William Morrissey: From WWE’s Big Cass to AEW’s W. Morrissey
William Morrissey, born on August 16, 1986, is an American professional wrestler best known for his tenure with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) under the ring name Big Cass. Throughout his career, Morrissey has made a significant impact, both as a solo performer and in a memorable tag team with Enzo Amore.1
Table of Contents
Early Career and NXT Debut
Morrissey began his wrestling journey on the independent circuit before joining WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, in 2011. Adopting the ring name Colin Cassady, he formed a tag team with Enzo Amore, known for their unique charisma and entertaining promos.
The duo quickly gained popularity in NXT, capturing the attention of fans with their engaging catchphrases and energetic performances.
Partnership with Enzo Amore
- As the tag team gained momentum, Colin Cassady shortened his ring name to Big Cass. Along with Enzo Amore, the team became a fan favorite in NXT, known for their catchphrase, “SAWFT,” and their playful banter with the audience.
- In 2015, the duo was awarded the NXT Year-End Award for Tag Team of the Year, solidifying their place as one of NXT’s most popular teams.
- In 2016, Big Cass and Enzo Amore made their main roster debut on WWE’s Monday Night Raw. Their popularity from NXT carried over, and the team quickly became a prominent part of WWE’s tag team division.
- However, despite their strong connection with the fans, they never secured a major tag team championship during their WWE run.
Transition to the Independent Circuit and AEW
After his WWE release, William Morrissey wrestled on the independent circuit under the ring name CazXL. During this time, he worked on overcoming personal struggles and addiction, which had affected his WWE career. Morrissey made his way to Impact Wrestling, where he continued to build his reputation as a singles competitor.2
In 2022, Morrissey made a surprise debut in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) under the name W. Morrissey. His arrival in AEW marked a fresh start for the wrestler, with a renewed focus and determination. As part of the AEW roster, Morrissey has been featured in significant storylines and matches, proving his worth as a dominant force in the wrestling world.
Professional Wrestling Career of William Morrissey
William Morrissey, widely known in the wrestling world as Big Cass or W. Morrissey, began his professional wrestling journey in 2009. Trained at Johnny Rodz’s wrestling school in Brooklyn, New York, Morrissey quickly found his footing in the World of Unpredictable Wrestling (WUW) promotion.
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Here, he adopted the ring name Big Bill Young and took on the gimmick of a cowboy, often accompanying his storyline uncle, Billy Walker, to the ring.
Debut in World of Unpredictable Wrestling
Morrissey made his professional wrestling debut on May 30, 2009, at WUW, marking the beginning of his career in the sport. His first official match was held on August 15, 2009, and he continued to perform in various events for the promotion.
During this time, he developed his skills and gained valuable in-ring experience, setting the stage for his future endeavors.
Signing with WWE
- After honing his craft in WUW and gaining recognition in the wrestling scene, Morrissey signed with WWE in mid-2011.3
- This marked a significant turning point in his career, as he transitioned from the independent circuit to the global wrestling stage. With his imposing physical presence and athleticism, Morrissey was poised to make a lasting impact in WWE.
- In WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, Morrissey adopted the ring name Colin Cassady. He quickly became known for his tag team partnership with Enzo Amore, a charismatic duo that captured the hearts of WWE fans.
- Their unique style and engaging promos made them one of the most popular tag teams in NXT, earning them the NXT Year-End Award for Tag Team of the Year in 2015.
Post-WWE Career and AEW
After his WWE release in 2018, Morrissey transitioned back to the independent wrestling circuit, adopting the ring name CazXL. He worked to rebuild his career and address personal struggles that had contributed to his departure from WWE. During this time, he gained a reputation as a singles competitor and re-established himself in the wrestling world.
In 2022, Morrissey made a surprise debut in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) under the name W. Morrissey. This marked a new chapter in his career, with a renewed focus and determination. As part of AEW, Morrissey quickly made an impact, showcasing his skills in high-profile matches and earning recognition as a dominant force in the promotion.
Main Roster and Heel Turn (2016-2018)
Following their successful run in NXT, Big Cass and Enzo Amore made their much-anticipated main roster debut after WrestleMania 32. They appeared on Monday Night Raw, where they made an immediate impact by confronting the legendary Dudley Boyz. The duo quickly captured the attention of the WWE Universe with their charismatic promos and high-energy performances.
Partnership with John Cena and The Club Feud
During the summer of 2016, Big Cass and Enzo Amore entered a high-profile feud with The Club, consisting of AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson. At Battleground, they teamed up with John Cena in a six-man tag team match to take on The Club. The trio emerged victorious, adding to Big Cass and Enzo’s growing momentum on the main roster.
“Heroes get remembered, but LEGENDS never die.” Thank you @Sting. This one goes up on the mantle. #AEWRevolution ???? pic.twitter.com/QW1rE0x97a
— BiG BiLL (@TheCaZXL) March 3, 2024
Tag Team Pursuit and Rivalries
- Despite their initial success, Big Cass and Enzo Amore faced setbacks in their pursuit of the Raw Tag Team Championship.
- They continued to feud with prominent teams like Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens, culminating in a match at SummerSlam, where they suffered a loss.
- Throughout 2016 and early 2017, they participated in several high-stakes tag team matches, but their quest for tag team gold remained elusive.
- At WrestleMania 33, Big Cass and Enzo Amore competed in a fatal four-way ladder match for the Raw Tag Team Championship.
- The match also featured Cesaro and Sheamus, The Club, and The Hardy Boyz, who made a shocking return to WWE. Despite their efforts, Big Cass and Enzo fell short as The Hardy Boyz claimed the titles, marking a pivotal moment in their careers.
Heel Turn and Breakup
In 2017, tensions began to rise between Big Cass and Enzo Amore, leading to speculation about a possible breakup. The turning point came when Enzo Amore was mysteriously attacked backstage on several occasions, leaving Big Cass as the prime suspect.
After weeks of speculation, Big Cass revealed that he was indeed responsible for the attacks, confirming his heel turn.
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Big Cass: The Early Days and the Heel Turn
In 2010, William Morrissey, also known as Big Cass, wrestled under the moniker Big Bill Young for the World of Unpredictable Wrestling (WUW) promotion, owned by his trainer Johnny Rodz. These early experiences served as foundational building blocks for his professional wrestling career, which would eventually lead him to WWE fame.
Building a Reputation at WUW
The World of Unpredictable Wrestling was a pivotal step in Morrissey’s journey as he honed his craft and gained invaluable in-ring experience. Under Johnny Rodz’s guidance, he polished his skills and developed his persona as a towering giant in the wrestling world.
At WUW, Morrissey wrestled with a blend of raw power and aggression, gaining recognition for his imposing stature and potential.
The Tag Team with Enzo Amore
In 2013, Morrissey, now wrestling as Big Cass, joined forces with Enzo Amore, creating a unique and entertaining tag team that quickly resonated with the WWE Universe. The dynamic between Cass’s towering height and Enzo’s flamboyant personality became a highlight of NXT programming, eventually leading to their debut on WWE’s main roster.
Despite his seemingly gentle demeanor, Cass’s towering seven-foot frame and bruising power could not be underestimated. His partnership with Enzo Amore brought him into the spotlight, where he learned that the wrestling business can be as unpredictable as it is unforgiving.
The Split from Enzo Amore and the Heel Turn
- As their partnership grew in popularity, tensions began to surface. Big Cass eventually realized that the spotlight might only be large enough for one of them.
- This realization led to one of the most shocking moments in WWE history: the betrayal and subsequent split from Enzo Amore.
- Big Cass’s heel turn was a dramatic and painful moment for fans who had grown attached to the charismatic tag team.
- The brutal way in which Cass booted Enzo Amore to end their friendship left an indelible mark on the WWE Universe. It marked a new chapter in his career as a singles competitor and set the stage for his journey as a dominant force on WWE’s main roster.
Big Cass: Independent Circuit and Impact Wrestling Career (2018-2021)
After being released by WWE in 2018, William Morrissey, better known as Big Cass, re-entered the independent circuit, where he spent two years refining his craft and building a new path. During this period, he took on several ring names, including Big Cazz, CaZXl, and Big Ca$$.
This transitional phase played a crucial role in his career, allowing him to explore different wrestling styles and work with various promotions.
Rebuilding on the Independent Circuit
Morrissey’s return to the independent circuit allowed him to reconnect with the core aspects of professional wrestling. Without the constraints of a large corporate structure, he found the freedom to develop his character and engage in matches that suited his unique style.
During this time, he made appearances at smaller promotions, working alongside other talented wrestlers and gaining valuable experience.
Joining Impact Wrestling
In April 2021, Morrissey signed with Impact Wrestling and made his debut at the Rebellion pay-per-view event. His Impact Wrestling debut was marked by a return to the ring, where he quickly established himself as a dominant competitor.
The match marked a new chapter in his career, with Morrissey bringing his signature style and aggression to the Impact Wrestling roster.
High-Stakes Matches in Impact Wrestling
Following the breakup with Moose, Morrissey continued to make waves in Impact Wrestling by competing in high-stakes matches.
One such encounter was the triple threat match for the Impact Championship at Hard to Kill, where Morrissey and Cardona faced Moose. Although Morrissey didn’t win the championship, his performance showcased his growth and resilience in the ring.
FAQ’S
1. Who is Big Bill?
Ans: Big Bill, whose real name is William Morrissey, is a professional wrestler currently signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He is known for his imposing height and size, as well as his powerful in-ring style. He gained popularity during his time in WWE as Big Cass, where he formed a successful tag team with Enzo Amore.
2. How old is Big Bill?
Ans: Big Bill was born on August 16, 1986, making him 38 years old as of 2024. Despite his age, he continues to be an active and prominent figure in AEW, leveraging his size and strength in the ring.
3. What is Big Bill’s career background?
Ans: Big Bill began his wrestling career in WWE’s developmental system before making his main roster debut in 2013. He became known as Big Cass, forming a popular tag team with Enzo Amore. After leaving WWE in 2018, he pursued other wrestling opportunities before joining AEW in 2022, where he rebranded as Big Bill and became a key player in the promotion’s storylines.
4. What is known about Big Bill’s personal life?
Ans: Big Bill has kept his personal life relatively private. He has publicly shared his journey of overcoming personal challenges, including struggles with mental health and addiction. His openness about these issues has inspired many fans, and he has used his platform to raise awareness and advocate for mental health.
5. What are some of Big Bill’s notable achievements in wrestling?
Ans: Big Bill’s notable achievements include his successful run as part of the Enzo and Cass tag team in WWE, where he gained significant popularity. In AEW, he has become a prominent figure, participating in high-profile matches and storylines. His physical presence and versatility in the ring have contributed to his continued success in professional wrestling.
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