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{{Infobox professional wrestler
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Darren Young
|name = Darren Young
|image = The Prime Time Players and Sin Cara in April 2015.jpg
|image = Darren Young April 2014.jpg
|caption = Young in April 2015
|caption = Young in April 2014
|names = '''Darren Young'''<ref name="OWOW"/><br>Fred Rossen<ref name=Cage/><br>Fred Rosser<ref name="OWOW"/><br>Fred Sampson<ref name="OWOW"/><br>Fred Sanford<ref name="OWOW"/><br>Frederick of Hollywood<ref name=Cage/><br>Officer Sampson<ref name=Cage/>
|names = '''Darren Young'''<ref name="OWOW"/><br>Fred Rossen<ref name=Cage/><br>Fred Rosser<ref name="OWOW"/><br>Fred Sampson<ref name="OWOW"/><br>Fred Sanford<ref name="OWOW"/><br>Frederick of Hollywood<ref name=Cage/><br>Officer Sampson<ref name=Cage/>
<!-- Please don't change the height or weight. These are the measures as officially stated and they should not be changed. -->
<!-- Please don't change the height or weight. These are the measures as officially stated and they should not be changed. -->
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=== World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE ===
=== World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE ===
During 2005 and 2006, Rosser made several appearances for [[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) on its weekly programs ''[[WWE Heat|Sunday Night Heat]]'' and ''[[WWE Velocity|Velocity]]'' as well as in [[dark match]]es on ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'' and ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]''.<ref name="Combat-Hooligans">{{cite web|url=http://combat-hooligans.com/2007/12/05/iwf-wrestling-school-begins-9th-year-this-weekend/|title=IWF Wrestling School Begins 9th Year this Weekend|date=December 5, 2007|publisher=Combat-Hooligans.com}}{{dead link|date=December 2012}}</ref><ref name="WrestleView">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1198785373.shtml|title=New episode of Pro Wrestling Ohio TV, 'CHIKARA' update + IWF events|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=December 27, 2007|publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref>


⚫
==== The Nexus and return to NXT (2010–2012) ====
⚫
In May 2009, Rosser signed a WWE developmental contract and was sent to WWE's [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territory]], [[Florida Championship Wrestling]], under the name '''Darren Young'''.<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/d/darren-young.html|title=Darren Young|accessdate=April 27, 2010|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref name="Varsallone-pg2">{{cite web|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/04/26/1599309_p2/young-believes-hes-nxt.html|title=Young believes he's NXT|date=April 26, 2010|last=Varsallone|first=Jim|accessdate=July 23, 2010|work=[[The Miami Herald]]|page=2|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5rRU3hMWN|archivedate=July 23, 2010}}</ref> In FCW, Young was in a tag team called The South Beach Party Boys with [[Percy Watson]]. On February 16, 2010, it was announced that he would compete as part of the first season of ''[[WWE NXT]]'', mentored by [[CM Punk]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_39115.shtml|title=WWE News: Complete cast of the NXT show revealed including The Miz mentoring Bryan Danielson|date=February 16, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|accessdate= February 17, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

⚫
==== The Nexus (2010–2012) ====
{{See also|The Nexus (professional wrestling)|l1=The Nexus}}
{{See also|The Nexus (professional wrestling)|l1=The Nexus}}
⚫
During 2005 and 2006, Rosser made several appearances for [[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) on its weekly programs ''[[WWE Heat|Sunday Night Heat]]'' and ''[[WWE Velocity|Velocity]]'' as well as in [[dark match]]es on ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'' and ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]''.<ref name="Combat-Hooligans">{{cite web|url=http://combat-hooligans.com/2007/12/05/iwf-wrestling-school-begins-9th-year-this-weekend/|title=IWF Wrestling School Begins 9th Year this Weekend|date=December 5, 2007|publisher=Combat-Hooligans.com}}{{dead link|date=December 2012}}</ref><ref name="WrestleView">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1198785373.shtml|title=New episode of Pro Wrestling Ohio TV, 'CHIKARA' update + IWF events|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=December 27, 2007|publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> In May 2009, Rosser signed a WWE developmental contract and was sent to WWE's [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territory]], [[Florida Championship Wrestling]], under the name '''Darren Young'''.<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/d/darren-young.html|title=Darren Young|accessdate=April 27, 2010|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref name="Varsallone-pg2">{{cite web|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/04/26/1599309_p2/young-believes-hes-nxt.html|title=Young believes he's NXT|date=April 26, 2010|last=Varsallone|first=Jim|accessdate=July 23, 2010|work=[[The Miami Herald]]|page=2|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5rRU3hMWN|archivedate=July 23, 2010}}</ref> In FCW, Young was in a tag team called The South Beach Party Boys with [[Percy Watson]]. On February 16, 2010, it was announced that he would compete as part of the first season of ''[[WWE NXT]]'', mentored by [[CM Punk]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_39115.shtml|title=WWE News: Complete cast of the NXT show revealed including The Miz mentoring Bryan Danielson|date=February 16, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|accessdate= February 17, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
⚫
On February 23, 2010, Young made his debut on ''[[WWE NXT (TV series)|NXT]]'' with a character described as a "South Beach Party Boy", losing his debut match to [[David Otunga]]. His storyline had mentor CM Punk showing apathy towards him, claiming he had no idea why he's in ''NXT'' and did not want to train Young unless he accepted his Straight-edge lifestyle.<ref name=NXT022310>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/tv_reports/130807/411%5C%5Cs-WWE-NXT-Report-2.23.10.htm|title=411's WWE NXT Report 2.23.10|last=Bauer|first=Michael|date=February 23, 2010|accessdate=March 4, 2010|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> Despite this, Punk and his disciples, [[Drew Hankinson|Luke Gallows]] and [[Serena Deeb|Serena]], helped Young win his rematch against Otunga the following week.<ref name=Torch03022010>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39503.shtml|title=Keller's WWE NXT Report 3/2: Competition explained, Cornfed Meathead debuts, Punk, Hardy, Regal, Jericho, Miz appear with Rookies|date=March 2, 2010|last=Keller|first=Wade|accessdate=March 4, 2010|work=PWTorch}}</ref> Young was ranked eight in the first Pros' Poll. After the pros' poll, Young decided to join the Straight Edge Society in an attempt to improve, only to change his mind before getting his hair shaved off. CM Punk decided to forgive him for standing up to him when he defeated Luke Gallows with Young's own hair on the line. Because of this victory, CM Punk had then been interested in Young's potential, but in turn started feuding with a jealous Luke Gallows. On May 11 in the second Pros poll, Young was ranked fifth out of the six remaining contestants and narrowly escaped elimination.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1273674387|title=WWE NXT Results – 5/11/10|date=May 12, 2010|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|accessdate=May 12, 2010|work=WrestleView}}</ref> The following week, however, Young was eliminated from the competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_41412.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT TV Report 5/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of NXT on Syfy Week 13|date=May 18, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|accessdate=May 19, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

⚫
On February 23, 2010, Young made his debut on ''[[WWE NXT (TV series)|NXT]]'' with a character described as a "South Beach Party Boy", losing his debut match to [[David Otunga]]. His storyline had mentor CM Punk showing apathy towards him, claiming he had no idea why he's in ''NXT'' and did not want to train Young unless he accepted his Straight-edge lifestyle.<ref name=NXT022310>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/tv_reports/130807/411%5C%5Cs-WWE-NXT-Report-2.23.10.htm|title=411's WWE NXT Report 2.23.10|last=Bauer|first=Michael|date=February 23, 2010|accessdate=March 4, 2010|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> Despite this, Punk and his disciples, [[Drew Hankinson|Luke Gallows]] and [[Serena Deeb|Serena]], helped Young win his rematch against Otunga the following week.<ref name=Torch03022010>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39503.shtml|title=Keller's WWE NXT Report 3/2: Competition explained, Cornfed Meathead debuts, Punk, Hardy, Regal, Jericho, Miz appear with Rookies|date=March 2, 2010|last=Keller|first=Wade|accessdate=March 4, 2010|work=PWTorch}}</ref> Young was ranked eight in the first Pros' Poll. After the pros' poll, Young decided to join [[The Straight Edge Society]] in an attempt to improve, only to change his mind before getting his hair shaved off. CM Punk decided to forgive him for standing up to him when he defeated Luke Gallows with Young's own hair on the line. Because of this victory, CM Punk had then been interested in Young's potential, but in turn started feuding with a jealous Luke Gallows. On May 11 in the second Pros poll, Young was ranked fifth out of the six remaining contestants and narrowly escaped elimination.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1273674387|title=WWE NXT Results – 5/11/10|date=May 12, 2010|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|accessdate=May 12, 2010|work=WrestleView}}</ref> The following week, however, Young was eliminated from the competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_41412.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT TV Report 5/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of NXT on Syfy Week 13|date=May 18, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|accessdate=May 19, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>


[[File:The Nexus at SummerSlam 2010.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Young (far right) with the other members of [[The Nexus (professional wrestling)|The Nexus]] at [[SummerSlam (2010)|SummerSlam]].]]
[[File:The Nexus at SummerSlam 2010.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Young (far right) with the other members of [[The Nexus (professional wrestling)|The Nexus]] at [[SummerSlam (2010)|SummerSlam]].]]
The week following the Season 1 finale, Young, along with the other season one ''NXT'' rookies turned [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] and interfered in the main event match on ''Raw'' between [[John Cena]] and Young's former Pro, CM Punk and attacked both wrestlers, the announce team and the [[ring announcer]] [[Justin Roberts]], before they dismantled the ring area and surrounding equipment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/08/14303706.html|title=RAW: Vote early, vote often; NXT takes over|date=June 8, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=June 12, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the June 14, 2010 edition of ''Raw,'' the rookies attacked General Manager [[Bret Hart]], when he refused to give them contracts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1276572395|title=Raw Results – 6/14/10|date=June 14, 2010|last=Stephens|first=David|accessdate=June 22, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw,'' [[Vince McMahon]] fired Hart and announced that a new General Manager had been hired, one that had signed all seven season one NXT rookies to contracts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_42106.shtml|title=WWE Raw results 6/21: Keller's report on the fallout from the Fatal 4-Way PPV event, Jericho puts his career on the line|date=June 21, 2010|last=Keller|first=Wade|authorlink=Wade Keller|accessdate=June 22, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following week, the group was named [[Nexus (professional wrestling)|The Nexus]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_42230.shtml|title=WWE Raw results 6/28: Keller's ongoing report on NXT-McMahon attack fallout, Sheamus-Cena confrontation|date=June 28, 2010|last=Keller|first=Wade|authorlink=Wade Keller|accessdate=June 29, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the July 5 episode of ''Raw'', The Nexus tried to attack John Cena as he confronted Wade Barrett during their "truce" with one another. The segment ended with The Nexus leaving without Young, when other Raw wrestlers arrived to aid Cena, and Young was assaulted by Cena to end the show. Due to Cena's actions, the new general manager pitted Cena in a 7 on 1 handicap match against The Nexus scheduled for the following week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1278386787|title=Raw Results – 7/5/10|date=July 5, 2010|last=Stephens|first=David|accessdate=July 6, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> Young however did not participate in the handicap match due to injuries caused by Cena the previous week, though The Nexus was successful in winning the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1278991411|title=Raw Results – 7/12/10|date=July 12, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|accessdate=July 14, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> He returned on July 18 at [[WWE Money in the Bank|Money in the Bank]] with the rest of The Nexus, sporting a new haircut and costing Cena the [[WWE World Heavyweight Championship|WWE Championship]] against [[Sheamus]]. After the match, Cena attacked Young and fellow Nexus teammate, [[Tyrone Evans|Michael Tarver]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279507940|title=Money in the Bank PPV Results – 7/18/10|date=July 18, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|accessdate=July 21, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> The Nexus continued to feud with Cena and the Raw roster, resulting in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Elimination tag team match|seven-on-seven elimination tag team match]] at [[SummerSlam (2010)|SummerSlam]]. Young was the first person to be eliminated from the match, when he submitted to [[Daniel Bryan]] in under a minute, and The Nexus went on to lose the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/08/15/15031141.html|title=Rumored return helps Team WWE fend off Nexus at SummerSlam|date=August 15, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|author2=Tylwalk, Nick|accessdate=August 16, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the next episode of ''Raw'' the members of The Nexus fought in individual matches against members of the victorious Team WWE with the stipulation that losing a match would have them exiled from the group. Young chose to face John Cena, but failed to win and was exiled and attacked as a result.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1282015348|title=Raw Results – 8/16/10|date=August 16, 2010|last=Stephens|first=David|accessdate=August 18, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref>
The week following the Season 1 finale, Young, along with the other season one ''NXT'' rookies turned [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] and interfered in the main event match on ''Raw'' between [[John Cena]] and Young's former Pro, CM Punk and attacked both wrestlers, the announce team and the [[ring announcer]] [[Justin Roberts]], before they dismantled the ring area and surrounding equipment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/08/14303706.html|title=RAW: Vote early, vote often; NXT takes over|date=June 8, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=June 12, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the June 14, 2010 edition of ''Raw,'' the rookies attacked General Manager [[Bret Hart]], when he refused to give them contracts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1276572395|title=Raw Results – 6/14/10|date=June 14, 2010|last=Stephens|first=David|accessdate=June 22, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw,'' [[Vince McMahon]] fired Hart and announced that a new General Manager had been hired, one that had signed all seven season one NXT rookies to contracts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_42106.shtml|title=WWE Raw results 6/21: Keller's report on the fallout from the Fatal 4-Way PPV event, Jericho puts his career on the line|date=June 21, 2010|last=Keller|first=Wade|authorlink=Wade Keller|accessdate=June 22, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following week, the group was named [[The Nexus (professional wrestling)|The Nexus]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_42230.shtml|title=WWE Raw results 6/28: Keller's ongoing report on NXT-McMahon attack fallout, Sheamus-Cena confrontation|date=June 28, 2010|last=Keller|first=Wade|authorlink=Wade Keller|accessdate=June 29, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the July 5 episode of ''Raw'', The Nexus tried to attack John Cena as he confronted [[Wade Barrett]] during their "truce" with one another. The segment ended with The Nexus leaving without Young, when other Raw wrestlers arrived to aid Cena, and Young was assaulted by Cena to end the show. Due to Cena's actions, the new general manager pitted Cena in a 7 on 1 handicap match against The Nexus scheduled for the following week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1278386787|title=Raw Results – 7/5/10|date=July 5, 2010|last=Stephens|first=David|accessdate=July 6, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> Young however did not participate in the handicap match due to injuries caused by Cena the previous week, though The Nexus was successful in winning the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1278991411|title=Raw Results – 7/12/10|date=July 12, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|accessdate=July 14, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> He returned on July 18 at [[Money in the Bank (2010)|Money in the Bank]] with the rest of The Nexus, sporting a new haircut and costing Cena the [[WWE World Heavyweight Championship|WWE Championship]] against [[Sheamus]]. After the match, Cena attacked Young and fellow Nexus teammate, [[Michael Tarver]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279507940|title=Money in the Bank PPV Results – 7/18/10|date=July 18, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|accessdate=July 21, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> The Nexus continued to feud with Cena and the Raw roster, resulting in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Elimination tag team match|seven-on-seven elimination tag team match]] at [[SummerSlam (2010)|SummerSlam]]. Young was the first person to be eliminated from the match, when he submitted to [[Daniel Bryan]] in under a minute, and The Nexus went on to lose the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/08/15/15031141.html|title=Rumored return helps Team WWE fend off Nexus at SummerSlam|date=August 15, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|author2=Tylwalk, Nick|accessdate=August 16, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the next episode of ''Raw'' the members of The Nexus fought in individual matches against members of the victorious Team WWE with the stipulation that losing a match would have them exiled from the group. Young chose to face John Cena, but failed to win and was exiled and attacked as a result.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1282015348|title=Raw Results – 8/16/10|date=August 16, 2010|last=Stephens|first=David|accessdate=August 18, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref>


Young returned on the September 6 episode of ''Raw'', distracting Barrett and costing him a match against [[Randy Orton]] thus turned Young face.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/09/06/15263156.html|title=RAW: Edge, Jericho fight to keep PPV spots|date=September 6, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=September 7, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the October 4 episode of ''Raw'', Young participated in a [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] to determine the number one contender to the WWE Championship, but was eliminated by The Nexus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_44265.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 10/4: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Raw with Hell in a Cell fall-out – John Cena joins Nexus|date=October 4, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|accessdate=October 5, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Young had his first singles match since leaving The Nexus on the October 7 episode of ''[[WWE Superstars|Superstars]]'', but lost to [[Darren Matthews|William Regal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/10/08/15624106.html|title=Superstars: Former tag team champions splitting up?|date=October 8, 2010|last=Johnson|first=Matt|accessdate=October 8, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Young had his first win in singles competition on the October 14 airing of ''Superstars'' defeating [[Eddie Colón|Primo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/10/15/15698241.html|title=Superstars: Divas, former Nexus member highlight show|date=October 15, 2010|last=Johnson|first=Matt|accessdate=February 18, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Young teamed up with Tatsu in a losing effort against [[The Usos]] in mid November on two occasions. Young got his first victory of 2011 when he teamed with [[Primo Colon|Primo]], [[Yoshi Tatsu]] and [[David Hart Smith]] to defeat [[Zack Ryder]], William Regal and The Usos on the January 13 episode of ''Superstars''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/14/16883761.html|title=Superstars: All your favorites meet in 8-man tag action|date=January 14, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=February 18, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>
Young returned on the September 6 episode of ''Raw'', distracting Barrett and costing him a match against [[Randy Orton]] thus turned Young [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/09/06/15263156.html|title=RAW: Edge, Jericho fight to keep PPV spots|date=September 6, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=September 7, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the October 4 episode of ''Raw'', Young participated in a [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] to determine the number one contender to the WWE Championship, but was eliminated by The Nexus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_44265.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 10/4: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Raw with Hell in a Cell fall-out – John Cena joins Nexus|date=October 4, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|accessdate=October 5, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Young had his first singles match since leaving The Nexus on the October 7 episode of ''[[WWE Superstars|Superstars]]'', but lost to [[Darren Matthews|William Regal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/10/08/15624106.html|title=Superstars: Former tag team champions splitting up?|date=October 8, 2010|last=Johnson|first=Matt|accessdate=October 8, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Young had his first win in singles competition on the October 14 airing of ''Superstars'' defeating [[Eddie Colón|Primo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/10/15/15698241.html|title=Superstars: Divas, former Nexus member highlight show|date=October 15, 2010|last=Johnson|first=Matt|accessdate=February 18, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Young teamed up with Tatsu in a losing effort against [[The Usos]] in mid November on two occasions. Young got his first victory of 2011 when he teamed with [[Primo Colon|Primo]], [[Yoshi Tatsu]] and [[David Hart Smith]] to defeat [[Zack Ryder]], William Regal and The Usos on the January 13 episode of ''Superstars''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/14/16883761.html|title=Superstars: All your favorites meet in 8-man tag action|date=January 14, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=February 18, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>


In March 2011, Young was selected as one of six former ''NXT'' contestants to return to the show in its fifth season, ''[[WWE NXT#NXT Redemption (season 5)|NXT Redemption]]''. During this season, Young was mentored by [[Chavo Guerrero, Jr.|Chavo Guerrero]]. In the season premiere, Young defeated Jacob Novak and won the first challenge to earn himself "redemption points".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/09/17546731.html|title=WWE NXT: Redemption beings for 6 former rookies|date=March 9, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=March 9, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the April 12 episode of ''NXT'', Young attacked [[Titus O'Neil]] after their match and tried to attack O'Neil's pro Hornswoggle, but was stopped by Guerrero.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/13/17975401.html|title=WWE NXT: Show revolves around Maryse|date=April 13, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=December 28, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> He turned heel, when he attacked [[Hornswoggle]], and later he and Guerrero faced O'Neil and different tag team partners on several occasions. On the April 19 edition of Redemption, Young faced Hornswoggle in single match. During their match, Chavo Guerrero gave Young a blindfold but In the end Hornswoggle wins after a Tadpole splash. On the May 3 edition of Redemption, Young lost to his Pros Chavo Guerrero with Hornswoggle as a special guest referee. On the May 10 edition of Redemption, Hornswoggle didn't appear on NXT and accused by Hornswoggle Rookie's Titus O'Neil. The following week, It was revealed Chavo Guerrero kidnapped Hornswoggle and hid Hornswoggle in the box. Then, Guerrero and Young was attack Hornswoggle in the ring until O'Neil made a save. The feud was settled when Titus O'Neil and Darren Young faced each other in a No Disqualitication Match on the May 24 episode of NXT Redemption. The match ended with Titus O'Neil a victor after Hornswoggle interfered in a match which O'Neil attack Guerrero and Young. Guerrero was later released from WWE, leaving Young on his own. In August he formed an alliance with [[Derrick Bateman]] and the duo teamed up against O'Neil and ''NXT'' host [[Matt Striker]], but were defeated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/03/18504436.html|title=WWE NXT: Striker back in ring following 4 year absence|date=August 3, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=December 28, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Young then moved into a feud with Striker, defeating him on two consecutive occasions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/10/18533821.html|title=WWE NXT: Kidd continues to shine|date=August 10, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=December 28, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/17/18565176.html|title=WWE NXT: Bateman gains a girlfriend|date=August 17, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=December 28, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> After Young attacked Striker following a handshake, [[William Regal]] intervened, saving Striker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/24/18595176.html|title=WWE NXT: Kidd is show's shining star|date=August 24, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=December 28, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Two weeks later, Young was defeated by Regal in a singles match. Young then formed an alliance with [[JTG]] and defeated Striker and O'Neil. After the match they were attacked by [[the Usos]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/14/18684876.html|title=WWE NXT: Regal, Striker want piece of JTG, Young|date=September 14, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=December 28, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>
In March 2011, Young was selected as one of six former ''NXT'' contestants to return to the show in its fifth season, ''[[WWE NXT#NXT Redemption (season 5)|NXT Redemption]]''. During this season, Young was mentored by [[Chavo Guerrero, Jr.|Chavo Guerrero]]. In the season premiere, Young defeated Jacob Novak and won the first challenge to earn himself "redemption points".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/09/17546731.html|title=WWE NXT: Redemption beings for 6 former rookies|date=March 9, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=March 9, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the April 12 episode of ''NXT'', Young attacked [[Titus O'Neil]] after their match and tried to attack O'Neil's pro Hornswoggle, but was stopped by Guerrero.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/13/17975401.html|title=WWE NXT: Show revolves around Maryse|date=April 13, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=December 28, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> He turned heel, when he attacked [[Hornswoggle]], and later he and Guerrero faced O'Neil and different tag team partners on several occasions. On the April 19 edition of Redemption, Young faced Hornswoggle in single match. During their match, Chavo Guerrero gave Young a blindfold but In the end Hornswoggle wins after a Tadpole splash. On the May 3 edition of Redemption, Young lost to his Pros Chavo Guerrero with Hornswoggle as a special guest referee. On the May 10 edition of Redemption, Hornswoggle didn't appear on NXT and accused by Hornswoggle Rookie's Titus O'Neil. The following week, It was revealed Chavo Guerrero kidnapped Hornswoggle and hid Hornswoggle in the box. Then, Guerrero and Young was attack Hornswoggle in the ring until O'Neil made a save. The feud was settled when Titus O'Neil and Darren Young faced each other in a No Disqualitication Match on the May 24 episode of NXT Redemption. The match ended with Titus O'Neil a victor after Hornswoggle interfered in a match which O'Neil attack Guerrero and Young. Guerrero was later released from WWE, leaving Young on his own. In August he formed an alliance with [[Derrick Bateman]] and the duo teamed up against O'Neil and ''NXT'' host [[Matt Striker]], but were defeated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/03/18504436.html|title=WWE NXT: Striker back in ring following 4 year absence|date=August 3, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=December 28, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Young then moved into a feud with Striker, defeating him on two consecutive occasions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/10/18533821.html|title=WWE NXT: Kidd continues to shine|date=August 10, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=December 28, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/17/18565176.html|title=WWE NXT: Bateman gains a girlfriend|date=August 17, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=December 28, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> After Young attacked Striker following a handshake, [[William Regal]] intervened, saving Striker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/24/18595176.html|title=WWE NXT: Kidd is show's shining star|date=August 24, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=December 28, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Two weeks later, Young was defeated by Regal in a singles match. Young then formed an alliance with [[JTG]] and defeated Striker and O'Neil. After the match they were attacked by [[the Usos]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/14/18684876.html|title=WWE NXT: Regal, Striker want piece of JTG, Young|date=September 14, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=December 28, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>
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==== The Prime Time Players (2012–2014) ====
==== The Prime Time Players (2012–2014) ====
{{Main|The Prime Time Players}}
{{Main|The Prime Time Players}}
⚫
[[File:Prime Time Players in Minehead.jpg|thumb|left|[[The Prime Time Players]] in November 2013.]]
O'Neil then turned heel and formed an alliance with Young. Young and O'Neil feuded with Percy Watson and Alex Riley in February 2012, defeating them twice.<ref>{{cite web|last=Walek|first=Gregory|title=Wrestleview.com – NXT Results – 2/1/12|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1328376231|publisher=Wrestleview|accessdate=March 22, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Walek|first=Gregory|title=Wrestleview.com – NXT Results – 2/29/12|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1330614237|publisher=Wrestleview|accessdate=March 22, 2012}}</ref> In March, while he and O'Neil were feuding with [[the Usos]], Young started chasing the affections of [[Sarona Reiher|Tamina]].<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 3/28 – Week 56: Kidnapping angle continues, very long backstage segment delivers, Uso main event|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_59659.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=April 9, 2012}}</ref>
O'Neil then turned [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] and formed an alliance with Young. Young and O'Neil feuded with Percy Watson and Alex Riley in February 2012, defeating them twice.<ref>{{cite web|last=Walek|first=Gregory|title=Wrestleview.com – NXT Results – 2/1/12|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1328376231|publisher=Wrestleview|accessdate=March 22, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Walek|first=Gregory|title=Wrestleview.com – NXT Results – 2/29/12|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1330614237|publisher=Wrestleview|accessdate=March 22, 2012}}</ref> In March, while he and O'Neil were feuding with [[the Usos]], Young started chasing the affections of [[Sarona Reiher|Tamina]].<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 3/28 – Week 56: Kidnapping angle continues, very long backstage segment delivers, Uso main event|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_59659.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=April 9, 2012}}</ref>


⚫
[[File:Prime Time Players in Minehead.jpg|thumb|left|The Prime Time Players in November 2013.]]
On the April 18 episode of ''NXT'', Young and O'Neil were signed by [[John Laurinaitis]] to the [[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]] brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/titus-oneil-shows-darren-young-a-contract-from-john-laurinaitis-wwe-nxt-april-18-26016063|title=Titus O'Neil shows Darren Young a contract from John Laurinaitis: WWE NXT – April 18, 2012 (1:00)}}</ref> The team made their debut for the brand on the April 20 episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'' with a victory over [[The Usos]]. The team suffered their first team loss against the WWE Tag Team Champions [[Kofi Kingston]] and [[Ron Killings|R-Truth]] on the May 18 edition of Smackdown.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/the-usos-vs-titus-oneil-darren-young-smackdown-april-20-2012-26016496|title=The Usos vs. Titus O'Neil & Darren Young: SmackDown – April 20, 2012 (1:43)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2012-04-20/results/page-4|title=Smackdown Results |author=Michael Burdick |date=April 20, 2012 |work= |publisher=WWE |accessdate=April 21, 2012}}</ref> At the [[No Way Out (2012)|No Way Out]] pay-per-view in June, minutes before Young and O'Neil teamed up Darren Young to defeat Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd, [[Primo and Epico]], and The Usos in a four-way number one contender tag team match to earn a future shot at the [[WWE Tag Team Championship]], after [[Brian Jossie|A.W.]] turned on his clients, Epico and Primo.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/2012/fatal-4-way-tag-team-match|title=No Way Out - Fatal-4-Way tag team match results |author=Kara A. Medalis |date=June 17, 2012 |work= |publisher=WWE |accessdate=June 22, 2012}}</ref> On the July 16 episode of ''Raw'', Young and O'Neil unsuccessfully challenged Kofi Kingston and R-Truth for the WWE Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/16: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #998 – MITB PPV fall-out, Cena's announcement|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63388.shtml}}</ref> On the August 10 episode of ''SmackDown'', they defeated Primo and Epico in a number one contenders match via disqualification when A.W. provoked Kingston and R-Truth, who were on commentary, into interfering in the match.<ref name="SmackDown081012">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2012-08-10/results-26043157/page-6|title=SmackDown Results: Del Rio ambushed Sheamus, taking the law into his own hands|date=August 10, 2012|last=Burdick|first=Michael|accessdate=August 14, 2012|work=[[WWE]]}}</ref> That same day, A. W. was released from his contract.<ref name="AWreleased">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/wwe-superstar-aw-release-26044431|title=A. W. released from WWE|date=August 10, 2012|accessdate=August 14, 2012|work=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Prime Time Players received their title shots at [[SummerSlam (2012)|SummerSlam]], but were again defeated by Kingston and R-Truth.<ref name="SummerSlam2012">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2012/r-truth-kofi-kingston-prime-time-players-26044639|title=WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & R-Truth def. The Prime Time Players|date=August 19, 2012|accessdate=August 21, 2012|work=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the September 7 edition of ''Smackdown'', Prime Time Players defeated Primo and Epico and The Usos in a triple threat tag team match to earn another shot the Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 9/7: Ongoing coverage of Friday night show, including Rey Mysterio & Sin Cara vs. Cody Rhodes & The Miz|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_64973.shtml}}</ref> However, on ''Raw'' three days later, Prime Time Players lost their title shot to the team of [[Daniel Bryan]] and [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] (soon to be known as [[Team Hell No]]).<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/10: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Hart back in Montreal, final PPV hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65047.shtml}}</ref> At the [[Survivor Series (2012)|Survivor Series]] pay-per-view, Young took part in a [[Elimination tag team match|10 man elimination tag team match]], but was eliminated by [[Rey Mysterio]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE SURVIVOR SERIES PPV REPORT 11/18: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Punk-Cena-Ryback|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_66714.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=November 19, 2012}}</ref> Young also competed in the [[2013 Royal Rumble]] entering at entrant 15, but was quickly eliminated by [[Kofi Kingston]].
On the April 18 episode of ''NXT'', Young and O'Neil were signed by [[John Laurinaitis]] to the [[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]] brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/titus-oneil-shows-darren-young-a-contract-from-john-laurinaitis-wwe-nxt-april-18-26016063|title=Titus O'Neil shows Darren Young a contract from John Laurinaitis: WWE NXT – April 18, 2012 (1:00)}}</ref> The team made their debut for the brand on the April 20 episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'' with a victory over [[The Usos]]. The team suffered their first team loss against the WWE Tag Team Champions [[Kofi Kingston]] and [[Ron Killings|R-Truth]] on the May 18 edition of Smackdown.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/the-usos-vs-titus-oneil-darren-young-smackdown-april-20-2012-26016496|title=The Usos vs. Titus O'Neil & Darren Young: SmackDown – April 20, 2012 (1:43)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2012-04-20/results/page-4|title=Smackdown Results |author=Michael Burdick |date=April 20, 2012 |work= |publisher=WWE |accessdate=April 21, 2012}}</ref> At the [[No Way Out (2012)|No Way Out]] pay-per-view in June, minutes before Young and O'Neil teamed up Darren Young to defeat Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd, [[Primo and Epico]], and The Usos in a four-way number one contender tag team match to earn a future shot at the [[WWE Tag Team Championship]], after [[Brian Jossie|A.W.]] turned on his clients, Epico and Primo.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/2012/fatal-4-way-tag-team-match|title=No Way Out - Fatal-4-Way tag team match results |author=Kara A. Medalis |date=June 17, 2012 |work= |publisher=WWE |accessdate=June 22, 2012}}</ref> On the July 16 episode of ''Raw'', Young and O'Neil unsuccessfully challenged Kofi Kingston and R-Truth for the WWE Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/16: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #998 – MITB PPV fall-out, Cena's announcement|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63388.shtml}}</ref> On the August 10 episode of ''SmackDown'', they defeated Primo and Epico in a number one contenders match via disqualification when A.W. provoked Kingston and R-Truth, who were on commentary, into interfering in the match.<ref name="SmackDown081012">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2012-08-10/results-26043157/page-6|title=SmackDown Results: Del Rio ambushed Sheamus, taking the law into his own hands|date=August 10, 2012|last=Burdick|first=Michael|accessdate=August 14, 2012|work=[[WWE]]}}</ref> That same day, A. W. was released from his contract.<ref name="AWreleased">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/wwe-superstar-aw-release-26044431|title=A. W. released from WWE|date=August 10, 2012|accessdate=August 14, 2012|work=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Prime Time Players received their title shots at [[SummerSlam (2012)|SummerSlam]], but were again defeated by Kingston and R-Truth.<ref name="SummerSlam2012">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2012/r-truth-kofi-kingston-prime-time-players-26044639|title=WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & R-Truth def. The Prime Time Players|date=August 19, 2012|accessdate=August 21, 2012|work=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the September 7 edition of ''Smackdown'', Prime Time Players defeated Primo and Epico and The Usos in a triple threat tag team match to earn another shot the Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 9/7: Ongoing coverage of Friday night show, including Rey Mysterio & Sin Cara vs. Cody Rhodes & The Miz|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_64973.shtml}}</ref> However, on ''Raw'' three days later, Prime Time Players lost their title shot to the team of [[Daniel Bryan]] and [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] (soon to be known as [[Team Hell No]]).<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/10: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Hart back in Montreal, final PPV hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65047.shtml}}</ref> At the [[Survivor Series (2012)|Survivor Series]] pay-per-view, Young took part in a [[Elimination tag team match|10 man elimination tag team match]], but was eliminated by [[Rey Mysterio]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE SURVIVOR SERIES PPV REPORT 11/18: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Punk-Cena-Ryback|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_66714.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=November 19, 2012}}</ref> Young also competed in the [[2013 Royal Rumble]] entering at entrant 15, but was quickly eliminated by [[Kofi Kingston]].


On the August 19, 2013 edition of ''Raw'', the Prime Time Players turned [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] in a winning effort against the Real Americans, Darren Young's second face turn and Titus O'Neil first face turn. The face turn had been speculated about for some months, especially after Young's [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Legit|real-life]] [[coming out]] the previous week which received [[mainstream media]] coverage.<ref>{{cite web|last=Killam |first=Mike |url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/277001-prime-time-players-wrestle-as-babyfaces-on-raw-video-of-their-match-against-real-americans |title=Prime Time Players Wrestle as Babyfaces on Raw; Video of Their Match Against Real Americans |publisher=WrestleZone.com |accessdate=August 21, 2013}}</ref> The team gained a push, challenging for the [[WWE Tag Team Championship]], but lost a match to The Shield. The duo also sided with other face wrestlers from the active roster, only to get punished by COO [[Triple H]] for preventing [[Daniel Bryan]] from being critically injured by [[Randy Orton]]. The Prime Time Players were amongst the select few ordered to battle The Shield in separately sanctioned 3 on 1 handicap matches on the September 20 edition of ''SmackDown'', as punishment for their intervention.
On the August 19, 2013 edition of ''Raw'', the Prime Time Players turned [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] in a winning effort against the Real Americans, Darren Young's second face turn and Titus O'Neil first face turn. The face turn had been speculated about for some months, especially after Young's [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Legit|real-life]] [[coming out]] the previous week which received [[mainstream media]] coverage.<ref>{{cite web|last=Killam |first=Mike |url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/277001-prime-time-players-wrestle-as-babyfaces-on-raw-video-of-their-match-against-real-americans |title=Prime Time Players Wrestle as Babyfaces on Raw; Video of Their Match Against Real Americans |publisher=WrestleZone.com |accessdate=August 21, 2013}}</ref> The team gained a push, challenging for the [[WWE Tag Team Championship]], but lost a match to The Shield. The duo also sided with other face wrestlers from the active roster, only to get punished by COO [[Triple H]] for preventing [[Daniel Bryan]] from being critically injured by [[Randy Orton]]. The Prime Time Players were amongst the select few ordered to battle The Shield in separately sanctioned 3 on 1 handicap matches on the September 20 edition of ''SmackDown'', as punishment for their intervention.


==== Singles competition (2014) ====
==== Singles competition (2014–2015) ====
On the January 31, 2014 episode of ''[[SmackDown]]'' after Young was pinned in a tag team match against [[Ryback]] and [[Curtis Axel]], O'Neil attacked him, turned [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]], and disbanded the team. On ''SmackDown'' the following week, Young attacked O'Neil backstage after his interview.<ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 1/31: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including The Shield vs. Daniel Bryan & Sheamus & Rey Mysterio|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_76063.shtml#.Uu2Bx_l_tps}}</ref> Young picked up a victory over [[Damien Sandow]] on the February 14 edition of ''SmackDown'' before being attacked by O'Neil, which turned into a brawl and left O'Neil in tattered clothes. They fought at the [[Elimination Chamber (2014)|2014 Elimination Chamber]], with the victor being O'Neil. However, Young defeated O'Neil in a rematch on ''Main Event''. At [[Wrestlemania XXX]], Young was in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, where he was eliminated by 3MB. At a WWE live event on April 12, Young was injured in a match against [[Fandango (wrestler)|Fandango]], and on April 16, he underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee that would take him out of action for four to six months.
On the January 31, 2014 episode of ''[[SmackDown]]'' after Young was pinned in a tag team match against RybAxel ([[Ryback]] and [[Curtis Axel]]), O'Neil attacked him and disbanded the team. On ''SmackDown'' the following week, Young attacked O'Neil backstage after his interview.<ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 1/31: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including The Shield vs. Daniel Bryan & Sheamus & Rey Mysterio|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_76063.shtml#.Uu2Bx_l_tps}}</ref> Young picked up a victory over [[Damien Sandow]] on the February 14 edition of ''SmackDown'' before being attacked by O'Neil, which turned into a brawl and left O'Neil in tattered clothes. They fought at the [[Elimination Chamber (2014)|Elimination Chamber]], with the victor being O'Neil. However, Young defeated O'Neil in a rematch on ''Main Event''. At [[Wrestlemania XXX]], Young was in the [[André the Giant]] [[Professional wrestling battle royal|Memorial Battle Royal]], where he was eliminated by 3MB. At a WWE live event on April 12, Young was injured in a match against [[Fandango (wrestler)|Fandango]], and on April 16, he underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee that would take him out of action for four to six months.


==== WWE Tag Team Champion (2015–present) ====
==== WWE Tag Team Champion (2015–present) ====
[[File:The Prime Time Player April 2015.jpg|right|thumb|[[The Prime Time Players]] in April 2015.]]
[[File:The Prime Time Player April 2015.jpg|right|thumb|The Prime Time Players in April 2015.]]
Young made his in-ring return on December 20 at a WWE live event in [[Winnipeg]], after eight months of inactivity. On the January 5, 2015 episode of ''Raw'' Young appeared with the rest of the WWE roster in the opening segment. His official return came on the February 16 episode of ''Raw'', where Young and an unnamed Kevin Kross (independent wrestler) were scheduled to face [[The Ascension (professional wrestling)|The Ascension]], but were attacked by them before the bell rang, leading to Young's former tag team partner [[Titus O'Neil]] making the save.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_83362.shtml#.VOKywPmsUv4|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 2/16: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Fast Lane final hype, Cena opens Raw, Bryan and Reigns singles matches, Dusty Rhodes, more|author=Caldwell, James|date=February 16, 2015|accessdate=February 16, 2015|website=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> This turned O'Neil face again and [[The Prime Time Players]] reunited. Then, on the 23 February edition of ''Raw'', Young pinned one of the members of The Ascension in a tag match with O'Neil, to hand them their first loss as part of the main roster. Young participated in the 2nd Annual [[André the Giant]] Memorial [[Professional wrestling battle royal|Battle Royal]] at [[WrestleMania 31]] where he was eliminated by [[Ryback]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Clapp|first1=John|title=2nd Annual André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/31/andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal-27139785|publisher=WWE|accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> At [[Elimination Chamber (2015)|Elimination Chamber]], the Prime Time Players participated in the first ever tag team [[Elimination Chamber|Elimination Chamber match]] for the [[WWE Tag Team Championship]], however they were the last team to be eliminated by the winners and defending champions [[The New Day]] ([[Xavier Woods]], [[Big E Langston|Big E]] and [[Kofi Kingston]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85340.shtml#.VWut7s9Viko|title=CALDWELL'S WWE E. CHAMBER PPV REPORT 5/31: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of WWE Title match, Cena vs. Owens, two Elimination Chamber matches, more|author=Caldwell, James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=31 May 2015|accessdate=31 May 2015}}</ref> Two weeks later, at [[Money in the Bank (2015)|Money in the Bank]], the Prime Time Players defeated The New Day to win the Tag Team Championship, their first ever titles in WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85628.shtml#.VX6R6PlViko|title=CALDWELL'S WWE MITB PPV RESULTS 6/14: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Dusty Rhodes 10 bell salute, WWE Title match, MITB match, Cena vs. Owens II, more|author=Caldwell, James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=June 14, 2015|accessdate=June 15, 2015}}</ref>
Young made his in-ring return on December 20 at a WWE live event in [[Winnipeg]], after eight months of inactivity. On the January 5, 2015 episode of ''Raw'' Young appeared with the rest of the WWE roster in the opening segment. His official return came on the February 16 episode of ''Raw'', where Young and an unnamed Kevin Kross (independent wrestler) were scheduled to face [[The Ascension (professional wrestling)|The Ascension]], but were attacked by them before the bell rang, leading to Young's former tag team partner [[Titus O'Neil]] making the save.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_83362.shtml#.VOKywPmsUv4|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 2/16: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Fast Lane final hype, Cena opens Raw, Bryan and Reigns singles matches, Dusty Rhodes, more|author=Caldwell, James|date=February 16, 2015|accessdate=February 16, 2015|website=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> This turned O'Neil face again and [[The Prime Time Players]] reunited. Then, on the 23 February edition of ''Raw'', Young pinned one of the members of The Ascension in a tag match with O'Neil, to hand them their first loss as part of the main roster. Young participated in the 2nd Annual André the Gian Memorial Battle Royal at [[WrestleMania 31]] where he was eliminated by [[Ryback]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Clapp|first1=John|title=2nd Annual André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/31/andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal-27139785|publisher=WWE|accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> At [[Elimination Chamber (2015)|Elimination Chamber]], the Prime Time Players participated in the first ever tag team [[Elimination Chamber|Elimination Chamber match]] for the [[WWE Tag Team Championship]], however they were the last team to be eliminated by the winners and defending champions [[The New Day]] ([[Big E Langston|Big E]], [[Kofi Kingston]] and [[Xavier Woods]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85340.shtml#.VWut7s9Viko|title=CALDWELL'S WWE E. CHAMBER PPV REPORT 5/31: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of WWE Title match, Cena vs. Owens, two Elimination Chamber matches, more|author=Caldwell, James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=31 May 2015|accessdate=31 May 2015}}</ref> Two weeks later, at [[Money in the Bank (2015)|Money in the Bank]], the Prime Time Players defeated The New Day to win the Tag Team Championship, their first ever titles in WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85628.shtml#.VX6R6PlViko|title=CALDWELL'S WWE MITB PPV RESULTS 6/14: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Dusty Rhodes 10 bell salute, WWE Title match, MITB match, Cena vs. Owens II, more|author=Caldwell, James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=June 14, 2015|accessdate=June 15, 2015}}</ref>


== Other media ==
== Other media ==

Revision as of 15:25, 11 August 2015

For other people named Fred Rosser, see Fred Rosser (disambiguation).

Darren Young
Young in April 2014
Birth nameFrederick Douglas Rosser III
Born (1983-11-02) November 2, 1983 (age 41)
Union Township, New Jersey, United States[1]
Alma materFairleigh Dickinson University
PartnerNick Villa (2011-present)
(Boyfriend)
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Darren Young[1]
Fred Rossen[2]
Fred Rosser[1]
Fred Sampson[1]
Fred Sanford[1]
Frederick of Hollywood[2]
Officer Sampson[2]
Billed height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[3]
Billed weight239 lb (108 kg)[3]
Billed fromMiami, Florida[3]
Trained byDennis Condrey[1]
Florida Championship Wrestling[1]
Debut2002[4]

Frederick "Fred" Douglas Rosser III (born November 2, 1983), better known by his ring name Darren Young, is an American professional wrestler signed to WWE where he currently holds one half of the WWE Tag Team Championships with Titus O'Neil as The Prime Time Players.[1]

Prior to signing with WWE, Rosser competed in Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic independent promotions including Chaotic Wrestling,[5] East Coast Wrestling Association,[6] Independent Wrestling Federation and the National Wrestling Alliance.

Early life

Rosser was born in Union Township, New Jersey. He began watching professional wrestling during the mid-1980s and became interested in becoming a professional wrestler as a teenager, wrestling in several backyard wrestling federations. He attended Union High School in New Jersey, where he played American football, both offensively and defensively.[7] He attended Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he played football for a year before deciding to focus on his academic studies and professional wrestling.[7]

Professional wrestling career

Training and independent circuit (2002–2004)

Rosser became interested in becoming a professional wrestler as a teenager, wrestling in several backyard wrestling federations. He researched a number of wrestling schools before deciding on Camp IWF in West Paterson, New Jersey. This was due in part to his employer, whose uncle was a friend of a local wrestler training there at the time, and helped him enroll in the wrestling school.[8]

Rosser made his professional debut in 2002 and spent several years on the independent circuit, including wrestling for the Independent Wrestling Federation and Chaotic Wrestling during his early career. On May 17, 2003, he won his first major title when he defeated the IWF Heavyweight Championship in Woodland Park, New Jersey and held it for over half a year until losing to Roman on January 17, 2004. It was at a house show in Chaotic Wrestling that he was first noticed by promoter Jim Kettner and invited to compete for the East Coast Wrestling Association where he made his debut in the summer of 2004. Shortly after entering the promotion, Rosser began feuding with Prince Nana over the ECWA Mid Atlantic Championship and eventually defeated him for the title[8] in Newark, Delaware on September 18, 2004. He lost the title to Nick Malakai less than two months later.

World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE

The Nexus and return to NXT (2010–2012)

See also: The Nexus

During 2005 and 2006, Rosser made several appearances for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on its weekly programs Sunday Night Heat and Velocity as well as in dark matches on SmackDown and Raw.[9][10] In May 2009, Rosser signed a WWE developmental contract and was sent to WWE's developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling, under the name Darren Young.[1][11] In FCW, Young was in a tag team called The South Beach Party Boys with Percy Watson. On February 16, 2010, it was announced that he would compete as part of the first season of WWE NXT, mentored by CM Punk.[12]

On February 23, 2010, Young made his debut on NXT with a character described as a "South Beach Party Boy", losing his debut match to David Otunga. His storyline had mentor CM Punk showing apathy towards him, claiming he had no idea why he's in NXT and did not want to train Young unless he accepted his Straight-edge lifestyle.[13] Despite this, Punk and his disciples, Luke Gallows and Serena, helped Young win his rematch against Otunga the following week.[14] Young was ranked eight in the first Pros' Poll. After the pros' poll, Young decided to join The Straight Edge Society in an attempt to improve, only to change his mind before getting his hair shaved off. CM Punk decided to forgive him for standing up to him when he defeated Luke Gallows with Young's own hair on the line. Because of this victory, CM Punk had then been interested in Young's potential, but in turn started feuding with a jealous Luke Gallows. On May 11 in the second Pros poll, Young was ranked fifth out of the six remaining contestants and narrowly escaped elimination.[15] The following week, however, Young was eliminated from the competition.[16]

Young (far right) with the other members of The Nexus at SummerSlam.

The week following the Season 1 finale, Young, along with the other season one NXT rookies turned heel and interfered in the main event match on Raw between John Cena and Young's former Pro, CM Punk and attacked both wrestlers, the announce team and the ring announcer Justin Roberts, before they dismantled the ring area and surrounding equipment.[17] On the June 14, 2010 edition of Raw, the rookies attacked General Manager Bret Hart, when he refused to give them contracts.[18] The following week on Raw, Vince McMahon fired Hart and announced that a new General Manager had been hired, one that had signed all seven season one NXT rookies to contracts.[19] The following week, the group was named The Nexus.[20] On the July 5 episode of Raw, The Nexus tried to attack John Cena as he confronted Wade Barrett during their "truce" with one another. The segment ended with The Nexus leaving without Young, when other Raw wrestlers arrived to aid Cena, and Young was assaulted by Cena to end the show. Due to Cena's actions, the new general manager pitted Cena in a 7 on 1 handicap match against The Nexus scheduled for the following week.[21] Young however did not participate in the handicap match due to injuries caused by Cena the previous week, though The Nexus was successful in winning the match.[22] He returned on July 18 at Money in the Bank with the rest of The Nexus, sporting a new haircut and costing Cena the WWE Championship against Sheamus. After the match, Cena attacked Young and fellow Nexus teammate, Michael Tarver.[23] The Nexus continued to feud with Cena and the Raw roster, resulting in a seven-on-seven elimination tag team match at SummerSlam. Young was the first person to be eliminated from the match, when he submitted to Daniel Bryan in under a minute, and The Nexus went on to lose the match.[24] On the next episode of Raw the members of The Nexus fought in individual matches against members of the victorious Team WWE with the stipulation that losing a match would have them exiled from the group. Young chose to face John Cena, but failed to win and was exiled and attacked as a result.[25]

Young returned on the September 6 episode of Raw, distracting Barrett and costing him a match against Randy Orton thus turned Young face.[26] On the October 4 episode of Raw, Young participated in a battle royal to determine the number one contender to the WWE Championship, but was eliminated by The Nexus.[27] Young had his first singles match since leaving The Nexus on the October 7 episode of Superstars, but lost to William Regal.[28] Young had his first win in singles competition on the October 14 airing of Superstars defeating Primo.[29] Young teamed up with Tatsu in a losing effort against The Usos in mid November on two occasions. Young got his first victory of 2011 when he teamed with Primo, Yoshi Tatsu and David Hart Smith to defeat Zack Ryder, William Regal and The Usos on the January 13 episode of Superstars.[30]

In March 2011, Young was selected as one of six former NXT contestants to return to the show in its fifth season, NXT Redemption. During this season, Young was mentored by Chavo Guerrero. In the season premiere, Young defeated Jacob Novak and won the first challenge to earn himself "redemption points".[31] On the April 12 episode of NXT, Young attacked Titus O'Neil after their match and tried to attack O'Neil's pro Hornswoggle, but was stopped by Guerrero.[32] He turned heel, when he attacked Hornswoggle, and later he and Guerrero faced O'Neil and different tag team partners on several occasions. On the April 19 edition of Redemption, Young faced Hornswoggle in single match. During their match, Chavo Guerrero gave Young a blindfold but In the end Hornswoggle wins after a Tadpole splash. On the May 3 edition of Redemption, Young lost to his Pros Chavo Guerrero with Hornswoggle as a special guest referee. On the May 10 edition of Redemption, Hornswoggle didn't appear on NXT and accused by Hornswoggle Rookie's Titus O'Neil. The following week, It was revealed Chavo Guerrero kidnapped Hornswoggle and hid Hornswoggle in the box. Then, Guerrero and Young was attack Hornswoggle in the ring until O'Neil made a save. The feud was settled when Titus O'Neil and Darren Young faced each other in a No Disqualitication Match on the May 24 episode of NXT Redemption. The match ended with Titus O'Neil a victor after Hornswoggle interfered in a match which O'Neil attack Guerrero and Young. Guerrero was later released from WWE, leaving Young on his own. In August he formed an alliance with Derrick Bateman and the duo teamed up against O'Neil and NXT host Matt Striker, but were defeated.[33] Young then moved into a feud with Striker, defeating him on two consecutive occasions.[34][35] After Young attacked Striker following a handshake, William Regal intervened, saving Striker.[36] Two weeks later, Young was defeated by Regal in a singles match. Young then formed an alliance with JTG and defeated Striker and O'Neil. After the match they were attacked by the Usos.[37]

Young was suspended for 30 days on October 5, 2011.[38] Following his suspension, Young returned on the November 16, 2011 episode of NXT and assaulted Titus O'Neil.[39] Young was then able to get the better of O'Neil twice in tag team matches.[40][41] The conclusion to Young's feud with O'Neil came when O'Neil defeated Young in a no disqualifications match.[42]

The Prime Time Players (2012–2014)

Main article: The Prime Time Players
The Prime Time Players in November 2013.

O'Neil then turned heel and formed an alliance with Young. Young and O'Neil feuded with Percy Watson and Alex Riley in February 2012, defeating them twice.[43][44] In March, while he and O'Neil were feuding with the Usos, Young started chasing the affections of Tamina.[45]

On the April 18 episode of NXT, Young and O'Neil were signed by John Laurinaitis to the SmackDown brand.[46] The team made their debut for the brand on the April 20 episode of SmackDown with a victory over The Usos. The team suffered their first team loss against the WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston and R-Truth on the May 18 edition of Smackdown.[47][48] At the No Way Out pay-per-view in June, minutes before Young and O'Neil teamed up Darren Young to defeat Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd, Primo and Epico, and The Usos in a four-way number one contender tag team match to earn a future shot at the WWE Tag Team Championship, after A.W. turned on his clients, Epico and Primo.[49] On the July 16 episode of Raw, Young and O'Neil unsuccessfully challenged Kofi Kingston and R-Truth for the WWE Tag Team Championship.[50] On the August 10 episode of SmackDown, they defeated Primo and Epico in a number one contenders match via disqualification when A.W. provoked Kingston and R-Truth, who were on commentary, into interfering in the match.[51] That same day, A. W. was released from his contract.[52] Prime Time Players received their title shots at SummerSlam, but were again defeated by Kingston and R-Truth.[53] On the September 7 edition of Smackdown, Prime Time Players defeated Primo and Epico and The Usos in a triple threat tag team match to earn another shot the Tag Team Championship.[54] However, on Raw three days later, Prime Time Players lost their title shot to the team of Daniel Bryan and Kane (soon to be known as Team Hell No).[55] At the Survivor Series pay-per-view, Young took part in a 10 man elimination tag team match, but was eliminated by Rey Mysterio.[56] Young also competed in the 2013 Royal Rumble entering at entrant 15, but was quickly eliminated by Kofi Kingston.

On the August 19, 2013 edition of Raw, the Prime Time Players turned face in a winning effort against the Real Americans, Darren Young's second face turn and Titus O'Neil first face turn. The face turn had been speculated about for some months, especially after Young's real-life coming out the previous week which received mainstream media coverage.[57] The team gained a push, challenging for the WWE Tag Team Championship, but lost a match to The Shield. The duo also sided with other face wrestlers from the active roster, only to get punished by COO Triple H for preventing Daniel Bryan from being critically injured by Randy Orton. The Prime Time Players were amongst the select few ordered to battle The Shield in separately sanctioned 3 on 1 handicap matches on the September 20 edition of SmackDown, as punishment for their intervention.

Singles competition (2014–2015)

On the January 31, 2014 episode of SmackDown after Young was pinned in a tag team match against RybAxel (Ryback and Curtis Axel), O'Neil attacked him and disbanded the team. On SmackDown the following week, Young attacked O'Neil backstage after his interview.[58] Young picked up a victory over Damien Sandow on the February 14 edition of SmackDown before being attacked by O'Neil, which turned into a brawl and left O'Neil in tattered clothes. They fought at the Elimination Chamber, with the victor being O'Neil. However, Young defeated O'Neil in a rematch on Main Event. At Wrestlemania XXX, Young was in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, where he was eliminated by 3MB. At a WWE live event on April 12, Young was injured in a match against Fandango, and on April 16, he underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee that would take him out of action for four to six months.

WWE Tag Team Champion (2015–present)

The Prime Time Players in April 2015.

Young made his in-ring return on December 20 at a WWE live event in Winnipeg, after eight months of inactivity. On the January 5, 2015 episode of Raw Young appeared with the rest of the WWE roster in the opening segment. His official return came on the February 16 episode of Raw, where Young and an unnamed Kevin Kross (independent wrestler) were scheduled to face The Ascension, but were attacked by them before the bell rang, leading to Young's former tag team partner Titus O'Neil making the save.[59] This turned O'Neil face again and The Prime Time Players reunited. Then, on the 23 February edition of Raw, Young pinned one of the members of The Ascension in a tag match with O'Neil, to hand them their first loss as part of the main roster. Young participated in the 2nd Annual André the Gian Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 31 where he was eliminated by Ryback.[60] At Elimination Chamber, the Prime Time Players participated in the first ever tag team Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Tag Team Championship, however they were the last team to be eliminated by the winners and defending champions The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods).[61] Two weeks later, at Money in the Bank, the Prime Time Players defeated The New Day to win the Tag Team Championship, their first ever titles in WWE.[62]

Other media

Young is a playable character in WWE 2K14 and WWE 2K15.[7]

Personal life

Rosser has cited Shawn Michaels and Ricky Steamboat as his favorite wrestlers.[11] In an interview released on August 15, 2013, he publicly discussed being gay. While WWE wrestlers Pat Patterson, Chris Kanyon and Orlando Jordan came out as gay and bisexual, respectively, after either leaving the company or retiring, Rosser is the first wrestler ever to publicly come out while still signed to a major promotion.[63][64] WWE released a statement in support of Rosser for being open about his sexuality,[65] and various fellow wrestlers tweeted their support for him.[66] Rosser has been in a relationship with his boyfriend, Nick, since 2011.[67]

In wrestling

  • Entrance themes
    • "We Are One" by 12 Stones (June 7, 2010–August 16, 2010; used while a part of The Nexus)
    • "One Two Three" by Holter Weerts (September 6, 2010–February 1, 2012)
    • "Move (Get In)" by Woo Child[77] (February 1, 2012–November 30, 2012; used while teaming with Titus O'Neil and in singles competition)
    • "Making Moves" by Sugar Tongue Slim[78] (December 3, 2012–present; used while teaming with Titus O'Neil and in singles competition)

Championships and accomplishments

  • Independent Wrestling Federation
    • IWF Heavyweight Championship (2 times)[83]
    • Commissioner's Cup Tag Team Tournament (2003) – with Hadrian[84]
    • Commissioner's Cup Tag Team Tournament (2004) – with Kevin Knight[84]
    • Commissioner's Cup Tag Team Tournament (2006) – with Franciz[84]
    • Tournament of Champions (2004)[84]
  • National Wrestling Superstars
    • NWS Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Bulldog Collare[1]

References

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