Jordan Devlin’s Early Life: From Bray to Professional Wrestling
Jordan Devlin, a renowned Irish professional wrestler, was born on March 15, 1990, in Bray, County Wicklow, Dublin, Ireland. His journey into the world of wrestling began at a young age, fueled by a passion for the sport that eventually led him to WWE.1
Devlin’s background in education, combined with his early wrestling training, provided him with a unique skill set and perspective as he navigated the path to becoming a successful professional wrestler.
Table of Contents
Early Years and Education
- Devlin grew up in Bray, a coastal town in County Wicklow, Ireland. Known for its scenic landscapes and vibrant community, Bray is also the hometown of other notable Irish wrestlers, including Finn Balor.
- During his early schooling years, Devlin attended C.B.C. Monkstown, a well-known educational institution in Dublin, where he laid the foundation for his academic career.
- After completing his schooling, Devlin pursued higher education at University College Dublin (UCD), one of Ireland’s leading universities.
- He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, demonstrating his commitment to education alongside his burgeoning interest in professional wrestling.
- Devlin’s academic background at UCD would later inform his approach to wrestling, providing him with critical thinking skills and a broader perspective on the world.
Early Passion for Wrestling
Jordan Devlin’s passion for professional wrestling developed early in his life. From a young age, he was drawn to the excitement, athleticism, and storytelling aspects of the sport. This enthusiasm eventually led him to pursue wrestling as a career, with a determination to turn his passion into reality.
Devlin began training professionally at the age of 16, a relatively young age to embark on such a challenging path. He sought out experienced trainers and mentors who could guide him through the intricacies of professional wrestling. His early training was instrumental in shaping his in-ring style and technical skills, laying the groundwork for his future success.
Training with Paul Tracey and Fergal Devitt
One of the key influences in Jordan Devlin’s early wrestling career was Paul Tracey, a respected Irish wrestler and trainer. Under Tracey’s guidance, Devlin honed his skills and learned the fundamentals of professional wrestling.2
The training focused on building strength, agility, and technical prowess—qualities that would become hallmarks of Devlin’s wrestling style.
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Jordan Devlin’s Professional Wrestling Career: From Training to International Success
Jordan Devlin’s professional wrestling career began at the age of 16 when he started training under the tutelage of Fergal Devitt (also known as Finn Bálor) and Paul Tracey. This solid foundation laid the groundwork for Devlin’s future success in the wrestling industry.
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From his early days in Ireland to wrestling in Japan and becoming the inaugural Over the Top Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion, Devlin’s career is a story of dedication, growth, and international recognition.
Early Training and Development
Devlin’s journey into professional wrestling began with intensive training by experienced mentors. Under the guidance of Paul Tracey and Fergal Devitt, Devlin learned the fundamentals of wrestling and honed his skills in the ring. Both Tracey and Devitt were highly respected figures in Irish wrestling, providing Devlin with a comprehensive training experience.
Devlin’s training involved learning various wrestling techniques, ring psychology, and the importance of physical conditioning. The influence of Finn Bálor, who would go on to achieve global fame in WWE, was significant in shaping Devlin’s style and approach to wrestling.
Wrestling in Japan with Pro Wrestling Zero1
At the age of 21, Jordan Devlin ventured to Japan to wrestle for Pro Wrestling Zero1, a major promotion known for its blend of Japanese and international wrestling styles. During his six-month stint with Zero1, Devlin teamed up with Shawn Guinness, an Irish wrestler with experience in the Japanese wrestling scene.
Success in Over the Top Wrestling
- Upon returning from Japan, Jordan Devlin continued to build his reputation in the Irish and European wrestling circuits. One of his notable achievements came in Over the Top Wrestling (OTT), an Irish promotion known for its high-energy shows and talented roster.
- In February 2018, Devlin became the inaugural OTT World Heavyweight Champion after defeating Timothy Thatcher, a highly regarded technical wrestler.
- Winning the OTT World Heavyweight Championship was a significant milestone in Devlin’s career, establishing him as one of the top wrestlers in the Irish wrestling scene.
- His victory over Thatcher demonstrated his technical skill and versatility in the ring, solidifying his status as a rising star in European wrestling.
JD McDonagh’s Father: A Private Life and Shared Interests
JD McDonagh, the Irish professional wrestler known for his performances in WWE’s NXT brand, has made a name for himself in the world of wrestling. Despite his public career, information about his father remains largely undisclosed.
This privacy extends to key personal details such as his father’s name, profession, birthdate, and place of birth, which have not been publicly shared.
A Love for High-Speed Motorsports
Though much about JD McDonagh’s father is kept private, one notable aspect of their relationship is their shared passion for high-speed motorsports. McDonagh frequently shares glimpses into this interest on his social media, where he posts photos from various motorsport events, often with his father.
McDonagh may be on his way to #WWERaw, but that didn’t stop him from bagging one last epic win in #WWENXT ☘️ pic.twitter.com/U5wTWKnl2l
— WWE UK (@WWEUK) May 3, 2023
In 2021, JD McDonagh and his father attended the final race of the Formula 1 season at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The race was a historic event, with Max Verstappen winning the championship in a dramatic finish. It was a memorable occasion for McDonagh and his father, highlighting their enthusiasm for Formula 1 racing and the bond they share through this sport.
The Enigma Surrounding JD McDonagh’s Father
- The lack of public information about JD McDonagh’s father is a reflection of the personal boundaries many public figures choose to maintain.
- While McDonagh’s wrestling career is in the spotlight, his family’s privacy remains respected, with little information available about his father’s background, career, or other interests.
- This privacy extends to McDonagh’s mother as well, with similarly limited details available. Her name, birthdate, and place of birth are not publicly known, and there are no widely accessible photos of her.
- The choice to keep family matters private is common among public figures, who often prefer to focus on their professional endeavors while safeguarding their personal lives.
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JD McDonagh’s Net Worth in 2023: An Overview
JD McDonagh, the Irish professional wrestler currently signed with WWE, has built a successful career in the wrestling industry, earning him a significant net worth in the process. As of November 2023, several sources estimate JD McDonagh’s net worth at around $2 million.
Sources of Income
The bulk of JD McDonagh’s earnings comes from his WWE salary, but he has additional income sources contributing to his net worth.
WWE Salary
JD McDonagh’s basic compensation while performing on the NXT brand was $150,000. This figure does not include bonuses and other rewards that WWE wrestlers typically receive, such as performance bonuses, merchandise sales, and revenue from special events.
With JD McDonagh’s move to the WWE main roster, his salary is expected to increase, although the exact amount has yet to be publicly disclosed. WWE’s main roster typically offers higher compensation than the NXT brand, providing McDonagh with the potential to earn more as his career progresses.
Social Media Platforms
- In addition to his WWE salary, JD McDonagh earns from his presence on social media platforms. As a professional wrestler with a growing fanbase, he has a significant following on platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
- Social media provides opportunities for brand endorsements, sponsored content, and other collaborations that can add to his income.
- JD McDonagh’s visibility in the wrestling world also opens doors to various brand deals and media appearances. Wrestlers often collaborate with brands for endorsements, commercials, and other promotional activities.
- These opportunities provide additional revenue streams, further contributing to McDonagh’s net worth.
- Another source of income for JD McDonagh is public appearances. Wrestlers are often invited to conventions, fan events, and other gatherings where they can meet fans, sign autographs, and participate in Q&A sessions. These appearances typically come with compensation, adding to McDonagh’s overall earnings.
JD McDonagh’s Personal Life and Speaking Out Movement
In June 2020, during the height of the Speaking Out movement, JD McDonagh, then known as Jordan Devlin, faced allegations of physical abuse by a former partner. The Speaking Out movement was a significant moment in the wrestling industry, with numerous individuals coming forward to share their experiences of abuse, harassment, and misconduct.
The allegations against McDonagh were among many that emerged during this time, leading to widespread scrutiny and conversations about the culture within the wrestling industry.
Allegations and Response
- The allegations against JD McDonagh involved claims of physical abuse by a former partner. As with many cases that came to light during the Speaking Out movement, these allegations were serious and attracted significant attention from fans, media, and industry professionals.
- McDonagh categorically denied the allegations, maintaining that the claims against him were false.
- In response to the allegations, Progress Wrestling, a British wrestling promotion where McDonagh had been a regular performer, announced his indefinite suspension.
- This move was part of a broader effort by wrestling promotions to address the allegations raised during the Speaking Out movement and to ensure the safety and well-being of performers and fans.
Impact on McDonagh’s Career
The allegations and subsequent suspension from Progress Wrestling had a noticeable impact on JD McDonagh’s career.
While WWE, where McDonagh performed on the NXT UK brand at the time, did not publicly announce any specific actions regarding his status, the incident highlighted the broader challenges the wrestling industry faced in addressing issues of abuse and misconduct.
The Speaking Out Movement and Its Legacy
The Speaking Out movement was a pivotal moment in the wrestling industry, with individuals coming forward to share their stories of abuse, harassment, and misconduct.
The movement prompted wrestling promotions to re-evaluate their policies, implement stricter measures to ensure safety, and create a more inclusive and respectful environment for performers and fans.
FAQ’S
1. Who is JD McDonagh?
Ans: JD McDonagh, whose real name is Jordan Devlin, is an Irish professional wrestler currently signed with WWE. Known for his technical skills and intense in-ring style, he has gained a reputation as a formidable competitor, particularly in NXT and NXT UK.
2. How old is JD McDonagh?
Ans: JD McDonagh was born on March 15, 1990, making him 33 years old as of 2023. Despite his relatively young age, he has accumulated significant experience in wrestling, performing in various promotions worldwide.
3. What is JD McDonagh’s career background?
Ans: JD McDonagh began his wrestling career in Ireland and gained recognition in the European wrestling scene. He joined WWE in 2016, first competing in the Cruiserweight Classic and later becoming a prominent figure in NXT UK, where he won the NXT UK Championship. He has since made an impact in the main NXT brand.
4. Who are JD McDonagh’s parents?
Ans: Information about JD McDonagh’s parents is limited, as he tends to keep his personal life private. His focus is primarily on his wrestling career, and he rarely discusses his family background in public forums.
5. What is JD McDonagh’s net worth?
Ans: JD McDonagh’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million. His income sources include his WWE contract, merchandise sales, and appearances in wrestling events. This range reflects his success and growing popularity in the wrestling industry.
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