Examine individual changes

'{{short description|American professional wrestler}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2017}} {{Infobox professional wrestler |name = Davey Richards |birthname = Wesley David Richards |image = Davey Richards 2013.jpg |caption = Richards making his entrance in November 2013 |names = Davey Phoenix<ref name="OWOW"/><br />'''Davey Richards'''<ref name="OWOW"/><br />Snowball<ref name="NXT name"/><br />Wayne Kerr<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/14458/159/|title=November 5th, 2005 Bryan and Vinny Show|work=[[Figure Four Online]]|date=November 5, 2005|access-date=January 17, 2011}}</ref><br />Derek Billington<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/45798-wwe-nxt-results-12-18-13-200th-episode/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090449/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/45798-wwe-nxt-results-12-18-13-200th-episode |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |title=WWE NXT Results – 12/18/13 (200th episode) |work=WrestleView |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=December 30, 2013 |access-date=February 25, 2023}}</ref> |height = {{height|ft=5|in=8}}<ref name=TNAProfile>{{cite web |url= http://www.impactwrestling.com/roster/Wrestler-Roster/item/5411-Davey-Richards |title=Davey Richards |work=impactwrestling.com |access-date=January 6, 2015}}</ref> |weight = {{convert|202|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name=TNAProfile/> |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|3|1|mf=y}}<ref name="OWOW"/> |birth_place = [[Othello, Washington]], U.S.<ref name="OWOW"/> |billed = Othello, Washington<ref name="ROHroster">{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/wrestlers/roster/davey-richards|title=Davey Richards profile|access-date=September 26, 2011|work=[[Ring of Honor]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218035358/http://www.rohwrestling.com/wrestlers/roster/davey-richards|archive-date=February 18, 2013|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><br />'''St. Louis, Missouri''' |trainer = [[Tony Kozina]]<ref name="OWOW"/><br />[[Paul Orndorff]]<ref name="EVOLVE">{{cite web|url=http://evolvewrestling.com/roster/richards.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213154832/http://evolvewrestling.com/roster/richards.htm|title=Davey Richards|archive-date=December 13, 2009|work=[[Evolve (professional wrestling)|Evolve Wrestling]]|access-date=August 9, 2011}}</ref> |debut = 2004 |retired = 2023 |children = 1 |spouse = {{marriage|Christie Summers|2008|2010|end=div}}<br />{{Marriage|[[Angelina Love]]|2015|2017|end=div}}<br />{{Marriage|Melissa Richards|2019|2023|end=div}} }} '''Wesley David Richards'''<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/d/davey-richards.html|title=Davey Richards|access-date=May 21, 2009|work=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> (born March 1, 1983) is an Retired American [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. He is currently signed to [[Major League Wrestling|Major League Wrestling (MLW)]], under the ring name '''Davey Richards,''' where he is a former [[MLW National Openweight Championship|MLW National Openweight Champion]]. He is best known for his time in [[Impact Wrestling]] and [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH),<ref name="ROHroster"/><ref name="newROH"/> and for several [[independent circuit|independent promotions]], including [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] (PWG) and [[Full Impact Pro]] (FIP).<ref name="PWG Roster"/> Richards has also worked internationally in [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] through ROH's involvement in the [[Global Professional Wrestling Alliance]], a global organization of cooperative promotions that allow their competitors to travel abroad to other companies, and in [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zerooneusa.com/news33.php|title=Global Professional Wrestling Alliance|work=[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]]|date=September 12, 2006|access-date=June 8, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904043207/http://www.zerooneusa.com/news33.php|archive-date=September 4, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Richards was a former one-time [[ROH World Championship|ROH World Champion]]. He is also an eight-time [[World Tag Team Championship|world tag team champion]], having won the [[ROH World Tag Team Championship]] [[List of ROH World Tag Team Champions|three times]] (once with [[Rocky Romero]] and twice with [[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]]), as well as a two-time [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion]] (with Rocky Romero) and the [[Unified GFW World Tag Team Championship|TNA World Tag Team Champion]] with [[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]]. He has also won several titles in the [[Independent circuit]], most notably the [[CZW World Heavyweight Championship]], [[PWG World Championship]], the [[FIP World Heavyweight Championship]] twice and the [[PWG World Tag Team Championship]] [[List of PWG World Tag Team Champions|three times]] (with [[Super Dragon]] twice and [[Roderick Strong]] once). Richards was the winner of several tournaments that highlight the top performers of the United States, most notably [[East Coast Wrestling Association]]'s (ECWA) [[ECWA Super 8 Tournament|Super 8 Tournament]] [[ECWA Super 8 Tournament#2006|in 2006]] and PWG's [[Battle of Los Angeles (professional wrestling)|Battle of Los Angeles]] [[Battle of Los Angeles 2006|in the same year]].<ref name="PWG Roster">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/roster/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100825232059/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/roster|title=PWG Roster|work=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]|archive-date=2010-08-25|access-date=2009-08-17}}</ref><ref name="DGUSA">{{cite web|url=http://www.dgusa.tv/bio/davey-richards|title=Davey Richards|access-date=2009-07-25|work=[[Dragon Gate USA]]}}</ref> ==Professional wrestling career== ===Early career (2004–2005)=== Prior to entering professional wrestling, Richards was an accomplished [[Amateur wrestling|amateur wrestler]] in high school, as well as learning [[Muay Thai]] and [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]]. Richards began training in 2004 with [[Tony Kozina]] before making his debut in June of the same year in the [[Washington (U.S. state)|Washington]]-based company, Pro Wrestling War against a wrestler named Mr. Sexy.<ref>{{cite news|title=Davey Richards interview|work=Declaration of Independents}}</ref> Richards also spent time training with [[Paul Orndorff]] in [[Atlanta]], while working at the same time at a [[Duracell]] factory an hour-and-a-half drive away in [[Cleveland, Tennessee]].<ref name=SpencerDR>{{cite web |url= http://www.spencerdailyreporter.com/story/2065217.html |title= Davey Richards: Much more than meets the eye|first= Randy M.|last= Cauthron|work=spencerdailyreporter.com |date= March 29, 2014|access-date=March 29, 2014}}</ref> ===Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (2005–2013)=== [[File:DR at BOLA 2008.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Richards mocking Generico by wearing his cape at PWG's Battle of Los Angeles in November 2008]] In April 2005, he began wrestling for [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] (PWG) in [[California]]; he debuted in an [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Multiple man teamed matches|eight-man tag match]] for the first All Star Weekend.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2005/show0025.html|title=All Star Weekend – Night One|date=April 1, 2005|access-date=November 6, 2009|work=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]}}</ref> He later returned for a [[3-Way Dance|three-way match]] with [[Human Tornado]] and [[T. J. Perkins|Puma]]; during the match Richards established himself as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villain]] by removing Puma's [[Wrestling mask|mask]] and revealing him as [[T. J. Perkins]], starting a [[Feud (professional wrestling)|rivalry]] between the two.<ref name="OWOW"/> Richards then began to work more extensively in [[tag team]] matches with his new partner, [[Super Dragon]]; the two managed to win the [[PWG World Tag Team Championship]] from [[El Generico]] and Tornado, which led to a seven-month reign, defeating a variety of teams before losing the championship to [[Chris Bosh (wrestler)|Chris Bosh]] and [[Scott Lost]] in May of the following year. Following the loss, Richards entered singles competition to be in the company's annual [[Battle of Los Angeles 2006|Battle of Los Angeles tournament]] by defeating, Ronin, [[Austin Aries]], [[Roderick Strong]], and finally [[Nobuhiko Oshima|Cima]], a guest from Japan's [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]] promotion, in the finals.<ref name="OWOW"/> Richards went back to tag team competition to win the tag championship for a second time with Strong defeating [[B-Boy (wrestler)|B-Boy]] and former partner, Super Dragon, only to lose the belts back to their former champions the following night. Richards spent his time with PWG in a number of singles matches until the fall of 2007 at ''European Vacation II'', he and Dragon reunited to defeat rivals [[Kevin Steen and El Generico]].<ref name="OWOW"/> The two held the championship until January 2008 when Richards [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#No-show|no-showed]] the ''Pearl Habra'' show; this resulted in the team being stripped of the championship, and led to a sixty-day suspension for Richards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/67938|title=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla 'Pearl Habra' Results – 1.28.08|date=January 28, 2008|access-date=February 1, 2010|last=Domingo|first=Bayani|work=411Mania}}</ref> He returned to the company sixty days later, competing in the [[List of Pro Wrestling Guerrilla tournaments#DDT4 (2008)|Dynamite Duumvirate Tag Team Title Tournament]], once again teaming up with Super Dragon. After they were eliminated in the first round by the team of Steen and Generico, Dragon took time off due to a shoulder injury, and Richards returned to singles competition. Richards defeated [[Kenny Omega]] on February 27, 2010, at ''As the Worm Turns'' to win the [[PWG World Championship]] for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2010/show0110.html|title=As the Worm Turns|access-date=February 28, 2010|work=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]}}</ref> On September 13, 2010, Richards was stripped of the title, when he was unable to defend it due to other booking commitments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_43760.shtml|title=PWG News: Davey Richards relinquishes PWG World Title, four-way match announced for next show to determine new champion|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=September 14, 2010|access-date=September 14, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Richards returned to PWG during the [[WrestleReunion 5]] weekend on January 29, 2011, in a match, where he defeated by [[Low Ki]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_47214.shtml|title=1/29 PWG results in Los Angeles: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of PWG Title match, Kaval vs. Davey, Roberts retirement, Legends Battle Royal|last=Massingham|first=Matt|date=January 30, 2011|access-date=September 11, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On March 4, Richards and [[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]] entered the ''[[List of Pro Wrestling Guerrilla tournaments#DDT4 (2011)|DDT4]]'' tag team tournament, where they made it to the semifinals before losing to eventual tournament winners, [[The Young Bucks]] (Matt and Nick Jackson).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_48254.shtml|title=3/4 PWG results in Reseda, Calif.: complete DDT4 tag tournament results – TNA tag team in finals, PWG Title match announced for next show|last=Massingham|first=Matt|date=March 5, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 11, 2011}}</ref> In his next PWG appearance on September 10, Richards unsuccessfully challenged [[Kevin Owens|Kevin Steen]] for the PWG World Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_53173.shtml|title=PWG: title match results from Saturday night, main event for next show|date=September 11, 2011|access-date=September 11, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> During December 2013's ''All Star Weekend X'', Richards announced it would be his final weekend with the promotion. On December 21, Richards was defeated by [[Ricochet (wrestler)|Ricochet]] in his PWG farewell match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_75256.shtml|title=Show results – 12/20 & 12/21 PWG All-Star Weekend: Cole defends PWG Title twice, American Wolves's farewell, Chris Hero, Young Bucks & Steen, more|date=December 22, 2013|access-date=December 22, 2013|last=Gee Schoon Tong|first=Chris|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> ===Ring of Honor (2006–2013)=== ====Kenta's protégé (2006–2007)==== [[File:Davey Richards in 05.jpg|thumb|left|Richards at an PWG event in 2006]] On June 3, 2006, Richards made his debut with [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) at ''Destiny'' by defeating [[Jimmy Rave]].<ref name="ROHroster"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Destiny- East Windsor, CT 6/3/06|date=June 3, 2006|access-date=September 26, 2011|work=[[Ring of Honor]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913070006/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=September 13, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> This was the start of a rivalry with Rave, who challenged Richards to a rematch at ''In Your Face'' on June 17. During the match, the pre-match ritual of fans throwing [[toilet paper]] at Rave backfired when one roll hit the [[chandelier]] above the ring, breaking some glass that scattered in the ring. Nevertheless, the two wrestled on that glass, resulting in numerous cuts on both men's bodies, and Richards went on to win the rematch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=In Your Face- New York, NY 6/17/06|date=June 17, 2006|access-date=September 26, 2011|work=[[Ring of Honor]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913070006/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=September 13, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Soon after, Richards was chosen as the American protégé of [[Kenta Kobayashi|Kenta]], a [[Cruiserweight (professional wrestling)|junior heavyweight]] from the Japanese promotion [[Pro Wrestling Noah]], who was on loan to the company as part of the talent exchange agreement between the two, the [[Global Professional Wrestling Alliance]]. On August 4, the two teamed together to face the [[Briscoe Brothers]] with Richards ending up getting pinned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Time To Man Up- Long Island, NY 8/4/06|date=August 4, 2006|access-date=September 26, 2011|work=[[Ring of Honor]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913070006/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=September 13, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The next night, Richards faced his mentor in a singles match at ''Fight of the Century''; he was unable to secure a victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Fight of the Century- Edison, NJ 8/5/06|date=August 5, 2006|access-date=September 26, 2011|work=[[Ring of Honor]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913070006/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=September 13, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Later in the year, Richards and KENTA lost to Roderick Strong and Austin Aries at ''Honor Reclaims Boston.'' ====No Remorse Corps (2007–2008)==== In early 2007, Richards helped Roderick Strong [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Turn|turn]] on Strong's former [[Generation Next (professional wrestling)|Generation Next]] partner Austin Aries. Together, Richards and Strong formed the [[No Remorse Corps]], a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|contingency]] out to hinder Aries' endeavors;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/Article.aspx?id=1164|title=Newswire For The Week Of February 18th|date=February 18, 2007|access-date=April 17, 2009|work=[[Ring of Honor]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113062216/http://rohwrestling.com/news/Article.aspx?id=1164|archive-date=January 13, 2010}}</ref> the pair was later joined by [[Rocky Romero]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/Article.aspx?id=1250|title=Newswire For The Week Of April 1st|date=April 2, 2007|access-date=April 17, 2009|work=[[Ring of Honor]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113060916/http://rohwrestling.com/news/Article.aspx?id=1250|archive-date=January 13, 2010}}</ref> The No Remorse Corps was involved in a feud with Aries's faction The Resilience.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/Article.aspx?id=1293|title=Newswire For The Week Of April 15th|date=April 16, 2007|access-date=April 17, 2009|work=[[Ring of Honor]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113061922/http://rohwrestling.com/news/Article.aspx?id=1293|archive-date=January 13, 2010}}</ref> In early 2008, Richards and Romero won the [[ROH World Tag Team Championship]] from [[The Age of the Fall]] ([[Jimmy Jacobs]] and [[Seth Rollins|Tyler Black]]), which led to a four-month reign before losing to the [[Briscoe Brothers]].<ref name="ROHtag"/> Following a victory of Strong over rival [[Erick Stevens]], Richards himself turned on his mentor after revealing his allegiance to [[Larry Sweeney]] and his group, Sweet 'n' Sour, Inc. This was followed by Strong attempting to gain a measure of revenge before Richards won a match between the two. ====The American Wolves (2008–2010)==== {{main|The American Wolves}} [[File:Davey Richards ROH.jpg|thumb|upright|Richards making in the ring in 2011]] It was announced by Sweeney on the ROH Newswire that he would team up Richards and Eddie Edwards to create [[The American Wolves]]. The Wolves would first team in a triple threat tag team elimination match at ''All-Star Extravaganza IV'' against the Briscoes and the unofficial European Union ([[Antonio Cesaro|Claudio Castagnoli]] and [[Nigel McGuinness]]). They eliminated the European Union but ultimately were defeated by the Briscoes. Later that night, Richards attacked Kevin Steen's knee with a pipe. The next night at ''[[Final Battle 2008]]'' they teamed with [[Go Shiozaki]] against [[Brent Albright]], [[Erick Stevens]] and Roderick Strong in a losing effort. They later attacked the Briscoes, attacking the already injured Mark Briscoe's knee putting him out of action. Kevin Steen and El Generico tried to make the save, but were laid out by the Wolves. Beginning in 2009, after defeating Strong twice with different tag partners The Wolves gained their first World Tag Team Championship match against Steen and Generico at ''Motor City Madness'', where they were defeated. Richards went on to face [[ROH World Championship]] contender [[Seth Rollins|Tyler Black]] in a losing effort at ''Proving Ground Night 1''. At ''Proving Ground Night 2'', Richards lost to Steen in a singles match and after the show, he attacked Generico's knee with a chair. At ''Stylin' & Profilin''', The American Wolves and [[Chris Hero]] defeated Steen, Generico and Bobby Dempsey, which granted the Wolves another title shot. Before their tag team title shot in New York City, Richards was hand picked by ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness to be his tag team partner in a match against Generico and Kenta, but Richards and McGuinness lost the match. Richards faced his former mentor Kenta in a [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] match, which took place at ''Supercard of Honor IV'' in Houston. Despite losing, Richards received a standing ovation at the end of the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=2720 |title=Results From Supercard of Honor IV |date=April 6, 2009 |access-date=April 17, 2009 |work=[[Ring of Honor]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304175238/https://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=2720 |archive-date=March 4, 2012 }}</ref> As the American Wolves gained contendership for the ROH World Tag Team Championship, they lost their initial match against Steen and Generico, but the Wolves attacked Steen before putting Generico through a table. On April 10 at a television taping of ''[[Ring of Honor Wrestling]]'', The American Wolves were able to capture the World Tag Team Championship from Steen and Generico in a [[Tables Match|Tables are Legal match]].<ref name="ROHtag"/> At ''Tag Title Classic'', the Wolves took on the team of Bryan Danielson and Tyler Black. The match ended in 45-minute time-limit draw, the first time in ROH history that a World Tag Team Championship match had ended in a time-limit draw. The next weekend, Richards defeated Kevin Steen in a singles match, before he and Edwards defeated Steen and Jay Briscoe in a [[2 out of 3 falls match|two out of three falls match]] to retain the World Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Past Results|date=April 6, 2009|access-date=September 26, 2011|work=[[Ring of Honor]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913070006/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=September 13, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In September 2009, Richards defeated Bryan Danielson in Danielson's penultimate match. The next night, at Glory By Honor VIII: The Final Countdown in New York, NY, Richards and Edwards retained the title against Steen and Generico in Ladder War II. On November 13, Richards faced Austin Aries for the ROH World Championship in a losing effort. On December 19, at [[Final Battle 2009]], the Wolves lost the Tag Team Championship to the Briscoe Brothers.<ref name="ROHtag"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/font_color_770000_RADICAN_S_TAKE_font_35/article_37524.shtml|title=Radican's ROH Final Battle PPV Blog 12/19: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Aries vs. Black, Briscoes vs. Wolves|date=December 19, 2009|last=Radican|first=Sean|access-date=December 20, 2009|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On January 29, 2010, ROH announced that Richards had signed a contract renewal with the company.<ref name="newROH">{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=3212 |title=Davey Richards Re-signs With ROH |date=January 29, 2010 |access-date=January 30, 2010 |work=[[Ring of Honor]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304182558/https://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=3212 |archive-date=March 4, 2012 }}</ref> On February 5 at the ''Ring of Honor Wrestling'' tapings, Richards entered the tournament to determine the inaugural [[ROH World Television Championship|ROH World Television Champion]] and defeated [[Delirious (wrestler)|Delirious]] to advance to the second round, where he would meet [[Kenny Layne|Kenny King]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_38797.shtml|title=ROH News: Spoilers – First Round TV Title tournament results, Final rounds set for Saturday TV taping|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=February 5, 2010|access-date=February 28, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The tournament concluded on March 5, when Richards defeated King to advance to the finals, where he was defeated by his American Wolves tag team partner Eddie Edwards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_39606.shtml|title=ROH News: Ring of Honor determines first ROH TV champion tonight, A look at the new title belt|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=March 5, 2010|access-date=March 6, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On April 3, Richards earned the number five spot in the [[Ring of Honor#Contenders for championships|Pick 6 series]] by defeating Kenny King at [[ROH The Big Bang!|The Big Bang!]] pay-per-view.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_40401.shtml|title=Radican's ROH The Big Bang PPV Blog 4/3: Black vs. Aries vs. Strong, Briscoes vs. KOW|date=April 3, 2010|last=Radican|first=Sean|access-date=April 4, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> ====World Champion (2010–2012)==== [[File:ROH Champ Davey.jpg|thumb|left|Richards won the [[ROH World Championship]] from his tag team partner [[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]] at [[Best in the World 2011]]]] On June 19 at [[Death Before Dishonor VIII]] Richards received a shot at Tyler Black's ROH World Championship, but was unable to dethrone the defending champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_42063.shtml|title=Caldwell's Ring of Honor PPV report 6/19: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Death Before Dishonor VIII Internet PPV|date=June 19, 2010|access-date=June 20, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At the ''Ring of Honor Wrestling'' television tapings on July 16, Richards lost to Roderick Strong in a match where Strong's guaranteed championship match was on the line. Richards refused assistance from Shane Hagadorn, his manager, during the match, and attacked Hagadorn afterwards when Hagadorn claimed credit for making Richards the best wrestler in the world, ending their association.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279342081|title=SPOILERS: Ring of Honor on HDNet (taped 7/16)|date=July 17, 2010|last=Gerweck|first=Steve|access-date=July 18, 2010|work=WrestleView|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924065617/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279342081|archive-date=September 24, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On September 11, 2010, at [[Glory By Honor IX]], [[Jim Cornette]] announced that Richards had signed a new contract with Ring of Honor.<ref name=GlorybyHonorIX>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_43710.shtml|title=9/11 ROH internet PPV live results: Caldwell & Radican's coverage of "Glory by Honor IX" – ROH Title match, Haas & Benjamin debut|first1=James|last1=Caldwell|last2=Radican|first2=Sean|date=September 11, 2010|access-date=September 11, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At the following pay-per-view, [[Final Battle 2010]] on December 18, Richards unsuccessfully challenged Roderick Strong for the ROH World Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_46163.shtml|title=Caldwell's Ring of Honor PPV report 12/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of "Final Battle 2010" – Strong vs. Richards, Generico vs. Steen|date=December 18, 2010|access-date=December 18, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On June 26, 2011, at [[Best in the World 2011]], Richards defeated his own tag team partner Eddie Edwards to win the ROH World Championship for the first time.<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=June 26, 2011|access-date=June 27, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On August 10 ROH announced that Richards had signed a contract extension with the promotion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_52029.shtml|title=ROH News: ROH announces another contract signing – ROH World champion extends current contract|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=August 10, 2011|access-date=August 10, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Final Battle 2011]], Richards successfully defended the championship against Edwards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1324707181|title=ROH Final Battle iPPV Results – 12/23/11|date=December 24, 2011|last=Namako|first=Jason|access-date=December 24, 2011|work=WrestleView|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108065742/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1324707181|archive-date=January 8, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> At the January 7, 2012, tapings of ''Ring of Honor Wrestling'', Richards formed Team Ambition with [[Kyle O'Reilly]], opposite Eddie Edwards and [[Adam Cole]].<ref name=ROHTV010712>{{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=January 8, 2012|access-date=January 8, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118040806/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1326056857|archive-date=January 18, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Outside of ROH, the team also came to include Tony Kozina.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/indy-news/30330-indy-news-1-nwa-smoky-mountain-bang-tv-report/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216063408/https://www.wrestleview.com/indy-news/30330-indy-news-1-nwa-smoky-mountain-bang-tv-report/ |archive-date=February 16, 2023 |title=Indy News #1: NWA Smoky Mountain, !Bang! TV report |work=WrestleView |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=February 12, 2012 |access-date=July 31, 2012}}</ref> On March 4 at the [[ROH 10th Anniversary Show|10th Anniversary Show]], Team Ambition was defeated by Edwards and Cole in a main event tag team match, with Cole pinning Richards for the win.<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=March 4, 2012|access-date=March 5, 2012}}</ref> During the [[Showdown in the Sun]] weekend on March 30 and 31, Richards first successfully defended the ROH World Championship in a three-way elimination match against Eddie Edwards and Roderick Strong and then in a singles match against [[Michael Elgin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1333164189|title=ROH Showdown in the Sun iPPV Results- 3/30/12|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=March 30, 2012|access-date=April 24, 2012|work=WrestleView|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402181353/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1333164189|archive-date=April 2, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</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|date=March 31, 2012|access-date=April 24, 2012|work=WrestleView|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402181545/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1333226698|archive-date=April 2, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Richards' match with Elgin was later given a five-star rating by [[Dave Meltzer]] of the ''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]''.<ref name="RichardsElginFiveStars">{{cite magazine | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | author-link = Dave Meltzer| date = April 9, 2012| title = Apr 9 Observer Newsletter: Enormous annual WrestleMania Issue, full details of all the shows this weekend, business breakdowns, history, backstage notes, Lesnar, Overeem failure, Jay Strongbow, so much more | magazine = [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]| page = 33 | location = [[Campbell, California]]| issn = 1083-9593}}</ref> On May 12 at [[Border Wars (2012 wrestling event)|Border Wars]], Richards lost the ROH World Championship to Kevin Steen, ending his reign at 321 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1336878002 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121205100723/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1336878002 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 5, 2012 |title=ROH Border Wars iPPV Results- 5/12/12 |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=May 12, 2012 |access-date=May 12, 2012 |work=WrestleView }}</ref> On June 24 at [[Best in the World 2012: Hostage Crisis]], Richards received his final shot at the ROH World Championship as long as Steen was champion, but was unsuccessful in his attempt to regain the title.<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|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=June 24, 2012|access-date=June 24, 2012|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> ====American Wolves reunion (2012–2013)==== On December 16 at [[Final Battle 2012: Doomsday]], Richards reunited with Eddie Edwards in a tag team match, where they defeated [[Bobby Fish]] and Kyle O'Reilly.<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=December 16, 2012 |access-date=December 16, 2012 |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221011037/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1355697580 |archive-date=December 21, 2012 |df=mdy }}</ref> Following their win, the American Wolves received a shot at the ROH World Tag Team Championship, but were defeated by the defending champions, the Briscoe Brothers, on January 18, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_67997.shtml|title=Show Results – 1/18 ROH in Dearborn, Mich.: Steen defends ROH Title & Briscoes defend Tag Titles, Elgin vs. Rhino|last=Gee Schoon Tong|first=Chris|date=January 19, 2013|access-date=January 19, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On August 3, the American Wolves defeated the [[Forever Hooligans]] ([[Alex Koslov]] and Rocky Romero) to win the ROH World Tag Team Championship for the second time.<ref name="ROHtag2">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=79385|title=ROH title change|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|date=August 3, 2013|access-date=August 3, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> They lost the title to [[reDRagon]] (Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly) on August 17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_72753.shtml|title=Show results – 8/17 ROH in New York City: New ROH tag champions, ROH Title tournament continues, Homicide returns with a friend, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=August 18, 2013|access-date=August 18, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On September 20 at [[Death Before Dishonor XI]], the American Wolves unsuccessfully challenged the Forever Hooligans for the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=80417&p=2 | title = New ROH Champion crowned: complete ROH Death Before Dishonor XI coverage from Philadelphia, PA | last=Johnson | first=Mike | date=September 20, 2013 | access-date=September 21, 2013 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> On November 30, Richards announced that he had parted ways with ROH.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_74866.shtml|title=ROH news: Davey Richards says he's gone from ROH|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=December 1, 2013|access-date=December 1, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> ROH later claimed that the promotion had decided to part ways with Richards due to his "unprofessionalism and unreliability with the company".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_74335.shtml|title=ROH news: ROH responds to Davey Richards – calls Davey "unprofessional and unreliable," new match for Final Battle|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=December 2, 2013|access-date=December 3, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> ===New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2010–2012)=== [[File:Davey Richards at Smash 2015.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Richards reacting post-match at a Smash Wrestling show in April 2015]] In 2010 Richards was invited to take part in [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'s [[2010 Best of the Super Juniors|Best of the Super Juniors tournament]] along with fellow North American and ROH wrestler, [[Kenny Omega]]. Richards entered the two-week-long tournament on May 30, but although he managed to win five out of his seven matches, he finished third in his block and narrowly missed advancing to the semifinals of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1591|title=(Results) New Japan 5/30/10|date=May 30, 2010|access-date=June 13, 2010|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1641|title=(Results) New Japan, 6/12/10|date=June 12, 2010|access-date=June 13, 2010|work=Strong Style Spirit|archive-date=March 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312040112/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1641|url-status=dead}}</ref> After the tournament Richards began working regularly for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, joining the promotion's top heel stable [[Chaos (professional wrestling)|Chaos]], and no longer made appearances for Pro Wrestling Noah.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2182|title=Super J Tag League teams and lineups revealed!|date=October 12, 2010|access-date=October 12, 2010|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> In November 2010 Richards and Rocky Romero, reviving the No Remorse Corps name,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=168&c=2048|title=New Japan Brave 2011|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=October 10, 2011|language=ja}}</ref> made it to the finals of a five-day-long Super J Tag League tournament, before being defeated by their Chaos teammates [[Jado and Gedo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1290200714|title=Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly: Super J Tag League|date=November 17, 2010|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|access-date=November 18, 2010|work=WrestleView|quote=Jado & Gedo defeated Romero & Richards in the Finals ot [sic] the win the tournament.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127153351/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1290200714|archive-date=November 27, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On December 11, 2010, Richards received a shot at the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]], but was defeated by the defending champion, [[Fergal Devitt|Prince Devitt]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2408|title=(Results) New Japan, 12/11/10 & Liger wins another title in USA|date=December 11, 2010|work=Strong Style Spirit|access-date=December 11, 2010|archive-date=March 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328193352/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2408|url-status=dead}}</ref> On May 3, 2011, Richards and Romero unsuccessfully challenged Devitt and [[Ryusuke Taguchi]], known collectively as [[Apollo 55]], for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=173|script-title=ja:レスリングどんたく 2011|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=May 3, 2011|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508211138/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=173|archive-date=May 8, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On May 26, Richards entered the [[2011 Best of the Super Juniors|2011 Best of the Super Juniors tournament]] and after winning six out of his eight round robin stage matches, which included a win over the reigning IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Prince Devitt, Richards finished second in his block and advanced to the semifinals of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2861|title=(Results) New Japan, 5/26/11|date=May 26, 2011|work=Strong Style Spirit|access-date=June 8, 2011|archive-date=September 14, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120914102520/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2861|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2894|title=(Results) New Japan, 6/8/11|date=June 8, 2011|work=Strong Style Spirit|access-date=June 8, 2011|archive-date=September 7, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907145645/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2894|url-status=dead}}</ref> On June 10, Richards was eliminated from the tournament in the semifinals by the eventual winner of the entire tournament, Kota Ibushi.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=229 | title= Best of the Super Jr.XVIII ~ Bring it on! ~ | access-date= June 10, 2011 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> On October 10, 2011, at [[Destruction '11]], Richards and Romero defeated Prince Devitt and Ryusuke Taguchi to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship for the first time.<ref name=Destruction11>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=412|title=Destruction '11|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=October 10, 2011|language=ja}}</ref> Richards and Romero made their first successful title defense on November 12 at [[Power Struggle (2011)|Power Struggle]], defeating the team of [[Yujiro Kushida|Kushida]] and [[Tiger Mask IV|Tiger Mask]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=469|title=Power Struggle|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=November 12, 2011|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114175302/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=469|archive-date=November 14, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref> As a result of pinning Prince Devitt in the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship match, Richards was granted another shot at his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on December 4, but failed in his attempt to become a double champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=481|title=New Japan Alive 2011|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=December 4, 2011|language=ja}}</ref> On January 4, 2012, at [[Wrestle Kingdom VI in Tokyo Dome]], Richards and Romero lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship back to Devitt and Taguchi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=470|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour. レッスルキングダムVI in 東京ドーム|access-date=January 4, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108044116/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=470|archive-date=January 8, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On February 12 at [[The New Beginning (2012)|The New Beginning]], the No Remorse Corps defeated Apollo 55 to regain the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.<ref name=NewBeginning>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=513|title=The New Beginning|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=February 12, 2012|language=ja}}</ref> As a result, Richards received his third shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on March 10, but was yet again defeated by Prince Devitt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=518|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour New Japan Glory 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=March 10, 2012|language=ja}}</ref> On May 2, Richards and Romero were stripped of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, after a car accident forced Richards to miss his flight to Japan and the following day's [[Wrestling Dontaku 2012]] event, where the two were scheduled to defend the title against [[Jushin Thunder Liger]] and Tiger Mask.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=7455|script-title=ja:デイビー・リチャーズ選手が交通事故により来日中止【5・3福岡大会カード変更のお知らせ】|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|date=May 2, 2012|access-date=May 2, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525222622/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=7455|archive-date=May 25, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_61007.shtml|title=ROH Champ in car accident, scratched from New Japan tour|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=May 2, 2012|access-date=May 2, 2012}}</ref> Despite being able to wrestle in the United States, New Japan also pulled Richards from the [[2012 Best of the Super Juniors|2012 Best of the Super Juniors tournament]], citing doctor's orders.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=7490|title=デイビー・リチャーズ選手、『Super Jr.』全戦欠場のお知らせ|date=May 9, 2012|access-date=May 9, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_61219.shtml|title=ROH Champ out of NJPW tourney|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=May 9, 2012|access-date=May 9, 2012}}</ref> ===Other promotions (2007–2013)=== Richards has also done extensive tours of Japan, debuting in 2007 with Pro Wrestling Noah.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=1418|title=Newswire For The Week Of June 10th|date=June 11, 2007|access-date=April 17, 2009|work=[[Ring of Honor]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113055757/http://rohwrestling.com/news/Article.aspx?id=1418|archive-date=January 13, 2010}}</ref> He made a tour of the company again the following summer, competing in tag team matches. Richards was scheduled to return to Noah on November 27, 2013, working an entire tour, which would culminate in him challenging [[Taiji Ishimori]] for the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=5650|script-title=ja:デイビー・リチャーズ選手参戦のお知らせ＆コメント|date=November 15, 2013|access-date=November 25, 2013|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=5655|title=「Great Voyage 2013 in Tokyo vol.2～田上明引退記念大会～」12月7日(土)有明コロシアム大会 対戦カード第5弾決定！|date=November 18, 2013|access-date=November 25, 2013|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja}}</ref> However, on November 25, Richards announced that he had suffered a neck injury and would be forced to pull out of the tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_74754.shtml|title=News: Rock in movie title battle, Video – TNA KO on Justin Credible's new "Pro Wrestling 101," Davey pulls out of Japan tour, NJPW tourney results, Evolve updates|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=November 25, 2013|access-date=November 25, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On April 8, 2006, Richards won the [[ECWA Super 8 Tournament]] after defeating Scott Lost, [[Milano Collection A.T.]], and [[Charlie Haas]].<ref name="OWOW"/> After winning this tournament, Richards began competing in many different organizations, including NWA Anarchy, Ring of Honor and ROH's sister promotion [[Full Impact Pro]] (FIP).<ref name="OWOW"/> On May 2, 2009, Richards defeated Tyler Black via forfeit for the [[FIP World Heavyweight Championship]], his first singles title.<ref name="OWOW"/> While on tour in Japan for Dragon Gate in December 2009, Richards lost the FIP title to [[Masaaki Mochizuki]].<ref name="FIPtitleloss">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1260560348.php?style=dark|title=Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly – Dragon Gate|date=December 11, 2009|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|access-date=December 13, 2009|work=WrestleView}}</ref> He would regain the title a month later at [[DGUSA Fearless]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_39558.shtml|title=Radican's DGUSA "Fearless" review – Dragon Kid-Hulk, Richards-Mochizuki|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=March 4, 2010|access-date=April 10, 2010|work=PW Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc}}</ref> Richards has competed twice in German promotion [[Westside Xtreme Wrestling]]'s (wXw) 16 Carat Gold tournament. While being eliminated from the tournament in his first round match against [[Go Shiozaki]] in 2007, Richards made it all the way to the semifinals in 2011, defeating Jon Ryan and [[Zack Sabre Jr.]] along the way, before losing to eventual tournament winner, [[Sami Callihan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/index2.php?content=event_history&id=68|title=wXw "16 Carat Gold Tournament 2007 – Day 1"|access-date=October 10, 2011|work=[[Westside Xtreme Wrestling]]|language=de|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425051614/http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/index2.php?content=event_history&id=68|archive-date=April 25, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/index2.php?content=event_history&id=223|title=wXw "16 Carat Gold 2011 – Day 1"|access-date=October 10, 2011|work=[[Westside Xtreme Wrestling]]|language=de|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425051619/http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/index2.php?content=event_history&id=223|archive-date=April 25, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/index2.php?content=event_history&id=224|title=wXw "16 Carat Gold 2011 – Day 2"|access-date=October 10, 2011|work=[[Westside Xtreme Wrestling]]|language=de|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425051626/http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/index2.php?content=event_history&id=224|archive-date=April 25, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/index2.php?content=event_history&id=225|title=wXw "16 Carat Gold 2011 – Day 3"|access-date=October 10, 2011|work=[[Westside Xtreme Wrestling]]|language=de|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425051629/http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/index2.php?content=event_history&id=225|archive-date=April 25, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> [[File:Richards 2CW Tag Champion.jpg|thumb|left|Richards as the 2CW Tag Team Champion in 2010]] In mid-2009, Richards began competing for [[Dragon Gate USA]] and performed at the promotion's [[DGUSA Untouchable|Open the Untouchable Gate]] show, where he defeated [[Shingo Takagi]].<ref name="DGUSA untouchable">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/09/07/10777666.html|title=Danielson says his goodbyes at Dragon Gate Chicago|date=September 7, 2009|last=Kapur|first=Bob|access-date=October 10, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> After his match, Bryan Danielson praised Richards and touted him as the best wrestler in the world, but Richards attacked Danielson claiming that he already deserved that title.<ref name="DGUSA untouchable"/> On November 28, Richards competed in a tournament to determine the inaugural [[Dragon Gate USA Open the Freedom Gate Championship|DGUSA Open the Freedom Gate Champion]], but lost to [[Masato Onodera|Yamato]] in the first round.<ref name="Nov28-09">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1259498337.php?style=dark|title=Dragon Gate USA 11/28 results|date=November 28, 2009|last=Magee|first=Bob|access-date=November 29, 2009|work=WrestleView}}</ref> After [[BxB Hulk]] won the championship later that night, Richards challenged him to a championship match before attacking him.<ref name="Nov28-09"/> He also began competing for DGUSA's parent promotion, Dragon Gate, and completed a tour with them in December 2009.<ref name="FIPtitleloss"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1259979259.php|title=Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly – Dragon Gate|date=December 4, 2009|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|access-date=December 13, 2009|work=WrestleView}}</ref> In 2009, Richards, along with FIP booker Sal Hamaoui and Dragon Gate USA vice president [[Gabe Sapolsky]] founded the company, [[Evolve (professional wrestling)|Evolve]], which saw Richards in the main event of the first show, Evolve 1, on January 16 in the following year, defeating [[Kota Ibushi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/11984/|title=Debut of Evolve promotion notes 1–16 Rahway, NJ|last=Morone|first=Anthony|work=[[Bryan Alvarez|Figure Four Weekly]]|date=January 17, 2010|access-date=January 17, 2010}}</ref> On January 29, 2010, it was announced that Richards will no longer be involved with either Dragon Gate USA or Evolve because he signed a new contract with ROH.<ref name="newROH"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_38569.shtml|title=ROH/DGUSA News: Davey Richards re-signs with ROH, dropped from DGUSA shows including WrestleMania weekend shows|date=January 30, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=January 30, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On March 22 Richards was stripped of the FIP World Heavyweight Championship and will not be wrestling for that company in the future either.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fullimpactpro.com/headlines.htm|title=Headlines: FIP Headlines for 3.22.10|date=March 22, 2010|work=[[Full Impact Pro]]|access-date=April 10, 2010|quote=After a several month hiatus, the stars of FIP make their 2010 debut as FIP presents Southern Stampede. Due to an unforeseen contractual situation with now former FIP Champion Davey Richards, the FIP Championship Committee has declared the FIP World Heavyweight Championship vacant, and a new Champion will be crowned on April 17th at Southern Stampede.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005022914/http://www.fullimpactpro.com/headlines.htm|archive-date=October 5, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Following his departure from ROH, Richards returned to Evolve on January 10, 2014, unsuccessfully challenging [[A. R. Fox]] for the [[Evolve Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_75615.shtml|title=Radican's results – 1/10 Evolve 25 iPPV in Ybor City, Fla.: Chris Hero vs. Ricochet, Davey Richards challenges for Evolve Title, Fray!, Baretta, more|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=January 10, 2014|access-date=January 11, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On April 2, 2010, the American Wolves traveled to Squared Circle Wrestling (2CW) and won the 2CW Tag Team Championship from [[The Miracle Ultraviolence Connection|Cheech and Cloudy]] in Watertown, New York.<ref name=2CWTag>{{cite web|url=http://www.2cwwrestling.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=691:2cw-4210-5th-annual-lote-night-1-watertown-nyi&catid=19:results&Itemid=36|title=2CW – 4/2/10 – 5th Annual LOTE- Night 1 -Watertown, NY|date=April 2, 2010|access-date=May 19, 2012|work=Squared Circle Wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707062232/http://www.2cwwrestling.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=691:2cw-4210-5th-annual-lote-night-1-watertown-nyi&catid=19:results&Itemid=36|archive-date=July 7, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> They held the title for four months before losing them to [[Colin Delaney]] and [[Jimmy Olsen (wrestler)|Jimmy Olsen]] on August 22, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_43318.shtml|title=8/22 2CW results in New York: Bryan Danielson main-events, Jake Roberts announces retirement, American Wolves, Delaney (w/PICS)|last=Vincent|first=Patrick|date=August 23, 2010|access-date=August 23, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> From June 30 to July 2, 2012, Richards took part in [[World Wrestling Council]]'s (WWC) Anniversario weekend in [[Puerto Rico]]. On the first two nights, he was defeated in singles matches by [[Ray Gonzalez]] and [[Chris Angel (wrestler)|Chris Angel]] and, on the final night, he and [[Melina Perez|Melina]] were defeated in a mixed tag team match by [[Velvet Sky]] and Xix Savant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/69977/complete-details-and-results-from-wwcs-anniversario-2012-weekend.html?p=1|title=Complete details and results from WWC's Anniversario 2012 weekend|last=Perez|first=Jose|date=July 7, 2012|access-date=August 27, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> In August 2013, after their contracts with ROH had expired, Richards and Eddie Edwards took part in a tryout camp for [[WWE]], where they were described as "standing out of everyone".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/43555-details-on-wwe-tryout-camp-two-roh-talents-standing-out|title=Details on WWE tryout camp, two ROH talents "standing out"|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=September 1, 2013|access-date=November 19, 2013|work=WrestleView}}</ref> On November 18, Richards and Edwards entered the [[WWE Performance Center]] in [[Orlando, Florida]] for another week-long tryout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/81673/roh-stars-report-to-wwe-nxt.html?p=1|title=ROH stars report to WWE NXT|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=November 18, 2013|access-date=November 19, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> Three days later, Richards and Edwards, working under the ring names Derek Billington and John Cahill, respectively,<ref name="NXT name">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_75204.shtml|title=James's WWE NXT Report 12/18 – Week 77: NXT Title match, Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards in a WWE ring, Kidd & Zayn, Divas champ in action, Overall Reax|date=December 19, 2013|last=James|first=Justin|access-date=December 19, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> and billed together as "The American Pitbulls", made their [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]] debut, losing to [[NXT Tag Team Championship|NXT Tag Team Champions]] [[The Ascension (professional wrestling)|The Ascension]] ([[Conor O'Brian|Konnor]] and [[Rick Victor|Viktor]]) in a non-title match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/45122-spoiler-roh-stars-work-tonight-s-nxt-tv-tapings|title=Spoiler: ROH stars work tonight's NXT TV Tapings|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=November 21, 2013|access-date=November 22, 2013|work=WrestleView}}</ref> The following month, Richards announced that his time on the independent circuit was coming to an end, implying that he had signed a developmental contract with WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_75173.shtml|title=Radican's CZW "Cage of Death XV" iPPV report 12/14 – NOI vs. Forgotten Ones "COD" match, Dickinson-Richards, Gulak-Hero|date=December 17, 2013|access-date=December 21, 2013|last=Radican|first=Sean|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=82327|title=Complete Pro Wrestling Guerrilla All Star Weekend X results from Reseda, CA|date=December 21, 2013|access-date=December 21, 2013|last=Ronquillo|first=Steven|publisher=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> ===Total Nonstop Action Wrestling / Impact Wrestling (2014–2017)=== ==== World Tag Team Championship reigns (2014–2016) ==== [[File:The American Wolves TNA Tag Team Champions Aug 2014.jpg|thumb|Edwards (right) and Richards as the [[TNA World Tag Team Champions]] during their second reign in August 2014.]] On the January 16, 2014 episode of ''[[Impact Wrestling (TV series)|Impact Wrestling]]'', Richards made his [[Impact Wrestling|Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] debut alongside his American Wolves teammate [[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]] (now renamed The Wolves), in a segment with TNA President [[Dixie Carter (wrestling)|Dixie Carter]], where she welcomed them and then offered them a tryout match on the following episode of ''Impact Wrestling'' before they informed her that they had already signed contracts with the company, courtesy of the private investor, [[Montel Vontavious Porter|MVP]]. On February 23, 2014, he and Eddie won the [[TNA World Tag Team Champions]] at a live event in [[Morgantown, West Virginia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_75732.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact results 1/16: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of "Genesis" Impact|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=January 16, 2014|access-date=January 18, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> After a week-long reign, The Wolves lost the title back to The BroMans at [[Wrestle-1]]'s [[Kaisen: Outbreak]] event in [[Tokyo, Japan]] in a three-way match, which also included Team 246 ([[Kaz Hayashi]] and [[Shuji Kondo]]). On April 27 at the [[Sacrifice (2014)|Sacrifice]] pay-per-view, The Wolves regained the championship by defeating Robbie E, Godderz, and [[Zema Ion|DJ Z]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|two-on-three handicap match]].<ref name="Sacrifice2014">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2014/04/27/21632451.html|title=Eric Young proves to be championship material at TNA Sacrifice|date=April 27, 2014|last=Howell|first=Nolan|access-date=May 6, 2014|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On June 15, 2014, at [[Slammiversary XII]] The Wolves competed in six way ladder match for [[TNA X Division Championship]], which was won by [[Seiya Sanada|Sanada]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_79037.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Slammiversary PPV results 6/15: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Eric Young defending TNA Title in cage match, Texas Death Match, Cowboys, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 15, 2014|access-date=June 16, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On June 26, 2014, the Wolves defeated [[The Hardy Boyz]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/86541/the-rest-of-the-724-impact-tna-destination-x-spoilers-from-nyc.html?p=1 |title=THE REST OF THE 7/24 IMPACT, TNA DESTINATION X SPOILERS FROM NYC AND MORE |publisher=PWInsider.com |date=2014-06-26 |accessdate=2022-05-13}}</ref> The Wolves returned to Wrestle-1 on July 6, successfully defending the TNA World Tag Team Championship against the Junior Stars ([[Koji Kanemoto]] and [[Minoru Tanaka (wrestler)|Minoru Tanaka]]).<ref name=W1070614>{{cite web|url=http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1473|title=Fighting Entertainment Wrestle-1 「衝撃～Impact～」|date=July 6, 2014|access-date=July 6, 2014|work=[[Wrestle-1]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702024604/http://www.w-1.co.jp//schedule/tour.php?id=1473|archive-date=July 2, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_79435.shtml|title=TNA news: Result from Tag Title match in Japan, plus Muta vs. Sanada, TNA heel duo in tag action|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=July 6, 2014|access-date=July 6, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The Hardys and Team 3D challenged The Wolves to a three-way for the TNA World Tag Team Championship, to which they agreed. Kurt Angle later announced that all three teams would compete in a best of three series for the title with the winners of the first match being able to choose the stipulation of the next one. Team 3D won the first match and chose a Tables match, The Hardys won the second match and chose a ladder match, and The Wolves won the third match at No Surrender, tying them all at one win each. A final match to decide the series took place, and was won by The Wolves. At the ''Impact Wrestling'' tapings on September 19, Edwards and Richards lost the titles to The Revolution (James Storm and Abyss).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/503501-bully-ray-sends-thank-you-for-former-tna-employee-davey-richards-update|title=Bully Ray Sends Thank You For Former TNA Employee, Davey Richards Update|date=August 18, 2014|publisher=WrestleZone|access-date=August 18, 2014}}</ref> On January 30, 2015, The Wolves defeated The Revolution to become three time World Tag Team Champions. However, The Wolves vacated the titles on March 14 due to Edwards suffering a broken heel. On their return, The Wolves faced Dirty Heels in a Best of 5 Series matches for the Tag Team Championships. The Wolves won the first 2 matches and Dirty Heels won the next two. At Slammiversary, Aries defeated Richards, so he chose the stipulation for the last match of the series, a 30 minutes tag team iron man match. On June 25, 2015, (aired July 1, 2015) The Wolves defeated Dirty Heels to win the Tag Team Titles. With this victory, The Wolves tied Beer Money for the record of most reigns, with four. They lost the titles to [[Curt Hawkins|Brian Myers]] and [[Trevor Lee (wrestler)|Trevor Lee]] on the edition of September 2, 2015, of Impact Wrestling.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/95491/another-big-tna-spoiler.html?p=1|title=Another big TNA spoiler|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=July 28, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|access-date=July 29, 2015}}</ref> only to regain them the following week on the September 9, 2015 episode of Impact. During October and November (taped in July), Richards participated in the first ever [[TNA World Title Series]] where he ended second of his block by only defeating [[Robbie E]] to receive 4 points, surpassing [[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]] record (via time limit draw), but lost to [[Matt Hardy]] to retain his status with 4 points of his block. This was enough to advance to the round of 16 where he defeated [[Bram (wrestler)|Bram]] to advance in the round of 8, in which he would lose to [[Ethan Carter III]], eliminating him from the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_86578.shtml|title=TNA news: Impact spoilers – more developments from Wednesday's Impact TV taping|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=July 29, 2015|access-date=July 30, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[TNA One Night Only|One Night Only]] Live, The Wolves defended their world tag titles in the [[professional wrestling tag team match types|Three-way tag team match]] against [[Kurt Angle]] and [[Drew Galloway]] and [[Eli Drake]] and [[Jessie Godderz]] which saw the Wolves retain the titles. On the January 26 edition of Impact Wrestling, The Wolves were attacked by the newest stable called The [[Decay (professional wrestling)|Decay]] consisting of Abyss, [[Crazzy Steve]] and the debuting [[Courtney Rush|Rosemary]], who stole the titles. However they retained the titles from them on the February 2 episode of Impact Wrestling. the following week, the Wolves challenged Decay to a hardcore [[Monster's Ball match]] which is won by the Decay. On the March 8 episode of Impact Wrestling, The Wolves dropped the titles to [[Beer Money, Inc.]] ([[James Storm]] and [[Bobby Roode]]). ==== Feud with Eddie Edwards and departure (2016–2017) ==== In March, Richards suffered an ACL injury and Edwards started his singles run by feuding with [[TNA X Division Championship|TNA X Division Champion]] [[Trevor Lee]]. In July at [[Destination X (2016)|Destination X]], Richards was seen on a TNA broadcast for the first time in months, when he joined Edwards at ringside in a run-in with TNA World Heavyweight Champion [[Bobby Lashley|Lashley]] in the build-up to their match later that evening. Richards confirmed on the broadcast that he was there to support Edwards in his landmark match, although was still "A way off being in a condition to compete." Eddie's match resulted in a no-contest when [[Mike Bennett (wrestler)|Mike Bennett]] interfered in the match flooring the referee and then invited new signee to TNA, [[Moose (wrestler)|Moose]] to the ring, who had a confrontation with Lashley. On January 5, 2017, Richards made his return to TNA, helping Edwards retain the [[TNA World Heavyweight Championship]], by stopping Lashley from hitting Edwards with the title.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-tna-impact-report-1-5-17/ |title = 411's TNA Impact Report 1.05.17 {{!}} 411MANIA}}</ref> Richards faced Lashley on January 6, 2017, at [[TNA One Night Only#One Night Only: Live! 2|One Night Only: Live]] in a losing effort. On the February 9 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Richards turned [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] by costing Edwards the TNA World Heavyweight Championship rematch against Lashley, by pulling the referee out of the ring and hitting Edwards with the title belt while the referee was distracted by Angelina Love. Afterwards, Richards and his wife [[Angelina Love]] attacked Edwards and his wife [[Alexxis Nevaeh|Alisha Edwards]], thus ending The Wolves in the process. Richards' character then went through a complete transformation, sporting new theme music, trunks, being infatuated with Love and calling himself "The Lone Wolf".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/click-here-to-join-411s-tna-one-night-only-live-coverage/ |title = Click Here to Join 411's TNA One Night Only LIVE Coverage {{!}} 411MANIA}}</ref> On the February 16 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Richards faced Edwards in a Street Fight, however the match ended in a no-contest. On the March 9 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Richards brawled with Edwards at the beginning of the show, but the two were separated by security guards. On the April 6 episode of Impact Wrestling, Richards defeated Edwards in a Last Man Standing Match. On July 24, 2017, Richards officially announced his departure from TNA to become a doctor.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Martin|first1=Adam|title=Davey Richards announces he has come to terms with GFW for release|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/gfw-news/87004-davey-richards-gfw-release/|work=WrestleView|date=July 24, 2017|access-date=July 24, 2017}}</ref> ===Independent circuit (2017)=== On August 22, 2017, Evolve announced the return of Richards for September 22 and 23, to be part to Evolve 92, where he faced [[Zack Sabre Jr.]] for the [[Evolve Championship]], and to Evolve 93, where he faced [[Keith Lee (wrestler)|Keith Lee]]. On September 17, 2017, Richards announced he would be undergoing knee surgery, forcing him to cancel his bookings for the rest of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/09/17/davey-richards-cancels-bookings-2017-will-undergo-surgery/|title=Davey Richards cancels all bookings for 2017, will undergo surgery|date=2017-09-17|access-date=2017-09-28|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On November 4, Richards announced he would be taking all of 2018 off from professional wrestling due to his studies.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=RichardsWesley|author=Wesley Richards|number=926966560773820416|date=5 November 2017|title=I'll be taking all of 2018 off from Professional Wrestling. My studies take precedence for '18. I will return full time to Wrestling in '19.}}</ref> === Major League Wrestling (2021–2023) === On March 10, 2021, it was announced by Global Syndicate Wrestling that Richards will be returning to professional wrestling in June. On June 23, 2022 Richards won the [[MLW National Openweight Championship]] by defeating [[Alex Kane]] at MLW Pay-per-view [[Battle Riot IV]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/mlw/mlw-battle-riot-iv-spoilers-former-wwe-nxt-wrestler-debuts|title=MLW Battle Riot IV spoilers: Former WWE NXT wrestler debuts Additionally, a former Impact World Champion returned to the company.|work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|first=Josh|last=Jason|date=June 23, 2022|access-date=June 24, 2022}}</ref> but on January 7th, 2023 his reign as champion came to an end when he was defeated by [[John Morrison (wrestler)|Johnny Fusion]] at another MLW Pay-per-view by the name of [[Blood and Thunder (2023)|Blood and Thunder]] of year 2023. === Return to Impact Wrestling (2022) === At [[Slammiversary (2022)|Slammiversary]], on June 19, 2022, Richards returned to [[Impact Wrestling]], teaming with [[Alex Shelley]], [[Chris Sabin]], [[Frankie Kazarian]], and [[Nick Aldis]] to defeat [[Honor No More]] ([[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]], [[Matt Taven]], [[Mike Bennett (wrestler)|Mike Bennett]], [[Pierre Carl Ouellet|PCO]], and [[Vinny Marseglia|Vincent]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://impactwrestling.com/2022/06/19/slammiversary-2022-live-results/|title=Slammiversary 2022 Full Results|publisher=Impact Wrestling|author=IMPACT Wrestling Staff|date=June 19, 2022|access-date=June 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620134742/https://impactwrestling.com/2022/06/19/slammiversary-2022-live-results/|archive-date=June 20, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/19/6-19-impact-wrestling-slammiversary-results-powells-live-review-of-josh-alexander-vs-eric-young-for-the-impact-world-championship-ultimate-x-match-for-the-x-division-championship-queen-of-the-mo/|title=6/19 Impact Wrestling Slammiversary results: Powell's live review of Josh Alexander vs. Eric Young for the Impact World Championship, Ultimate X match for the X Division Championship, Queen of the Mountain match for the Knockouts Title, The Briscoes vs. Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson for the Impact Tag Titles|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|first=Jason|last=Powell|date=June 19, 2022|access-date=June 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620132043/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/19/6-19-impact-wrestling-slammiversary-results-powells-live-review-of-josh-alexander-vs-eric-young-for-the-impact-world-championship-ultimate-x-match-for-the-x-division-championship-queen-of-the-mo/|archive-date=June 20, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/dixie-carter-reveals-davey-richards-team-impact-member-slammiversary-earl-hebner-counts-pin|title=Dixie Carter Reveals Davey Richards As Team IMPACT Member At Slammiversary; Earl Hebner Counts Pin|publisher=Fightful Wrestling|first=Robert|last=Defelice|date=June 19, 2022|access-date=June 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620024417/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/dixie-carter-reveals-davey-richards-team-impact-member-slammiversary-earl-hebner-counts-pin|archive-date=June 20, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> ==Personal life== In 2008, Richards married Jennifer, better known as female professional wrestler Christie Summers. In addition to a short-lived career in professional wrestling, Jennifer is also a competitive bodybuilder in the figure class.<ref>[http://www.kmov.com/sports/St-Louis-woman-places-in-national-bodybuilding-competition-108496134.html St. Louis woman places in national bodybuilding competition] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121102510/http://www.kmov.com/sports/St-Louis-woman-places-in-national-bodybuilding-competition-108496134.html |date=November 21, 2010 }}</ref> The couple separated sometime in 2010, leading Richards to reevaluate his retirement plans.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5H8vQUJS8IM Davey Richards interview]</ref> In a June 2010 interview, Richards stated that he planned to quit the wrestling business by the end of the year to concentrate on other areas of his life.<ref name="retirementplans">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_42015.shtml|title=ROH News: One of Ring of Honor's top stars says he plans to retire this year|date=June 17, 2010|access-date=June 20, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> However, he later withdrew those plans.<ref name=GlorybyHonorIX/> Richards is a trained [[paramedic]].<ref name="retirementplans"/> In January 2015, Richards began dating fellow Impact wrestler [[Angelina Love|Lauren Williams]], better known as Angelina Love.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ringsidenews.com/misc-news/tna-news/davey-richards-dating-angelina-love/|title=Davey Richards Dating Angelina Love?|last=Grant|first=Aaron|date=2015-02-18|access-date=2015-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221002933/http://www.ringsidenews.com/misc-news/tna-news/davey-richards-dating-angelina-love/|archive-date=February 21, 2015|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The couple announced their engagement on April 27, 2015,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/93355/another-tna-departure-tna-couple-engaged-more.html?p=1|title=ANOTHER TNA DEPARTURE, TNA COUPLE ENGAGED & MORE|author=Johnson, Mike|website=PWInsider|date=April 27, 2015|access-date=April 28, 2015}}</ref> and were married on June 10, 2015.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=ActualALove|author=Lauren/Angelina Love|number=608747994544889856|date=10 June 2015|title=I am officially Mrs. Richards 😍😍😍👰🏼💑 @RichardsWesley}}</ref> On July 30, Williams announced on her [[Twitter]] account that she and Richards were expecting their first child,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/95552/tna-knockout-expecting-first-baby.html?p=1|title=TNA knockout expecting first child|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=July 31, 2015|access-date=July 31, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> a boy named David Vincent Richards, born on March 17, 2016. The couple divorced amicably sometime in 2017 and in 2019 Richards married a woman named Melissa, becoming stepfather to her two children from a previous relationship. He also has a Pug named Marv.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/100615/tna-stars-welcome-first-child.html?p=1|title=TNA STARS WELCOME FIRST CHILD|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=March 17, 2016|access-date=March 18, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> In March 2023, he announced his [[retirement]] from [[professional wrestling]] amid domestic violence allegations. Richards released a statement through social media denying the allegations. He has stated that no criminal charges have been filed and there is no evidence this incident took place. Richards has stated he was retiring in order to not tarnish the reputations of his coworkers, training team and the wrestling industry as a whole. ==Championships and accomplishments== [[File:ROH World Champion Davey Richards.jpg|thumb|Richards as the [[ROH World Championship|ROH World Champion]] in August 2011]] [[File:The American Wolves - Edwards & Richards.jpg|thumb|Richards (right) with [[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]] after winning the 2CW Tag Team Championship in April 2010]] * '''605 Championship Wrestling''' ** 605 Championship (1 time) * '''All Star Wrestling (West Virginia)''' ** ASW Heavyweight Championship (2 times) * '''[[Combat Zone Wrestling]]''' ** [[CZW World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of CZW World Heavyweight Champions|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/109881/new-czw-champion-crowned-526-defy-wrestling-swerve-city-results-from-seattle-washington.html?p=1|title=New CZW Champion crowned: 5/26 Defy Wrestling 'Swerve City' results from Seattle, Washington|access-date=May 27, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> * '''DEFY Wrestling''' ** DEFY 8xGP Championship (1 time)<ref name="pwponderings.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwponderings.com/2017/07/01/defy-063017-defy-5-gigantic-night-2-results/|title = Defy 06/30/17 Defy 5: Gigantic Night 2 Results|date = July 2017}}</ref> ** Defy 8xGP Championship Tournament (2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=4473&page=2|title=Defy 8xGP Championship Tournament (2017)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 30, 2017|access-date=November 8, 2021}}</ref> * '''[[East Coast Wrestling Association]]''' ** [[ECWA Super 8 Tournament|10th Annual ECWA Super 8 Tournament]] ([[ECWA Super 8 Tournament#2006|2006]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ecwaprowrestling.com/main/super8.html|title=Super 8 results|access-date=June 17, 2010|archive-date=June 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620144857/http://www.ecwaprowrestling.com/main/super8.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> * '''[[Full Impact Pro]]''' ** [[FIP World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of FIP World Heavyweight Champions|2 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fullimpactpro.com/history/heavyweighthistory.htm|title=FIP World Heavyweight Championship history|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006160130/http://fullimpactpro.com/history/heavyweighthistory.htm|archive-date=October 6, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> ** Eddie Graham Memorial Battle Of The Belts (2009)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1199&page=2|title=Eddie Graham Memorial Battle Of The Belts (2009)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=February 8, 2009|access-date=November 8, 2021}}</ref> ** Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup (2009)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1513&page=2|title=Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup (2009)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=November 21, 2009|access-date=November 8, 2021}}</ref> * '''FutureShock Wrestling''' ** FSW Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.futureshockwrestling.co.uk/champions.html|title=Champions and title histories|access-date=August 27, 2012|work=Futureshock Wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616075040/http://www.futureshockwrestling.co.uk/champions.html|archive-date=June 16, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> * '''Mad Wrestling Association''' ** MWA International Heavyweight Championship (1 time) *'''[[Major League Wrestling]]''' **[[MLW National Openweight Championship]] ([[MLW National Openweight Championship#Reigns|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=4227|title=MLW World Middleweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=November 6, 2021|access-date=November 8, 2021}}</ref> ** [[MLW Opera Cup]] [[Opera Cup (2021)|(2021)]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=7231&page=2|title=Opera Cup (2021)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=November 6, 2021|access-date=November 8, 2021}}</ref> * '''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]''' ** [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions|2 times]]) – with [[Rocky Romero]]<ref name=Destruction11/><ref name=NewBeginning/> * '''Prestige Championship Wrestling''' ** PCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time) * '''Pinnacle Pro Wrestling''' ** Pinnacle Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with [[Tony Kozina]]<ref name="OWOW"/> * '''Pro Wrestling Eclipse''' ** PWE Open Weight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=1530|title=PWE Open Weight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 19, 2011|access-date=November 8, 2021}}</ref> * '''Pro Wrestling Element''' ** Pro Wrestling Element North American Championship (1 time, San Antonio, lost January 15th 2023 to Casey Blackrose) * '''[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]''' ** [[PWG World Championship]] ([[List of PWG World Champions|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_champion/index.html|title=PWG World Championship history|access-date=February 28, 2010|work=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]}}</ref> ** [[PWG World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of PWG World Tag Team Champions|3 times]]) – [[Super Dragon]] (2) and [[Roderick Strong]] (1)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_tag_team_champion/index.html|title=WPG World Tag Team Championship history}}</ref> ** [[Battle of Los Angeles (professional wrestling)|Battle of Los Angeles]] ([[Battle of Los Angeles 2006|2006]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2006/show0057.html|title=Battle of Los Angeles 2006 results}}</ref> * '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''''' ** Ranked No. 7 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[PWI 500]] in 2012<ref>{{cite journal|year=2012|journal=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|volume=33|issue=7|title=PWI 500|issn= 1043-7576|page=24}}</ref> * '''Pro Wrestling Prestige''' **PWP Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with [[Kyle O'Reilly]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=_xDloedmtJY|title=PWP Tag Team Championship|website=[[YouTube]]|access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> * '''[[Ring of Honor]]''' ** [[ROH World Championship]] ([[List of ROH World Champions|1 time]])<ref name=BitW2011/> ** [[ROH World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of ROH World Tag Team Champions|3 times]]) – with Rocky Romero (1) and [[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]] (2)<ref name="ROHtag">{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestlingonline.com/rohworldtagteamtitles.php|title=Ring Of Honor Tag Team Championship|access-date=March 30, 2010|work=[[Ring of Honor]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330081409/http://www.rohwrestlingonline.com/rohworldtagteamtitles.php|archive-date=March 30, 2010}}</ref><ref name="ROHtag2"/> * '''PCW Ultra''' ** PCW Ultra Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time, current)<ref>https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=3099</ref> * '''''SoCal Uncensored''''' ** Match of the Year (2006) <small>with Super Dragon vs. Roderick Strong and [[Jack Evans (wrestler)|Jack Evans]], March 4, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.socaluncensored.com/titles/awards/scu06.htm|title=SoCal Uncensored Awards 2006|work=SoCal Uncensored|access-date=April 9, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901004642/http://www.socaluncensored.com/titles/awards/scu06.htm|archive-date=September 1, 2010}}</ref> * '''Southside Wrestling Entertainment''' ** SWE Speed King Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/week-british-wrestling-czw-champ-steals-british-gold-237741|title=The Week In British Wrestling: CZW champ steals British gold|access-date=June 23, 2017|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|date=June 22, 2017}}</ref> * '''Squared Circle Wrestling''' ** 2CW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Eddie Edwards<ref name=2CWTag/> *'''The Wrestling Revolver''' **PWR Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Eddie Edwards<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=327137|title=REVOLVER Tales From The Ring 4 – Pay Per View @ Horizon Events Center in Clive, Iowa, USA|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 30, 2021|access-date=November 1, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=3571|title=PWR Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 30, 2021|access-date=November 1, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=340087|title=REVOLVER Swerve's House – Pay Per View @ Horizon Events Center in Clive, Iowa, USA|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 16, 2022|access-date=May 2, 2022}}</ref> * '''[[Impact Wrestling|Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]]''' ** [[TNA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of TNA World Tag Team Champions|5 times]]) – with Eddie Edwards ** [[TNA One Night Only#World Cup 2015|TNA World Cup (2015)]] – with [[Jeff Hardy]], [[Gunner (wrestler)|Gunner]], [[Gail Kim]], [[Rockstar Spud]] and [[Crazzy Steve]] ** Tag Team of the Year (2014) <small>with Eddie Edwards</small> ** Match of the Year (2014) <small>The Wolves vs. [[The Hardy Boyz|The Hardys]] vs. [[The Dudley Boyz|Team 3D]] on October 8</small> * '''Top Ranked Wrestling''' ** TRW Cruiserweight Championship (1 time) * '''''[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]''''' ** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Outstanding Wrestler|Most Outstanding Wrestler]] (2011)<ref name="WON11">{{cite magazine | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | author-link = Dave Meltzer| date = January 30, 2012|title = Jan 30 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Gigantic year-end awards issue, best and worst in all categories plus UFC on FX 1, death of Savannah Jack, ratings, tons and tons of news| magazine = [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]| location = [[Campbell, California]] | issn = 1083-9593}}</ref> ** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Tag Team of the Year|Tag Team of the Year]] (2009) <small>with Eddie Edwards</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/12105/137/|title=Feb. 1 2010 Observer Newsletter: 2009 Awards Issue, Possible biggest wrestling news story of 2010|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|date=January 27, 2010|access-date=January 30, 2010}}</ref> * '''World Power Wrestling''' ** Best Of The West (2005)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=7137&page=2|title=Best Of The West (2005)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=July 29, 2005|access-date=November 8, 2021}}</ref> * '''Wrestling Superstar''' ** Wrestling Superstar Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Eddie Edwards<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=2928|title=Wrestling Superstar Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=December 13, 2015|access-date=November 8, 2021}}</ref> ==References== {{reflist|colwidth=30em}} ==External links== {{Commons category}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090715061050/http://www.dgusa.tv/roster/richards.htm Dragon Gate USA profile] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090713023945/http://fullimpactpro.com/profiles/richards.htm Full Impact Pro profile] * {{Professional wrestling profiles}} * {{IMDb name|nm2072480|Wesley Richards}} {{Navboxes| 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Champions]] [[Category:PWG World Tag Team Champions]] [[Category:FIP World Heavyweight Champions]] [[Category:CZW World Heavyweight Champions]] [[Category:MLW National Openweight Champions]]'