Amazing Red
Amazing Red at an independent show in December 2014
Birth nameJonathan Figueroa
Born (1982-04-26) April 26, 1982[1]
Cayey, Puerto Rico[2]
Children2
FamilyJoel Maximo (cousin)
Jose Maximo (cousin)
Zelina Vega (cousin)
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Amazing Red[1]
El Rojo[1]
Fuego Guerrero[2]
Misterio Red[2]
Red[2]
Airwalk Spriggan[2]
Spriggan[1]
Sangriento[3]
Dios Dorado[4]
Billed height5 ft 6 in (168 cm)[1][2][5]
Billed weight150 lb (68 kg)[5]
Billed fromBrooklyn, New York[5]
Tijuana, Mexico (As Sangriento)[6]
Trained byMikey Whipwreck[1]
Debut1998[2]

Jonathan Figueroa (born April 26, 1982),[1] better known by his ring name Amazing Red, is a Puerto Rican professional wrestler and promoter. He is best known for working for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he is a former three-time X Division Champion and one-time NWA World Tag Team Champion. He has worked on the American independent circuit and appeared for Ring of Honor (ROH) and Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW). Figueroa is also the founder of House of Glory wrestling school, where he is also one of the head trainers.[7] He is the cousin of wrestlers Joel and Jose Maximo and Zelina Vega.[2]

In April 2019, Red announced his retirement from professional wrestling due to a severe neck injury.[8][9] However, he would return to the ring only a few months later, to work for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).[10]

Professional wrestling career

International Wrestling Association (1998–2002)

Figueroa originally wrestled as Red, but Savio Vega decided to expand his ring name to include the word "Amazing" while he worked for the International Wrestling Association in Puerto Rico, giving origin to his more common pseudonym, Amazing Red.[11]

NWA Total Nonstop Action (2002–2004)

Red, who was already known for his work in the United States independent circuit, joined NWA Total Nonstop Action (NWA TNA) at its 2002 inception, quickly establishing himself in its X Division. During his first run in TNA, Red held both the X Division Championship and the NWA World Tag Team Championship with Jerry Lynn, simultaneously. At Victory Road 2004, Red competed in a 20-man X-Division Gauntlet match for the X Division Cup which was won by Héctor Garza.

Ring of Honor (2002–2003)

While working for TNA, he also wrestled for Ring of Honor as a member of the three-man tag team The S.A.T.[12] with cousins, Jose and Joel Maximo. Eventually, he began to team with "The Phenomenal" A.J. Styles, becoming known together as Amazing Phenomenon.[13] The team would go on to win the ROH Tag Team Championship from The Prophecy, defeating Christopher Daniels and Xavier.[14] The duo would subsequently feud with the Prophecy and the Briscoes, but Homicide subbed in for Red for a successful title defense over Daniels and Dan Maff. Amazing Phenomenon's title reign lasted 158 days, and was vacated due to Red's injury.

All Japan Pro Wrestling (2003–2004)

Through late 2003, Amazing Red wrestled as Misterio Red as well as Airwalk Spriggan, while on a tour with All Japan Pro Wrestling. During the tour, he suffered a near career-ending knee injury, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament and having to undergo surgery which kept him on the sideline for an entire year.[15]

WWE (2005, 2012)

Red wrestled CM Punk in a dark match at a SmackDown taping on May 12, 2005. In June 2012, Red wrestled a tryout dark match for WWE.[16]

Independent circuit (2006–2008)

Red's last appearance was at a New York Wrestling Connection event at the beginning of 2006, where he lost his match to Javi-Air and re-injured his knee.[1]

After being on the sidelines with his injury, Red made his return on December 13, 2008, at Jersey All Pro Wrestling's Best of the Light Heavyweights. The match was won by Archadia as he defeated Flip Kendrick and Louis Lyndon.[17]

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2009–2011)

Amazing Red in 2010

In April 2009, it was announced via the TNA website that the Amazing Red would return to the company in the Team 3D Tag Team Invitational Tournament.[18] On the April 30 episode of Impact!, he teamed with then-X Division Champion Suicide to defeat The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin).

Suicide and Amazing Red were eliminated from the tournament on the May 14 episode of Impact!, by new stable The British Invasion, after interference from Shelley and Sabin.

On the May 28 episode of Impact!, he challenged Suicide for the X Division Championship but was unsuccessful in winning the title for a second time. On August 16, at Hard Justice, Red competed in a Steel Asylum match in another losing effort. On the October 1 episode of Impact!, Red became the number one contender to Samoa Joe's X Division title by defeating Jay Lethal, Consequences Creed, Sheik Abdul Bashir and Kiyoshi in a ladder match.[19] On the following Impact!, Red won the X Division Championship for the second time by pinning Samoa Joe following interference by Bobby Lashley.[20] On the October 15 episode of Impact!, Don West debuted as Red's new manager.[21] On October 18, at Bound for Glory, Red retained his X Division title in an Ultimate X match against Homicide, Daniels, Suicide, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin.[22] The following week on Impact!, Red lost to Homicide in a non-title match.[23] The return match between the two was booked for Turning Point, where Red was able to retain his title.[24] Afterwards Don West quietly broke off his affiliation with Red, while he went on to defend his title on TNA's weekly Webmatches against the likes of Chris Sabin and Homicide.[25][26] At Genesis, Red retained his title in a match against the returning Brian Kendrick.[27] On the January 28 episode of Impact!, the British Invasion attacked Red after his six-man tag team match. As Rob Terry was going to cash in his "Feast or Fired" briefcase, which gave him the right to challenge for the X Division Championship anytime, anywhere, his stable mate Doug Williams managed to convince him to hand it over to him and defeated Red to win the Championship.[28] On the April 12 episode of Impact!, Red took the place of the injured Hernandez and teamed up with Matt Morgan to successfully defend the TNA World Tag Team Championship against the Motor City Machine Guns. After the match, Morgan attacked Red for getting the pinfall in the match.[29] After a few weeks out of action, Red returned to Impact!, on the June 10 episode, in a losing effort against Kurt Angle.[30] On September 23 Red defeated Jay Lethal at a live event in his hometown of New York City to win the X Division Championship for the third time.[31] Red re-lost the title to Lethal two days later at a live event in Rahway, New Jersey.[32] On the December 23 episode of Impact!, Red answered Jeff Jarrett's MMA Challenge, but was defeated by submission. After the match Red, told Jarrett that he had a younger brother, who would answer the challenge the following week.[33] The following week Red's storyline brother, billed simply as Little Red (later renamed Crimson), answered the challenge and was winning his match against Jarrett, before Jarrett was pulled away from the ring by his security guards Gunner and Murphy.[34] Shortly afterwards, Crimson broke away from Red and the relation between the two was seldom mentioned again.[35]

On the April 19 episode of Xplosion, Figueroa debuted as Sangriento, a masked luchador, in a three-way match, where he defeated Jay Lethal and Chris Sabin.[36] Sangriento made his Impact! debut on May 5, defeating Suicide.[6] After defeating Suicide in a rematch the following week, Sangriento was not seen again for two months, until appearing in a backstage segment with Eric Young at Destination X on July 10.[37][38] At the same pay-per-view Amazing Red wrestled in an X Division number one contender's Ultimate X match, which was won by Alex Shelley, and which would turn out to be his final match for the promotion.[38] On August 4, 2011, Figueroa announced via his Twitter account that he had parted ways with TNA.[39]

Return to Ring of Honor (2012)

On March 4, 2012, Red returned to Ring of Honor at the 10th Anniversary Show, where he teamed with T. J. Perkins in a losing effort against the House of Truth (Michael Elgin and Roderick Strong).[40]

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2019)

In August 2019, Red was announced for the New Japan Pro-Wrestling Super J Cup that takes place in late-August.[10] He would be defeated in the first round by the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay. He would then be booked for the September U.S. tour Fighting Spirit Unleashed.[41]

House of Glory (2014–present)

Also, Red opened his own training school, House of Glory. During his initial stint in the company, he became one-time HOG Tag Team Champion with his former teammate Crimson after defeating the Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson). He also won the HOG Heavyweight Championship at House of Glory's "High Intensity 6" and would hold the title for a record setting 364 days. He lost the title almost a year later at "High Intensity 7" to Anthony Gangone in a No Ropes Match. Red would be forced to join the House of Gangone stable, and would then, of his own choice, turn heel by attacking two of his students, Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy).

Professional wrestling style and persona

Red is known for his high-flying style. He has been described as a pioneer and an innovator during the early 2000s.[42] Will Ospreay has called him an inspiration.[43] Red is also credited for inventing the front flip piledriver, which is later known by many wrestlers as the Canadian Destroyer.

Personal life

Figueroa is married and has two children with his wife.[44]

Championships and accomplishments

Amazing Red with the HOG Tag Team Championship

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Online World of Wrestling Profile". Online World of Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 17, 2009. Retrieved July 5, 2009.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Cagematch Profile". Cagematch. Retrieved June 1, 2021.
  3. Meltzer, Dave (May 5, 2011). "Thurs. update: Vince talks WWE financials, new plans, PPV numbers, Chyna in TNA, TUF rating, Couture". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved May 6, 2011.
  4. Katz, Jeff (November 24, 2011). "WRP First Look: Day 4". Geekweek. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
  5. 1 2 3 "TNA Wrestling profile". Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Archived from the original on May 19, 2011. Retrieved January 25, 2010.
  6. 1 2 Boutwell, Josh (May 6, 2011). "Impact Results - 5/5/11". WrestleView. Archived from the original on May 7, 2011. Retrieved May 6, 2011.
  7. "Trainers". House of Glory. Archived from the original on August 27, 2011. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
  8. "Amazing Red anuncia su retiro como luchador profesional". solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com (in Spanish). April 2, 2019. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
  9. "411MANIA". Impact News: Original Plans For United We Stand And Code Red, Matt Striker Working As Producer For Impact Wrestling.
  10. 1 2 "Amazing Red, YOH, And BUSHI Added To NJPW Super J-Cup | Fightful Wrestling". www.fightful.com.
  11. Varsallone, Jim (October 10, 2009). "Amazing talent makes amazing return to TNA". The Miami Herald. Retrieved July 8, 2010.
  12. "Los Maximos". Online World of Wrestling. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved May 10, 2007.
  13. "Amazing Phenomenon". Online World of Wrestling. Archived from the original on October 1, 2007. Retrieved May 10, 2007.
  14. 1 2 "Ring Of Honor Tag Team Championship". Ring of Honor. Archived from the original on April 12, 2010. Retrieved April 5, 2010.
  15. "Exclusive Interview with The Amazing Red". Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved August 24, 2007.
  16. Gerweck, Steve (June 20, 2012). "Report: Former TNA wrestler receives WWE tryout". WrestleView. Archived from the original on February 17, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
  17. "Jersey All Pro Wrestling 11th Anniversary Show". JAPW.net. Archived from the original on September 25, 2008. Retrieved November 21, 2008.
  18. Caldwell, James (April 24, 2009). "TNA News: X Division wrestler signs multi-year deal with TNA". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved June 21, 2010.
  19. Sokol, Bryan; Sokol, Chris (October 2, 2009). "Impact: Elite Mafia meltdown". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on November 8, 2014. Retrieved October 13, 2009.
  20. Wilkenfeld, Daniel (October 8, 2009). "WILKENFELD'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 10/8: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast". PWTorch. Retrieved October 9, 2009.
  21. Wilkenfeld, Daniel (October 15, 2009). "WILKENFELD'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 10/15: Ongoing (but suffering an hour lag) "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast". PWTorch. Retrieved October 16, 2009.
  22. Parks, Greg (October 18, 2009). "PARKS' TNA BOUND FOR GLORY PPV REPORT 10/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the pre-game and first hour of the show". PWTorch. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  23. Wilkenfeld, Daniel (October 22, 2009). "WILKENFELD'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 10/22: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast". PWTorch. Retrieved November 27, 2009.
  24. Caldwell, James (November 15, 2009). "CALDWELL'S TNA TURNING POINT PPV REPORT 11/15: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of A.J. Styles vs. Samoa Joe vs. Daniels". PWTorch. Retrieved November 27, 2009.
  25. Csonka, Larry (December 8, 2009). "Complete TNA Impact Taping Results (SPOILERS)". 411Mania. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
  26. Martin, Adam (December 9, 2009). "SPOILERS: 12/8 Impact TV tapings". WrestleView. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
  27. Caldwell, James (January 17, 2010). "CALDWELL'S TNA GENESIS PPV REPORT 1/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of A.J. Styles vs. Kurt Angle, Hulk Hogan's TNA PPV debut". PWTorch. Retrieved January 24, 2010.
  28. Wilkenfeld, Daniel (January 28, 2009). "TNA Impact Report 1/28: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast". PWTorch. Retrieved January 29, 2010.
  29. Caldwell, James (April 12, 2010). "CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 4/12: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV show - Jeff Hardy vs. Roode, Team 3D vs. The Band". PWTorch. Retrieved April 14, 2010.
  30. Wilkenfeld, Daniel (June 10, 2010). "Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 6/10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved June 12, 2010.
  31. Martin, Adam (September 23, 2010). "TNA title changes hands at show in New York City". WrestleView. Archived from the original on October 7, 2010. Retrieved September 24, 2010.
  32. Martin, Adam (September 25, 2010). "TNA title changes hands once again in New Jersey". WrestleView. Archived from the original on September 30, 2010. Retrieved September 26, 2010.
  33. Wilkenfeld, Daniel (December 23, 2010). "Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 12/23: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved December 31, 2010.
  34. Keller, Wade (December 31, 2010). "Keller's TNA Impact report 12/30: Morgan & Mystery Partner vs. Anderson & Mystery Partner, Knockouts Brawls, Jarrett vs. Amazing Red's little brother". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved December 31, 2010.
  35. Caldwell, James (January 27, 2011). "Caldwell's TNA Impact report 1/27: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Team Angle vs. Team Immortal, Anderson vs. Hardy, Flair goes nuts, Steiner returns". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved August 5, 2011.
  36. Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (April 19, 2011). "TNA Xplosion ep. 343". TNA Xplosion. Challenge.
  37. Caldwell, James (May 12, 2011). "Caldwell's TNA Impact report 5/12: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of big reveals, final PPV hype, battle royal main event". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved August 5, 2011.
  38. 1 2 Caldwell, James (July 10, 2011). "Caldwell's TNA Destination X PPV results 7/10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Styles vs. Daniels, Ultimate X, RVD vs. Lynn". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved August 5, 2011.
  39. Martin, Adam (August 4, 2011). "X Division star says he is no longer with TNA". WrestleView. Archived from the original on August 25, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  40. Radican, Sean (March 4, 2012). "Radican's ROH "10th Anniversary Show" iPPV report - live coverage of iPPV from Manhattan". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved March 5, 2012.
  41. "NJPW reveals cards for Fighting Spirit Unleashed East Coast tour". WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results. September 23, 2019.
  42. "411MANIA". Csonka's NJPW Super J Cup 2019 Primer & Preview.
  43. "411MANIA". Will Ospreay Says He Wants Match With Amazing Red, Says He Can Bring Red's Spark Back.
  44. "PWU Haunted". Prowrestlingunplugged.com. Archived from the original on March 1, 2008. Retrieved February 26, 2008.
  45. "Solie's Title Histories: ECWA - EAST COAST WRESTLING ASSOCIATION". www.solie.org.
  46. "GCW Cruiserweight Championship " Titles Database " CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  47. "HOG Tag Team Championship " Titles Database " CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net.
  48. Johnson, Mike (October 18, 2013). "Hell Freezes Over: complete ICW coverage from NYC". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved October 19, 2013.
  49. "Solie's Title Histories: MCW - Maryland Championship Wrestling". www.solie.org.
  50. "NEFW Tag Team Championship " Titles Database " CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  51. ""PWI 500": 1–100". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. July 30, 2010. Retrieved July 31, 2010.
  52. "PWS Suicidal Six Way Championship". CageMatch.
  53. "RWA Cruiserweight Championship". CageMatch.
  54. "Solie's Title Histories: ROH - RING OF HONOR". www.solie.org.
  55. "United States Extreme Wrestling title histories". Wrestling Information Archive. Archived from the original on September 19, 2010. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.