
Shane Haste
AustraliaAlso known as: Shane Veryzer, Shane Thorne, Slapjack
Birthday
September 24, 1985
Birth Sign
Libra
Birthplace
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Age
41 years old
Height
6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
About
Shane Haste is an Australian professional wrestler known for his hard-hitting style and a career that has spanned more than two decades across the globe. Born Shane Veryzer in Perth, he currently works as a freelancer, primarily for Pro Wrestling Noah, where he holds the GHC Heavyweight Championship and leads the White Raven Squad. He's also a core member of the legendary stable The Mighty Don't Kneel (TMDK), a group he helped build from the Australian indies to international prominence.
Haste first made waves in Japan with TMDK, capturing the GHC Tag Team Championship twice alongside his longtime partner Mikey Nicholls. He later brought that same intensity to the United States, competing for Ring of Honor and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla before signing with WWE in 2016. Under the ring name Shane Thorne, he debuted on NXT and later became part of the infamous Retribution stable as Slapjack. After his WWE release in 2021, he found new life in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where TMDK reformed and he added the IWGP Tag Team Championship and two Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships to his resume.
In 2026, Haste returned to Noah after a decade away and shocked the wrestling world by defeating Yoshiki Inamura to become the 50th GHC Heavyweight Champion. His reign, though brief, solidified his place as a top singles competitor. With over 500 matches for major promotions, Haste remains a respected and versatile performer, equally at home in tag team wars or main event singles bouts.
Early Life & Background
Shane Veryzer grew up in Perth, Western Australia, where he developed a passion for professional wrestling at a young age. He began training as a teenager and made his professional debut in February 2003 at just 17 years old, wrestling for the local Explosive Professional Wrestling (EPW) promotion. EPW was a proving ground for many Australian talents, and Haste quickly stood out with his athleticism and raw intensity.
In the mid-2000s, he formed a tag team with fellow Perth native Mikey Nicholls, calling themselves The Mighty Don't Kneel, or TMDK. The duo's chemistry was immediate, and they dominated the Australian independent scene before setting their sights on Japan. TMDK's early years were marked by grueling tours and a relentless work ethic, as they sought to make a name for themselves in the competitive Japanese wrestling landscape.
Before his international breakthrough, Haste also competed across Australia for promotions like Professional Championship Wrestling, honing his craft and building a reputation as a reliable and hard-hitting performer. These formative years laid the foundation for a career that would take him to the biggest stages in wrestling.
Career Growth
Shane Haste's breakthrough came when he and Mikey Nicholls brought TMDK to Pro Wrestling Noah in the late 2000s. The team quickly captured the GHC Tag Team Championship twice, establishing themselves as a formidable force in Japan. Their success opened doors to the United States, where they competed for Ring of Honor and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, earning a reputation as one of the best tag teams outside WWE.
In 2016, Haste signed with WWE, debuting on NXT as Shane Thorne alongside Nicholls as TM-61. Despite high expectations, the team struggled to gain traction, and Nicholls was released in 2018. Haste continued as a singles competitor, but after a brief run on Raw in early 2020, he was repackaged as Slapjack, a masked member of the villainous Retribution stable. The gimmick was short-lived, and he reverted to Shane Thorne on SmackDown before being released in November 2021.
Following WWE, Haste joined New Japan Pro-Wrestling's American subsidiary, where TMDK reformed under the leadership of Jonah (Bronson Reed). Alongside Nicholls, he won the IWGP Tag Team Championship once and the Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship twice, proving that TMDK's magic was still intact. In April 2026, Haste returned to Noah after a decade away, and on May 2, 2026, he defeated Yoshiki Inamura to win the GHC Heavyweight Championship, becoming the 50th champion. He successfully defended the title against KENTA before losing it to Tetsuya Naito on August 9, 2026. His reign, though brief, was a career-defining moment.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Shane Haste is known for his intense, hard-hitting in-ring style and his unwavering loyalty to his partners. He's a wrestler's wrestler, respected by peers and fans alike for his consistency and reliability. His social media presence is straightforward and promotion-focused, often sharing match announcements, training clips, and his championship achievements.
In the wrestling community, Haste is seen as a journeyman who has earned his stripes through sheer hard work. His time in WWE, while not always memorable, showcased his adaptability, and his return to Noah was met with enthusiasm from fans who appreciated his dedication. He is also a key figure in the TMDK stable, which has a cult following among hardcore wrestling fans.
Haste's public persona is that of a no-nonsense competitor who lets his actions speak for themselves. He doesn't court controversy or seek attention outside the ring, preferring to let his performances do the talking.
Fame & Fandom (iFAMOUS Rankings)
Shane Haste commands a devoted following within the tight-knit circles of New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Australian wrestling fans, though his audience lacks a formal collective name or organized fan club. His supporters celebrate his journey from a tag-team specialist to a singles grand champion, particularly rallying around the shock victory at NOAH Spring Mayhem Ryogoku 2026 where he claimed the GHC Heavyweight Championship after a decade-long absence. This narrative of the late bloomer reaching the absolute peak has become the core story told to newcomers, cementing his status as a cornerstone of the industry without requiring a specific fandom label like "The Legion." While he interacts with fans through standard social media channels to share career milestones, there are no documented large-scale campaigns, fan-funded projects, or unique rituals that define his public image in the way major global superstars do. Shane Haste is currently evaluated by iFANN but does not hold a placement in the published Global Top 1,000 rankings or any Top-100 scope list. The evaluation confirms his high standing among niche wrestling enthusiasts while noting his absence from broad global celebrity metrics. This neutral assessment reflects a career built on consistent bookings and respect rather than mainstream viral fame. His legacy remains anchored in the historic runs with The Mighty Don't Kneel and his recent title reigns, creating a dedicated base that values athletic integrity over pop culture spectacle.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Shane Haste's finishing moves include the Bomb Valley Death and Dynamic Bomb, both devastating power moves that showcase his hard-hitting style. He debuted professionally at just 17 years old, making him one of the youngest wrestlers to break into the Australian scene. During his time in WWE, he performed under the ring names Shane Thorne and the masked Slapjack, the latter being part of the controversial Retribution stable. He holds the distinction of being the 50th GHC Heavyweight Champion in Noah's history and promotes Legion Athletics supplements on his Instagram. A legendary moment in his career occurred on May 2, 2026, when he defeated long-time champion Yoshiki Inamura at NOAH Spring Mayhem Ryogoku to win the GHC Heavyweight Championship. This shocking title win marked the realization of a dream after a ten-year hiatus from the promotion. Another pivotal chapter unfolded when Tetsuya Naito defeated him to win the title at NOAH Legacy Rise on August 9, 2026, ending his reign and transitioning him back into the challenger role against one of Japan's biggest stars.
Notable Quotes
“I've been 17 years since I held my one and only singles championship, so this is a huge moment for me.”
“TMDK is family. Mikey and I have been through everything together, and we'll keep going until we can't anymore.”
“I didn't know my NJPW agreement was no longer in effect, but they still paid me out in full. That says a lot about them.”
“The GHC Heavyweight Championship is the pinnacle of Noah, and I'm proud to be the 50th champion.”
Family & Personal Life
Public information about Shane Haste's family is scarce, as he has kept his personal life well out of the spotlight. He was born in Perth, Western Australia, but details about his parents or siblings are not documented in any credible sources. It is known that he grew up in Perth, but beyond that, his upbringing remains private.
As of 2026, there is no public record of Haste being married or having children. He has not shared details about a partner on social media or in interviews, and no credible outlet has reported on his romantic life. His focus appears to be entirely on his wrestling career, and he maintains a low-key presence outside the ring.
Despite the lack of family details, Haste's loyalty to his long-time tag team partner Mikey Nicholls is well-documented, and the two share a brotherly bond that has lasted over two decades.
Notable Connections
Shane Haste is most closely associated with his long-time tag team partner Mikey Nicholls, with whom he formed TMDK and won championships in Noah, NJPW, and WWE's NXT. He also has strong ties to Jonah (Bronson Reed), who led the reformed TMDK in NJPW. His notable rivals and opponents include Yoshiki Inamura, KENTA, and Tetsuya Naito, all of whom he faced in high-stakes GHC Heavyweight Championship matches.
Relationships & Dating History
Shane Haste has kept his romantic life entirely private, and no public relationships have been documented in any credible source. He has never been married, and there are no records of engagements, public girlfriends, or even rumored pairings. This level of privacy is rare in the wrestling world, where personal lives often become public fodder.
As of 2026, Haste is reportedly single, with no known partner. His focus remains on his wrestling career, and he has not shared any details about a personal life on social media or in interviews. Fans respect his desire for privacy, and his professional achievements continue to define his public image.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$2 Million
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
iFANN currently estimates Shane Haste's net worth at $2 Million as of 2026, though this figure remains rough given the lack of public financial data for professional wrestlers outside WWE's main roster. His income streams include wrestling contracts, appearance fees, merchandise sales, and a sponsorship deal with Legion Athletics supplements. During his WWE tenure, NXT talent typically earns between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, and Haste was on the roster from 2016 to 2021. After leaving WWE, he joined NJPW, where salaries are generally lower but supplemented by per-diem and travel allowances. His return to Noah in 2026 likely came with a competitive contract, especially as he held the top championship. Haste's net worth has grown steadily over the years thanks to his longevity and consistent bookings. While he may not be a millionaire on the level of main-event WWE stars, his career has provided a solid living, and his current championship status in Noah likely boosts his earning potential.
Awards Won (4)
Shane Haste's championships are the highlight of his career. He has won the GHC Heavyweight Championship once, the GHC Tag Team Championship twice, the IWGP Tag Team Championship once, and the Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship twice. These titles reflect his excellence in both singles and tag team competition, and he is particularly celebrated for his tag team work with Mikey Nicholls.
2026 · Championship
Pro Wrestling Noah
Late 2000s · Championship
Pro Wrestling Noah (with Mikey Nicholls)
Known For
GHC Heavyweight Championship
2026 · Champion
IWGP Tag Team Championship
2021-2026 · Champion with Mikey Nicholls
Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship
2021-2026 · Champion with Mikey Nicholls
GHC Tag Team Championship
Late 2000s · Champion with Mikey Nicholls
WWE NXT
2016-2021 · Shane Thorne / Slapjack
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Profession
- Professional wrestler
- Born
- September 24, 1985
- Birthplace
- Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Height
- 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
- Debut
- February 2003
- Finishing Moves
- Bomb Valley Death, Dynamic Bomb
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Shane Veryzer
- Height
- 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Frequently Asked Questions
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