The WWE is a business of spectacular moments, and the physical appearances of the Superstars and Divas play a crucial role in shaping their characters. An interesting hairstyle can make a bold statement, but it doesn't always pay off. This article explores the ever-evolving hairstyles of Tyson Kidd, a wrestler who came into the WWE with a lot of potential.
Theodore James "TJ" Wilson, born on July 11, 1980, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is better known by his ring name, Tyson Kidd. He trained at Stu Hart's Dungeon and was nicknamed the "Stampede Kid" as part of Stampede Wrestling. He held his first championship in the promotion in February 2004, becoming Bruce Hart's tag team partner and co-holder of the Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Championship.
Early Career and Stampede Wrestling
As the Stampede Kid, Wilson completed several tours of Japan, competing at New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He debuted in a six-man tag team match in November, teaming with GOKU-DO and Super Crazy. He returned in March 2003 and mostly teamed up with American Dragon. In 2005, he started his tour of Europe and mostly wrestled for All Star Wrestling. Wilson spent a lot of time in Canada at AWA Superstars of Wrestling.
Joining WWE and the Hart Dynasty
Wilson signed with World Wrestling Entertainment in November 2006 after receiving impressive reviews from former WWE trainer Bill DeMott. In late 2007, he worked with Harry Smith, Nattie Neidhart, Teddy Hart, and Ted DiBiase Jr. On December 1, 2007, he won the FCW Southern Heavyweight Championship. Wilson made his WWE television debut on February 10, 2009, on ECW, managed by real-life girlfriend Natalya, under the name Tyson Kidd.
On the May 12 ECW, Kidd's match with Finlay was interrupted by DH Smith, now using the name David Hart Smith, who attacked Finlay to aid Kidd. Kidd, Smith, and Neidhart formed The Hart Trilogy, which was later changed to The Hart Dynasty on the May 26 ECW. On June 29, The Hart Dynasty were traded to the SmackDown brand.
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The Infamous Hairstyle
One of the most memorable aspects of Tyson Kidd's early WWE career was his unique hairstyle. Many felt that he hadn't truly had a chance to shine, possibly due to his old hairstyle. His shaved head with four spiky hairs on the front was ludicrous. Some argued that a guy who makes decisions like that can't be trusted with a serious program in the WWE.
Taka Michinoku also sported a similar hairstyle, described as shaved all over with a pathetic little fringe at the front. He even bleached the fringe a hideous orangey blonde which contrasted with his dark crew cut horribly. Michinoku not only had the spiky bangs like Kidd, but dyed them blonde.
Tag Team Success and Heel Turn
After a failed attempt to regain the championship, in which Kidd was pushed off balance during their double-team Hart Attack move, Kidd and Smith began to have a falling out. This culminated on the November 15 episode of Raw, when Kidd turned heel once again, after refusing to tag in and attacking Smith during a match for the WWE Tag Team Championship against The Nexus (Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater).
NXT and Tag Team with Cesaro
Following his return from injury, Kidd began regularly appearing on NXT, which was now WWE's developmental branch. From late September 2014, Kidd started to win more main roster matches, while being flanked by Natalya. Kidd began a tag team with Cesaro on the December 1 episode of Raw and were eliminated from a gauntlet match for a tag title shot by The Usos. At Fastlane on February 22, Kidd and Cesaro defeated The Usos to capture the WWE Tag Team Championship.
In April, Kidd and Cesaro reignited their feud against The New Day, where a double turn took place; Kidd and Cesaro turned into babyfaces by displaying a fighting spirit, while The New Day turned heel by using underhanded tactics during their matches. At Extreme Rules, Kidd and Cesaro lost the WWE Tag Team Championship to The New Day (Big E and Kofi Kingston), ending their reign at nine weeks.
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Career-Ending Injury
On June 1, 2015, Kidd suffered a spinal cord injury from Samoa Joe's Muscle Buster finishing maneuver during a dark match on Raw. Several weeks later, WWE stated that he would be out of action for over a year. Eventually, his injury was deemed career-ending, and Kidd was forced to retire.
Despite his career being cut short, Tyson Kidd left a lasting impression on the WWE. While his in-ring talent was undeniable, his willingness to experiment with his look, even if it resulted in some questionable hairstyles, added to his unique persona.
Evolution of Tyson Kidd Entrance 2010-2017 - WWE Games
Here's a summary of Tyson Kidd's championship wins:
| Championship | Date Won |
|---|---|
| Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Title | February 2004 |
| Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Championship | October 15, 2004 |
| Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship | September 15, 2006 |
| FCW Southern Heavyweight Championship | December 1, 2007 |
| WWE Tag Team Championship | February 22, 2015 |
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