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'{{Infobox professional wrestler |name = Jay Lethal |birthname = Jamar Shipman |names = Hydro<ref name="OWOW"/><br>Jamar Cunningham<ref name="OWOW"/><br>'''Jay Lethal'''<ref name="OWOW"/><br>J.R. Lethal<ref name=AWW/><br>RPM<ref name=AWWPilot/> |image = Jay Lethal 2016.jpg |caption = Lethal in November 2016 |height = {{height|ft=5|in=10}}<ref name="TNAProfile"/><ref name=SWE/> |weight = {{convert|215|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name=ROH>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/wrestlers/roster/jay-lethal|title=Jay Lethal|accessdate=2013-05-30|work=[[Ring of Honor]]}}</ref> |birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1985|4|29}} |birth_place = [[Elizabeth, New Jersey]],<br>[[United States]]<ref name="SLAM">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/lethal_jay.html|title=Jay Lethal|publisher=|accessdate=7 January 2017}}</ref> |death_date = |death_place = |resides = [[Elizabeth, New Jersey]],<br>[[United States]]<ref name=CharlotteObserver/> |billed = Tampa, Florida<ref name="TNAProfile"/><ref name=SWE/><ref name=ROH/> |trainer = [[Dan Maff]]<ref name="OWOW"/><br>[[Jersey All Pro Wrestling]]<ref name="OWOW"/><br>[[Mikey Whipwreck]]<ref name="OWOW"/> |debut = December 7, 2001 <ref name=JAPW2001>{{Cite web|url=http://japw.net/index.php/2001-results |accessdate=2009-09-02 |title=2001 Event Results |work=[[Jersey All Pro Wrestling]] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513020239/http://www.japw.net/index.php/2001-results |archivedate=2012-05-13 |df= }}</ref> |retired = }} '''Jamar Shipman'''<ref name="SLAM"/> (born April 29, 1985), better known by the [[ring name]] '''Jay Lethal''', is an American [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] currently signed to [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH). Being a former [[List of ROH World Champions|one-time]] [[ROH World Championship|ROH World Champion]] he is the first and only Black/African American to win the title, he was also a [[List of ROH World Television Champions|record-setting two-time and longest reigning]] [[ROH World Television Champion]], holding the title for 567 days and the only man to hold the World Television title concurrently with the World title. Lethal is also known for working for [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA), where he was a [[List of TNA X Division Champions|six-time]] [[TNA X Division Championship|X Division Champion]] and a [[List of TNA World Tag Team Champions|one-time]] [[TNA World Tag Team Championship|World Tag Team Champion]] with [[Consequences Creed]]. Between ROH and TNA, Lethal has won 11 total [[Professional wrestling championship|championships]]. == Early life == Jamar Shipman was born to Ronald and Shirley Shipman on April 29, 1985, in [[Elizabeth, New Jersey]] and is the middle child of three brothers and two sisters.<ref name=CharlotteObserver>{{Cite web|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/08/01/1591895/no-struggle-for-this-wrestler.html|title=No struggle for this wrestler to maintain family ties|last=Habina|first=Joe|date=2010-08-01|work=[[The Charlotte Observer]]|accessdate=2010-08-03}}</ref> On July 7, 2001, at age sixteen, Shipman entered a contest held by [[Jersey All Pro Wrestling]] (JAPW) which entitled the winner to a lifetime of free training in the JAPW professional wrestling school.<ref name=CharlotteObserver/> Shipman won, and spent half a year training, at the end of which the JAPW school closed down.<ref name=CharlotteObserver/> Shipman then began training under [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] (ECW) alum [[Mikey Whipwreck]] and [[Dan Lopez|Dan Maff]].<ref name="OWOW">{{Cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/j/jay-lethal.html|accessdate=2009-05-13|title=Jay Lethal's Online World of Wrestling Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> == Professional wrestling career == === Jersey All Pro-Wrestling === ==== Debut and various title reigns (2001&ndash;2004) ==== Shipman made his wrestling debut under the ring name Jay Lethal on October 26, 2001, at JAPW's "Class Of 2001 Student Show", in a match where he defeated Dixie.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/jay-lethal-921.html?year=2001|title=Jay Lethal}}</ref> He won his first Championship, the [[JAPW Television Championship]], on September 13, 2002, in Bayonne, New Jersey, at ''Never Forget'', defeating the champion, Ghost Shadow, and Rain in a three-way match.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://japw.net/index.php/2002-results |accessdate=2009-09-02 |title=2002 Event Results |work=[[Jersey All Pro Wrestling]] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513015533/http://www.japw.net/index.php/2002-results |archivedate=2012-05-13 |df= }}</ref> His reign lasted an unprecedented and unreplicated eleven months, with Lethal finally losing to Crazy Ivan on August 22, 2003, in [[Rahway, New Jersey]] at ''Counter-Strike''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://japw.net/index.php/2003-results |accessdate=2009-09-02 |title=2003 Event Results |work=[[Jersey All Pro Wrestling]] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513020244/http://www.japw.net/index.php/2003-results |archivedate=2012-05-13 |df= }}</ref> Lethal also held the [[JAPW Light Heavyweight Championship]], defeating the champion, [[Federico Palacios|Azrieal]], Insane Dragon and [[Jack Evans (wrestler)|Jack Evans]] on February 28, 2004, at ''Revolution'', in a four way match.<ref name="JAPW2004">{{Cite web|url=http://japw.net/index.php/2004-results |accessdate=2009-09-02 |title=2004 Event Results |work=[[Jersey All Pro Wrestling]] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513020249/http://www.japw.net/index.php/2004-results |archivedate=2012-05-13 |df= }}</ref> Azrieal tried to regain the title for eight months, but repeatedly lost to Lethal.<ref name="JAPW2004"/> On December 10, 2004, at ''Seasons Beatings'', Azrieal gained one more shot at the JAPW Light Heavyweight Championship by challenging Lethal to a "[[Professional wrestling match types#Loser Leaves Town match|belt versus loser leaves town]]" match, which would see Azrieal leave JAPW if he lost. Azrieal was able to win the match, thus ending their lengthy [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]].<ref name="JAPW2004"/> ==== JAPW Heavyweight Champion (2005&ndash;2009) ==== [[File:Jay Lethal - 2005.jpg|thumb|upright|Jay Lethal in 2005]] With two lengthy title reigns in the space of two years, Lethal had established himself as a dominant member of the JAPW roster by 2005, and he began challenging for the [[JAPW Heavyweight Championship]], which had been held by Dan Maff since December 2003. On January 29, 2005, at ''Wild Card'', Lethal pinned Maff in a title match, but the decision was overturned by crooked referee Sean Hanson.<ref name="JAPW2005">{{Cite web|url=http://japw.net/index.php/2005-results |accessdate=2009-09-02 |title=2005 Event Results |work=[[Jersey All Pro Wrestling]] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513020254/http://www.japw.net/index.php/2005-results |archivedate=2012-05-13 |df= }}</ref> In March 2005, Maff left JAPW and retired from wrestling following an argument with [[Homicide (wrestler)|Homicide]], thus vacating the JAPW Heavyweight Championship. Lethal was awarded the Heavyweight Championship on March 26 at ''Caged Fury 2'' held in the [[The Arena (Philadelphia)|ECW Arena]] in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but he refused to accept it, claiming that he wanted to "earn" the title. JAPW mainstay Homicide then challenged Lethal to an impromptu match for the vacant title, which Homicide won.<ref name="JAPW2005"/> Lethal finally won the JAPW Heavyweight Championship on May 21 in Braintree, Massachusetts, at ''Braintree Invasion'' defeating Homicide, [[Kevin Owens|Kevin Steen]] and [[Samoa Joe]] in a four way match by pinning Homicide following a [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving headbutt|diving headbutt]].<ref name="JAPW2005"/> Lethal defeated [[Steve Corino]] on June 4 at ''HomeComing'' with his father in his corner, but, after the match, Corino and [[Ricky Landell]] handcuffed Lethal to the top rope and attacked his father with Corino placing him in a [[Professional wrestling holds#Crossface|crossface]].<ref name="JAPW2005"/> This led to a six-man tag match on July 16, at ''Gored'' pitting Lethal and his father against Corino, Landell and Landell's manager, Rick Silver. Lethal and his father were outnumbered, but managed to pull off a win at the last minute after Lethal's mother introduced their partner, the returning [[Charlie Haas]].<ref name="JAPW2005"/> After Haas attacked Lethal during the post-match celebrations, a title match was booked between Haas and Lethal for ''Haas of Pain'' held on September 10, which was won by Lethal.<ref name="JAPW2005"/> On October 22 at ''8th Year Anniversary Show'' Lethal ended his feud with Corino by defeating him for the title in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Names and variations|Dog Collar match]] with help from [[Tommy Dreamer]].<ref name="JAPW2005"/> Lethal's next feud would be with The D-Factor's [[Terry Gerin|Rhino]], who, on November 12, 2005, at ''Fall Out'', assaulted him following his successful title defense against [[B-Boy]].<ref name="JAPW2005"/> On January 7, 2006, at ''Wild Card II'', Lethal lost the JAPW Heavyweight Championship to Rhino,<ref name="JAPW2006">{{Cite web|url=http://japw.net/index.php/2006-results |accessdate=2009-09-02 |title=2006 Event Results |work=[[Jersey All Pro Wrestling]] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513020259/http://www.japw.net/index.php/2006-results |archivedate=2012-05-13 |df= }}</ref> who won the bout after giving Lethal a [[Piledriver (professional wrestling)#Jumping piledriver|Rhino Driver]] through a table from the top rope. Lethal tried twice to regain his title, first on February 18, 2006, in a three-way match which also included [[Teddy Hart]],<ref name="JAPW2006"/> and then on May 20, 2006, but was unsuccessful both times at regaining the title. After unsuccessfully going after the JAPW Light Heavyweight Championship held by [[Frankie Kazarian]],<ref name="JAPW2006"/> Lethal and former rival Azrieal managed to win the [[JAPW Tag Team Championship]] by defeating the champions The Outcast Killaz (Oman Tortuga and Diablo Santiago) and [[The S.A.T.]] (Jose and Joel Maximo) in a three-way dance on October 28, 2006, at ''9th Year Anniversary Show'', held in Rahway, New Jersey.<ref name="JAPW2006"/> On June 9, 2007, at ''Back to Business'', [[The Latin American Xchange]] of Homicide and [[Shawn Hernandez|Hernandez]] defeated Lethal and Azrieal for the titles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://japw.net/index.php/2007-results|accessdate=2009-09-02|title=2007 Event Results|work=[[Jersey All Pro Wrestling]]}}</ref> At the beginning of 2009 Lethal proclaimed that it was his destiny to win back the JAPW Heavyweight title, held by [[Kenny Omega]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.japw.net/news/news.php?a=159 |date=2009-01-28 |accessdate=2009-09-02 |title=Jay Lethal's Quest for the JAPW Heavyweight Championship |work=[[Jersey All Pro Wrestling]] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211174621/http://www.japw.net/news/news.php?a=159 |archivedate=2009-02-11 |df= }}</ref> On February 28, 2009, in Jersey City, at ''Jersey City Rumble'' Lethal won a 21-person [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|Jersey City Rumble]] to earn the right to challenge for Omega's title that same night.<ref name="JAPW2009">{{Cite web|url=http://japw.net/index.php/2009-results |accessdate=2009-09-02 |title=2009 Event Results |work=[[Jersey All Pro Wrestling]] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513020309/http://www.japw.net/index.php/2009-results |archivedate=2012-05-13 |df= }}</ref> In the end, Lethal pinned Omega with the [[Suplex#Full nelson suplex|flipping release dragon suplex]] after Omega's associate Dan Maff turned on him, to win the JAPW Heavyweight Championship for the second time.<ref name="JAPW2009"/> During the match Maff had also attacked Lethal and that lead to a Championship match between the two on March 28, at ''Unfinished Business'', in which Lethal managed to retain his title.<ref name="JAPW2009"/> Lethal defeated Maff again on April 18 at ''International Invasion'', but only after [[Trent Acid]] interfered in the match.<ref name="JAPW2009"/> Their feud ended on June 27 in Jersey City, at ''Caged Destiny'', when Maff defeated Lethal for the title inside a [[Professional wrestling match types#Cages|steel cage]].<ref name="JAPW2009"/> Lethal has not made any appearances for JAPW since. === Ring of Honor === ==== Hydro (2003–2004) ==== Shipman made his [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) debut as Hydro, a member of [[Special K (professional wrestling)|Special K]] on ''Revenge on the Prophecy'' held in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, on January 11, 2003.<ref name="ROHResults">{{Cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|accessdate=2011-09-26|title=Past Results|work=[[Ring of Honor]]}}</ref> On May 22, 2004, at ''Generation Next'' he faced [[Alex Shelley]] in a singles match.<ref name="ROHResults"/> Though he lost, Shelley recognized his pure wrestling talent and offered him membership in [[Generation Next]], Shelley's stable of future stars. Hydro declined, opting to remain part of Special K.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/109904|accessdate=2009-09-02|title=Dark Pegasus Video Review: Ring of Honor — Generation Next|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> Hydro won a four corner survival match at ''World Title Classic'' on June 12, which entitled him to enter the Pure Wrestling tournament later that year.<ref name="ROHResults"/> At ''Survival of the Fittest'' on June 24, he and Dixie took part in a four way tag match for the [[ROH World Tag Team Championship|Tag Team Championship]] in a losing effort, as [[CM Punk]] single-handedly defended the title to allow his tag team partner and co-champion [[Colt Cabana]] to prepare for his match later that evening.<ref name="SotF">{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/33313/ROH-|accessdate=2009-09-02|title=ROH – Survival Of The Fittest, June 24, 2004, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> Hydro then challenged Punk to an impromptu match, which Punk also won.<ref name="SotF"/> Hydro shook hands before the match, thus following the "[[Ring of Honor#Code of Honor|Code of Honor]]" (which Special K normally ignored).<ref name="SotF"/> ==== Samoa Joe's protégé (2004–2005) ==== Hydro took part in the Pure Wrestling tournament on July 17, 2004, at ''Reborn: Completion''.<ref name="ROHResults"/> At the outset of the event, [[ROH World Championship|World Champion]] Samoa Joe advised Hydro to change his name and become more serious.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/33308/ROH-|accessdate=2009-09-02|title=ROH – Reborn: Completion, July 17, 2004, Elizabeth, New Jersey|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> Acting on Joe's advice, Hydro left Special K and went back to calling himself Jay Lethal. He was eliminated from the tournament after [[Doug Williams (wrestler)|Doug Williams]] pinned him in a four way match using the [[Doug Williams (wrestler)#In wrestling|Chaos Theory]].<ref name="ROHResults"/> At ''Testing the Limit'' on August 7, Lethal took part in a four way match, pitting him against Alex Shelley, [[Ace Steel]] and [[2 Cold Scorpio]]. Despite the moral support of his parents, who were in the audience, Lethal suffered a second loss to Shelley.<ref name="ROHResults"/> Having rejected Shelley's offer of a place in Generation Next before the match for a second time, Lethal asked Shelley for a singles match.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/33314/ROH-|accessdate=2009-09-02|title=ROH – Testing The Limit, August 7, 2004, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> Lethal and Shelley faced one another for a third time on August 28 at ''Scramble Cage Melee'', with Shelley cheating to gain a third victory.<ref name="ROHResults"/> Having lost every match for months, Lethal was obliged to face [[Matt Stryker]] at ''Glory by Honor III'' on September 11 with his ROH career on the line. Lethal won, breaking his losing streak.<ref name="ROHResults"/> [[Low Ki]], who had been feuding with Samoa Joe for several months, challenged Lethal, as Joe's protégé, at ''The Midnight Express Reunion'' on October 2.<ref name="Midnight">{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/33315|accessdate=2009-09-02|title=ROH – The Midnight Express Reunion, October 2, 2004, Philadelphia, PA|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> In the course of the match, Low Ki's [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]] [[Julius Smokes]] harassed Lethal's parents (once again watching the match from the audience) and Low Ki [[Spitting|spat]] at Lethal's mother.<ref name="Midnight"/> Low Ki easily defeated Lethal, then mocked him after the match.<ref name="Midnight"/> Lethal lost to [[Chad Collyer]] at ''Gold'' on October 15,<ref name="ROHResults"/> but recovered with a win over [[Delirious (wrestler)|Delirious]] the next day at ''Joe vs. Punk II''.<ref name="ROHResults"/> He teamed with his mentor, Samoa Joe, and lost to [[RJ Brewer|John Walters]] and [[Nigel McGuinness]] at ''Weekend Of Thunder: Night One'' on November 5,<ref name="ROHResults"/> before suffering another loss to [[The Embassy (professional wrestling)|The Embassy]] member [[Jimmy Rave]] the subsequent evening.<ref name="ROHResults"/> After his match with Rave, Lethal attacked [[Prince Nana]], the leader of The Embassy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/33317/ROH-|accessdate=2009-09-02|title=ROH – Weekend Of Thunder Night 2: November 6, 2004, Elizabeth, New Jersey|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> This led to Nana recruiting several [[Wrestling mask|masked]] [[Mercenary|mercenaries]] (dubbed the "[[Weapon of mass destruction|Weapons of Masked Destruction]]") in an attempt to end Lethal's career. Lethal defeated both WMDs at ''All-Star Extravaganza 2'' on December 4<ref name="ROHResults"/> and ''Final Battle 2004'' on December 26<ref name="ROHResults"/> respectively, in both cases ending the match with his signature flipping release dragon suplex. Lethal's feud with The Embassy continued into 2005, and on February 19 at the ''Third Anniversary Celebration: Part One'' he pinned Embassy member Jimmy Rave to become number one contender to the [[ROH Pure Championship|Pure Championship]].<ref name="TAC1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/33300/ROH-Third-Anniversary-Celebration-Pt.-1:-February-19,-2005.htm|accessdate=2009-09-02|title=ROH Third Anniversary Celebration Pt. 1: February 19, 2005|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> Pure Champion and Embassy member [[RJ Brewer|John Walters]], who had control over when to wrestle his title matches, chose to have the title defense immediately after Lethal's match, defeating the exhausted Lethal to retain his title following a trifecta of [[Backbreaker#Double knee backbreaker|Lung Blowers]].<ref name="TAC1"/> Lethal was scheduled to face Walters for the title in a re-match at ''Trios Tournament 2005'' on March 5 in [[Philadelphia]], but was attacked by an unknown assailant backstage, resulting in Lethal's eye swelling shut.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/48711/Dark-Pegasus-Video-Review:-Ring-of-Honor-%97-Trios-Tournament.htm|accessdate=2009-09-02|title=Dark Pegasus Video Review: Ring of Honor — Trios Tournament|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> Despite the injury, Lethal went on to defeat Walters later that night to win the Pure Championship,<ref name="ROHResults"/> his first title in ROH.<ref name="ROHpure">{{Cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohpuretitle.php |title=Ring Of Honor Pure Championship |accessdate=2010-04-05 |publisher=[[Ring of Honor]] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100404064124/http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohpuretitle.php |archivedate=2010-04-04 |df= }}</ref> On March 12 at ''Back to Basics'', Lethal and Samoa Joe teamed once again to face CM Punk and [[Brian Kendrick|Spanky]], with Lethal pinning Spanky with a bridging dragon suplex.<ref name="ROHResults"/> At the ''Best of the American Super Juniors Tournament'' on April 2, Lethal and Joe faced [[Jimmy Jacobs]] and [[B.J. Whitmer]] for the vacant Tag Team Championship, but were defeated.<ref name="ROHResults"/> Lethal retained his Pure Championship in a match with Spanky at ''Stalemate'' on April 16,<ref name="ROHResults"/> but on May 7 at ''Manhattan Mayhem'' he lost the title to his mentor Samoa Joe.<ref name="ROHResults"/><ref name="ROHpure"/> After the match, both men were ambushed after the match by [[The Rottweilers]], who revealed Low Ki was the one who attacked Lethal at ''Trios Tournament 2005''.<ref name="MM">{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/33288/ROH---Manhattan-Mayhem-May-7,-2005:-Manhattan,-New-York.htm|accessdate=2009-09-02|title=ROH - Manhattan Mayhem May 7, 2005: Manhattan, New York|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> This led to a tag match that same night pitting Lethal and Joe against Low Ki and fellow Rottweiler Homicide. The match ended when Homicide gave Lethal [[Piledriver (professional wrestling)#Vertebreaker|Da Cop Killa]] while Low Ki simultaneously delivered a ''[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving double foot stomp|Ghetto Stomp]]'', driving Lethal's neck into the ground.<ref name="MM"/> Lethal was [[Stretcher|stretched]] from the arena, wearing a [[Brace (orthopaedic)|neck brace]], ostensibly seriously injured. After being out "injured" for a month, Lethal returned on June 12 at ''The Future is Now'' to save [[Jamie Noble|James Gibson]] from a beating at the hands of The Rottweilers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/33330|accessdate=2009-09-02|title=ROH: The Future Is Now 6.12.05 - New York, New York|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> He returned to the ring on June 18 at ''Death Before Dishonor III'', where he faced Low Ki in a grudge match which was declared a no contest after both men were disqualified.<ref name="ROHResults"/> At ''Sign of Dishonor'' on July 8, Lethal teamed with fellow former Special K member Dixie to defeat The Heartbreak Express.<ref name="ROHResults"/> Later that evening, [[Mick Foley]] forced World Champion CM Punk, who had signed with [[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) and was trying to leave ROH with the World Championship, to defend his title against Lethal.<ref name="SoD">{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/33321/ROH:-Sign-Of-Dishonor---July-8,-2005-Long-Island,-New-York.htm|accessdate=2009-09-02|title=ROH: Sign Of Dishonor - July 8, 2005 Long Island, New York|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> Punk retained his title with a [[Professional wrestling throws#Muscle buster|muscle buster]]/[[Professional wrestling holds#Rear naked choke|rear naked choke]] combination, often used by Samoa Joe, who had come ringside to cheer Lethal on.<ref name="SoD"/> Seeking revenge for the neck injury he had in May, Lethal challenged Homicide at ''Escape from New York'' on July 9, but lost due to Homicide using a chain.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/33327/ROH:-Escape-From-New-York,-July-9,-2005-New-York,-New-York.htm|accessdate=2009-09-02|title=ROH: Escape From New York, July 9, 2005 New York, New York|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> On July 23 at ''The Homecoming'' he joined forces with Samoa Joe and James Gibson to face The Rottweilers (Homicide, Low Ki and [[Ricky Reyes]]) but again suffered a defeat, with Homicide using the chain this time on Gibson.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/33299/ROH-The-Homecoming:-July-23,-2005,-Philadelphia,-Pennsylvania.htm|accessdate=2009-09-02|title=ROH The Homecoming: July 23, 2005, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> Lethal challenged Low Ki once more on August 12 at ''Redemption'' as part of his ongoing rivalry with The Rottweilers. The match ended in a draw after the enemies fought outside the ring and were counted out. After the match, Homicide came to the ring to attack Lethal, but was stopped by his opponent for the night, [[Matt Hardy]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/33296|accessdate=2009-09-02|title=ROH Redemption: August 12, 2005, Dayton, Ohio|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> On August 13 at ''Punk: The Final Chapter'', Lethal and Joe defeated Low Ki and Homicide by disqualification after Homicide hit an [[Professional wrestling attacks#Elbow drop|elbow drop]] to the referee.<ref name="Punk:TFC">{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/36576|accessdate=2009-09-02|title=ROH - Punk: The Final Chapter DVD Review|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> Afterwards the four men brawled all over the arena, with Low Ki ''Ghetto Stomping'' Lethal off the bleachers and ending with him giving Lethal the [[Piledriver (professional wrestling)#Fisherman driver|Ki Krusher]] in the middle of the ring.<ref name="Punk:TFC"/> At ''Glory by Honor IV'' on September 17, Lethal lost to Low Ki in a "[[Fight Without Honor]]".<ref name="GBHIV">{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/37011/ROH-Glory-by-Honor-IV-DVD-Review.htm|accessdate=2009-09-02|title=ROH Glory by Honor IV DVD Review|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> He went on to defeat Low Ki later that night, however, in a standard singles match to end their feud.<ref name="GBHIV"/> He defeated [[Sal Rinauro]] to advance to the finals of the [[ROH Survival of the Fittest#Survival of the Fittest 2005|2005 Survival of the Fittest tournament]] on September 24, but was eliminated by [[Roderick Strong]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/37175/ROH---Survival-of-the-Fittest-//05-DVD-Review.htm|accessdate=2009-09-02|title=ROH - Survival of the Fittest '05 DVD Review|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> ==== Last feuds and departure (2005–2006) ==== After unsuccessfully challenging Nigel McGuinness for the Pure Championship on October 1,<ref name="ROHResults"/> Lethal went undefeated until November 19, 2005, when he and Samoa Joe lost to Austin Aries and Roderick Strong in a number one contender's match for the Tag Team Championship.<ref name="ROHResults"/> On December 3, 2005, at ''Steel Cage Warfare'', Lethal wrestled Joe in an exhibition match. During the bout, Lethal turned [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] by attacking Joe's knee with a chair and then pinned him with the flipping release dragon suplex.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/39617|accessdate=2009-09-02|title=ROH - Steel Cage Warfare DVD Review|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> On January 27, 2006, Lethal teamed with [[Daniel Bryan|Bryan Danielson]], losing to Austin Aries and Roderick Strong in a match for the Tag Team Championship.<ref name="ROHResults"/> At the ''Fourth Anniversary Show'' on February 25, 2006, in [[Edison, New Jersey]], Lethal lost cleanly to Samoa Joe to end their short-lived feud.<ref name="ROHResults"/> He departed from the promotion following this, but subsequently returned three times for one-night appearances (working all matches as a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]], losing to Pure Champion [[Nigel McGuinness]] on May 13,<ref name="ROHResults"/> teaming with Colt Cabana on July 15 in a losing effort against Jimmy Rave and Sal Rinauro,<ref name="ROHResults"/> and losing a four way survival match against [[Antonio Cesaro|Claudio Castagnoli]], [[Christopher Daniels]], and the match winner, Nigel McGuinness on August 5, 2006.<ref name="ROHResults"/> === Total Nonstop Action Wrestling === ==== Pursuit of the X Division Championship (2005–2006) ==== [[File:JaylethalLockdown07.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Lethal working for TNA]] While wrestling for JAPW, Lethal caught the eye of [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA) [[Video production|producer]] and [[announcer]] [[Jeremy Borash]], who offered him a spot in the TNA roster.<ref name=CharlotteObserver/> Lethal debuted in TNA on the December 17, 2005 episode of ''[[Impact!]]'', losing to [[TNA X Division Championship|X Division Champion]] and fellow ROH alum Samoa Joe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/12/18/1359047.html|title=Impact: Brown shows his true colours|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2005-12-18|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-28}}</ref> In January 2006, he was signed to a contract by TNA. He made his [[pay-per-view]] debut at [[TNA Against All Odds#2006|Against All Odds]] in 2006 on February 12, defeating [[Matt Bentley]], [[Alex Shelley]] and [[Petey Williams]] in a four way match by pinning Williams.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/02/13/1439509.html|title=Against All Odds Christian Cage crowned champion |last=Clevett|first=Jason|date=2006-02-13|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-28}}</ref> On the February 18, 2006 episode of ''Impact!'', Lethal defeated [[Roderick Strong]] and [[Shannon Moore]] to earn a spot in [[Team USA (wrestling)|Team USA]], the defending champions in the 2006 [[TNA 2006 World X Cup Tournament|World X Cup]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/02/19/1451781.html|title=Impact: The new champ rolls in|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2006-02-19|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-28}}</ref> Other members of the team were [[Chris Sabin]], [[Sonjay Dutt]] and Alex Shelley.<ref name="OWOW"/> Team USA wrestled their first match at [[Lockdown (2006)|Lockdown]] on April 23, 2006, where Lethal, Dutt and Shelley lost to [[Team Japan]] ([[Rocky Romero|Black Tiger]], [[Minoru Tanaka (wrestler)|Minoru Tanaka]] and [[Hirooki Goto]]) after Black Tiger pinned Lethal with a [[Suplex#Tiger suplex|Black Tiger suplex]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/04/24/1547992.html|title=Lockdown not a letdown|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2006-04-12|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-28}}</ref> On the April 27, 2006 episode of ''Impact!'', Lethal unsuccessfully challenged Samoa Joe for the X Division Championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/04/28/1555131.html|title=Impact: Kicking off the World X Cup |last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2006-04-28|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-28}}</ref> On May 14 at [[TNA Sacrifice#2006|Sacrifice]] Lethal participated in the World X Cup Gauntlet match, but ended up being the second to last man eliminated from the match by [[Team Mexico]]'s [[T.J. Perkins|Puma]].<ref name="OWOW"/> The tournament ended on the following episode of ''Impact!'' with Chris Sabin defeating [[Team Canada (TNA)|Team Canada]]'s Petey Williams to win the World X Cup for Team USA.<ref name=Impact051806>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/tnaimpact/tnaimpact2006/1148063897.shtml|title=iMPACT! Results - 5/18/06 (X Cup, Rhino vs. Abyss - KOTM Qualifying)|last=Droste|first=Ryan|date=2006-05-19|publisher=WrestleView|accessdate=2010-06-21}}</ref> In the June 1, 2006 episode of ''Impact!'', Lethal scored a win over Alex Shelley, but was after the match attacked by his associate [[Kevin Nash]], who had declared a war on the X Division in the aftermath of Team USA's World X Cup victory.<ref name=Impact051806/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/06/02/1611481.html|title=Impact: Relishing Raven vs Jarrett|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2006-06-02|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-28}}</ref> During the July 13, 2006 episode, Lethal won the right to challenge for the title of his choosing by scoring the deciding fall in an eight-man "All or Nothing" tag team match, where he teamed with Rhino and [[Dudley Boyz|Team 3D]] ([[Mark LoMonaco|Brother Ray]] and [[Devon Hughes|Brother Devon]]) against Team Canada (Petey Williams, [[Robert Roode|Bobby Roode]], [[Eric Young (wrestler)|Eric Young]] and [[Alastair Ralphs|A1]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/07/16/1687447.html|title=Impact: No more Team Canada|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2006-07-16|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-28}}</ref> The next week, Lethal challenged [[Jeff Jarrett]] for the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]], but was defeated following interference from [[Scott Steiner]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/07/21/1695997.html|title=Impact: Jarrett's Lethal challenge|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2006-07-21|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-28}}</ref> Two weeks later, Lethal took part in a five way X Division match to determine the number one contender for the title. Although Petey Williams won the match,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/08/05/1720561.html|title=Impact: Cornette making presence felt|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2006-08-05|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-28}}</ref> one week later Lethal was added to the match, making it a three way match for the X Division title at [[Hard Justice#2006|Hard Justice]] involving Lethal, Williams and defending champion [[Low Ki|Senshi]]. Lethal was pinned by Senshi after Williams hit him with his [[Piledriver (professional wrestling)#Flip piledriver|Canadian Destroyer]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/08/16/1758529.html|title=Cage turns on Sting at fiery Hard Justice|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2006-08-16|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-28}}</ref> In a strong [[product placement]], Lethal alongside Sonjay Dutt, got fellow X Division superstar Chris Sabin ready for his match at [[TNA No Surrender#2006|No Surrender]] by watching clips of ''[[Jackass Number Two]]'', which was being heavily promoted by TNA at the time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/09/08/1814479.html|title=Impact: Getting to the truth of things|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2006-09-08|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-28}}</ref> One night on ''Impact!'', during Chris Sabin's match with Alex Shelley, Shelley's partner [[Johnny Devine]] was pushed in a shopping cart and rammed into the steel post, allowing Sabin to pin Shelley.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/09/15/1843776.html|title=Impact: Everyone jobs for Jarrett|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2006-09-16|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-28}}</ref> The following week, Lethal was able to defeat Petey Williams after Sabin and Dutt distracted the referee, allowing Lethal to roll a bowling ball into Petey's groin.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/09/22/1878660.html|title=Impact: Jarrett scores a smash hit|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2006-09-22|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-28}}</ref> Following in this storyline, Lethal went on to defeat Williams again on September 24, 2006, at the No Surrender pay-per-view, following Williams allegedly being given [[laxative]]s by stable mate Dutt, rendering him incapable of doing most of his moves, and giving Lethal the victory when Williams could no longer "hold it".<ref name=NS06>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/09/25/1894242.html|title=Ultimate X steals No Surrender|last=Clevett|first=Jason|date=2006-09-25|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-28}}</ref> He and Dutt were also involved in Sabin's match later in the night with similar antics involving a blow-up doll, but to no avail as Sabin would lose the match despite the interference.<ref name=NS06/> These, too, were designed as advertising for ''Jackass Number Two'', as were other moments for ''[[Mortal Kombat: Armageddon]]''. ==== Black Machismo (2006–2008) ==== [[File:Jay Lethal2009.jpg|thumb|right|Lethal in his "Black Machismo" gimmick]] In December 2006, Kevin Nash recruited Lethal, Senshi, [[Austin Aries|Austin Starr]], Sonjay Dutt and Alex Shelley to compete in a tournament known as the Paparazzi Championship Series.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1165479911.shtml|title=Official iMPACT! Preview - 12/7/06 (All-Star War and Turning Point PPV)|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=2006-12-07|publisher=WrestleView|accessdate=2010-06-21}}</ref> The series included a push-up contest, musical chairs, Limbo contest, Texas Hold'em and a few others, although Lethal did not win the tournament. After the tournament, which concluded in January 2007, Lethal and Dutt continued appearing in Paparazzi segments with Nash and PCS winner Alex Shelley, with Nash promising to give Lethal and Dutt Extreme Makeovers to help advance their careers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/02/09/3568417.html|title=Impact: Steiner revealed as Cage's consultant|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2007-02-09|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2010-06-21}}</ref> The February 15 episode of ''Impact!'' included a segment named "Paparazzi Idol", a takeoff on [[American Idol]]. After Lethal's attempt to sing was disliked by the judges, judge Kevin Nash suggested that Lethal do an impression, to which Lethal responded with a spot-on impression of wrestling legend [[Randy Savage|"Macho Man" Randy Savage]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/02/21/3651465.html|title=Impact: Samoa Joe takes the gauntlet|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2007-02-16|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2010-06-21}}</ref> On the April 5, 2007, episode of ''Impact!'' presented Lethal and Dutt with their new [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Gimmick|gimmick]]s, which in Lethal's case, had him in impersonating "Macho Man" Randy Savage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/04/06/3934912.html|title=Impact: Angle's team grows by one|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2007-04-06|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2010-06-21}}</ref> The following week Nash introduced Lethal, who was led to the ring by a remixed version of "[[Pomp and Circumstance Marches|Pomp and Circumstance]]" and dressed in full "Macho Man" attire, as "Black Machismo" Jay Lethal. He imitated Savage's trademark catchprase "Oh Yeah!", and was able to defeat X Division Champion Chris Sabin using many of Savage's signature in-ring maneuvers and mannerisms, most notably his finisher, the [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving elbow drop|diving elbow drop]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/04/13/4003140.html|title=Impact: The return of Double J|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2007-04-13|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> [[File:Jay Lethal on ramp at Lethal Consequences.jpg|left|thumb|Lethal as Black Machismo at [[Slammiversary (2009)|Slammiversary 2009]]]] At the [[Lockdown (2007)|Lockdown]] pay-per-view on April 15, 2007, Lethal nearly won the X Division title from Sabin in a five-person Xscape match (five start the match in the cage; the first three eliminations are done by pinfall or submission; the final two must then try to escape the cage, with the first one to exit being declared the winner). Lethal and Sabin were both climbing over the same side of the cage, fighting as they went, and Sabin kicked Lethal's leg so that his leg went through the bars of the cage, trapping him there while Sabin jumped down and won the match.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/16/4034252.html|title=Lockdown pulled down by gimmick matches|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2007-04-12|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> On the April 26 episode of ''Impact!'' Lethal and [[tag team]] partner, Sonjay Dutt, who had rejected Nash's idea for his new gimmick, won a shot at the X Division Championship held by Chris Sabin at [[TNA Sacrifice#2007|Sacrifice]]. Dutt, however, was unhappy at Lethal getting the pinfall.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/04/26/4133463.html|title=Impact: Nothing can stop Angle|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2007-04-26|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> After their loss to Sabin at Sacrifice, both Dutt and Lethal started brawling until Kevin Nash came out and separated the two until Dutt kicked Nash and stormed out of the ring visibly upset.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/05/14/4178802.html|title=World title picture muddied after good Sacrifice|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2007-05-14|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> On May 8, TNA Mobile announced that Randy Savage himself called Jay Lethal and said that he loved the "Black Machismo" character as the two spoke on the phone for several minutes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1178652373.shtml|title=Randy Savage tells Jay Lethal he loves Black Machismo character - more|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=2008-05-08|publisher=WrestleView|accessdate=2010-06-21}}</ref> However, Lethal subsequently expressed doubt over whether he had really spoken with Savage as the Macho Man's trademark voice is easily imitated. At [[Slammiversary (2007)|Slammiversary]], Lethal defeated Chris Sabin in a singles match for the X Division Championship, his first title in TNA.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/06/17/4269895.html|title=TNA scores with Slammiversary|last=Clevett|first=Jason|date=2007-06-17|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2010-06-21}}</ref> Only days later, however, on the following ''Impact!'', he lost the title to Samoa Joe after Chris Sabin was pinned, in a Match of Champions three-way qualifying match.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/06/22/4281801.html|title=Impact: X marks Samoa Joe's spot|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2007-06-22|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> At [[TNA Victory Road#2007|Victory Road]] Lethal competed in an [[Ultimate X match|Ultimate X]] gauntlet match in a losing effort after Christopher Daniels retrieved the X.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/07/16/4343726.html|title=Victory Road full of surprises|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2007-07-16|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> At [[Hard Justice#2007|Hard Justice]] Lethal and Sonjay Dutt, who had made peace with Lethal after coming up with the gimmick of a guru, defeated [[Triple X (professional wrestling)|Triple X's]] Christopher Daniels and Senshi and [[The Motor City Machineguns]] (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) in a three-way tag match when Lethal pinned Daniels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/08/13/4414471.html|title=Bad booking mars Hard Justice|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2007-08-13|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> This led to [[Jim Cornette]] booking a match on the August 16 episode of ''Impact!'' pitting Daniels versus Lethal with the winner becoming the number one contender to the X Division title, which Lethal would go on to win.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/08/17/4425689.html|title=Impact: Abyss rises to Angle's challenge|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2007-08-17|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> As a result of that Lethal would go on to face [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)|Triple Crown]] champion [[Kurt Angle]] for the X Division title at [[TNA No Surrender#2007|No Surrender]], where Lethal would beat Angle [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Clean finish|cleanly]] with a roll-up to win the X Division Championship for the second time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/09/10/4483959.html|title=No Surrender delivers on Angles and a new TV deal|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2007-09-10|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2010-06-21}}</ref> At [[TNA Genesis#2007|Genesis]] Lethal successfully defended his X Division Championship against his best friend, Sonjay Dutt, who during the match once again began showing signs of annoyance towards Lethal and his mannerisms.<ref name=Genesis2007>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/11/12/4667999.html|title=Booker T the surprise, but Angle still champ after Genesis|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2007-11-12|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> However, after the match Dutt made peace with Lethal, who then invited [[SoCal Val]], TNA's ring girl, to the ring to celebrate the victory. The celebration was cut short by Team 3D (Brother Ray and Brother Devon), who were at the time feuding with the [[Face (professional wrestling)|fan favorite]]-[[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Turn|turned]] Motor City Machineguns, who beat down both Lethal and Dutt and left the arena with Lethal's Championship belt.<ref name=Genesis2007/> 3D later declared a war on the entire X Division, claiming that its wrestlers were just "little boys" and that they needed to be toughened up. During the feud Johnny Devine turned on the X Division and joined Team 3D, often carrying Lethal's stolen belt around, before officially winning it in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Hardcore-based variations|Street Fight]] on the January 24, 2008, episode of ''Impact!'', following interference from Team 3D.<ref name=Impact012408>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/01/25/4793333.html|title=Impact: Three-way tag title defense|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2008-01-25|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2010-06-21}}</ref> The feud ended on February 10 at [[TNA Against All Odds#2007|Against All Odds]], where Lethal, Shelley and Sabin defeated Team 3D and Devine in a six-man street fight, ending with Lethal pinning Devine to also win back the X Division Championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/02/11/4856943.html|title=Against All Odds: Angle still TNA champ|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2008-02-11|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2010-06-21}}</ref> On April 17, 2008, Lethal lost his X Division title after Petey Williams attacked him from behind after a match and cashed in his [[Professional wrestling match types#Feast or Fired|"Feast or Fired"]] briefcase for his X Division title shot.<ref name=FeastorFired2008>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/04/18/5318166.html|title=Impact: New champs and nonsense|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2007-04-18|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> [[File:Jay Lethal.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Lethal in 2008]] On the next episode of ''Impact!'', Lethal proposed to his [[Kayfabe|on-screen]] girlfriend SoCal Val, which she accepted. At [[Slammiversary (2008)|Slammiversary]] Sonjay Dutt, after months of teasing, finally turned heel by interrupting the wedding ceremony and proclaiming his love for Val, before attacking Lethal and his wedding guests.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/06/08/5814086.html|title=Slammiversary: No gimmicks needed for thumbs up PPV|last=Waldman|first=Jon|date=2008-06-08|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> On the next two ''Impact!'' Lethal attacked Dutt out of rage when Dutt claimed that Val loved him.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/06/13/5863296.html|title=Impact: Angle feels the wrath of Kong|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2008-06-13|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/06/20/5931081.html|title=Impact: A phenomenal reunion|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2008-06-20|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> On the next ''Impact!'' So Cal Val said that she wanted to put off the wedding.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/06/26/5999146.html|title=Impact: A return?|last=Waldman|first=Jon|date=2008-06-26|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> Dutt and Lethal met at [[Victory Road (2008)|Victory Road]] in a one on one contest, which Dutt won after Val pleaded with Lethal to stop hurting Dutt, which allowed Dutt to take advantage and roll up Lethal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/07/13/6147126.html|title=Main event mars Victory Road|last=Kapur|first=Bob|date=2008-07-13|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> Lethal proposed to Val again, but found that her ring was missing, as Dutt had stolen it. Lethal and Dutt would meet again in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Tuxedo match|Black Tie]] [[Professional wrestling match types#Strap match|Brawl and Chain match]] at [[Hard Justice (2008)|Hard Justice]], which Lethal won, even though Val distracted him by leaving during the match, because he wouldn't stop hurting Dutt.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/08/11/6412566.html|title=Hard Justice delivers action and teases|last=Pollock|first=John|date=2008-08-11|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> During a segment of ''Karen's Angle'', Dutt confronted Val and attempted to seduce her, until Lethal attacked him and during the fight accidentally elbowed Val in the face.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/08/22/6532921.html|title=Impact: Styles reaches gold again|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2008-08-22|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> The following week Val announced that she would put the wedding ring up for grabs in a "[[Ladder match|Ladder of Love match]]" on September 14 at [[No Surrender (2008)|No Surrender]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/08/29/6603286.html|title=Impact: Sting speaks|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2008-08-29|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> At No Surrender Val turned on Lethal by giving him a [[Groin attack|low blow]], which allowed Dutt to climb the ladder and get the wedding ring.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/09/14/6765681.html|title=No Surrender a bore|last=Clevett|first=Jason|date=2008-09-15|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> ==== Lethal Consequences (2008–2009) ==== {{Main article|Lethal Consequences}} At [[Bound for Glory IV]] Lethal won the [[Professional wrestling match types#Thundercage|Steel Asylum match]] to become the number 1 contender to the X Division title.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/10/13/7066311.html|title=Sting takes title at Bound for Glory|last=Sokol|first=Chris|author2=Sokol, Bryan|date=2008-10-13|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> On the October 23 live episode of ''Impact!'' [[Shawn Daivari|Sheik Abdul Bashir]] defeated Lethal to retain the championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/10/24/7185111.html|title=Impact: Main Event Mafia takes over Sin City|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2008-10-24|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> The following week, Lethal along with [[A.J. Styles]], Samoa Joe, [[Xavier Woods|Consequences Creed]], Petey Williams, Eric Young, [[ODB (wrestler)|O.D.B.]] and The Motor City Machineguns formed a faction of younger wrestlers known as the [[The TNA Front Line|TNA Frontline]] to oppose [[The Main Event Mafia]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/10/31/7259146.html|title=Impact: Steiner joins the mafia|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2008-10-30|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> [[File:TNA Bound to Glory IV (10 of 136).jpg|thumb|left|Lethal after winning the Steel Asylum at [[Bound for Glory IV]]]] On December 6, Lethal won one of the "Feast or Fired" briefcases, which was later revealed to contain a shot at the [[TNA World Tag Team Championship]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/12/07/7664991.html|title=Final Resolution: The Mafia makes strides|last=Sokol|first=Chris|author2=Sokol, Bryan|date=2008-12-07|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> On the January 8, 2009 episode of ''Impact!'', Lethal cashed in his briefcase, formed a team with Consequences Creed and defeated then-champions [[Beer Money, Inc.]] (Robert Roode and [[James Storm]]) after Roode's singles match with [[Matt Morgan (wrestler)|Matt Morgan]] to become the new TNA World Tag Team Champions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/01/09/7969081.html|title=Impact: Mafia shatters an ankle before Genesis|last=Sokol|first=Chris|date=2009-01-09|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> However, they quickly lost the titles back to Beer Money, Inc. at the [[Genesis (2009)|Genesis]] pay-per-view on January 11.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/01/12/7993101.html|title=Genesis a stalemate between Mafia and Frontline|last=Sokol|first=Chris|author2=Sokol, Bryan|date=2009-01-12|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> On January 15, Lethal and Creed defeated [[Abyss (wrestler)|Abyss]] and Matt Morgan to earn another shot at the Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/01/16/8044586.html|title=Impact: Petey's return costs Steiner|last=Sokol|first=Chris|author2=Sokol, Bryan|date=2009-01-16|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> Upon becoming the number one contenders, Lethal and Creed formed a long-term tag team known as [[Lethal Consequences]] (a combination of their ring names) and then started a feud with The Motor City Machineguns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) after dissention between the Guns and the Frontline.<ref name=OWOW/> They were scheduled a match with the Guns on February 5, but Beer Money interfered in Creed's entrance, injuring his left shoulder. Frontline member Eric Young substituted for Creed, winning the match with a [[Professional wrestling throws#Death Valley driver|Death Valley driver]] to both Shelley and Sabin.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/02/06/8285546.html|title=Impact: A final build to Against All Odds|last=Sokol|first=Chris|author2=Sokol, Bryan|date=2009-02-26|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> Beer Money then went on to retain the title at [[Against All Odds (2009)|Against All Odds]] due to Creed's shoulder injury.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/02/09/8320451.html|title=Sting retains at Against All Odds|last=Sokol|first=Chris|author2=Sokol, Bryan|date=2009-02-09|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> After their title match, Lethal Consequences continued their feud with the Motor City Machineguns, with both teams winning one match a piece over the next two weeks.<ref name=OWOW/> At [[Destination X (2009)|Destination X]], Lethal competed in an Ultimate X match for the X Division Championship, along with Consequences Creed, Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley and [[Suicide (character)|Suicide]], who ended up winning the match and the Championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/03/16/8761106.html|title=The TNA Destination X disaster|last=Sokol|first=Chris|author2=Sokol, Bryan|date=2009-03-16|publisher=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2009-04-09}}</ref> On April 24, 2009, it was announced on TNAWrestling.com that Lethal had signed a new multi-year deal with the company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_31629.shtml|title=TNA News: X Division wrestler signs multi-year deal with TNA|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2009-04-24|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=2010-06-21}}</ref> On the November 5, 2009, episode of ''Impact!'' Jay Lethal announced an open invitational challenge. Due to the announcement of [[Hulk Hogan]] joining TNA, Lethal challenged wrestling legends to take him on.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_36579.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impacr report 11/5: Complete coverage of Dixie Carter addressing TNA roster, Styles vs. Daniels|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2009-11-05|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=2009-11-07}}</ref> The following week, [[Jim Neidhart]] answered the challenge and defeated Lethal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_36725.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 11/12: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|date=2009-11-12|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=2009-11-13}}</ref> The series continued on the December 17 episode of ''Impact!'', when [[Chris Chavis|Tatanka]] answered the challenge and defeated Lethal in a singles match.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_37474.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact report 12/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV show - final build-up to Final Resolution PPV|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2009-12-17|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=2009-12-18}}</ref> After months of inactivity, Lethal's alliance with Consequences Creed came officially to an end on March 29, 2010, when Creed was released from his contract.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_40265.shtml|title=TNA News: X Division wrestler released from TNA, wrestler comments on his release|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2010-03-29|work=PWTorch|accessdate=2010-03-30}}</ref> ==== Feud with Ric Flair and Fortune (2010–2011) ==== [[File:Jay Lethal vs. Ric Flair (cropped).jpg|thumb|Lethal in the ring with [[Ric Flair]]]] After spending most of early 2010 off TV, Lethal returned on the March 29 episode of ''Impact!'' by approaching Hulk Hogan, reminiscing about their days as "[[The Mega Powers]]" (Hogan's old team with Randy Savage). Playing along with Lethal's antics, Hogan placed him in charge of the show for his one-week absence due to a business trip. After raising the ire of Hogan's business partner [[Eric Bischoff]] with his comedic booking ideas, Bischoff placed Lethal in a two-on-one handicap match against Beer Money, Inc.; Lethal, however, managed to win the match after surprising Robert Roode with a roll-up.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_40273.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact report 3/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV show - cage match with Jeff Hardy, RVD, Wolfpack|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2010-03-29|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=2010-03-30}}</ref> On the May 3 episode of ''Impact!'', Hogan gave Lethal [[Ric Flair]]'s Hall of Fame ring that Abyss had won from him the previous week. When Lethal, now imitating Flair, was confronted by Flair himself, he claimed that he meant no disrespect and out of respect towards Flair, returned the ring to him. This, however, wasn't enough for Flair, who attacked Lethal along with A.J. Styles, [[Nigel McGuinness|Desmond Wolfe]] and Beer Money, Inc., before he was saved by Abyss, Team 3D and the [[TNA World Heavyweight Championship|TNA World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Rob Van Dam]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_41070.shtml|title=TNA Impact Results 5/3: Keller's ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live show from Orlando|first=Wade|last=Keller|date=2010-05-03|accessdate=2010-05-04|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Sacrifice (2010)|Sacrifice]], Lethal came out during the TNA World Heavyweight Championship match between champion Rob Van Dam and challenger A.J. Styles, and locked Ric Flair in a [[Professional wrestling holds#Figure-four leglock|Figure-four leglock]] in order to prevent him from interfering in the match.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_41360.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Sacrifice results 5/16: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of PPV - RVD vs. Styles, Jeff Hardy vs. Mr. Anderson|date=2010-05-16|accessdate=2010-05-16|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the May 20 episode of ''Impact!'', Lethal competed in his first match after dropping the Black Machismo gimmick, and teamed up with Rob Van Dam to defeat Beer Money, Inc. in a tag team match. After the match, Lethal brawled with Flair.<ref name=Impact20100520>{{Cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_41456.shtml|title=TNA Impact results 5/20: Keller's ongoing "virtual time" coverage of show on Spike TV including Top Ten Contenders revealed|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=2010-05-20|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=2010-05-21}}</ref> At [[Slammiversary VIII]], Lethal defeated Flair's protégé A.J. Styles in a singles match.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_41923.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Slammiversary results 6/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - RVD vs. Sting, Hardy & Anderson, "nice surprise"|date=2010-06-13|accessdate=2010-06-13|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> After defeating Desmond Wolfe, another one of Flair's allies, on the June 17 episode of ''Impact!'', Hogan granted him a match with Flair at [[Victory Road (2010)|Victory Road]].<ref name=Impact061710>{{Cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1276841662 |title=TNA Impact Results - 6/17/10 |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=2010-06-18 |accessdate=2010-06-18 |work=WrestleView |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620150524/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1276841662 |archivedate=2010-06-20 |df= }}</ref> On July 11 at Victory Road, Lethal defeated Flair with his own move, the figure-four leglock.<ref name=VictoryRoad2010>{{Cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_42443.shtml|title=TNA Victory Road results 7/11: Keller's ongoing "virtual time" coveage of live PPV event|date=2010-07-11|accessdate=2010-07-11|last=Keller|first=Wade|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the August 5 episode of ''Impact!'', Lethal faced Flair in a rematch, this time contested under Street Fight rules, with A.J. Styles, Kazarian, Robert Roode and James Storm of Flair's [[Fortune (professional wrestling)|Fortune]] stable banned from ringside. Flair managed to win the match, after an interference from X Division Champion [[Doug Williams (wrestler)|Douglas Williams]], who would officially join Fortune the following week.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_42919.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 8/5: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast|first=Daniel|last=Wilkenfeld|date=2010-08-05|accessdate=2010-08-05|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On September 6, at the tapings of the September 16 episode of ''Impact!'', Lethal defeated Williams to win the X Division Championship for the fourth time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_43602.shtml|title=TNA News: Impact spoilers for Sept. 16 and news & notes from Monday's TV taping - Mr. Anderson's TNA Title opposition, one title change, backstage update on tag title match change at the PPV, Hogan update|date=2010-09-07|accessdate=2010-09-07|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_43829.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact report 9/16: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV show with Jeff Hardy vs. Kurt Angle|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=2010-09-16|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=2010-09-17}}</ref> On September 23, at a [[House show|live event]] in [[New York City]], Lethal lost the X Division Championship to [[Amazing Red]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1285289825 |title=TNA title changes hands at show in New York City |date=2010-09-23 |accessdate=2010-09-24 |last=Martin |first=Adam |work=WrestleView |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007184646/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1285289825 |archivedate=2010-10-07 |df= }}</ref> Lethal regained the title two days later at a live event in Rahway, New Jersey.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1285461519 |title=TNA title changes hands once again in New Jersey |date=2010-09-25 |accessdate=2010-09-26 |last=Martin |first=Adam |work=WrestleView |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100930203205/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1285461519 |archivedate=2010-09-30 |df= }}</ref> At [[Bound for Glory (2010)|Bound for Glory]], Lethal successfully defended the X Division Championship against Douglas Williams.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_44417.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV results 10-10-10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Angle vs. Anderson vs. Hardy, "they" reveal|date=2010-10-10|accessdate=2010-10-10|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> After his title match at Bound for Glory, Lethal was attacked by [[Rob Strauss|Robbie E]], who claimed he was a disgrace to New Jersey and vowed to bring some class to the X Division Championship himself.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1286759449 |title=Bound for Glory: Lethal vs. Williams |date=2010-10-10 |accessdate=2010-11-14 |last=Martin |first=Adam |work=WrestleView |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927014749/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1286759449 |archivedate=2012-09-27 |df= }}</ref> On the October 28 episode of ''Impact!'', Robbie E defeated Lethal in a non–title Street Fight, after interference from his manager [[Becky Bayless|Cookie]], to earn the right to challenge for the X Division Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_44882.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 10/28: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV's live broadcast|date=2010-10-28|accessdate=2010-10-29|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Turning Point (2010 wrestling)|Turning Point]], Lethal lost the X Division Championship to Robbie E, after another interference from Cookie.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_45110.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Turning Point PPV results 11/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Hardy vs. Morgan, EV2 vs. Fortune, Team 3D "retirement" match|date=2010-11-07|accessdate=2010-11-07|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> After suffering another loss to Robbie and Cookie on the following episode of ''Impact!'' in a mixed tag team match, where he teamed with [[Shantelle Malawski|Taylor Wilde]], Lethal came to the conclusion that he needed to find someone who could negate Cookie the next time he went for the X Division Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_45232.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact results 11/11: Styles vs. Stevie, Turning Point fallout, New TNA belt introduced by Hogan|date=2010-11-11|accessdate=2010-11-16|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaspecials/article_45233.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Reaction TV report 11/11: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV show following Impact|date=2010-11-11|accessdate=2010-11-16|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Final Resolution (2010)|Final Resolution]], Lethal faced Robbie E in a match for the X Division Championship, during which Cookie was suspended above the ring in a shark cage. Robbie retained the title via disqualification, when Lethal was caught using Cookie's hairspray on him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_45809.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Final Resolution PPV results 12/5: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Hardy vs. Morgan II, several title and stipulation matches|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=2010-12-05|accessdate=2010-12-05|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On December 7 at the tapings of the December 16 episode of ''Impact!'', Lethal defeated Robbie E, after [[Christy Hemme]] came out to negate Cookie, to win the X Division Championship for the sixth time, and after the match celebrated with Hemme which led to a kiss between the two; Lethal now shared the record for most reigns as the X Division Champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1291837293|title=Spoilers: TNA Impact tapings for 12/16 and 1/6|date=2010-12-08|accessdate=2010-12-08|last=Martin|first=Adam|work=WrestleView}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_46112.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 12/16: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast|date=2010-12-16|accessdate=2010-12-16|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On January 9, 2011 at [[Genesis (2011)|Genesis]], Lethal lost the X Division Championship to Fortune member Kazarian.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_46645.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Genesis PPV results 1/9: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Morgan vs. Anderson #1 contender, four title matches, RVD mystery opponent|date=2011-01-09|accessdate=2011-01-09|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On April 21, 2011, it was reported that Lethal had parted ways with TNA. His final match for the promotion was an eight-man Xscape match, which took place on April 17 at [[Lockdown (2011)|Lockdown]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_49470.shtml|title=TNA News: Developing Story - Jay Lethal gone from TNA, profile removed from TNA's website (w/Analysis)|date=2011-04-21|accessdate=2011-04-21|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> His last televised match was aired on the April 19 episode of ''[[Xplosion]]'', in a three way match with [[Sangriento]] and Chris Sabin.<ref>{{cite episode|title=TNA Xplosion ep. 343|episodelink=TNA Xplosion|series=TNA Xplosion|serieslink=TNA Xplosion|credits=[[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]]|network=[[Challenge (TV channel)|Challenge]]|airdate=2011-04-19|season=|seriesno=|number=|minutes=}}</ref> Lethal's release from TNA was later used to ignite a storyline feud between the X Division and Eric Bischoff, as well as add fuel to the ongoing feud between the now-face Fortune and Bischoff's [[Immortal (professional wrestling)|Immortal]] stable, with both Robert Roode and Brian Kendrick naming him on the May 5 episode of ''Impact!''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_49849.shtml|title=Bax's TNA Impact report 5/5: Main-Eventers Take The Week Off, Hype For Next Week's Show|first=Matt|last=Baxendell|date=2011-05-05|accessdate=2011-05-26|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> === Return to ROH === ==== Various feuds (2011–2014) ==== [[File:RoH Supercard of Honor VII Elgin Lethal.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Lethal wrestling [[Michael Elgin]] in a number one contender's match at [[Supercard of Honor VII]]]] On May 2, 2011, ROH announced that Lethal would be making his return to the promotion on June 26 at the [[Best in the World 2011]] internet pay-per-view.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_49743.shtml|title=ROH News: Next Internet PPV date & location announced, Jay Lethal making his ROH return at the PPV|date=2011-05-01|accessdate=2011-05-01|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> In his ROH return match Lethal, as a face defeated [[Mike Bennett (wrestler)|Mike Bennett]].<ref name=BITW2011>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_51045.shtml|title=Radican's "Best in the World" internet PPV report 6/26: Ongoing "real-time" coverage of live PPV from New York City|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=2011-06-26|accessdate=2011-06-27|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On August 8, ROH announced that Lethal had signed a contract with the promotion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_51983.shtml|title=ROH News: Ring of Honor announces signing of former TNA wrestler Jay Lethal ahead of this week's TV tapings|date=2011-08-08|accessdate=2011-08-08|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On August 13, at the first ''[[Ring of Honor Wrestling]]'' tapings under the [[Sinclair Broadcast Group]] banner, Lethal defeated [[El Generico]] to win the [[ROH World Television Championship]].<ref name=ROHTV>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_52096.shtml|title=ROH News: Notes from Saturday's first ROH TV taping under Sinclair Broadcasting (contains spoilers)|date=2011-08-14|accessdate=2011-08-14|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On September 17 at [[Death Before Dishonor IX]], Lethal teamed up with fellow TNA alum Homicide in a tag team match, where they were defeated by Embassy's Rhino and [[Tommaso Ciampa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1316316096 |title=Death Before Dishonor IX Results - 9/17/11 |date=2011-09-17 |last=Namako |first=Jason |accessdate=2011-09-17 |work=WrestleView |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924064732/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1316316096 |archivedate=2011-09-24 |df= }}</ref> On December 3, Lethal defeated nineteen other men in the Honor Rumble to earn a shot at the [[ROH World Championship]] in 2012.<ref name=ROH120311>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1323027662 |title=12/3 ROH Results: Spartanburg, South Carolina |date=2011-12-04 |last=Martin |first=Adam |accessdate=2011-12-05 |work=WrestleView |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207110055/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1323027662 |archivedate=2011-12-07 |df= }}</ref> On December 23 at [[Final Battle 2011]], Lethal successfully defended the ROH World Television Championship in a three-way match against El Generico and Mike Bennett.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_56271.shtml|title=Radican's ROH "Final Battle 2011" iPPV report 12/23 - Richards defends ROH World Title vs. Edwards, Haas & Benjamin vs. Briscoes|first=Sean|last=Radican|date=2011-12-23|accessdate=2011-12-24|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At the January 7, 2012, tapings of ''Ring of Honor Wrestling'', Lethal successfully defended the title against Bennett in a No Time Limit match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1326056857 |title=Spoilers: ROH on Sinclair tapings in Baltimore |last=Namako |first=Jason |work=WrestleView |date=2012-01-08 |accessdate=2012-01-08 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118040806/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1326056857 |archivedate=2012-01-18 |df= }}</ref> On January 20, Lethal unsuccessfully challenged [[Davey Richards]] for the ROH World Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_57235.shtml|title=1/20 ROH results Philadelphia, Pa.: Richards vs. Lethal ROH Title match, Chikara "invasion," Steen, Hero, Corino, breakthrough performance, Edwards scratched|last=Sheaffer|first=David|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=2012-01-21|accessdate=2012-01-21}}</ref> On March 4 at the [[ROH 10th Anniversary Show|10th Anniversary Show]], Lethal's ROH World Television Championship match with Tommaso Ciampa ended in a fifteen-minute time limit draw.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_58794.shtml|title=Radican's ROH "10th Anniversary Show" iPPV report - live coverage of iPPV from Manhattan|last=Radican|first=Sean|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=2012-03-04|accessdate=2012-03-05}}</ref> On March 31 at [[Showdown in the Sun]], Lethal lost the World Television Championship to Roderick Strong, following outside interference from Ciampa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_59795.shtml|title=Title change at ROH iPPV Saturday|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=2012-03-31|accessdate=2012-03-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1333226698 |title=ROH Showdown in the Sun iPPV Results - 3/31/12 |last=Namako |first=Jason |work=WrestleView |date=2012-03-31 |accessdate=2012-08-11 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402181545/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1333226698 |archivedate=2012-04-02 |df= }}</ref> At the following pay-per-view, [[Border Wars (2012 wrestling event)|Border Wars]] on May 12, Lethal defeated Ciampa in a singles match to end his undefeated streak.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1336878002 |archive-url=https://archive.is/20121205100723/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1336878002 |dead-url=yes |archive-date=2012-12-05 |title=ROH Border Wars iPPV Results- 5/12/12 |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=2012-05-12 |accessdate=2012-08-11 |work=WrestleView }}</ref> On June 24 at [[Best in the World 2012: Hostage Crisis]], Lethal failed in his attempt to regain the World Television Championship from Strong in a three-way elimination match, also involving Ciampa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/26253-roh-best-in-the-world-ippv-coverage-from-new-york|title=ROH Best in the World iPPV coverage from New York|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=2012-06-24|accessdate=2012-08-11|work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> The feud between Lethal and Ciampa culminated on August 11 at [[Boiling Point (2012)|Boiling Point]], where Lethal defeated Ciampa in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Series variations|two-out-of-three-falls match]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_64194.shtml|title=Radican's ROH Boiling Point iPPV report 8/11: Live report from Providence - Steen vs. Kingston title main event, Steen punches fans after main event|last=Radican|date=2012-08-11|first=Sean|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=2012-08-11}}</ref> On September 22, Lethal won the [[ROH Survival of the Fittest#Survival of the Fittest 2012|2012 Survival of the Fittest tournament]] to earn another shot at the ROH World Championship.<ref name=ROH092212Notes>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_65435.shtml|title=Spoilers - ROH TV taping news & results from Saturday in Baltimore|last=Caldwell|date=2012-09-23|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=2012-09-23}}</ref> Lethal received his title shot on October 6 in Rahway, New Jersey, but the match with Kevin Steen ended in a no contest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_65774.shtml|title=10/6 ROH results Rahway, N.J.: Steen defends ROH Title vs. Lethal, S.C.U.M. defends Tag Titles, Richards in singles action|date=2012-10-07|last=Gee Schoon Tong|first=Chris|accessdate=2012-10-07|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Following the match, ROH shot an [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Angle|angle]], where Steen spat at Lethal's parents at ringside,<ref name=GBHXI>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1350183872 |title=ROH Glory by Honor XI Results - 10/13/12 |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=2012-10-13 |accessdate=2012-10-13 |work=WrestleView |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102003232/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1350183872 |archivedate=2013-01-02 |df= }}</ref> which led to Lethal snapping and attacking several ROH officials, including Jim Cornette.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_65878.shtml|title=Indy News: Big DGUSA Title match set, ROH footage of Lethal snapping|date=2012-10-11|last=Caldwell|first=James|accessdate=2012-10-11|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Having found his "killer instinct", Lethal appeared at the following internet pay-per-view, [[Glory By Honor XI: The Unbreakable Hope]] on October 13, earning a submission win over Davey Richards.<ref name=GBHXI/> After defeating Rhino on December 16 at [[Final Battle 2012: Doomsday]], Lethal petitioned for a shot at the ROH World Championship, which was turned down by matchmaker Nigel McGuinness, leading to Lethal spitting in his face and the two brawling with each other.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1355697580 |title=ROH Final Battle Results - 12/16/12 |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=2012-12-16 |accessdate=2012-12-16 |work=WrestleView |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221011037/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1355697580 |archivedate=2012-12-21 |df= }}</ref> At the January 5, 2013, tapings of ''Ring of Honor Wrestling'', Lethal managed to coax Steen into accepting a title match with him, which led to McGuinness agreed to change his mind and make the match official.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_67676.shtml | title = Show Results - 1/5 ROH TV tapings in Baltimore, Md.: Two title matches, tourney begins, next ROH Title feud?, more | last=Gee Schoon Tong | first=Chris | date=2013-01-06 | accessdate=2013-03-02 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Lethal received his title shot on March 2 at the [[ROH 11th Anniversary Show|11th Anniversary Show]], but was defeated by Steen.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=75799&p=4 | title = Complete ROH 11th Anniversary Show iPPV coverage: two title changes hands, SCUM doubles in size, and a ton of great wrestling as ROH presents their best overall event in years | last=Carapola | first=Stuart | date=2013-03-02 | accessdate=2013-03-02 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> On April 5 at [[Supercard of Honor VII]], Lethal failed to earn another shot at the ROH World Championship, when he was defeated by [[Michael Elgin]] in a number one contender's match.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_69768.shtml | title = Radican's ROH "Supercard of Honor VII" iPPV blog 4/5 - Steen defends vs. Jay Briscoe, ROH vs. S.C.U.M. Ten Man Tag (Updated w/complete review & analysis) | last=Radican | first=Sean | date=2013-04-05 | accessdate=2013-04-21 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> After the ROH World Championship was vacated, Lethal entered a tournament to determine the new champion, defeating Sonjay Dutt in his first round match on July 27.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_72302.shtml|title=ROH News: New ROH tag champions, Results from Night 1 of ROH Title tournament|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2013-07-28|accessdate=2013-07-28|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On August 3, Lethal was eliminated from the tournament in the second round by [[Adam Cole]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_72472.shtml|title=Show results - 8/3 ROH in Toronto, Canada: New Tag Champions, Whitmer injured, Title Tourney results|last=Gee Schoon Tong|first=Chris|date=2013-08-04|accessdate=2013-08-04|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> ==== Championship reigns (2014–present) ==== [[File:Jay Lethal Feb 27, 2016.png|thumb|Jay Lethal holding the [[ROH World Championship]] belt at a taping on February 27, 2016]] On April 4, 2014, at [[Supercard of Honor VIII]], Lethal turned heel for the first time in nearly a decade by accepting help from [[Truth Martini]], to defeat Tommaso Ciampa to regain the World Television Championship, becoming the first two-time holder of the title.<ref name=SCOHVIII>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_77488.shtml|title=Show results - 4/4 ROH Supercard of Honor: ROH World champ determined in Ladder War, new TV champion, more|date=2014-04-05|accessdate=2014-04-05|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> After the match, Lethal declared that there was a house in ROH, "[[The House of Truth]]", marking the return of the stable with Lethal as the figurehead. Over the next year, Lethal would become recognized as the longest reigning World Television Champion in ROH history,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/new-title-jay-lethal|title=A New Title for Jay Lethal - ROH Wrestling|publisher=|accessdate=7 January 2017}}</ref> with successful championship defenses against the likes of [[Matt Taven]],<ref name="rohwrestling.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=PAST RING OF HONOR EVENT RESULTS - ROH Wrestling|publisher=|accessdate=7 January 2017}}</ref> [[Caprice Coleman]],<ref name="rohwrestling.com"/> [[ACH (wrestler)|ACH]],<ref name="rohwrestling.com"/> [[Matt Sydal]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/532755-ring-of-honor-final-battle-2014-results|title=Ring of Honor Final Battle '14 Results - LIVE COVERAGE|date=7 December 2014|publisher=|accessdate=7 January 2017}}</ref> on the last PPV of the year; [[Final Battle 2014]] and again at the [[ROH 13th Anniversary Show]] against [[Alberto el Patrón]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/557119-ring-of-honor-13th-anniversary-ppv-results/2|title=Ring of Honor 13th Anniversary PPV Live Results|date=1 March 2015|publisher=|accessdate=7 January 2017}}</ref> In March 2015, Lethal became the most successful World Television Champion of all time, with the most successful defenses as champion, more than doubling the previous record held by Matt Taven.<ref name="TV1Year"/> On April 4, Lethal reached a full year in his title reign, effectively making him the holder of all records associated with the World Television Championship.<ref name=TV1Year>{{cite web|url=http://rohwrestling.com/news/jay-lethal-reaches-1-year-milestone|title=JAY LETHAL REACHES 1 YEAR MILESTONE - ROH Wrestling|publisher=|accessdate=7 January 2017}}</ref> In April 2015, Lethal began professing himself as "the" ROH Champion, claiming his World Television championship was now the true top title that mattered in ROH (over the World Championship). In May 2015, Lethal debuted a new World Television Championship belt, which omitted the word "Television" and now read simply "ROH Champion". As a result, [[Professional wrestling authority figures#Ring of Honor authority figures|matchmaker]] Nigel McGuinness announced that at [[Best in the World 2015]], Lethal would face [[Jay Briscoe]] in a winner-takes-all "Battle of the Belts" match with both ROH's World Championship and World Television Championships on the line. Lethal defeated Briscoe after hitting Briscoe with his own ''[[Piledriver (professional wrestling)#Double underhook piledriver|Jay Driller]]'' and then a ''Lethal Injection'' to retain the his title and win the World Championship, thus making him a double champion in the process, as well as becoming the first African-American to win the championship.<ref name=BITW2015>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_85740.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S ROH BITW PPV REPORT 6/19: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Briscoe vs. Lethal Title vs. Title, Bullet Club vs. The Kingdom, ROH Tag Title match, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2015-06-19|accessdate=2015-06-20|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The win also made him Ring of Honor's third Triple Crown Champion, as he is also a former ROH Pure Champion. On August 22, Lethal teamed with the "King of Strong Style" [[Shinsuke Nakamura]] to defeat [[reDRagon]] at [[Ring of Honor]]'s [[Field of Honor (2015)|Field of Honor]] event. On October 23 at [[Glory By Honor XIV]], Lethal lost the Television Championship to Roderick Strong, ending his reign at 567 days, and 36 successful championship defenses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/ring-honor/jay-lethal-drops-roh-tv-title-roderick-strong-200261|title=Jay Lethal drops ROH TV Title to Roderick Strong|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=2015-10-24|accessdate=2015-10-24|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> As part 2015's "supershow" series with [[Preston City Wrestling]], Lethal retained the ROH World Championship in three individual defenses over [[Noam Dar]], [[Doug Williams (wrestler)|Doug Williams]] and Joey Hayes. Through ROH's working relationship with [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]] (NJPW), Lethal made his debut for the Japanese promotion on January 4, 2016, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 10 in Tokyo Dome]], where he successfully defended the ROH World Championship against Michael Elgin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/wrestle-kingdom-10-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-204791|title=Wrestle Kingdom 10 live results: Kazuchika Okada vs Hiroshi Tanahashi|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=2016-01-03|accessdate=2016-01-04|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Lethal returned to the UK again to defend the ROH World Championship, this time defeating [[Mark Haskins]] at a sold out show in [[York Hall|York Hall, London]] for [[Revolution Pro Wrestling]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.revolutionprowrestling.com/news/2015/11/10/london-haskins-vs-roh-world-champion-added-to-high-stakes|title=London: Haskins vs ROH World Champion added to High Stakes — Revolution Pro Wrestling|first=Martin|last=Bean|publisher=|accessdate=7 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://viewsfromthehawkesnest.wordpress.com/2016/01/16/jay-lethal-vs-mark-haskins-from-rpw-2016/|title=Jay Lethal vs. Mark Haskins from RPW 2016|first=T. J.|last=Hawke|date=16 January 2016|publisher=|accessdate=7 January 2017}}</ref> On February 20, Lethal main evented the second night of the ROH and NJPW co-produced [[Honor Rising: Japan 2016]] event in [[Tokyo, Japan]], successfully defending the ROH World Championship against [[Tomoaki Honma]]. Afterwards, Lethal and Truth Martini joined [[Tetsuya Naito]]'s ''[[Los Ingobernables de Japon]]'' stable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/02/20/honorrisingnight2/|title=2/20 ROH vs. NJPW "Honor Rising Night 2" Results – Lethal defends ROH Title in Tokyo, Bullet Club members win gold & say farewell, Strong-Ishii fall-out|date=2016-02-20|accessdate=2016-02-20|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Lethal and Naito knew each other from working together in TNA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=1090&c=8362|title=Honor Rising:Japan 2016|accessdate=2016-02-20|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> On March 26 of ROH tapings, Lethal successfully defended his title against [[Hirooki Goto]]. Afterwards, a rare double-turn took place when [[Donovan Dijak]] came out with [[Prince Nana]] and attacked Truth Martini.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/100168/227-ring-of-honor-tv-taping-results-from-las-vegas-nv.html?p=1|title=2/27 RING OF HONOR TV TAPING RESULTS FROM LAS VEGAS, NV - PWInsider.com|publisher=|accessdate=7 January 2017}}</ref> Lethal would then begin a feud with a returning [[Colt Cabana]], who had set his sights on the ROH World Championship. At [[Global Wars (2016)|Global Wars]], Lethal and Cabana fought to a no-contest after [[The Bullet Club]] interfered and attacked everyone in the ringside area, including Lethal. During the attack, Lethal was zip tied to the ring ropes and repeatedly superkicked by new Bullet Club member Adam Cole.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/ring-honor/roh-global-wars-2016-live-results-jay-lethal-vs-colt-cabana-loads-njpw-stars-212441|title=ROH Global Wars 2016 live results: Jay Lethal vs. Colt Cabana; loads of NJPW stars|accessdate=2016-07-25|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> At [[Best in the World '16]] on July 24, Lethal successfully defended his title after defeating Jay Briscoe. The two shook hands afterwards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/24/bitw2016ppvresultsfinal/|title=6/24 ROH BITW PPV Results – Caldwell's Complete Report|accessdate=2016-07-25|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following day, Lethal was again attacked by Cole and Bullet Club, who shaved him bald.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/25/625-roh-tv-spoilers-results-post-bitw-tv-taping/|title=6/25 ROH TV spoilers – big angle & Strong’s send-off at post-PPV TV taping|accessdate=2016-07-25|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following month, Lethal returned to NJPW, successfully defending the ROH World Championship against [[Satoshi Kojima]] on August 14.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-g1-climax-26-finals-live-results-hirooki-goto-vs-kenny-omega-218636|title=NJPW G1 Climax 26 finals live results: Hirooki Goto vs. Kenny Omega|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=2016-08-13|accessdate=2016-08-14|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> On August 19 at [[Death Before Dishonor XIV]], Lethal lost the ROH World Championship to Adam Cole,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/19/819-roh-death-dishonor-ppv-results-caldwells-live-report/ | title = 8/19 ROH Death Before Dishonor PPV Results – Caldwell's Live Report | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=2016-08-19 | accessdate=2016-08-19 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> ending his reign at 427 days.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/results-are-history-making-death-dishonor | title = The results are in from the history making Death Before Dishonor | date=2016-08-20 | accessdate=2016-08-20 | work=[[Ring of Honor]]}}</ref> At [[Field of Honor (2016)|Field of Honor]] Lethal was involved in a Four corner survival match for the [[ROH World Championship]] which was won by [[Adam Cole]]. On August 20, 2016 Lethal was betrayed by [[Los Ingobernables de Japon]] after they walked out on Jay in a six man tag team match. At [[All Star Extravaganza VIII]] Lethal defeated [[Tetsuya Naito]]. At [[Final Battle (2016)|Final Battle]] Lethal was defeated by [[Cody Rhodes|Cody]] after he hit a low blow, then proceed to attack Lethal. Lethal defeated [[Jushin Thunder Liger]] in the first round of the Decade of Excellence. He was defeated by [[Jay Briscoe]] in the second round. On April 1 at [[Supercard of Honor XI]] Lethal defeated Cody in a Texas Bullrope match. On ROH tv taping Lethal defeated [[Silas Young]], [[Jay White]] & [[Hangman Page]] in a four-way match to become #1 contender to the ROH World Championship. On May 12 at [[ROH/NJPW War of the Worlds (2017)|War of the Worlds]], Lethal unsuccessfully challenged [[Christopher Daniels]] for the ROH World Championship in a three-way match, also involving Cody.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/roh-results/roh-war-worlds-ppv-live-results-daniels-vs-cody-vs-lethal-235346 | title = ROH War of the Worlds PPV live results: Daniels vs. Cody vs. Lethal | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | authorlink=Dave Meltzer | date=May 12, 2017 | accessdate=May 12, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> === Independent circuit (2011–present) === Lethal made his first independent appearance since his release from TNA on May 28, working for ''[[Lucha Libre USA]]''. As a tribute to Randy Savage, who had died just a week earlier, Lethal worked in his Black Machismo gimmick in a tag-team match, where he and [[Magno]] were defeated by The Right ([[Jon Andersen|Jon Rekon]] and Petey Williams).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_50431.shtml|title= 5/28 Lucha Libre USA TV taping: Spoiler results for Season 2 episodes of MTV2 show - Lethal debuts, Petey, new commentators, double-turns|last= Roberts|first=Alex|date=2011-05-30|accessdate=2011-06-19|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> In Lethal's second appearance for Lucha Libre USA on June 18, he defeated Medianoche in a singles match.<ref name=LLUSAJune182011>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_50907.shtml|title= 6/18 Lucha Libre USA TV taping: Spoiler results for more Season 2 episodes of MTV2 show, update on Season 2, notes from head of creative|last= Roberts|first= Alex|date=2011-06-20|accessdate= 2011-06-20|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On June 19 it was announced that Lethal would be taking part in the pilot tapings of All Wheels Wrestling on June 29, working under the ring name J.R. Lethal.<ref name=AWW>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/3-news/21116-stars-named-for-wrestling-show-pilot|title=Stars named for wrestling show pilot|first=Dave|last=Meltzer|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=2011-06-24|accessdate=2011-06-25|work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> At the pilot tapings, his ring name was changed to RPM. At the tapings he first defeated Dubai, the former Sheik Abdul Bashir, in a five-minute [[Iron Man match]], but was then defeated by Schwagg Dutt, the former Sonjay Dutt, in an Ultimate X match, which also included Dubai and [[Aaron Aguilera]].<ref name=AWWPilot>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1309443882 |title=Spoilers: All Wheels Wrestling pilot TV tapings |first=Adam |last=Martin |date=2011-06-30 |accessdate=2011-06-30 |work=WrestleView |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712031542/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1309443882 |archivedate=2011-07-12 |df= }}</ref> On February 25, 2012, Lethal defeated Damien Darling at a [[Family Wrestling Entertainment]] (FWE) event to win the FWE Tri-Borough Championship.<ref name=FWEChampions/><ref name=FWETri/> He lost the title to Darling on March 24, but later that same day first won the FWE Rumble and then defeated Eric Young for the FWE Heavyweight Championship.<ref name=FWEChampions/><ref name="FWEWTTR">{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=76517|title=FWE Welcome To The Rumble|work=Cagematch|accessdate=2012-03-30}}</ref> On July 28, Lethal lost the title to Tommy Dreamer in a four-way elimination match, which also included Brian Kendrick and [[Carly Colón|Carlito]].<ref name=FWEChampions>{{cite web|url=http://www.fwewrestling.com/fwechampions.htm |title=FWE Champions |accessdate=2012-08-04 |work=[[Family Wrestling Entertainment]] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328103750/http://www.fwewrestling.com/fwechampions.htm |archivedate=2012-03-28 |df= }}</ref> On March 22, 2013, Lethal made his debut for [[Southern California]]-based [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] (PWG), losing to [[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]] in a singles match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_69471.shtml|title=Show Results - 3/22 PWG All-Star Weekend Night 1: Guerrilla Warfare main event, Trent Baretta debuts, Gargano, London vs. Steen, Future Shock, more stars|last=Massingham|first=Matt|date=2013-03-23|accessdate=2013-03-23|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following day, Lethal defeated [[Willie Mack (wrestler)|Willie Mack]] at another PWG event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_69484.shtml|title=Show results - 3/23 PWG All-Star Weekend Night 2: PWG Title & Tag Titles defended, Generico referenced, Lethal, Barreta, London, Gargano, more stars|last=Massingham|first=Matt|date=2013-03-24|accessdate=2013-03-24|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On May 25, Lethal took part in [[England|English]] promotion Southside Wrestling Entertainment's (SWE) Speed King 2013 tournament, eventually defeating [[Dean Allmark]], [[El Ligero]], Martin Kirby, [[Marty Scurll]] and MK McKinnan in a six-way final to win the tournament and become the new SWE Speed King Champion.<ref name=SpeedKing2013>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleropesuk.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/results-from-southside-wrestling-southsidewe-speed-king-2013-new-champion/|title=Results from Southside Wrestling (@SouthsideWE) ‘Speed King 2013′ *New Champion*|date=2013-05-25|accessdate=2013-05-26|work=Wrestle Ropes UK|publisher=[[WordPress]]}}</ref> On July 30, 2016, Lethal defended the ROH World Championship against Denis Rivera for CWA in Puerto Rico where the CWA Heavyweight Championship was also on the line. Lethal was victorious, retaining his ROH World Championship and gaining the CWA title in the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://superluchas.com/2016/08/02/video-jay-lethal-retiene-el-campeonato-de-roh-y-se-corona-campeon-de-cwa-en-puerto-rico-imagenes-exclusivas-del-encuentro/|title=VIDEO: Jay Lethal retiene el Campeonato de ROH y se corona campeón de CWA en Puerto Rico imágenes exclusivas del encuentro|date=2 August 2016|publisher=|accessdate=7 January 2017}}</ref> Lethal made his What Culture Pro Wrestling (WCPW) debut on the second episode of WCPW Loaded in a match against [[El Ligero]] with the stipulation that if Ligero won he would get a shot at Lethal's ROH Championship. During the match, the two men (both being babyfaces) showed tremendous respect to each other; however, the match ended in a no contest when Martin Kirby interfered and attacked both men. After the match, Lethal stated that in order to defend his title, he would have to get permission from the Ring of Honor officials who were not present, but he guaranteed Ligero a shot at the title in the future.<ref name="WCPW Loaded #2 Part 4 - Jay Lethal vs El Ligero">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEBpxRoVIlg|title=WCPW Loaded #2 - Jay Lethal vs El Ligero|date=2016-07-04|accessdate=2016-07-05|work=What Culture Pro Wrestling|publisher=What Culture Pro Wrestling}}</ref> Later Lethal was against [[Noam Dar]] for his [[ROH World Championship]] on July 25, 2016 on the episode of ''WCPW: Built To Destroy'', where Lethal won. Lethal was set to face El Ligero at ''WCPW Refuse To Lose'' on October 6, 2016. The match was originally scheduled to be for the ROH World Championship, but will instead be for the WCPW Internet Championship, due to Lethal no longer being ROH World Champion. In August, it was announced that Lethal would not be able to compete for the promotion due to contractual reasons. On WCPW Loaded episode 10 it was announced that [[Alberto El Patron]] would be Lethal's replacement. Lethal returned to the promotion on January 29, 2017, where he took part of Triple Threat match for the ROH World Championship, which he lost. The match also included El Ligero, the winner was [[Adam Cole]]. On June 16 at the WCPW Build to Destroy 2017, Lethal would then defeat former ROH World Champion [[Davey Richards]]. After the match, Lethal was attacked by Drake, but Lethal was able to fend off the attack. == Other media == Shipman, under his Jay Lethal ring name, had a brief appearance in the critically acclaimed 2008 film ''[[The Wrestler (2008 film)|The Wrestler]]''.<ref>{{cite news|author= |url=http://www.wrestling-edge.com/wwenews.php?subaction=showfull&id=1202592242&archive=&start_from=&ucat=1& |title=ECW Original And Lots Of Other Stars In New Movie |publisher=Wrestling-edge.com |date=2008-01-22 |accessdate=2008-01-27 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080211055849/http://www.wrestling-edge.com/wwenews.php?subaction=showfull&id=1202592242&archive=&start_from=&ucat=1& |archivedate=2008-02-11 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> In November 2010, he was a contestant on an all-TNA week of ''[[Family Feud]]'', teaming with [[Matt Morgan]], [[Mick Foley]], [[Mr. Kennedy|Mr. Anderson]], and [[Rob Van Dam]] against [[Angelina Love]], [[Christy Hemme]], [[Lacey Von Erich]], [[Lisa Marie Varon|Tara]], and [[Velvet Sky]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1283806473 |title=Air dates for TNA Wrestling stars on "Family Feud" |date=2010-09-06 |last=Martin |first=Adam |accessdate=2010-11-03 |work=WrestleView |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927014602/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1283806473 |archivedate=2012-09-27 |df= }}</ref> Jay Lethal appeared in the video games [[TNA Impact! (video game)|TNA IMPACT!]] and [[TNA Wrestling Impact!]].<ref>http://www.giantbomb.com/jay-lethal/3005-234/</ref> == Personal life == Shipman was previously in a relationship with former [[WWE Diva]] [[AJ Lee]], whom he also trained.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=September 6, 2010|title=Sept. 6 2010 Observer Newsletter: UFC 118 in-depth, early Luna bio, WWE responds to Cade, Tony Borne|periodical=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|publication-place=Campbell, CA|page=11|issn=1083-9593|quote=April Jeanette, 23, started wrestling independently in New Jersey after graduating high school. While doing independents, she attended NYU's Tisch School of the Arts in New York City. She's got by far the most wrestling experience, and will be far and away the best in-ring worker. She's small and has the cute look, and was at one time the girlfriend of TNA's Jay Lethal.}}</ref> == In wrestling == [[File:Jay Lethal Figure Four.jpg|thumb|Lethal applying a [[Professional wrestling holds#Figure-four leglock|figure-four leglock]] to Scotty O'Shea]] [[File:Jay Lethal Flying Elbow.jpg|thumb|Lethal performing ''[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving elbow drop|Hail to the King]]'' onto O'Shea]] [[File:Jay Lethal enzuigiri.jpg|thumb|Lethal hitting an [[Professional wrestling attacks#Enzuigiri|enzuigiri]] against [[Jimmy Jacobs]]]] * '''As Jay Lethal''' ** '''Finishing moves''' *** ''Diving Dynamite'' ([[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving headbutt|Diving headbutt]])<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name=SWE>{{Cite web|url=http://www.southsidewrestling.co.uk/roster/jay-lethal|title=Jay Lethal|accessdate=2013-05-30|work=Southside Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> – adopted from [[Dynamite Kid]] *** [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving elbow drop|Diving elbow drop]]<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name="TNAProfile">{{Cite web|url=http://www.tnawrestling.com/content/view/256/37/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617070018/http://www.tnawrestling.com/content/view/256/37/ |title=Jay Lethal's TNA Profile |work=[[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] |archivedate=2008-06-17 |accessdate=2011-04-21 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> ([[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling|TNA]]) ''Hail to the King''<ref name=BITW2011/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1330379570 |title=ROH on Sinclair Results - 2/25/12 |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=2012-02-27 |work=WrestleView |accessdate=2012-06-28 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928193536/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1330379570 |archivedate=2012-09-28 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2012/03/04/pf-19458301.html|title=ROH 10th anniversary show mixes new blood with old|last=Wood|first=Darren|date=2012-03-04|work=Slam! Sports|accessdate=2012-06-28|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> ([[Ring of Honor|ROH]]) – 2006–2009, 2011–present; adopted from [[Randy Savage]] *** [[Professional wrestling holds#Figure-four leglock|Figure-four leglock]]<ref name=Impact20100520/><ref name=VictoryRoad2010/> – 2010; adopted from [[Ric Flair]] *** ''Lethal Combination''<ref name=Slammi09>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1245639645.php|title=Slammiversary PPV Results - 6/21/09|publisher=WrestleView|accessdate=2009-09-02}}</ref> ([[Backbreaker#STO backbreaker|STO backbreaker]] followed by a [[Facebuster#Reverse STO|reverse STO]])<ref name="OWOW"/> – 2007–2011; used as a signature move thereafter *** ''Lethal Injection'' ([[Professional wrestling holds#Pumphandle|Pumphandle]] [[Powerbomb#Sitout powerbomb|sitout powerbomb]]<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name="Cygy"/> – 2002–2004 or a [[Suplex#Belly-to-back suplex|belly-to-back suplex]] lifted and dropped into a [[Neckbreaker#Elevated neckbreaker|neckbreaker]]<ref name=Impact061710/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1276236624|title=Impact Results - 6/10/10|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|date=2010-06-11|publisher=WrestleView|accessdate=2010-06-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_42170.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 6/24: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast|first=Daniel|last=Wilkenfeld|date=2010-06-24|accessdate=2010-06-24|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> – 2010–2011 or a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Handspring|handspring]] [[Cutter (professional wrestling)|cutter]] – 2011–present)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1328576755 |title=ROH on Sinclair Results - 2/4/12 |first=Jason |last=Namako |date=2012-02-06 |accessdate=2012-11-02 |work=WrestleView |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604112841/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1328576755 |archivedate=2012-06-04 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1340728154 |title=ROH in Sinclair Results - 6/23/12 |first=Jason |last=Namako |date=2012-06-26 |accessdate=2012-11-02 |work=WrestleView |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702064309/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1340728154 |archivedate=2012-07-02 |df= }}</ref> *** ''Lethal Injection II'' ([[DDT (professional wrestling)#Diving DDT|Diving DDT]]) *** [[Suplex#Full nelson suplex|Release dragon suplex]] ** '''Signature moves''' <!-- Do NOT change the order of the moves, as they comply with Wikipedia's Manual of Style. --> *** [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving double axe handle|Diving double axe handle]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/tnaimpact/tnaimpact2008/1226651810.shtml|title=Impact Results - 11/13/08 - Orlando, FL|publisher=WrestleView|accessdate=2009-09-02}}</ref> – 2006–2009; adopted from Randy Savage *** [[Professional wrestling attacks#European uppercut|European uppercut]]<ref name="OWOW"/> *** [[Professional wrestling attacks#Hangman|Hair-pull hangman]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/tv_reports/121891/411%5C%5Cs-TNA-Impact-Report-11.12.09.htm|title=411's TNA Impact Report 11.12.09|publisher=411Mania|last=Lansdell|first=Chris|date=2009-11-12|accessdate=2009-11-14}}</ref> – 2006–2009; adopted from Randy Savage *** [[Professional wrestling throws#Hip toss|Hip toss]] followed by a [[Cartwheel (gymnastics)|cartwheel]] followed by a [[dropkick]] to the opponent's face<ref name="OWOW"/> *** [[Suplex#Inverted suplex|Inverted suplex]] lifted and dropped into a [[Facebuster#Sitout facebuster|sitout]] [[Facebuster#Wheelbarrow facebuster|wheelbarrow facebuster]]<ref name=Impact20090212>{{Cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_29989.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact report 2/12: Mega-Mafia explodes, Mafia talks, Mafia wrestles, Mafia ties its shoes, Mafia skips rope, Mafia does jumping jacks|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2009-02-14|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=2009-10-18}}</ref> *** [[Professional wrestling holds#Koji clutch|Koji clutch]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/73094/ring-of-honor-road-rage-television-report-footage-from-glory-by-honor-including-lethal-vs-richards.html?p=1|title=Ring of Honor Road Rage television report: Footage from Glory by Honor including Lethal vs. Richards|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|date=2012-11-04|publisher=PWInsider.com|accessdate=2015-01-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/csonkas-roh-final-battle-review-12-18-15|title=Csonka’s ROH Final Battle Review 12.18.15|last=Csonka|first=Larry|date=2015-12-19|publisher=411MANIA|accessdate=2015-01-14}}</ref> *** [[Professional wrestling attacks#Leg lariat|Leg lariat]],<ref name="OWOW"/> sometimes from the [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving leg lariat|second or top rope]]<ref name="OWOW"/> *** Multiple [[Professional wrestling attacks#Kick|kick]] variations **** ''EnzuFury'' ([[Professional wrestling attacks#Discus|Discus]] [[Professional wrestling attacks#Enzuigiri|enzuigiri]])<ref name="OWOW"/> **** [[Dropkick#Springboard dropkick|Springboard drop]]<ref name="OWOW"/> **** [[Professional wrestling attacks#Superkick|Super]]<ref name=Slammiversary2009>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1182135291.shtml|title=Slammiversary PPV Results - 6/17 - Nashville, TN (New TNA Champ...)|date=2009-04-24|accessdate=2010-01-03|first=Adam|last=Martin|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> *** [[Suplex#Vertical suplex|Running vertical suplex]]<ref name="OWOW"/> *** [[Suplex#Snap suplex|Snap suplex]]<ref name="OWOW"/> *** [[Professional wrestling throws#Spinning spinebuster|Spinning spinebuster]]<ref name="OWOW"/> * '''As Hydro''' ** '''Finishing moves''' *** ''Hydroplane'' ([[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Springboard|Springboard]] [[DDT (professional wrestling)#Diving DDT|DDT]])<ref name="Cygy">{{Cite web|url=http://www.cygywrestling.com/biographies/jaylethal.html|title=CygyWrestling Bio|publisher=CygyWrestling|accessdate=2009-09-02}}</ref> *** ''That's All She Wrote'' ([[Piledriver_(professional_wrestling)#Over-the-shoulder_back-to-belly_piledriver|Inverted over the shoulder back-to-belly piledriver]])<ref name="Cygy"/> ** '''Signature moves''' *** [[Professional wrestling attacks#European uppercut|European uppercut]]<ref name="OWOW"/> *** [[Suplex#Vertical suplex|Running vertical suplex]]<ref name="OWOW"/> *** [[Suplex#Snap suplex|Snap suplex]]<ref name="OWOW"/> *** [[Professional wrestling throws#Spinebuster|Spinebuster]]<ref name="OWOW"/> * '''With [[Consequences Creed]]''' ** '''Double-team finishing moves''' *** [[Cutter (professional wrestling)#TKO|Fireman's carry cutter]] (Creed) followed by a [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving elbow drop|diving elbow drop]] (Lethal)<ref name=Lock09>{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/tv_reports/102422/411%5Cs-TNA-Lockdown-Report-04.19.09.htm|title=411's TNA Lockdown Report 04.19.09|date=2009-04-19|accessdate=2009-10-13|first=Chris|last=Lansdell|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> ** '''Double team signature moves''' *** [[Professional wrestling throws#Gorilla press|Military press]] (Lethal) and [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Springboard bulldog|springboard bulldog]] (Creed) combination<ref name=Lock09/> *** [[Professional wrestling double-team maneuvers#Suplex, flying attack combination|Vertical suplex (Lethal) and diving crossbody (Creed) combination]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1240547469.php|title=Impact Results - 4/23/09|date=2009-04-24|accessdate=2009-10-13|first=Josh|last=Boutwell|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> * '''[[Manager (professional wrestling)|Managers]]''' ** [[Jerry Lynn]]<ref name="OWOW"/> ** [[Kevin Nash]]<ref name="OWOW"/> ** Pequeño Halloween<ref name=LLUSAJune182011/> ** [[SoCal Val]]<ref name="OWOW"/> ** [[Sonjay Dutt]]<ref name="OWOW"/> ** [[Taeler Hendrix]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_87131.shtml|title=Show results - 8/29 ROH in Atlanta, Ga.: ROH Champ & Tag Champs in main event, Stevie Richards confronts Lethal, Compton scratched due to "medical emergency," more|date=2015-08-29|accessdate=2015-08-30|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> ** [[Truth Martini]]<ref name=TV1Year/> * '''[[Nickname]]s''' ** "Black Machismo"<ref name="OWOW"/> ** "The Greatest First Generation Wrestler"<ref name=TV1Year/> ** '''"The Franchise (of ROH)"'''<ref>{{cite web|last=McNeill|first=Pat|title=McNEILL’s ROH Supercard Of Honor XI IPPV Report 4/1: Hardys vs. Bucks Ladder Match, Daniels vs. Castle|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/01/mcneills-roh-supercard-honor-xi-ippv-report-41-hardys-vs-bucks-ladder-match-daniels-vs-castle/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=April 1, 2017|accessdate=May 14, 2017}}</ref> * '''[[Music in professional wrestling|Entrance themes]]''' ** "Attenzione (Jens O. Remix)" by DJ Flashrider (ROH)<ref name=CageMusic>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/hauptseite/?id=2&nr=61&view=themes#themes|accessdate=2010-08-20|work=Cagematch|title=Jay Lethal's theme history}}</ref> ** "[[Time and Time Again]]" by [[Papa Roach]]<ref name=Music>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/information/music/enter/|accessdate=2009-12-28|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|title=Wrestler Entrance Music}}</ref> ([[Independent circuit]]) ** "[[Machine (Static-X album)#Track listing|This Is Not]]" by [[Static-X]]<ref name=Music/> ** "[[Push It (Static-X song)|Push It]]" by Static-X ([[Jersey All Pro Wrestling|JAPW]]/ROH)<ref name=Music/> ** "[[Past, Present & Future (Rob Zombie album)#Track listing|Pussy Liquor]]" by [[Rob Zombie]] (ROH)<ref name=CageMusic/> ** "Static" by [[Dale Oliver]] (TNA)<ref name=CageMusic/> ** "[[Pomp and Circumstance Marches#March No. 1 in D|Pomp and Circumstance]] [[List of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling albums#Meltdown: The Music of TNA Wrestling Volume 2|(Black Machismo Remix)]]" by Dale Oliver (TNA) ** "LethalX" by Dale Oliver (TNA)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shoptna.com/jay-lethal---lethalx.aspx|accessdate=2010-07-27|work=[[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]]|title=Jay Lethal - LethalX}}</ref><ref name=TNALatestMP3>{{Cite web|url=http://shoptna.com/tko.aspx |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5yJF1x87e?url=http://shoptna.com/tko.aspx |title=Latest MP3's |archivedate=2011-04-29 |accessdate=2011-04-29 |work=[[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> ** "Jay Lethal" by Dale Oliver (TNA)<ref name=TNALatestMP3/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://shoptna.com/jay-lethal-2.aspx|title=Jay Lethal|accessdate=2011-03-30|work=[[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]]}}</ref> ** "A Lethal Dose" by Blue Smock Nancy<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=61&page=15|title=Jay Lethal's themes}}</ref> (ROH) ** '''"Scorched Ops"''' by Scott Reinward (ROH) == Championships and accomplishments == [[File:Champion Jay Lethal.jpg|thumb|upright|Lethal is a two-time [[ROH World Television Championship|ROH Television Champion]] (left hand), and one-time [[ROH World Championship|ROH World Champion]] (over shoulder)]] * '''American Championship Entertainment''' ** ACE Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with [[Mario Bokara|Mo Sexton]]<ref name="OWOW"/> * '''Big Time Wrestling''' ** BTW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2006-12.html | title=Independent Wrestling Results - December 2006|accessdate=2008-07-04|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> * '''Champions Wrestling Association (Puerto Rico)''' ** CWA World Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.planetawrestling.com/cwa-jay-lethal-se-corona-doble-campeon-puerto-rico-2-109616.html|title=Jay Lethal se corona DOBLE CAMPEÓN en Puerto Rico - Planeta Wrestling|date=31 July 2016|publisher=|accessdate=7 January 2017}}</ref> * '''[[Family Wrestling Entertainment]]''' ** [[FWE Heavyweight Championship]] ([[FWE Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=FWEChampions/><ref name="FWEWTTR"/> ** [[FWE Tri-Borough Championship]] ([[FWE Tri-Borough Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=FWEChampions/><ref name=FWETri>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/226444|title=Family Wrestling Entertainment's No Limits Results 2.25.12: Featuring Tommy Dreamer, Maria Kanellis, More|last=Csonka|first=Larry|date=2012-02-25|accessdate=2012-02-27|work=411Mania}}</ref> ** FWE Rumble (2012)<ref name="FWEWTTR"/> * '''International High Powered Wrestling''' ** IHPW Diamond Division Championship (1 time)<ref name="Cygy"/> ** IHPW United States Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="OWOW"/> * '''[[Jersey All Pro Wrestling]]''' ** [[JAPW Heavyweight Championship]] ([[JAPW Heavyweight Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/htjapw.html|accessdate=2008-07-04|last=Tsakiries|first=Phil|title=JAPW Heavyweight Championship history|publisher=Solie}}</ref> ** [[JAPW Light Heavyweight Championship]] ([[JAPW Light Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/lhtjapw.html|accessdate=2008-07-04|last=Tsakiries|first=Phil|title=JAPW Light Heavyweight Championship history|publisher=Solie}}</ref> ** [[JAPW Tag Team Championship]] ([[JAPW Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttjapw.html|accessdate=2008-07-04|last=Tsakiries|first=Phil|title=JAPW Tag Team Championship history|publisher=Solie}}</ref> – with [[Federico Palacios|Azrieal]] ** [[JAPW Television Championship]] ([[JAPW Television Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/tvjapw.html|accessdate=2008-07-04|last=Tsakiries|first=Phil|title=JAPW Television Championship history|publisher=Solie}}</ref> ** Jersey City Rumble (2009)<ref name=JAPW2009/> * '''Jersey Championship Wrestling''' ** JCW Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/lhtjcw.html|accessdate=2008-07-04|last=Oliver|first=Earl|title=JCW Light Heavyweight/Junior Heavyweight Championship history|publisher=Solie}}</ref> ** JCW Television Championship (1 time)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/tvjcw.html|accessdate=2008-07-04|last=Oliver|first=Earl|title=JCW Television Championship history|publisher=Solie}}</ref> ** [[Jersey J-Cup]] ([[Jersey J-Cup#2003|2003]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/jjcjcw.html|accessdate=2008-07-04|last=Oliver|first=Earl|title=JCW J-Cup Championship history|publisher=Solie}}</ref> * '''[[Millennium Wrestling Federation]]''' ** [[MWF Television Championship]] ([[MWF Television Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="OWOW"/> * '''National Wrestling Superstars''' ** [[WSU King and Queen of the Ring|WSU/NWS King and Queen of the Ring]] ([[WSU King and Queen of the Ring#2009|2009]]) – with [[AJ Lee|Miss April]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/information/dvds/wsu/king-and-queen-2009/|accessdate=2008-09-02|title=WSU King and Queen of the Ring 2009|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> * '''Politically Incorrect Wrestling''' ** PIW World Championship (1 time)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/22745|accessdate=2010-01-03|title=411 Indy Update: Teddy Hart Controversy (Again), Rikishi News|date=2004-07-25|last=Nason|first=Josh|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> * '''Pro-Wrestling ELITE''' ** PWE Interstate Championship (1 time)<ref name="Cygy"/> * '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''''' ** PWI ranked him #'''5''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2016.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2016|accessdate=2016-09-01|work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref> * '''[[Ring of Honor]]''' ** [[ROH Pure Championship]] ([[ROH Pure Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="ROHpure"/> ** [[ROH World Championship]] ([[List of ROH World Champions|1 time]])<ref name=BITW2015/> ** [[ROH World Television Championship]] ([[ROH World Television Championship#Champions|2 times]])¹<ref name=ROHTV/><ref name=SCOHVIII/> ** [[ROH Honor Rumble#List of Winners|Honor Rumble (2011)]]<ref name=ROH120311/> ** [[ROH Survival of the Fittest|Survival of the Fittest]] ([[ROH Survival of the Fittest#Survival of the Fittest 2012|2012]])<ref name=ROH092212Notes/> **[[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)#List of ROH Triple Crown Champions|Third]] [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)|Triple Crown Champion]] * '''Southside Wrestling Entertainment''' ** SWE Speed King Championship (1 time)<ref name=SpeedKing2013/> ** Speed King (2013)<ref name=SpeedKing2013/> * '''[[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]]''' ** [[TNA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[TNA World Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Consequences Creed]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://solie.org/titlehistories/wttnaction.html|title=TNA World Tag Team Championship history}}</ref> ** [[TNA X Division Championship]] ([[List of TNA X Division Champions|6 times]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://solie.org/titlehistories/tnaxnwa.html|title=TNA X Division Championship history}}</ref> ** [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling tournaments#Feast or Fired|Feast or Fired]] ([[Final Resolution (December 2008)|2008]] – [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling tournaments#Feast or Fired#Results|World Tag Team Championship contract]])<ref name=FeastorFired2008/> ** [[TNA X Cup Tournaments|World X Cup]] ([[TNA 2006 World X Cup Tournament|2006]]) – with [[Chris Sabin]], [[Sonjay Dutt]] and [[Alex Shelley]]<ref name=Impact051806/> ** X Division Wrestler of the Year (2007)<ref name=Impact012408/> * '''[[United Wrestling Coalition]]''' ** [[UWC United States Championship]] ([[List of UWC Championships#Title lineage 3|1 time]]) * '''Unreal Championship Wrestling''' ** UCW United States Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="OWOW"/> ** UCW World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="OWOW"/> *'''What Culture Pro Wrestling''' **Pro Wrestling World Cup: USA Tournament (2017) – with [[Ricochet (wrestler)|Ricochet]] * '''Wrestlezone Scotland''' ** Wrestlezone Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Scotty Swift<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestlezonescotland.co.uk/results/2013-08-10-Results.php |title=Wrestlezone- Battle of the Nations 2013 |accessdate=2013-08-13 |work=Wrestlezone Scotland |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727005011/http://www.wrestlezonescotland.co.uk/results/2013-08-10-Results.php |archivedate=2014-07-27 |df= }}</ref> * '''''[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]''''' ** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Worked Match of the Year|Worst Worked Match of the Year]] (2006) <small>[[Fight for the Right Tournament|TNA Reverse Battle Royal]] on ''[[Impact!]]''</small><ref>{{Citation|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|date=January 22, 2007|title=2006 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards|periodical=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|publication-place=Campbell, CA|pages=1–12|issn=1083-9593}}</ref> ¹<small> Lethal modified the championship's faceplate during his second reign to simply read as "ROH Champion".</small> === Lucha de Apuesta record === {{See also|Lucha libre#Luchas de apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}} {|class="wikitable" width=100% |- !style="background: #e3e3e3;" width=20%|Winner (wager) !style="background: #e3e3e3;" width=20%|Loser (wager) !style="background: #e3e3e3;" width=20%|Location !style="background: #e3e3e3;" width=20%|Event !style="background: #e3e3e3;" width=15%|Date !style="background: #e3e3e3;" width=5%|Notes |----- align="center" |[[Azrieal]] (contract) |Jay Lethal ([[JAPW Light Heavyweight Championship|championship]]) |[[Rahway, New Jersey]] |Seasons Beatings |{{dts|2004|12|10}} |<ref name="JAPW2004"/> |- |} == References == {{Reflist|30em}} == External links == {{Portal|Professional wrestling}} {{Commons category}} * {{Official website|http://www.thelethaljay.com/}} * {{Professional wrestling profiles}} * {{roh roster|id=jay-lethal}} * {{NJPW profile|id=735|newlink=yes}} * [http://www.southsidewrestling.co.uk/roster/jay-lethal Southside Wrestling Entertainment profile] * [http://www.impactwrestling.com/TNA-Alumni/item/1584-Jay-Lethal TNA Wrestling alumni profile] * {{IMDb name|id=1649940|name=Jay Lethal}} {{Navboxes| |list1= {{Feast or Fired}} {{Los Ingobernables}} {{Ring of Honor employees}} {{ROH Pure Championship}} {{ROH World Championship}} {{ROH World Television Championship}} {{ROH Honor Rumble}} {{ROH Survival of the Fittest}} {{TNA World Tag Team Championship}} {{TNA X Division Championship}} {{TNA X Cup Tournaments}} {{Grand Slam-Triple Crown Champions}} }} {{DEFAULTSORT:Lethal, Jay}} [[Category:1985 births]] [[Category:African-American professional wrestlers]] [[Category:American male professional wrestlers]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Professional wrestlers from New Jersey]] [[Category:Sportspeople from Elizabeth, New Jersey]]'