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{{short description|American professional wrestler}} | |||
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}} | |||
{{Infobox professional wrestler | {{Infobox professional wrestler | ||
|name = Aron Stevens<!-- DO NOT CHANGE, THIS MUST MATCH THE TITLE OF THE ARTICLE. --> | |||
|name = Damien Sandow | |||
|image = Damien Sandow in April 2016 (cropped).jpg | |||
|birthname = Aaron Steven Haddad<ref name=SLAMbio/><ref name=TIWD/> | |||
| |
|caption = Haddad as Damien Sandow in 2016 | ||
|birthname = Aron Steven Haddad | |||
|caption = Sandow in November 2013. | |||
|names = Aaron Stevens<br />'''Aron Stevens'''<br />Aron Rex<br />Damien Mizdow<ref>{{cite web|title=Power Rankings: Nov. 22, 2014|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/power-rankings/power-rankings-nov-22-2014|publisher=]|access-date=24 November 2014}}</ref><br />Damien Sandow<ref name="WWEbio"/><br />Easter Bunny<ref name="Vengeance">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/venge.html#2003|title=Vengeance 2003|access-date=2010-12-20|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128040458/http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/venge.html#2003|archive-date=2010-11-28|url-status=dead}}</ref><br />Idol Stevens<ref name="OWOW"/><br />Macho Mandow<ref name="Megapowers">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/curtis-axel-macho-mandow-vs-ascension|title=The Ascension def. 'The Mega Powers'|last=Burdick|first=Michael|date=May 11, 2015|work=WWE|access-date=February 8, 2018}}</ref> | |||
|alt = | |||
|names = Aaron Stevens<ref name="OWOW"/><br />'''Damien Sandow'''<ref name="WWEbio"/><br />Easter Bunny<ref name="Vengeance">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/venge.html#2003|title=Vengeance 2003|accessdate=2010-12-20|publisher=Pro Wrestling History| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101128040458/http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/venge.html| archivedate= 28 November 2010 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><br />Idol Stevens<ref name="OWOW"/><br />Mr. Big Time<ref name="OWOW"/> | |||
|height = {{height|ft=6|in=4}}<ref name="WWEbio"/> | |height = {{height|ft=6|in=4}}<ref name="WWEbio"/> | ||
|weight = {{convert| |
|weight = {{convert|247|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name="WWEbio"/> | ||
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1982| |
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1982|08|03|}} | ||
|death_date = |
|death_date = | ||
|birth_place = ], |
|birth_place = ], U.S.<ref name="OWOW"/> | ||
|resides = |
|resides = | ||
|billed = ] | |billed = ]<br />]<br />''']'''<br/>] | ||
|trainer = ]<ref name="OWOW"/><br />]<ref name="OWOW"/> | |trainer = ]<ref name="OWOW"/><br />]<ref name="OWOW"/> | ||
|debut = June 23, 2001<ref name=SLAMbio>{{cite web|title=Damien Sandow Biography|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios2/sandow.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429202105/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios2/sandow.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 29, 2015|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=1 November 2013}}</ref> | |||
|debut = 2001<ref name=SLAMbio/> | |||
|retired = June 11, 2022<ref>{{cite web |title=Aron Stevens' retirement promo at NWA Alwayz Ready |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/2022/6/12/23164813/aron-stevens-retirement-promo-nwa-alwayz-ready |website=Cageside Seats |date=12 June 2022 |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=31 May 2023}}</ref> | |||
|retired = | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Aron Steven Haddad''' (born August 3, 1982)<ref>{{cite web|title=Damien Sandow on Twitter|url=https://twitter.com/TheDamienSandow/status/495944090228232194|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305153554/https://twitter.com/TheDamienSandow/status/495944090228232194|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 March 2016|website=Twitter|access-date=30 November 2015}}</ref> is an American retired ] working as a manager in the ] under the name '''Aron Stevens'''. | |||
He is best known for wrestling with ] under the ] '''Damien Sandow'''.<ref name="WWEbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/damien-sandow|title=Damien Sandow|access-date=2012-05-05|publisher=]}}</ref> He is also known for his time in ] and the independent circuit under the ring name '''Aron Rex''', where he was the first-ever ] in 2016. | |||
Haddad started wrestling in 2001, and began appearing for WWE in 2002 as '''Aaron Stevens''' on '']''. From 2003 to 2006, Haddad wrestled in WWE's ], ] (OVW). In 2006, Haddad reappeared on the WWE main roster as '''Idol Stevens''', teaming with ] and allying with ]. In 2007, Haddad was released from WWE, first embarking on a return to OVW, no longer WWE's official developmental territory, in 2008 and then from 2009 to 2010, wrestling in Puerto Rico for ] (WWC).<ref name="luchalibrewwc.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.luchalibrewwc.com/index.html |title=WWC: World Wrestling Council - LuchalibreWWC.com |access-date=2009-03-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090312002044/http://www.luchalibrewwc.com/index.html |archive-date=2009-03-12 }}</ref> | |||
==Professional wrestling career== | |||
===Early career (2001-2002)=== | |||
Trained by ] since the age of 16,<ref name=SLAMinterview1>{{cite web|last=Laparde|first=Patric|title=Damien Sandow one strong character|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/09/05/20172241.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> Haddad made his debut as Aaron Stevens on June 23, 2001 at the age of 19 with a loss to ] in ].<ref name=SLAMbio/><ref name=CMCW>{{cite web|title=Damien Sandow in Chaotic Wrestling|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=636&view=&page=4&promotion=247|work=CageMatch|accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> In October 2001, Stevens and Edward G. Xtasy (as part of One Night Stand defeated ] & Luis Ortiz for the ], and lost the title two months later to John Walters & Vince Vicallo.<ref name=CMCW/> | |||
Signing again with WWE in 2010, he was assigned to a developmental territory, ], where he adopted the Damien Sandow moniker. In April 2012, Sandow returned to WWE's ] as an arrogant intellectual. In July 2013, Sandow won the ] match for a ] opportunity, and became the first to lose the cashed-in title match. In 2014, Sandow became a comedic impersonator, leading up to an alliance with ], serving as his ] '''Damien Mizdow'''. The duo won the ] before the team split in 2015. He briefly teamed with ], shortly before returning to singles action, and was released in May 2016. He acted in the 2023 independent film ''The Oath''.<ref name="imdb.com">>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2405583/|title=IMDB.com |website=] |access-date=2023-01-23}}</ref> | |||
From November 2002 to May 2003, Stevens also wrestled for ], where he beat Danny Davis for the WWA Heavyweight Championship but lost it a day later to Jonah Adelman.<ref name=CMWWA>{{cite web|title=Damien Sandow in World Wrestling Alliance|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=636&view=&page=4&promotion=512|work=CageMatch|accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> During this period, Stevens also received two singles title shots for the ] and one for the ], but lost them all.<ref name=CMCW/> | |||
== Professional wrestling career == | |||
===World Wrestling Entertainment=== | |||
====Ohio Valley Wrestling (2002–2006)==== | |||
=== Independent circuit (2001–2003) === | |||
Stevens signed a contract with ] (WWE) after receiving numerous try-out matches on '']'' against opponents such as ], ], ], and ].<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/d/damien-sandow.html|title=Damien Sandow|accessdate=2010-12-20|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/021104.html|title=WWE Raw Results – November 4, 2002 – Heat Matches|date=2002-11-04|accessdate=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080905213417/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/021104.html| archivedate= 5 September 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030501.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Results – May 1, 2003|date=2003-05-01|accessdate=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080920090812/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030501.html| archivedate= 20 September 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> He also worked an angle where he had his fingers "broken" by ] on ''Heat''. He later was reassigned to WWE's ] ] (OVW), dubbed Aaron "The Idol" Stevens.<ref name="OWOW"/> At a ] in 2004, Stevens and ] beat ] and ] to win the ].<ref name="OVW-tag"/> | |||
Haddad started training under ] at the age of 16.<ref name=SLAMinterview1>{{cite web|last=Laparde|first=Patric|title=Damien Sandow one strong character|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2012/09/05/20172241.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311225703/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2012/09/05/20172241.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 11, 2016|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=1 November 2013}}</ref> Three years later, Haddad made his debut as '''Aaron Stevens''' on June 23, 2001, with a loss to ] in ].<ref name=SLAMbio/><ref name=CMCW>{{cite web|title=Damien Sandow in Chaotic Wrestling|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=636&view=&page=4&promotion=247|work=CageMatch|access-date=1 November 2013}}</ref> In October 2001, Stevens and Edward G. Xtasy (as part of One Night Stand) defeated ] and Luis Ortiz for the ], losing the title two months later to John Walters and Vince Vicallo.<ref name=CMCW/> | |||
From November 2002 to May 2003, Stevens also wrestled for ] (WWA), where he beat Danny Davis for the WWA Heavyweight Championship but lost it a day later to Jonah Adelman.<ref name=CMWWA>{{cite web|title=Damien Sandow in World Wrestling Alliance|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=636&view=&page=4&promotion=512|work=CageMatch|access-date=1 November 2013}}</ref> During this period, he also received two singles title shots for the ] and one for the ], but lost them all.<ref name=CMCW/> | |||
On January 4, 2006, Stevens won the ] after replacing ] in a ] with ] and then-champion ].<ref name="OVW-tv"/> Doane was injured halfway through the match and Stevens came out to replace him.<ref name="OVW-01/04/06">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2006/|title=Ohio Valley Wrestling (2006) – January 4, 2006 – OVW TV Tapings|date=2006-01-04|accessdate=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080823103639/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2006/| archivedate= 23 August 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> After interference from Punk, who was eliminated earlier in the match by Albright, Stevens was able to pin Albright to win the title.<ref name="OVW-01/04/06"/> At the March 8 television taping, ] cost Stevens the Television Championship against ].<ref name="Almanac">{{cite news|title=2006: The year in wrestling|first=Hicks|last=Brady|work=PWI Presents: 2007 Wrestling Almanak and book of facts|publisher=Kappa Publications|id=2007 Edition|page=18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2006/|title=Ohio Valley Wrestling (2006) – March 8, 2006 – OVW TV Tapings|date=2006-03-08|accessdate=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080823103639/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2006/| archivedate= 23 August 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> | |||
=== World Wrestling Entertainment=== | |||
====SmackDown and departure (2006–2007)==== | |||
==== Early career (2003) ==== | |||
On August 4, 2006, Stevens made his '']'' debut as "Idol Stevens" when he was introduced (along with ]) by ] as one of her favorite "Teachers Pets".<ref name="SD debut">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060804.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Results – August 4, 2006|date=2006-08-04|accessdate=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080829233838/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060804.html| archivedate= 29 August 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> The two went on to defeat ] and ] with the help of McCool.<ref name="SD debut"/> The following week, Stevens and James defeated ] ] in a non-title match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060811.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Results – August 11, 2006|date=2006-08-11|accessdate=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080801094306/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060811.html| archivedate= 1 August 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> On the August 18 show, Stevens and James ambushed the Tag Team Champions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060818.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Results – August 18, 2006|date=2006-08-18|accessdate=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080906171132/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060818.html| archivedate= 6 September 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> | |||
Stevens signed a contract with ] (WWE) after receiving numerous try-out matches on '']'' against opponents such as ] and ].<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/d/damien-sandow.html|title=Damien Sandow|access-date=2010-12-20|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813072926/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/d/damien-sandow.html|archive-date=2011-08-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/021104.html|title=WWE Raw Results – November 4, 2002 – Heat Matches|date=2002-11-04|access-date=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080905213417/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/021104.html| archive-date= 5 September 2008 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030501.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Results – May 1, 2003|date=2003-05-01|access-date=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920090812/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030501.html|archive-date=20 September 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> Sandow had his WWE's ] debut match in 2003 at ] as the Easter Bunny in a match with the APA.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pavloski|first1=Daine|title=Damien Sandow: 7 Curious Facts About the WWE's Intellectual Savior|website=] |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1404749-damien-sandow-7-curious-facts-about-the-wwes-intellectual-savior/page/6}}</ref> He also participated in an angle where he had his fingers "broken" by ] on ''Heat''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-wwe-sunday-night-heat-report-11-24-02/|title=411MANIA - 411's WWE Sunday Night Heat Report 11.24.02|work=411's WWE Sunday Night Heat Report 11.24.02|access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> | |||
==== Ohio Valley Wrestling (2003–2006) ==== | |||
The two teams began ], with London and Kendrick bringing in ] to counteract McCool.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060908.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Results – September 8, 2006|date=2006-09-08|accessdate=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080802181916/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060908.html| archivedate= 2 August 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> The feud also briefly encompassed the team of ] and ], who also wanted a Tag Team title shot.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060915.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Results – September 15, 2006|date=2006-09-15|accessdate=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080904213424/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060915.html| archivedate= 4 September 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060922.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Results – September 22, 2006|date=2006-09-22|accessdate=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080906102014/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060922.html| archivedate= 6 September 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> Stevens and James got their Tag Team Championship shot against the tandem at ] on October 8, but failed to win the titles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2006/matches/32252824/results/|title=Shining through|date=2006-10-08|last=Tello|first=Craig|accessdate=2008-08-27|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/nomercy06.html|title=WWE PPV Wrestling Results – No Mercy|date=2006-10-08|accessdate=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080908001516/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/nomercy06.html| archivedate= 8 September 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> Soon after, both Stevens and James were taken off television and sent back to Ohio Valley Wrestling.<ref name="OWOW"/> | |||
Stevens, now with the tweaked name '''Aaron "The Idol" Stevens''', was assigned to WWE's ] ] (OVW).<ref name="OWOW"/> At a ] in 2004, Stevens and ] beat ] and ] to win the ].<ref name="OVW-tag"/> | |||
On January 4, 2006, Stevens won the ] after replacing ] in a ] with ] and then-champion ].<ref name="OVW-tv"/> Doane was injured halfway through the match and Stevens came out to replace him.<ref name="OVW-01/04/06">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2006/|title=Ohio Valley Wrestling (2006) – January 4, 2006 – OVW TV Tapings|date=2006-01-04|access-date=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080823103639/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2006/| archive-date= 23 August 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> At the March 8 television taping, ] cost Stevens the Television Championship against Seth Skyfire.<ref name="Almanac">{{cite news|title=2006: The year in wrestling|first=Hicks|last=Brady|work=PWI Presents: 2007 Wrestling Almanak and book of facts|publisher=Kappa Publications|id=2007 Edition|page=18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2006/|title=Ohio Valley Wrestling (2006) – March 8, 2006 – OVW TV Tapings|date=2006-03-08|access-date=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080823103639/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2006/| archive-date= 23 August 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> | |||
==== Idol Stevens (2006–2007) ==== | |||
He got his title match in a three-way match, again including champion Jay Bradley and Paul Burchill. The match was not only for Bradley's title, but also Stevens's car and Burchill's house. Bradley defeated both men and won all the stakes.<ref name="test">http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=636&page=4&s=100 {{Verify credibility|failed=y|date=May 2012}}</ref> His last match for OVW before his release was a two-ring steel cage flag match, which, along with ], Atlas DaBone, Chet The Jett and ], he defeated Michael W. Kruel, Ramon, Raul, The Belgium Brawler and ].<ref name="test"/> | |||
On August 4, 2006, Stevens made his '']'' debut as '''Idol Stevens''' when he was introduced (along with ]) by ] as one of her favorite "teacher's pets".<ref name="SD debut">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060804.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Results – August 4, 2006|date=2006-08-04|access-date=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080829233838/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060804.html| archive-date= 29 August 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> The two went on to defeat ] and ] with the help of McCool.<ref name="SD debut"/> The following week, Stevens and James defeated ] ] in a non-title match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060811.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Results – August 11, 2006|date=2006-08-11|access-date=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080801094306/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060811.html| archive-date= 1 August 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> On the August 18 show, Stevens and James ambushed the Tag Team Champions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060818.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Results – August 18, 2006|date=2006-08-18|access-date=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906171132/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060818.html|archive-date=6 September 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The two teams began ], with London and Kendrick bringing in ] to counteract McCool.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060908.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Results – September 8, 2006|date=2006-09-08|access-date=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080802181916/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060908.html| archive-date= 2 August 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> The feud briefly encompassed the team of ] and ], who also wanted a Tag Team title shot.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060915.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Results – September 15, 2006|date=2006-09-15|access-date=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080904213424/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060915.html| archive-date= 4 September 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060922.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Results – September 22, 2006|date=2006-09-22|access-date=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906102014/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060922.html|archive-date= 6 September 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> Stevens and James got their WWE Tag Team Championship shot at ] on October 8, but failed to win the titles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2006/matches/32252824/results/|title=Shining through|date=2006-10-08|last=Tello|first=Craig|access-date=2008-08-27|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/nomercy06.html|title=WWE PPV Wrestling Results – No Mercy|date=2006-10-08|access-date=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080908001516/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/nomercy06.html| archive-date= 8 September 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> Soon after, both Stevens and James were taken off television and sent back to Ohio Valley Wrestling.<ref name="OWOW"/> | |||
] | |||
After being removed from the ''SmackDown!'' roster when Michelle McCool was hospitalized, Stevens returned to OVW. He lost to Charles Evans upon his return and no mention of his tag team venture with KC James was made.<ref name="OWOW"/> On March 14, 2007, he defeated Paul Burchill to win the ].<ref name="OVW-heavyweight"/> On May 9, after title defences against ] and ], Burchill defeated Stevens to regain the OVW Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2007/|title=Ohio Valley Wrestling (2007) – May 9, 2007 – OVW TV Tapings|date=2007-05-09|access-date=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080826121532/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2007/| archive-date= 26 August 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> The championship was vacated and Stevens lost to ] in a three-way match including Burchill. On June 8, Stevens defeated Burchill in a Number One OVW Heavyweight Contendership match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2007/|title=Ohio Valley Wrestling (2007) – June 8, 2007 – OVW Six Flags|date=2007-06-08|access-date=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080826121532/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2007/| archive-date= 26 August 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> | |||
===Independent circuit=== | |||
Stevens made his return to the independent circuit at NWA 60th Anniversary Show losing to ] in a match for the ]. He appeared for XCW Wrestling Mid-West and Derby City Wrestling for the next few months before re-signing with OVW. On November 7, 2008 he lost to Steve Boz at A Tribute Fit For The King, a tribute show for ]. | |||
He got his title match in a three-way match, again including champion Jay Bradley and Paul Burchill. The match was not only for Bradley's title, but also Stevens's car and Burchill's house. Bradley defeated both men and won all the stakes.<ref name="test">{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=636&page=4&s=100|title=Matches « Damien Sandow « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|author=Philip Kreikenbohm|access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> His last match for OVW before his release was a two-ring steel cage flag match, which, along with ], Atlas DaBone, Chet The Jett and ], he defeated Michael W. Kruel, Ramon, Raul, The Belgium Brawler and ].<ref name="test"/> | |||
====Return to OVW (2008–2009)==== | |||
Stevens returned to OVW on November 12, 2008 surprising and defeating OVW Heavyweight Champion, Anthony Bravado, in a non-title bout. This win guaranteed him a title shot. On November 26, he won the Championship, becoming a two time champion.<ref name="OVW-heavyweight"/> On December 3, 2008 he teamed up with ] to take part in OVW Southern Tag Team Championship number one contendership tournament, in round one they defeated Theta Lampda Psi. A week later, they lost to Anthony Bravado and ]. Stevens lost the title to Vaughn Lilas at the January 14, 2009 television taping. In February 2009, he lost to Mike Mondo in an ] match which also included ]. His last match for OVW was on February 11, a rematch for the championship which Mondo again won.<ref name="test"/> | |||
] | |||
====World Wrestling Council (2009–2010)==== | |||
Stevens was officially released by WWE on August 6, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/idol-stevens-released/|title=411MANIA - Idol Stevens Released|work=Idol Stevens Released|access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> | |||
Idol returned to Puerto Rico, but in a different promotion, the ], where he was the "protegido" of Jose Chaparro and a member of the "American Family". He debuted on February 28, 2009, defeating Angel. He defeated BJ for the ],<ref name="luchalibrewwc.com"/> before losing it to ]. On August 15, 2009, Stevens and ] defeated ] to become the new ]. Later Stevens feuded with Shawn Spears which ended at ''Euphoria 2010''. Stevens won the WWC Tag Team Champion with King Tonga Jr. by defeating Thunder and Lightning. | |||
=== National Wrestling Alliance (2008) === | |||
On October 31, Stevens and Spears lost the Tag Team Championship back to Thunder and Lightning. On February 20, 2010, Chicano named Stevens his new Tag Team Championship partner to replace Bryan. On March 13 Thunder and Lightning defeated Stevens and Chicano to win the titles. After Stevens regained the titles with King Tonga Jr., the duo lost them to ''Los Aerios'' (Carlitos and ]) on April 24, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/137486/WWC-Honor-vs-Traicion-2010-Results-04.24.10.htm|title=WWC Honor vs Traicion 2010 Results 04.24.10|last=Rodriguez|first=Armando|date=2010-04-29|accessdate=2010-04-30|publisher=411Mania| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20100501185713/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/137486/WWC-Honor-vs-Traicion-2010-Results-04.24.10.htm| archivedate= 1 May 2010 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> Stevens regained the Tag Team Championship from ''Los Aerios'' on June 11, 2010, this time teaming with Abbad and lost it to Thunder and Lightning in a three-way match, also involving BJ and Chicano, on July 11, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279038884|title=Indy News #3: WWC with former WWE stars, SCW|last=Martin|first=Adam|publisher=WrestleView|date=2010-07-13|accessdate=2010-08-27}}</ref> His last match for WWC before signing with WWE came on July 31, losing to Joe Don Smith. | |||
Stevens made his return to the ] at NWA 60th Anniversary Show losing to ] in a match for the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/nwa-60th-anniversary-show-results-from-atlanta-ga/|title=411MANIA - NWA 60th Anniversary Show Results from Atlanta, GA|work=NWA 60th Anniversary Show Results from Atlanta, GA|access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=31477&p=1|title=NWA 60TH ANNIVERSARY IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA LIVE REPORT: NWA HALL OF FAME, ABDULLAH VS. TOMMY RICH, MIDNIGHT EXPRESS VS. RNR EXPRESS, SID VICIOUS, SEAN WALTMAN & MORE - PWInsider.com|access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> He appeared for XCW Wrestling Mid-West and Derby City Wrestling for the next few months before re-signing with OVW.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2008/1222109382.shtml|title=WWE News, RAW Results, Smackdown Results}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-news-quarterly-dividend-derby-city-wrestling-idol-stevens-and-more/|title=411MANIA - WWE News: Quarterly Dividend, Derby City Wrestling, Idol Stevens and More|work=WWE News: Quarterly Dividend, Derby City Wrestling, Idol Stevens and More|access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> On November 7, 2008, he lost to Steve Boz at A Tribute Fit For The King, a tribute show for ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=30523|title=Lawler 35 - A Tribute Fit For The King|author=Philip Kreikenbohm|access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=34518&p=1|title=RESULTS AND NOTES FROM JERRY LAWLER 35th ANNIVERSARY EVENT IN NASHVILLE, TN - PWInsider.com|access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> | |||
===Return to |
=== Return to OVW (2008–2009) === | ||
In February 2008, OVW ceased to be WWE's developmental territory.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE to cease affiliation with Ohio Valley Wrestling|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2008/2008_02_07.jsp|publisher=]|date=February 7, 2008|access-date=2008-02-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080210203939/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2008/2008_02_07.jsp|archive-date=February 10, 2008}}</ref> Stevens returned to OVW on November 12, 2008, losing to ] Anthony Bravado in a non-title bout.<ref name="OVW08">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2008/|title=Ohio Valley Wrestling – 2008|access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> The following week, the two were featured in a triple threat match with ] that went off the air before the match could finish.<ref name="OVW08"/> Stevens and Bravado faced off again in a match for the title on November 26, which Stevens won, becoming a two-time champion.<ref name="OVW-heavyweight"/><ref name="OVW08"/> On December 3, 2008, he teamed up with ] to take part in OVW Southern Tag Team Championship number one contendership tournament, in round one they defeated Theta Lampda Psi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=32283|title=OVW TV #487|author=Philip Kreikenbohm|access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> A week later, they lost to Anthony Bravado and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=32466|title=OVW TV #488|author=Philip Kreikenbohm|access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> Stevens lost the title to Vaughn Lilas at the January 14, 2009 television taping.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=34356|title=OVW TV #493|author=Philip Kreikenbohm|access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> In February 2009, he lost to Mike Mondo in an ] match which also included Johnny Punch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=35213|title=OVW TV #496|author=Philip Kreikenbohm|access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> His last match for OVW was on February 11, a rematch for the championship which Mondo again won.<ref name="test"/> | |||
=== |
=== World Wrestling Council (2009–2010) === | ||
Idol returned to Puerto Rico, but in a different promotion, the ], where he was the "protegido" of Jose Chaparro and a member of the "American Family". He debuted on February 28, 2009, defeating Angel. He defeated BJ for the ],<ref name="luchalibrewwc.com"/> before losing it to ]. On August 15, 2009, Stevens and ] defeated ] to become the new ]. Stevens later feuded with Shawn Spears, which ended at Euphoria 2010. Stevens won the WWC Tag Team Champion with King Tonga Jr. by defeating Thunder and Lightning. | |||
On July 14, 2010, it was reported that Stevens had signed a new developmental deal with the WWE, and changed his ring name to Damien Sandow (sharing the surname of the ]'s ] and the "father of modern bodybuilding" ])<ref>{{cite web|last=Corrigan|first=John|title=Damien Sandow has a love, hate relationship with Philly|url=http://temple-news.com/arts/2013/10/15/corrigan-damien-sandow-love-hate-relationship-philly/|publisher=The Temple News|accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> while also adopting a new ] ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279149542|title=Aaron "Idol" Stevens signs new deal with WWE|last=Martin|first=Adam|publisher=WrestleView|date=2010-07-14|accessdate=2010-07-15}}</ref> On December 3, Sandow won the ] with ] by defeating ] and ] in a match for the vacant championship.<ref name="FCWchampions"/> They lost the championship to ] and ] on March 25, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1301110538|title=New FCW Tag Team champions crowned|last=Gerweck|first=Steve|date=2011-03-25|accessdate=2011-03-26|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> After losing the title, Sandow turned on O'Neill and joined the group formed by ], ] and ].<ref name=FCW042911>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/184157/FCW-TV-Taping-Results-%28SPOILERS%29.htm|title=FCW TV Taping Results (spoilers)|last=Csonka|first=Larry|date=2011-04-29|accessdate=2011-04-30|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> Following the dissolution of the group, Sandow adopted the gimmick of a ] ] before defeating Rollins on September 22 to win the ].<ref name=FCW15>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/3-news/22292-fri-update-wwe-survey-on-moving-mania-to-wwe-network-another-wacky-wwe-show-jones-vs-rampage-odds-win-a-call-from-jay-briscoe-new-tna-girl-identified-roh-affiliate-list-for-this-weekends-tv-full-weekend-schedule-tons-more|title=Fri update: WWE survey on moving Mania to WWE Network, another wacky WWE show, Jones vs. Rampage odds, win a call from Jay Briscoe, new TNA girl identified, ROH affiliate list for this weekend's TV, full weekend schedule, tons more|last=Alvarez|first=Bryan|authorlink=Bryan Alvarez|date=2011-09-23|accessdate=2011-09-23|work=]}}</ref> On January 13, 2012, Sandow lost the FCW 15 Championship to Steamboat.<ref name=FCWChampions>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcwwrestling.info/champions.html|title=Champions Roll Call|publisher=]|accessdate=April 7, 2012}}</ref> | |||
On October 31, Stevens and Spears lost the Tag Team Championship back to Thunder and Lightning. On February 20, 2010, Chicano named Stevens his new Tag Team Championship partner to replace Bryan. On March 13, Thunder and Lightning defeated Stevens and Chicano to win the titles. After Stevens regained the titles with King Tonga Jr., the duo lost them to Los Aerios (Carlitos and ]) on April 24.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/137486/WWC-Honor-vs-Traicion-2010-Results-04.24.10.htm|title=WWC Honor vs Traicion 2010 Results 04.24.10|last=Rodriguez|first=Armando|date=2010-04-29|access-date=2010-04-30|publisher=411Mania| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100501185713/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/137486/WWC-Honor-vs-Traicion-2010-Results-04.24.10.htm| archive-date= 1 May 2010}}</ref> Stevens regained the Tag Team Championship from Los Aerios on June 11, this time teaming with Abbad, and lost it to Thunder and Lightning in a three-way match involving BJ and Chicano on July 11.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279038884|title=Indy News #3: WWC with former WWE stars, SCW|last=Martin|first=Adam|publisher=WrestleView|date=2010-07-13|access-date=2010-08-27|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925012815/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279038884|archive-date=2012-09-25}}</ref> His last match for WWC before signing with WWE came on July 31, losing to Joe Don Smith. | |||
====The Intellectual Savior of the Masses and Team Rhodes Scholars (2012–2013)==== | |||
]'s ''Pedigree'' after he confronts ] on ''Raw 1000''.]]On the April 6, 2012 episode of ''SmackDown'', Sandow, presenting his new gimmick of a ] ], appeared in a pre-taped interview denouncing today's ] and extolling his virtues.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_60116.shtml|title=WWE News: Smackdown TV news & notes – new #1 contender, debut, return, break-up, new GM|date=April 6, 2012|accessdate=April 8, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> After weeks of vignettes, Sandow made his WWE in-ring re-debut on the May 4 episode of ''SmackDown'', but refused to compete in his scheduled match against ], claiming that the audience would neither learn nor benefit from him facing an inferior opponent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/05/04/19716266.html|title=Smackdown: No time to rest|date=May 4, 2012|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|accessdate=May 5, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]}}</ref> On the May 18 episode of ''SmackDown'', Sandow again refused to wrestle against ] but after Tatsu accused Sandow of cowardice, Sandow assaulted him. On the May 25 episode of ''SmackDown'', Sandow defeated Tatsu decisively in his debut match.<ref name="SandowvsTatsu"/> The following week, Sandow refused to face ]; despite Jackson forcing the match to begin, Sandow won the match. On the June 8 episode of ''SmackDown'', Sandow had intentions of attacking Hornswoggle, who was mocking ], but was intercepted by Tyson Kidd before he could do so. The following week on ''SmackDown'', Sandow defeated Kidd in a match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/05/19/19777661.html|title=Smackdown: Orton battles Sheamus, Bryan gets edge on Punk|date=May 19, 2012|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=May 19, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]}}</ref> On the June 29 episode of ''SmackDown'', Sandow defeated ] to qualify for the ] ] at ].<ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 6/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Triple Threat match for the World Title July 15th He competed in a Money i the bank match and lost | |||
|last=Parks|first=Greg|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_62913.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=30 June 2012}}</ref> However, he was unsuccessful as the match was won by ].<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2012/world-heavyweight-championship-contract-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match|title=Money in the Bank Ladder Match for a World Championship Contract|publisher=]|accessdate=2012-06-29}}</ref> | |||
=== Return to WWE=== | |||
] | |||
On July 23 at '']'', Sandow interrupts ] regarding their sophomoric and disgusting behaviour which he believed had brainwashed society; Sandow also declared that he would be a martyr if DX disposed of him. However, DX assaulted Sandow and laid him out.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/23: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #999 - WWE recognizes 1,000 episodes, WWE Title match, Lesnar, Rock, DX, wedding|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63621.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=28 July 2012}}</ref> Sandow then began a feud with ] the on July 30 episode of ''Raw'', attacking Clay when he laughed at a video of Sandow's beatdown at the hands of DX.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/30: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #1,000 - Punk explains heel turn, #1 contender match main event, Orton returns, Summerslam hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63818.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=8 September 2012|first=James|last=Caldwell}}</ref> Sandow and Clay finally faced off on the August 20 episode of ''Raw'', where Sandow won after a roll-up but he was attacked by Clay after the match.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 8/20: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Punk-Cena, Lesnar opens show, Triple H "speculation," Jericho farewell|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64450.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=8 September 2012|first=James|last=Caldwell}}</ref> On the August 31 ''SmackDown'', Sandow had his first singles loss after being intentionally counted out against ] ],<ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 8/31: Complete coverage of the Friday night show, including Dolph Ziggler vs. Orton|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_64790.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=8 September 2012|first=Greg|last=Parks}}</ref> who would later hand Sandow his first pinfall loss in October.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 10/1: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Ross Appreciation Night, Punk-Ryback feud, World Title debate|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65634.shtml}}</ref> | |||
==== Florida Championship Wrestling (2010–2012) ==== | |||
On the September 24 ''Raw'', Sandow aligned himself with ], attacking ] ] (] and ]) and vowing to become the next champions.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/24: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Cena announcement, Lawler interview, latest on WWE Title picture|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65455.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=30 September 2012}}</ref> The duo, now known as Team Rhodes Scholars, entered a tournament four days later on ''SmackDown'', and defeated ] to advance.<ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 9/28: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday night show, including Randy Orton vs. The Big Show|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_65587.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=30 September 2012}}</ref> Team Rhodes Scholars defeated ] and Zack Ryder in the semi-finals,<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 10/8: Complete coverage of live Raw - Cena returns, but McMahon dominates show|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65800.shtml}}</ref> and then ] and ] in the finals to earn a shot at the tag titles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66112.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 10/22: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - final PPV hype, tournament finals|date=October 22, 2012|accessdate=October 22, 2012|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Team Rhodes Scholars got their title opportunity against Team Hell No on October 28 at ], where they won by disqualification, thus Team Hell No retained the titles.<ref>{{cite web|title=Team Rhodes Scholars def. Team Hell No By Disqualification|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2012/team-hell-no-team-rhodes-scholars-26059965|work=WWE|accessdate=2 November 2012|date=28 October 2012}}</ref> This led to a title rematch on the November 14 '']'', which Team Hell No won.<ref>{{cite web|title=CUPACH'S WWE MAIN EVENT RESULTS 11/14: Cody injured in Tag Title match, Miz-Ziggler, what changed from the taping to TV?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_66648.shtml}}</ref> During the match, Rhodes suffered several legitimate injuries, placing their partnership on hold.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE NEWS: Rhodes injury update - will he miss Survivor Series?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_66650.shtml}}</ref> On the November 23 ''SmackDown'', Sandow unsuccessfully challenged ] for the ], his first singles title opportunity in WWE.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE SMACKDOWN RESULTS 11/23: Complete coverage of Ziggler vs. Orton main event, Cena on Miz TV|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_66816.shtml}}</ref> From December 2012, Sandow begun a search for an apprentice by quizzing members of the audience.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 12/3: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - McMahon returns, Punk takes a Test|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66980.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=11 December 2012}}</ref> Sandow and Rhodes reunited on the December 10 ''Raw'' and won a fatal four-way tag team elimination match,<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 12/10: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Cena vs. Show, final hype for TLC PPV|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_67134.shtml}}</ref> earning them the right to face Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara in a number one contender Tables match at ] six days later, which Team Rhodes Scholars won.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE TLC PPV RESULTS 12/16: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of final 2012 PPV - Cena vs. Ziggler main event, Shield makes a statement|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_67280.shtml}}</ref> Team Rhodes Scholars received their title shot on the following ''Main Event'', but were again defeated by Team Hell No.<ref>{{cite web|title=CUPACH'S WWE MAIN EVENT RESULTS 12/19: Kane & Bryan defend Tag Titles, Players vs. Team Co-Bro|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_67391.shtml}}</ref> On the January 7, 2013, episode of ''Raw'', Team Rhodes Scholars defeated Team Hell No in a non-title match to earn another shot at the WWE Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 1/7: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - WWE Title match, The Rock returns, Cena vs. Ziggler (updated w/Box Score)|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_67712.shtml}}</ref> The title rematch took place on January 27 at the ], where Team Rhodes Scholars once again failed to capture the tag team titles.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE ROYAL RUMBLE PPV RESULTS 1/27: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Punk vs. Rock, 30-man Rumble|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_68181.shtml}}</ref> On the following ''SmackDown'', Sandow and Rhodes mutually decided to dissolve Team Rhodes Scholars and remain "best friends".<ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 2/1: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Friday night show, including a major World Title announcement, Del Rio-Ziggler (updated w/Box Score)|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_68353.shtml}}</ref> However, they reunited during the pre-show of ] on February 17, but were defeated by the team of Brodus Clay and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE ELIMINATION CHAMBER PPV RESULTS 2/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Rock-Punk II, Elimination Chamber match, Shield beats Team Cena|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_68713.shtml}}</ref> Sandow and Rhodes then aligned themselves with ] in a feud against Tons of Funk (Clay and Tensai) and '']'' (] and ]).<ref name=2013Return>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 3/11: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - WWE recognizes Bearer by incorporating him into Taker-Punk, Lesnar challenges Hunter, no Cena, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69177.shtml}}</ref><ref name=SmackMarch2213>{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 3/22: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the Friday night show, including Chris Jericho vs. Jack Swagger in a rematch from last week |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69461.shtml}}</ref><ref name=Raw3/25/13>{{cite web|last=Mike Tedesco|first=Mike|title=WWE RAW Results - 3/25/13 (Rock/Cena Q and A)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/40536-wwe-raw-results-3-25-13-rock-cena-q-and-a|publisher=Wrestleview|accessdate=March 25, 2013}}</ref> The two teams were originally booked to face each other in an eight-person mixed tag team match on April 7 at ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/29/brodus-clay-tensai-the-funkadactyls-vs-team-rhodes-scholars-the-bella-twins-26102098|title=Brodus Clay, Tensai & The Funkadactyls vs. Team Rhodes Scholars & The Bella Twins|accessdate=2013-03-27}}</ref> but their match was cut due to time constraints.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE NEWS: Clay & Tensai comment on match cut from WM29|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_69858.shtml}}</ref> The match instead took place the following night on ''Raw'', where Tons of Funk with The Funkadactyls emerged victorious.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69884.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/8: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - WM29|date=April 8, 2013|last=Caldwell|first=James|accessdate=September 7, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> | |||
On July 14, 2010, it was reported that Stevens had signed a new developmental deal with WWE, and was assigned to their developmental territory ] (FCW). He changed his ring name to '''Damien Sandow''' (sharing the surname of the ]'s ] and the "father of modern bodybuilding" ]),<ref>{{cite web|last=Corrigan|first=John|title=Damien Sandow has a love, hate relationship with Philly|url=http://temple-news.com/arts/2013/10/15/corrigan-damien-sandow-love-hate-relationship-philly/|publisher=The Temple News|access-date=1 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103044229/http://temple-news.com/arts/2013/10/15/corrigan-damien-sandow-love-hate-relationship-philly/|archive-date=2013-11-03|url-status=dead}}</ref> while adopting a new ] ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279149542|title=Aaron "Idol" Stevens signs new deal with WWE|last=Martin|first=Adam|publisher=WrestleView|date=2010-07-14|access-date=2010-07-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120428050701/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279149542|archive-date=2012-04-28|url-status=dead}}</ref> On December 3, Sandow won the ] with ] by defeating ] and ] in a match for the vacant championship.<ref name="FCWchampions"/> They lost the championship to ] and ] on March 25, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1301110538|title=New FCW Tag Team champions crowned|last=Gerweck|first=Steve|date=2011-03-25|access-date=2011-03-26|publisher=WrestleView|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930070603/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1301110538|archive-date=2012-09-30}}</ref> After losing the title, Sandow turned on O'Neill and joined the group formed by ], ], and ].<ref name=FCW042911>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/184157/FCW-TV-Taping-Results-%28SPOILERS%29.htm|title=FCW TV Taping Results (spoilers)|last=Csonka|first=Larry|date=2011-04-29|access-date=2011-04-30|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> Following the dissolution of the group, Sandow adopted the gimmick of a ] ].{{citation needed|date=May 2016}} Then, he beat Rollins on September 22 to win the ].<ref name=FCW15>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/3-news/22292-fri-update-wwe-survey-on-moving-mania-to-wwe-network-another-wacky-wwe-show-jones-vs-rampage-odds-win-a-call-from-jay-briscoe-new-tna-girl-identified-roh-affiliate-list-for-this-weekends-tv-full-weekend-schedule-tons-more|title=Fri update: WWE survey on moving Mania to WWE Network, another wacky WWE show, Jones vs. Rampage odds, win a call from Jay Briscoe, new TNA girl identified, ROH affiliate list for this weekend's TV, full weekend schedule, tons more|last=Alvarez|first=Bryan|author-link=Bryan Alvarez|date=2011-09-23|access-date=2011-09-23|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119182404/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/3-news/22292-fri-update-wwe-survey-on-moving-mania-to-wwe-network-another-wacky-wwe-show-jones-vs-rampage-odds-win-a-call-from-jay-briscoe-new-tna-girl-identified-roh-affiliate-list-for-this-weekends-tv-full-weekend-schedule-tons-more|archive-date=2012-01-19}}</ref> On January 13, 2012, Sandow lost the FCW 15 Championship to Steamboat.<ref name=FCWChampions>{{cite web |url=http://www.fcwwrestling.info/champions.html |title=Champions Roll Call |publisher=] |access-date=April 7, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208110516/http://fcwwrestling.info/champions.html |archive-date=February 8, 2012 }}</ref> | |||
==== Main roster debut and Rhodes Scholars (2012–2013) ==== | |||
On the May 15 episode of ''NXT'', Sandow unsuccessfully challenged ] for the ].<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 5/15 & 5/22: El Generico debuts, O'Brian beats two NXT releases in same match, Bray Wyatt debuts mask, Natalya vs. Rae, more developments|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_70618.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=2 June 2013}}</ref> While Sandow hosted a series of mental challenges on ''SmackDown'', Sheamus repeatedly interrupted Sandow and tried to solve the challenges. However, when Sheamus failed to solve the puzzles, he instead resorted to physical violence with the ''Brogue Kick''.<ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 5/24: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including the Intercontinental and U.S. Titles on the line, plus PPV fall-out|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70839.shtml}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 5/31: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Ambrose vs. Orton|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70988.shtml}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 6/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Randy Orton, Kane, Daniel Bryan on Miz TV setting up the TV main event|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_71147.shtml}}</ref> On June 16, during the ] "kick-off", Sandow was defeated by Sheamus in a singles match.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE PAYBACK PPV RESULTS 6/16 (Pre-Show): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of Sheamus vs. Sandow, PPV hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71315.shtml#.UcCqs_lOPss}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Team Rhodes Scholars defeated Sheamus in a handicap match after Sandow pinned him with a roll-up.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 6/17 (Hour 1): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Payback PPV fall-out, Punk confronts new World champ, Christian returns to TV|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71351.shtml}}</ref> The rivalry culminated in a Dublin Street Fight on the June 28 ''SmackDown'', where Sheamus emerged victorious.<ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 6/28: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Sheamus vs. Damien Sandow in a Dublin Street Fight|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_71602.shtml#.Uc890PlON6k}}</ref> | |||
Haddads main roster character upon his return, Damien Sandow, was described as a "braggart, condescending intellectual heel".<ref name=InsiderRelease>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=101827|access-date=7 May 2016|title=WWE announces mind-boggling release|last1=Johnson|first1=Mike|work=PWInsider.com}}</ref> After his second WWE run ended, Haddad said that his initial purpose in building the 'Intellectual Savior of the Unwashed Masses' character was "to do anything I could to stand out". Given "freedom to execute the character", Haddad stopped shaving, began wearing a bathrobe (proposed by ] for a robe like ]'s) to "present" his pink trunks when the robe was taken off, and using the "]" as his entrance music. Haddad also credited ], ] and ] for their help in guiding him.<ref name=RSinterview/> | |||
On the April 6, 2012 episode of ''SmackDown'', Sandow appeared in a pre-taped interview denouncing ] and extolling his virtues.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_60116.shtml|title=WWE News: Smackdown TV news & notes – new #1 contender, debut, return, break-up, new GM|date=April 6, 2012|access-date=April 8, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> After weeks of vignettes, Sandow made his WWE in-ring return under the new gimmick on the May 4 episode of ''SmackDown'', but refused to compete against ], claiming that the audience would neither learn nor benefit from him facing an inferior opponent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/05/04/19716266.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715120920/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/05/04/19716266.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 15, 2012|title=Smackdown: No time to rest|date=May 4, 2012|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=May 5, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]}}</ref> On the May 18 episode of ''SmackDown'', Sandow refused to wrestle against ], but Tatsu accused Sandow of being a coward and Sandow assaulted him. On the May 25 episode of ''SmackDown'', Sandow defeated Tatsu in his debut match.<ref name="SandowvsTatsu">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_61799.shtml|title=Parks's WWE SmackDown report 5/25: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Triple-Threat #1 Contender Match|quote=Side Russian leg-sweep; Neck-tie neck-breaker by Sandow for the win.|access-date=2012-05-25|publisher=PWTorch}}</ref> The following week, he refused to face ], and despite Jackson forcing the match to begin, Sandow won. On the June 8 episode of ''SmackDown'', Sandow went to attack ] but was intercepted by ] before he could do so. The following week on ''SmackDown'', Sandow defeated Kidd.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/05/19/19777661.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721080454/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/05/19/19777661.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 21, 2012|title=Smackdown: Orton battles Sheamus, Bryan gets edge on Punk|date=May 19, 2012|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=May 19, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
====Money in The Bank (2013)==== | |||
On July 14 at the ] pay-per-view, Sandow won the World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank ladder match, thus earning the opportunity to challenge for the ] at any time of his choosing within the next year.<ref name="MITBwin" /><ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE MITB PPV RESULTS 7/14 (Hour 1): Complete "virtual-time" coverage of World Title MITB ladder match, IC Title match, Divas Title match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71942.shtml}}</ref> During the match, Sandow threw Rhodes off the ladder just as he was about to win the match, which led to Rhodes attacking Sandow the following night on ''Raw'', effectively dissolving Team Rhodes Scholars.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/15 (Hour 2): The Wyatts Week 2, Rhodes Scholars explode|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71983.shtml#.Uec_MI1OPz4}}</ref> On the July 26 episode of ''SmackDown'', Rhodes stole the briefcase from Sandow and threw it into the ]; Sandow jumped in to save it, but gave up as he could not swim.<ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 7/26: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Wyatt Family in-ring debut, Del Rio vs. RVD match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_72289.shtml}}</ref> On the August 5 episode of ''Raw'', Rhodes gave Sandow the briefcase that he retrieved from the Gulf of Mexico, but kept the contract itself.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 8/5 (Hour 1): Bryan's "corporate make-over" kicks off Raw, Del Rio vs. RVD match, Ricardo returns & written off, Henry-Ryback match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72507.shtml}}</ref> Sandow then introduced a new custom made Money in the Bank briefcase with a fresh copy of the World Heavyweight Championship contract on that week's ''SmackDown''. Later that night, Sandow attempted to cash in his contract on a vulnerable ], but was attacked and laid out by Rhodes.<ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 8/9: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Randy Orton vs. Rob Van Dam and an appearance by Brock Lesnar|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_72609.shtml}}</ref> On August 18 at ], Sandow was defeated by Rhodes in a singles match,<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE SSLAM PPV RESULTS 8/18 (Hour 1): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV - World Title match, Ring of Fire match, clean-shaven Rhodes vs. Sandow, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_72777.shtml}}</ref> and again the following night on ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 8/19 (Hour 1): Cena says farewell, Bryan-Steph confrontation starts Raw, Heyman promo|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72814.shtml}}</ref> Sandow ended his feud with Rhodes the following week on ''Raw'', when he and ] were defeated by Rhodes and ] in a tag team match.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 8/26 (Hour 1): Hunter-Bryan confrontation starts Raw, intense Punk-Heyman angle|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72955.shtml#.UiX_ojZOPz4}}</ref> In October, Sandow feuded with Dolph Ziggler, losing him on October 6 at the ] pre-show,<ref>{{cite web|title=Dolph Ziggler def. Damien Sandow (Kickoff Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2013/dolph-ziggler-damien-sandow-26152266}}</ref> and again the following night on ''Raw''<ref>{{cite web|title=Raw results: Bryan and Big Show take care of business, and John Cena's return is announced|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-10-07/wwe-raw-results-26154203/page-2}}</ref> before defeating him on the October 23 ''Main Event''.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE MAIN EVENT RESULTS 10/23: Tag champ Goldust vs. Shield's Rollins, Ziggler vs. Sandow, Real Americans|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_74109.shtml}}</ref> On the October 28 ''Raw'', Sandow confronted World Heavyweight Champion ]; stating his belief that Cena's arm was still injured, Sandow assaulted it and then cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, but Cena won the match by pinfall.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 10/28 (Hour 1): Cena opens Raw, Sandow attempts MITB cash-in, Shield|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_74218.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=31 October 2013}}</ref> This made Sandow the second wrestler to fail to win a title upon cash-in and the first to outright lose his cash-in match. On the December 2 ''Raw'', Sandow defeated Dolph Ziggler to become the #1 contender for the Intercontinental title. However, Langston was able to defeat him at ] to retain the championship. | |||
] at '']'']] | |||
==In wrestling== | |||
On the June 29 episode of ''SmackDown'', Sandow defeated ] to qualify for the ] ] at ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 6/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Triple Threat match for the World Title|last=Parks|first=Greg|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_62913.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=30 June 2012}}</ref> However, the match was won by ].<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2012/world-heavyweight-championship-contract-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match|title=Money in the Bank Ladder Match for a World Championship Contract|publisher=]|access-date=2012-06-29}}</ref> On July 23 at '']'', Sandow interrupted ] (DX) and claimed that their sophomoric and disgusting behaviour had brainwashed society; he also declared that he would be a ] if DX disposed of him, and DX assaulted him regardless.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/23: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #999 - WWE recognizes 1,000 episodes, WWE Title match, Lesnar, Rock, DX, wedding|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63621.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=28 July 2012}}</ref> Sandow then began a feud with ] on the July 30 episode of '']'', attacking Clay when he laughed at a video of Sandow's beatdown at the hands of DX.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/30: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #1,000 - Punk explains heel turn, #1 contender match main event, Orton returns, Summerslam hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63818.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=8 September 2012|first=James|last=Caldwell}}</ref> Sandow and Clay finally faced off on the August 20 episode of ''Raw'', where Sandow won after a roll-up, but was attacked by Clay after the match.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 8/20: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Punk-Cena, Lesnar opens show, Triple H "speculation," Jericho farewell|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64450.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=8 September 2012|first=James|last=Caldwell}}</ref> On the August 31 ''SmackDown'', Sandow had his first singles loss after being intentionally counted out against ] ],<ref>{{cite web|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 8/31: Complete coverage of the Friday night show, including Dolph Ziggler vs. Orton|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_64790.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=8 September 2012|first=Greg|last=Parks}}</ref> who would later hand Sandow his first pinfall loss in October.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 10/1: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Ross Appreciation Night, Punk-Ryback feud, World Title debate|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65634.shtml}}</ref> | |||
*'''Finishing moves''' | |||
**'''As Damien Sandow''' | |||
***''M14'' (] ])<ref name="SandowvsLeakee">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=61981&p=1|title=FLORIDA CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING TELEVISION REPORT: A CHAMPION IS STRIPPED, A NEW CHAMPION IS CROWNED, ASCENSION MAKES A STATEMENT|quote=Sandow with the M14 swinging neck breaker for the three count.|accessdate=2012-04-15|publisher=PWInsider}}</ref> – ] | |||
***''Royal Arch'' (])<ref>{{cite web|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|title=WWE MAIN EVENT REPORT: BELLAS IN ACTION; DEL RIO VERSUS SIN CARA; TRUTH VERSUS SANDOW|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/83028/wwe-main-event-report-bellas-in-action-del-rio-versus-sin-cara-truth-versus-sandow.html?p=1|accessdate=January 23}}</ref> — 2014-present | |||
***''Silencer'' (Arm trap ])<ref name="SandowvsCorbin">{{cite web|last=Namako|first=Jason|title=WWE NXT results - 5/9/13 (Wyatt Family VS. Neville/Dallas)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/41438|publisher=WrestleView|accessdate=15 January 2014}}</ref> – 2013 | |||
***] transitioned into a ]<ref name="FCWold">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20110721202107/http://www.fcwwrestling.info/damiensandow1.html|title=Damien Sandow (archived)|accessdate=2012-04-13|publisher=]}}</ref> – FCW | |||
***''Terminus''<ref>{{cite web|last=Burdick|first=Michael|title=SmackDown Results: As Edge returned to SmackDown, Kane & Daniel Bryan opted to give the tag team division the chair|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2012-09-21/results-26053038/page-2|publisher=]|accessdate=30 September 2012|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6B3lb6WS5|archivedate=30 September 2012|quote=The distraction paved the way for the self-professed “Intellectual Savior of the Masses,” to hit Terminus on his masked opponent to pick up the huge upset victory!}}</ref> (])<ref name="SandowvsTatsu">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_61799.shtml|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 5/25: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Triple-Threat #1 Contender Match|quote=Side Russian leg-sweep; Neck-tie neck-breaker by Sandow for the win.|accessdate=2012-05-25|publisher=PWTorch}}</ref> – 2012–present | |||
***''You're Welcome!'' (])<ref name="MainEvent101613">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_73970.shtml|title=CUPACH'S WWE MAIN EVENT RESULTS 10/16: U.S. Title match on a Wed. night, Sandow resumes heel role, more|quote=Sandow then puts Truth away out of nowhere with a full nelson slam!|accessdate=2013-10-17|publisher=PWTorch|last=Cupach|first=Michael|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> – 2013–present | |||
**'''As Aaron Stevens / Idol Stevens''' | |||
***''Idolizer'' (] ])<ref name="OWOW"/> | |||
*'''Signature moves''' | |||
**'''As Damien Sandow''' | |||
*** ]<ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 2/22: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday night show, including Alberto Del Rio responds to Jack Swagger & Zeb Colter|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_68865.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=25 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|title=2012 WWE TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS REPORT|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=74132|work=PWInsider|accessdate=25 February 2013}}</ref><ref name="vsDelRio" /> | |||
***''Cubito Aequet'' / ''Elbow of Disdain'' (], with theatrics)<ref name="SandowvsCorbin"/><ref name="MainEvent101613"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Raw Results - 12/17/12|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1355804340|work=Wrestleview|accessdate=13 January 2013|quote=Sandow then hit the Elbow of Distain}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Cupach|first=Michael|title=CUPACH'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 6/15: Alt. perspective review of final PPV hype, Punk & Sheamus vs. Bryan & Ziggler; Mike's Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_62502.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=1 July 2012|quote=... a “elbow of disdain” from Sandow.}}</ref> | |||
***]<ref>{{cite web|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|title=WWE NXT REPORT: SANDOW MAKES A CHALLENGE; TAG TITLES ON THE LINE; OHNO IS UNCERTAIN; AND A NUMBER OF RETURNS|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/77431/wwe-nxt-report-sandow-makes-a-challenge-tag-titles-on-the-line-ohno-is-uncertain-and-a-number-of-returns.html?p=1|accessdate=May 10, 2013|publisher=PWInsider}}</ref> | |||
***]<ref name="SandowvsTatsu"/><ref name="MainEvent101613"/><ref name=SandowvsRyder>{{cite web|title=Smackdown Results - 6/29/12|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1341045207|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=13 January 2013}}</ref><ref name="SandowvsJordan">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/floridachampionship/article_61236.shtml|title=FCW TV RESULTS 4/22: Latest report from WWE Developmental - Sandow in-ring, Husky Harris, Conor O'Brian, FCW Tag Title match, Black-Hero hype|quote=Sandow celebrates with a cartwheel, which he follows up with a side Russian leg sweep.|accessdate=2012-05-25|publisher=PWTorch}}</ref> | |||
***] followed by multiple ]<ref name="SandowvsTatsu"/><ref name="SandowvsCorbin"/><ref name="MainEvent101613"/><ref name="SandowvsJordan"/> | |||
***]<ref name=vsDelRio>{{cite web|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|title=WWE SmackDown report: a Real American; and more|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/75782/wwe-smackdown-report-a-real-american-a-us-title-match-a-mexican-comes-to-the-aid-of-good-ole-jr-a-promo-goes-to-caca-and-more.html?p=1|accessdate=3 March 2013|publisher=PWInsider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=WWE Main Event: Marella looks to strike Sandow|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/03/21169681.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|accessdate=15 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|title=WWE NXT report: Sandow faces Langston for the title|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=77583|publisher=PWInsider|accessdate=15 January 2014}}</ref> | |||
**'''As Aaron Stevens / Idol Stevens''' | |||
***''Idol Lock'' (])<ref name="OWOW"/> | |||
] | |||
*''']''' | |||
On the September 21 ''SmackDown'', Sandow aligned himself with ], and they started a feud with ] ] (] and ]).<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=SmackDown results - 9/21/12|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/35932|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=24 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 9/24: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Cena announcement, Lawler interview, latest on WWE Title picture|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65455.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=30 September 2012}}</ref> The duo, which adopted the team name of Team Rhodes Scholars (a play on the ]), entered a tournament a week later on ''SmackDown'', and defeated ] to advance.<ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 9/28: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday night show, including Randy Orton vs. The Big Show|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_65587.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=30 September 2012}}</ref> Team Rhodes Scholars defeated ] and Zack Ryder in the semi-finals,<ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 10/8: Complete coverage of live Raw - Cena returns, but McMahon dominates show|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65800.shtml}}</ref> and then ] and ] in the finals to earn a shot at the tag titles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66112.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 10/22: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - final PPV hype, tournament finals|date=October 22, 2012|access-date=October 22, 2012|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Team Rhodes Scholars got their title opportunity against Team Hell No on October 28 at ], where they won by disqualification, thus Team Hell No retained the titles.<ref>{{cite web|title=Team Rhodes Scholars def. Team Hell No By Disqualification|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2012/team-hell-no-team-rhodes-scholars-26059965|work=WWE|access-date=2 November 2012|date=28 October 2012}}</ref> This led to a title rematch on the November 14 episode of '']'', which Team Hell No won.<ref>{{cite web|title=CUPACH'S WWE MAIN EVENT RESULTS 11/14: Cody injured in Tag Title match, Miz-Ziggler, what changed from the taping to TV|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_66648.shtml}}</ref> During the match, Rhodes suffered several legitimate injuries, placing their partnership on hold.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE NEWS: Rhodes injury update - will he miss Survivor Series?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_66650.shtml}}</ref> | |||
**]<ref name="shelly">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/s/shelly-martinez.html|title=Shelly Martinez Profile|accessdate=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080829161851/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/s/shelly-martinez.html| archivedate= 29 August 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> | |||
**]<ref name="shelly"/><ref name="beth">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/b/beth-phoenix.html|title=Beth Phoenix Profile|accessdate=2008-08-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080824185151/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/b/beth-phoenix.html| archivedate= 24 August 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> | |||
**]<ref name="OWOW"/> | |||
**]<ref name=FCW042911/> | |||
**]<ref name=FCW042911/> | |||
**]<ref name=FCW042911/> | |||
**]<ref>{{cite web|last=Bowman|first=Clinton|title=WWE Main Event Results – 3/27/13 (Kane vs. Cesaro)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/40578-wwe-main-event-results-3-27-13-kane-vs-cesaro|publisher=WrestleView|accessdate=March 27, 2013}}</ref> | |||
On the November 23 episode of ''SmackDown'', Sandow unsuccessfully challenged ] for the ], his first singles title opportunity in WWE.<ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE SmackDown results 11/23: Complete coverage of Ziggler vs. Orton main event, Cena on Miz TV|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_66816.shtml}}</ref> From December 2012, Sandow began a regular segment in which he unsuccessfully searched for an 'apprentice' by quizzing members of the audience.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 12/3: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - McMahon returns, Punk takes a Test|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66980.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=11 December 2012}}</ref> Sandow and Rhodes reunited on the December 10 episode of ''Raw'' and won a fatal four-way tag team elimination match,<ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 12/10: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Cena vs. Show, final hype for TLC PPV|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_67134.shtml}}</ref> earning them the right to face Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara in a number one contender Tables match at ] six days later, which Team Rhodes Scholars won.<ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE TLC PPV results 12/16: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of final 2012 PPV - Cena vs. Ziggler main event, Shield makes a statement|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_67280.shtml}}</ref> Team Rhodes Scholars received their title shot on the following episode of ''Main Event'', but were again defeated by Team Hell No.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cupach's WWE Main Event results 12/19: Kane & Bryan defend Tag Titles, Players vs. Team Co-Bro|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_67391.shtml}}</ref> On the January 7, 2013, episode of ''Raw'', Team Rhodes Scholars defeated Team Hell No in a non-title match to earn another shot at the WWE Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 1/7: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - WWE Title match, The Rock returns, Cena vs. Ziggler (updated w/Box Score)|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_67712.shtml}}</ref> The title rematch took place on January 27 at the ], where Team Rhodes Scholars once again failed to capture the tag team titles.<ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Royal Rumble PPV results 1/27: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Punk vs. Rock, 30-man Rumble|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_68181.shtml}}</ref> | |||
*''']s''' | |||
**"Maharaja of the Ménage-A-Trois | |||
**"The Idol"<ref name="OWOW"/> | |||
**"Mr. Big Time"<ref name="OWOW"/> | |||
**'''"The Intellectual Savior of the (Unwashed) Masses"'''<ref name="SmackDowndebut">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2012-05-04/results/page-4|title=SmackDown results: Sheamus overcame two-times the pain|accessdate=2012-05-05|publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
**"The Duke of Decency"<ref>http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-12-03/wwe-raw-results-26073236/page-5</ref> | |||
**"The Lord of Literacy"<ref>http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-1-7/wwe-raw-results-26073236/page-5</ref> | |||
**"The Beacon of Light in a Harbor of Iniquity"<ref name=BeaconNickname>{{cite web|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/11/16/3099872/wwes-damien-sandow-smartens-masses.html|title=WWE’s Damien Sandow smartens masses through sports education|accessdate=2 February 2013|quote=I am the beacon of light in a harbor of inequity.}}</ref> | |||
**"Mr. ]"<ref name=MITBwin/> | |||
On the February 1 episode of ''SmackDown'', Sandow and Rhodes briefly dissolved Team Rhodes Scholars while remaining "best friends",<ref>{{cite web|title=Parks's WWE SmackDown report 2/1: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Friday night show, including a major World Title announcement, Del Rio-Ziggler (updated w/Box Score)|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_68353.shtml}}</ref> only to reunite on February 17 at the pre-show of ] in a loss to the team of Brodus Clay and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Elimination Chamber PPV results 2/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Rock-Punk II, Elimination Chamber match, Shield beats Team Cena|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_68713.shtml}}</ref> Sandow and Rhodes then aligned themselves with ] in a feud against Tons of Funk (Clay and Tensai) and ] (] and ]).<ref name=2013Return>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 3/11: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - WWE recognizes Bearer by incorporating him into Taker-Punk, Lesnar challenges Hunter, no Cena, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69177.shtml}}</ref><ref name=SmackMarch2213>{{cite web|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 3/22: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the Friday night show, including Chris Jericho vs. Jack Swagger in a rematch from last week|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69461.shtml}}</ref><ref name="Raw3/25/13">{{cite web|last=Mike Tedesco|first=Mike|title=WWE RAW Results - 3/25/13 (Rock/Cena Q and A)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/40536-wwe-raw-results-3-25-13-rock-cena-q-and-a|publisher=Wrestleview|access-date=March 25, 2013}}</ref> The two teams were originally booked to face each other in an eight-person mixed tag team match on April 7 at ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/29/brodus-clay-tensai-the-funkadactyls-vs-team-rhodes-scholars-the-bella-twins-26102098|title=Brodus Clay, Tensai & The Funkadactyls vs. Team Rhodes Scholars & The Bella Twins|access-date=2013-03-27}}</ref> but their match was cut due to time constraints.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE NEWS: Clay & Tensai comment on match cut from WM29|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_69858.shtml}}</ref> The match instead took place the following night on ''Raw'', where Tons of Funk and the Funkadactyls emerged victorious.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69884.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 4/8: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - WM29|date=April 8, 2013|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=September 7, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
**"]" by ] (]) | |||
**"]" by ] (]) | |||
**"]" from '']'' by ]<ref name=SLAMinterview2>{{cite web|last=Oliver|first=Greg|title=Hallelujah! Damien Sandow talks Kowalski, Puerto Rico|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/29/21230531.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> (]; May 4, 2012 – October 27, 2013) | |||
**'''"]'''" by CFO$<ref></ref> (October 28, 2013 - present) | |||
==== Sir Money in the Bank and demotion to lower-tier status (2013–2014) ==== | |||
==Championships and accomplishments== | |||
On the May 15 episode of ''NXT'', Sandow unsuccessfully challenged ] for the ].<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=James's WWE NXT report 5/15 & 5/22: El Generico debuts, O'Brian beats two NXT releases in same match, Bray Wyatt debuts mask, Natalya vs. Rae, more developments|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_70618.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=2 June 2013}}</ref> While Sandow hosted a series of mental challenges on ''SmackDown'', Sheamus repeatedly interrupted Sandow and tried to solve the challenges. However, when Sheamus failed to solve the puzzles, he instead resorted to physical violence by attacking Sandow.<ref>{{cite web|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 5/24: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including the Intercontinental and U.S. Titles on the line, plus PPV fall-out|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70839.shtml}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 5/31: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Ambrose vs. Orton|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70988.shtml}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 6/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Randy Orton, Kane, Daniel Bryan on Miz TV setting up the TV main event|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_71147.shtml}}</ref> On June 16, during the ] pre-show, Sandow was defeated by Sheamus.<ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Payback PPV results 6/16 (Pre-Show): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of Sheamus vs. Sandow, PPV hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71315.shtml}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Team Rhodes Scholars defeated Sheamus in a handicap match after Sandow pinned him with a roll-up.<ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 6/17 (Hour 1): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Payback PPV fall-out, Punk confronts new World champ, Christian returns to TV|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71351.shtml}}</ref> The rivalry culminated in a Dublin Street Fight on the June 28 ''SmackDown'', where Sheamus defeated Sandow.<ref>{{cite web|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 6/28: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Sheamus vs. Damien Sandow in a Dublin Street Fight|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_71602.shtml}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
**] (])<ref name="CW-heavyweight">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/htchao.html|title=Chaotic Wrestling Heavyweight Title/Chaotic Wrestling Championship History|last=Palladino|first=Rich|accessdate=2008-08-08|publisher=Solie's Title Histories}}</ref> | |||
**] (]) – with Edward G. Xtasy<ref name="CW-tag">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttchao.html|title=Chaotic Wrestling Tag Team Title History|last=Palladino|first=Rich|accessdate=2008-08-08|publisher=Solie's Title Histories}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
*''']''' | |||
The July 14 ] pay-per-view marked the beginning of the end for Team Rhodes Scholars. Both Rhodes and Sandow entered the World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank ladder match; just as Rhodes was about to win the match, Sandow threw Rhodes off the ladder and retrieved the briefcase himself to earn the opportunity to challenge for the ] at any time of his choosing within the next year.<ref name="MITBwin" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE MITB PPV results 7/14 (Hour 1): Complete "virtual-time" coverage of World Title MITB ladder match, IC Title match, Divas Title match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71942.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=27 March 2014|last=Caldwell|first=James}}</ref> Despite winning the briefcase, Sandow went on to lose many matches before his cash-in,<ref>{{cite news|title=Damien Sandow cashes in, loses to John Cena on WWE Raw|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2013/10/29/damien-sandow-cashes-in-loses-to-john-cena-on-wwe-raw/|newspaper=]|access-date=27 March 2014|archive-date=2014-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327234143/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-10-29/sports/bal-damien-sandow-cashes-in-loses-to-john-cena-on-wwe-raw-20131029_1_john-cena-damien-sandow-super-cena|url-status=live}}</ref> with a total of 1 win and 12 losses on ''Raw'' and ''SmackDown''.<ref>{{cite web|title=11/1 WWE Smackdown Hits & Misses: The Usos vs. The Shield, Miz TV, Cena & The Rhodes Bros vs. Sandow & The Real Americans|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/hitsandmisses/article_74355.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=27 March 2014}}</ref> The split of Team Rhodes Scholars was confirmed the next night on ''Raw'' when Rhodes attacked Sandow.<ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 7/15 (Hour 2): The Wyatts Week 2, Rhodes Scholars explode|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71983.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=27 March 2014|last=Caldwell|first=James}}</ref> Rhodes dominated the feud between him and Sandow; throwing Sandow's briefcase into the ],<ref>{{cite web|title=Parks's WWE SmackDown report 7/26: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Wyatt Family in-ring debut, Del Rio vs. RVD match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_72289.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|last=Parks|first=Greg|access-date=27 March 2014}}</ref> which forced Sandow to introduce a new custom-made briefcase; thwarting Sandow's attempt to cash-in on a vulnerable ];<ref>{{cite web|title=Parks's WWE SmackDown report 8/9: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Randy Orton vs. Rob Van Dam and an appearance by Brock Lesnar|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_72609.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|last=Parks|first=Greg|access-date=27 March 2014}}</ref> and defeating Sandow twice in singles matches, one of which was at ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE SSlam PPV results 8/18 (Hour 1): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV - World Title match, Ring of Fire match, clean-shaven Rhodes vs. Sandow, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_72777.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=27 March 2014|last=Caldwell|first=James}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 8/19 (Hour 1): Cena says farewell, Bryan-Steph confrontation starts Raw, Heyman promo|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72814.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=27 March 2014|last=Caldwell|first=James}}</ref> | |||
**]<ref name=FCW15/> | |||
**] (]) – with ]<ref name="FCWchampions">{{cite web|url=http://www.fcwwrestling.info/champions.html|title=Champions Roll Call|accessdate=May 4, 2012|publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
After moving on from his feud with Rhodes, Sandow went on to lose to the likes of ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Cupach|first=Michael|title=Cupach's WWE Main Event results 9/4: Wyatts vs. Players Tag Division battle, Fandango, Truth vs. Mr. MITB|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_73156.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=27 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Parks's WWE SmackDown report 9/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton on The Cutting Edge|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_73348.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|last=Parks|first=Greg|access-date=27 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Battleground PPV results 10/6 (Pre-Show): Ziggler vs. Sandow, plus All-Star Panel|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_73740.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=27 March 2014}}</ref> On the October 28 ''Raw'', Sandow confronted World Heavyweight Champion ]; stating his belief that Cena's arm was still injured following Cena's match against ] at ], Sandow assaulted Cena's arm and then cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, but Cena won the match by pinfall.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 10/28 (Hour 1): Cena opens Raw, Sandow attempts MITB cash-in, Shield|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_74218.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=31 October 2013}}</ref> This made Sandow the second wrestler to fail to win a title upon cash-in (after Cena himself),<ref name=SLAMinterview2>{{cite web|last=Oliver|first=Greg|title=Hallelujah! Damien Sandow talks Kowalski, Puerto Rico|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/29/21230531.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223000103/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/29/21230531.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 23, 2015|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=1 November 2013}}</ref> and the first to lose a cash-in outright.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 7/23: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #999 - WWE recognizes 1,000 episodes, WWE Title match, Lesnar, Rock, DX, wedding|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63621.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=27 March 2014|quote=Raw 1000 ... Cena said he's cashing in his MITB briefcase tonight to become WWE champion ... WWE Title match ... Winner: Cena via DQ at 11:14; Punk retains the WWE Title.}}</ref> ''Forbes'' wrote in 2016 that Sandow's 2012 intellectual character "quickly won over the fans and showed his potential as one of the top heels on the main roster", but his "career never recovered" from losing the Money in the Bank cash-in.<ref name=ForbesRelease2>{{cite web|last1=Oestriecher|first1=Blake|title=WWE Releases Damien Sandow And Wade Barrett, Two Misused Stars Who Deserved Better|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/blakeoestriecher/2016/05/06/wwe-releases-damien-sandow-and-wade-barrett-two-misused-stars-who-deserved-better/2|website=]|access-date=7 May 2016}}</ref> Haddad later said, "I absolutely did think I was going to take that big step" after his character won Money in the Bank, but "circumstances dictated otherwise". Despite being scripted to lose to Cena, Haddad was "very proud" that he delivered "a performance of a lifetime" that night.<ref name=RSinterview/> | |||
*''']''' | |||
**] (])<ref name="IWA-hardcore">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/hctiwap.html|title=IWA Hardcore Title History|last1=González|first1=Manuel O.|last2=Palma|first2=Richard|accessdate=2008-08-08|publisher=Solie's Title Histories}}</ref> | |||
After Sandow's cash-in, he was noted to have become more generic as he stopped doing cartwheels and started wearing plain black ring attire.<ref>{{cite web|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|title=WWE Raw TV report - November 4, 2013|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/33830-wwe-raw-tv-report|work=]|access-date=27 March 2014}}</ref> Sandow's misfortune continued when he challenged Intercontinental Champion Big E Langston to a title match at ] and lost.<ref>{{cite web|last=Howell|first=Nolan|title=TLC: Randy Orton crowned new WWE World Heavyweight Champion|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2013/12/15/21339031.html|work=SLAM! Sports: Wrestling|publisher=]|access-date=27 March 2014|archive-date=16 December 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131216050230/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2013/12/15/21339031.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> In January 2014, Sandow entered the ] and was the first eliminated, courtesy of ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Upset fans overshadow Batista's big win at uneven 2014 Royal Rumble|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/01/27/21426481.html|work=SLAM! Sports: Wrestling|publisher=]|access-date=28 January 2014|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|archive-date=16 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116033722/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/01/27/21426481.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> He then started a losing streak that lasted until May,<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=James's WWE Superstars results 5/1: Tamina vs. Natalya strong match, Sandow vs. Cara "someone has to win" special|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_78128.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=15 May 2014}}</ref> which included him losing to the likes of ],<ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=Parks's WWE SmackDown report 2/14: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday night show, including Orton vs. Cesaro, continuing Orton's gauntlet heading into Elimination Chamber|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_76371.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=27 March 2014}}</ref> being pinned in an eight-man tag match,<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 3/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Hunter's big response to "Occupy Raw," Evolution Explodes, Bryan vs. Orton, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_77077.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=15 May 2014}}</ref> and losing to ] in one minute.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hits and Misses - 3/24 WWE Raw: Triple H Interview, Cena vs. Harper, The Shield vs. The Real Americans, Undertaker - Lesnar|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/hitsandmisses/article_77267.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=27 March 2014}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
**] (])<ref name="OVW-heavyweight">{{cite web|url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles.html#1|title=OVW Heavyweight Championship|accessdate=2010-12-24|publisher=]| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101221023653/http://ovwrestling.com/titles.html| archivedate= 21 December 2010 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> | |||
**] (]) – with ]<ref name="OVW-tag">{{cite web|url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles.html#3|title=OVW Southern Tag Team Championship|accessdate=2010-12-24|publisher=]| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101221023653/http://ovwrestling.com/titles.html| archivedate= 21 December 2010 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> | |||
**] (])<ref name="OVW-tv">{{cite web|url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles.html#2|title=OVW Television Championship|accessdate=2010-12-24|publisher=]| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101221023653/http://ovwrestling.com/titles.html| archivedate= 21 December 2010 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> | |||
**] | |||
==== Impersonations and popularity rise (2014–2015) ==== | |||
*''']''' | |||
] in mid-2014]] | |||
**PWI ranked him #'''50''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ] in 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2013.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2013|accessdate=2013-08-22|work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref> | |||
On the April 28 ''Raw'', Sandow dressed as ] to confront guest star ] (who plays ] in the ]) and Dolph Ziggler, which resulted in Sandow being attacked by both Jackman and Ziggler.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 4/28: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - final PPV hype, Bryan returns from injury, Flair, Tag Title match, Tourney Finals, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_78047.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=1 May 2014}}</ref> On the May 12 ''Raw'' and its pre-show, Sandow started delivering ] comments displaying his apparent dissatisfaction at his position in WWE, resulting in his microphone being turned off.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 5/12: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - big injury angle, Batista vs. Reigns main event, Cena & Usos vs. Wyatts, post-Raw events|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_78345.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=15 May 2014}}</ref> Sandow later made comments with allusions to being handcuffed.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Aiken|first=Chris|title=WWE Main Event TV report - Cesaro vs Sheamus|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/index.php?tmpl=component&link=b6f1a597ea75a652271c042b8292d57eec91678a|magazine=]|access-date=15 May 2014}}</ref> | |||
Sandow then transitioned into a comedic impersonator,<ref>{{cite web|title=Ask PWTorch Staff for 7/5: Will Cesaro eventually wrestle Brock? What did Sandow do wrong anyway? Should WWE be careful about how wrestlers are portrayed on NXT if they plan to promote them to main roster? Is Cena the ultimate company man?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/askpwtorch/article_79431.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=31 August 2014}}</ref> and from May 20 he started to dress as a different character every week, sometimes wrestling as them. These characters included ],<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE Main Event TV report|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/37096-wwe-main-event-tv-report|work=Wrestling Observer|access-date=29 May 2014}}</ref> ], ], ], a ] called D-Sizzle and an ]r. He also mimicked other wrestlers, such as ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Nissim|first1=Mayer|title=Why WWE's Damien Sandow is the greatest character actor of our time|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/s216/wwe/feature/a582920/why-wwes-damien-sandow-is-the-greatest-character-actor-of-our-time.html|website=Digital Spy|date=11 July 2014|access-date=30 August 2014}}</ref> Haddad reflected after his release that when he was "dressing up as someone new every week", "other guys said I should be doing something else", but back then he was willing to "go with it" to capture "attention", though he said, "I didn't know where or how it was going to end up".<ref name=RSinterview/> | |||
*''']''' | |||
**] (]) | |||
**] (]) – with ] (1), ] (1), King Tonga Jr. (2) and Abbad (1) | |||
]]] | |||
*''']''' | |||
From August, Sandow formed an alliance with ], whose persona was that of an arrogant ].<ref name=stunt2>{{cite web|last1=Parks|first1=Greg|title=Parks's WWE SmackDown report 8/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Jack Swagger vs. Rusev in a Submission Match, Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_80489.shtml| website=PWTorch.com|access-date=31 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Main event results 7/15: U.S. champ vs. Miz Raw re-match, Kofi & Big E., Emma returns, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_79609.shtml| website=PWTorch.com|access-date=13 September 2014}}</ref> Sandow was 'hired' by Miz to be his "]", which initially entailed him taking ] for Miz and later expanded to him mimicking every move Miz made during his matches, as well as Miz's mannerisms when not wrestling.<ref name=stunt2/> During this period, Sandow's ring name was tweaked to '''Damien Mizdow''' to reflect his new role.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dolph Ziggler & "R-Ziggler" vs. The Miz vs. Damien "Mizdow": SmackDown, September 12, 2014 (3:01)|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/dolph-ziggler-r-ziggler-vs-the-miz-vs-damien-mizdow-smackdown-september-12-2014-26649358|publisher=WWE|access-date=13 September 2014|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303180030/http://www.wwe.com/videos/dolph-ziggler-r-ziggler-vs-the-miz-vs-damien-mizdow-smackdown-september-12-2014-26649358|url-status=dead}}</ref> Haddad later detailed how he was initially not aware whether being the stunt double was a "one-time thing" like his previous impersonations or a long-term storyline, and that WWE only decided to make it a long-term storyline "about two or three weeks" into the Mizdow act.<ref name=RSinterview/> Haddad also said that mimicking Miz's actions in the ring was a "completely on the whim" improvisation, with him and the Miz never rehearsing any of their actions.<ref name=RSinterview/> | |||
**] (] – World Heavyweight Championship contract)<ref name=MITBwin>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2013/world-heavyweight-championship-contract-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-26127316|title=Damien Sandow won the World Heavyweight Championship Contract Money in the Bank Ladder Match}}</ref> | |||
At ] in September, Mizdow's interference helped Miz win the ] from Dolph Ziggler.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Caldwell's WWE NOC PPV report 9/21: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV - Lesnar vs. Cena|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_80844.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=12 October 2014}}</ref> Miz lost his title back to Ziggler the following night in a rematch on ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE Raw Results - 9/22/14 (John Cena vs. Randy Orton)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/50864|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=12 October 2014}}</ref> Mizdow's antics soon endeared him to WWE fans and he became popular with live audiences, who would often boo Miz during matches and chant "We want Mizdow!".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/52051-wwe-raw-results-12-8-14-live-results-from-greenville|title=WWE RAW Results - 12/8/14 (2014 WWE Slammy Awards) - Wrestleview.com|author=Mike Tedesco|work=wrestleview.com|date=9 December 2014|access-date=17 July 2015}}</ref> | |||
==References== | |||
{{Reflist|3}} | |||
{{Quote box|width=30%|align=left|quote=" reminding me of Damien Mizdow... an unlikely hero getting ] by sheer force of entertainment".|source=<small>''Pro Wrestling Dot Net'' analyst Darren Gutteridge in 2015<ref>{{cite web|last=Gutteridge|first=Darren|title=Gutteridge's Ring of Honor TV report: Michael Elgin vs. Cedric Alexander|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/article.php?41921|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=28 June 2015}}</ref></small>}} | |||
==External links== | |||
At ], Mizdow and Miz won the ] after defeating defending champions ], ] and ] in Fatal 4-Way tag team match. This was Mizdow's first championship in WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_81932.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S WWE S. SERIES PPV RESULTS 11/23: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of Team Cena vs. Team Authority, more|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=November 23, 2014}}</ref> By this time, Mizdow had become one of the most popular wrestlers in WWE.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fishman|first1=Scott|title=Sting surprises, makes history at WWE Survivor Series|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/fighting/article4085387.html|work=]|access-date=7 April 2016}}</ref> | |||
{{Portal|Professional wrestling}} | |||
*{{WWE superstar|damien-sandow|Damien Sandow}} | |||
*{{IMDb name|2405583|Aaron Haddad}} | |||
{{World Wrestling Entertainment employees}} | |||
{{Money in the Bank winners}} | |||
On the December 29 episode of ''Raw'', they lost the titles to The Usos. On the same night, they were defeated by the debuting ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title= WWE RAW Results - 12/29/14 (Live results in Washington, DC) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/52320-wwe-raw-results-12-29-14-live-results-in-washington-dc|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=29 October 2014}}</ref> Miz and Mizdow then began to show dissension, with Miz becoming angry at Mizdow's positive crowd reactions and accusing Mizdow of trying to 'upstage' him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/52469-wwe-smackdown-results-1-9-15-final-show-on-friday|title=WWE Smackdown Results - 1/9/15 (Final show on Friday) - Wrestleview.com|author=Mike Tedesco|work=wrestleview.com|date=10 January 2015|access-date=17 July 2015}}</ref> On the February 2 episode of ''Raw'', The Miz relegated Mizdow from being a stunt double to a personal assistant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/52871-wwe-raw-results-2-2-15-live-results-from-denver|title=WWE RAW Results - 2/2/15 (Daniel Bryan vs. Seth Rollins) - Wrestleview.com|author=Mike Tedesco|work=wrestleview.com|date=3 February 2015|access-date=17 July 2015}}</ref> | |||
{{Persondata | |||
| NAME = Sandow, Damien | |||
Mizdow turned ] when he finally split away from The Miz at ] in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, but the "red hot babyface in waiting" (as described by ''Forbes'')<ref name=ForbesRelease2/> was the last wrestler eliminated, courtesy of ]. Haddad described WrestleMania 31 being one of his "favorite memories in the WWE", due to "feeling the surge of 83,000 people chanting" for him when he split from Miz, a "genuine, 100-percent real emotional response on a grand stage" that would eclipse any "award" or "accolade".<ref name=RSinterview/> Post-WrestleMania, Mizdow (now accompanied by The Miz's '']'' co-star ]) then feuded with The Miz over the next several weeks, trading victories on ''Raw''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2015-04-06/wwe-raw-results-27275873/page-10|title=WWE Raw results: Orton overcomes 'Extreme' odds to become No. 1 contender|work=WWE.com|last=Beningno|first=Anthony|date=April 6, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2015-04-13/wwe-raw-results-27297712/page-10|title=WWE Raw results, April 13, 2015: Orton and Rollins make 'Extreme' decisions to shape Extreme Rules title match|work=WWE.com|last=Beningno|first=Anthony|date=April 13, 2015}}</ref> before challenging Miz to a match for the rights to the Miz brand on the April 20 episode. The Miz won the match after Summer Rae betrayed Mizdow by raking him in the eyes, allowing Miz to hit the Skull-Crushing Finale and pick up the win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2015-04-20/wwe-raw-results-27316031/page-10|title=WWE Raw results, April 20, 2015: Orton goes on RKO spree as Miz and Mizdow settle their score|work=WWE.com|last=Beningno|first=Anthony|date=April 20, 2015}}</ref> As a result of the loss, Mizdow returned to his former name, Damien Sandow. The manner of the breakup between Miz and Sandow was extremely criticized by critics for poor storyline writing which made Sandow look like a fool post-WrestleMania and also diminishing the feud to an "afterthought".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=4/20 Raw: Good build for Extreme Rules|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/featured-articles/54134|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=27 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=WWE Raw results 4/20|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_84571.shtml|website=pwtorch.com|access-date=27 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Pruett|first1=Will|title=WWE Raw - Randy Orton RKO's the world|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/article.php?41918|website=prowrestling.net|access-date=27 June 2015}}</ref> | |||
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Haddad, Aron; Stevens, Aaron; Idol, Aaron; Idol; Stevens, Idol | |||
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = professional wrestler | |||
{{Quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="I think it's just a case of someone in the company seeing as a comedy guy and nothing more. The audience tried to tell them that they wanted to see him in a better role but were ignored".|source=<small>''Pro Wrestling Insider'' analyst Mike Johnson's opinion of WWE's ] of Sandow, in June 2015<ref>{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Mike|title=WWE running an NXT invasion?|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=94492|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=14 July 2015}}</ref></small>}} | |||
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1982-08-03 | |||
Returning to the Damien Sandow ring name on the April 27 episode of ''Raw'', Sandow was thanking fans for their support when he was interrupted by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0427/592799/wwe-monday-night-raw-results/index-4.shtml|title=WWE Monday Night RAW Results - King Of The Ring, Tag Team Main Event, Sandow, More|work=WrestlingInc.com|date=27 April 2015 |access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> Sandow began to parrot after Axel, who had been mimicking ]. Sandow won the ensuing scuffle with a Hogan leg drop.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE Raw results - 4/27/15 (Payback main event set)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/54206|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=27 June 2015}}</ref> On the April 30 episode of ''SmackDown'', Sandow parroted ring announcer ] before facing and defeating Axel.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Moore|first1=John|title=4/30 Moore's WWE Smackdown TV Review|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/article.php?42062|website=prowrestling.net|access-date=27 June 2015}}</ref> In May 2015, Sandow began impersonating ] as Macho Mandow, while he and Axel suffered attacks by ] to start a feud. Mandow and Axel's alliance was known as The Meta Powers, a parody of ]. At ], the Meta Powers were defeated by the Ascension.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Moore|first1=John|title=5/8 Moore's WWE Main Event TV review: Macho Mandow vs. Axelmania|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/article.php?42150|website=prowrestling.net|access-date=27 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Aiken|first1=Chris|title=WWE Main Event TV Report: new Mega-Powers explode|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe-news/42481|website=f4wonline.com|access-date=27 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WWE Payback Hit List|url=http://prowrestling.net/article.php?42286|website=prowrestling.net|access-date=27 June 2015}}</ref> Various critics expressed disappointment that Sandow was still restricted to doing comedic impersonations.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mezzera|first1=Jon|title=5/11 WWE Raw Hits & Misses|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/hitsandmisses/article_84973.shtml|website=pwtorch.com|access-date=27 June 2015|quote=Enter Damian Sandow whose breakup with The Miz has been totally wasted. I liked what they did at first with him continuing to impersonate The Miz after they broke up, but I would not have continued his doing impersonations after his feud with Miz ended. The crowd certainly did not seem into his Macho Mandow gimmick at all.}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Herzog|first1=Kenny|title='WWE Raw': Daniel Bryan Goes Home|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/news/wwe-raw-daniel-bryan-goes-home-20150512|magazine=]|access-date=27 June 2015|quote=Is this really where Damien Sandow's headed after finally extricating himself from months of pretending to be somebody he's not? Were the Ascension really just asked to job that segment rather than it being a victim-less opportunity to begin their push up the tag-team ranks in earnest? Cheap comedy-pop value of having Sandow and Axel reenact the Mega Powers formation notwithstanding, did that fiasco accomplish anything for anyone, including the fans?}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Gleed|first1=Haydn|title=Gleed's WWE Payback preview and predictions|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/article.php?42261|website=prowrestling.net|access-date=27 June 2015|quote=There really isn't a lot to say about this match, except it's such a shame what has happened to Damien Sandow once again. Has he done something to offend someone, or is it ironically because he's too good at making the "old man" happy that he gets put in comedy positions?}}</ref> The Meta Powers stopped their respective impersonations from July 24, after WWE severed ties with Hulk Hogan.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_86332.shtml|title=Show results - 7/24 WWE in Bakersfield, Calif.: Cena vs. Owens Street Fight main event, Axel & Sandow drop Meta Powers routine, Cesaro, more|date=25 July 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=25 July 2015}}</ref> | |||
| PLACE OF BIRTH = ] | |||
| DATE OF DEATH = | |||
==== Final storylines and departure (2015–2016) ==== | |||
| PLACE OF DEATH = | |||
The end of The Meta Powers marked a further decline in Sandow's fortunes. The ''Wrestling Observer'' wrote that "Sandow had been used sparingly since then, usually in an enhancement role or in battle royals";<ref name=ObserverRelease>{{cite web|title=More WWE departures; Wade Barrett, Torito, Damien Sandow, Santino and Cameron|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/more-wwe-departures-wade-barrett-torito-and-cameron-212321|website=f4wonline.com|date=6 May 2016|access-date=7 May 2016}}</ref> while ''PWInsider'' described that "Sandow never recovered nor had a regular storyline beyond that point", yet "his appearance would get a big reaction from fans at live events".<ref name=InsiderRelease/> From July to October 2015, Sandow never wrestled a televised match, being restricted to wrestling dark matches or at live events.<ref>{{cite web|title=Damien Sandow in 2015|url=http://profightdb.com/wrestlers/damien-sandow-376.html?year=2015&res=250|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=7 January 2016}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
Sandow returned to television on the November 11, 2015 episode of ''Main Event'' as his original "Intellectual Savior" character, defeating ].<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE Main Event: Becky Lynch loses to Sasha Banks in Manchester|url=http://www.skysports.com/wwe/news/14203/10066512/wwe-main-event-becky-lynch-loses-to-sasha-banks-in-manchester|publisher=]|access-date=7 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=11/10 WWE Main Event Results, plus Finn Balor in Dark Match|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2015/11/10/1110-wwe-main-event-results-plus-finn-balor-in-dark-match/|website=PWTorch.com|date=10 November 2015|access-date=7 January 2016}}</ref> Following that, Sandow never won another televised match for WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/wrestlers/damien-sandow-376.html?prom_id=2&|title=Aron Rex: Profile & Match Listing - Internet Wrestling Database (IWD)|website=profightdb.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=636&page=4&promotion=1&showtype=TV-Show%7CPay+Per+View|title=Matches « Aron Rex « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> At the ] kickoff, Sandow and ] failed to qualify for the Royal Rumble match when they lost a four-way tag team match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2016/fatal-4-way-kickoff-match|title=Jack Swagger & Mark Henry won the Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match}}</ref> In February, after Sandow posted a tribute to his grandmother on Twitter,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Haddad|first1=Aaron|title=I was blessed with the world's best grandmother. Memere, thank you for everything. We all love you.|url=https://twitter.com/TheDamienSandow/status/699815131501322240|publisher=]|access-date=9 May 2016}}{{dead link|date=December 2017|fix-attempted=yes|bot=TweetCiteBot}}</ref> possibly indicating her recent death, WWE allowed Sandow to take time off to spend time with family.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fernandes|first1=Steven|title=Damien Sandow-WWE update|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=|website=PWInsider.com|access-date=9 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/99987/damien-sandowwwe-update.html?p=1|title=DAMIEN SANDOW-WWE UPDATE - PWInsider.com|website=pwinsider.com}}</ref> At ], Sandow was quickly eliminated from the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal by ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Scherer|first1=Dave|title=Baron Corbin debuts and they booked him right|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=101078&p=5|website=PWInsider.com|access-date=9 May 2016}}</ref> Sandow returned to ''Raw'' on April 25, but his match against ] never started due to Dolph Ziggler attacking Corbin; with ''Pro Wrestling Torch'' describing that Sandow's appearance "got one of the best reactions of the night".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Breaking – Damien Sandow added to several roster cuts|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/06/sandowcut/|website=PWTorch.com|date=6 May 2016|access-date=7 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=4/25 WWE Raw Results|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/25/april25rawresults/|website=PWTorch.com|date=26 April 2016|access-date=9 May 2016}}</ref> Corbin defeated Sandow in under two minutes on that week's ''SmackDown''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Parks|first1=Greg|title=4/28 WWE Smackdown Results – Parks's Complete Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/29/428-wwe-smackdown-results-parkss-complete-report/|website=PWTorch.com|date=30 April 2016|access-date=9 May 2016}}</ref> On the May 2 episode of ''Raw'', Sandow competed in a battle royal for a shot at the ], but was eliminated early in the match;<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE Raw results – 5/2/16|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/61443-wwe-raw-results-5216-live-st-louis-fallout-payback-shane-stephanie-run-show-together/|website=wrestleview.com|date=2 May 2016|access-date=9 May 2016}}</ref> the ''Wrestling Observer'' wrote that "his elimination was one of the louder reactions in the match".<ref name=ObserverRelease/> Then, Sandow's final two televised matches for WWE saw him lose to Titus O'Neil on ''Main Event'' and Darren Young on ''Superstars''; Sandow wrestled the latter match as a heel.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Trionfo|first1=Richard|title=WWE Main Event: Baron Corbin returns home, Sandow versus Titus, Ziggler versus Stardust, and more|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=101792|website=pwinsider.com|access-date=9 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Cox|first1=James|title=WWE Superstars results: Apollo Crews debuts; Damien Sandow's final WWE match|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-superstars-results-apollo-crews-debuts-damien-sandow%E2%80%99s-final-wwe-match-212381|website=f4wonline.com|date=8 May 2016|access-date=9 May 2016}}</ref> | |||
{{Quote box|width=33%|align=right|quote="... these releases bum us out a little, especially Sandow's. The guy will forever be remembered as wasted WWE talent."|source=<small>'']'' writer Ben Flanagan in May 2016<ref>{{cite web|title=Rammer Slammer: Did Payback deliver on hype, and has Roman Reigns finally turned a corner|url=http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2016/05/rammer_slammer_did_payback_del.html|work=]|date=7 May 2016|access-date=7 May 2016}}</ref></small>}} | |||
On May 6, 2016, Sandow was released from WWE.<ref name="futureendeavors">{{cite web|title=Damien Sandow, King Barrett, Santino Marella, Hornswoggle, Alex Riley and other Superstars released|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/hornswoggle-alex-riley-released|publisher=WWE|date=May 6, 2016|access-date=May 6, 2016}}</ref> His release caused him to become a top 5 Twitter trend in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE Roster Cut updates – Damien Sandow speaks, indie bookings, more|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/06/sandowspeaks/|website=PWTorch.com|date=6 May 2016|access-date=7 May 2016}}</ref> Mike Johnson of ''PWInsider'' described Sandow's release as "mind-boggling" and "shocking" due to "the level of popularity that Sandow has with fans". Johnson listed more of Sandow's positives: "Sandow had size, could talk", and "no matter what role he was in, he received a big reaction": "fans recognized was vastly underutilized by the company and pushed for him to have a bigger role".<ref name=InsiderRelease/> Meanwhile, the ''Wrestling Observer'' described Sandow as "a popular undercard wrestler who always got bigger crowd reactions than his push",<ref name=ObserverRelease/> while ''Pro Wrestling Dot Net'' reported that Sandow, a "popular undercard wrestler", "has been in career tailspin mode for some time" up to his release.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE cuts a popular undercard wrestler|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/05/06/wwe-cuts-a-popular-undercard-wrestler/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=6 May 2016|access-date=7 May 2016}}</ref> ''Forbes'' lamented in reference to the releases of Sandow and ]: "... it's a hard pill to swallow when you realize that two stars who could have been World champion never got the chance to".<ref name=ForbesRelease2/> | |||
'']'' interviewed Haddad within a week of his release. Haddad was "grateful" for a "great" second run in WWE where he "traveled the world" and "had a bunch of fun". Given that his main aim as a performer was "to get the audience to feel something, to evoke some kind of emotion", Haddad had no regrets leaving since he felt he "took the audience through the whole spectrum of emotions in four years": first "there was an extreme feeling of dislike towards" the Sandow character upon its debut, and years later, the Mizdow character was cheered to a point that "there are guys that are in the main event that don't get cheers like that". As for his release, Haddad was "not really" surprised as he thought he "had gone through the gamut" with the impersonator character. Describing himself as an empathetic individual, Haddad had "no problem" with WWE giving other wrestlers television time at his expense so that they could "show their craft" and become popular, while he was already popular whatever "spot" WWE put him. Although there were several alternate options of using Haddad, including "repackaging" his character, "doing a parody of current events", or becoming a commentator, ultimately, Haddad did not "fit" into WWE's plans.<ref name=RSinterview>{{cite magazine|last1=Oster|first1=Aaron|title=Damien Sandow on Life After WWE and His 'Thank You' Tour|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/damien-sandow-on-life-after-wwe-and-his-thank-you-tour-20160513?page=5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516140021/http://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/damien-sandow-on-life-after-wwe-and-his-thank-you-tour-20160513?page=5|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 16, 2016|magazine=]|access-date=14 May 2016}}</ref> | |||
=== Return to the independent circuit (2016, 2019–present) === | |||
After being released from WWE, Haddad announced on his official ] account that he would once again be taking independent bookings, returning to his Aron Stevens ring name.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE Roster Cut updates – Damien Sandow speaks, indie bookings, more|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/06/sandowspeaks/|website=PWTorch|date=6 May 2016|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|access-date=7 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/damien-sandow-on-life-after-wwe-and-his-thank-you-tour-20160513|title=Damien Sandow on Life After WWE and His 'Thank You' Tour|magazine=] |date=13 May 2016}}</ref> He said he "took select dates" for wrestling, wanting to "say thank you to the fans", "to meet them, and have a chance to talk to them".<ref name=RSinterview/> His first independent appearance was on June 11 at a co-promoted show organized by ] (GFW) and WrestlePro, where he defeated ].<ref>{{cite tweet|user=WrestleOld|author=WrestleNo|title=From the WrestlePro control center: A little change to June 11th, Colt Cabana will now be taking on Damien Sandow!|number=730804116700696576|date=May 12, 2016|access-date=May 12, 2016}}</ref> Haddad also made appearances at Warriors of Wrestling and Tier 1 Wrestling events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inquisitr.com/3087461/damien-sandow-not-struggling-to-find-work-following-wwe-release/|title=Damien Sandow Not Struggling To Find Work Following WWE Release|date=12 May 2016}}</ref> On June 14, 2016, Haddad signed for What Culture Pro Wrestling (WCPW) and was scheduled to debut the weekend of July 27–28, 2016. He was victorious in his debut match, where he defeated ] to become the #1 contender for the WCPW Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLpm_FDH7iw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/XLpm_FDH7iw |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=WCPW Loaded #5 Part 5 - Aron Stevens vs. Doug Williams|publisher=]|date=August 8, 2016|access-date=August 11, 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> | |||
After a two-year hiatus, he made his return to the ring in July 2019 under a new gimmick, the Millennial Slayer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/82079-damien-sandow-hace-su-regreso-al-ring-con-un-nuevo-personaje|title=Damien Sandow hace su regreso al ring con un nuevo personaje|date=8 July 2019}}</ref> On July 18, Sandow wrestled his first match back, at a Battle Arts Academy show under the name Aron Stevens.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/santino-marella-and-damien-sandow-both-return-at-battle-arts-pro-event/|title=411Mania|date=14 July 2019 }}</ref> | |||
=== Total Nonstop Action Wrestling/Impact Wrestling (2016–2017) === | |||
On August 10, 2016, ] (TNA) released a promo teasing the acquisition of Stevens.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/damien-sandow-tna-wrestling/#.V6v5PJgrLIW|title=Damien Sandow -- Inks Deal With TNA Wrestling, Debuting Tomorrow on Impact|date=10 August 2016}}</ref> On the August 11, 2016 episode of '']'', Stevens made his debut under the ring name '''Aron Rex''', cutting a promo in the ring and confronting the Impact ], ] and ] ] at the end of the show. A week later, he announced that he would be the special guest referee in the No. 1 contender's match between ] and ]. At the end of that match, he was attacked by Galloway over his frustrations due to losing the match.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Martin |first1=Adam |title=TNA Impact Wrestling Results – 8/11/16 (Former WWE star debuts, Lashley vs. Storm in Title vs. Title) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/65661-tna-impact-wrestling-results-81116-former-wwe-star-debuts-lashley-vs-storm-title-vs-title/ |website=wrestleview.com |access-date=August 11, 2016}}</ref> The next week, after Galloway explained his actions, Rex interrupted him and brawled with him before being separated by officials. Rex then entered himself in the inaugural ] tournament and had his debut match on the September 15 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', defeating ]. The next week, he defeated ] in the semi-finals and faced rival Drew Galloway in the finals of the tournament at ]. Galloway was replaced by ] due to an injury. Rex won the tournament and the championship by split decision. On December 1 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', during an Open Challenge for the championship, ] defeated Rex.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/csonkas-tna-impact-review-12-01-16/|title=Csonka's TNA Impact Review 12.01.16|work=411 Mania|publisher=411 Maniadate=2016-12-01|access-date=2016-12-04}}</ref> Moose successfully retained his title against Rex in a rematch the following week. | |||
After a hiatus, Rex returned on the January 12, 2017 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'' debuting a ]-inspired character, with a new clean shaven look and sporting plucked eyebrows, lip gloss, a fur coat, naked trunks and oversized rings on all fingers, along with ] as his new manager.<ref>{{cite web|title=TNA News: News on The Origin of Aron Rex's New Gimmick, TNA Initials Disappearing?|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/tna-news-news-on-the-origin-of-aron-rexs-new-gimmick-tna-initials-disappearingtna/|website=411mania|access-date=17 January 2017}}</ref> On January 19 episode of ''Impact'', Rex and Spud defeated the team of Robbie E and Swoggle in his last professional wrestling match to date.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=636&page=4| title = Reference at www.cagematch.net}}</ref> On April 4, 2017, Stevens announced that he was no longer with the now renamed Impact Wrestling and that he would be taking a break from wrestling to focus on acting.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LNq_VefGgE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/0LNq_VefGgE |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Damien Sandow Announces His Retirement? - Exclusive Interview|last=Title Match Wrestling|date=4 April 2017|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> | |||
=== National Wrestling Alliance (2019–present)=== | |||
On the October 15, 2019 episode of ]'s '']'', Sandow announced he was returning to the ring and would be wrestling again under the Aron Stevens name. On December 14, at ], Stevens defeated previous champion Colt Cabana and Ricky Starks in a ] to win the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/85950-resultados-nwa-into-the-fire|title = Resultados NWA into the Fire|date = 15 December 2019}}</ref><ref name="IntoTheFire2019">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=NWA Into The Fire results: Powell's live review of Nick Aldis vs James Storm in a best of three falls match for the NWA Championship, Rock & Roll Express vs. Wild Cards for the NWA Tag Titles, Colt Cabana vs. Aron Stevens vs. Ricky Starks for the NWA National Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/12/14/nwa-into-the-fire-results-powells-live-review-of-nick-aldis-vs-james-storm-in-a-best-of-three-falls-match-for-the-nwa-championship-rock-roll-express-vs-wild-cards-for-the-nwa-tag-titles-colt-c/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=December 14, 2019|access-date=December 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007115235/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/12/14/nwa-into-the-fire-results-powells-live-review-of-nick-aldis-vs-james-storm-in-a-best-of-three-falls-match-for-the-nwa-championship-rock-roll-express-vs-wild-cards-for-the-nwa-tag-titles-colt-c/|archive-date=October 7, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 29, 2020, Stevens lost the title to ].<ref name="UWN09292020">{{cite web|last=Thomas|first=Jeremy|title=NWA National Championship Changes Hands On UWN Primetime Live|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/nwa-national-championship-changes-hands-uwn-primetime-live/|website=411Mania|date=September 29, 2020|access-date=September 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407150703/https://411mania.com/wrestling/nwa-national-championship-changes-hands-uwn-primetime-live/|archive-date=April 7, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In September 2020, Haddad was made the ] for NWA member promotion ].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=139400| title = FORMER WWE STAR STEPS IN AS NEW CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM HOLLYWOOD BOOKER & MORE CWH NOTES {{!}} PWInsider.com}}</ref> On November 11, Stevens and ] defeated ] and ] to win the ]. On March 21, 2021, at ], Stevens lost to ] in an ] match.<ref name="BackForTheAttack2021">{{cite web|last=Thomas|first=Jeremy|title=NWA Back For the Attack Results: Nick Aldis Defends NWA World Title, More|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/nwa-back-for-the-attack-results-nick-aldis-nwa-world-title/|website=411Mania|date=March 21, 2021|access-date=June 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323021050/https://411mania.com/wrestling/nwa-back-for-the-attack-results-nick-aldis-nwa-world-title/|archive-date=March 23, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 6, at ], Stevens and Kratos successfully defended their titles in a ] against The War Kings (] and ]) and ] (] and ]).<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=NWA When Our Shadows Fall results: Powell's live review of Nick Aldis vs. Trevor Murdoch for the NWA Championship, Serena Deeb vs. Kamille for the NWA Women's Title, Aron Stevens and Kratos vs. Thom Latimer and Chris Adonis vs. Crimson and Jax Dane for the NWA Tag Titles|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/06/06/nwa-when-our-shadows-fall-results-powells-live-review-of-nick-aldis-vs-trevor-murdoch-for-the-nwa-championship-serena-deeb-vs-kamille-for-the-nwa-womens-title-aron-stevens-and-kratos-vs-thom/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=June 6, 2021|access-date=June 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120042038/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/06/06/nwa-when-our-shadows-fall-results-powells-live-review-of-nick-aldis-vs-trevor-murdoch-for-the-nwa-championship-serena-deeb-vs-kamille-for-the-nwa-womens-title-aron-stevens-and-kratos-vs-thom/|archive-date=November 20, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 29, at the ], they lost the titles to ] (] and ]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/nwa-73rd-anniversary-show-results-live-coverage-nick-aldis-vs-trevor-murdoch-kamille-vs-green|title=NWA 73rd Anniversary Show Results: Nick Aldis vs Trevor Murdoch, Kamille vs Green|last=Cook|first=Ryan|website=Fightful|date=August 29, 2021|access-date=June 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125221905/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/nwa-73rd-anniversary-show-results-live-coverage-nick-aldis-vs-trevor-murdoch-kamille-vs-green|archive-date=January 25, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 4, at ], Stevens and Kratos failed to beat ] (] and ]) for the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/other-wrestling/nwa-hard-times-2-live-results-eight-title-matches-361521|title=NWA Hard Times 2 live results: Eight title matches|last=Carey|first=Ian|website=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|date=December 4, 2021|access-date=June 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106212600/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/other-wrestling/nwa-hard-times-2-live-results-eight-title-matches-361521|archive-date=January 6, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On March 19, 2022, during night one of the ], Stevens teamed with ] to compete in the namesake tournament, losing to The Dirty Sexy Boys (] and ]) in the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/other-wrestling/nwa-crockett-cup-night-1-live-results-the-tournament-begins|title=NWA Crockett Cup night one live results: The tournament begins|last=Carey|first=Ian|work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|date=March 19, 2022|access-date=June 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618174750/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/other-wrestling/nwa-crockett-cup-night-1-live-results-the-tournament-begins|archive-date=June 18, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> On the April 26 episode of ''NWA Powerrr'', Stevens fought Trevor Murdoch in an attempt to beat some respect out of him, but was defeated.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2022/04/27/nwa-powerrr-the-briscoes-ready-to-stage-un-rebelion-for-the-nwa-tag-titles/|title=NWA Powerrr: The Briscoes ready to stage un Rebelion for the NWA tag titles|last=Martinez|first=Tommy "Milagro"|website=Slam Wrestling|date=April 27, 2022|access-date=June 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523225531/https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2022/04/27/nwa-powerrr-the-briscoes-ready-to-stage-un-rebelion-for-the-nwa-tag-titles/|archive-date=May 23, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> The following week, he formally announced his retirement from professional wrestling.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2022/05/04/nwa-powerrr-the-main-event-goes-hardcorecountry/|title=NWA Powerrr: The main event goes Hardcore...Country|last=Martinez|first=Tommy "Milagro"|website=Slam Wrestling|date=May 4, 2022|access-date=June 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515000630/https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2022/05/04/nwa-powerrr-the-main-event-goes-hardcorecountry/|archive-date=May 15, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 11, at ], Stevens lost to Murdoch in what was dubbed "Aron Stevens' Swan Song". After the match, he grabbed the mic and told the fans, "You're welcome!"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/aron-stevens-vs-trevor-murdoch-set-nwa-alwayz-ready-updated-card|title=Aron Stevens vs. Trevor Murdoch Set For NWA Alwayz Ready, Updated Card|last=Russell|first=Skylar|website=Fightful|date=May 23, 2022|access-date=June 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523225530/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/aron-stevens-vs-trevor-murdoch-set-nwa-alwayz-ready-updated-card|archive-date=May 23, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2022/06/nwa-alwayz-ready-2022-results/|title=NWA Alwayz Ready 2022 Results (6/11) – New NWA World Heavyweight Champion Crowned|last=Wolstandholme|first=Danny|website=Wrestling Inc.|date=June 11, 2022|access-date=June 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612224913/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2022/06/nwa-alwayz-ready-2022-results/|archive-date=June 12, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Since his in-ring retirement, Stevens has remained with the NWA as the on-screen manager of the tag team Blunt Force Trauma, composed of ] and ], as well as an agent.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Varsallone |first1=Jim |title=The NWA rejuvenated the pro wrestling passion of Aron Stevens, aka WWE alum Damien Sandow |url=https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/nwa-rejuvenated-pro-wrestling-passion-194207786.html |website=Yahoo! Sports |date=5 April 2023 |access-date=30 July 2023}}</ref> | |||
== Other media == | |||
Haddad has appeared on ]' gaming ] channel ''UpUpDownDown''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/95591/a-hint-at-damien-sandows-new-gimmick.html?p=1|title=A HINT AT DAMIEN SANDOW'S NEW GIMMICK? - PWInsider.com|access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref> As of 2019, Haddad co-hosts a wrestling podcast titled ''On the Mat''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spreaker.com/user/osgsports/sundayapril-7-on-the-mat-wrestling-show-|title=On The Mat Wrestling Show WrestleMania 35 Preview with Aron Stevens (aka Damien Sandow)|publisher=OSG Sports|website=Spreaker|access-date=June 18, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618054546/https://www.spreaker.com/user/osgsports/sundayapril-7-on-the-mat-wrestling-show-|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2020, Haddad made a cameo in the ] ] ''].''<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt12711004/ |title="A.P. Bio" Aces Wild (TV Episode 2020) ⭐ 7.4 {{!}} Comedy |language=en-US |access-date=2024-12-05 |via=m.imdb.com}}</ref> In May 2023, Haddad was revealed to have a cameo in the third season of the ] ] series '']''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Berman |first1=Ross |title=Ex-WWE Stars Erick Rowan & Damian Sandow Spotted In I Think You Should Leave Trailer |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1295990/i-think-you-should-leave-rowan-sandow-trailer/ |website=Wrestling Inc. |date=25 May 2023 |access-date=25 May 2023}}</ref> In December 2024, Haddad appeared on the ] late-night show '']'' as a panellist alongside fellow pro-wrestlers ] (Brodus Clay in WWE) and ] (Bully/Bubba Ray Dudley).<ref>https://x.com/Gutfeldfox/status/1863729454419177911</ref> | |||
Haddad also appears in the following video games: | |||
{| class="wikitable sortable" | |||
! Year | |||
! Title | |||
! Notes | |||
|- | |||
|2012 | |||
|'']'' | |||
|As ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/thq/wwe-13/youre-welcome-in-five-languages-dlc-pack-for-wwe-13-out-now-26081923|title=You're Welcome in Five Languages DLC Pack for 'WWE '13' out now!}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|2013 | |||
|'']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
|rowspan="2"|2014 | |||
|'']'' | |||
|Mobile game | |||
|- | |||
|'']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
|2015 | |||
|'']'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
|} | |||
== Personal life == | |||
Haddad is ] and has attended mass at the ] chapel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/TheDamienSandow/status/621026852589715456|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305151140/https://twitter.com/TheDamienSandow/status/621026852589715456|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 5, 2016|title=Twitter/TheDamienSandow Went to mass at the @EWTN chapel this afternoon. Awesome experience & awesome people.|access-date=July 27, 2015|date=July 14, 2015}}</ref> He is also a ].<ref>{{cite tweet|user=HaminMediaGroup |number=1364766932394737667 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225024014/https://twitter.com/HaminMediaGroup/status/1364766932394737667 |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |title=Catch The #ConspiracyHorsemen 👁 with guest #AronStevens @AronsThoughts @_TheAShow talking #Freemasonry #Freemason |date=February 25, 2021 |access-date=July 23, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Catch The #ConspiracyHorsemen 👁 with guest #AronStevens talking #Freemasonry #Freemason 👀 Only on Hackerhamin.podbean.com #BinHamin #HaminMediaGroup on... {{!}} By Hamin Media Group {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/haminmediagroup/videos/catch-the-conspiracyhorsemen-with-guest-aronstevens-talking-freemasonry-freemaso/788899545084589/ |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en}}</ref> | |||
Haddad practiced ] from the ages of 5 to 16, when he abandoned it in favor of wrestling.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsuppjgUL9E |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/RsuppjgUL9E |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Trials Fusion with Damien Sandow a.k.a. Sizzle — Superstar Savepoint|date=1 August 2015|access-date=15 January 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> | |||
Haddad has been taking ] classes, including Shakespearean acting. He is considering acting in films, but has not ruled out television or stage acting.<ref name=RSinterview/> | |||
== Championships and accomplishments == | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** ] (])<ref name="CW-heavyweight">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/htchao.html|title=Chaotic Wrestling Heavyweight Title/Chaotic Wrestling Championship History|last=Palladino|first=Rich|access-date=2008-08-08|publisher=Solie's Title Histories}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=551|title=Chaotic Wrestling Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 18, 2002|access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> | |||
** ] (]) – with Edward G. Xtasy<ref name="CW-tag">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttchao.html|title=Chaotic Wrestling Tag Team Title History|last=Palladino|first=Rich|access-date=2008-08-08|publisher=Solie's Title Histories}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=552|title=Chaotic Wrestling Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 13, 2001|access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> | |||
*'''Destiny World Wrestling''' | |||
**DWW Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=2663|title=DWW Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 28, 2016|access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** ] (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1699|title=FCW Jack Brisco 15 Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=September 22, 2011|access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> | |||
** ] (]) – with ]<ref name="FCWchampions">{{cite web |url=http://www.fcwwrestling.info/champions.html |title=Champions Roll Call |access-date=May 4, 2012 |publisher=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208110516/http://fcwwrestling.info/champions.html |archive-date=February 8, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=752|title=FCW Florida Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=December 3, 2010|access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** ] (])<ref name="IWA-hardcore">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/hctiwap.html|title=IWA Hardcore Title History|last1=González|first1=Manuel O.|last2=Palma|first2=Richard|access-date=2008-08-08|publisher=Solie's Title Histories}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=260|title=IWA Hardcore Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=November 3, 2005|access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> | |||
*''']''' | |||
**] (])<ref name=F4W>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/nwa-fire-live-results-nick-aldis-vs-james-storm-299526 | title=NWA Into the Fire Live results: Nick Aldis vs. James Storm | date=December 14, 2019 | access-date=December 14, 2019 | work=] | first=Josiah | last=MacDonald}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=131|title=NWA National Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=December 14, 2019|access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> | |||
**] (]) – with ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=180|title=NWA World Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=November 10, 2020|access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** ] (])<ref name="OVW-heavyweight">{{cite web|url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles.html#1|title=OVW Heavyweight Championship|access-date=2010-12-24|publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101221023653/http://ovwrestling.com/titles.html#1|archive-date=21 December 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=128|title=OVW Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=March 14, 2007|access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> | |||
** ] (]) – with ]<ref name="OVW-tag">{{cite web|url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles.html#3|title=OVW Southern Tag Team Championship|access-date=2010-12-24|publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101221023653/http://ovwrestling.com/titles.html#3|archive-date=21 December 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=129|title=OVW Southern Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 10, 2003|access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> | |||
** ] (])<ref name="OVW-tv">{{cite web|url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles.html#2|title=OVW Television Championship|access-date=2010-12-24|publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101221023653/http://ovwrestling.com/titles.html#2|archive-date=21 December 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=247|title=OVW Television Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2006|access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> | |||
** ] | |||
* ''''']''''' | |||
** Ranked No. 50 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the '']'' in 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2013.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2013|access-date=2013-08-22|work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref> | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** ] (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=3129|title=Impact Grand Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 2, 2016|access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> | |||
** ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=4059&page=2|title=Impact Grand Championship Tournament (2016)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 2, 2016|access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** ] (])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=268|title=WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 16, 2009|access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> | |||
** ] (])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=272|title=WWC World Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 15, 2009|access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> – with ] (1), ] (1), ] (1) and Abbad (1) | |||
* ''']''' | |||
** ] (]) – with ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/20141123-the-miz-damien-mizdow |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127150459/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/20141123-the-miz-damien-mizdow |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 27, 2014 |publisher=WWE |title=The Miz and Damien Mizdow's first reign |access-date=November 23, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=61|title=WWE Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=November 23, 2014|access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> | |||
** ] (] – ] contract)<ref name=MITBwin>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2013/world-heavyweight-championship-contract-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-26127316|title=Damien Sandow won the World Heavyweight Championship Contract Money in the Bank Ladder Match}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=94326|title=Money in the Bank - 2013 for the World Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=July 14, 2013|access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> | |||
** ] – with ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=2438&page=2|title=WWE Tag Team Championship #1 Contender Tournament (2012)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 22, 2012|access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> | |||
** ] (2 times) | |||
*** LOL Moment of the Year (]) – {{small|Being The Miz's stunt double}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Laboon|first=Jeff|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2014-12-08/2014-slammy-award-winners|title=2014 Slammy Award winners|date=December 8, 2014|access-date=April 28, 2018|publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
*** Double-Cross of the Year (]) – {{small|Eliminates ] from the ] Memorial battle royal at ]}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2015-12-21/2015-slammy-award-winners|title=2015 Slammy Award winners|date=December 16, 2015|access-date=April 27, 2018|publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
== References == | |||
{{Reflist}} | |||
== External links == | |||
{{commons category|Damien Sandow}} | |||
* {{WWE superstar|damien-sandow|Damien Sandow}} | |||
* {{IMDb name|2405583|Aaron Haddad}} | |||
* {{professional wrestling profiles}} | |||
{{Navboxes| | |||
|list1= | |||
{{Chaotic Wrestling Heavyweight Championship}} | |||
{{Chaotic Wrestling Tag Team Championship}} | |||
{{OVW Heavyweight Championship}} | |||
{{OVW Television Championship}} | |||
{{OVW Tag Team Championship}} | |||
{{NWA National Heavyweight Championship}} | |||
{{NWA World Tag Team Championship}} | |||
{{FCW Florida Tag Team Championship}} | |||
{{FCW Jack Brisco 15 Championship}} | |||
{{Impact Grand Championship}} | |||
{{Money in the Bank winners}} | |||
{{Grand Slam-Triple Crown Champions}} | |||
{{WWC Puerto Rico Championship}} | |||
{{WWC World Tag Team Championship}} | |||
{{World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 2024–present)}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 16:44, 5 December 2024
American professional wrestler
Aron Stevens | |
---|---|
Haddad as Damien Sandow in 2016 | |
Birth name | Aron Steven Haddad |
Born | (1982-08-03) August 3, 1982 (age 42) Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S. |
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | Aaron Stevens Aron Stevens Aron Rex Damien Mizdow Damien Sandow Easter Bunny Idol Stevens Macho Mandow |
Billed height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
Billed weight | 247 lb (112 kg) |
Billed from | Palo Alto, California Louisville, Kentucky Malibu, California North Oxford, Massachusetts |
Trained by | Chaotic Wrestling Killer Kowalski |
Debut | June 23, 2001 |
Retired | June 11, 2022 |
Aron Steven Haddad (born August 3, 1982) is an American retired professional wrestler working as a manager in the National Wrestling Alliance under the name Aron Stevens.
He is best known for wrestling with WWE under the ring name Damien Sandow. He is also known for his time in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and the independent circuit under the ring name Aron Rex, where he was the first-ever Impact Grand Champion in 2016.
Haddad started wrestling in 2001, and began appearing for WWE in 2002 as Aaron Stevens on Heat. From 2003 to 2006, Haddad wrestled in WWE's developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). In 2006, Haddad reappeared on the WWE main roster as Idol Stevens, teaming with KC James and allying with Michelle McCool. In 2007, Haddad was released from WWE, first embarking on a return to OVW, no longer WWE's official developmental territory, in 2008 and then from 2009 to 2010, wrestling in Puerto Rico for World Wrestling Council (WWC).
Signing again with WWE in 2010, he was assigned to a developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling, where he adopted the Damien Sandow moniker. In April 2012, Sandow returned to WWE's main roster as an arrogant intellectual. In July 2013, Sandow won the Money in the Bank match for a World Heavyweight Championship opportunity, and became the first to lose the cashed-in title match. In 2014, Sandow became a comedic impersonator, leading up to an alliance with The Miz, serving as his stunt double Damien Mizdow. The duo won the WWE Tag Team Championship before the team split in 2015. He briefly teamed with Curtis Axel, shortly before returning to singles action, and was released in May 2016. He acted in the 2023 independent film The Oath.
Professional wrestling career
Independent circuit (2001–2003)
Haddad started training under Killer Kowalski at the age of 16. Three years later, Haddad made his debut as Aaron Stevens on June 23, 2001, with a loss to Chris Harvard in Chaotic Wrestling. In October 2001, Stevens and Edward G. Xtasy (as part of One Night Stand) defeated Little Guido Maritato and Luis Ortiz for the Chaotic Wrestling Tag Team Championship, losing the title two months later to John Walters and Vince Vicallo.
From November 2002 to May 2003, Stevens also wrestled for World Wrestling Alliance (WWA), where he beat Danny Davis for the WWA Heavyweight Championship but lost it a day later to Jonah Adelman. During this period, he also received two singles title shots for the Chaotic Wrestling Heavyweight Championship and one for the Chaotic Wrestling New England Championship, but lost them all.
World Wrestling Entertainment
Early career (2003)
Stevens signed a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) after receiving numerous try-out matches on Heat against opponents such as Steven Richards and Maven. Sandow had his WWE's pay-per-view debut match in 2003 at Vengeance as the Easter Bunny in a match with the APA. He also participated in an angle where he had his fingers "broken" by Raven on Heat.
Ohio Valley Wrestling (2003–2006)
Stevens, now with the tweaked name Aaron "The Idol" Stevens, was assigned to WWE's developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). At a house show in 2004, Stevens and Nova beat Chris Cage and Tank Toland to win the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship.
On January 4, 2006, Stevens won the OVW Television Championship after replacing Ken Doane in a three-way match with Brent Albright and then-champion CM Punk. Doane was injured halfway through the match and Stevens came out to replace him. At the March 8 television taping, Paul Burchill cost Stevens the Television Championship against Seth Skyfire.
Idol Stevens (2006–2007)
On August 4, 2006, Stevens made his SmackDown! debut as Idol Stevens when he was introduced (along with KC James) by Michelle McCool as one of her favorite "teacher's pets". The two went on to defeat Funaki and Scotty 2 Hotty with the help of McCool. The following week, Stevens and James defeated WWE Tag Team Champions Paul London and Brian Kendrick in a non-title match. On the August 18 show, Stevens and James ambushed the Tag Team Champions.
The two teams began feuding, with London and Kendrick bringing in Ashley Massaro to counteract McCool. The feud briefly encompassed the team of Jamie Noble and Kid Kash, who also wanted a Tag Team title shot. Stevens and James got their WWE Tag Team Championship shot at No Mercy on October 8, but failed to win the titles. Soon after, both Stevens and James were taken off television and sent back to Ohio Valley Wrestling.
After being removed from the SmackDown! roster when Michelle McCool was hospitalized, Stevens returned to OVW. He lost to Charles Evans upon his return and no mention of his tag team venture with KC James was made. On March 14, 2007, he defeated Paul Burchill to win the OVW Heavyweight Championship. On May 9, after title defences against Cody Runnels and Mike Mondo, Burchill defeated Stevens to regain the OVW Championship. The championship was vacated and Stevens lost to Jay Bradley in a three-way match including Burchill. On June 8, Stevens defeated Burchill in a Number One OVW Heavyweight Contendership match.
He got his title match in a three-way match, again including champion Jay Bradley and Paul Burchill. The match was not only for Bradley's title, but also Stevens's car and Burchill's house. Bradley defeated both men and won all the stakes. His last match for OVW before his release was a two-ring steel cage flag match, which, along with Al Snow, Atlas DaBone, Chet The Jett and Colt Cabana, he defeated Michael W. Kruel, Ramon, Raul, The Belgium Brawler and Vladimir Kozlov.
Stevens was officially released by WWE on August 6, 2007.
National Wrestling Alliance (2008)
Stevens made his return to the independent circuit at NWA 60th Anniversary Show losing to Mike DiBiase II in a match for the NWA North American Heavyweight Championship. He appeared for XCW Wrestling Mid-West and Derby City Wrestling for the next few months before re-signing with OVW. On November 7, 2008, he lost to Steve Boz at A Tribute Fit For The King, a tribute show for Jerry Lawler.
Return to OVW (2008–2009)
In February 2008, OVW ceased to be WWE's developmental territory. Stevens returned to OVW on November 12, 2008, losing to OVW Heavyweight Champion Anthony Bravado in a non-title bout. The following week, the two were featured in a triple threat match with Jacob Duncan that went off the air before the match could finish. Stevens and Bravado faced off again in a match for the title on November 26, which Stevens won, becoming a two-time champion. On December 3, 2008, he teamed up with U-Gene to take part in OVW Southern Tag Team Championship number one contendership tournament, in round one they defeated Theta Lampda Psi. A week later, they lost to Anthony Bravado and The Buck. Stevens lost the title to Vaughn Lilas at the January 14, 2009 television taping. In February 2009, he lost to Mike Mondo in an OVW Television Championship match which also included Johnny Punch. His last match for OVW was on February 11, a rematch for the championship which Mondo again won.
World Wrestling Council (2009–2010)
Idol returned to Puerto Rico, but in a different promotion, the World Wrestling Council, where he was the "protegido" of Jose Chaparro and a member of the "American Family". He debuted on February 28, 2009, defeating Angel. He defeated BJ for the WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship, before losing it to Shane Sewell. On August 15, 2009, Stevens and Shawn Spears defeated Thunder and Lightning to become the new WWC World Tag Team Champions. Stevens later feuded with Shawn Spears, which ended at Euphoria 2010. Stevens won the WWC Tag Team Champion with King Tonga Jr. by defeating Thunder and Lightning.
On October 31, Stevens and Spears lost the Tag Team Championship back to Thunder and Lightning. On February 20, 2010, Chicano named Stevens his new Tag Team Championship partner to replace Bryan. On March 13, Thunder and Lightning defeated Stevens and Chicano to win the titles. After Stevens regained the titles with King Tonga Jr., the duo lost them to Los Aerios (Carlitos and Hiram Tua) on April 24. Stevens regained the Tag Team Championship from Los Aerios on June 11, this time teaming with Abbad, and lost it to Thunder and Lightning in a three-way match involving BJ and Chicano on July 11. His last match for WWC before signing with WWE came on July 31, losing to Joe Don Smith.
Return to WWE
Florida Championship Wrestling (2010–2012)
On July 14, 2010, it was reported that Stevens had signed a new developmental deal with WWE, and was assigned to their developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). He changed his ring name to Damien Sandow (sharing the surname of the Gold Dust Trio's Billy Sandow and the "father of modern bodybuilding" Eugen Sandow), while adopting a new militant gimmick. On December 3, Sandow won the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship with Titus O'Neill by defeating Xavier Woods and Mason Ryan in a match for the vacant championship. They lost the championship to Richie Steamboat and Seth Rollins on March 25, 2011. After losing the title, Sandow turned on O'Neill and joined the group formed by Lucky Cannon, Aksana, and Maxine. Following the dissolution of the group, Sandow adopted the gimmick of a verbose intellectual. Then, he beat Rollins on September 22 to win the FCW Jack Brisco 15 Championship. On January 13, 2012, Sandow lost the FCW 15 Championship to Steamboat.
Main roster debut and Rhodes Scholars (2012–2013)
Haddads main roster character upon his return, Damien Sandow, was described as a "braggart, condescending intellectual heel". After his second WWE run ended, Haddad said that his initial purpose in building the 'Intellectual Savior of the Unwashed Masses' character was "to do anything I could to stand out". Given "freedom to execute the character", Haddad stopped shaving, began wearing a bathrobe (proposed by Dusty Rhodes for a robe like Lou Thesz's) to "present" his pink trunks when the robe was taken off, and using the "Hallelujah Chorus" as his entrance music. Haddad also credited Mike Rotunda, Triple H and Brian James for their help in guiding him.
On the April 6, 2012 episode of SmackDown, Sandow appeared in a pre-taped interview denouncing popular culture and extolling his virtues. After weeks of vignettes, Sandow made his WWE in-ring return under the new gimmick on the May 4 episode of SmackDown, but refused to compete against Derrick Bateman, claiming that the audience would neither learn nor benefit from him facing an inferior opponent. On the May 18 episode of SmackDown, Sandow refused to wrestle against Yoshi Tatsu, but Tatsu accused Sandow of being a coward and Sandow assaulted him. On the May 25 episode of SmackDown, Sandow defeated Tatsu in his debut match. The following week, he refused to face Ezekiel Jackson, and despite Jackson forcing the match to begin, Sandow won. On the June 8 episode of SmackDown, Sandow went to attack Hornswoggle but was intercepted by Tyson Kidd before he could do so. The following week on SmackDown, Sandow defeated Kidd.
On the June 29 episode of SmackDown, Sandow defeated Zack Ryder to qualify for the World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank ladder match at Money in the Bank. However, the match was won by Dolph Ziggler. On July 23 at Raw 1000, Sandow interrupted D-Generation X (DX) and claimed that their sophomoric and disgusting behaviour had brainwashed society; he also declared that he would be a martyr if DX disposed of him, and DX assaulted him regardless. Sandow then began a feud with Brodus Clay on the July 30 episode of Raw, attacking Clay when he laughed at a video of Sandow's beatdown at the hands of DX. Sandow and Clay finally faced off on the August 20 episode of Raw, where Sandow won after a roll-up, but was attacked by Clay after the match. On the August 31 SmackDown, Sandow had his first singles loss after being intentionally counted out against World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus, who would later hand Sandow his first pinfall loss in October.
On the September 21 SmackDown, Sandow aligned himself with Cody Rhodes, and they started a feud with WWE Tag Team Champions Team Hell No (Daniel Bryan and Kane). The duo, which adopted the team name of Team Rhodes Scholars (a play on the Rhodes Scholarship), entered a tournament a week later on SmackDown, and defeated the Usos to advance. Team Rhodes Scholars defeated Santino Marella and Zack Ryder in the semi-finals, and then Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara in the finals to earn a shot at the tag titles. Team Rhodes Scholars got their title opportunity against Team Hell No on October 28 at Hell in a Cell, where they won by disqualification, thus Team Hell No retained the titles. This led to a title rematch on the November 14 episode of Main Event, which Team Hell No won. During the match, Rhodes suffered several legitimate injuries, placing their partnership on hold.
On the November 23 episode of SmackDown, Sandow unsuccessfully challenged Kofi Kingston for the Intercontinental Championship, his first singles title opportunity in WWE. From December 2012, Sandow began a regular segment in which he unsuccessfully searched for an 'apprentice' by quizzing members of the audience. Sandow and Rhodes reunited on the December 10 episode of Raw and won a fatal four-way tag team elimination match, earning them the right to face Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara in a number one contender Tables match at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs six days later, which Team Rhodes Scholars won. Team Rhodes Scholars received their title shot on the following episode of Main Event, but were again defeated by Team Hell No. On the January 7, 2013, episode of Raw, Team Rhodes Scholars defeated Team Hell No in a non-title match to earn another shot at the WWE Tag Team Championship. The title rematch took place on January 27 at the Royal Rumble, where Team Rhodes Scholars once again failed to capture the tag team titles.
On the February 1 episode of SmackDown, Sandow and Rhodes briefly dissolved Team Rhodes Scholars while remaining "best friends", only to reunite on February 17 at the pre-show of Elimination Chamber in a loss to the team of Brodus Clay and Tensai. Sandow and Rhodes then aligned themselves with The Bella Twins in a feud against Tons of Funk (Clay and Tensai) and the Funkadactyls (Cameron and Naomi). The two teams were originally booked to face each other in an eight-person mixed tag team match on April 7 at WrestleMania 29, but their match was cut due to time constraints. The match instead took place the following night on Raw, where Tons of Funk and the Funkadactyls emerged victorious.
Sir Money in the Bank and demotion to lower-tier status (2013–2014)
On the May 15 episode of NXT, Sandow unsuccessfully challenged Big E Langston for the NXT Championship. While Sandow hosted a series of mental challenges on SmackDown, Sheamus repeatedly interrupted Sandow and tried to solve the challenges. However, when Sheamus failed to solve the puzzles, he instead resorted to physical violence by attacking Sandow. On June 16, during the Payback pre-show, Sandow was defeated by Sheamus. The following night on Raw, Team Rhodes Scholars defeated Sheamus in a handicap match after Sandow pinned him with a roll-up. The rivalry culminated in a Dublin Street Fight on the June 28 SmackDown, where Sheamus defeated Sandow.
The July 14 Money in the Bank pay-per-view marked the beginning of the end for Team Rhodes Scholars. Both Rhodes and Sandow entered the World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank ladder match; just as Rhodes was about to win the match, Sandow threw Rhodes off the ladder and retrieved the briefcase himself to earn the opportunity to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship at any time of his choosing within the next year. Despite winning the briefcase, Sandow went on to lose many matches before his cash-in, with a total of 1 win and 12 losses on Raw and SmackDown. The split of Team Rhodes Scholars was confirmed the next night on Raw when Rhodes attacked Sandow. Rhodes dominated the feud between him and Sandow; throwing Sandow's briefcase into the Gulf of Mexico, which forced Sandow to introduce a new custom-made briefcase; thwarting Sandow's attempt to cash-in on a vulnerable Alberto Del Rio; and defeating Sandow twice in singles matches, one of which was at SummerSlam.
After moving on from his feud with Rhodes, Sandow went on to lose to the likes of R-Truth, Santino Marella and Dolph Ziggler. On the October 28 Raw, Sandow confronted World Heavyweight Champion John Cena; stating his belief that Cena's arm was still injured following Cena's match against Alberto Del Rio at Hell in a Cell, Sandow assaulted Cena's arm and then cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, but Cena won the match by pinfall. This made Sandow the second wrestler to fail to win a title upon cash-in (after Cena himself), and the first to lose a cash-in outright. Forbes wrote in 2016 that Sandow's 2012 intellectual character "quickly won over the fans and showed his potential as one of the top heels on the main roster", but his "career never recovered" from losing the Money in the Bank cash-in. Haddad later said, "I absolutely did think I was going to take that big step" after his character won Money in the Bank, but "circumstances dictated otherwise". Despite being scripted to lose to Cena, Haddad was "very proud" that he delivered "a performance of a lifetime" that night.
After Sandow's cash-in, he was noted to have become more generic as he stopped doing cartwheels and started wearing plain black ring attire. Sandow's misfortune continued when he challenged Intercontinental Champion Big E Langston to a title match at TLC and lost. In January 2014, Sandow entered the 2014 Royal Rumble and was the first eliminated, courtesy of CM Punk. He then started a losing streak that lasted until May, which included him losing to the likes of Darren Young, being pinned in an eight-man tag match, and losing to Sin Cara in one minute.
Impersonations and popularity rise (2014–2015)
On the April 28 Raw, Sandow dressed as Magneto to confront guest star Hugh Jackman (who plays Wolverine in the X-Men film series) and Dolph Ziggler, which resulted in Sandow being attacked by both Jackman and Ziggler. On the May 12 Raw and its pre-show, Sandow started delivering worked shoot comments displaying his apparent dissatisfaction at his position in WWE, resulting in his microphone being turned off. Sandow later made comments with allusions to being handcuffed.
Sandow then transitioned into a comedic impersonator, and from May 20 he started to dress as a different character every week, sometimes wrestling as them. These characters included Sherlock Holmes, Bruce Springsteen, Abraham Lincoln, Paul Revere, a rapper called D-Sizzle and an interpretive dancer. He also mimicked other wrestlers, such as Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, and Vince McMahon. Haddad reflected after his release that when he was "dressing up as someone new every week", "other guys said I should be doing something else", but back then he was willing to "go with it" to capture "attention", though he said, "I didn't know where or how it was going to end up".
From August, Sandow formed an alliance with The Miz, whose persona was that of an arrogant movie star. Sandow was 'hired' by Miz to be his "stunt double", which initially entailed him taking bumps for Miz and later expanded to him mimicking every move Miz made during his matches, as well as Miz's mannerisms when not wrestling. During this period, Sandow's ring name was tweaked to Damien Mizdow to reflect his new role. Haddad later detailed how he was initially not aware whether being the stunt double was a "one-time thing" like his previous impersonations or a long-term storyline, and that WWE only decided to make it a long-term storyline "about two or three weeks" into the Mizdow act. Haddad also said that mimicking Miz's actions in the ring was a "completely on the whim" improvisation, with him and the Miz never rehearsing any of their actions.
At Night of Champions in September, Mizdow's interference helped Miz win the Intercontinental Championship from Dolph Ziggler. Miz lost his title back to Ziggler the following night in a rematch on Raw. Mizdow's antics soon endeared him to WWE fans and he became popular with live audiences, who would often boo Miz during matches and chant "We want Mizdow!".
Pro Wrestling Dot Net analyst Darren Gutteridge in 2015" reminding me of Damien Mizdow... an unlikely hero getting over by sheer force of entertainment".
At Survivor Series, Mizdow and Miz won the WWE Tag Team Championship after defeating defending champions Gold and Stardust, The Usos and Los Matadores in Fatal 4-Way tag team match. This was Mizdow's first championship in WWE. By this time, Mizdow had become one of the most popular wrestlers in WWE.
On the December 29 episode of Raw, they lost the titles to The Usos. On the same night, they were defeated by the debuting Ascension. Miz and Mizdow then began to show dissension, with Miz becoming angry at Mizdow's positive crowd reactions and accusing Mizdow of trying to 'upstage' him. On the February 2 episode of Raw, The Miz relegated Mizdow from being a stunt double to a personal assistant.
Mizdow turned face when he finally split away from The Miz at WrestleMania 31 in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, but the "red hot babyface in waiting" (as described by Forbes) was the last wrestler eliminated, courtesy of Big Show. Haddad described WrestleMania 31 being one of his "favorite memories in the WWE", due to "feeling the surge of 83,000 people chanting" for him when he split from Miz, a "genuine, 100-percent real emotional response on a grand stage" that would eclipse any "award" or "accolade". Post-WrestleMania, Mizdow (now accompanied by The Miz's The Marine 4: Moving Target co-star Summer Rae) then feuded with The Miz over the next several weeks, trading victories on Raw before challenging Miz to a match for the rights to the Miz brand on the April 20 episode. The Miz won the match after Summer Rae betrayed Mizdow by raking him in the eyes, allowing Miz to hit the Skull-Crushing Finale and pick up the win. As a result of the loss, Mizdow returned to his former name, Damien Sandow. The manner of the breakup between Miz and Sandow was extremely criticized by critics for poor storyline writing which made Sandow look like a fool post-WrestleMania and also diminishing the feud to an "afterthought".
Pro Wrestling Insider analyst Mike Johnson's opinion of WWE's booking of Sandow, in June 2015"I think it's just a case of someone in the company seeing as a comedy guy and nothing more. The audience tried to tell them that they wanted to see him in a better role but were ignored".
Returning to the Damien Sandow ring name on the April 27 episode of Raw, Sandow was thanking fans for their support when he was interrupted by Curtis Axel. Sandow began to parrot after Axel, who had been mimicking Hulk Hogan. Sandow won the ensuing scuffle with a Hogan leg drop. On the April 30 episode of SmackDown, Sandow parroted ring announcer JoJo before facing and defeating Axel. In May 2015, Sandow began impersonating Randy Savage as Macho Mandow, while he and Axel suffered attacks by The Ascension to start a feud. Mandow and Axel's alliance was known as The Meta Powers, a parody of The Mega Powers. At Payback, the Meta Powers were defeated by the Ascension. Various critics expressed disappointment that Sandow was still restricted to doing comedic impersonations. The Meta Powers stopped their respective impersonations from July 24, after WWE severed ties with Hulk Hogan.
Final storylines and departure (2015–2016)
The end of The Meta Powers marked a further decline in Sandow's fortunes. The Wrestling Observer wrote that "Sandow had been used sparingly since then, usually in an enhancement role or in battle royals"; while PWInsider described that "Sandow never recovered nor had a regular storyline beyond that point", yet "his appearance would get a big reaction from fans at live events". From July to October 2015, Sandow never wrestled a televised match, being restricted to wrestling dark matches or at live events.
Sandow returned to television on the November 11, 2015 episode of Main Event as his original "Intellectual Savior" character, defeating Heath Slater. Following that, Sandow never won another televised match for WWE. At the 2016 Royal Rumble kickoff, Sandow and Darren Young failed to qualify for the Royal Rumble match when they lost a four-way tag team match. In February, after Sandow posted a tribute to his grandmother on Twitter, possibly indicating her recent death, WWE allowed Sandow to take time off to spend time with family. At WrestleMania 32, Sandow was quickly eliminated from the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal by Shaquille O'Neal. Sandow returned to Raw on April 25, but his match against Baron Corbin never started due to Dolph Ziggler attacking Corbin; with Pro Wrestling Torch describing that Sandow's appearance "got one of the best reactions of the night". Corbin defeated Sandow in under two minutes on that week's SmackDown. On the May 2 episode of Raw, Sandow competed in a battle royal for a shot at the WWE United States Championship, but was eliminated early in the match; the Wrestling Observer wrote that "his elimination was one of the louder reactions in the match". Then, Sandow's final two televised matches for WWE saw him lose to Titus O'Neil on Main Event and Darren Young on Superstars; Sandow wrestled the latter match as a heel.
The Birmingham News writer Ben Flanagan in May 2016"... these releases bum us out a little, especially Sandow's. The guy will forever be remembered as wasted WWE talent."
On May 6, 2016, Sandow was released from WWE. His release caused him to become a top 5 Twitter trend in the United States. Mike Johnson of PWInsider described Sandow's release as "mind-boggling" and "shocking" due to "the level of popularity that Sandow has with fans". Johnson listed more of Sandow's positives: "Sandow had size, could talk", and "no matter what role he was in, he received a big reaction": "fans recognized was vastly underutilized by the company and pushed for him to have a bigger role". Meanwhile, the Wrestling Observer described Sandow as "a popular undercard wrestler who always got bigger crowd reactions than his push", while Pro Wrestling Dot Net reported that Sandow, a "popular undercard wrestler", "has been in career tailspin mode for some time" up to his release. Forbes lamented in reference to the releases of Sandow and Wade Barrett: "... it's a hard pill to swallow when you realize that two stars who could have been World champion never got the chance to".
Rolling Stone interviewed Haddad within a week of his release. Haddad was "grateful" for a "great" second run in WWE where he "traveled the world" and "had a bunch of fun". Given that his main aim as a performer was "to get the audience to feel something, to evoke some kind of emotion", Haddad had no regrets leaving since he felt he "took the audience through the whole spectrum of emotions in four years": first "there was an extreme feeling of dislike towards" the Sandow character upon its debut, and years later, the Mizdow character was cheered to a point that "there are guys that are in the main event that don't get cheers like that". As for his release, Haddad was "not really" surprised as he thought he "had gone through the gamut" with the impersonator character. Describing himself as an empathetic individual, Haddad had "no problem" with WWE giving other wrestlers television time at his expense so that they could "show their craft" and become popular, while he was already popular whatever "spot" WWE put him. Although there were several alternate options of using Haddad, including "repackaging" his character, "doing a parody of current events", or becoming a commentator, ultimately, Haddad did not "fit" into WWE's plans.
Return to the independent circuit (2016, 2019–present)
After being released from WWE, Haddad announced on his official Twitter account that he would once again be taking independent bookings, returning to his Aron Stevens ring name. He said he "took select dates" for wrestling, wanting to "say thank you to the fans", "to meet them, and have a chance to talk to them". His first independent appearance was on June 11 at a co-promoted show organized by Global Force Wrestling (GFW) and WrestlePro, where he defeated Colt Cabana. Haddad also made appearances at Warriors of Wrestling and Tier 1 Wrestling events. On June 14, 2016, Haddad signed for What Culture Pro Wrestling (WCPW) and was scheduled to debut the weekend of July 27–28, 2016. He was victorious in his debut match, where he defeated Doug Williams to become the #1 contender for the WCPW Championship.
After a two-year hiatus, he made his return to the ring in July 2019 under a new gimmick, the Millennial Slayer. On July 18, Sandow wrestled his first match back, at a Battle Arts Academy show under the name Aron Stevens.
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling/Impact Wrestling (2016–2017)
On August 10, 2016, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) released a promo teasing the acquisition of Stevens. On the August 11, 2016 episode of Impact Wrestling, Stevens made his debut under the ring name Aron Rex, cutting a promo in the ring and confronting the Impact World Heavyweight, X Division and King of the Mountain Champion Lashley at the end of the show. A week later, he announced that he would be the special guest referee in the No. 1 contender's match between Ethan Carter III and Drew Galloway. At the end of that match, he was attacked by Galloway over his frustrations due to losing the match. The next week, after Galloway explained his actions, Rex interrupted him and brawled with him before being separated by officials. Rex then entered himself in the inaugural Impact Grand Championship tournament and had his debut match on the September 15 episode of Impact Wrestling, defeating Trevor Lee. The next week, he defeated Eli Drake in the semi-finals and faced rival Drew Galloway in the finals of the tournament at Bound for Glory. Galloway was replaced by Eddie Edwards due to an injury. Rex won the tournament and the championship by split decision. On December 1 episode of Impact Wrestling, during an Open Challenge for the championship, Moose defeated Rex. Moose successfully retained his title against Rex in a rematch the following week.
After a hiatus, Rex returned on the January 12, 2017 episode of Impact Wrestling debuting a Liberace-inspired character, with a new clean shaven look and sporting plucked eyebrows, lip gloss, a fur coat, naked trunks and oversized rings on all fingers, along with Rockstar Spud as his new manager. On January 19 episode of Impact, Rex and Spud defeated the team of Robbie E and Swoggle in his last professional wrestling match to date. On April 4, 2017, Stevens announced that he was no longer with the now renamed Impact Wrestling and that he would be taking a break from wrestling to focus on acting.
National Wrestling Alliance (2019–present)
On the October 15, 2019 episode of National Wrestling Alliance's NWA Powerrr, Sandow announced he was returning to the ring and would be wrestling again under the Aron Stevens name. On December 14, at Into the Fire, Stevens defeated previous champion Colt Cabana and Ricky Starks in a triple threat match to win the NWA National Championship. On September 29, 2020, Stevens lost the title to Trevor Murdoch.
In September 2020, Haddad was made the booker for NWA member promotion Championship Wrestling from Hollywood. On November 11, Stevens and J. R. Kratos defeated Eli Drake and James Storm to win the NWA World Tag Team Championship. On March 21, 2021, at Back For The Attack, Stevens lost to Nick Aldis in an NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship match. On June 6, at When Our Shadows Fall, Stevens and Kratos successfully defended their titles in a three-way tag team match against The War Kings (Jax Dane and Crimson) and Strictly Business (Thom Latimer and Chris Adonis). On August 29, at the NWA 73rd Anniversary Show, they lost the titles to La Rebelión (Bestia 666 and Mecha Wolf 450). On December 4, at Hard Times 2, Stevens and Kratos failed to beat The OGK (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) for the ROH World Tag Team Championship.
On March 19, 2022, during night one of the Crockett Cup, Stevens teamed with The Blue Meanie to compete in the namesake tournament, losing to The Dirty Sexy Boys (Dirty Dango and JTG) in the first round. On the April 26 episode of NWA Powerrr, Stevens fought Trevor Murdoch in an attempt to beat some respect out of him, but was defeated. The following week, he formally announced his retirement from professional wrestling. On June 11, at Alwayz Ready, Stevens lost to Murdoch in what was dubbed "Aron Stevens' Swan Song". After the match, he grabbed the mic and told the fans, "You're welcome!" Since his in-ring retirement, Stevens has remained with the NWA as the on-screen manager of the tag team Blunt Force Trauma, composed of Rodney Mack and Marshe Rockett, as well as an agent.
Other media
Haddad has appeared on Xavier Woods' gaming YouTube channel UpUpDownDown. As of 2019, Haddad co-hosts a wrestling podcast titled On the Mat. In 2020, Haddad made a cameo in the NBC sitcom A.P. Bio. In May 2023, Haddad was revealed to have a cameo in the third season of the Netflix sketch comedy series I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson. In December 2024, Haddad appeared on the Fox News late-night show Gutfeld! as a panellist alongside fellow pro-wrestlers Tyrus (Brodus Clay in WWE) and Mark LaMonaco (Bully/Bubba Ray Dudley).
Haddad also appears in the following video games:
Year | Title | Notes |
---|---|---|
2012 | WWE '13 | As downloadable content |
2013 | WWE 2K14 | |
2014 | WWE SuperCard | Mobile game |
WWE 2K15 | ||
2015 | WWE 2K16 |
Personal life
Haddad is Catholic and has attended mass at the EWTN chapel. He is also a Freemason.
Haddad practiced Wah Lum Kung Fu from the ages of 5 to 16, when he abandoned it in favor of wrestling.
Haddad has been taking acting classes, including Shakespearean acting. He is considering acting in films, but has not ruled out television or stage acting.
Championships and accomplishments
- Chaotic Wrestling
- Chaotic Wrestling Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Chaotic Wrestling Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Edward G. Xtasy
- Destiny World Wrestling
- DWW Championship (1 time)
- Florida Championship Wrestling
- FCW Jack Brisco 15 Championship (1 time)
- FCW Florida Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Titus O'Neil
- International Wrestling Association
- National Wrestling Alliance
- Ohio Valley Wrestling
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Ranked No. 50 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2013
- Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
- World Wrestling Council
- WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- WWC World Tag Team Championship (4 times) – with Shawn Spears (1), Chicano (1), King Tonga Jr. (1) and Abbad (1)
- WWE
- WWE Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with The Miz
- Money in the Bank (2013 – World Heavyweight Championship contract)
- WWE Tag Team Championship #1 Contender Tournament (2012) – with Cody Rhodes
- Slammy Award (2 times)
- LOL Moment of the Year (2014) – Being The Miz's stunt double
- Double-Cross of the Year (2015) – Eliminates The Miz from the Andre the Giant Memorial battle royal at WrestleMania 31
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External links
- Damien Sandow on WWE.com
- Aaron Haddad at IMDb
- Aron Stevens's profile at Cagematch.net , Wrestlingdata.com , Internet Wrestling Database
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