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{{short description|American professional wrestler}}
{{For|the comedian|Alex Riley (comedian)}}
{{about||the comedian|Alex Riley (comedian)|the member of the Missouri House of Representatives|Alex Riley (politician)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2015}}
{{lead too short|date=May 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Alex Riley
|name = Alex Riley
|image = Alex-Riley-2011.jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulcushphotography/7903385374/|image_size = 220px
|image_size=200
|family = [[Kevin Kiley (sportscaster)|Kevin Kiley]] (father)<br>Lauren Riley (mother)<br>Kristopher Kiley (brother)
|family = [[Kevin Kiley (sportscaster)|Kevin Kiley]] (father)
|caption = Riley in April 2016
|caption = Riley in 2012
|alma_mater = [[Boston College]]
|alma_mater = [[Boston College]]
|birth_name = Kevin Robert Kiley Jr.<ref name="OWW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/a/alex-riley.html|title=Alex Riley Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=March 30, 2010}}</ref><ref name="boston"/><ref name="DUIarrest">{{cite web|url=http://www.hcso.tampa.fl.us/PublicInquiry/ArrestInquiry/ViewArrest?id=10056587&k1=8cd54c7c2e5996c&k2=LTE0NjcxMjE4NQ%3d%3d|title=Arrest Report: Riley, Kevin Robert Jr|accessdate=November 18, 2010|publisher=[[Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (Florida)|Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office]]}}</ref>
|birth_name = Kevin Robert Kiley Jr.<ref name="OWW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/a/alex-riley.html|title=Alex Riley Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=March 30, 2010}}</ref><ref name="boston"/><ref name="DUIarrest">{{cite web|url=http://www.hcso.tampa.fl.us/PublicInquiry/ArrestInquiry/ViewArrest?id=10056587&k1=8cd54c7c2e5996c&k2=LTE0NjcxMjE4NQ%3d%3d|title=Arrest Report: Riley, Kevin Robert Jr|access-date=November 18, 2010|publisher=[[Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (Florida)|Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office]]}}{{Dead link|date=June 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1981|04|28}}<ref name="OWW"/><ref name="DUIarrest"/>
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1981|04|28}}<ref name="OWW"/><ref name="DUIarrest"/>
|birth_place = [[Fairfax Station, Virginia]],<br>[[United States]]<ref name="boston"/>
|birth_place = [[Fairfax Station, Virginia]], U.S.<ref name="boston"/>
|names = Alex Riley<br />Carson Oakley<br />'''Kevin Kiley Jr.'''<ref name="OWW"/><ref name="FCW">{{cite web|url=http://www.fcwwrestling.info/alexriley1.html |title=Alex Riley |access-date=December 31, 2010 |publisher=[[Florida Championship Wrestling]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110102230959/http://www.fcwwrestling.info/alexriley1.html |archive-date=January 2, 2011 }}</ref><br/>
|resides = [[Tampa, Florida]],<br>[[United States]]<ref name="OWW"/>
|height = 6 ft 3 in<ref name="WWE">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/alexriley|title=Alex Riley bio|access-date=December 8, 2011|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>
|names = Alex Riley<br />Carson Oakley<br />Kevin Kiley<ref name="OWW"/><ref name="FCW"/>
|weight = 236 lb<ref name="WWE"/>
|height = {{height|ft=6|in=2}}<ref name="WWE">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/alexriley|title=Alex Riley bio|accessdate=December 8, 2011|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>
|weight = {{convert|249|lb|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="WWE"/>
|billed = [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="WWE"/>
|billed = [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="WWE"/>
|trainer = [[Florida Championship Wrestling]]
|trainer = [[Florida Championship Wrestling]]
|debut = October 30, 2007
|debut = October 30, 2007
|retired =
|retired = 2023

}}
}}
'''Kevin Robert Kiley Jr.''' (born April 28, 1981) is an American [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] and [[Sports commentator|commentator]], best known for his tenure with [[WWE]] under the ring name '''Alex Riley'''. He was a participant in the second season of ''[[WWE NXT (TV series)|NXT]]''.
'''Kevin Robert Kiley Jr.''' (born April 28, 1981) is an American former [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] and [[Sports commentator|commentator]]. He is best known for his tenure in [[WWE]], under the ring name '''Alex Riley''', where he was a participant in the second season of ''[[WWE NXT (TV series)|NXT]]''.


== Professional wrestling career ==
== Professional wrestling career ==


=== World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE===
=== World Wrestling Entertainment===
==== Florida Championship Wrestling (2007–2010) ====
==== Florida Championship Wrestling (2007–2010) ====
[[File:AlexRiley1.jpg|left|thumb|180px|Riley following a match in January 2010]]
[[File:AlexRiley1.jpg|left|thumb|180px|Riley following a match in January 2010]]
In 2007, Kiley signed a developmental contract with [[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) and was assigned to their [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territory]], [[Florida Championship Wrestling]] (FCW). On October 30, 2007, he debuted in a losing effort to [[Shawn McGrath|Shawn Osbourne]] under his real name Kevin Kiley, and later faced off with wrestlers like [[Heath Slater|Sebastian Slater]] and [[Steven Lewington|Jack Gabriel]].
In 2007, Kiley signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment ([[WWE]]) and was assigned to their [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territory]], [[Florida Championship Wrestling]] (FCW). On October 30, 2007, he debuted in a losing effort to Shawn Osbourne under his real name Kevin Kiley, and later faced off with wrestlers like [[Heath Slater|Sebastian Slater]] and [[Steven Lewington|Jack Gabriel]].


In September 2008, he changed his [[ring name]] to '''Carson Oakley'''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2008/1221677896.shtml|title=9/16 Southeastern News, AAPW & 10/4, PWO, JAPW & 9/19 & Chikara|date=September 17, 2008|last=Martin|first=Adam|accessdate=June 4, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> As Oakley, he began teaming with [[Colt Cabana|Scotty Goldman]], and the pairing unsuccessfully challenged [[Tyson Kidd|TJ Wilson]] and [[David Hart Smith|DH Smith]] for the [[Florida Tag Team Championship]] in November.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=November 20, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida|date=November 20, 2008|accessdate=June 4, 2010|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100704012848/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/| archivedate= July 4, 2010 | deadurl= no}}</ref> In early December, he underwent another name change, calling himself '''Alex Riley''' and developing the [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Gimmick|gimmick]] of a university [[Jock (athlete)|jock]], complete with a [[Letterman (sports)#Letterman jacket|letterman's jacket]] as a part of his attire.<ref name="Marrero">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1275633203|title=Wrestling Rumblings #71|date=June 4, 2010|last=Marrero|first=Jose|accessdate=June 4, 2010|publisher=WrestleView| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100605192550/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1275633203| archivedate= June 5, 2010}}</ref><ref name="Hedgepeth"/><ref name="Mullins"/> He gained Beverly Mullins as a [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]], and to fit with his jock gimmick, Mullins adopted the gimmick of a [[Prom|prom queen]].<ref name="Mullins">{{cite news|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/2540465/Wrestling-News-and-Gossip-from-The-Sun-Mike-Aldrens-WGN-Wrestling-Globe-Newsletter.html|title=Daily wrestling news and gossip|last=Aldren|first=Mike|accessdate=June 4, 2010|work=[[The Sun (United Kingdom)|The Sun]]|location=London|date=July 17, 2009}}</ref>
In September 2008, he changed his [[ring name]] to '''Carson Oakley'''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2008/1221677896.shtml|title=9/16 Southeastern News, AAPW & 10/4, PWO, JAPW & 9/19 & Chikara|date=September 17, 2008|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=June 4, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> As Oakley, he began teaming with [[Colt Cabana|Scotty Goldman]], and the pairing unsuccessfully challenged [[Tyson Kidd|TJ Wilson]] and [[Davey Boy Smith Jr.|DH Smith]] for the [[Florida Tag Team Championship]] in November.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=November 20, 2008–Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida|date=November 20, 2008|access-date=June 4, 2010|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100704012848/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/| archive-date= July 4, 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> In early December, he underwent another name change, calling himself Alex Riley and developing the [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Gimmick|gimmick]] of a university [[Jock (athlete)|jock]], complete with a [[Letterman (sports)#Letterman jacket|letterman's jacket]] as a part of his attire.<ref name="Marrero">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1275633203|title=Wrestling Rumblings #71|date=June 4, 2010|last=Marrero|first=Jose|access-date=June 4, 2010|publisher=WrestleView| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100605192550/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1275633203| archive-date= June 5, 2010}}</ref><ref name="Hedgepeth"/> He gained Beverly Mullins as a [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]], and to fit with his jock gimmick, Mullins adopted the gimmick of a [[Prom|prom queen]].


In 2009, he joined FCW General Manager [[Brian Jossie|Abraham Washington]]'s cabinet, being called Washington's "top draft pick", and as a result, was named the number one contender to [[Tyler Reks]]' [[FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship]] in July.<ref name="cabinet"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_33905.shtml|title=FCW TV Report 7/19: Duke & Bo Rotundo tag team, No-longer-D.J. Gabriel, Joe Hennig|date=July 26, 2009|last=Endres|first=Cody|accessdate=June 4, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> In August, he lost in a triple threat match including Reks and [[Johnny Curtis]]. In mid-2009, he competed in several [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Dark match|dark matches]] prior to ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' and ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'', wrestling against [[Jamie Noble]], [[Montel Vontavious Porter]] and [[James Yun|Jimmy Wang Yang]], and also appeared at [[house show]]s.<ref name="OWW"/><ref name="Hedgepeth">{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/10215/105/|title=WWE house show report 8-8 Loveland, CO|last=Hedgepeth|first=John|accessdate=June 4, 2010|publisher=Figure Four Online}}</ref> On the August 30 episode of ''FCW'', Riley dropped Mullins as his manager, calling her "dead weight".<ref name="cabinet">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_35052.shtml|title=FCW TV Report 8/30: WWE debuts new seven-foot tall big man, Tyler Reks defends FCW Title, Abraham Washington's weekly shenanigans|date=September 5, 2009|last=Endres|first=Cody|accessdate=June 4, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
In 2009, he joined FCW General Manager [[Abraham Washington]]'s cabinet, being called Washington's "top draft pick", and as a result, was named the number one contender to [[Gabbi Tuft|Tyler Reks]]' [[FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship]] in July.<ref name="cabinet"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_33905.shtml|title=FCW TV Report 7/19: Duke & Bo Rotundo tag team, No-longer-D.J. Gabriel, Joe Hennig|date=July 26, 2009|last=Endres|first=Cody|access-date=June 4, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> In August, he lost in a triple threat match including Reks and [[Fandango (wrestler)|Johnny Curtis]]. In mid-2009, he competed in several [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Dark match|dark matches]] prior to ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' and ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'', wrestling against [[Jamie Noble]], [[Montel Vontavious Porter]] and [[Jimmy Yang|Jimmy Wang Yang]], and also appeared at [[house show]]s.<ref name="OWW"/><ref name="Hedgepeth">{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/10215/105/|title=WWE house show report 8-8 Loveland, CO|last=Hedgepeth|first=John|access-date=June 4, 2010|publisher=Figure Four Online}}</ref> On the August 30 episode of ''FCW'', Riley dropped Mullins as his manager, calling her "dead weight".<ref name="cabinet">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_35052.shtml|title=FCW TV Report 8/30: WWE debuts new seven-foot tall big man, Tyler Reks defends FCW Title, Abraham Washington's weekly shenanigans|date=September 5, 2009|last=Endres|first=Cody|access-date=June 4, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>


On March 18, 2010, Riley defeated [[Justin Gabriel]] and [[Wade Barrett]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|triple threat match]] to win the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship. After his title win he called out Barrett and paid him for his services as a hired help.<ref name="FCWchampionships"/><ref>{{cite web|title=FCW Taping Results (SPOILERS)|work=411Mania|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/133211/FCW-Taping-Results-%28SPOILERS%29.htm|date=March 19, 2010|accessdate=March 22, 2010|last=Csonka|first=Larry| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100322204342/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/133211/FCW-Taping-Results-(SPOILERS).htm| archivedate= March 22, 2010 }}</ref> At the July 22 FCW tapings, Riley lost the title to [[Mason Ryan]] in a triple threat match, also involving Johnny Curtis.<ref name="FCWchampionships"/> At the television tapings on September 22, Riley faced Ryan in a rematch, but lost by [[Professional wrestling#Submission|submission]].<ref name="FCW10">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2010/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2010)|accessdate=May 2, 2011|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
On March 18, 2010, Riley defeated [[P. J. Black|Justin Gabriel]] and [[Wade Barrett]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|triple threat match]] to win the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship. After his title win he called out Barrett and paid him for his services as a hired help.<ref name="FCWchampionships"/><ref>{{cite web|title=FCW Taping Results (SPOILERS) |work=411Mania |url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/133211/FCW-Taping-Results-%28SPOILERS%29.htm |date=March 19, 2010 |access-date=March 22, 2010 |last=Csonka |first=Larry |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100322204342/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/133211/FCW-Taping-Results-%28SPOILERS%29.htm |archive-date=March 22, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> At the July 22 FCW tapings, Riley lost the title to [[Mason Ryan]] in a triple threat match, also involving Johnny Curtis.<ref name="FCWchampionships"/> At the television tapings on September 22, Riley faced Ryan in a rematch, but lost by [[Professional wrestling#Submission|submission]].<ref name="FCW10">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2010/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2010)|access-date=May 2, 2011|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>


==== NXT and alliance with The Miz (2010–2011) ====
==== NXT and alliance with the Miz (2010–2011) ====
On June 1, 2010, [[The Miz]] announced that he would mentor Riley for the second season of ''[[WWE NXT (TV series)|NXT]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/01/14222371.html|title=WWE NXT: Barrett wins show's first season|date=June 1, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=June 2, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_41691.shtml|title=WWE News: NXT Results – Season Two announced, Pro & Rookie pairings revealed|date=June 1, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|accessdate=June 1, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100603042018/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_41691.shtml| archivedate= June 3, 2010 | deadurl= no}}</ref> He made his ''NXT'' debut on the June 8 episode, but did not compete in a match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/08/14315791.html|title=WWE NXT: New rookies pay as Season 2 opens|date=June 8, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=June 12, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> He made his in-ring debut on the following edition of ''NXT'', defeating [[Low Ki|Kaval]].<ref name=NXT061510>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/15/14405256.html|title=WWE NXT: Kaval, Riley make impressive debuts|date=June 15, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=June 17, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> Kaval returned the favor two weeks later, by pinning Riley in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Multiple man teamed matches|six-man tag team match]]. Later that night, Riley was ranked fourth in the first poll.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/29/14561776.html|title=WWE NXT: Surprise! First elimination on tap|date=June 29, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=June 30, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> In the second poll on the July 27 episode of ''NXT'', Riley moved up to third place, behind [[Michael McGillicutty]] and Kaval.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/07/27/14848096.html|title=WWE NXT: Second rookie goes home; New No. 1|date=July 27, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=July 28, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> On August 9 the rookies appeared in a six-man tag team match on ''Raw'', in which Riley teamed with [[Bray Wyatt|Husky Harris]] and Michael McGillicutty to defeat [[Lucky Cannon]], Kaval and [[Percy Watson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/10/14974251.html|title=RAW: Team WWE makes a stand|date=August 10, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=August 10, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> The following night however, Riley's team lost a rematch, and he slipped to fifth place in the poll, narrowly avoiding elimination.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/10/14984646.html|title=WWE NXT: Eliminations coming fast and furious|date=August 10, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=August 11, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> Riley was eliminated from ''NXT'' in the season finale on August 31, ending up in third place overall. After Kaval was announced as the winner, Riley and the other eliminated rookies attacked him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/31/15205276.html|title=WWE NXT: Kaval wins show's 2nd season, gets beat down|date=August 31, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=September 1, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref>
On June 1, 2010, [[The Miz]] announced that he would mentor Riley for the second season of ''[[WWE NXT (TV series)|NXT]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/01/14222371.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629045655/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/01/14222371.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=WWE NXT: Barrett wins show's first season|date=June 1, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=June 2, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_41691.shtml|title=WWE News: NXT Results – Season Two announced, Pro & Rookie pairings revealed|date=June 1, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=June 1, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100603042018/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_41691.shtml| archive-date= June 3, 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> He made his ''NXT'' debut on the June 8 episode, but did not compete in a match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/08/14315791.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630062137/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/08/14315791.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 30, 2012|title=WWE NXT: New rookies pay as Season 2 opens|date=June 8, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=June 12, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> He made his in-ring debut on the following edition of ''NXT'', defeating [[Low Ki|Kaval]].<ref name=NXT061510>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/15/14405256.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630121752/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/15/14405256.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 30, 2012|title=WWE NXT: Kaval, Riley make impressive debuts|date=June 15, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=June 17, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> Kaval returned the favor two weeks later, by pinning Riley in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Multiple man teamed matches|six-man tag team match]]. Later that night, Riley was ranked fourth in the first poll.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/29/14561776.html|title=WWE NXT: Surprise! First elimination on tap|date=June 29, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=June 30, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]|archive-date=June 30, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630062136/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/29/14561776.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> In the second poll on the July 27 episode of ''NXT'', Riley moved up to third place, behind [[Curtis Axel|Michael McGillicutty]] and Kaval.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/07/27/14848096.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719111942/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/07/27/14848096.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 19, 2012|title=WWE NXT: Second rookie goes home; New No. 1|date=July 27, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=July 28, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> On August 9 the rookies appeared in a six-man tag team match on ''Raw'', in which Riley teamed with [[Bray Wyatt|Husky Harris]] and Michael McGillicutty to defeat [[Lucky Cannon]], Kaval and [[Percy Watson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/10/14974251.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717223623/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/10/14974251.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 17, 2012|title=RAW: Team WWE makes a stand|date=August 10, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=August 10, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> The following night however, Riley's team lost a rematch, and he slipped to fifth place in the poll, narrowly avoiding elimination.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/10/14984646.html|title=WWE NXT: Eliminations coming fast and furious|date=August 10, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=August 11, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143631/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/10/14984646.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Riley was eliminated from ''NXT'' in the season finale on August 31, ending up in third place overall. After Kaval was announced as the winner, Riley and the other eliminated rookies attacked him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/31/15205276.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714034230/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/31/15205276.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=WWE NXT: Kaval wins show's 2nd season, gets beat down|date=August 31, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=September 1, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref>


[[File:Alex Riley 2010 Tribute to the Troops.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Riley at the [[WWE Tribute to the Troops]] event in 2010.]]
[[File:Alex Riley 2010 Tribute to the Troops.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Riley at the [[WWE Tribute to the Troops]] event in 2010]]
He appeared on the September 6 episode of ''Raw'', when he tried to help his mentor The Miz, who had been placed in the LeBell Lock [[Professional wrestling holds|submission hold]] by [[Daniel Bryan]], but ended up being placed in the hold himself.<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=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> He appeared again the following week, replacing The Miz in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Variations of singles matches|submission match]] against Bryan, but lost.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/09/13/15339961.html|title=RAW: Ochocinco plays RAW Roulette|date=September 13, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=September 14, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> On the September 20 episode of ''Raw'' The Miz announced that he had signed Riley to a "personal services contract", allowing Riley to accompany The Miz to ringside and continue to appear on ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_43917.shtml|title=Keller's WWE Raw Results 9/20: Ongoing coverage of fallout from Night of Champions PPV, Hell in a Cell hype|date=September 20, 2010|last=Keller|first=Wade|authorlink=Wade Keller|accessdate=September 27, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100924152856/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_43917.shtml| archivedate= September 24, 2010 | deadurl= no}}</ref> As The Miz's protégé, Riley interfered in his matches, including at the [[Bragging Rights (2010)|Bragging Rights]] [[pay-per-view]], where Riley unsuccessfully attempted to help The Miz's team win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/10/25/15816946.html|title=Cena central to Bragging Rights; Smackdown wins again|date=October 25, 2010|last=Sokol|first=Bryan|accessdate=December 21, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> The Miz also used Riley as a replacement for himself in matches, which led to Riley facing and losing to [[John Cena]] on November 15 and [[Ezekiel Jackson]] in a [[King of the Ring]] qualifying match on November 22 as a result.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/16/16161306.html|title=Raw: Kickin' it old school|date=November 16, 2010|last=Waldman|first=Jon|accessdate=December 21, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/22/16270746.html|title=RAW: The Miz cashes in as Nexus costs Orton WWE title|date=November 22, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=December 21, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> The following week, Riley interfered in the [[Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match]] for the [[WWE World Heavyweight Championship|WWE Championship]] between [[Jerry Lawler]] and The Miz, who had won the championship the week prior. Riley stopped Lawler from winning twice, before Lawler put him through a table.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/29/16367731.html|title=RAW: King of the Ring crowned|date=November 29, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=December 21, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> He helped The Miz to retain the championship again at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2010)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Tables match|Tables match]], during which he was put through a table by [[Randy Orton]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/12/20/16615521.html|title=TLC delivers highs, lows and a new champ|date=December 20, 2010|last=Sokol|first=Bryan|accessdate=December 21, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref>
He appeared on the September 6 episode of ''Raw'', when he tried to help his mentor The Miz, who had been placed in the LeBell Lock [[Professional wrestling holds|submission hold]] by [[Bryan Danielson|Daniel Bryan]], but ended up being placed in the hold himself.<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|access-date=September 7, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]|archive-date=June 30, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630054732/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/09/06/15263156.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> He appeared again the following week, replacing The Miz in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Variations of singles matches|submission match]] against Bryan, but lost.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/09/13/15339961.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713171815/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/09/13/15339961.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 13, 2012|title=RAW: Ochocinco plays RAW Roulette|date=September 13, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=September 14, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> On the September 20 episode of ''Raw'' The Miz announced that he had signed Riley to a "personal services contract", allowing Riley to accompany The Miz to ringside and continue to appear on ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_43917.shtml|title=Keller's WWE Raw Results 9/20: Ongoing coverage of fallout from Night of Champions PPV, Hell in a Cell hype|date=September 20, 2010|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|access-date=September 27, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100924152856/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_43917.shtml| archive-date= September 24, 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> As The Miz's protégé, Riley interfered in his matches, including at the [[Bragging Rights (2010)|Bragging Rights]] [[pay-per-view]], where Riley unsuccessfully attempted to help The Miz's team win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/10/25/15816946.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714010806/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/10/25/15816946.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Cena central to Bragging Rights; Smackdown wins again|date=October 25, 2010|last=Sokol|first=Bryan|access-date=December 21, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> The Miz also used Riley as a replacement for himself in matches, which led to Riley facing and losing to [[John Cena]] on November 15 and [[Ezekiel Jackson]] in a [[King of the Ring]] qualifying match on November 22 as a result.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/16/16161306.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714001357/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/16/16161306.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Raw: Kickin' it old school|date=November 16, 2010|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=December 21, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/22/16270746.html|title=RAW: The Miz cashes in as Nexus costs Orton WWE title|date=November 22, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=December 21, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]|archive-date=July 15, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715020324/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/22/16270746.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> The following week, Riley interfered in the [[Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match]] for the [[WWE Championship]] between [[Jerry Lawler]] and The Miz, who had won the championship the week prior. Riley stopped Lawler from winning twice, before Lawler put him through a table.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/29/16367731.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630092759/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/29/16367731.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 30, 2012|title=RAW: King of the Ring crowned|date=November 29, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=December 21, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> He helped The Miz to retain the championship again at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2010)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Tables match|Tables match]], during which he was put through a table by [[Randy Orton]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/12/20/16615521.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120525125119/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/12/20/16615521.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=May 25, 2012|title=TLC delivers highs, lows and a new champ|date=December 20, 2010|last=Sokol|first=Bryan|access-date=December 21, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref>


[[File:Miz y Riley con el título en WM.jpg|thumb|Riley (left) with [[The Miz]] at [[WrestleMania XXVII]].]]
[[File:Miz y Riley con el título en WM.jpg|thumb|Riley (left) with [[The Miz]] at [[WrestleMania XXVII]]]]
On the February 28 episode of ''Raw'', John Cena challenged Riley to a match which, if Cena won, Riley would no longer be The Miz's apprentice. The Miz accepted the match on Riley's behalf, and later that night, Cena and Riley faced off in a [[steel cage match]]. Riley lost the match despite interference from The Miz.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/28/17446551.html|title=RAW: Triple H talks Wrestlemania; The Miz loses an ally|date=February 28, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=March 2, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> The angle was used to write Riley off television as he was scheduled to be sent back to Florida Championship Wrestling to be repackaged.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/news.html |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5wuLk7wbK?url=http%3A%2F%2Fslam.canoe.ca%2FSlam%2FWrestling%2Fnews.html |title=Slam! Wrestling News/Rumours |archivedate=March 3, 2011 |accessdate=March 3, 2011 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canoe.ca]] |deadurl=no |df=mdy }}</ref> Despite this, Riley appeared on the March 14 episode of ''Raw'', interfering in The Miz's match against [[The Great Khali]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/14/17616206.html|title=RAW: Cena wrecked on the Road to Wrestlemania|date=March 14, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=March 19, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> The following week, Riley announced that The Miz had re-hired him, this time as The Miz's [[Vice president|VP]] of Corporate Communications.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/21/17707746.html|title=RAW: Orton gets Punk'ed; Cena tricks The Miz|date=March 21, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=March 22, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> He accompanied The Miz to his match at [[WrestleMania XXVII]] against Cena where he interfered several times, throwing Cena into an exposed turnbuckle, attacking him with his briefcase, and distracting the [[Referee (professional wrestling)|referee]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania27/2011/04/03/17863646.html|title=The Rock costs Cena as The Miz retains at WrestleMania XXVII|date=April 3, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=May 2, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref>
On the February 28 episode of ''Raw'', John Cena challenged Riley to a match which, if Cena won, Riley would no longer be The Miz's apprentice. The Miz accepted the match on Riley's behalf, and later that night, Cena and Riley faced off in a [[steel cage match]]. Riley lost the match despite interference from The Miz.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/28/17446551.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718032357/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/28/17446551.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 18, 2012|title=RAW: Triple H talks Wrestlemania; The Miz loses an ally|date=February 28, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=March 2, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> The angle was used to write Riley off television as he was scheduled to be sent back to Florida Championship Wrestling to be repackaged.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/news.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20090809171526/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/news.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=August 9, 2009 |title=Slam! Wrestling News/Rumours |access-date=March 3, 2011 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canoe.ca]] }}</ref> Despite this, Riley appeared on the March 14 episode of ''Raw'', interfering in The Miz's match against [[The Great Khali]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/14/17616206.html|title=RAW: Cena wrecked on the Road to Wrestlemania|date=March 14, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=March 19, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]|archive-date=July 24, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120724162312/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/14/17616206.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> The following week, Riley announced that The Miz had re-hired him, this time as The Miz's [[Vice president|VP]] of Corporate Communications.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/21/17707746.html|title=RAW: Orton gets Punk'ed; Cena tricks The Miz|date=March 21, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=March 22, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]|archive-date=July 16, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716005200/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/21/17707746.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> He accompanied The Miz to his match at [[WrestleMania XXVII]] against Cena where he interfered several times, throwing Cena into an exposed turnbuckle, attacking him with his briefcase, and distracting the [[Referee (professional wrestling)|referee]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania27/2011/04/03/17863646.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730185556/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania27/2011/04/03/17863646.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 30, 2012|title=The Rock costs Cena as The Miz retains at WrestleMania XXVII|date=April 3, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=May 2, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref>


==== Singles competition (2011–2013) ====
==== Singles competition (2011–2013) ====
As part of the [[2011 WWE Draft#Supplemental draft|2011 Supplemental Draft]] on April 26, Riley was moved to the [[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]] [[WWE Brand Extension|brand]], separating him from The Miz.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/26/18065521.html|title=Live coverage: 2011 WWE Supplemental Draft|date=April 26, 2011|last=Bishp|first=Matt|author2=Waldman, Jon|accessdate=April 27, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> Riley debuted on the April 29 episode of ''SmackDown'' by interrupting Randy Orton, but had an ''[[Cutter (professional wrestling)#Jumping cutter|RKO]]'' performed on him before he could speak.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/30/18086861.html|title=Smackdown: Look what the draft dragged in|date=April 30, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|accessdate=May 2, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> Despite being drafted, Riley continued to appear on ''Raw'' alongside The Miz. On the May 2 episode of ''Raw'', The Miz chastised Riley not being at ringside at [[Extreme Rules (2011)|Extreme Rules]] the previous night when The Miz had lost the WWE Championship to Cena.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/02/18095156.html|title=RAW: Happy Birthday Rock|date=May 2, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=May 13, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> Riley appeared alongside The Miz at the [[Over the Limit (2011)|Over the Limit]] pay-per-view and attempted to help The Miz win his [["I Quit" match]] against Cena, but The Miz was unsuccessful and failed to regain the WWE Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/05/22/18180176.html|title=Over the Limit: Unpredictability makes for a good show|date=May 22, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|accessdate=May 23, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> The following night on the May 23 episode of ''Raw'', The Miz's request for another WWE Championship match was immediately denied and The Miz blamed him. Riley proceeded to attack The Miz, and turning [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] in the process.<ref name=MizFire>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/23/18183151.html|title=RAW: Cena gets nothing but the R-Truth|date=May 23, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=May 24, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref><ref name=MizFire/><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 5/23: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live Raw – Over the Limit PPV fall-out, Bret Hart, Savage tribute|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_50294.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=February 14, 2013|quote=Miz was great on the mic, then Riley suddenly became a new babyface star...at least for one night}}</ref> The following week, [[Michael Cole (wrestling)|Michael Cole]] announced that Riley had been rehired by the [[Anonymous Raw General Manager]] and he returned to Raw, as in storyline he had not been eligible to be drafted as he was under contract to The Miz, not WWE. Following an argument Riley attacked Cole, before chasing away The Miz who had tried to attack him from behind.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/30/18214281.html|title=RAW: John Cena faces the Truth|date=May 30, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=December 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref>
As part of the [[2011 WWE Draft#Supplemental draft|2011 Supplemental Draft]] on April 26, Riley was moved to the [[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]] [[WWE Brand Extension|brand]], separating him from The Miz.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/26/18065521.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720035227/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/26/18065521.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 20, 2012|title=Live coverage: 2011 WWE Supplemental Draft|date=April 26, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|author2=Waldman, Jon|access-date=April 27, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> Riley debuted on the April 29 episode of ''SmackDown'' by interrupting Randy Orton, but had an ''[[Cutter (professional wrestling)#Jumping cutter|RKO]]'' performed on him before he could speak.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/30/18086861.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143631/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/30/18086861.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Smackdown: Look what the draft dragged in|date=April 30, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=May 2, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> Despite being drafted, Riley continued to appear on ''Raw'' alongside The Miz. On the May 2 episode of ''Raw'', The Miz chastised Riley not being at ringside at [[Extreme Rules (2011)|Extreme Rules]] the previous night when The Miz had lost the WWE Championship to Cena.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/02/18095156.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714182917/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/02/18095156.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=RAW: Happy Birthday Rock|date=May 2, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=May 13, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> Riley appeared alongside The Miz at the [[Over the Limit (2011)|Over the Limit]] pay-per-view and attempted to help The Miz win his [["I Quit" match]] against Cena, but The Miz was unsuccessful and failed to regain the WWE Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/05/22/18180176.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714082511/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/05/22/18180176.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Over the Limit: Unpredictability makes for a good show|date=May 22, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=May 23, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> The following night on the May 23 episode of ''Raw'', The Miz's request for another WWE Championship match was immediately denied and The Miz blamed him. Riley proceeded to attack The Miz, and turning [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] in the process.<ref name=MizFire>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/23/18183151.html|title=RAW: Cena gets nothing but the R-Truth|date=May 23, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=May 24, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]|archive-date=July 14, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714222313/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/23/18183151.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 5/23: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live Raw – Over the Limit PPV fall-out, Bret Hart, Savage tribute|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_50294.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 14, 2013|quote=Miz was great on the mic, then Riley suddenly became a new babyface star...at least for one night}}</ref> The following week, [[Michael Cole (wrestling)|Michael Cole]] announced that Riley had been rehired by the [[Anonymous Raw General Manager]] and he returned to Raw, as in storyline he had not been eligible to be drafted as he was under contract to The Miz, not WWE. Following an argument Riley attacked Cole, before chasing away The Miz who had tried to attack him from behind.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/30/18214281.html|title=RAW: John Cena faces the Truth|date=May 30, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=December 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]|archive-date=July 17, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717015508/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/30/18214281.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref>
[[File:Riley 2012.jpg|thumb|left|180px|Riley in 2012]]
On the June 6 episode of ''Raw'', Riley teamed with John Cena to face [[R-Truth]] and The Miz, with [[Stone Cold Steve Austin|Steve Austin]] as the [[special guest referee]] but were defeated as Cena couldn't trust him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-06-06/results|title=Raw results: Brew you!|date=June 6, 2011|last=Adkins|first=Greg|access-date=June 6, 2011|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the same show, it was confirmed that Riley would face The Miz at [[WWE Capitol Punishment|Capitol Punishment]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/capitolpunishment/2011/miz-vs-riley |title=Alex Riley vs. The Miz |date=June 6, 2011 |last=Adkins |first=Greg |access-date=June 6, 2011 |publisher=[[WWE]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610121811/http://www.wwe.com/shows/capitolpunishment/2011/miz-vs-riley |archive-date=June 10, 2011 }}</ref> At Capitol Punishment, Riley defeated The Miz.<ref name="cappun">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_50889.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Capitol Punishment PPV Results 6/19: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Cena vs. Truth, Orton vs. Christian, Miz vs. Riley|date=June 19, 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=December 8, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Riley teamed with John Cena and [[Randy Orton]] to take on The Miz, R-Truth and [[Christian Cage|Christian]] in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Elimination tag team matches|six-man tag team elimination]] match. Riley was the first person eliminated, but his team went on to win the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/20/18311126.html|title=Raw: 'Power to the People' both good and bad|date=June 20, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=December 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]|archive-date=July 17, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717144604/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/20/18311126.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> At [[Money in the Bank (2011)|Money in the Bank]], Riley competed in a [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] which was won by [[Alberto Del Rio]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/07/18/18433981.html|title=Money in the Bank: The WWE gets Punk'd|date=July 18, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=December 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]|archive-date=July 17, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717132543/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/07/18/18433981.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Riley was one of the eight men placed in the [[WWE Championship]] tournament but lost to The Miz in the first round, ending their feud.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/07/18/18437641.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716121607/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/07/18/18437641.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 16, 2012|title=Raw: Triple H returns; McMahon, not Cena, fired|date=July 18, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=December 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref>


[[File:Alex Riley 2013.jpg|thumb|upright|Riley in 2013]]
On the June 6 episode of ''Raw'', Riley teamed with John Cena to face [[Ron Killings|R-Truth]] and The Miz, with [[Stone Cold Steve Austin|Steve Austin]] as the [[special guest referee]] but were defeated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-06-06/results|title=Raw results: Brew you!|date=June 6, 2011|last=Adkins|first=Greg|accessdate=June 6, 2011|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the same show, it was confirmed that Riley would face The Miz at [[WWE Capitol Punishment|Capitol Punishment]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/capitolpunishment/2011/miz-vs-riley |title=Alex Riley vs. The Miz |date=June 6, 2011 |last=Adkins |first=Greg |accessdate=June 6, 2011 |publisher=[[WWE]] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610121811/http://www.wwe.com:80/shows/capitolpunishment/2011/miz-vs-riley |archivedate=June 10, 2011 |df=mdy }}</ref> At the pay-per-view, Riley defeated The Miz.<ref name="cappun">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_50889.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Capitol Punishment PPV Results 6/19: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Cena vs. Truth, Orton vs. Christian, Miz vs. Riley|date=June 19, 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|accessdate=December 8, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Riley teamed with John Cena and [[Randy Orton]] to take on The Miz, R-Truth and [[Christian (wrestler)|Christian]] in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Elimination tag team matches|six-man tag team elimination]] match. Riley was the first person eliminated, but his team went on to win the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/20/18311126.html|title=Raw: 'Power to the People' both good and bad|date=June 20, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=December 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> At [[Money in the Bank (2011)|Money in the Bank]], Riley competed in a [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] which was won by last year's winner and his former pro The Miz
On the August 1 episode of ''Raw'', Riley began a feud with the [[WWE United States Champion|United States Champion]] [[Dolph Ziggler]], beginning with a verbal confrontation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/01/18497636.html|title=RAW: Triple H settles WWE Title controversy|date=August 8, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=December 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]|archive-date=July 15, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715225635/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/01/18497636.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Riley and Ziggler faced off the following week, with Riley winning by disqualification after [[Vickie Guerrero]], Ziggler's manager, slapped him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/08/18527486.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719164814/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/08/18527486.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 19, 2012|title=Raw: Final build to Champ vs. Champ|date=August 8, 2011|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=December 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> On the August 15 episode of ''Raw'', Riley lost to [[Jake Hager|Jack Swagger]] due to interference by Guerrero, who also managed Swagger.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/15/18557801.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714100403/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/15/18557801.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Raw: Del Rio and Rey main event|date=August 15, 2011|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=December 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> Riley defeated Swagger in a rematch the following week after Swagger was distracted by Guerrero and Ziggler arguing at ringside.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/22/18587876.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715053030/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/22/18587876.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 15, 2012|title=Raw: MOTY in the City of Champs?|date=August 22, 2011|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=December 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> At [[Night of Champions (2011)|Night of Champions]], Riley competed in a fatal four-way match for the United States Championship which also involved Ziggler, Swagger and [[John Morrison (wrestler)|John Morrison]], in which Ziggler retained his title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/09/19/18706136.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714102404/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/09/19/18706136.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Triple H, Henry, Cena victorious at Night of Champions|date=September 19, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=December 10, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> In October, Riley suffered a legitimate hip injury that left him inactive for several weeks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_54582.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - Injury update on Raw wrestler|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=December 31, 2019}}</ref> For the remainder of 2011 after his return, Riley was largely relegated to appearing on ''[[WWE Superstars|Superstars]]'', defeating the likes of [[Drew McIntyre]] and [[JTG]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Alex Riley during 2011|url=http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/alex-riley-6292.html?year=2011|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=May 6, 2012}}</ref>
.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/07/18/18433981.html|title=Money in the Bank: The WWE gets Punk’d|date=July 18, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|accessdate=December 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Riley was one of the eight men placed in the [[WWE Championship]] tournament but lost to The Miz in the first round, ending their feud.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/07/18/18437641.html|title=Raw: Triple H returns; McMahon, not Cena, fired|date=July 18, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=December 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref>


In 2012, Riley had a 14-match losing streak, losing to the likes of [[Tyrus (wrestler)|Brodus Clay]], [[Matt Bloom|Lord Tensai]] and [[Heath Slater]]. Riley entered the [[Royal Rumble (2012)|2012 Royal Rumble]] as the second entrant, and was eliminated first by The Miz.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Royal Rumble report 1/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Rumble match, Punk-Ziggler, Cena-Kane, steel cage|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_57526.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 30, 2012}}</ref> Riley claimed a rare victory on the May 2 episode of ''NXT'' when he teamed with [[Tyson Kidd]] to beat JTG and [[Fandango (wrestler)|Johnny Curtis]].<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 5/2 – Week 61: Riley snaps long losing streak, Regal sets in motion new wave of talent, another mystery angle, Overall Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_61028.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 6, 2012}}</ref> After several months absence from television, he made his return on the July 3 episode of ''SmackDown'' in a [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]] [[Money in the Bank (2012)|Money in the Bank]] qualifying match against Dolph Ziggler, in a losing effort. Riley ended his singles losing streak on August 6 episode of ''Raw'' by defeating Ziggler with a [[Pin (professional wrestling)#Roll-up|roll-up]] after a distraction from [[Chris Jericho]] on commentary. On September 21, Riley announced that he was undergoing elbow and knee surgery. In January 2013, Riley teamed up with [[Ethan Carter III|Derrick Bateman]] to take part in the [[NXT Tag Team Championship#Inaugural tournament|NXT Tag Team Championship Tournament]], and the two were defeated by [[Chris Hero|Kassius Ohno]] and [[Adam Rose|Leo Kruger]] in the first round.<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=JAMES'S WWE NXT RESULTS 1/30: Tournament continues, Bo Dallas in main event, returns of Bateman, A-Ry & Mason Ryan|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_68301.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 1, 2013}}</ref> On the January 21, 2013 episode of ''Raw'' (the final episode before the [[Royal Rumble (2013)|Royal Rumble]]), Riley made his first televised appearance in 5 months as part of a show-closing brawl.<ref>{{cite web |last=Caldwell|first=James |title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 1/21: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Rock attacked on final Raw before Rumble, plus Beat the Clock, Cena closes Raw, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_68036.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 22, 2013}}</ref> Riley next appeared on the April 17 episode of ''[[WWE Main Event|Main Event]]'', competing in an 11-man battle royal to determine the number 1 contender for the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] and surviving until the final four when he was eliminated by [[Primo Colón|Primo]].
[[File:Alex Riley 2013.jpg|thumb|upright|Riley in 2013.]]
On the August 1 episode of ''Raw'', Riley began a feud with the [[WWE United States Champion|United States Champion]] [[Dolph Ziggler]], beginning with a verbal confrontation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/01/18497636.html|title=RAW: Triple H settles WWE Title controversy|date=August 8, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=December 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> Riley and Ziggler faced off the following week, with Riley winning by disqualification after [[Vickie Guerrero]], Ziggler's manager, slapped him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/08/18527486.html|title=Raw: Final build to Champ vs. Champ|date=August 8, 2011|last=Waldman|first=Jon|accessdate=December 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> On the August 15 episode of ''Raw'', Riley lost to [[Jack Swagger]] due to interference by Guerrero, who also managed Swagger.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/15/18557801.html|title=Raw: Del Rio and Rey main event|date=August 15, 2011|last=Waldman|first=Jon|accessdate=December 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> Riley defeated Swagger in a rematch the following week after Swagger was distracted by Guerrero and Ziggler arguing at ringside.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/22/18587876.html|title=Raw: MOTY in the City of Champs?|date=August 22, 2011|last=Waldman|first=Jon|accessdate=December 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> At [[Night of Champions (2011)|Night of Champions]], Riley competed in a fatal four-way match for the United States Championship which also involved Ziggler, Swagger and [[John Morrison (wrestler)|John Morrison]], in which Ziggler retained his title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/09/19/18706136.html|title=Triple H, Henry, Cena victorious at Night of Champions|date=September 19, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=December 10, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> In October, Riley suffered a legitimate hip injury that left him inactive for several weeks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Injury update on Raw wrestler|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_54582.shtml}}</ref> For the remainder of 2011 after his return, Riley was largely relegated to appearing on ''[[WWE Superstars|Superstars]]'', defeating the likes of [[Drew McIntyre]] and [[JTG]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Alex Riley during 2011|url=http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/alex-riley-6292.html?year=2011|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|accessdate=May 6, 2012}}</ref>

In 2012, Riley had a 14-match losing streak, losing to the likes of [[Brodus Clay]], [[Matt Bloom|Lord Tensai]] and [[Heath Slater]]. Riley entered the [[Royal Rumble (2012)|2012 Royal Rumble]] as the second entrant, and was eliminated first by The Miz.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Royal Rumble report 1/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Rumble match, Punk-Ziggler, Cena-Kane, steel cage|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_57526.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 30, 2012}}</ref> Riley claimed a rare victory on the May 2 episode of ''NXT'' when he teamed with [[Tyson Kidd]] to beat JTG and [[Johnny Curtis]].<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 5/2 – Week 61: Riley snaps long losing streak, Regal sets in motion new wave of talent, another mystery angle, Overall Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_61028.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=May 6, 2012}}</ref> After several months absence from television, he made his return on the July 3 episode of ''SmackDown'' in a [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]] [[Money in the Bank (2012)|Money in the Bank]] qualifying match against Dolph Ziggler, in a losing effort. Riley ended his singles losing streak on August 6 episode of ''Raw'' by defeating Ziggler with a [[Pin (professional wrestling)#Roll-up|roll-up]] after a distraction from [[Chris Jericho]] on commentary. On September 21, Riley announced that he was undergoing elbow and knee surgery. In January 2013, Riley teamed up with [[Derrick Bateman]] to take part in the [[NXT Tag Team Championship#Tournament|NXT Tag Team Championship Tournament]], and the two were defeated by [[Chris Hero|Kassius Ohno]] and [[Leo Kruger]] in the first round.<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=JAMES'S WWE NXT RESULTS 1/30: Tournament continues, Bo Dallas in main event, returns of Bateman, A-Ry & Mason Ryan|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_68301.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=June 1, 2013}}</ref> On the January 21, 2013 episode of ''Raw'' (the final episode before the [[Royal Rumble (2013)|Royal Rumble]]), Riley made his first televised appearance in 5 months as part of a show-closing brawl.<ref>{{cite web |last=Caldwell|first=James |title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 1/21: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Rock attacked on final Raw before Rumble, plus Beat the Clock, Cena closes Raw, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_68036.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 22, 2013}}</ref> Riley next appeared on the April 17 episode of ''[[WWE Main Event|Main Event]]'', competing in an 11-man battle royal to determine the number 1 contender for the [[Intercontinental Championship]] and surviving until the final four when he was eliminated by [[Primo (wrestler)|Primo]].


==== Color commentary (2013–2015)====
==== Color commentary (2013–2015)====
Following his lack of in-ring success, Riley transitioned to a [[color commentary]] role. At the June 24 ''Raw'' taping, Riley debuted as the new color commentator of ''[[WWE Superstars|Superstars]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=James |first=Justin |title=JAMES'S WWE SUPERSTARS RESULTS 6/27: Miz vs. Barrett, Cesaro vs. Ryder, Striker replaced on commentary|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_71583.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=June 28, 2013}}</ref> Riley became a regular commentator for ''[[WWE NXT|NXT]]'' starting at the July 11 tapings.<ref>{{cite web|last=Middleton|first=Marc|title=New WWE NXT Announce Team Revealed |url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2013/0712/564040/new-wwe-nxt-announce-team-revealed/|work=WrestlingInc|accessdate=July 12, 2013}}</ref> He also frequently served as color commentator on ''[[WWE Main Event|Main Event]]''.
Following his lack of in-ring success, Riley transitioned to a [[color commentary]] role. At the June 24 ''Raw'' taping, Riley debuted as the new color commentator of ''[[WWE Superstars|Superstars]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=James |first=Justin |title=JAMES'S WWE SUPERSTARS RESULTS 6/27: Miz vs. Barrett, Cesaro vs. Ryder, Striker replaced on commentary|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_71583.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 28, 2013}}</ref> Riley became a regular commentator for [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]] starting at the July 11 tapings.<ref>{{cite web|last=Middleton|first=Marc|title=New WWE NXT Announce Team Revealed |url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2013/0712/564040/new-wwe-nxt-announce-team-revealed/|work=WrestlingInc|access-date=July 12, 2013|date=July 12, 2013}}</ref> He also frequently served as color commentator on ''[[WWE Main Event|Main Event]]''.


Following the launch of the [[WWE Network]], Riley became known as "The Analyst" Alex Riley and adopted a persona similar to a sports commentator or agent. Riley was a regular member of the expert panel on both the ''Raw'' and ''SmackDown'' pre-shows on the WWE Network, and also made several appearances on pay-per-view in this role.
Following the launch of the [[WWE Network]], Riley became known as "The Analyst" Alex Riley and adopted a persona similar to a sports commentator or agent. Riley was a regular member of the expert panel on both the ''Raw'' and ''SmackDown'' pre-shows on the WWE Network, and also made several appearances on pay-per-view in this role.


In 2013 and 2014, Riley made occasional in-ring appearances at WWE [[House show|live events]], picking up untelevised wins over the likes of [[Tyson Kidd]], [[Brian Myers|Curt Hawkins]] and [[Heath Slater]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/cards/wwe/wwe-live-21216.html|title=WWE Live at Stabler Arena, Bethelem, Pennsylvania — June 1, 2013|work=profight.db|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=February 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/cards/wwe/wwe-live-21215.html|title=WWE Live at Crown Coliseum, Fayetteville, New York — June 2, 2013|work=profight.db|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=February 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/cards/wwe/wwe-live-21210.html|title=WWE Live at Mid-Hudson Civic Center, Poughkeepsie, North Carolina — June 9, 2013|work=profight.db|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=February 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/cards/wwe/wwe-live-20405.html|title=WWE Live at EagleBank Arena, Fairfax, Virginia — December 6, 2014|work=profight.db|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=February 2, 2019}}</ref>
In 2014, Riley made several in-ring appearances at WWE [[house show|live event]]s, picking up untelevised wins over the likes of [[Tyson Kidd]] and [[Heath Slater]].


==== Return to in-ring competition (2015–2016) ====
==== Return to in-ring competition and departure (2015–2016) ====
[[File:Alex Riley 2016.jpg|thumb|Riley in 2016]]
Throughout late 2014 and early 2015, Riley started a [[Twitter]] campaign with the [[hashtag]] #FreeRiley, apparently in an attempt to get management to notice him and book him as an in-ring competitor, given that his last televised match was in 2013.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Boone|first1=Matt|title=ALEX RILEY RETURNS TO IN-RING ACTION, CONTINUES HIS "#FREERILEY" CAMPAIGN|journal=SEScoops|date=January 5, 2015|url=http://www.sescoops.com/alex-riley-returns-ring-action-continues-freeriley-campaign/}}</ref> After a storyline which involved him being harassed on commentary by [[NXT Championship|NXT Champion]] [[Kevin Owens]], Riley returned to televised competition on the March 11 edition of ''[[WWE NXT|NXT]]'', defeating [[CJ Parker (wrestler)|CJ Parker]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pritchard|first1=Bill|title=More Notes From NXT Tapings Last Night, Alex Riley Comments On New Role With WWE (Spoilers)|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/552215-more-notes-from-nxt-tapings-last-night-alex-riley-comments-on-new-role-with-wwe-spoilers|website=WrestleZone}}</ref> After the match, Owens called Riley "the dumbest man in NXT" for returning to the ring and threatened to destroy his career.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Middleton|first1=Marc|title=** SPOILERS ** WWE NXT Tapings Airing In February & March|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0212/589416/live-spoilers-from-this-week-wwe-nxt-tv-tapings-airing-in/|website=Wrestling Inc.|publisher=Wrestling Inc.|accessdate=February 12, 2015}}</ref> On March 29 at [[WrestleMania 31]], Riley competed in the André The Giant Memorial Battle Royal but was eliminated by [[Damien Sandow|Damien Mizdow]]. Kevin Owens attacked Riley during an NXT taping in April 2015, and on May 2, 2015 it was announced that Riley would undergo surgery, to fix the degenerative arthrosis in his knee.
Throughout late 2014 and early 2015, Riley started a [[Twitter]] campaign with the [[hashtag]] #FreeRiley, apparently in an attempt to get management to notice him and book him as an in-ring competitor, given that his last televised match was in 2013.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Boone|first1=Matt|title=ALEX RILEY RETURNS TO IN-RING ACTION, CONTINUES HIS "#FREERILEY" CAMPAIGN|journal=SEScoops|date=January 5, 2015|url=http://www.sescoops.com/alex-riley-returns-ring-action-continues-freeriley-campaign/}}</ref> After a storyline which involved him being harassed on commentary by [[NXT Championship|NXT Champion]] [[Kevin Owens]], Riley returned to televised competition on the March 11 edition of ''[[WWE NXT|NXT]]'', defeating [[Juice Robinson|CJ Parker]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pritchard|first1=Bill|title=More Notes From NXT Tapings Last Night, Alex Riley Comments On New Role With WWE (Spoilers)|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/552215-more-notes-from-nxt-tapings-last-night-alex-riley-comments-on-new-role-with-wwe-spoilers|website=WrestleZone|date=February 13, 2015}}</ref> After the match, Owens called Riley "the dumbest man in NXT" for returning to the ring and threatened to destroy his career.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Middleton|first1=Marc|title=** SPOILERS ** WWE NXT Tapings Airing In February & March|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0212/589416/live-spoilers-from-this-week-wwe-nxt-tv-tapings-airing-in/|website=Wrestling Inc.|access-date=February 12, 2015|date=February 12, 2015}}</ref> On March 29 at [[WrestleMania 31]], Riley competed in the André The Giant Memorial Battle Royal but was eliminated by [[Aron Stevens|Damien Mizdow]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=CALDWELL'S WM31 PPV RESULTS 3/29: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of WWE World Title match, Taker's return, Sting vs. Triple H, Cena vs. Rusev, Rock/UFC surprise, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_84175.shtml#.VRiyVfmsXbM|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=March 30, 2015}}</ref> Kevin Owens attacked Riley during an NXT taping on April 22, in which Owens kayfabe injured his knee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2015-04-22/wwe-nxt-results-2015-04-22|title=WWE NXT results - April 22, 2015: Kevin Owens defeats Alex Riley, but has to deal with a furious Sami Zayn|work=WWE|first=Bobby|last=Melok|date=April 22, 2015|access-date=February 2, 2019}}</ref> On May 1, it was announced that Riley would undergo surgery, to fix the legitimate degenerative arthritis in his knee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/alex-riley-surgery-update|title=Alex Riley undergoing knee surgery|work=WWE|first=Bobby|last=Melok|date=May 1, 2015|access-date=February 2, 2019}}</ref>


Riley made his return from injury on the January 27, 2016 episode of ''NXT'' after eight months of inactivity, sporting longer hair and beard, in a winning effort against [[Bull Dempsey]], turning [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] for the first time since 2011.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Middleton|first1=Marc|title=Former TNA Knockout Works WWE NXT Tapings, Alex Riley Returns To The Ring, Indie Star In Action|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2016/0107/606469/former-tna-knockout-works-wwe-nxt-tapings/|accessdate=9 January 2016}}</ref>
Riley made his return from injury on the January 27, 2016 episode of ''NXT'' after eight months of inactivity, sporting longer hair and beard, in a winning effort against [[Bull Dempsey]], turning [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] for the first time since 2011.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Middleton|first1=Marc|title=Former TNA Knockout Works WWE NXT Tapings, Alex Riley Returns To The Ring, Indie Star In Action|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2016/0107/606469/former-tna-knockout-works-wwe-nxt-tapings/|access-date=January 9, 2016|date=January 8, 2016}}</ref>
Next 3 weeks, he was defeated by [[Tye Dillinger]]. On March 31 episode of NXT, he was defeated by [[Apollo Crews]]. On May 11 episode of NXT taping, Riley worked his last WWE match where he was defeated by [[Shinsuke Nakamura]].
In the next 3 weeks, he was defeated by [[Shawn Spears|Tye Dillinger]] in back-to-back matches. On March 31 episode of ''NXT'', he was defeated by [[Apollo Crews]]. On May 11 episode of NXT taping, Riley worked his last WWE match where he was defeated by [[Shinsuke Nakamura]].


Riley was released from his WWE contract along with several other wrestlers on May 6, 2016.<ref name="futureendeavors">{{cite web|title=Damien Sandow, King Barrett, Santino Marella, Hornswoggle, Alex Riley and other Superstars released|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/hornswoggle-alex-riley-released|publisher=WWE|date=May 6, 2016|accessdate=May 6, 2016}}</ref>
Riley was released from his WWE contract along with several other wrestlers on May 6, 2016.<ref name="futureendeavors">{{cite web|title=Damien Sandow, King Barrett, Santino Marella, Hornswoggle, Alex Riley and other Superstars released|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/hornswoggle-alex-riley-released|publisher=WWE|date=May 6, 2016|access-date=May 6, 2016}}</ref>

=== Independent circuit (2022–2023) ===
After a six-year hiatus, Kiley, under his Alex Riley ring name, returned to wrestling at a Create A Pro Wrestling event on December 8, 2022, teaming with [[Tyrus (wrestler)|Tyrus]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Carey |first1=Ian |title=Two title matches, Alex Riley debut announced for NWA Nuff Said |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/other-wrestling/two-title-matches-alex-riley-debut-announced-for-nwa-nuff-said |website=Wrestling Observer |date=February 5, 2023 |access-date=February 5, 2023}}</ref> As "The Rare Breed" Kevin Kiley, he appeared for the [[National Wrestling Alliance]] (NWA) at their [[Nuff Said (2023)|Nuff Said]] event on February 11, 2023, in a losing effort to [[Ethan Carter III|EC3]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Thompson|first=Andrew|url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2023/02/05/two-championship-matches-alex-riley-vs-ec3-added-to-nwa-nuff-said/|title=Two championship matches, Alex Riley vs. EC3 added to NWA Nuff Said|work=Post Wrestling|date=February 5, 2023|access-date=February 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114000440/https://www.postwrestling.com/2023/02/05/two-championship-matches-alex-riley-vs-ec3-added-to-nwa-nuff-said/|archive-date=November 14, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Other media==
Riley is a playable character in ''[[WWE '12]] as well as appearing in [[WWE SuperCard]]''<ref>{{Cite web|title=WWE SuperCard Cards Catalog - Season 5, Season 4, Season 3, Season 2 Database|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/supercard/cards-catalog/|access-date=November 14, 2020|website=The SmackDown Hotel|language=en-gb}}</ref>''.''


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
Riley's father, [[Kevin Kiley (sportscaster)|Kevin Kiley, Sr.]], is a sports reporter and commentator. His mother, Lauren (née Riley), is a former [[Miss Virginia]].<ref name="WWE"/> He has a younger brother named Kristopher.
Riley's father, [[Kevin Kiley (sportscaster)|Kevin Kiley Sr.]], is a sports reporter and commentator. His mother, Lauren (née Riley), is a former [[Miss Virginia]].<ref name="WWE"/>

Riley attended [[Robinson Secondary School]] in Fairfax, VA, where he played both [[American football|football]] and [[basketball]].<ref name="boston"/> He then went to [[Boston College]], where he majored in communications.<ref name="boston">{{cite web|url=http://bceagles.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/kiley_kevin00.html|title=Kevin Kiley|access-date=June 12, 2010|publisher=[[Boston College Eagles]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110621040234/http://bceagles.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/kiley_kevin00.html|archive-date=June 21, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> He played for the [[Boston College Eagles football]] team, initially as a [[quarterback]], before becoming a [[linebacker]] during the 2001 season. He also tried out for the [[Canadian Football League]]'s [[Montreal Alouettes]].{{cn|date=April 2024}}

Riley once had a job selling medical equipment.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/blogs/capital-games/Fairfax-Nati-146525345.html |title = WWE Superstar, Fairfax Native Alex Riley Returns to Roots| date=April 7, 2012 }}</ref> He is [[Catholic]] and has a tattoo of a Celtic cross on his back.<ref name="myspace.com">{{Cite web | url=http://www.myspace.com/wwealexriley |title = Kevin Kiley (Wwealexriley) on Myspace}}</ref> He was arrested for [[DUI]] in Florida in November 2010,<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.tmz.com/2010/11/17/wwe-dui-drunk-driving-kevin-kiley-alex-riley/ | title=WWE Star Busted for DUI}}</ref> yet the charges were dismissed in July 2011 after [[Hillsborough County, Florida|Hillsborough County]] Circuit Judge Dick Greco Jr. ruled that law enforcement did not have probable cause to stop Riley's vehicle and thus violated his [[Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution|fourth amendment]] rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://acquitter.com/news/florida/alex-riley-tampa-dui/ |title=WWE Star Alex Riley Cleared in Tampa DUI |work=Acquitter.com, the Law Offices of Bjorn E. Brunvand |author=K. McKinney |date=July 28, 2011 |access-date=January 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127100521/http://acquitter.com/news/florida/alex-riley-tampa-dui/ |archive-date=January 27, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Riley has stated that his career in WWE took a turn for the worse after standing up for himself backstage with John Cena, and saying Cena followed this by using the power he held backstage to negatively influence his career.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Parsons|first=Jim|date=November 30, 2017|title=5 Careers John Cena Ruined|url=https://www.thesportster.com/wrestling/careers-john-cena-ruined/|access-date=July 13, 2020|website=TheSportster|language=en-US}}</ref>


In March 2021, Riley revealed on his Instagram that he suffers from [[bipolar disorder]]. [https://www.instagram.com/p/CMSHKPsF5mn/?igshid=ddubudxrywqq]
Riley attended [[Robinson Secondary School]] in Fairfax, VA, where he played both [[American football|football]] and [[basketball]].<ref name="boston"/> He then went to [[Boston College]], where he majored in communications.<ref name="boston">{{cite web|url=http://bceagles.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/kiley_kevin00.html|title=Kevin Kiley|accessdate=June 12, 2010|publisher=[[Boston College Eagles]]}}</ref> He played for the [[Boston College Eagles football]] team, initially as a [[quarterback]], before becoming a [[linebacker]] during the 2001 season he has also played for the [[Canadian Football League]] [[Montreal Alouettes]].


===Filmography===
Riley once had a job selling medical equipment.<ref>http://www.nbcwashington.com/blogs/capital-games/Fairfax-Nati-146525345.html</ref> He is [[Catholic]] and has a tattoo of a Celtic cross on his back.<ref name="myspace.com">http://www.myspace.com/wwealexriley</ref> He was arrested for [[DUI]] in Florida in November 2010,<ref>http://www.tmz.com/2010/11/17/wwe-dui-drunk-driving-kevin-kiley-alex-riley/</ref> yet the charges were dismissed in July 2011 after [[Hillsborough County, Florida|Hillsborough County]] Circuit Judge Dick Greco Jr. ruled that law enforcement did not have probable cause to stop Riley's vehicle and thus violated his [[Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution|fourth amendment]] rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://acquitter.com/news/florida/alex-riley-tampa-dui/ |title=WWE Star Alex Riley Cleared in Tampa DUI |work=Acquital.com, the Law Offices of Bjorn E. Brunvand |author=K. McKinney |date=July 28, 2011 |accessdate=January 21, 2016}}</ref>
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of film performances
|-
!Year
!Title
!Role
!class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 2017
| ''Glass Jaw''
| Mike Mathews
|
|-
| 2019
| ''Bennett's War''
| Dixon
|
|}


{|class="wikitable sortable"
== In wrestling ==
|+ List of television performances
* '''Finishing moves'''
|-
** [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Blockbuster|Diving somersault neckbreaker]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0311/590264/wwe-nxt-results/|last=Bessler|first=Mike|title=Alex Riley in-ring return|date=March 11, 2015|accessdate=March 13, 2015|publisher=WrestleInc}}</ref> – 2015
!Year
** [[Professional wrestling attacks#Knee strike|High knee]]<ref name=PWTorchNXT>{{cite web|title=1/27 WWE NXT Report – big #1 contender match, A-Riley returns, more|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/27/9232/|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=29 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Howell|first1=Nolan|title=NXT: Joe and Zayn both tap Corbin in Triple Threat|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2016/01/27/22597904.html|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=29 January 2016}}</ref> – 2016
!Title
** ''Hit the Showers''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1277387631|last=Nemer|first=Roy|title=From the Desk of Mr. V #75|date=June 24, 2010|accessdate=July 6, 2010|publisher=WrestleView| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100630233319/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1277387631| archivedate= June 30, 2010 | deadurl= no}}</ref> ([[Florida Championship Wrestling|FCW]]) / ''Sudden Death''/ Final Score <ref>{{cite web|title=411's WWE Superstars Report 07.12.12|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/tv_reports/246441|publisher=411mania|accessdate=July 22, 2012|quote=Riley slips through and looks for TKO (formerly You're Dismissed, it was also called Hit the Showers, I preferred that name)}}</ref> ([[WWE]]) / ''You're Dismissed''<ref name="OWW"/><ref name="FCW">{{cite web|url=http://www.fcwwrestling.info/alexriley1.html|title=Alex Riley|accessdate=December 31, 2010|publisher=[[Florida Championship Wrestling]]}}</ref><ref name="NXTInterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxtinterview/alexriley|title=The NXT Interview: Alex Riley|first=Kara A.|last=Medalis|date=June 21, 2010|accessdate=June 21, 2010|publisher=[[WWE]]| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100625031934/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxtinterview/alexriley| archivedate= June 25, 2010 | deadurl= no}}</ref> (FCW / WWE) ([[Cutter (professional wrestling)#Fireman's carry cutter|Fireman's carry cutter]])<ref name=NXT061510/> – 2008–2012; used as a signature move thereafter
!Role
** ''Riley Elevation''<ref>{{cite web|title=Student Becomes Master|url=http://www.wwe.com/widget/superstar_avatar_903/nojs/milestone/14647114/26000453|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=July 22, 2012|quote=Riley capitalizes by connecting Riley Elevation to seal a momentous win against his former mentor in his solo pay-per-view debut.}}</ref> ([[DDT (professional wrestling)#Lifting DDT|Lifting DDT]])<ref>{{cite web|title=1/21 WWE results Fargo, N.D.: Punk vs. Miz steel cage, Bryan vs. Show, every WWE champion on the card, no Cena|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_57250.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=March 3, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=WWE News: Superstars SPOILERS 7/28 – Raw brand results from Monday's TV taping, Dark Match result|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_51667.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=March 3, 2012}}</ref> – 2011–2012; used as a signature move in 2013
! class="unsortable" | Notes
* '''Signature moves'''
|-
** ''A-Bomb'' ([[Facebuster#Diving facebuster|Diving facebuster]]<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=JAMES'S WWE SUPERSTARS REPORT 3/29: Kidd-Gabriel main event, Slater beats Riley, plenty of WM28 video packages|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_59697.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=March 31, 2012|quote=Riley with the A-Bomb faceplant in the corner for a nearfall.}}</ref><ref name=Torch1>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=JAMES'S WWE SUPERSTARS REPORT 2/23: Mahal vs. Gabriel main event, McGillicutty, Reks, Ryan, Riley|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_58499.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=March 3, 2012}}</ref> – 2012–2013 or an [[Professional wrestling attacks#Elbow drop|elbow drop]], with theatrics<ref name=Torch2>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_51744.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S WWE SUPERSTARS REPORT 7/28: Riley drops an A-Bomb on Swagger, Tag champs in action, Santino's own Mr. Socko, Slater's latest persona|date=July 28, 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|accessdate=December 21, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref name=WV1>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|title=Superstars Results – 10/6/11|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1318088136|publisher=Wrestleview|accessdate=March 3, 2012}}</ref> – 2011)
|2017 || ''[[GLOW (TV series)|GLOW]]'' || Steel Horse || 1 Episode
**[[Neckbreaker#Corkscrew neckbreaker|Corkscrew neckbreaker]]
|}
** [[Powerslam#Belly to back side slam|Belly to back side slam]]<ref name="OWW"/>
** [[Professional wrestling throws#Spinebuster|Spinebuster]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/75431/wwe-nxt-report-tag-team-champions-crowned-paige-and-summer-reach-defcon-3-corey-graves-vs-alex-riley-and-more.html?p=1|title=WWE NXT REPORT|publisher=PWInsider|quote=Riley with a spinebuster to a charging Graves but Riley can only get a two count.|accessdate=April 14, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/66973/wwe-superstars-report-drew-mcintyre-yoshi-tatsu-alex-riley-titus-oneil-tamina-and-natalya-are-tag-team-partners-and-rosa-mendes-is-with-the-tag-champions.html?p=1|title=WWE SUPERSTARS REPORT|publisher=PWInsider|quote=Primo with a kick but Riley with a spinebuster|accessdate=April 14, 2014}}</ref>
* '''[[Manager (professional wrestling)|Managers]]'''
** Beverly Mullins<ref name="Mullins"/>
** [[The Miz]]<ref name=NXT061510/>
* '''[[Nickname]]s'''
** "A-Ry"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1290486177|title=Raw Results – 11/22/10|date=November 22, 2010|last=Stephens|first=David|accessdate=April 22, 2011|publisher=WrestleView|quote=A-Ry}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/12/22/16640406.html|title=Smackdown: Ziggler takes Cena to the limit again, CM Punk makes impact|date=December 22, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=April 22, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref>
** "The Varsity Villain"<ref name="NXTInterview"/>
** "The Analyst"<ref name="WWE"/>
* '''[[Music in professional wrestling|Entrance themes]]'''
** "I Came to Play" by Downstait<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=17258172&blogId=523970629|author=Downstait|title=I'm The Miz and I'm awesome! (New Song)|date=December 29, 2009|accessdate=January 5, 2010|publisher=MySpace}}</ref> (WWE; June 8, 2010 – May 23, 2011; Used while teaming with [[The Miz]])
** "Say It to My Face" performed by Downstait and composed by [[Jim Johnston (composer)|Jim Johnston]] (WWE/NXT; May 30, 2011 – May 6, 2016)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wwe-say-it-to-my-face-alex/id461767543|title=WWE: Say It to My Face (Alex Riley) [feat. Downstait] – Single|accessdate=December 19, 2011|publisher=[[Apple Inc.]]}}</ref>


== Championships and accomplishments ==
== Championships and accomplishments ==
* '''[[Florida Championship Wrestling]]'''
* '''[[Florida Championship Wrestling]]'''
** [[FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship]] ([[FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="FCWchampionships">{{cite web|url=http://www.fcwwrestling.info/champions.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110102063022/http://www.fcwwrestling.info/champions.html|archivedate=January 2, 2011|title=Champions Roll Call|accessdate=March 5, 2015|publisher=[[Florida Championship Wrestling]]}}</ref>
** [[FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship]] ([[FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="FCWchampionships">{{cite web|url=http://www.fcwwrestling.info/champions.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110102063022/http://www.fcwwrestling.info/champions.html|archive-date=January 2, 2011|title=Champions Roll Call|access-date=March 5, 2015|publisher=[[Florida Championship Wrestling]]}}</ref>
* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
** PWI ranked him '''106''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2011<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com/2011/08/pwi-500-101-200.html|title="PWI 500": 101–200|date=August 8, 2011|accessdate=August 8, 2011|work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]}}</ref>
** Ranked No. 106 of the top 500 wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2011<ref>{{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/2011.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2011|access-date=August 5, 2017|publisher=Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Portal|Professional wrestling}}
{{commons category|Kevin Kiley, Jr.|Alex Riley}}
{{commons category|Kevin Kiley, Jr.|Alex Riley}}
* {{wwe superstar|alexriley|Alex Riley}}
* {{wwe superstar|alexriley|Alex Riley}}
* {{IMDb name|3928340|Kevin Kiley}}
* {{IMDb name|3928340|Kevin Kiley}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
* [http://bceagles.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/kiley_kevin00.html Boston College Eagles bio]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110621040234/http://bceagles.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/kiley_kevin00.html Boston College Eagles bio]


{{NXT Rookies}}
{{NXT Rookies}}
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[[Category:Catholics from Virginia]]
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[[Category:Robinson Secondary School alumni]]
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[[Category:Players of American football from Virginia]]
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[[Category:American football linebackers]]

Latest revision as of 10:44, 30 December 2024

For the comedian, see Alex Riley (comedian). For the member of the Missouri House of Representatives, see Alex Riley (politician).

Alex Riley
Riley in 2012
Birth nameKevin Robert Kiley Jr.[1][2][3]
Born (1981-04-28) April 28, 1981 (age 43)[1][3]
Fairfax Station, Virginia, U.S.[2]
Alma materBoston College
FamilyKevin Kiley (father)
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Alex Riley
Carson Oakley
Kevin Kiley Jr.[1][4]
Billed height6 ft 3 in (191 cm)[5]
Billed weight236 lb (107 kg)[5]
Billed fromWashington, D.C.[5]
Trained byFlorida Championship Wrestling
DebutOctober 30, 2007
Retired2023

Kevin Robert Kiley Jr. (born April 28, 1981) is an American former professional wrestler and commentator. He is best known for his tenure in WWE, under the ring name Alex Riley, where he was a participant in the second season of NXT.

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

World Wrestling Entertainment

[edit]

Florida Championship Wrestling (2007–2010)

[edit]
Riley following a match in January 2010

In 2007, Kiley signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and was assigned to their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). On October 30, 2007, he debuted in a losing effort to Shawn Osbourne under his real name Kevin Kiley, and later faced off with wrestlers like Sebastian Slater and Jack Gabriel.

In September 2008, he changed his ring name to Carson Oakley.[6] As Oakley, he began teaming with Scotty Goldman, and the pairing unsuccessfully challenged TJ Wilson and DH Smith for the Florida Tag Team Championship in November.[7] In early December, he underwent another name change, calling himself Alex Riley and developing the gimmick of a university jock, complete with a letterman's jacket as a part of his attire.[8][9] He gained Beverly Mullins as a manager, and to fit with his jock gimmick, Mullins adopted the gimmick of a prom queen.

In 2009, he joined FCW General Manager Abraham Washington's cabinet, being called Washington's "top draft pick", and as a result, was named the number one contender to Tyler Reks' FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship in July.[10][11] In August, he lost in a triple threat match including Reks and Johnny Curtis. In mid-2009, he competed in several dark matches prior to Raw and SmackDown, wrestling against Jamie Noble, Montel Vontavious Porter and Jimmy Wang Yang, and also appeared at house shows.[1][9] On the August 30 episode of FCW, Riley dropped Mullins as his manager, calling her "dead weight".[10]

On March 18, 2010, Riley defeated Justin Gabriel and Wade Barrett in a triple threat match to win the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship. After his title win he called out Barrett and paid him for his services as a hired help.[12][13] At the July 22 FCW tapings, Riley lost the title to Mason Ryan in a triple threat match, also involving Johnny Curtis.[12] At the television tapings on September 22, Riley faced Ryan in a rematch, but lost by submission.[14]

NXT and alliance with the Miz (2010–2011)

[edit]

On June 1, 2010, The Miz announced that he would mentor Riley for the second season of NXT.[15][16] He made his NXT debut on the June 8 episode, but did not compete in a match.[17] He made his in-ring debut on the following edition of NXT, defeating Kaval.[18] Kaval returned the favor two weeks later, by pinning Riley in a six-man tag team match. Later that night, Riley was ranked fourth in the first poll.[19] In the second poll on the July 27 episode of NXT, Riley moved up to third place, behind Michael McGillicutty and Kaval.[20] On August 9 the rookies appeared in a six-man tag team match on Raw, in which Riley teamed with Husky Harris and Michael McGillicutty to defeat Lucky Cannon, Kaval and Percy Watson.[21] The following night however, Riley's team lost a rematch, and he slipped to fifth place in the poll, narrowly avoiding elimination.[22] Riley was eliminated from NXT in the season finale on August 31, ending up in third place overall. After Kaval was announced as the winner, Riley and the other eliminated rookies attacked him.[23]

Riley at the WWE Tribute to the Troops event in 2010

He appeared on the September 6 episode of Raw, when he tried to help his mentor The Miz, who had been placed in the LeBell Lock submission hold by Daniel Bryan, but ended up being placed in the hold himself.[24] He appeared again the following week, replacing The Miz in a submission match against Bryan, but lost.[25] On the September 20 episode of Raw The Miz announced that he had signed Riley to a "personal services contract", allowing Riley to accompany The Miz to ringside and continue to appear on Raw.[26] As The Miz's protégé, Riley interfered in his matches, including at the Bragging Rights pay-per-view, where Riley unsuccessfully attempted to help The Miz's team win.[27] The Miz also used Riley as a replacement for himself in matches, which led to Riley facing and losing to John Cena on November 15 and Ezekiel Jackson in a King of the Ring qualifying match on November 22 as a result.[28][29] The following week, Riley interfered in the Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match for the WWE Championship between Jerry Lawler and The Miz, who had won the championship the week prior. Riley stopped Lawler from winning twice, before Lawler put him through a table.[30] He helped The Miz to retain the championship again at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs in a Tables match, during which he was put through a table by Randy Orton.[31]

Riley (left) with The Miz at WrestleMania XXVII

On the February 28 episode of Raw, John Cena challenged Riley to a match which, if Cena won, Riley would no longer be The Miz's apprentice. The Miz accepted the match on Riley's behalf, and later that night, Cena and Riley faced off in a steel cage match. Riley lost the match despite interference from The Miz.[32] The angle was used to write Riley off television as he was scheduled to be sent back to Florida Championship Wrestling to be repackaged.[33] Despite this, Riley appeared on the March 14 episode of Raw, interfering in The Miz's match against The Great Khali.[34] The following week, Riley announced that The Miz had re-hired him, this time as The Miz's VP of Corporate Communications.[35] He accompanied The Miz to his match at WrestleMania XXVII against Cena where he interfered several times, throwing Cena into an exposed turnbuckle, attacking him with his briefcase, and distracting the referee.[36]

Singles competition (2011–2013)

[edit]

As part of the 2011 Supplemental Draft on April 26, Riley was moved to the SmackDown brand, separating him from The Miz.[37] Riley debuted on the April 29 episode of SmackDown by interrupting Randy Orton, but had an RKO performed on him before he could speak.[38] Despite being drafted, Riley continued to appear on Raw alongside The Miz. On the May 2 episode of Raw, The Miz chastised Riley not being at ringside at Extreme Rules the previous night when The Miz had lost the WWE Championship to Cena.[39] Riley appeared alongside The Miz at the Over the Limit pay-per-view and attempted to help The Miz win his "I Quit" match against Cena, but The Miz was unsuccessful and failed to regain the WWE Championship.[40] The following night on the May 23 episode of Raw, The Miz's request for another WWE Championship match was immediately denied and The Miz blamed him. Riley proceeded to attack The Miz, and turning face in the process.[41][42] The following week, Michael Cole announced that Riley had been rehired by the Anonymous Raw General Manager and he returned to Raw, as in storyline he had not been eligible to be drafted as he was under contract to The Miz, not WWE. Following an argument Riley attacked Cole, before chasing away The Miz who had tried to attack him from behind.[43]

Riley in 2012

On the June 6 episode of Raw, Riley teamed with John Cena to face R-Truth and The Miz, with Steve Austin as the special guest referee but were defeated as Cena couldn't trust him.[44] On the same show, it was confirmed that Riley would face The Miz at Capitol Punishment.[45] At Capitol Punishment, Riley defeated The Miz.[46] The following night on Raw, Riley teamed with John Cena and Randy Orton to take on The Miz, R-Truth and Christian in a six-man tag team elimination match. Riley was the first person eliminated, but his team went on to win the match.[47] At Money in the Bank, Riley competed in a Money in the Bank ladder match which was won by Alberto Del Rio.[48] The following night on Raw, Riley was one of the eight men placed in the WWE Championship tournament but lost to The Miz in the first round, ending their feud.[49]

Riley in 2013

On the August 1 episode of Raw, Riley began a feud with the United States Champion Dolph Ziggler, beginning with a verbal confrontation.[50] Riley and Ziggler faced off the following week, with Riley winning by disqualification after Vickie Guerrero, Ziggler's manager, slapped him.[51] On the August 15 episode of Raw, Riley lost to Jack Swagger due to interference by Guerrero, who also managed Swagger.[52] Riley defeated Swagger in a rematch the following week after Swagger was distracted by Guerrero and Ziggler arguing at ringside.[53] At Night of Champions, Riley competed in a fatal four-way match for the United States Championship which also involved Ziggler, Swagger and John Morrison, in which Ziggler retained his title.[54] In October, Riley suffered a legitimate hip injury that left him inactive for several weeks.[55] For the remainder of 2011 after his return, Riley was largely relegated to appearing on Superstars, defeating the likes of Drew McIntyre and JTG.[56]

In 2012, Riley had a 14-match losing streak, losing to the likes of Brodus Clay, Lord Tensai and Heath Slater. Riley entered the 2012 Royal Rumble as the second entrant, and was eliminated first by The Miz.[57] Riley claimed a rare victory on the May 2 episode of NXT when he teamed with Tyson Kidd to beat JTG and Johnny Curtis.[58] After several months absence from television, he made his return on the July 3 episode of SmackDown in a World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank qualifying match against Dolph Ziggler, in a losing effort. Riley ended his singles losing streak on August 6 episode of Raw by defeating Ziggler with a roll-up after a distraction from Chris Jericho on commentary. On September 21, Riley announced that he was undergoing elbow and knee surgery. In January 2013, Riley teamed up with Derrick Bateman to take part in the NXT Tag Team Championship Tournament, and the two were defeated by Kassius Ohno and Leo Kruger in the first round.[59] On the January 21, 2013 episode of Raw (the final episode before the Royal Rumble), Riley made his first televised appearance in 5 months as part of a show-closing brawl.[60] Riley next appeared on the April 17 episode of Main Event, competing in an 11-man battle royal to determine the number 1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship and surviving until the final four when he was eliminated by Primo.

Color commentary (2013–2015)

[edit]

Following his lack of in-ring success, Riley transitioned to a color commentary role. At the June 24 Raw taping, Riley debuted as the new color commentator of Superstars.[61] Riley became a regular commentator for NXT starting at the July 11 tapings.[62] He also frequently served as color commentator on Main Event.

Following the launch of the WWE Network, Riley became known as "The Analyst" Alex Riley and adopted a persona similar to a sports commentator or agent. Riley was a regular member of the expert panel on both the Raw and SmackDown pre-shows on the WWE Network, and also made several appearances on pay-per-view in this role.

In 2013 and 2014, Riley made occasional in-ring appearances at WWE live events, picking up untelevised wins over the likes of Tyson Kidd, Curt Hawkins and Heath Slater.[63][64][65][66]

Return to in-ring competition and departure (2015–2016)

[edit]
Riley in 2016

Throughout late 2014 and early 2015, Riley started a Twitter campaign with the hashtag #FreeRiley, apparently in an attempt to get management to notice him and book him as an in-ring competitor, given that his last televised match was in 2013.[67] After a storyline which involved him being harassed on commentary by NXT Champion Kevin Owens, Riley returned to televised competition on the March 11 edition of NXT, defeating CJ Parker.[68] After the match, Owens called Riley "the dumbest man in NXT" for returning to the ring and threatened to destroy his career.[69] On March 29 at WrestleMania 31, Riley competed in the André The Giant Memorial Battle Royal but was eliminated by Damien Mizdow.[70] Kevin Owens attacked Riley during an NXT taping on April 22, in which Owens kayfabe injured his knee.[71] On May 1, it was announced that Riley would undergo surgery, to fix the legitimate degenerative arthritis in his knee.[72]

Riley made his return from injury on the January 27, 2016 episode of NXT after eight months of inactivity, sporting longer hair and beard, in a winning effort against Bull Dempsey, turning heel for the first time since 2011.[73] In the next 3 weeks, he was defeated by Tye Dillinger in back-to-back matches. On March 31 episode of NXT, he was defeated by Apollo Crews. On May 11 episode of NXT taping, Riley worked his last WWE match where he was defeated by Shinsuke Nakamura.

Riley was released from his WWE contract along with several other wrestlers on May 6, 2016.[74]

Independent circuit (2022–2023)

[edit]

After a six-year hiatus, Kiley, under his Alex Riley ring name, returned to wrestling at a Create A Pro Wrestling event on December 8, 2022, teaming with Tyrus.[75] As "The Rare Breed" Kevin Kiley, he appeared for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) at their Nuff Said event on February 11, 2023, in a losing effort to EC3.[76]

Other media

[edit]

Riley is a playable character in WWE '12 as well as appearing in WWE SuperCard[77].

Personal life

[edit]

Riley's father, Kevin Kiley Sr., is a sports reporter and commentator. His mother, Lauren (née Riley), is a former Miss Virginia.[5]

Riley attended Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, VA, where he played both football and basketball.[2] He then went to Boston College, where he majored in communications.[2] He played for the Boston College Eagles football team, initially as a quarterback, before becoming a linebacker during the 2001 season. He also tried out for the Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes.[citation needed]

Riley once had a job selling medical equipment.[78] He is Catholic and has a tattoo of a Celtic cross on his back.[79] He was arrested for DUI in Florida in November 2010,[80] yet the charges were dismissed in July 2011 after Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Dick Greco Jr. ruled that law enforcement did not have probable cause to stop Riley's vehicle and thus violated his fourth amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.[81]

Riley has stated that his career in WWE took a turn for the worse after standing up for himself backstage with John Cena, and saying Cena followed this by using the power he held backstage to negatively influence his career.[82]

In March 2021, Riley revealed on his Instagram that he suffers from bipolar disorder. [1]

Filmography

[edit]
List of film performances
Year Title Role Notes
2017 Glass Jaw Mike Mathews
2019 Bennett's War Dixon
List of television performances
Year Title Role Notes
2017 GLOW Steel Horse 1 Episode

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

References

[edit]
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