After a stint in IMPACT Wrestling as Gunner, Jaxson Ryker signed with WWE in 2017.
Ryker joined The Forgotten Sons alongside Steve Cutler and Wesley Blake in 2018 and became regulars on NXT television. The trio was called up to WWE SmackDown in April 2020, but were disbanded after controversial tweets by Ryker. He is now aligned with Elias on WWE Raw.
Appearing on Faith Life Fitness, Ryker discussed the meaning behind his name in WWE.
"When you get into WWE, the majority of the time they want to trademark their own thing. For Jaxson Ryker, it was nice because I got a chance to come up with this name. I've always liked the name Jaxson. Jax, I was a big Sons of Anarchy fan. Ryker, my wife and I always say that if we have a son, Ryker would be the name we would choose. I put those two names together and they like it. They own the copyright, but I get a chance to take the character and name and make something of it," he said.
When asked about the toughest aspect of being in WWE, Ryker said the physicality.
"It is a physical form of entertainment. We are athletes who beat up (our bodies). There is no offseason. Even during COVID, we just kept grinding. Just taking care of my body. I love the physical aspect," he said.
During the rapid-fire question portion of the interview, Ryker was asked about his favorite wrestler.
He replied, "Hulk Hogan. I was blown away by him at five years old, just captivated by him. Definitely Hulk Hogan. I got a chance to work with Hogan in 2010 and 2012 in the ring. I saw him at WrestleMania this year, went up and shook his hand, and he instantly remembered me. It was so cool. He's like, 'It's good to see you, brother.'"
In terms of tag teams, Ryker named The Brainbusters, Edge & Christian, and Harlem Heat as his three favorite tag teams. He also said he has always looked up to AJ Styles.
"AJ Styles is a good man, a good Christian brother as well. He's always kept a level head, has just worked hard. I look at him and am like, 'He's always given it his all.' I look to be around people that tend to not complain and love what they do. He always gives 110%, not only to the business but being a father and a husband," he said.
While Ryker remains employed, his fellow Forgotten Sons have been released by WWE.
Steve Cutler recently spoke to Fightful about Ryker and his WWE release. You can find his full comments by clicking here.
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