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|image = Tarver.jpg
|image = Tarver.jpg
|caption = Tarver in September 2010
|caption = Tarver in September 2010
|names = Michael Tarver<ref name="OWOW"/><br />Mike Tarver<ref name="OWOW"/><br />Mr. Tarver<ref name="OWOW"/><br />Tyrone Evans<ref name="OWOW"/><br />Tyrone Jones<ref name="OWOW"/><br />Tyson Tarver<ref name="OWOW"/>
|names = '''Michael Tarver'''<ref name="OWOW"/><br />Mike Tarver<ref name="OWOW"/><br />Mr. Tarver<ref name="OWOW"/><br />'''Tyrone Evans'''<ref name="OWOW"/><br />Tyrone Jones<ref name="OWOW"/><br />Tyson Tarver<ref name="OWOW"/>
|height = {{height|ft=6|in=2}}<ref name="WWE"/>
|height = {{height|ft=6|in=2}}<ref name="WWE"/>
|weight = {{convert|256|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name="WWE"/>
|weight = {{convert|256|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name="WWE"/>
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In 2008, Evans signed a WWE contract and was assigned to [[Florida Championship Wrestling]] (FCW), a WWE [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territory]]. In FCW, he began wrestling under the [[ring name]] Tyrone Jones.<ref name="OWOW"/> In May, he [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feuded]] with [[Atlas DaBone]].<ref name="FCW08">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008)|accessdate=2011-01-22|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Throughout June and July, he faced wrestlers including [[Kevin Kiley, Jr.]] and [[TJ Wilson]], and on July 21, he lost a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Dark match|dark match]] to [[Jamie Noble]] on July 21 prior to ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]''.<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name="FCW08"/> In September he gained [[Byron Saxton]] as a [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]], and changed his ring name to Tyson Tarver.<ref name="FCW08"/> He became part of The Saxton Conglomerate, a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|faction]] composed of Tarver, Black Pain, [[Stu Bennett|Stu Sanders]] and led by [[Bryan J. Kelly|Byron Saxton]]. Tarver had his first match with the Conglomerate on October 30, where he, Pain and Sanders lost to [[Johnny Prime]], [[Kafu]] and [[Nick Cvjetkovich|Sinn Bowdee]].<ref name="FCW08"/> Prime soon began feuding with the Conglomerate, and on November 20, Tarver lost to him in a singles match.<ref name="FCW08"/> On December 18, Tarver and Sanders lost to Prime and [[Kaleb O'Neal]].<ref name="FCW08"/>
In 2008, Evans signed a WWE contract and was assigned to [[Florida Championship Wrestling]] (FCW), a WWE [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territory]]. In FCW, he began wrestling under the [[ring name]] Tyrone Jones.<ref name="OWOW"/> In May, he [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feuded]] with [[Atlas DaBone]].<ref name="FCW08">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2008/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2008)|accessdate=2011-01-22|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Throughout June and July, he faced wrestlers including [[Kevin Kiley, Jr.]] and [[TJ Wilson]], and on July 21, he lost a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Dark match|dark match]] to [[Jamie Noble]] on July 21 prior to ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]''.<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name="FCW08"/> In September he gained [[Byron Saxton]] as a [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]], and changed his ring name to Tyson Tarver.<ref name="FCW08"/> He became part of The Saxton Conglomerate, a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|faction]] composed of Tarver, Black Pain, [[Stu Bennett|Stu Sanders]] and led by [[Bryan J. Kelly|Byron Saxton]]. Tarver had his first match with the Conglomerate on October 30, where he, Pain and Sanders lost to [[Johnny Prime]], [[Kafu]] and [[Nick Cvjetkovich|Sinn Bowdee]].<ref name="FCW08"/> Prime soon began feuding with the Conglomerate, and on November 20, Tarver lost to him in a singles match.<ref name="FCW08"/> On December 18, Tarver and Sanders lost to Prime and [[Kaleb O'Neal]].<ref name="FCW08"/>


In 2009, Evans changed his ring name to 'Michael Tarver'.<ref name="FCW09">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2009/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2009)|accessdate=2011-01-22|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> He continued competing in FCW throughout the remainder of 2009, facing wrestlers including [[Wes Brisco]] and [[Skip Sheffield]], with whom he feuded in November 2009.<ref name="FCW09"/> In December, Tarver became associated with [[Heath Slater]], interfering in Slater's matches and accompanying him to the ring.<ref name="FCW09"/> The following month, Tarver began a feud with [[Thaddeus Bullard|Titus O'Neil]]. After twice interrupting O'Neil, Tarver defeated him in a singles match on February 18.<ref name="FCW09"/>
In 2009, Evans changed his ring name to 'Michael Tarver'.<ref name="FCW09">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2009/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2009)|accessdate=2011-01-22|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> He continued competing in FCW throughout the remainder of 2009, facing wrestlers including [[Wes Brisco]] and [[Skip Sheffield]], with whom he feuded in November 2009.<ref name="FCW09"/> In December, Tarver became associated with [[Heath Slater]], interfering in Slater's matches and accompanying him

====NXT and The Nexus (2010–2011)====
{{See also|Nexus (professional wrestling)|l1=The Nexus}}
[[File:Michael Tarver and Heath Slater.jpg|thumb|left|180px|Tarver (left) with [[Heath Slater]] (right) at a [[house show]] in September 2010.]]
On February 16, 2010, it was announced that Tarver was one of the eight FCW wrestlers that would be competing on the first season of the ''[[WWE NXT]]'' show, with [[Carly Colón|Carlito]] as his storyline mentor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_39115.shtml|title=WWE News: Complete cast of the NXT show revealed including The Miz mentoring Bryan Danielson|date=2010-02-16|last=Caldwell|first=James|accessdate=2010-02-17|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the inaugural episode of ''NXT'' on February 23, Tarver and Carlito were defeated by [[Christian (wrestler)|Christian]] and [[Heath Slater]] in a tag team match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1266988049.php|title=WWE NXT Results – 2/23/10|date=2010-02-24|last=Stephens|first=David|accessdate=2010-02-24|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> After six more losses and being ranked second to last in the first Pro's Poll, Tarver picked up his first victory on the May 4 episode of ''NXT'' by defeating [[Bryan Danielson|Daniel Bryan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/03/30/13417431.html|title=WWE NXT: Bryan laughs first, Otunga laughs last|date=2010-03-30|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=2010-05-05|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_41106.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT TV report 5/4: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of NXT on Syfy Week 11|date=2010-05-04|last=Caldwell|first=James|accessdate=2010-05-05|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Tarver also neglected to perform any of the rookie challenges in ''NXT'' stating that he was not there to perform menial tasks. On May 11, Tarver was eliminated during the first elimination round of ''NXT'' alongside Daniel Bryan as they lacked the confidence to continue in the competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1273674387|title=WWE NXT Results – 5/11/10|date=2010-05-12|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|accessdate=2010-05-12|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref>

The week after the ''NXT'' season finale, Tarver and the rest of the season one ''NXT'' rookies interfered in the [[Card (sports)#Main event|main event]] match between [[John Cena]] and CM Punk on ''Raw'', attacking Cena, Punk, the announce team, and the [[ring announcer]] [[Justin Roberts]], before dismantling the ring area and surrounding equipment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/08/14303706.html|title=RAW: Vote early, vote often; NXT takes over|date=2010-06-08|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=2010-06-12|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the June 14 edition of ''Raw'' the rookies (excluding Daniel Bryan) attacked [[Professional wrestling authority figures#General Managers|General Manager]] [[Bret Hart]], when he refused to give them contracts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1276572395|title=Raw Results – 6/14/10|date=2010-06-14|last=Stephens|first=David|accessdate=2010-06-22|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', [[Vince McMahon]] fired Hart and announced the hiring of a new General Manager, who had signed the seven season one ''NXT'' rookies to contracts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_42106.shtml|title=WWE Raw results 6/21: Keller's report on the fallout from the Fatal 4-Way PPV event, Jericho puts his career on the line|date=2010-06-21|last=Keller|first=Wade|authorlink=Wade Keller|accessdate=2010-06-22|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following week the group was named [[Nexus (professional wrestling)|The Nexus]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_42230.shtml|title=WWE Raw results 6/28: Keller's ongoing report on NXT-McMahon attack fallout, Sheamus-Cena confrontation|date=2010-06-28|last=Keller|first=Wade|authorlink=Wade Keller|accessdate=2010-06-29|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the July 12 episode of ''Raw'', The Nexus competed in their first match together, without [[Darren Young (wrestler)|Darren Young]], defeating John Cena in a six–on–one handicap match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1278991411|title=Raw Results – 7/12/10|date=2010-07-12|last=Martin|first=Adam|accessdate=2010-07-14|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> The Nexus continued to feud with Cena and the Raw roster, resulting in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Elimination tag team match|seven-on-seven elimination tag team match]] at [[SummerSlam (2010)|SummerSlam]] which saw the return of former Nexus member [[Bryan Danielson|Daniel Bryan]], who aligned himself with team WWE. Tarver was the second person eliminated from the match when he was pinned by [[John Morrison (wrestler)|John Morrison]], and The Nexus went on to lose the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/08/15/15031141.html|title=Rumored return helps Team WWE fend off Nexus at SummerSlam|date=2010-08-15|last=Plummer|first=Dale|coauthors=Tylwalk, Nick|accessdate=2010-08-16|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the October 4 episode of ''Raw'', Tarver was attacked by Cena, with Barrett later stating that he would have thrown Tarver out of The Nexus anyway.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/10/04/15583011.html|title=RAW: Cenation allies with Nexus|date=2010-10-04|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=2010-10-05|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> This storyline was put in place due to Tarver sustaining a groin injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1286396161|title=Why Michael Tarver was dropped from Nexus|date=2010-10-06|last=Martin|first=Adam|accessdate=2010-10-10|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref>

At the December 9 FCW television tapings, Tarver returned from his injury and defeated Donny Marlow.<ref name="FCW10">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2010/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2010)|accessdate=2011-01-22|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> In 2011, Tarver began mysteriously appearing in the background of backstage segments on both ''Raw'' and ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_52594.shtml|title=One Nexus mystery solved – what was the plan for Michael Tarver roaming backstage on TV?|date=August 25, 2011|accessdate=February 14, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> However, nothing would ultimately come of this, and on June 13, 2011, it was announced that Tarver had been released from his contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/3-news/20989-several-wwe-releases-but-no-major-names|title=Several WWE releases, but no major names|date=2011-06-13|accessdate=2011-06-13|publisher=Wrestling Observer}}</ref> <!--DO NOT ADD WEEK BY WEEK EVENTS, RUMORS OR SPECULATION. THIS INCLUDES ANNOUNCED MATCHES THAT HAVE NOT YET OCCURRED. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A NEWS SITE BUT AN ONLINE ENCYCLOPEDIA. Please see the articles "Wikipedia:Recentism", "Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not" and "Removed FroWikipedia:Guide to writing better articles" for more information. -->

====Florida Underground Wrestling (2011-Present)====
Following his WWE release, Tarver joined Florida Underground Wrestling. Using his real name, Tarver lost his debut to Kahagas on July 23. Following this appearance, Tarver reverted back to using Michael Tarver as his name and made a few appearances in FUW throughout 2011<ref>http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=5730&page=4</ref>. Beginning in 2012, Tarver became regular for FUW. On March 20, he defeated Eddie Taurus to win the vacant FUW Bruiserweight Championship<ref>http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=5730&page=4</ref>. On June 14th, Tarver challenged Kahagas [[NWA National Heavyweight Championship]] but came up short. On June 29th, Tarver teamed with [[Kory Chavis]] against the James Boys for the FUW Tag Team Championship but lost. On June 30th, he faced Kahagas again for the NWA National Heavyweight Championship as well as for the FUW Heavyweight Championship but lost again.<ref>http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=5730&page=4</ref>

==In wrestling==
[[File:The Nexus at SummerSlam 2010.jpg|300px|right|thumb|Michael Tarver with six others of the original incarnation of The Nexus (L-R): [[Skip Sheffield]], [[Justin Gabriel]], [[David Otunga]], Michael Tarver, [[Wade Barrett]], [[Heath Slater]], and [[Darren Young (wrestler)|Darren Young]] at [[SummerSlam (2010)|SummerSlam]].]]
*'''Finishing moves'''
**''Kill Shot'' ([[Professional wrestling attacks#Punch|Knockout punch]])<ref name=V>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1266510818|title=From the Desk of Mr. V #55|date=2010-02-18|last=Valvo|first=Anthony J.|accessdate=2010-11-20|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1272656843|title=Tarver told to stop using move, Trish Stratus photo|date=2010-04-30|last=Gerweck|first=Steve|accessdate=2010-05-05|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref>
**''Tarver's Lightning'' ([[Powerslam#Scoop powerslam|Reverse thrown scoop powerslam]])<ref name=Nov5>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_35052.shtml|title=FCW TV Report 8/30: WWE debuts new seven-foot tall big man, Tyler Reks defends FCW Title, Abraham Washington's weekly shenanigans|date=2009-09-05|last=Endres|first=Cody|accessdate=2010-02-19|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_33412.shtml|title=FCW TV Report 7/5: Tyler Reks FCW Title defense, Abraham Washington and his Presidential Cabinet, El Sicodelico debuts}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_42720.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/26: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Raw on USA Network hyping Summerslam}}</ref>

*'''Signature moves'''
**Multiple [[jab]]s<ref name=Nov5/>
**[[Suplex#Belly-to-belly suplex|Overhead belly to belly suplex]]<ref name=Nov5/>

*'''[[Nickname]]s'''
**"Black Panther"<ref name="PWU"/>
**"Iron"<ref name="OWOW"/>
**"The New Danger"<ref name=Cage>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=5730&name=Michael+Tarver|title=Cagematch profile}} {{verify credibility|date=December 2010}}</ref>
**"The Panther"<ref name="PWU"/>
**"The Upgrade"<ref name="OWOW"/>
**"Mr. 1.9"<ref name=Cage/>

*'''[[Music in professional wrestling|Entrance themes]]'''
**"[[The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday#Track listing|We Are One]]" by [[12 Stones]] (Used while a part of the [[Nexus (professional wrestling)|Nexus]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/we-are-one-wwe-version/id408046476?i=408046477|title=We Are One (WWE Version)|accessdate=30 January 2011|publisher=[[Apple Inc.]]}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''Florida Underground Wrestling'''
**FUW Bruiserweight Championship (1 Time, Current)<ref name="Michael Tarver">{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=5730&page=4.html|title=Michael Tarver|date=2012-07-08|accessdate=2012-07-08|work=cagematch.net}}</ref>

*'''[[Main Event Wrestling League]]'''
**MEWL Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="MEWLtitle"/>

*'''[[List of National Wrestling Alliance territories|Pro Wrestling Xpress]]'''
**PWX Brass Knuckles Championship (1 time)<ref name="PWXBK">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/bktnwae.html|title=PWX Brass Knuckles Championship history|accessdate=2011-01-22|publisher=Solie's Title Histories}}</ref>

*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''
**[[PWI Feud of the Year]] (2010) – {{small|[[The Nexus (professional wrestling)|The Nexus]] vs. WWE}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com/2011/01/achievement-awards-feud-of-year.html|title=Achievement Awards: Feud of the Year|date=2011-01-10|accessdate=2011-01-15|work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]}}</ref>
**[[PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year]] (2010) – {{small|as part of The Nexus}}<ref name="2010award">{{cite web|url=http://prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com/2011/01/achievement-awards-most-hated_17.html|title=Achievement Awards: Most Hated|date=2011-01-17|accessdate=2011-01-22|work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]}}</ref>
**PWI ranked him #'''132''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2011<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com/2011/08/pwi-500-101-200.html|title="PWI 500": 101–200|date=2011-08-08|accessdate=2011-08-08|work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]}}</ref>

*'''[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]'''
**[[Slammy Award]] for Shocker of the Year ([[Slammy Award#2010 Slammy Awards|2010]]) – {{small|the debut of The Nexus}}<ref name="2010Slammy">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_46025.shtml|title=WWE News: Full list of 2010 Slammy Awards – 12 announced on Raw, 10 announced on WWE's website|date=2010-12-13|accessdate=2010-12-18|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

*'''[[Christian Wrestling Federation]]'''
**2012 Champions Cup - Tag Team Tournament Winner with Tim Storm <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christianwrestling.com/latest-news/tim-storm-and-michael-tarver-take-home-the-2012-champions-cup/|title=Tim Storm and Michael Tarver take home the 2012 Champions Cup|date=2012-7-21|accessdate=2012-7-21|publisher=Christian Wrestling Federation}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Professional wrestling}}
{{Commons category|Michael Tarver}}
* [http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wwealumni/michaeltarver/ WWE Alumni profile]
* [http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/michael-tarver.html Online World of Wrestling profile]
* [http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=5730 Cagematch profile]

{{The Nexus}}

{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
| NAME = Tarver, Michael
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Evans, Tyrone; Tarver, Mr.; Tarver, Mike; Evans, Tyrone; Jones, Tyrone; Tarver, Tyson
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = professional wrestler
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1977-03-08
| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Akron, Ohio]]
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tarver, Michael}}
[[Category:1977 births]]
[[Category:American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Akron, Ohio]]

[[es:Tyrone Evans]]
[[fr:Tyrone Evans]]
[[ko:마이클 타버]]
[[it:Tyrone Evans]]
[[nl:Tyrone Evans]]
[[ja:タイロン・エヴァンス]]
[[pl:Michael Tarver]]
[[pt:Tyrone Evans]]
[[ru:Майкл Тарвер]]
[[simple:Tyrone Evans]]
[[fi:Michael Tarver]]
[[th:ไมเคิล ทาร์เวอร์]]
[[vi:Michael Tarver]]

Revision as of 03:55, 30 July 2012

Michael Tarver
Tarver in September 2010
Born (1977-03-08) March 8, 1977 (age 47)[1]
Akron, Ohio[1]
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Michael Tarver[2]
Mike Tarver[2]
Mr. Tarver[2]
Tyrone Evans[2]
Tyrone Jones[2]
Tyson Tarver[2]
Billed height6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[3]
Billed weight256 lb (116 kg)[3]
Billed fromCleveland, Ohio[2]
Akron, Ohio[3]

Tyrone Evans[2] (born March 8, 1977)[1] is an American semi-retired professional wrestler . He is best known for his time with WWE as Michael Tarver.[3]

Professional wrestling career

Early career (2005–2008)

Evans defeated Brandon X in a match at an NWA East event on February 19, 2005.[4] Evans defeated Daron Smythe for the Pro Wrestling Express (PWX) Brass Knuckles Championship on April 2, 2005.[5] On June 11, Venom defeated Evans for the Brass Knuckles Championship.[5] After the title loss, Evans challenged Brandon K for the territory's Heavyweight Championship on September 8, 2006, and was unsuccessful.[6] Later that year, he wrestled for Dan Severn's Price of Glory Wrestling, where he participated in an elimination match won by N8 Mattson.[7]

Evans also wrestled for several Cleveland, Ohio-based promotions. In March 2006, Evans debuted for the Main Event Wrestling League in Ohio, teaming with Kato to defeated Chris Kole in a handicap match.[8] In December, Evans challenged Robby Starr for the MEWL Championship, but lost the match by disqualification.[9] A rematch in March 2007, saw Starr defeat Evans again.[10] At MEWL's Honky Tonk Saturday Night show the following month, however, Evans defeated Starr and won the MEWL Heavyweight Championship.[11] In July 2006, Evans beat Savage at an Absolute Intense Wrestling (AIW) show.[12] He returned to AIW in May 2007, losing to Thrillbilly, and in September 2007, where he defeated Eddie Kingston by submission in the third round of their 'Strong Style' Challenge match.[13][14] In April 2007, Evans challenged Jason Bane for the Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling (CAPW) Television Championship, but was unsuccessful.[15] On May 6, at May Meltdown, The B.E.T. (Evans and Josh Emmanuel) defeated Jeff Brooks and Kid Hybrid in a tag team match, and the following month at A Hot Summer's Night The B.E.T. defeated The Clash of Ernie Ballz and Brian Bender.[15]

Evans also wrestled for Pro Wrestling Unplugged, making his debut on October 27, 2007 at Dark Night, where he introduced himself as "The Panther" Tyrone Evans before losing to The Sandman by disqualification.[16][17] In December, Evans lost once again to The Sandman, before he changed his nickname to "Black Panther" in February 2008 at Last Chance: Do or Die.[16]

World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE

Florida Championship Wrestling (2008–2010)

In 2008, Evans signed a WWE contract and was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), a WWE developmental territory. In FCW, he began wrestling under the ring name Tyrone Jones.[2] In May, he feuded with Atlas DaBone.[18] Throughout June and July, he faced wrestlers including Kevin Kiley, Jr. and TJ Wilson, and on July 21, he lost a dark match to Jamie Noble on July 21 prior to Raw.[2][18] In September he gained Byron Saxton as a manager, and changed his ring name to Tyson Tarver.[18] He became part of The Saxton Conglomerate, a faction composed of Tarver, Black Pain, Stu Sanders and led by Byron Saxton. Tarver had his first match with the Conglomerate on October 30, where he, Pain and Sanders lost to Johnny Prime, Kafu and Sinn Bowdee.[18] Prime soon began feuding with the Conglomerate, and on November 20, Tarver lost to him in a singles match.[18] On December 18, Tarver and Sanders lost to Prime and Kaleb O'Neal.[18]

In 2009, Evans changed his ring name to 'Michael Tarver'.[19] He continued competing in FCW throughout the remainder of 2009, facing wrestlers including Wes Brisco and Skip Sheffield, with whom he feuded in November 2009.[19] In December, Tarver became associated with Heath Slater, interfering in Slater's matches and accompanying him

  1. ^ a b c "Michael Tarver Biography". IGN. Retrieved February 14, 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "OWOW profile". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2010-02-17.
  3. ^ a b c d "Michael Tarver Bio". WWE. Archived from the original on June 26, 2010. Retrieved 2010-06-22.
  4. ^ "National Wrestling Alliance (2005)". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
  5. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference PWXBK was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ "NWA Pro Wrestling eXpress". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
  7. ^ "Independent Wrestling Results – July 2005". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
  8. ^ "Independent Wrestling Results – March 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
  9. ^ "Independent Wrestling Results – December 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
  10. ^ "Independent Wrestling Results – March 2007". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
  11. ^ "Independent Wrestling Results – April 2007". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
  12. ^ "Independent Wrestling Results – July 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
  13. ^ "Independent Wrestling Results – May 2007". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
  14. ^ "Independent Wrestling Results – September 2007". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
  15. ^ a b "Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
  16. ^ a b "Pro Wrestling Unplugged". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
  17. ^ "PWU presents "Dark Night" Results on 10/27". Online World of Wrestling. 2007-10-27. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
  18. ^ a b c d e f "Florida Championship Wrestling (2008)". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
  19. ^ a b "Florida Championship Wrestling (2009)". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2011-01-22.