Colin Delaney
A resilient underdog who turned a fleeting WWE opportunity into a long-running career as a respected and versatile performer on the independent wrestling circuit.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American professional wrestler·Birthday: September 7·Millennials
Biography
Colin Delaney's wrestling narrative is the classic tale of the ultimate underdog. Breaking into national consciousness during WWE's ECW revival in 2008, he was presented not as a powerhouse, but as a scrawny, perpetually overwhelmed rookie who absorbed tremendous punishment week after week. This 'everyman' persona, getting demolished by far larger opponents, forged an unexpected connection with audiences. Though his initial WWE stint was brief, it provided a platform that fueled his real career: the grueling, unglamorous world of independent wrestling. For over a decade, Delaney has been a workhorse on the circuit, shedding the helpless character to reveal a technically sound and highly adaptable wrestler. He became a cornerstone for promotions like Squared Circle Wrestling (2CW) and CHIKARA, where his longevity and dedication have earned him deep respect from peers and fans who appreciate the grind.
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.
Colin was born in 1986, 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 Colin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Colin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
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
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Gained national television exposure through a memorable underdog storyline on WWE's ECW brand in 2008.
- Became a former 2CW Tag Team Champion, teaming with Jimmy Olsen as part of the 'Upstate Boys'.
- Held the NWA Upstate Television Championship, establishing himself as a featured performer in the regional promotion.
- Maintained a continuous presence as a featured athlete on the independent circuit for well over a decade.
Did You Know?
He is the younger brother of professional wrestler Kevin Blackwood (formerly known as 'Killer' Kevin Cross).
Delaney's WWE ECW character was famously managed by the veteran wrestler Tommy Dreamer.
He made a surprise return to WWE programming in 2014 for a one-off match on *WWE Main Event*.
“I was the proof that heart could sometimes outweigh the size chart.”
