexi Pillman, but died in 2009 in a car accident.[6] Pillman attended Dixie Heights High School in Edgewood, Kentucky, where he played football. He graduated in 2011 and furthered his education by attending college. Pillman earned a degree at Northern Kentucky University in Information Systems.[7] [8]

Professional wrestling career

Independent circuit (2017–2021)

In February 2017, Pillman announced he would be following his father's footsteps and become a professional wrestler. He was trained by Lance Storm at his school, the Storm Wrestling Academy, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.[9] [10]

Pillman's first match was on December 18, 2017, using the ring name "Alex King", a tribute to his sisters Alexis Reed and Skylar King.[11] Pillman made his professional debut for Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) on January 28, 2018, at Dojo Wars 162 against Mike Del for the CZW Medal of Valor Championship.[12] Pillman was defeated in the match by submission. Pillman would have one more match in CZW, in a tag team match, teaming with Teddy Hart and facing Anthony Bennet and Jimmy Lloyd at Super Show V on January 26.[13] [14]

On January 18, 2020, Pillman was a surprise 16th entrant in a 16-man Battle Royal at International Wrestling Cartel's (IWC) Reloaded 6.0 event. He did not win the match, but he appeared in the main event, helping IWC Heavyweight Champion Jack Pollock win the match. After the match, Pillman revealed he had signed a contract with IWC, and that part of his contract was a shot at the IWC Championship at the promotion's February event. On February 15, Pillman defeated Sam Adonis, Aramis, Lance Archer, Black Taurus, Michael Elgin, Andrew Everett, and Alex Zayne in a War of Attrition match to win the vacant Warrior Wrestling Championship. The title was left vacant due to injury of former champion Brian Cage.[15] [16] On September 12, 2020, in Washington, Pennsylvania, he won the IWC Super Indy Championship.[17]

Major League Wrestling (2018–2021)

In late 2018, Pillman signed a contract with Major League Wrestling (MLW). When he first came in, he was mentored by his father's World Championship Wrestling rival Kevin Sullivan.[18] He then turned on Sullivan and joined forces with Teddy Hart and Davey Boy Smith Jr., creating the New Era Hart Foundation.[19] [20] [21] [22] This took place in a backstage segment where Pillman attacked Sullivan with a cane, causing Sullivan to bleed.[23] On July 9, 2021, it was reported that Pillman was no longer working with MLW as his contract had expired.[24]

All Elite Wrestling (2019–2023)

In May 2019, Pillman was a participant in the Casino Battle Royale at All Elite Wrestling's (AEW) inaugural pay-per-view event, Double or Nothing. In July 2020, with MLW shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pillman began to appear in AEW, wrestling on both their flagship show Dynamite, and their online show Dark. Pillman remained contracted to MLW, but was allowed to work for AEW as well. He made his in ring return on the July 7 episode of Dark in a losing effort against Shawn Spears. After this, Pillman was used as mostly as an enhancement talent, losing to the likes of Brian Cage and Eddie Kingston.

In late July, Pillman began teaming with fellow AEW newcomer Griff Garrison, still competing mostly on Dark, adopting the team name The Varsity Blonds, a tribute to Pillman's father.[25] On May 11, 2021 Julia Hart started aligning herself with The Varsity Blonds and made appearances with them for several months.[26] On July 12, 2021, Pillman signed a full-time deal with AEW, making him an official member of the roster.[27] His contract expired on July 11, 2023, ending his time with AEW.[28]

WWE (2023–present)

On July 16, 2023, it was reported by PWInsider that Pillman had a tryout with WWE at the WWE Performance Center.[29] He was officially assigned to the developmental brand NXT in late August and videos promoting his debut began airing in September, changing his name to Lexis King, a second iteration of his "Alex King" name. His ties to his father were acknowledged, but he denounced him and his name in his vignettes due to his early death, establishing himself as a heel.[30] [31] [32] He competed in his first match on October 24 on Night 1 of NXT: Halloween Havoc, defeating Dante Chen.[33] King competed in his first WWE premium live event on December 9 at NXT Deadline, where he lost to Carmelo Hayes, thus marking his first loss in WWE.[34] King participated in the 2023 NXT Men's Breakout Tournament after attacking original competitor Trey Bearhill and subsequently taking his place. He defeated Dion Lennox in the first round, but lost to Riley Osborne in the semifinals after interference from Bearhill.[35] [36] He also wrestled for the NXT North American Championship twice, first against Dragon Lee[37] and later against Oba Femi, losing both times.[38] [39] Continuing his feud with Dante Chen, they wrestled in a Singapore Cane match, where King won.[40]

Personal life

Pillman had a strained relationship with his mother Melanie due to her battles with drug addiction following his father's death when Pillman was four years old. Pillman, who was primarily raised by his aunt Linda Pillman (his dad's sister) growing up,[41] shared in a shoot interview that he felt his mother was feigning her grieving during her infamous interview with Vince McMahon on WWE Raw is War one day after his dad's death, as their marriage was already going through the divorce process at the time and simply wanted a pay day for drugs. Unlike most wrestling fans and the media, Pillman did not fault WWE for the somewhat tactless interview with his mother, as he credited the promotion for trying to help out him and his sisters as much as possible financially.[42]

Pillman's relationship with his mother started improving after his wrestling career started; this included her making regular appearances during Pillman's live Twitch streams and sharing stories about his father. Melanie was found dead from an apparent drug overdose on June 1, 2022, at the age of 56, as confirmed by Pillman.[43]

During his tenure in NXT, fans of Pillman began referring to themselves as "Registered Lex Offenders" (a reference to "registered sex offenders"). While Pillman appreciated the creativity, he said that it is not appropriate for television.[44]

Championships and accomplishments

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Brian Pillman Jr.. 31 July 2018. Mlw.com.
  2. Web site: Picking up the pieces: Brian Pillman's son chasing dad's legacy in professional wrestling. cincinnati.com. Drake. Kizer. December 15, 2019.
  3. Web site: Brian Pillman Jr.'s status with MLW following his AEW appearance. July 4, 2020.
  4. Web site: Flyin' Brian Pillman's son hopes to follow in his father's footsteps . . February 20, 2017 . Adam Clements . 2 January 2018 . https://archive.today/20180102022857/http://local12.com/news/local/local-wrestlers-son-to-follow-in-his-fathers-footsteps . live .
  5. Book: Titan Screwed - Lost Smiles, Stunners and Screwjobs . Reynolds . R. D. . 2017 . 9781326981723 . 132 . Dixon . James . Henry . Justin . Lulu.com . R. D. Reynolds.
  6. Web site: LEXI PILLMAN PASSES AWAY (UPDATE).
  7. Web site: Dixie football player remembers his father's legacy. https://archive.today/20180806115637/http://www.kenton.k12.ky.us/districtNewsArticle.aspx?artID=1366%23sthash.43z8cAFn.xeOd1y3o.dpbs#sthash.43z8cAFn.dpbs. 6 August 2018. 19 November 2018. live.
  8. Web site: Son of Brian Pillman making own legacy. . November 5, 2010. 2018-08-06. 25 September 2013 . https://archive.today/20130925030838/http://nky.cincinnati.com/article/AB/20101104/SPT0302/311040106/Son-Brian-Pillman-making-own-legacy.
  9. Web site: Brian Pillman's Son Might Be Embarking On A Career As A Pro Wrestler. Yahoo.com. 19 November 2018. 7 September 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210907170205/https://www.yahoo.com/news/brian-pillmans-son-might-embarking-171039647.html. dead.
  10. Web site: BRIAN PILLMAN JR. MAKES PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING DEBUT, BACKSTAGE VISITORS AT SMACKDOWN IN TAMPA. Pwinsider.com. 19 November 2018.
  11. Web site: RECAP AND REVIEW: Talk Is Jericho with Brian Pillman Jr. on memories of his dad, the advice he got Lance Storm and Cody Rhodes, the wrestler who made him decide to join the business, why mullets are "functional" in wrestling. September 30, 2018. 2021-09-21. pwpodcasts.com. Soucek. Andrew. https://archive.today/20210921010344/https://www.pwpodcasts.com/2018/09/30/recap-and-review-talk-is-jericho-with-brian-pillman-jr-on-memories-of-his-dad-the-advice-he-got-lance-storm-and-cody-rhodes-the-wrestler-who-made-him-decide-to-join-the-business-why-mullets-are/. 2021-09-21. live.
  12. Web site: Brian Pillman Jr.: Profile & Match Listing - Internet Wrestling Database (IWD). Profightdb.com.
  13. Web site: PWInsiderXTRA.com. Pwinsiderxtra.com. 19 November 2018.
  14. Web site: PWInsiderXTRA.com. https://archive.today/20180912201826/http://www.pwinsiderxtra.com/ViewArticle.php?id=34464&p=1. dead. 12 September 2018. 12 September 2018. Archive.today. 19 November 2018.
  15. Web site: Warrior Wrestling 8 . Cagematch . February 16, 2020.
  16. Web site: #AndNEW: Brian Pillman Jr. Wins Warrior Championship . Greer . Jamie . Last Word on Pro Wrestling . February 16, 2020 . February 16, 2020.
  17. Web site: Wrestler Roster – IWCwrestling.com. 2020-09-17. en-US.
  18. Web site: Respecting the booker man: A look at Brian Pillman Jr's mentor. 3 August 2018. Mlw.com. 19 November 2018.
  19. Web site: MLW Battle Riot spoilers: 40-man match, Rich Swann injured. 20 July 2018. F4wonline.com. 19 November 2018.
  20. Web site: Brian Pillman Jr. feels at home with wrestling. https://archive.today/20181004143757/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2018/09/28/22785374.html. dead. October 4, 2018. Slam.canoe.com.
  21. Web site: 10/12 MLW Fusion preview: Brian Pillman's Jr.'s singles debut, two additional matches - Pro Wrestling Dot Net. 12 October 2018. Prowrestling.net.
  22. Web site: Q&A: Brian Pillman Jr. makes a name for himself. Si.com. 9 November 2018 .
  23. Web site: Brian Pillman Jr. vs. Kevin Sullivan No Holds Barred Match Set for ECCW This Week. 411Mania.com. Jeffrey. Harris. July 10, 2019.
  24. Web site: Lee. Joseph. Brian Pillman Jr Not At MLW Tapings This Week. July 9, 2021. July 12, 2021. 411 Mania.
  25. News: AEW Dark Results: Varsity Blondes vs. Darks Order's Cabana & Reynolds. Parker. Klyn. Figure Four Online. December 8, 2020. December 12, 2020.
  26. Web site: AEW Dark Results: May 11 2021. live. Wrestling Observer. 11 May 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210512025610/https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-results/aew-dark-results-jon-moxley-eddie-kingston-vs-milk-chocolate-341146 . 2021-05-12 .
  27. 1414675931805802496. AEW. Welcome to the team... #BrianPillmanJr (@FlyinBrianJr) is #AllElite . July 12, 2021. July 12, 2021.
  28. Web site: AEW DEPARTURE. Mike. Johnson. PWInsider. July 11, 2023. July 11, 2023.
  29. News: Brian Pillman Jr WWE Update. Mike. Johnson. PWInsider. July 16, 2023. July 16, 2023.
  30. News: Brian Pillman Jr Slated to be at the WWE NXT TV Taping. Mike. Johnson. PWInsider. August 7, 2023. August 7, 2023.
  31. News: New Signing Starts WWE Run. Mike. Johnson. PWInsider. August 29, 2023. August 29, 2023.
  32. https://www.pwinsider.com/article/175770/that-wwe-nxt-vignette-was-for.html?p=1
  33. Web site: Berge. Kevin. WWE NXT Halloween Havoc 2023 Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights. Bleacher Report. October 25, 2023.
  34. Web site: Brennan . Corey . 2023-12-09 . Carmelo Hayes Defeats Lexis King At NXT Deadline Fightful News . 2023-12-10 . Fightful . en.
  35. Web site: Tessier . Colin . 2023-12-20 . Lexis King, Tavion Heights Advance In NXT Men's Breakout Tournament . 2023-12-20 . Wrestlezone via Yahoo Entertainment . en-US.
  36. Web site: Tessier . Colin . 2023-12-27 . NXT Men's Breakout Tournament Finals Set For NXT New Year's Evil . 2023-12-27 . Wrestlezone . en-US.
  37. Web site: Lutete . Israel . Jan 10, 2024 . Dragon Lee defeats former AEW star to retain NXT North American Championship; massive twist at the end . Sportskeeda.
  38. Web site: Lexis King challenges Oba Femi for the NXT North American Championship . 2024-06-23 . WWE . en.
  39. Web site: WWE's Oba Femi Gets Commanding NXT North American Title Win . 2024-06-23 . WWE . en.
  40. Web site: 2024-06-13 . Lexis King Shows Off Battle Scars From His Singapore Cane Match On NXT . 2024-06-23 . Yahoo Entertainment . en-US.
  41. Web site: Brian Pillman Jr. Reveals MJF Promo on AEW Dynamite Sent His Sister into Labor . 10 September 2021 .
  42. Web site: Brian Pillman Jr – When My Mom Went on WWE TV Hours After My Dad's Death . Title Match Wrestling . . October 20, 2018 . February 13, 2023.
  43. Web site: Melanie Pillman, Wife of Late WWE Legend Brian Pillman, Has Died .
  44. Web site: NXT's Lexis King Responds To His Fans Calling Themselves 'Registered Lex Offenders' . December 11, 2023 . 2023-12-11 . Fightful . Tessier . Colin.
  45. 1416214548420382723. CACReunion. Spotlight on this years Award Honorees. One of the "Rising Star Awards" goes to AEW's Brian Pillman Jr. Haven't got... . 17 July 2021.
  46. Web site: Wrestler Roster | IWCwrestling.com. Jesse. Forney. August 11, 2018.
  47. Web site: KFW Notorious « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20210907170215/https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=289265. 2021-09-07.
  48. Web site: OVW Christmas Chaos 2020 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20210602212430/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=298473. 2021-06-02.
  49. OfficialPWI . Pro Wrestling Illustrated . Pro Wrestling Illustrated . 1216786415356456961 . January 13, 2020 . Feud: @JohnnyGargano vs. @AdamColePro, Match: @CodyRhodes vs. @dustinrhodes, Rookie: @FlyinBrianJr. The @OfficialPWI staff is also proud to announce @steveaustinBSR as the Stanley Weston Award winner for lifetime achievement. . February 16, 2020.
  50. Web site: Supreme Wrestling - Champions and Title History. www.awasupreme.com. April 4, 2019. September 7, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210907170217/http://www.awasupreme.com/current-champions-and-title-history.html. dead.

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