

Colt Cabana
professional wrestler•podcaster•television producer
Also known as: Scott Colton, Scotty Goldman, Matt Classic
Birthday
May 6, 1980
Birth Sign
Taurus
Birthplace
Deerfield, Illinois
Age
46 years old
Height
6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
About
Scott Colton stepped into the ring in Deerfield, Illinois, on May 6, 1980, and eventually became one of the most recognizable voices in professional wrestling under the name Colt Cabana. Today at 46, he balances a dual role as an active performer and a coach for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) while fulfilling similar duties for their sister promotion, Ring of Honor (ROH). His career started in the underground circuits of St. Paul, Minnesota, where he wrestled regularly for Steel Domain Wrestling during 2000 and 2001. Those early days often pitted him against CM Punk, a rivalry that evolved into a long-lasting friendship and a successful tag team partnership known as the Second City Saints alongside Ace Steel.
Cabana built his reputation through intense feuds with stars like Homicide and Bryan Danielson before moving to larger stages. He joined the short-lived MTV series Wrestling Society X in late 2006, adopting the masked persona Matt Classic to showcase his old-school style. After leaving ROH, he spent time in Ohio Valley Wrestling, WWE's developmental territory, where he captured the Television Championship twice and won the Southern Tag Team Championship two times. He appeared sporadically on WWE SmackDown as Scotty Goldman until his release in 2009. His resume also includes significant runs with the National Wrestling Alliance, where he held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship twice, and Revolution Pro Wrestling, earning the British Heavyweight Championship.
Early Life & Background
Scott Colton grew up in Deerfield, a suburb just north of Chicago, where his father worked in the steel industry. That blue-collar environment deeply influenced his work ethic and the grounded, hard-hitting aesthetic he would later bring to the ring. He attended Deerfield High School, where he developed a strong interest in amateur wrestling and competitive sports. Although he initially pursued higher education at the University of Minnesota, the pull of professional wrestling was too strong to ignore. He left college to chase a dream that had taken root during his childhood watching local independent shows.
His first official step into the business happened in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 2000 when he debuted for Steel Domain Wrestling. It was here that fate intervened in the form of Scott Adell, better known by his ring name CM Punk. The two men bonded immediately over their shared passion for the craft. They trained together, sparred regularly, and eventually formed a tag team called the Second City Saints with Ace Steel. This trio became a staple of the Midwest indie scene, honing their skills against future legends like Bryan Danielson and Homicide. These years in the underground circuit were crucial for developing the technical proficiency and ring psychology that would define his entire career.
Career Growth
Cabana's trajectory from a regional competitor to a national figure was marked by relentless activity and strategic moves across different promotions. Between 2005 and 2007, he expanded his reach to the East Coast, becoming a mainstay in Ring of Honor (ROH). He competed in the inaugural Best of the Best tournament in 2003 and engaged in high-profile matches against top-tier talent like Bryan Danielson and Nigel McGuinness. In 2006, he took on the masked persona Matt Classic for the MTV reality show Wrestling Society X, which brought his old-school style to a broader television audience.
His move to WWE in 2007 saw him sign with the company and perform in its developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling. Adopting the name Scotty Goldman, he found immediate success by winning the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship twice and the OVW Television Championship twice. Despite making appearances on WWE SmackDown, he was released in 2009. Undeterred, he returned to the independent scene, headlining major events for ROH and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). During this period, he won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship twice and captured the British Heavyweight Championship while competing for Revolution Pro Wrestling in the UK.
Since 2016, Cabana has transitioned into a multifaceted role within All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He signed not just as a performer but as a coach and producer, helping to develop new talent for the company. He continues to wrestle occasionally while managing developmental efforts and producing content. As of 2026, he remains active in the industry, having explicitly stated his intention to never retire.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Cabana is portrayed as the "DIY" hard worker of pro wrestling. His media presence is characterized by accessibility, humor, and a deep knowledge of the business. He is seen as a bridge between the old school and the new generation, often using his platform to educate fans and wrestlers alike. His content tone is conversational and informative, avoiding the sensationalism common in wrestling media. Fans appreciate his willingness to share behind-the-scenes insights and his genuine passion for the sport.
Fame & Fandom
iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. There is no officially established fandom name for Colt Cabana. Fans typically refer to themselves as "Colt Cabana fans" or simply part of the "indie wrestling community." His fanbase is highly organized through social media groups and podcast listener communities. Notable fan projects include streaming parties for his podcast episodes and charity drives in his name, though no large-scale, coordinated campaigns have been documented. Cabana is known for actively engaging with fans on social media, responding to comments, and attending fan conventions.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Cabana is Jewish, a fact that gained attention in 2025 when he was listed among the most popular Jewish WWE Superstars. Before his current AEW role, he co-hosted the highly influential podcast The Art of Wrestling with Matt Striker, which became a cornerstone of wrestling media culture. He is one of the few wrestlers to successfully transition from a WWE developmental star to a respected independent legend and then to a corporate executive. His participation in the 2006 PWG Battle of Los Angeles, featuring future stars like El Generico and Roderick Strong, is considered a pivotal moment in the evolution of modern independent wrestling.
Notable Quotes
“I'll never retire.”
“There is a little bit of heartbreakness going on with being a producer, but I like being in the trenches.”
“Him and his ex-friend Colt Cabana helped pave the way for young guys like me.”
Family & Personal Life
Colt Cabana is married to Sarah Colton, and the couple has maintained a relatively low profile regarding their private life compared to his public persona. They have been together for many years and reside in the Chicago area, allowing Cabana to stay close to the city where his career began. While they have children, specific details about them are kept out of the spotlight to protect their privacy. Cabana often speaks fondly of his family's support throughout his journey in the wrestling business.
Notable Connections
Relationships & Dating History
Public information regarding Colt Cabana's romantic history is sparse, as he has consistently prioritized keeping his personal life separate from his public career. Unlike many peers who document their relationships on social media or in interviews, Cabana has rarely discussed dating specifics in detail. His most significant relationship is with his wife, Sarah Colton. They met prior to his rise to fame in the mid-2000s and have been together for many years. The couple has been married for over a decade, maintaining a stable and private life despite the public nature of Cabana's profession.
There are no credible sources or public records detailing any long-term relationships prior to his marriage to Sarah. Tabloid speculation is virtually non-existent due to his low-key personal demeanor. As of 2026, they remain married and continue to reside in the Chicago area. Cabana focuses primarily on his family and his dual roles at AEW and ROH, keeping his home life out of the spotlight.
- MarriedSarah Colton2010 - presentCurrentMet prior to his rise to fame; married for over a decade.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$1.8 Million
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
The iFANN Editorial Team's analysis of Colt Cabana's earnings, ventures and assets points to roughly $1.8 million. This estimate reflects his diverse income streams accumulated over more than two decades in the wrestling industry. His primary revenue comes from his contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he serves as both a coach and a performer. This role provides a steady six-figure salary typical for mid-level talent with production duties.
Beyond his wrestling salary, Cabana generates significant income through his podcasting ventures. His show, The Art of Wrestling, along with other audio projects, brings in ad revenue and sponsorship deals. He also maintains a direct-to-consumer merchandise business via coltmerch.com, selling t-shirts and custom gear that contribute notably to his financial standing. While he likely owns property in the Chicago area, specific real estate holdings remain private. The iFANN Editorial Team estimates his net worth at approximately $1.8 million as of 2026.
Awards Won (6)
Cabana is a decorated veteran with numerous championship reigns throughout his career. He won the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship twice and the OVW Television Championship twice during his time in WWE's developmental system. On the independent stage, he captured the NWA World Heavyweight Championship twice and the Revolution Pro Wrestling British Heavyweight Championship once. He also held the ROH Pure Championship, showcasing his technical prowess in unique match formats.
2008 · Tag Team
Ohio Valley Wrestling
2009 · Television
Ohio Valley Wrestling
Known For
The Art of Wrestling
2013 · Host
Wrestling Society X
2006 · Matt Classic
All Elite Wrestling
2019 · Coach/Performer
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Profession
- professional wrestler, podcaster, television producer
- Born
- May 6, 1980
- Birthplace
- Deerfield, Illinois
- Gender
- Male
- Birth Sign
- Taurus
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Scott Colton
- Height
- 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
- Spouse
- Sarah Colton
- Education
- University of Minnesota (dropped out)
Filmography
32
Total
5
Film
27
TV
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Colt Cabana?
Is Colt Cabana still wrestling?
Who is Colt Cabana married to?
What podcasts does Colt Cabana host?
Did Colt Cabana ever win the WWE Championship?
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