Joseph Conners


Joseph Conner Buckton is an English professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, performing in their developmental brand NXT UK. He wrestles under the ring name Joseph Conners. In 2017 and 2018 he took part In UK Championship Tournament. Conners competed in many British wrestling promotions, most notably New Generation Wrestling and What Culture Pro Wrestling, where he was a one-time WCPW Champion.

Training

Joe trained at the House Of Pain Wrestling Academy under veteran UK wrestler Stixx.

Professional wrestling career

What Culture Pro Wrestling (2016–2017)

On 24 August 2016, at What Culture Pro Wrestling's Stacked event, Conners defeated Big Damo, Joe Hendry and Rampage in a Fatal four-way match to become WCPW Champion. Conners would successfully defend the championship against El Ligero, Drew Galloway, Martin Kirby, Cody Rhodes and Joe Hendry, at various WCPW events, as well as against "Darkside" James Scott outside of WCPW territory. At Delete: WCPW on 30 November 2016, Conners lost the championship to Drew Galloway in a triple threat match, also featuring Joe Hendry.
At WCPW KirbyMania, Conners returned for the first time since signing his WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament contract, attacking Joe Hendry during his match with Drake, setting up a no holds barred match between the two, ultimately losing via submission After an almost 9-month absence Conners returned to WCPW as a surprise entrant into the Pro Wrestling World Cup round of 16 replacing Michael Elgin who had to drop out due to a scheduling conflict. Conners defeated Joe Coffey in Elgin's stead to advance to the quarterfinals the next night where once again he was successful in defeating his opponent, Hiromu Takahashi, and advancing to the semifinals. However, two nights later, he would lose his semifinal match against Kushida after passing out to Kushida's Hoverboard Lock.

WWE (2016–present)

On 15 December 2016 it was revealed that Conners would be one of 16 men competing in a two-night tournament to crown the first ever WWE United Kingdom Champion on 14 and 15 January 2017. Conners defeated James Drake in the first round, advancing to the quarter finals, where he was defeated by Mark Andrews. In November 2017 Connors returned to WWE and competed in several dark matches and on several house shows. On the November 7 episode of 205 Live, Connors returned to WWE programming for one night in Manchester, England to participate in an in-ring segment with Enzo Amore and other wrestlers from the WWE UK tournament. Later in the episode he would team with James Drake in a tag team match against Cedric Alexander and Mark Andrews in a losing effort. He returned to 205 Live in 2018, teaming with Drew Gulak and James Drake in a losing effort to Cedric Alexander, Flash Morgan Webster, and Mustafa Ali. He would then go on to compete in the 2018 WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament, losing to Ashton Smith in the first round.

Championships and accomplishments