Cedric Alexander
A high-flying wrestler whose resilience and underdog spirit made him a beloved fan favorite in multiple major promotions.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American professional wrestler·Birthday: August 16·Millennials
Biography
Born Cedric Alexander Johnson in Charlotte, North Carolina, his path to wrestling prominence was anything but linear. After a standout amateur wrestling career, he paid his dues on the brutal independent circuit, honing a breathtaking, acrobatic style that blended speed with raw power. His breakthrough came in Ring of Honor, where his matches were consistently show-stealers. A move to WWE's Cruiserweight Classic introduced him to a global audience, and his subsequent run on 205 Live and Raw was defined by a heartfelt, crowd-supported quest for the Cruiserweight Championship, which he eventually captured. More than just a highlight reel, Alexander's story is one of perseverance, battling through being overlooked to become a cornerstone of TNA's roster as a key member of The System, proving his worth as a complete performer.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Cedric was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Cedric Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Cedric's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the WWE Cruiserweight Championship in a celebrated victory at WrestleMania 34.
- Captured the TNA X-Division Championship, showcasing his versatility in a different major promotion.
- Was a central figure in the acclaimed 'Cedric Alexander vs. Kota Ibushi' match during WWE's 2016 Cruiserweight Classic.
- Held the ROH World Television Championship during his tenure with Ring of Honor.
Did You Know?
He was a state championship wrestler in high school in North Carolina.
Before his WWE debut, he made a living as a barber.
He is married to fellow professional wrestler Big Swole (Aerial Hull).
“I didn't get here by waiting for a handout; I earned every second of this.”
