Karl Fredericks – Wikipedia

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American professional wrestler

Karl Fredericks (born July 15, 1990) is an American professional wrestler signed with WWE, where he performs on NXT under the ring name Eddy Thorpe. He is also known for his stint in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he was the winner of the 2019 Young Lion Cup.

Professional wrestling career[edit]

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2018–2022)[edit]

In 2018, Fredericks entered New Japan Pro-Wrestling LA Dojo, along with Clark Connors and Alex Coughlin. He visited Japan for the first time as a representative of the LA Dojo at the Young Lion Cup held in September 2019 and won the tournament with 12 points.[3][4] Fredericks teamed with Hirooki Goto for the World Tag League in the same year, finishing with 3 wins and 12 losses.[5]

In August 2020, Fredericks competed in the inaugural New Japan Cup USA tournament, with the winner receiving a match for the IWGP United States Championship. He lost to Kenta in the first round.[6] From this time on, he changed the colors of his shorts from black to red. At the main event of “Ignition” on June 25, 2021, Fredericks challenged Tom Lawlor for the Strong Openweight Championship and lost.[7] On August 1, 2022, Fredericks’ contract with New Japan expired and he announced he would not renew it.[8]

WWE (2023–present)[edit]

In January 2023, it was reported he signed a contract with WWE.[9] In February, he was assigned the ring name Eddy Thorpe.[10]

Personal life[edit]

Fredericks is a Native American and his WWE ring name is a reference to athlete Jim Thorpe.[11][12]

Championships and accomplishments[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b “Profile of Karl Fredericks”. Cagematch. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  2. ^ ベースボールマガジン社『週刊プロレス』2019年12月15日号増刊No.2045 とじ込み付録7頁
  3. ^ a b “【新日本】ヤングライオン杯で外国人初V “猛獣”フレドリックスはナイスガイ”. 東京スポーツ. September 26, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  4. ^ “JRA presents Road to Tokyo Dome”. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  5. ^ “後藤洋央紀リーグ初白星「こんなんで満足してねえ」”. 日刊スポーツ. November 18, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  6. ^ “2020.08.07 NEW JAPAN CUP 2020 in the USA”. New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Bushiroad. August 7, 2020. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  7. ^ NJPW. “2021.06.25 IGNITION | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING”. NJPW. Retrieved 2021-06-26.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (August 1, 2022). “Karl Fredericks Says He’s No Longer Under NJPW Contract, Won’t Re-Sign With The Company”. www.fightful.com. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  9. ^ “FORMER NEW JAPAN STAR SIGNS WITH WWE”. PWI Insider. January 10, 2023.
  10. ^ Chik, Jon (February 17, 2023). “Feroz and Nile to throw down on NXT Level Up”. WWE.com. Retrieved February 17, 2023. Eddy Thorpe making his debut against Dante Chen… Thorpe is an intriguing newcomer who has competed all over the world and has a chance to turn heads if he can defeat his fellow veteran, Chen.
  11. ^ Currier, Joseph (February 17, 2023). “Karl Fredericks gets new WWE name, will debut on NXT Level Up”. Wrestling Observer.
  12. ^ Rueter, Sean (February 17, 2023). “Former New Japan wrestler gets a new name ahead of WWE debut”. Cageside Seats.
  13. ^ “Karl Fredericks defeats Will Cuevas”. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  14. ^ “Karl Fredericks & Styker defeat Reno SCUM (Adam Thornstowe & Luster The Legend) (c)”. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  15. ^ “Karl Fredericks defeats JJ King (c) and Styker”. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  16. ^ “PWI 500 2021 List In Full”. Wrestling Travel. September 21, 2021. Archived from the original on September 22, 2021. Retrieved October 20, 2021.

External links[edit]