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Chad Collyer
The Metal Master
Chad Collyer, better known by his ring names Chad Malenko, Collyer, or simply Metal Master, is a wrestling legend whose in-ring prowess has left an indelible mark on the sport. Born on December 12, 1974, in Liberty, Indiana, Collyer's journey to the top of professional wrestling was marked by precision, perseverance, and a penchant for technical mastery.
Weighing in at 230 pounds with a towering height of 5'11", Collyer's physical presence was imposing enough. However, it was his cerebral approach to grappling that truly set him apart from the pack. A technician through and through, Collyer's wrestling style was characterized by its fluidity, showcasing an uncanny ability to seamlessly transition between various holds and submission maneuvers.
Over the course of a storied career spanning nearly two decades (1998-2016), Collyer graced the rings of prominent promotions like World Wrestling Entertainment, New Japan Pro Wrestling, Impact Wrestling, Ring Of Honor, Westside Xtreme Wrestling, among others. This extensive resume was punctuated by a string of championship wins, including the OVW Television Championship, HWA Heavyweight Championship, NWA Indiana Heavyweight Championship, NWA Indiana Heritage Championship, and CAPW Championship.
Collyer's signature moves – the Texas Cloverleaf, Brainbuster, and Full Nelson Suplex – were as much a part of his arsenal as they were an integral aspect of his in-ring identity. Each grappling excursion was a testament to his unwavering dedication to the art of wrestling.
As we reflect on Chad Collyer's illustrious career, it becomes increasingly evident that he embodied the true essence of a metal master – strong, resilient, and forever etched in our collective memories as a consummate technician.