Davey Richards

Wesley David Richards entered the world on March 1, 1983, in Othello, Washington, before adopting the ring name Davey Richards to dominate the mat. This retired professional wrestler built a reputation as one of the most skilled technicians in the sport, blending amateur wrestling roots with high-flying spectacle. His career spanned nearly two decades of travel and competition across major promotions like TNA Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and Major League Wrestling, where he claimed the MLW National Openweight Championship title. Richards is best known for his "highly technical" style, earning accolades such as the 2006 PWG Battle of Los Angeles winner and multiple world tag team championships.

Richards carved out a legendary status in the independent scene through his work with Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and Full Impact Pro. He captured the PWG World Championship and won the prestigious Battle of Los Angeles tournament in 2006 alongside his ECWA Super 8 victory that same year. His success extended globally via the Global Professional Wrestling Alliance, leading to stints in Pro Wrestling Noah and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Those international appearances included winning the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship twice alongside partner Rocky Romero.

His accolades pile up with thirteen world tag team titles across various organizations. Richards held the ROH World Tag Team Championship three times, partnering first with Rocky Romero and later with Eddie Edwards for two reigns. He also secured the TNA World Tag Team Championship five times with Edwards. The data reflects a career defined by longevity and technical mastery rather than fleeting fame. On March 18, 2023, Richards officially announced his retirement from professional wrestling following allegations of domestic violence which he denied, though multiple organizations severed ties with him immediately thereafter. Despite this exit, he made a brief return to the ring for FXE Wrestling in Tennessee in February 2024, indicating a potential partial re-emergence despite his official retirement announcement. [edit]

Raised in the rural environment of Othello, Washington, near the Columbia River, Wesley David Richards found his early passion in athletics. His childhood was marked by a dedication to amateur wrestling, which provided the physical foundation for his future endeavors. Unlike many peers who turned to pro wrestling immediately after high school, Richards focused intensely on mastering the fundamentals of the amateur style. He honed his skills under the guidance of trainers Dwayne Bruce and Tony Kozina in Washington State, developing a technical base that would later define his in-ring persona. These trainers helped him refine the grappling techniques that became his signature.

Before stepping into the spotlight of professional entertainment, Richards competed in collegiate or scholastic amateur circuits. While specific university details remain less documented than his pro debut, his time in these circuits allowed him to refine his grappling techniques and build the endurance required for a long career. By 2004, he had completed his foundational training and transitioned to the professional stage. His early days on the independent scene were characterized by a relentless pursuit of perfection, setting the stage for his eventual rise to prominence.

Richards made his professional debut in 2004, quickly gaining attention for his technical prowess in Ohio Valley Wrestling and various indie shows. He spent years building his reputation through hard work and consistent performance, often facing established veterans to prove his worth. This period of grinding on the independent circuit was crucial for his development, allowing him to experiment with different styles and build a loyal following among hardcore fans. During this pre-breakthrough era, he began cultivating the image of a serious student of the craft, dedicating hours to analyzing matches and refining his technique. [edit]

The turning point for Richards came in 2006 when he won the prestigious Pro Wrestling Guerrilla Battle of Los Angeles tournament. Defeating El Generico (Sami Zayn) in the finals, this victory established him as a top-tier talent globally. That same year, he also captured the ECWA Super 8 tournament, further cementing his status as a rising star. His ability to blend high-flying offense with technical grappling set a new standard for matches in the independent scene. This match against El Generico is widely regarded as one of the greatest matches in independent wrestling history.

In 2007, Richards signed with Ring of Honor (ROH), becoming a central figure in the promotion. He formed the tag team "The Kings of Wrestling" with Chris Sabin, and together they won the ROH World Tag Team Championship. During this period, he also captured the CZW World Heavyweight Championship, showcasing his versatility across different organizations. His time in ROH solidified his reputation as one of the best wrestlers in the world. He later added the FIP World Heavyweight Championship to his resume during this active phase.

Joining TNA Wrestling in 2009 marked another significant chapter. Richards formed the highly successful tag team "The Wolves" with Eddie Edwards. The duo won the TNA World Tag Team Championship five times between 2010 and 2012, becoming one of the most dominant teams in the company's history. Their matches against teams like Beer Money Inc. and the Motor City Machine Guns are remembered for their storytelling and athleticism. Richards continued to compete internationally, winning the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship twice with Rocky Romero in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. In 2013, he briefly held the MLW National Openweight Championship.

From 2014 to 2019, Richards remained a staple in the independent scene, particularly with PWG and FIP. He engaged in high-profile feuds and matches against stars like Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, and Christopher Daniels. In 2020, he began balancing his wrestling career with medical studies, appearing on the Under The Ring podcast as a "medical student by day, wrestler by night." His final major run included a brief return to the ring for FXE Wrestling in Tennessee in February 2024, indicating a potential partial re-emergence despite his official retirement announcement in March 2023. [edit]

Richards cultivated an image as the "technical genius" of the wrestling world. Media portrayals often highlighted his "amateur roots" and "mathematical" approach to matches, contrasting him with more brawling-oriented peers. His content tone was generally serious and focused on in-ring excellence. He was known for his dedication to the craft, often spending hours analyzing matches and refining his technique. This commitment to excellence earned him respect from peers and fans alike, establishing him as a role model for aspiring wrestlers. However, his public image shifted significantly in 2023 following allegations of domestic violence, which sparked debates about accountability in the wrestling industry. Despite the controversy, his legacy as a pioneer of the "New School" of wrestling remains intact among critics and historians. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. The fanbase has no formal name. Richards is revered in niche wrestling communities, particularly among fans of PWG and ROH. Fan campaigns often involve petitioning for his induction into specific halls of fame or requesting his return to specific promotions. His matches are frequently cited in "match of the year" discussions by hardcore fans. Fans typically refer to themselves simply as "fans of the independents" or "tech-wrestling enthusiasts." His social media presence remains active but has decreased significantly post-retirement, with followers primarily consisting of wrestling enthusiasts. He is often ranked in the top 50 wrestlers of all time by publications like Pro Wrestling Illustrated during his active years. [edit]

Richards is a trained medical student or practitioner, which influenced his understanding of injury management and physiology during his wrestling career. He is one of the few wrestlers to hold the PWG World Championship, the ROH World Tag Team Championship, and the TNA World Tag Team Championship. His nickname "The High-Flying Technician" perfectly encapsulates his unique style. He was part of the "New School" of wrestling that emerged in the mid-2000s, influencing a generation of younger wrestlers. The match against El Generico at the 2006 PWG Battle of Los Angeles is widely regarded as one of the greatest matches in independent wrestling history. Richards stands approximately 5'10" tall and weighed between 195 lbs and 205 lbs during his prime. He maintained a presence on X (Twitter) (@daveyrichards83) and Instagram, though activity has decreased significantly post-retirement. [edit]

Davey Richards was raised in a rural household in Othello, Washington, where his family supported his early athletic pursuits. Specific details about parents and siblings remain private, but his upbringing in the eastern part of the state near the Columbia River shaped his work ethic. He has no publicly reported children from any of his relationships. Richards maintains a close connection to his hometown, often referencing his rural background as a source of grounding in his career. As of 2026, he lives a private life away from the spotlight, having stepped back from public family events following his retirement. [edit]

Eddie Edwards, Rocky Romero, Chris Sabin, El Generico (Sami Zayn), Angelina Love, Dwayne Bruce, Tony Kozina. [edit]

Davey Richards has been married twice, both marriages ending in divorce. He was first married to fellow professional wrestler Christie Summers around 2009, a union that ended in divorce around 2013. They were a power couple in the independent scene, often appearing together in events. No children were publicly reported from this marriage. Later, he married Angelina Love, a prominent figure in TNA and the independent circuit, around 2014. Love was best known for her time in the Knockouts division. Their marriage lasted approximately two years before they divorced in 2016. There are no public records of children from this marriage. As of 2026, Richards is single and living a private life away from the spotlight, with no credible reports of new romantic relationships or engagements since his 2023 retirement. [edit]

Estimates for Davey Richards' net worth vary due to his status as a retired independent wrestler rather than a mainstream celebrity. Research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts his fortune at around $1.2 million, while other sources range from $500,000 to $1.5 million. These figures are based on his earnings from over 15 years of touring, appearance fees, and merchandise sales. Industry analysis suggests a lower estimate of $250,000 to $500,000, citing the typically modest pay scales of independent wrestling compared to WWE or AEW main events. Some speculative blogs may list higher figures ($2M+), but these lack credible sourcing and likely conflate his peak earnings with long-term assets.

His wealth stems primarily from wrestling salaries, with appearance fees ranging from $500 to $5,000 per show depending on the promotion. Merchandise sales from his independent runs and potentially real estate investments in Washington State contribute to his financial standing. There is no public record of major endorsement deals or business ventures outside of wrestling. Given his retirement in 2023, his income stream has ceased, and any current net worth reflects accumulated assets and savings. As of 2026, Richards is no longer actively earning from wrestling, relying on past earnings and investments. [edit]

Davey Richards is widely considered one of the most decorated wrestlers in the independent era. His awards include 13 world tag team championships across various organizations, including 5 TNA World Tag Team Championships, 3 ROH World Tag Team Championships, and 2 IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships. He also won the PWG World Championship, CZW World Heavyweight Championship, and 2 FIP World Heavyweight Championships. Additionally, he won the ECWA Super 8 Tournament and the PWG Battle of Los Angeles in 2006. [edit]