Lee Moriarty

Julian Lee Moriarty is an American professional wrestler and visual artist. As of 2026, he is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and performs under the ring name Lee Moriarty. He is a member of the stable Shane Taylor Promotions and also competes for AEW's sister promotion, Ring of Honor (ROH), where he holds the ROH Pure Championship. Moriarty is widely respected for his technical, mat-based wrestling style, which he developed from a successful amateur wrestling background. He is known for his methodical approach in the ring, often wearing gear inspired by combat sports and incorporating submission holds like the Border City Stretch. Outside of wrestling, he is an accomplished painter and designer, frequently creating his own ring attire and artwork for independent promotions. His fan base, while modest, is deeply engaged with his pure wrestling ethos and artistic side.[edit]

Moriarty grew up in the Pittsburgh area and developed a passion for wrestling at a young age. He wrestled collegiately at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, where he became a two-time NCAA Division II national qualifier. His amateur background instilled a discipline and technical foundation that would define his professional style. After graduating with a business degree, he trained at the International Wrestling Cartel (IWC) training school in Pittsburgh. He made his professional debut in 2017 on the independent circuit, quickly earning a reputation as a technical standout. His early matches often showcased his grappling prowess, and he adopted the nickname "The Apex of Combat" to reflect his approach.[edit]

Moriarty's breakthrough came on November 24, 2021, when he debuted on AEW Dynamite in a match against Bryan Danielson. Although he lost, the competitive bout established him as a serious talent. In early 2022, he signed a full-time contract with AEW. He initially teamed with Matt Sydal, then joined the stable The Firm alongside Stokely Hathaway. After The Firm disbanded in 2023, Moriarty became a key member of Shane Taylor Promotions, appearing regularly on AEW Rampage and Collision. His biggest achievement came in 2025 when he defeated the reigning champion to win the ROH Pure Championship, bringing a technical, submission-based style to the title. He continues to defend the championship and wrestle on AEW programming as of 2026.[edit]

Moriarty is portrayed as a calculating, methodical, and cerebral wrestler in AEW and ROH. His aesthetic is rooted in combat sports: he wears wrestling shoes, knee pads, and shorts, often with designs he created himself. His social media voice is professional and focused on wrestling and art, avoiding controversy. Fans appreciate his commitment to technical wrestling and his artistic side. He does not have an official fandom name, but his supporters are known for their appreciation of pure wrestling and his understated persona.[edit]

Lee Moriarty commands a focused, global attention that bridges the distinct worlds of professional wrestling and contemporary visual art. His profile has grown steadily since his signing with All Elite Wrestling in 2022, driven by a unique reputation for technical mastery and a dedicated following among fans who appreciate the intersection of athletic precision and creative expression. Despite this rising profile within niche communities, Lee Moriarty is currently the unranked person in the world according to the iFANN Global Fame Engine's latest evaluation. He does not hold a placement in the published Global Top 1,000 or any specific scope list as of August 2026. This status reflects his position as a respected specialist rather than a mainstream household name, with his fame concentrated in regions where Ring of Honor programming and independent wrestling circuits maintain strong viewership. While his online presence on Instagram and merchandise stores like Apex of Combat foster a loyal community, there is no documented formal fandom name associated with him. His supporters are known simply for their appreciation of his dual career as a painter and a wrestler, engaging with his content through direct interaction rather than organized campaigns or named groups. The lack of a specific collective title for his fanbase underscores his role as an artist-wrestler whose appeal relies on individual admiration of his craft rather than mass-market celebrity rituals.[edit]

His ring name "Moriarty" pays homage to Professor Moriarty, the arch-nemesis of Sherlock Holmes. A trained visual artist, he paints and draws in his spare time, frequently sharing his work on social media. His signature submission move is called the Border City Stretch. He was a collegiate wrestler at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, where he studied business. He designed his own wrestling gear, incorporating his artwork into the designs. He maintains a modest but dedicated following among hardcore wrestling fans who appreciate technical wrestling. In a high-stakes storyline announced for ROH Death Before Dishonor, Moriarty faced legend Nigel McGuinness in a match where McGuinness wagered his future in the promotion, vowing never to compete again if he lost. Fans often discuss his artistic collaborations, such as the exclusive video interview in Miami where he displayed his paintings alongside AEW's Thekla. Another notable moment occurred when he partnered with a Las Vegas fashion entity to merge wrestling, art, and style. His upcoming match against independent legend Amazing Red at Enjoy Wrestling's "Five Years" event is also widely anticipated as a clash between a rising ROH star and an indie icon.[edit]

Moriarty keeps his family life private. No public information is available about his parents or siblings. He has not disclosed whether he has any children. He currently resides in the Pittsburgh area. He has not mentioned any pets in interviews or on social media.[edit]

Moriarty is closely associated with Shane Taylor, the leader of Shane Taylor Promotions and his frequent tag partner. He previously teamed with Matt Sydal, who mentored him early in his AEW run. His debut match against Bryan Danielson was a key moment in his career. Stokely Hathaway managed him during his time in The Firm.[edit]

As of 2026, Lee Moriarty is not publicly known to be in a relationship. He has never confirmed any romantic partner, and no credible reports of dating, engagements, or marriages exist. He maintains a very low profile regarding his personal life, and his current status is single based on publicly available information.[edit]

As of 2026, Lee Moriarty's net worth is estimated at $1 Million per iFANN's editorial analysis. His primary income comes from his AEW contract, which is estimated at $100,000 to $200,000 per year, plus per-appearance fees for Dynamite, Collision, and ROH. He also earns from merchandise sales through Pro Wrestling Tees and AEW Shop, as well as independent bookings prior to his AEW signing. Additionally, he sells original artwork and prints. He has no known endorsement deals or real estate holdings. His net worth has grown steadily since signing with AEW in 2022, but he is not among the highest-paid wrestlers in the company.[edit]

Moriarty has won the ROH Pure Championship once, the IWC World Heavyweight Championship once, and the IWC Super Indy Championship once. These are his major professional wrestling titles as of 2026.[edit]