Roderick Strong

At 40 years old, Roderick Strong has this physical status:

Christopher Lindsey (born July 26, 1983) is an American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, where he appears on the NXT brand under the ring name Roderick Strong.

In his first reign, he is the current NXT North American Champion, a two-time ROH World Television Champion, and a one-time ROH World Tag Team champion with Austin Aries.

He is also known as the second ROH Triple Crown Champion. On the Floridian independent circuit, he debuted as The Jester, before quickly changing to his new name.

He spent time with IPW Hardcore and NWA Florida, before launching ROH in September 2003.

Strong joined forces with Alex Shelley, Austin Aries, and Jack Evans in mid-2004, becoming part of Generation Next.

Strong defeated Aries in the ROH World Tag Team Championship as part of Generation Next.

Strong later turned on Aries, forming a new faction, the No Remorse Corps with Davey Richards and Rocky Romero.

He appeared for PWG during this period as well as ROH's sister company, FIP, and debuted for PWG.

Strong has worked in Japan with Dragon Gate and Pro Wrestling Noah, and he also served in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling in 2005. He has won the World Heavyweight Championship three times and the Tag Team Championship twice, as well as once with Erick Stevens and once with Rich Swann.

He is a one-time World Champion and a three-time World Tag Team Champion, winning the title with Davey Richards, Pac, and Jack Evans during their respective reigns.

In addition,, he is the only wrestler to win PWG's annual Dynamite Duomvirate Tag Team Championship Tournament with two separate sponsors (PAC in 2007 and Evans in 2008).

Early life

Lindsey was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, but at an early age, she moved to Florida. Lindsey graduated from Riverview High School, where he played American football, after a difficult childhood. He received an academic scholarship at the University of South Florida. Lindsey was active in the industry for two years before fading out.

Personal life

Lindsey became engaged to mixed martial artist (and future NXT wrestler) Marina Shafir in December 2015. Troy Veniamin Lindsey, Shafir's first child, was born on April 24, 2017. On November 7, 2018, the two were married.

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Professional wrestling career

Lindsey's father, a student wrestler, began training as a wrestler under Jim Neidhart in the fall of 1994. Lindsey decided to become a wrestler after attending several training sessions and meeting Harry Smith, a third generation wrestler. Lindsey was also trained by his father, Neidhart, and a number of other wrestlers in Tampa, Florida, and he debuted as The Jester on the RWA's Floridian independent circuit in 2000.

Strong fought in his first match for the Independent Professional Wrestling Association, competing in a twenty-man cruiserweight Battle royal. He was first one-third of a stable known as "Risk Factor" with The Kamikaze Kid and Kid Lethal before he formed a tag team with his trainee and kayfabe brother Sedrick Strong. The Strong Brothers defeated Wrongful Death (Naphtali and Dagon Briggs) in the IPW Tag Team Championship in St. Petersburg, Florida, on June 28, 2002. They remained champions until September 20, when they lost to Naturally Marvelous (Scoot Andrews and Mike Sullivan) in a steel cage match in which Roderick sustained a concussion.

Roderick turned into a villain in 2003 after Sedrick cost the Strong Brothers a string of matches, betraying Sedrick and identifying himself with the Alliance of Defiance, a common villainous stable.

Strong began working in NWA Florida in late 2003, a position where he had had a two-year association with IPW. On July 19, 2003 in St. Petersburg, Strong defeated Babylon for the Florida Unified Cruiserweight Championship. Although Strong was champion, the Florida Unified Junior Heavyweight Championship was renamed. In a four-way match in St. Petersburg on December 13, 2003, he lost the title to Jerrelle Clark. Strong defeated Mikey Batts for the vacant title in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 10, 2004, after winning the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship. In New Port Richey, Florida, he lost the competition to Sedrick Strong on April 29, 2004.

Strong served as the head trainer of the territory's wrestling academy in addition to wrestling for NWA Florida.

Strong made a one-off appearance in World Wrestling Entertainment's SmackDown episode on January 13, 2005, representing Tampa. Strong was defeated by Kurt Angle in Angle's "3-Minute Hometown Hero Challenge," according to the episode.

Strong began his Ring of Honor (ROH) service in September 2003. Alex Shelley, Austin Aries, and Jack Evans formed Generation Next, a stable on May 22, 2004 at Generation Next. Generation Next emerged quickly on the ROH roster, pledging to remain the future of wrestling. They defeated CM Punk, Ace Steel, R. J. after defeating several others. On October 2 at The Midnight Express Reunion, Brewer and Jimmy Jacobs (mentored by Ricky Steamboat) was on display at The Midnight Express Reunion.

Strong began punctuating his ring style by putting on a sarcastic demeanor while serving as Generation Next's enforcer. He formed a regular tag team with Evans in November 2004, and Shelley was kicked out of the organization on December 26 by Evans and Aries after he refused to resign as leader. Strong and Evans stayed with the team through early-2005, but they were unable to win the ROH Tag Team Championship. Strong defeated Samoa Joe, Jay Lethal, Generation Next colleague Austin Aries, and Colt Cabana to win the titular competition, earning him another shot at the ROH World Championship in the future.

After beating her former client, Jimmy Rave, on October 1, Jade Chung vs. Kobashi aligned herself with Strong (and the remainder of Generation Next). Strong defeated James Gibson in his last match for Ring of Honor before returning to World Wrestling Entertainment. Gibson delivered Strong the "MVP" of Ring of Honor at a farewell address after the match.

Strong lost to ROH World Champion Bryan Danielson in Woodbridge, Connecticut, on October 29 and November 5 in Chicago, with the match lasting more than 45 minutes. Strong defeated Bryan Danielson for the third time in the ROH World Championship, with a 60-minute time limit, but Roderick came up short, with Danielson coming up Strong at the 56 minute mark for the victory.

Strong and Aries defeated Sal Rinauro and Tony Mamaluke to win the ROH World Tag Team Championship in 2005, at the Final Battle in 2005. They held the titles until September 16, 2006, when they were defeated by The Kings of Wrestling (Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli). Strong turned to Aries in February 2007 to form the No Remorse Corps, a new group led by Davey Richards.

The No Remorse Corps joined Aries' new faction, the Resilience. Rocky Romero joined the NRC, while Matt Cross and Erick Stevens joined The Resilience. Although the NRC ruled the feud for the most part, the feud came to an end with Strong losing matches to Aries in a 30-minute Iron Man match.

Stronger than that, Stevens and Stevens fought over the FIP championship. Strong lost the title to Stevens at Final Battle 2007, but at FIP Redefined, they regained it. He retained his position in several matches with Stevens, as well as winning a Fight Without Honor against Stevens at ROH Respect is Earned II. Roberts was still on the top of the game, despite splitting two tables. However, in a FIP Hot Summer Nights 2008 in a Dog Collar match to bring an end to their feud. Strong turned on Strong to join Sweet and Sour Inc on an episode of ROH on HDNet on February 13. Strong accepted the position as Black promised that if he wins the title, Strong will be sent to a championship match.

Strong turned into a murderer on May 22, 2010 and debuted Truth Martini as his new boss. Strong defeated Colt Cabana, Steve Corino, Shawn Daivari, Tyson Dux, and Edwards in a gauntlet match, with a help from Martini, in the ROH World Championship's second pay-per-view. Strong defeated Tyler Black in a No Disqualification match to win the ROH World Championship for the first time on September 11, 2010. After a brief absence from ROH, Eddie Edwards joined ROH World Television Champion Eddie Edwards to compete in the Nippon Television Junior Heavyweight Tag Competition. Strong had signed a new deal with ROH on March 2, 2011. Strong defeated ROH World Championship to Eddie Edwards at Manchester Mayhem IV just over two weeks later on March 19.

Strong defeated Richards once more on April 1 in a rematch of their match at Final Battle. Richards defeated Strong this time after being forced to reveal an Ankle Lock. Strong lost again on the second night of the iPPV, this time to El Generico. Strong's colleague from the House of Truth, Michael Elgin, assaulted Generico after the match, but Colt Cabana saved the money. Christopher Daniels came out, presumably to help fellow babyfaces Cabana and Generico, but after being hit Generico with the Book of Truth and landing Cabana with the Angel's Wings, he returned to the House of Truth. Strong took another shot at the ROH world championship against Davey Richards on August 13 at the first ever TV tapings of Ring Of Honor Wrestling under Sinclair Broadcasting Group. Strong defeated Jay Lethal for the first time on March 31, 2012, becoming the second person to win the ROH World Television Championship since being the second in the ROH Triple Crown. Strong lost the title to Adam Cole on June 29. Strong resigned from the House of Truth after defeating former stablemate Michael Elgin on December 16 at Final Battle 2012: Doomsday. Strong would bring an end to his rivalry with Elgin in a Two out of three falls show on March 2, 2013, despite being defeated in a Two out of three falls match.

Strong performed well in 2013 and started a friendly competition with Adam Cole in mid-2013. Strong challenged Matt Taven in his first round match after the ROH World Championship was postponed, resulting in a tournament to determine the next champion as a face. Strong was disqualified from the tournament in the second round by Kevin Steen on August 17. Strong faced tournament champion and ROH World Champion Adam Cole in a No Disqualification, No Count Out match on October 5, but he would fall short. Strong will be given the nickname "Mr. Ring of Honor" for his ROH stint in late 2013. Roderick Strong will turn into a villain with B. J. Whitmer and Jimmy Jacobs, claiming that they were sick of people being celebrated as they walked out of ROH on December 14, 2013, but that the constants in ROH will go unnoticed. The Decade is a fictional group that despiss this violent group.

Strong was defeated by returning A.J. on January 4, 2014. Styles. Strong was kicked out of The Decade in 2014 after losing to Adam Page, but Strong recovered from the blow to begin a match for the Final Battle, as a result. Strong defeated Adam Page in Final Battle 2014 and then B. J. Whitmer in a grudge match at ROH's 13th Anniversary Show to bring an end to his feud with The Decade.

Strong is expected to appear on the lower card for the first few months of 2015, defeating Christopher Daniels at Supercard of Honor IX. Roderick Strong was a member of the Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling Committee, along with others in the ROH booth, on May 12 and 13; and World Wars on May 15 and 16. Strong won his match with NJPW wrestler Kushida, but lost his match to NJPW mainstay Hiroshi Tanahashi, one of New Japan's top three stars. He appeared at both World Wars events; on the first night, he teamed with the Briscoes and War Machine (Hanson and Ray Rowe) to defeat Bullet Club (A. J. Styles (then IWGP Heavyweight Champion), Doc Gallows, Karl Anderson, and the Young Bucks). He lost to Shinsuke Nakamura, another one of NJ's top three players, on the second night. Strong earned high praise from wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, who claimed that both Tanahashi and Namura were giving him "rave reviews" following the ROH/NJPW show.

Strong set his sights on the ROH World Championship after the ROH/NJPW tournaments, which culminated in strong competition. Strong defeated Michael Elgin and Moose in a three-way match to become the best in the world to be the ROH World Championship's top contender. Strong beat Death Before Dishonor XIII, battling Jay Lethal (also the ROH World Television Champion), but the match was in vain as the match went to a 60-minute time-limit draw. Roderick Strong began training against IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada, the only one of the top three NJPW players (alongside Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura) who had yet to wrestle since losing the title. Okada accepted the challenge, bringing the two teams up for a match at Field of Honor, where Okada was victorious. Strong successfully fought Lethal for the ROH World Championship on August 21 but was disqualified. Strong continued to be unsuccessful in his attempts, losing to A. J. Styles in a four-way match along with Adam Cole and Michael Elgin. Stronger Thanhes and ACH clashed with Jay Lethal, where he was revealed as the partner of A. J. Styles and ACH in a "Champions versus All-Stars" elimination match at Glory By Honor XIV against Lethal and ROH World Tag Team Champions The Kingdom (Matt Taven and Michael Bennett). Strong earned a match for Jay Lethal's ROH World Television Championship on the first night of Glory By Honor XIV on October 23, the first night. Strong was strong in the competition, winning the TV show for the second time. Strong was selected to be part of the Champions squad with Lethal and the Kingdom against the new All-Stars team, transforming the six-man tag team competition into an eight-man tag team match, due to Styles and ACH being injured the previous night. Strong's crew was victorious, with Strong and Lethal as the only two remaining participants in the match. Strong had a starring contest with both Styles and Lethal after the match.

Strong challenged the upcoming Final Battle pay-per-view tournament after being injured in the Fittest tournament's survival, which was accepted by Bobby Fish, who had defeated him in a match on September 12. Strong retained the title against Fish on December 18, the first night of the competition. During the game, Strong submitted to Fish but the referee did not see it, and the match proceeded. After beating Fish with a Sick Kick to win, Strong once more became a villain. Strong anchored his villainous turn by defeating ECW alumni Stevie Richards the next night.

Roderick Strong continued to feud with Bobby Fish in 2016, where the two were due to clash for Strong's TV Championship at ROH's 14th Anniversary event on February 26. Strong lost the ROH World Television Championship to Tomohiro Ishii of New Japan Pro-Wrestling at the ROH/NJPW co-produced Honor Rising: Japan 2016 in Tokyo's Korakuen Hall. In a three-way match at ROH 14th Anniversary, which also included Fish, he was then pinned by Ishii. Strong was then defeated by Dalton Castle, the newest number-one contender to the TV title, after being defeated on May 8 by Dalton Castle.

Strong would leave the program following the television tapings on June 22, 2016. Roderick Strong defeated Mark Briscoe after a pair of fisherman suplex drivers/brainbusters injured him on June 24 at the Best in the World.'16 Roderick Strong lost to Mark Briscoe. Strong was defeated once more by Dalton Castle, who had just lost his TV title battle against Bobby Fish at Best in the World on June 25, his last day at ROH. Despite being taped in June, it did not air until July 15th. He said on the day that he would always be identified as "Mr. ROH."

Roderick Strong made his Full Impact Pro (FIP) debut against Austin Aries in 2004. Strong defeated Bryan Danielson in a title-versus-career match to win the FIP Heavyweight Championship, the Floridian Full Impact Pro promotion's heavyweight championship. The FIP Heavyweight Championship became known as the FIP World Heavyweight Championship as he defended the title against Pac in Liverpool on March 3. Strong and Rich Swann won the FIP Tag Team Championship on December 6, 2013, defeating the Bravado Brothers (Harlem and Lancelot). The answer to violence is still being offered on Monday, but Andrew Everett and Caleb Konley retained the title against them. Strong and Swann lost the FIP Tag Team Championship to The Juicy Product on May 2, 2014. Strong defeated the FIP World Heavyweight Championship for the third time on February 20, 2015. On April 18, he lost the tournament to Rich Swann.

Strong lost a special "Showcase Match" to Austin Aries at the Unbreakable pay-per-view on September 11, 2005, his first big match with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. On September 22, it was revealed that he had signed a TNA deal and would face A.J. Styles in the first match on TNA Impact's premiere episode! On October 1, Spike TV began on Spike TV. Strong went on to lose the ensuing match. Strong was part of a fatal 4-way match at Bound for Glory on the pre-show, which was won by Sonjay Dutt. On the 10th episode of Impact, Strong and Alex Shelley lost to A.J. Sonjay Dutt and Styles. Strong at Genesis participated in an Eight-man tag team elimination tournament, which his team won. Strong and Alex Shelley lost to Austin Aries and Matt Bentley at Turning Point. Strong lost to Matt Bentley in a match taped for Xplosion on December 3. Strong lost to Samoa Joe on the December 31 episode of Impact.

With Austin Aries and Alex Shelley, he created a stable in TNA in 2006, and they defeated Chris Sabin, Matt Bentley, and Sonjay Dutt in a Six-man tag team tournament match. On the January 7 episode of Impact, Strong, Austin Aries, and Alex Shelley defeated A.J. In a six man tag team match, Styles, Christopher Daniels, and Chris Sabin will compete. Strong and Aries defeated The Naturals in a top Contenders Tournament match on February 4 on Impact. On the February 11 episode of Impact, Strong and Aries lost to Sonjay Dutt and Chris Sabin in the Tournament finals. Strong and Austin Aries lost to The Naturals at Against All Odds (Andy Douglas and Chase Stevens). Strong participated in a 3-WAY to Qualify for Team USA in TNA's world cup on February 18, but lost the match. Strong lost to A.J. on the February 25 episode of Impact, which is based on the February 25 episode of Impact. Styles are mixed.

He and Aries were suspended for two months for arriving four hours late for the TNA Against All Odds in 2006. In April 2006, he returned to TNA, but he was released shortly afterwards in his final TNA match on Impact, where he lost a World X Cup Three Way Qualifying Match, which was contested by Alex Shelley.

Strong has been on several tours of Japan, beginning with Dragon Gate in December 2005. Since 2009, he has been with Pro Wrestling Noah, where he and Slex were competing in the NTV Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship in July 2013. Nonetheless, the team gained only two points and did not advance to the tournament, but not to win.

Strong made his Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) debut on February 12, 2005, losing to Ricky Reyes. Strong and Jack Evans defeated 2 Skinny Black Guys (El Generico and Human Tornado) on December 16, becoming the top two contenders for the PWG World Tag Team Championships. In a losing effort, they defeated champions Super Dragon and Davey Richards on March 4, 2006. Strong performed well in singles and made his Battle of Los Angeles tournament debut in 2006. In the first and Dragon Kid rounds, he defeated Rocky Romero in the first and final rounds before losing to Richards, the eventual champion in the semifinals. Strong partnered with Richards to defeat Super Dragon and B-Boy in the PWG World Tag Team Championship on November 17, but Super Dragon and B-Boy regained their titles the following day.

Strong will win his second World Tag Team Championship at the inaugural Dynamite Dumortier Tag Team Championship Tournament, which lasted two nights in May 2007. Strong was supposed to work with Evans, but Evans was unable to attend. Strong won the tournament and championships respectively, defeating Richards and Super Dragon, the Muscle Outlaws, and the Briscoe Brothers (Jay and Mark Briscoe). They lost the titles to Kevin Steen and El Generico on July 26, which they lost on July 26. Strong began the Battle of Los Angeles in 2007, defeating Austin Aries, Joey Ryan, and Alex Shelley on their way to the finals, where he was defeated by CIMA in a match involving El Generico.

Strong took part in a one-night tournament on February 24, 2008, determining a new PWG World Champion. Low Ki, the previous champion, had been wounded, causing him to leave the field. Strong was supposed to face Low Ki for the title, and as a result, he was granted a byelection in the final round. The tournament (dubbed Dia de los Dangerous) lasted for four days. Strong defeated Human Tornado and Karl Anderson in a three-way match in the final, which Strong lost. He took part in Evans' second annual DDT4 on May 17 and 18. They advanced to the finals, defeating Scorpio Sky and Ronin and Los Luchas (Phoenix Star and Zokre) and losing the World Tag Team Champions Kevin Steen and El Generico to become champions and tournament champions. The Age of the Fall, Tyler Black and Jimmy Jacobs) defeated Generico's crew (subtututing Evans) and Strong to win the titles on July 6th. Strong defeated Tyler Black in singles action next month. He was defeated in the first round by eventual champion Low Ki. He was in his third Battle of Los Angeles.

Strong partnered with Bryan Danielson in the 2009 DDT4 final round for the third year in a row. They defeated The Dynasty (Scott Lost and Joey Ryan) and the Motor City Machine Guns (Shelley and Chris Sabin) before losing to the World Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson). Strong took his second PWG World Championship title shot on August 28, 2009, challenging Chris Hero but was unable to win. He made it to the final round of Battle of Los Angeles this year, losing the chance for revenge and the vacant World Championship to Kenny Omega.

Strong defeated Hero and Rob Van Dam in a three-way match at PWG's WrestleReunion 4 showcase on January 30, 2010. He met Richards for the World Championship on April 10, but then lost. Strong was unable to make it to the DDT4 finals on May 9, defeating in the first round. Strong was defeated by Danielson in a singles match at Seven on July 30, respectively. In the first round of the 2010 Battle of Los Angeles, he defeated Paul London and defeated Paul London in the first round before losing to Claudio Castagnoli the next day. Strong and former partner Aries lost a World Tag Team Championship title match against the Young Bucks on May 28, 2011. Strong appeared in the 2011 Battle of Los Angeles and was disqualified by Eddie Edwards in the first round. Strong defeated the debuting Incredible Red on December 10.

Strong partnered with PWG debutant Sami Callihan at DDT4, but they lost before making it to the semifinals on April 21, 2012. In September, he defeated Drake Younger in the first round and lost to Ricochet in the quarterfinals. Strong defeated Rich Swann in Swann's first match at Failure to Communicate on October 27, a first-class match. Strong joined Eddie Edwards in a back-to-back tag team triumphs on December 1st; the pair first defeated The Young Bucks in the first round, then defeated World Tag Team Champions Super Smash Brothers (Player Uno and Stupefied) in a non-title match.

Strong defeated Adam Cole to become the No. 1 at PWG's Eleventh anniversary show. Kyle O'Reilly was the top contender for the PWG World Championship, which was won by Kyle O'Reilly. He began congratulating O'Reily for his heroic title defense over Chris Hero, then chastised O'Reilly for his ineffective title defense over Chris Hero. Later, he defended his turn by saying he was "the one who has the greatest matches." He was sick of being "the Gatekeeper of PWG." Strong will advance to the finals in August after defeating Biff Busick in the first round and then reaching the finals despite cheating; winning by disqualification over A.J. After lying them out of the match, Styles and getting a bye over PWG World Champion Kyle O'Reilly in the semifinals. Ricochet took the three-way final match, which also included Johnny Gargano. Strong unsuccessfully challenged O'Reilly for the title at Untitled II. Strong defeated O'Reilly in a Guerrilla Warfare match for the first time since going back to a match against BOLA champion Ricochet in a near 30 minute match. Trevor Lee will make his first appearance at From Out of Nowhere against Trevor Lee, his second at Don't Sweat the Technique against Zack Sabre Jr. in a critically fought match against Brian Cage and Chris Hero at DDT4. Strong defended the name against "Speedball" Mike Bailey in an open contest, later assisting the Young Bucks in the PWG World Tag Team Championship and later created a new version of the Mount Rushmore stable with them and the returning Super Dragon. Adam Cole joined the stable on December 11th. Strong won the PWG World Championship to Zack Sabre Jr. on March 5, 2016. He'll have to pay out in his rematch clause against Sabre Jr. on July 29, 2016, but will lose. He started the match off with a farewell address to announce his departure from PWG after 11 years with the company.

Strong made his NXT debut on October 19, 2016 as Austin Aries' second Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament partner, defeating Otis Dozovic and Tucker Knight in the second Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament. Strong was introduced as part of WWE's newest group of recruits joining the WWE Performance Center on October 25, 2016. Strong defeated Elias Samson on Dec. 14 on NXT's December 14 episode, putting him into a deadly four-way match to determine a new number one contender for the NXT Championship as well as establishing himself as a fan favorite. On the December 21 episode of NXT, Strong performed in the deadly four way, but it was ineffective. In his first TakeOver appearance, Strong defeated Andrade "Cien" Almas at NXT TakeOver: San Antonio. Strong then became a rivalry with SAnity, after Tye Dillinger and No Way Jose, who were also fighting the group, became involved. NXT Takeover: Strong, Orlando, Strong, collaborated with Dillinger, Ruby Riot, and Kassius Ohno (replacing No Way Jose, who had been assaulted earlier in the night) to face SAnitY in an 8-person mixed tag team match in a losing effort. Strong defeated Eric Young in NXT Takeover: Chicago on May 20, giving Young his first pinfall loss in NXT. Strong challenged Bobby Roode for the NXT Championship on July 5th, but the match was called off. Strong defeated Roode after Drew McIntyre claimed the NXT Championship from Roode at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III on August 30, the NXT Takeover: Brooklyn III episode. Strong unsuccessfully challenged McIntyre for the NXT Championship on October 5 of NXT. On the October 25 episode of NXT, Strong was defeated by Almas after Zelina Vega's interference.

Strong entered a storyline with The Undisputed Age (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, and Kyle O'Reilly). The trio attempted to recruit Strong to join the team for weeks in an attempt to defy NXT. The Undisputed Age intervened during a match between SAnitY and The Authors of Pain on the November 1 episode of NXT, causing the match to come to an end in a no-contest. Strong entered the fray and took out an Undisputed Armband, seemingly joining the group. Strong confronted the three characters, resulting in the ring being opened by The Authors of Pain. William Regal, the company's general manager, was on the track to play NXT TakeOver: WarGames (also known as Takeover: Houston). Against The Undisputed Age and SAnity, a strong team would work with The Authors of Pain. Strong (who wore the same clothing as his teammates) and The Authors of Pain were unsuccessful in winning. Strong was defeated by Lars Sullivan in a qualifier match for the NXT Championship's fatal four-way match on December 20.

Drake Maverick, the 2018 WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, was revealed on January 30, 2018. Strong was later revealed as a participant in the tournament, defeating Hideo Itami in the first round and Kalisto in the quarter-finals on February 6 and February 27 episodes of 205 Live, before being defeated by Cedric Alexander in the semi-finals on March 13.

Strong turned to his colleague Pete Dunne and the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic trophy in New Orleans, turning heel in the triple threat match for the NXT Tag Team Championship and the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic trophy. Strong teamed with O'Reilly to defend the NXT Tag Team Championship next morning, making him one of the champions under the Freebird Rule. Strong competed in the namesake competition, debuting at #34 and losing Rhyno before being defeated by Baron Corbin in the Greatest Royal Rumble.

O'Reilly and Strong defeated Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan to keep the NXT Tag Team Championship intact at NXT Takeover: Chicago II, Miami Burch and Strong defeated Strong and Wilson to win the NXT Tag Team Championship. Strong and O'Reilly lost the NXT Tag Team Championship against Moustache Mountain on day 2 of the 2018 WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament (Tyler Bate and Trent Seven). However, they would regain the title on the NXT's July 11, 2018 episode, after Bate threw in the towel over an injured Seven. O'Reilly and Strong defeated Moustache Mountain twice in NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 4, August 18 to hold the titles. On November 17, the four members of the Undisputed Age of WarGames II defeated Ricochet, Pete Dunne, War Machine, and Hanson in a losing battle.

Strong and O'Reilly lost the NXT Tag Team Championship to the War Raiders on January 26, 2019, bringing an end to their reign at 219 days. Strong interference in Adam Cole's NXT Championship match against Johnny Gargano was undisputed at NXT TakeOver: New York on April 5. Strong will retaliate with Matt Riddle after that time. Strong was defeated by Riddle in NXT Takeover: XXV on June 1, the first time the NXT Takeover: XXV was published. Strong, of Toronto, defeated Pete Dunne and Velveteen Dream in the NXT North American Championship's triple threat match, which Dream will keep the title.

Strong defeated Velveteen Dream on the first episode of NXT North American Championship, his first single title in WWE, and the Undisputed Age all three male champion titles were available in NXT. He would then launch a feud against Tommaso Ciampa, Riddle, and Keith Lee, which would result in a WarGames match between the Undisputed Age and WarGames, which would culminate in a feud between the Undisputed Era and the team of Ciampa, Lee, Dominik Dijakovic and Kevin Owens. Shinsuke Nakamura and Raw's United States Champion A.J. defeated him the next night at Survivor Series, then defeated SmackDown's Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura and Raw's United States Champion A.J. Styles in an inter-brand triple threat match. Strong will defeat Austin Theory in order to keep his NXT North American Championship on December 25, NXT's 25th episode. Strong, Strong, and the remainder of the Undisputed Age of The Undisputed Era will face Imperium, but will not be able to participate in the match. Strong lost the North American Championship to Keith Lee in the main event on January 22, 2020, putting his reign to an end at 126 days.

Strong began feud with Dexter Lumis, who came to Velveteen Dream's assistance in his war with The Undisputed Age. Strong was kidnapped during the In Your House case to prevent him from participating in Cole's match with Dream around the time. Strong was traumatized by the kidnapping and developed a deadly fear of Dexter as a result. Strong's teammates attempted to calm his sudden anxiety and fear by getting him to therapy, but his counsel was O'Reilly in disguise, owing to Cole's fear that Strong might renounce villainy as a result of his encounter with Dexter. Strong defeated Lumis in a tense match at The Great American Bash. The Undisputed Age began in September with Pat McAfee, Oney Burch, Danny Burch, and Pete Dunne, who brought them face to face in the process. This culminated in NXT Takeover: WarGames (2020), with the Undisputed Age winning in a WarGames match.

Cole kicked O'Reilly on Vengeance Day at NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day, leaving the faction's future in doubt. Cole went on and double-crossed Strong on February 24, 2021, effectively ending The Undisputed Age. Strong took time off from NXT after the dissolution of the Undisputed Age.

Strong returned to NXT on June 22 as the Diamond Mine stable and Tyler Rust (who was released weeks after and later replaced by The Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile) and Hachiman, with Malcolm Bivens as their boss, turned heel again. Strong defeated Kushida to win the NXT Cruiserweight Championship on September 21 on NXT 2.0. Strong defeated Joe Gacy in NXT WarGames, retaining his title. On the NXT: New Year's Evil, he owes the title to Carmelo Hayes, unifying both North American and Cruiserweight titles. Diamond Mine's adamant founders and the majority of the population would gradually change face at the start of 2022, when they first fell into a conflict with Imperium.

Strong asked for his release "multiple times" in 2021 to 2022, but WWE hasn't been able to talk to him due to "creative strategies in place."

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