Anthony "Tony" Nese (born August 6, 1985) is an American professional wrestler, currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He is best known for his time in WWE, where he is a former one-time WWE Cruiserweight Champion and also known for his ternure in Dragon Gate and Dragon Gate USA.
Professional wrestling career[]
Dragon Gate and Dragon Gate USA (2012–2014)[]
In early 2013, Nese began working for Dragon Gate USA and EVOLVE. On November 3, Nese began his first tour of Dragon Gate USA's Japanese parent promotion, Dragon Gate, unsuccessfully challenging Genki Horiguchi H.A.Gee.Mee!! for the Open The Brave Gate Championship. On September 14, 2014, at Evolve 35, Nese and Caleb Konley won the Open the United Gate Championship from The Bravado Brothers (Harlem and Lancelot) in a three-way match, also involving AR Fox and Rich Swann.
In wrestling[]
- Finishing moves
- 450° splash
- Pumphandle michinoku driver
- Running Kneese (Running knee strike to the side of the head of an opponent seated in the corner)
- Single leg Boston crab, sometimes while kneeling on the opponent's back – 2014
- Signature moves
- Cradle back-to-belly piledriver
- Deadlift turnbuckle powerbomb
- German suplex
- Clothesline
- Moonsault, sometimes while springboarding
- Multiple kick variations
- Drop
- Missile drop
- Spinning heel
- Springboard drop
- Super
- Pumphandle kneeling or sitout powerbomb
- Vertical suplex
- Nicknames
- "The Premier Athlete"
Championships and accomplishments[]
- Dragon Gate USA
- Open The United Gate Championship (1 time) – with Caleb Konley and Trent Baretta
- Six Man Tag Team Tournament (2014) – with Caleb Konley and Trent Baretta
1Defended under the Freebird Rule