Adam Rose

Last updated

Adam Rose
Adam Rose WrestleMania 32 Axxess.jpg
Leppan in April 2016
Birth nameRaymond John Leppan [1] [2]
Born (1979-07-20) 20 July 1979 (age 45) [3]
Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa [4]
Spouse(s)
Cassandra Leppan
(m. 2010;div. 2019)
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s) Adam Rose [5]
Aldo Rose [6]
Dameon Duke [7]
Krugar [8]
Leo Kruger [3]
Z-Max [9]
Billed height6 ft 1 in (185 cm) [5]
Billed weight218 lb (99 kg) [5]
Billed from Johannesburg, South Africa [3]
Musha Cay, Bahamas [5]
Trained by Florida Championship Wrestling
Paul Lloyd Sr. [7]
Debut1995 [10]
RetiredJune 14, 2019 [11]

Raymond John Leppan (born 20 July 1979) is a South African retired professional wrestler. He is best known for his time in WWE under the ring name Adam Rose.

Contents

Making his debut on the South African independent circuit in 1995, Leppan signed with WWE in 2010, wrestling in its developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) under the ring name Leo Kruger, where he became a two-time FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion. After FCW folded in 2012, Leppan continued to wrestle in its successor NXT as Leo Kruger, before moving to WWE's main roster, as Adam Rose in early 2014. After a series of controversies, Leppan asked for his release from the promotion in April 2016 and wrestled in the international independent circuit.

Early life

According to an E60 interview, Adam wanted to wrestle from the age of 9. A school drop-out, Leppan ran away from home when he was 14, then spent two years living on the streets and in abandoned buildings. Leppan later described that he had been "spiraling out of control" during that period, which was full of violence and alcohol, and only the thought of becoming a wrestler had helped him escape. Leppan's mother later successfully managed to entice Leppan to return home to Johannesburg from Durban with the prospect of beginning wrestling classes. [9] [10]

Professional wrestling career

Independent circuit (1995–2010)

Leppan made his professional wrestling debut in 1995 at the age of 15 [4] [10] He eventually wrestled on the South African independent circuit as Z-Max, a character based on The Karate Kid . [9]

He worked in Philadelphia with Paul Lloyd Jr., known as the tag team Pure Juice. He also wrestled as Dameon Duke in World Wrestling Professionals. [7] While there, he won the WWP World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Tornado in 2007 and lost it to Fury the following year. [12]

World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE

Florida Championship Wrestling (2010–2012)

Leppan debuted at a Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) house show under his real name on 12 February 2010, in a losing effort against David Otunga. [13] He made his televised debut two weeks later, losing to Curt Hawkins. [14]

Kruger during an FCW event in February 2011 Leo Kruger.jpg
Kruger during an FCW event in February 2011

The following week, Leppan changed his ring name to Leo Kruger, chosen as a tribute to his relative and former President of South Africa Paul Kruger, before losing to Johnny Curtis. [4] On 25 March, Kruger picked up his first televised win by defeating Jacob Novak. [15] At the television tapings on 20 May, Kruger challenged the former Paul Lloyd, Jr. and fellow South African wrestler, Justin Gabriel to a match. At the television tapings on 10 June, Kruger lost to Gabriel, before defeating him in a rematch on 1 July. [15] In mid-2010, Kruger formed a team with Derrick Bateman, known as The Handsome Man Express. The duo challenged Los Aviadores (Hunico and Epico) for the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship on 2 July, but were unsuccessful. [16] On 8 July, Kruger teamed with Tyler Reks to challenge Los Aviadores again for the championship, but was unsuccessful. Kruger then went on a winning streak, defeating Big E Langston, Bateman, Austin Watson, Husky Harris, and Wes Brisco, before finally losing in a mixed tag team match, when he and Kaitlyn lost to Brad Maddox and Jamie Keyes on 9 September. Kruger's final match in 2010 was at the television tapings on 23 September, when he lost to Bo Rotundo. [15] Following the match, Kruger lost feeling in his arm, and it was discovered that he had broken his neck. [17] While recuperating, Kruger became a commentator for the FCW television program. [17]

After Bo Rotundo was injured in September 2011, his FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship was vacated and a tournament set up to determine the new champion. [18] Kruger defeated Percy Watson to make it to the final, a fatal four-way match against Husky Harris, Damien Sandow, and Dean Ambrose. [19] Kruger won the match and the championship, his first in FCW. [20] Kruger then appeared in dark matches prior to the SmackDown television tapings on 20 and 27 September, losing to Trent Barreta and defeating Johnny Curtis respectively. [21] [22] Kruger successfully defended the championship against Harris on 24 October episode of FCW television and on 14 November episode of FCW television, Kruger defeated Harris and Richie Steamboat in a triple threat match to retain the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship. [23] [24] On 18 December episode of FCW television, Kruger successfully defended the championship against Seth Rollins, after interference from Antonio Cesaro. [25]

In late December 2011, Kruger appeared at several WWE house shows, losing to Alex Riley on 27 and 28 December. [26] [27] On 30 December, he teamed with Riley and Mason Ryan to defeat Tyler Reks, Curt Hawkins, and JTG in a six-man tag team match at a Raw brand house show. [28] On 2 February 2012, Kruger lost the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship to Mike Dalton. [29] He regained the championship from Dalton three weeks later on 23 February, but lost it that same night to Seth Rollins. [20]

NXT (2012–2014)

When WWE rebranded its developmental territory, FCW, into NXT Wrestling, [30] Kruger's NXT television debut took place on 27 June 2012 episode of the rebooted WWE NXT taped at Full Sail University, where he defeated Aiden English. [31] On 1 August episode of NXT, Kruger was inserted into the Gold Rush Tournament to crown the first NXT Champion, where he was defeated by Richie Steamboat in the quarter-finals. [32] In September, Kruger's character was altered into that of a deranged hunter and mercenary. [33] [34] In December, Kruger formed an alliance with Kassius Ohno; [35] Kruger and Ohno defeated Tyson Kidd and Justin Gabriel on 2 January 2013 episode of NXT. [36] On 16 January episode of NXT, Kruger defeated Trent Baretta. [37] On 30 January episode of NXT, Ohno and Kruger entered the NXT Tag Team Championship Tournament to crown the inaugural champions and defeated Alex Riley and Derrick Bateman in the first round. [38] On 6 February episode of NXT, Kruger and Ohno were defeated by Adrian Neville and Oliver Grey in the semi-finals. [39] Kruger then moved on to feud with Justin Gabriel when he attempted to attack Gabriel's injured partner, Tyson Kidd; [40] Kruger won the series of matches 2–1. [34] [41] [42] Kruger next set his sights on Bo Dallas's NXT Championship. [43] On 18 July NXT, Kruger won a triple threat match against Sami Zayn and Antonio Cesaro to become number one contender. [44] On 7 August, Kruger fought Dallas for NXT Championship, but lost. [45] Kruger eventually feuded with Zayn with the feud culminated in Zayn winning a two-out-of-three falls match on 1 January 2014 NXT. [46]

Rose (top) being caught by the Rosebuds during his ring entrance in May 2014 Adam Rose Entrance 19 May 2014.jpg
Rose (top) being caught by the Rosebuds during his ring entrance in May 2014

Leppan was then removed from television, and began wrestling at house shows as a new character called Adam Rose. [47] As Rose, he returned to television on 6 March 2014 episode of NXT, with his new character being an organiser of parties with various colourful costumed party-goers, who accompany him during his ring entrance. [48] [49] Rose's supporters are called Rosebuds. [50] The Rose character is loosely based on comedian Russell Brand. [51]

In August 2014, within NXT, Rose and Sami Zayn participated in a tournament for an opportunity at the NXT Tag Team Championship, defeating Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd in the first round, [52] but they lost in the second round to The Lucha Dragons (Kalisto and Sin Cara), with the Adam Rose character being pinned for the first time. [53] On 4 September episode of NXT, Rose suffered his first singles loss at the hands of Tyson Kidd. [54]

The Exotic Express (2014–2015)

After WrestleMania XXX, Raw on 7 April, WWE aired introductory vignettes for Rose. [55] Rose made his main roster debut on the 5 May episode of Raw, by interrupting Zeb Colter and Jack Swagger. [56] Rose continued to distract Swagger during his matches, leading to Swagger losing. Rose wrestled his first Raw match on the 26 May episode of Raw in a winning effort against Damien Sandow. During the match Swagger and Colter interfered, holding one of Rose's party members hostage. Rose saved his friend after winning the match despite the distraction. Rose defeated Swagger on the 30 May episode of SmackDown and the 2 June episode of Raw. [57] [58] Rose made his first pay-per-view appearance at Money in the Bank where he defeated Damien Sandow. [59] On the Battleground pre-show, Rose defeated Fandango. After over a month of inactivity, Rose returned on 1 September episode of Raw, where he defeated Titus O'Neil.

On 22 September episode of Raw, Rose teamed with his popular Rosebud, The Bunny (a 'highly athletic individual' in a rabbit suit) for the first time, as they defeated Heath Slater and Titus O'Neil. [60] On the 15th Anniversary episode of SmackDown for 10 October, Rose suffered his first main roster loss at the hands of Kane. [61]

Adam Rose in September 2014 Adam Rose 2014.jpg
Adam Rose in September 2014

"... they have made him a cheesy party boy made uncool from the beginning by Michael Cole's dorky commentary and dancing".

Shawn Valentino of the Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter [62]

On 31 October episode of SmackDown, WWE teased dissension between Rose and The Bunny when R-Truth hinted that The Bunny was upstaging Rose. [63] After The Bunny cost Rose a match, The Bunny was assaulted and abandoned by Rose, but continued supporting Rose for his next match and often started causing Rose to lose some matches after the attempts to help him out backfired. In response, Rose allowed The Bunny to submit to Tyson Kidd during an "inter-species" match, rather than saving him when Kidd placed him in the sharpshooter. The Bunny teamed up with Rose at Survivor Series to take on Slater Gator (Heath Slater and Titus O'Neil) in a tag team match. The Bunny won the match but Rose was clearly displeased. The Bunny and Rose then failed to win a tag team turmoil match, which granted the winners a shot at the WWE Tag Team Championship. In December 2014, the Bunny won a Slammy Award; Rose later explained in a podcast how he had found him in Times Square and hired him. [64]

Rose feuded with Kane, with Kane defeating him and The Bunny sustaining a neck injury from receiving a tombstone piledriver when he was just helping out Rose. [65] On 22 December episode of Raw, Rose snapped after a quick loss to R-Truth and viciously attacked The Bunny, turning heel in the process; this beat down marked The Bunny's last appearance. [66] As part of his heel turn, Rose started to push around his Rosebuds, behaving like a bully. He next feuded with the returning Zack Ryder, with the pair exchanging victories and using Twitter to insult one another, with even William Shatner (whom Rose called "Dad") joining in. Rose was one of the participants in the Second Annual André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 31. [67] Rose however did not win the match.

In late April, Fandango split away from Rosa Mendes and Adam Rose was seen talking to her. A week later, Rosa cost Fandango a match with Rose, and became Rose's valet instead after a kiss. On 14 May Rose informed his Rosebuds that the party was "officially over", at this point completely ending his "Party animal" gimmick.

Various storylines and departure (2015–2016)

On 22 June episode of Raw, Rose's gimmick was slightly altered to a pompous artiste, exclaiming that the WWE Universe had no idea of true art or passion, hyping up the reveal of his "masterpiece" in the process. [68] The storyline was never resolved. Rose re-emerged on 29 August episode of Main Event , sporting generic black boots and tights, a plain grey shirt, glasses, and an altered gimmick again. Though he eventually submitted to Jack Swagger, he declared in a pre-match promo his intentions to "poop on everybody's party". On 5 October episode of Raw, Rose shared a "cryptic message", saying, "All I wanted to do was put smiles on little children's faces. Well, poop." The camera then tilted down onto what seemed to be the Bunny's mascot head. [69] On 3 November edition of Main Event, during and after defeating Fandango, this mystery bunny person was seen at ringside leaving Rose surprised. [70] Rose formed a tag team with Brad Maddox. [71] However, the team would be short-lived as Maddox was released from his contract on 25 November. [72] Following Maddox being released from the company, on 30 November 2015 edition of Raw, Rose debuted a Hollywood Minute-inspired segment entitled The Rose Bush, in which he started talking about all the "dirt" in WWE. [73]

The Social Outcasts in April 2016 The Social Outcasts April 2016.jpg
The Social Outcasts in April 2016

On 4 January episode of Raw, Rose, along with Heath Slater, Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas, debuted as a new stable and went on to assist Slater in defeating Dolph Ziggler. [74] On 11 January episode of Raw, now billed as The Social Outcasts, the group would face The Wyatt Family to a no contest when Ryback interfered. [75] On 24 January 2016 SmackDown, the four defeated the team of Goldust, Damien Sandow, Jack Swagger and Zack Ryder in an eight-man tag match. On 8 February episode of Raw, Rose defeated Titus O'Neil. At WrestleMania 32, Rose competed in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, but was eliminated by the eventual winner Baron Corbin. [76] On 11 April episode of Raw, Rose lost to Apollo Crews in what would be his final match in WWE.

On 16 April 2016, WWE announced that Leppan was suspended for 60 days after his second violation of the company's Wellness Program. [1] Four days later on 20 April, Leppan publicly addressed his suspension as "not right", saying "I did not do anything knowingly wrong and was taking prescribed medication that my [doctor] and I followed all the correct protocol on". [77] On 3 May, Leppan posted a doctor's handwritten note on his Twitter feed, indicating that he had been prescribing Leppan Adderall XR to treat ADHD. Leppan wrote that WWE had known he had the prescription for over a year. [78] Three weeks later on 11 May, Leppan was arrested in Hillsborough County, Florida for domestic violence and tampering with a witness. [79] Later that day, WWE announced that as a result, Leppan had been suspended indefinitely. [80] [81] Leppan requested his release from WWE and on 23 May 2016, the company announced that it was granted. [82] On 14 June 2016 all charges against Leppan were dropped.

Later career and retirement (2016–2019)

After his release, Leppan announced his new ring name as Aldo Rose, maintaining the party host gimmick, but as an edgier character. His first match after his release took place on 23 July, losing a match against fellow WWE alumnus Damien Sandow. Rose took an absence from the professional wrestling industry in November. In January 2017, Rose addressed his absence from the industry, stating he had been with his family, and his social media was hacked. In addition, he announced that he had "killed off" the Adam Rose character and returned to his Leo Kruger persona, now renamed Krugar.[ citation needed ] Since then, however, he began to compete both under the Adam Rose and Krugar name.

On 25 March 2017, Rose defeated Aaron Orion to become the Championship International Wrestling Heavyweight Champion; however, Rose lost the title to Orion the next day. [83] On 21 April, Rose defeated CJ O'Doyle and Axx Clover to become the new Atomic Wrestling Entertainment Heavyweight Champion.

On 18 March 2019, Leppan announced his retirement from pro wrestling, saying that he would be fulfilling the rest of his current bookings, not taking anymore after that. [11] In his retirement match on June 14, 2019, for the Atomic Revolutionary Wrestling promotion against Bull James, at ARW's 3rd annual Star Spangled event, Rose lost via submission when James reversed an attempted submission into a crossface. [84]

Other media

Rose is included as downloadable content for the video game WWE 2K15 , [85] and is also playable in WWE 2K16 [86] and mobile game WWE SuperCard. [87]

In May 2015, a documentary by E:60 titled "Behind the Curtain", aired on ESPN, focusing on Leppan, Austin Watson (Xavier Woods), Matthew Polinsky (Corey Graves), and their time in WWE's developmental system, NXT. [88]

Personal life

Leppan has two sons, Maverick and Levi. Maverick was born in 2011 with an omphalocele (a rare abdominal wall defect), and needed immediate surgery after being born to correct the defect. By the age of three, Maverick had outlived his prognosis, had four operations, and needed to be fed through a tube linked to his stomach. Levi was born in 2014. [9]

Leppan is a Christian. [89]

Controversy

On 11 May 2016, Leppan was arrested in Lutz, Florida by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office for tampering with a witness (domestic) and battery domestic assault. The incident took place at 1:30 am ET. The following day at 4:10 pm ET, Leppan was released from custody on a bond of $1,000. [90] WWE officials suspended Leppan indefinitely, citing their "Zero Tolerance" policy for domestic abuse, and would later grant him his request for a release. On 14 June 2016, all charges against Leppan were dropped.

On 17 June 2016, Leppan garnered controversy after releasing a T-shirt via the Pro Wrestling Tees website that featured the mugshot from his domestic violence arrest. [91] Leppan wrote on his Twitter saying "To those who were offended by the mug shot t-shirt... I wasn't. It represented the lowest point in my life and no crime was ever committed". "It represented over coming and pardon the expression but taking a lemon and turning it into lemonade. So bite on my lemon! Get a life!". He also explained that the idea for the shirt came from his wife. [92] The shirt has since been removed from the website.

Championships and accomplishments

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Primo Colón</span> Puerto Rican professional wrestler

Edwin Carlos ColónCoates is a Puerto Rican professional wrestler. He is best known for his tenure in WWE, where he performed under the ring name Primo Colón, or simply Primo. He is currently signed to World Wrestling Council (WWC) under his real name, Eddie Colón.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyson Kidd</span> Canadian retired professional wrestler

Theodore James "TJ" Wilson, better known by the ring name Tyson Kidd, is a Canadian former professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE, where he works as a producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corey Graves</span> American professional wrestling commentator

Matthew Polinsky is an American wrestling color commentator and retired professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs under the ring name Corey Graves as the play-by-play commentator on their the SmackDown brand. He is a former NXT Tag Team Champion with Adrian Neville and a former WWE 24/7 Champion. Polinsky is also known for his work on the independent circuit under the ring name Sterling James Keenan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heath Slater</span> American professional wrestler and actor

Heath Wallace Miller is an American professional wrestler. He is best known for his tenure in WWE under the ring name Heath Slater. He also performed in Impact Wrestling, under the mononymous name Heath.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Xavier Woods</span> American professional wrestler

Austin Watson is an American professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw brand under the ring name Xavier Woods and is part of The New Day. Watson also makes public appearances outside of wrestling under the name Austin Creed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Konnor (wrestler)</span> American professional wrestler

Ryan Parmeter is an American professional wrestler, currently appearing for Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, where he performs under the ring name Kon. He is best known for his work in WWE, where he wrestled under the ring name Konnor. He was part of the fourth season of NXT, and earned fourth place on the show's fifth season, NXT Redemption.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curtis Axel</span> American professional wrestler

Joseph Curtis Hennig is an American professional wrestler. He is best known for his time in WWE, where he performed under the ring name Curtis Axel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gabbi Tuft</span> American professional wrestler

Gabbi Alon Tuft is an American TikToker and retired professional wrestler. Tuft is best known for her time with WWE under the ring name Tyler Reks. Tuft also competed in WWE's developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), where she won the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship once and the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship twice, once with Joe Hennig and once with Johnny Curtis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fandango (wrestler)</span> American professional wrestler

Curtis Jonathan Hussey is an American professional wrestler, currently signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he is a member of The System and performs under the ring name Johnny Dango Curtis. He is best known for his time in WWE, where he performed under the ring name Fandango.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bo Dallas</span> American professional wrestler (born 1990)

Taylor Michael Rotunda is an American professional wrestler. As of December 2022, he is signed to WWE where he currently performs under the ring names Bo Dallas and his alter ego Uncle Howdy and is the leader of The Wyatt Sicks faction. Rotunda is a third-generation professional wrestler; his grandfather Blackjack Mulligan, his father Mike Rotunda, his uncles Barry and Kendall Windham, and his brother Windham were professional wrestlers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">P. J. Black</span> South African professional wrestler

Phillip Paul Lloyd is a South African-American professional wrestler. He is best known for his time in WWE, under the ring name Justin Gabriel. He is currently wrestling under the ring name P. J. Black.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Viktor (wrestler)</span> Canadian professional wrestler

Eric Thompson is a Canadian professional wrestler currently making appearances for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), under the ring name Zyon. He is best known for his time with WWE under the ring name Viktor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ethan Carter III</span> American professional wrestler

Michael Hutter is an American professional wrestler and promoter better known by the ring name Ethan Carter III. He is currently signed to the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), where he is the current NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion and is a former NWA National Heavyweight Champion. He also performs on the independent circuit. He is best known for his tenures with Impact Wrestling and WWE, where he performed both under his EC3 ring name and, earlier, as Derrick Bateman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Summer Rae</span> American professional wrestler (b. 1983)

Danielle Louise Moinet is an American model, actress, ring announcer, former professional wrestler, manager and American football player. She is best known for her tenures in WWE from 2011 to 2017 and in 2022, under the ring name Summer Rae. Moinet was a main cast member on the reality show Total Divas during its second and third seasons. Before joining WWE, she played with the Chicago Bliss of the Lingerie Football League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big E (wrestler)</span> American professional wrestler

Ettore Ewen is an American former professional wrestler and powerlifter. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs under the ring name Big E; he appears only in non-wrestling capacities due to a cervical fracture of the spine he suffered in March 2022. In addition to his singles career, he is a decorated tag team wrestler as part of The New Day with Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brad Maddox</span> American professional wrestler

Joshua Tyler Kluttz is an American retired professional wrestler and former professional wrestling referee. He is best known for his tenure in WWE, where he performed under the ring name Brad Maddox.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyler Breeze</span> Canadian professional wrestler

Mattias Clement is a Canadian professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE under the ring name Tyler Breeze as a member of the UpUpDownDown channel. He also wrestles on the independent circuit under the mononymous ring name Breeze.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matthew Rehwoldt</span> American professional wrestler

Matthew Thomas Rehwoldt is an American color commentator and retired professional wrestler who serves as a color commentator for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). He is previously known for his time in WWE, where he performed under the ring name Aiden English.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luke Harper and Erick Rowan</span> American professional wrestling tag team

Luke Harper and Erick Rowan, also known as The Bludgeon Brothers, were an American professional wrestling tag team in WWE. They were also known as being members of the cult faction The Wyatt Family, led by Bray Wyatt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jason Jordan</span> American professional wrestler

Nathan Everhart is an American retired professional wrestler, better known by the ring name Jason Jordan. He is currently signed to WWE, where he works as the lead producer for Raw and SmackDown. He has not wrestled since suffering a neck injury in January 2018.

References

  1. 1 2 "WWE Suspends Raymond Leppan and Ryan Parmeter". WWE . 16 April 2016. Archived from the original on 16 April 2016. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  2. Johnson, Mike. "New FCW talents, where are they now, chat with the Bellas and more". PWInsider. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 "Leo Kruger Bio". Florida Championship Wrestling. Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
  4. 1 2 3 Fishman, Scott (29 April 2012). "South African friends looking to reunite in WWE". The Miami Herald . Archived from the original on 23 May 2012. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Adam Rose". WWE . Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  6. Johnson, Mike (3 March 2017). "AMY 'LITA' DUMAS, ADAM ROSE, LIO RUSH, BRIAN CAGE & MORE HEADING TO MCW TONIGHT IN MARYLAND". PWInsider. Retrieved 21 March 2019. Aldo Rose (formerly Adam Rose)
  7. 1 2 3 Wood, Darren (16 December 2016). "Adam Rose took the road less traveled". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on 28 December 2016. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
  8. Johnson, Mike (19 January 2017). "WWE YANKS KENNY OMEGA RELATED ARTICLE ON WEBSITE, FORMER WWE STAR REVEALS NEW PERSONA, BELLAS AND MORE". PWInsider.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Houser, Ben; Schaap, Jeremy; McCormick, Matt (5 May 2015). "WWE: Behind the Curtain". E:60. ESPN.
  10. 1 2 3 Mooneyham, Mike. "Adam Rose's inspirational story: From the streets to WWE". The Post and Courier . Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  11. 1 2 Quarrinton, Norm (18 March 2019). "Ex-WWE Star Adam Rose Says He's Officially Retiring From Wrestling". Pro Wrestling Sheet. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
  12. 1 2 "WWP World Heavyweight Title". World Wrestling Professionals. 1 July 2011. Archived from the original on 15 January 2012. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  13. Davis, Jason (11 February 2010). "BRYAN DANIELSON GETS HIS NEW WWE NAME, SON OF A LEGEND DEBUTS - 2/11 FCW REPORT". PWInsider. Retrieved 4 April 2010.
  14. FCW #75 at Cagematch.net
  15. 1 2 3 "FCW matches wrestled by Leo Kruger". Cagematch.net. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
  16. Mize, Adam (2 July 2010). "7/2 FCW Results in Melbourne, Fla.: Nexus angle continues, Kaval main events, Hennig vs. Hawkins". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  17. 1 2 "Leo Kruger". NXT Wrestling . Archived from the original on 19 January 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  18. "Superstars of the Week: Leo Kruger". Florida Championship Wrestling. Archived from the original on 6 January 2012. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  19. Namako, Jason (10 October 2011). "FCW Results – 10/9/11". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  20. 1 2 3 "Champions Roll Call". Florida Championship Wrestling. Archived from the original on 8 February 2012. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  21. Tedesco, Mike (20 September 2011). "SPOILERS: WWE NXT for September 20". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 24 November 2011. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  22. Tedesco, Mike (27 September 2011). "SPOILERS: WWE Superstars for September 29". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 21 November 2011. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  23. Namako, Jason (25 October 2011). "FCW Results – 10/24/11". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 3 November 2011. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  24. Namako, Jason (14 November 2011). "FCW Results – 11/14/11". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 17 November 2011. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  25. "Florida Championship Wrestling TV report for 12–18". Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  26. Martin, Adam (28 December 2011). "Second report of 12/27 WWE event at MSG". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 7 January 2012. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  27. Mientus, Joe (28 December 2011). "12/28 WWE results Pittsburgh, Pa.: Punk vs. Miz steel cage, Miz mic work, battle royal, Lawler, Cena vs. Kane". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  28. Tedesco, Mike (31 December 2011). "12/30 WWE Results: Hartford, Connecticut". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 4 January 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2012.
  29. Meltzer, Dave (2 February 2012). "Two title changes at tonight's FCW tapings". Wrestling Observer Newsletter . Retrieved 4 February 2012.
  30. "WWE News: FCW name being phased out". Wrestling Observer Newsletter . Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  31. James, Justin. "JAMES'S NXT REPORT 6/27: Week 2 of New NXT season – Bateman vs. Curtis main event, Cesaro, Seth Rollins, Steamboat". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
  32. James, Justin. "JAMES'S WWE NXT RESULTS 8/1: NXT Title tournament begins with Rollins, Steamboat, McIntyre". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  33. Chiverton, George. "CHIVERTON'S NXT SCOUTING REPORT: Latest evaluation & rankings of WWE's top Developmental stars". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 7 October 2012. Kruger is a changed man ... He's got a hunter gimmick ... his persona has gone from confused to straight up crazy.
  34. 1 2 James, Justin. "JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORTS 4/17 & 4/24 & 5/1: Jericho in action, The Shield, Clash of Champions featuring several title matches, Paige vs. Summer Rae feud continues, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
  35. James, Justin. "JAMES'S WWE NXT RESULTS 12/5 – WEEK 24: Kidd main event, Cesaro, Shield member in action, Overall Reax". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
  36. James, Justin. "JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 1/2: Developmental kicks off 2013 with NXT Title match, Shield added to storylines, Big E.'s role before main roster call-up". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
  37. James, Justin. "JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 1/16: PAC debuts, released Barreta & injured Kidd wrestle, Sandow and Cesaro(?) team, Overall Reax". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
  38. James, Justin. "JAMES'S WWE NXT RESULTS 1/30: Tournament continues, Bo Dallas in main event, returns of Bateman, A-Ry & Mason Ryan". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
  39. James, Justin. "JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 2/6 – Week 32: Tag Tournament continues, Bo Dallas's main-roster debut carries over, Overall Reax". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
  40. Chiverton, George. "CHIVERTON'S NXT SCOUTING REPORT: Latest Rankings & Evaluation of WWE Developmental roster". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
  41. James, Justin. "JAMES'S WWE NXT RESULTS 2/27: The Shield attacks in the main event, a match so bad that it's good, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
  42. Chiverton, George. "CHIVERTON'S NXT SCOUTING REPORT: Latest Rankings & Evaluation of top WWE Developmental prospects". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
  43. Namako, Jason (3 July 2013). "WWE NXT Results – 6/27/13 (#1 Contenders Match)". Wrestleview. Retrieved 8 August 2013.
  44. Namako, Jason (19 July 2013). "WWE NXT Results – 7/18/13 (Neville/Graves vs. Wyatt Family)". Wrestleview. Retrieved 8 August 2013.
  45. Trionfo, Richard. "WWE NXT REPORT: UNITED STATES TITLE ON THE LINE; NXT TITLE ON THE LINE; DANCE SUPREMACY IN NXT ON THE LINE; TYLER BREEZE IS TYLER BREEZE; AND MORE". PWInsider. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  46. James, Justin. "James's WWE NXT results 1/1 – Week 79: Zayn/Generico in 2/3 Falls match, Kingston, Natalya, Overall Reax". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
  47. Johnson, Mike. "Results and thoughts from final NXT house show in Tampa". PWInsider. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
  48. "James's WWE NXT report 3/6: Post-Arrival "reset" includes Neville's first night as NXT champ, Zayn vs. Graves, re-packaged Rose, Flair, Cena, Yoshi, more; Overall Reax". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
  49. Chiverton, George. "Chiverton's NXT scouting report: Latest Rankings & Evaluation, including Network Era Ranking #1". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
  50. Caldwell, James. "WWE Newswire: Raw's Twitter TV Ranking, Slaughter talks WM40, D-Young mentioned in Michael Sam statement, NXT'er introduces new gimmick, int'l try-out, new toy line". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2 October 2014.
  51. Looking At A 'Most Excellent Debut For Adam Rose' Edition Of Wwe Nxt. PWInsider.com (7 March 2014). Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  52. Namako, Jason. "WWE NXT Results – 8/7/14 (Kidd/Gabriel VS. Zayn/Rose)". wrestleview.com. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  53. Witner, Emerson. "WWE NXT TV Report: Kalisto/Sin Cara vs. Sami Zayn/Adam Rose, new GM coming". Wrestling Observer. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  54. James, Justin. "James's WWE NXT Report 9/4 – Week 114: Final hype for "Takeover" special, Tag Tournament ends, Overall Reax". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  55. Caldwell, James. "Raw news: Bryan's first night as champ, Taker update, Cesaro joins Heyman, Warrior returns, RVD returns, Paige debuts & wins Divas Title, other NXT intros, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  56. Caldwell, James. "Caldwell's WWE Raw results 5/5: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – PPV fall-out, U.S. Title battle royal, IC Title re-match, Shield vs. Wyatts, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  57. Adam Rose vs. Jack Swagger: SmackDown, 30 May 2014 Archived 3 June 2014 at the Wayback Machine . WWE.com. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  58. Adam Rose vs. Jack Swagger: 2 June 2014 Archived 6 June 2014 at the Wayback Machine . WWE.com. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  59. WWE Money in the Bank 2014 Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights. Bleacher Report (29 June 2014). Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  60. Caldwell, James. "Caldwell's WWE Raw results 9/22: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Raw vs. NFL Week 3 – PPV fall-out, Cena vs. Orton, Ambrose's in-ring return, no Heyman or Brock, more". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  61. Parks, Greg. "Parks's WWE SmackDown report 10/10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including the 15th Anniversary of Smackdown celebration". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  62. "Ask the Specialists Roundtable: Should WWE be doing more with a fresh star like Dean Ambrose?". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  63. Parks, Greg. "Parks's WWE SmackDown report 10/31". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  64. Adam Rose talks about The Bunny's Slammy Award win: WWE App, 12 December 2014 Archived 31 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine . WWE.com. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  65. Adam Rose vs. Kane: SuperSmackDown, 16 December 2014 Archived 7 March 2015 at the Wayback Machine . WWE.com. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  66. 5 Ups And Downs From Last Night's WWE Raw (15 Dec) – Page 8. Whatculture.com (16 December 2014). Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  67. Clapp, John. "2nd Annual André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal". WWE. Retrieved 24 February 2015.
  68. Benigno, Anthony. (22 June 2015) WWE Raw results, 22 June 2015: Lesnar settles his debts and Rollins begs forgiveness as WWE Battleground approaches. WWE.com. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  69. "Detailed 8/25 WWE Main Event Taping Results, Including Dark Match, Dusty Classic Match Results *Spoilers* – Wrestlezone". Wrestlezone. 25 August 2015. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  70. "Adam Rose Unveils the New Evil Bunny (Photo)". Daily DDT. 4 November 2015. Archived from the original on 24 November 2015. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  71. "Adam Rose & Brad Maddo Latest, Paige & The Miz Talk New Movie, The Usos on WWE Main Event | PWMania". PWMania. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  72. "Brad Maddox released". WWE. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  73. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 4 December 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  74. "Shows". WWE. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  75. Caldwell, James (12 January 2016). "1/11 WWE Raw Results – CALDWELL'S Complete, Live Report". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
  76. "WrestleMania 32 Result: Winner of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal is? – Wrestlezone". Wrestlezone. 3 April 2016. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  77. "TwitLonger – When you talk too much for Twitter". twitlonger.com. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  78. "WWE's Adam Rose says he was wrongfully suspended, shares doctor's note". Fox Sports. 4 May 2016. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  79. Schwartz, Nick (11 May 2016). "Suspended WWE star Adam Rose arrested in Florida". Fox Sports . Retrieved 4 August 2016.
  80. Oestriecher, Blake (11 May 2016). "Adam Rose Suspended Indefinitely By WWE After Domestic Violence Arrest, But His Career May Be Over". Forbes . Retrieved 4 August 2016.
  81. "Raymond Leppan (a.k.a Adam Rose) arrested, suspended". WWE. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
  82. "Adam Rose released". WWE. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
  83. "Championship International Wrestling (CIW) Heavyweight Championship". Cagematch.net. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
  84. "Adam Rose to Wrestle Bull James in His Final Match | Fightful News".
  85. 2K talks about Paige, Sid, Adam Rose's Bunny and other members | WWE 2K15 Game – Hints, cheats and tips Archived 13 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine . . Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  86. "Superstars and Divas featured on WWE 2K16 roster list". WWE. 10 August 2015. Retrieved 6 January 2019.
  87. "WWE SuperCard Cards Catalog - Season 5, Season 4, Season 3, Season 2 Database". The SmackDown Hotel. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  88. Calabrese, Joe (6 May 2015). "ESPN E60 'WWE: Behind the Curtain': 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know". Heavy.com. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  89. "WWE's Adam Rose Faces the Judge ... Wife Begs For Mercy". TMZ Sports.
  90. "Adam Rose Released From Jail". WrestlingInc.com. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  91. "This is dumb and very bad (UPDATED)". Cageside Seats. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  92. "Adam Rose Comments on Controversial Shirt, Shirt No Longer Available". WrestlingInc.com. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  93. Kreikenbohm, Philip. "AWE V For Victory " Events Database " CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database". cagematch.net. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  94. Kreikenbohm, Philip. "BWCW/XBW Night of Champions 2017 " Events Database " CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database". cagematch.net. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  95. "CIW Heavyweight Championship history".
  96. "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2012". The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  97. Meltzer, Dave (26 January 2015). "Jan. 26, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2014 awards issue w/ results & Dave's commentary, Conor McGregor, and much more". Wrestling Observer Newsletter . Campbell, California: 34. ISSN   1083-9593.