Memorial Day: 7 Current WWE, AEW & TNA Stars You May Not Know Served In The U.S. Military
The United States of America observes Memorial Day on the last Monday of May every year. It is dedicated to honor and mourn the country’s military personnel who died in service. Memorial ceremonies are held nationwide, followed by parades, a National Moment of Silence, and flag ceremonies. While the occasion is solemn, this time of the year also brings the unofficial start of summer, with concerts and sports games announced to remember the fallen heroes.
The wrestling industry acknowledges the federal holiday during its programming, sometimes highlighting superstars who have served America in the past. Here, we look at some of the WWE/AEW/TNA stars you may not know who served in the U.S. Military.
WWE Tag Team Champion Montez Ford
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Montez Ford served in the United States Marine Corps from 2008 to 2012, contributing as a contractor for the U.S. Navy. At age 18, despite being offered various scholarships, Ford opted against going to college and enlisted because his family faced financial issues. Speaking about his decision, Montez said that it was “the best decision I’ve made to date,” as it not only assisted his family but also shaped him for future life challenges.
Ford, real name Kenneth Crawford, made his wrestling debut in March 2016 as part of WWE NXT alongside Angelo Dawkins. The pair, known as The Street Profits, currently competes on the SmackDown brand as its Tag Team Champions.
WWE star Ashante “Thee” Adonis
Ashante “Thee” Adonis had multiple stints with WWE before becoming an NXT regular in 2024. He has also been a military personnel, serving in the United States Army between 2008 and 2013 and participating in a combat tour in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2011. Adonis calls his cousin’s Air Force graduation one of the inspirations behind his military career choice.
Adonis’ initial stint with the WWE was from 2019 to 2021, during which time he formed an alliance with Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, Top Dolla, and B-Fab, forming Hit Row. Thanks to WWE’s multi-year partnership deal with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), Adonis debuted on the show in January 2025 in a losing effort.
AEW star Carlie Bravo
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Carlie Bravo is currently signed to AEW and its sister promotion, Ring of Honor. He is a United States Marine Corps veteran, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Bravo is known to maintain an under-the-radar status, but his service in the military is well-known in his wrestling circles. Like other wrestlers on this list, he brings athleticism and charisma to his in-ring persona.
AEW star Capt. Shawn Dean
Carlie Bravo’s The Infantry partner has also served in the United States Navy after graduating from high school 21 years ago. The 39-year-old was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in Virginia. Dean has been part of AEW and its sister promotion, ROH, since 2020.
AEW star Bobby Lashley
Before transitioning into a wrestler, Bobby Lashley served in the United States Army from 1999 to 2002. He is known to have followed in his father’s footsteps, who had served as a drill sergeant. Lashley’s family has strong military ties, with an uncle having fought in Vietnam and a sister in the Air Force. His military background has contributed significantly to his physique and in-ring discipline.
Lashley, too, has had multiple stints with the WWE. His most famous storyline was ‘Battle of the Billionaires,’ which involved Donald Trump feuding with Vince McMahon. As of 2024, he is signed with AEW.
TNA star Steve Maclin
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Steve Maclin was a hard-to-miss wrestler in WWE, owing to his passion for the industry and in-ring athleticism. However, before becoming a full-time wrestler, Maclin served in the United States Marine Corps between 2007 and 2011. Known outside the squared circle as Stephen Kupryk, he was a machine gunner (0331 Infantry) with the Second Battalion, 8th Marines Weapons Company.
Currently signed to TNA, Maclin has been involved in various storylines and is a former World Champion.
WWE legend Randy Orton
Randy Orton, 14-time WWE Champion, has a well-documented military career. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating in 1998. Unlike other wrestlers on this list, he did not voluntarily retire from the military but was dishonorably discharged. He was accused of bad conduct and going AWOL on two occasions. Reflecting on his choice to enter the military, Orton often cited it as not being the right fit for him. Orton was also the first choice for Marine 3, but he quit the project due to objections from the Marine Corps.
Throughout his wrestling career, Orton has been a WWE loyalist, earning various monikers like “The Viper,” “The Legend Killer,” and “The Apex Predator.”