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{{distinguish|text=the professional wrestler, [[Kevin Wacholz]], previously named Kevin Kelly}}
{{distinguish|text=the professional wrestler, [[Kevin Wacholz]], previously named Kevin Kelly}}
{{other people||Kevin Kelly (disambiguation)}}
{{other people||Kevin Kelly (disambiguation)}}
{{update|date=April 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Kevin Kelly
|name = Kevin Kelly
|image = Announcer Kevin Kelly.jpg
|image = Announcer Kevin Kelly.jpg
|caption = Kelly at a [[Ring of Honor]] show in August 2011
|caption = Kelly at a [[Ring of Honor]] show in 2011
|birth_name = Kevin Foote
|birth_name = Kevin Foote
|names = '''Kevin Kelly'''<ref name="OWW"/>
|names = '''Kevin Kelly'''<ref name="OWW"/>
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|alma_mater = [[Florida State University]]
|alma_mater = [[Florida State University]]
|children = 2
|children = 2
|birth_place = [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]], U.S.<ref name="cagematch">{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=4620&worker=Kevin+Kelly++|title=Profil von Kevin Kelly |publisher=Cagematch.net|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=March 4, 2007}}</ref>
|birth_place = [[New York City]], U.S.<ref name="cagematch">{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=4620&worker=Kevin+Kelly++|title=Profil von Kevin Kelly |publisher=Cagematch.net|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=March 4, 2007}}</ref>
|billed =
|billed =
|trainer =
|trainer =
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}}
}}


'''Kevin Foote'''<ref name="OWW"/><ref name="Grey"/> (born May 9, 1967) is an American [[sportscaster]], radio host, and [[professional wrestling]] [[color commentator]], executive, [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]], [[Pundit (expert)|pundit]], and former [[ring announcer]], better known by his [[ring name]] '''Kevin Kelly'''. Foote has worked as an English-language commentator for [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) since 2015. He also works as a commentator for [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW) for its ''[[AEW Collision|Saturday Collision]]'' program. He previously worked for [[WWE]] from 1996 to 2003, [[Major League Wrestling]] in 2004, and [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) from 2010 to 2017.
'''Kevin Foote'''<ref name="OWW"/><ref name="Grey"/> (born May 9, 1967) is an American [[sportscaster]], radio host, and [[professional wrestling]] [[color commentator]], executive, [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]], [[Pundit (expert)|pundit]], and former [[ring announcer]], better known by his [[ring name]] '''Kevin Kelly'''. He previously worked for [[WWE]] from 1996 to 2003, [[Major League Wrestling]] in 2004, [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) from 2010 to 2017, [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) from 2015 to 2023 and [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW) from 2023 to 2024.


==Early life ==
==Early life ==
Kelly was born in [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]], but his family relocated to [[Stuart, Florida]] when he was ten. He graduated from [[Florida State University]] in January 1990.<ref name="Grey">{{cite web|url=http://www.theburninghammer.com/forum/topics.html-t-10335 |title=Interview with Kevin Kelly |publisher=TheBurningHammer.com |access-date=July 26, 2007 |date=December 11, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929115801/http://www.theburninghammer.com/forum/topics.html-t-10335 |archive-date=September 29, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Kelly was born in [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]], but his family relocated to [[Stuart, Florida]], when he was ten. He graduated from [[Florida State University]] in January 1990.<ref name="Grey">{{cite web|url=http://www.theburninghammer.com/forum/topics.html-t-10335 |title=Interview with Kevin Kelly |publisher=TheBurningHammer.com |access-date=July 26, 2007 |date=December 11, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929115801/http://www.theburninghammer.com/forum/topics.html-t-10335 |archive-date=September 29, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Broadcasting career==
==Broadcasting career==
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===Professional wrestling===
===Professional wrestling===

====Independent circuit (1991–1996, 1999–2005, 2011)====
==== Independent circuit (1991–1996, 1999–2005, 2011, 2022–present) ====
Kelly debuted on the [[professional wrestling]] [[independent circuit]] in 1991. He originally worked as a [[ring announcer]] for Eddie Mansfield's [[Orlando, Florida]]-based International Wrestling Federation.<ref name="OWW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/k/kevin-kelly.html|title=Kevin Kelly|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=July 26, 2007}}</ref><ref name="bodyslamming">{{cite web|url=http://www.bodyslamming.com/other/kevinkelly.html|title=Kevin Kelly |publisher=Bodyslamminging.com|access-date=July 26, 2007}}</ref>
Kelly debuted on the [[professional wrestling]] [[independent circuit]] in 1991. He originally worked as a [[ring announcer]] for Eddie Mansfield's [[Orlando, Florida]]-based International Wrestling Federation.<ref name="OWW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/k/kevin-kelly.html|title=Kevin Kelly|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=July 26, 2007}}</ref><ref name="bodyslamming">{{cite web|url=http://www.bodyslamming.com/other/kevinkelly.html|title=Kevin Kelly |publisher=Bodyslamminging.com|access-date=July 26, 2007}}</ref>


In November 1999, Kelly debuted in the [[Delaware]]-based [[East Coast Wrestling Association]] as a [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]], forming several [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|stables]]. On April 7, 2001 in [[Wilmington, Delaware]], Kelly defeated Cheetah Master for the [[ECWA Heavyweight Championship]] with the help of Billy Fives and [[Rick Fuller]], members of Kelly's "Alliance of Defiance" stable. He was stripped of the title on May 5, 2001, with [[Scoot Andrews]] defeating Billy Fives for the vacant title.<ref name="Gerweck">{{cite web|url=http://www.gerweck.net/jimkettnerinterview.htm|title=Jim Kettner|author=Gerweck, S.|publisher=Gerweck.net|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=May 30, 2001|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927204851/http://www.gerweck.net/jimkettnerinterview.htm|archive-date=September 27, 2007}}</ref><ref name="Dupree">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/whtecwa.html|title=ECWA - East Coast Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Title History|author=Dupree, J.|publisher=Solie.org|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=2005}}</ref> On December 3, 2005, Kelly was inducted into the ECWA Hall of Fame.
In November 1999, Kelly debuted in the [[Delaware]]-based [[East Coast Wrestling Association]] as a [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]], forming several [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|stables]]. On April 7, 2001, in [[Wilmington, Delaware]], Kelly defeated Cheetah Master for the [[ECWA Heavyweight Championship]] with the help of Billy Fives and [[Rick Fuller]], members of Kelly's "Alliance of Defiance" stable. He was stripped of the title on May 5, 2001, with [[Scoot Andrews]] defeating Billy Fives for the vacant title.<ref name="Gerweck">{{cite web|url=http://www.gerweck.net/jimkettnerinterview.htm|title=Jim Kettner|author=Gerweck, S.|publisher=Gerweck.net|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=May 30, 2001|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927204851/http://www.gerweck.net/jimkettnerinterview.htm|archive-date=September 27, 2007}}</ref><ref name="Dupree">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/whtecwa.html|title=ECWA - East Coast Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Title History|author=Dupree, J.|publisher=Solie.org|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=2005}}</ref> On December 3, 2005, Kelly was inducted into the ECWA Hall of Fame.


From 2003 to 2004, he worked for the first incarnation of [[Major League Wrestling]].
From 2003 to 2004, he worked for the first incarnation of [[Major League Wrestling]].


From May 28, 2011 to October 22, 2011, Kelly was an announcer for [[Lucha Libre USA]] Season 2.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_50431.shtml | title= 5/28 Lucha Libre USA TV taping: Spoiler results for Season 2 episodes of MTV2 show - Lethal debuts, Petey, new commentators, double-turns | last= Roberts | first= Alex |date= May 30, 2011 | access-date= May 30, 2011 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
From May 28, 2011, to October 22, 2011, Kelly was an announcer for [[Lucha Libre USA]] Season 2.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_50431.shtml | title= 5/28 Lucha Libre USA TV taping: Spoiler results for Season 2 episodes of MTV2 show - Lethal debuts, Petey, new commentators, double-turns | last= Roberts | first= Alex |date= May 30, 2011 | access-date= May 30, 2011 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>


On November 13, 2022, Kevin Kelly announced that he would be starting his own wrestling promotion under the name "American eXcellence Wrestling". The promotion's first event was held on January 7, 2023 at the Hamburg Field House in Hamburg, Pennsylvania.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/kevin-kelly-announces-launch-new-wrestling-promotion/|title=Kevin Kelly Announces Launch Of New Wrestling Promotion|author=Jeremy Thomas|publisher=411mania.com|access-date=March 29, 2024|date=November 13, 2022}}</ref>
====World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (1996–2003)====
====World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (1996–2003)====
Kelly received a try-out with the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] as a ring announcer due to the intervention of fellow IWF alumnus [[Monty Sopp|Billy Gunn]].<ref name="OWW"/> He was hired by the WWF in June 1996, and began working as a backstage interviewer.<ref name="Lyon1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=16586|title=Stephen Lyon looks at 10 years ago this week in the Wrestling Observer|author=Lyon, S.|publisher=[[Dave Meltzer|WrestlingObserver.com]]|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=June 17, 2006}}</ref> From August to October 1996, Kelly served as commentator for ''[[WWE Raw|Raw is War]]'', the flagship [[television program]] of the WWF, alongside [[Jim Ross]] and [[Jerry Lawler]]. From December 1997 to March 1998, Kelly again served as a commentator for ''Raw is War'', alongside Jim Ross and [[Michael Cole (wrestling)|Michael Cole]]. Afterward, Kelly resumed serving as an interviewer on ''Raw is War'' and (upon its premiere) ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|SmackDown!]]''.<ref name="OWW" />
Kelly received a try-out with the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] as a ring announcer due to the intervention of fellow IWF alumnus [[Monty Sopp|Billy Gunn]].<ref name="OWW"/> He was hired by the WWF in June 1996, and began working as a backstage interviewer.<ref name="Lyon1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=16586|title=Stephen Lyon looks at 10 years ago this week in the Wrestling Observer|author=Lyon, S.|publisher=[[Dave Meltzer|WrestlingObserver.com]]|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=June 17, 2006}}</ref> From August to October 1996, Kelly served as commentator for ''[[WWE Raw|Raw is War]]'', the flagship [[television program]] of the WWF, alongside [[Jim Ross]] and [[Jerry Lawler]]. From December 1997 to March 1998, Kelly again served as a commentator for ''Raw is War'', alongside Jim Ross and [[Michael Cole (wrestling)|Michael Cole]]. Afterward, Kelly resumed serving as an interviewer on ''Raw is War'' and (upon its premiere) ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|SmackDown!]]''.<ref name="OWW" />
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As an interviewer, Kelly was involved in numerous [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Angle|angles]]. The most publicized was the controversial "[[Pillman's got a gun]]" angle, which took place on the November 4, 1996 episode of ''Monday Night Raw'', which was filmed in [[Fort Wayne, Indiana]]. The angle was set against the backdrop of an ongoing feud between [[Brian Pillman]] and [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]]. Throughout the broadcast of ''Monday Night Raw'', live footage was shown of Kelly interviewing Pillman in his home in [[Walton, Kentucky]] alongside Pillman's wife Melanie. After [[Michael Hayes (wrestler)|Dok Hendrix]] informed ''Monday Night Raw'' announcer [[Vince McMahon]] that Austin was supposedly traveling to Pillman's home, Pillman, upon being apprised of this development, produced and loaded a [[9 mm Luger Parabellum|9 mm]] [[pistol]] and stated that he would "blow [Austin's] sorry ass straight to hell!" A frightened Kelly delivered the line "Pillman's got a gun!"<ref name="Burkholder">{{cite web|url=http://www.oowrestling.com/columns/circa/20041007.shtml |title=1996: Brian Pillman Whips It Out |author=Burkholder, D. |publisher=OnlineOnslaught.com |access-date=July 26, 2007 |date=October 7, 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003190716/http://www.oowrestling.com/columns/circa/20041007.shtml |archive-date=October 3, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Lyon">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=17809|title=Pillman & Austin Gun Angle...|author=Lyon, S.|publisher=[[Dave Meltzer|WrestlingObserver.com]]|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=November 4, 2006}}</ref> In the course of the interview, Austin arrived at Pillman's home and, after fighting off several of Pillman's friends who had surrounded the house to protect him, broke into the house and advanced on Pillman. Pillman responded by pointing his pistol at Austin, with the live camera feed subsequently fading to black as Kelly and [[Melanie Pillman]] screamed. When the camera feed returned, Pillman was being restrained by his friends, and Kelly informed McMahon that there had been two [[Gunshot|explosions]], but no-one had been injured. At that point, Austin re-entered the house, with Pillman's friends forcing him out again as Pillman pointed his pistol at Austin while screaming obscenities and threats. Kelly shouted for someone to "call the police" as ''Monday Night Raw'' [[color commentator]] [[Jerry Lawler]] instructed him to "get the gun". The broadcast ended with Austin being driven from the house as Melanie Pillman cried. The WWF and Pillman would later apologize for the segment.<ref name="Burkholder"/><ref name="Lyon"/>
As an interviewer, Kelly was involved in numerous [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Angle|angles]]. The most publicized was the controversial "[[Pillman's got a gun]]" angle, which took place on the November 4, 1996 episode of ''Monday Night Raw'', which was filmed in [[Fort Wayne, Indiana]]. The angle was set against the backdrop of an ongoing feud between [[Brian Pillman]] and [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]]. Throughout the broadcast of ''Monday Night Raw'', live footage was shown of Kelly interviewing Pillman in his home in [[Walton, Kentucky]] alongside Pillman's wife Melanie. After [[Michael Hayes (wrestler)|Dok Hendrix]] informed ''Monday Night Raw'' announcer [[Vince McMahon]] that Austin was supposedly traveling to Pillman's home, Pillman, upon being apprised of this development, produced and loaded a [[9 mm Luger Parabellum|9 mm]] [[pistol]] and stated that he would "blow [Austin's] sorry ass straight to hell!" A frightened Kelly delivered the line "Pillman's got a gun!"<ref name="Burkholder">{{cite web|url=http://www.oowrestling.com/columns/circa/20041007.shtml |title=1996: Brian Pillman Whips It Out |author=Burkholder, D. |publisher=OnlineOnslaught.com |access-date=July 26, 2007 |date=October 7, 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003190716/http://www.oowrestling.com/columns/circa/20041007.shtml |archive-date=October 3, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Lyon">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=17809|title=Pillman & Austin Gun Angle...|author=Lyon, S.|publisher=[[Dave Meltzer|WrestlingObserver.com]]|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=November 4, 2006}}</ref> In the course of the interview, Austin arrived at Pillman's home and, after fighting off several of Pillman's friends who had surrounded the house to protect him, broke into the house and advanced on Pillman. Pillman responded by pointing his pistol at Austin, with the live camera feed subsequently fading to black as Kelly and [[Melanie Pillman]] screamed. When the camera feed returned, Pillman was being restrained by his friends, and Kelly informed McMahon that there had been two [[Gunshot|explosions]], but no-one had been injured. At that point, Austin re-entered the house, with Pillman's friends forcing him out again as Pillman pointed his pistol at Austin while screaming obscenities and threats. Kelly shouted for someone to "call the police" as ''Monday Night Raw'' [[color commentator]] [[Jerry Lawler]] instructed him to "get the gun". The broadcast ended with Austin being driven from the house as Melanie Pillman cried. The WWF and Pillman would later apologize for the segment.<ref name="Burkholder"/><ref name="Lyon"/>


In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Kelly would frequently be mocked by [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]] during interviews, with The Rock labeling him an "ugly [[hermaphrodite]]" and nicknaming him "[[Hermie (slur)|Hermie]]".<ref name="bodyslamming"/><ref name="Adam"/> At [[WWE Unforgiven#2000|Unforgiven]] on September 24, 2000, Kelly was attacked by the returning Stone Cold Steve Austin while attempting to interview him.<ref name="Powell">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingPPV/sep25_unforgiven-can.html|title=Austin culprit unrevealed at Unforgiven|author=Powell, J.|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=September 25, 2000}}</ref>
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Kelly would frequently be mocked by [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]] during interviews, with The Rock labeling him an "ugly [[hermaphrodite]]" and nicknaming him "[[Hermie (slur)|Hermie]]".<ref name="bodyslamming"/><ref name="Adam"/> At [[WWE Unforgiven#2000|Unforgiven]] on September 24, 2000, Kelly was attacked by the returning Stone Cold Steve Austin while attempting to interview him.<ref name="Powell">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingPPV/sep25_unforgiven-can.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161524/http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingPPV/sep25_unforgiven-can.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 19, 2015|title=Austin culprit unrevealed at Unforgiven|author=Powell, J.|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=September 25, 2000}}</ref>


Kelly would later begin hosting the weekly WWF webcast ''Byte This!''.<ref>{{IMDb title|5859428|WWE Byte This!}}</ref> In addition to his on-screen roles, Kelly served as a WWF talent scout, monitoring wrestlers in the [[Heartland Wrestling Association]], [[Memphis Championship Wrestling]], [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]], and Urban Wrestling Alliance developmental territories.<ref name="OWW"/> Kelly was responsible for watching and evaluating tapes of matches sent to the WWF by prospective employees.<ref name="Oliver">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive2001/jun1_prospects-can.html|title=The Alberta WWF tryout experience|author=Oliver, G.|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=June 1, 2001}}</ref><ref name="LaCroix">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/09/30/1924748.html|title=The WWE tryout experience|author=LaCroix, C.|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=September 30, 2006}}</ref> Kelly also had a minor degree of influence on the creative direction of the WWF, and was the creator of the storyline that saw [[Stephanie McMahon]] marry [[Triple H]], creating the McMahon-Helmsley Faction.<ref name="Adam"/> In addition, Kelly produced ''[[WWE Confidential]]''.<ref name="Adam"/>
Kelly would later begin hosting the weekly WWF webcast ''Byte This!''.<ref>{{IMDb title|5859428|WWE Byte This!}}</ref> In addition to his on-screen roles, Kelly served as a WWF talent scout, monitoring wrestlers in the [[Heartland Wrestling Association]], [[Memphis Championship Wrestling]], [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]], and Urban Wrestling Alliance developmental territories.<ref name="OWW"/> Kelly was responsible for watching and evaluating tapes of matches sent to the WWF by prospective employees.<ref name="Oliver">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive2001/jun1_prospects-can.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115104417/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive2001/jun1_prospects-can.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 15, 2013|title=The Alberta WWF tryout experience|author=Oliver, G.|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=June 1, 2001}}</ref><ref name="LaCroix">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/09/30/1924748.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725024218/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/09/30/1924748.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 25, 2017|title=The WWE tryout experience|author=LaCroix, C.|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=September 30, 2006}}</ref> Kelly also had a minor degree of influence on the creative direction of the WWF, and was the creator of the storyline that saw [[Stephanie McMahon]] marry [[Triple H]], creating the McMahon-Helmsley Faction.<ref name="Adam"/> In addition, Kelly produced ''[[WWE Confidential]]''.<ref name="Adam"/>


On March 21, 2003, Kelly was released by [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] as part of a series of budget cuts.<ref name="Adam">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=8488|title=Kevin Kelly interview about backstage in WWE|publisher=[[Dave Meltzer|WrestlingObserver.com]]|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=September 22, 2003}}</ref><ref name="Baines">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/03/30/54487.html|title=WWE to welcome Goldberg tonight?|author=Baines, T.|publisher=[[Ottawa Sun]]|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=March 30, 2003}}</ref> Since his release, Kelly has criticized the corporate policies and creative direction of his former employer.<ref name="Adam"/><ref name="Fritz">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/06/18/114101.html|title=Kevin Kelly on his WWE years|author=Fritz, B.|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=June 18, 2003}}</ref><ref name="Stein">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=8805|title=Jimmy Valiant, Bill Eadie and Kevin Kelly interviews on state of wrestling business|author=Stein, T.|publisher=[[Dave Meltzer|WrestlingObserver.com]]|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=October 28, 2003|display-authors=etal}}</ref>
On March 21, 2003, Kelly was released by [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] as part of a series of budget cuts.<ref name="Adam">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=8488|title=Kevin Kelly interview about backstage in WWE|publisher=[[Dave Meltzer|WrestlingObserver.com]]|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=September 22, 2003}}</ref><ref name="Baines">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/03/30/54487.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115062947/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/03/30/54487.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 15, 2013|title=WWE to welcome Goldberg tonight?|author=Baines, T.|publisher=[[Ottawa Sun]]|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=March 30, 2003}}</ref> Since his release, Kelly has criticized the corporate policies and creative direction of his former employer.<ref name="Adam"/><ref name="Fritz">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/06/18/114101.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115083915/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/06/18/114101.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 15, 2013|title=Kevin Kelly on his WWE years|author=Fritz, B.|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=June 18, 2003}}</ref><ref name="Stein">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=8805|title=Jimmy Valiant, Bill Eadie and Kevin Kelly interviews on state of wrestling business|author=Stein, T.|publisher=[[Dave Meltzer|WrestlingObserver.com]]|access-date=July 26, 2007|date=October 28, 2003|display-authors=etal}}</ref>


====Major League Wrestling (2004)====
====Major League Wrestling (2004)====
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====Ring of Honor (2010–2017)====
====Ring of Honor (2010–2017)====
On March 2, 2010, [[Jim Cornette]] announced that Kelly had signed an agreement to be the voice of [[Ring of Honor]] on Internet [[pay-per-view]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://whosslammingwho.podomatic.com|title=Who's Slamming Who|author=Who's Slamming Who|access-date=March 2, 2010|date=March 2, 2010}}</ref> Between 2011 and 2017, Kelly served as main play-by-play announcer for Ring of Honor television tapings and pay-per-views.
On March 2, 2010, [[Jim Cornette]] announced that Kelly had signed an agreement to be the voice of [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) on Internet [[pay-per-view]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://whosslammingwho.podomatic.com|title=Who's Slamming Who|author=Who's Slamming Who|access-date=March 2, 2010|date=March 2, 2010}}</ref> Between 2011 and 2017, Kelly served as main play-by-play announcer for ROH television tapings and pay-per-views.


On February 2, 2017, it was reported that Kelly had given his notice to ROH and left his position as the company's head play-by-play announcer.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://pwinsider.com/article/107495/voice-of-ring-of-honor-kevin-kelly-leaves-promotion.html?p=1 | title= Voice of Ring of Honor Kevin Kelly leaves promotion | last=Johnson | first=Mike |date=February 2, 2017 | access-date=February 2, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/ring-honor/kevin-kelly-leaving-full-time-position-ring-honor-229486 | title= Kevin Kelly leaving full-time position with Ring of Honor | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=February 2, 2017 | access-date=July 12, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Kelly remained with ROH in a part-time role until July 11, when he announced he was no longer working for the company, although he will still call ROH matches held as part of [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] events as he is associated with the Japanese promotion as their English language play-by-play announcer.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://pwinsider.com/article/110888/kevin-kelly-leaves-ring-of-honor.html?p=1 | title= Kevin Kelly leaves Ring of Honor | last=Scherer | first=Dave |date=July 11, 2017 | access-date=July 12, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref>
On February 2, 2017, it was reported that Kelly had given his notice to ROH and left his position as the company's head play-by-play announcer.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://pwinsider.com/article/107495/voice-of-ring-of-honor-kevin-kelly-leaves-promotion.html?p=1 | title= Voice of Ring of Honor Kevin Kelly leaves promotion | last=Johnson | first=Mike |date=February 2, 2017 | access-date=February 2, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/ring-honor/kevin-kelly-leaving-full-time-position-ring-honor-229486 | title= Kevin Kelly leaving full-time position with Ring of Honor | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=February 2, 2017 | access-date=July 12, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Kelly remained with ROH in a part-time role until July 11, when he announced he was no longer working for the company, although he will still call ROH matches held as part of [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] events as he is associated with the Japanese promotion as their English language play-by-play announcer.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://pwinsider.com/article/110888/kevin-kelly-leaves-ring-of-honor.html?p=1 | title= Kevin Kelly leaves Ring of Honor | last=Scherer | first=Dave |date=July 11, 2017 | access-date=July 12, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref>


==== New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2015–present) ====
==== New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2015–2023) ====
On October 12, Kelly and [[Matt Striker]] served as the English language commentators for [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'s [[King of Pro-Wrestling (2015)|King of Pro-Wrestling]] on [[New Japan Pro Wrestling World|NJPW World]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/fri-update-john-cena-taking-time-johnny-hendricks-hospitalized-198921 | title = Fri update: John Cena taking time off, Johnny Hendricks hospitalized | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=October 2, 2015 | access-date=October 2, 2015 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>
On October 12, Kelly and [[Matt Striker]] served as the English language commentators for [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'s [[King of Pro-Wrestling (2015)|King of Pro-Wrestling]] on [[New Japan Pro Wrestling World|NJPW World]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/fri-update-john-cena-taking-time-johnny-hendricks-hospitalized-198921 | title = Fri update: John Cena taking time off, Johnny Hendricks hospitalized | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=October 2, 2015 | access-date=October 2, 2015 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>


Kelly returned to NJPW English commentary at [[Wrestle Kingdom 10 in Tokyo Dome]] on January 4, 2016, again working alongside Matt Striker as well as NJPW wrestler [[Yoshi Tatsu|Yoshitatsu]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/late-news-updates-friday-1218-taven-injury-weight-issues-tokyo-dome-nxt-204026 | title = Late news updates from Friday 12/18: Taven injury, weight issues, Tokyo-Dome, NXT | last=Velten | first=Dan | date=December 18, 2015 | access-date=January 6, 2016 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> He returned as part of NJPW English commentary at [[Invasion Attack 2016]] alongside [[Steve Corino]], who filled in [[Matt Striker]]'s position. In January 2017, Corino was replaced by [[Don Callis]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-world-finds-its-new-lead-english-color-commentary-voice-228506 | title = NJPW World finds its new lead English color commentary voice | last=Currier | first=Joseph | date=January 17, 2017 | access-date=January 18, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>
Kelly returned to NJPW English commentary at [[Wrestle Kingdom 10 in Tokyo Dome]] on January 4, 2016, again working alongside Matt Striker as well as NJPW wrestler [[Yoshi Tatsu|Yoshitatsu]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/late-news-updates-friday-1218-taven-injury-weight-issues-tokyo-dome-nxt-204026 | title = Late news updates from Friday 12/18: Taven injury, weight issues, Tokyo-Dome, NXT | last=Velten | first=Dan | date=December 18, 2015 | access-date=January 6, 2016 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> He returned as part of NJPW English commentary at [[Invasion Attack 2016]] alongside [[Steve Corino]], who filled in [[Matt Striker]]'s position. In January 2017, Corino was replaced by [[Don Callis]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-world-finds-its-new-lead-english-color-commentary-voice-228506 | title = NJPW World finds its new lead English color commentary voice | last=Currier | first=Joseph | date=January 17, 2017 | access-date=January 18, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>


On September 5, 2023, Kelly announced that he would be leaving NJPW after [[Wrestle Kingdom 18]] on January 4, 2024.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/kevin-kelly-says-he-leaving-njpw-some-point-soon | title = Kevin Kelly Says He Is Leaving NJPW 'At Some Point Soon' | last=Lambert | first=Jeremy | date=September 5, 2023 | access-date=October 5, 2023 | work=Fightful}}</ref> He will be replaced by [[Game Changer Wrestling]] commenter Walker Stewart.
On September 5, 2023, Kelly announced that he would be leaving NJPW in 2024.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/kevin-kelly-says-he-leaving-njpw-some-point-soon | title = Kevin Kelly Says He Is Leaving NJPW 'At Some Point Soon' | last=Lambert | first=Jeremy | date=September 5, 2023 | access-date=October 5, 2023 | work=Fightful}}</ref> Kelly would leave the company on November 14 instead, he was replaced by [[Game Changer Wrestling]] commentator Walker Stewart on English commentary.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/njpw-announces-kevin-kellys-departure | title = NJPW announces Kevin Kelly's departure | last=Renner | first=Ethan | date=November 13, 2023 | access-date=November 14, 2023 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/walker-stewart-confirmed-as-new-njpw-english-language-commentator | title = Walker Stewart confirmed as new NJPW English-language commentator | last=Carey | first=Ian | date=October 4, 2023 | access-date=November 14, 2023 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>


==== All Elite Wrestling (2023–present) ====
==== All Elite Wrestling (2023–2024) ====
Kelly officially joined [[All Elite Wrestling]] on June 17, 2023, where he debuted as part of the commentary team for the inaugural episode of [[AEW Collision]] alongside [[Nigel McGuinness]] and [[Jim Ross]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cultaholic.com/posts/report-update-on-kevin-kelly-s-status-with-aew-and-njpw-following-collision-debut|title=Latest On Kevin Kelly’s Status With AEW & NJPW Following Collision Debut|last=Atkins|first=Jack|date=June 19, 2023|accessdate=October 18, 2023|work=Cultaholic}}</ref>
Kelly officially joined [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW) on June 17, 2023, where he debuted as part of the commentary team for the inaugural episode of ''[[AEW Collision]]'' alongside [[Nigel McGuinness]] and [[Jim Ross]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cultaholic.com/posts/report-update-on-kevin-kelly-s-status-with-aew-and-njpw-following-collision-debut|title=Latest On Kevin Kelly's Status With AEW & NJPW Following Collision Debut|last=Atkins|first=Jack|date=June 19, 2023|accessdate=October 18, 2023|work=Cultaholic}}</ref> He was fired on March 8, 2024, after taking to social media the week before and accusing ROH and fellow AEW announcer [[Ian Riccaboni]] of libel and attempted career sabotage.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=8 March 2024 |title=Kevin Kelly, announcer since the launch of Collision last summer, fired by AEW |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2024/03/08/kevin-kelly-announcer-since-the-launch-of-collision-last-summer-fired-by-aew/ |work=[[Pro Wrestling Torch]] |location= |access-date=8 March 2024}}</ref> Kelly later appeared on [[Eric Bischoff]]'s podcast show on June 15, discussing his termination, and plans to sue AEW.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mukherjee|first=Subhojeet| title= KEVIN KELLY REVEALS WHY HE IS TAKING AEW TO COURT AFTER DEPARTURE|url= https://www.ringsidenews.com/2024/06/19/kevin-kelly-reveals-why-he-is-taking-aew-to-court-after-departure/|work=Ringsidenews.com|access-date=August 1, 2024}}</ref> On September 5, it was reported that Kelly (and [[Tate Twins|The Tate Twins]]) have filed a lawsuit against AEW and AEW's owner and CEO [[Tony Khan]] to void the arbitration clause of their AEW talent contracts and to certify a class-action lawsuit that AEW misclassifying wrestlers as independent contractors instead of employees. Kelly has also filed a lawsuit for monetary damages from AEW and Riccaboni for breach of contract, defamation and causing him to being unable to find work.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Muelhausen |first=Steven |date=September 4, 2024 |title=Twitter Reacts To Intense Cody Rhodes And Kevin Owens Promo Ahead Of WWE Bash In Berlin |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/wwe/twitter-reacts-to-intense-cody-rhodes-and-kevin-owens-promo-ahead-of-wwe-bash-in-berlin |access-date=September 5, 2024 |website=[[Sports Illustrated]] |language=}}</ref>


==Championships and accomplishments==
==Championships and accomplishments==
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110928053849/http://www.rohwrestling.com/wrestlers/roster/kevin-kelly Ring of Honor profile]
* {{professional wrestling profiles}}
* {{professional wrestling profiles}}

{{All Elite Wrestling}}
{{New Japan Pro Wrestling personnel}}


{{authority control}}
{{authority control}}

Latest revision as of 03:23, 30 October 2024

Not to be confused with the professional wrestler, Kevin Wacholz, previously named Kevin Kelly.
For other people with the same name, see Kevin Kelly (disambiguation).

Kevin Kelly
Kelly at a Ring of Honor show in 2011
Birth nameKevin Foote
Born (1967-05-09) May 9, 1967 (age 57)[1]
New York City, U.S.[2]
Alma materFlorida State University
Children2
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Kevin Kelly[3]
Billed height5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)[1]
Billed weight240 lb (110 kg)[1]
Debut1991[3]

Kevin Foote[3][4] (born May 9, 1967) is an American sportscaster, radio host, and professional wrestling color commentator, executive, manager, pundit, and former ring announcer, better known by his ring name Kevin Kelly. He previously worked for WWE from 1996 to 2003, Major League Wrestling in 2004, Ring of Honor (ROH) from 2010 to 2017, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) from 2015 to 2023 and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) from 2023 to 2024.

Early life

[edit]

Kelly was born in New York City, New York, but his family relocated to Stuart, Florida, when he was ten. He graduated from Florida State University in January 1990.[4]

Broadcasting career

[edit]

Radio

[edit]

Kelly first became involved in broadcasting when he began working as a disc jockey, playing music from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.[5]

Kelly once hosted a segment named "Plan B" on the Voice of Wrestling Internet radio program. In August 2007, Kelly started his own show on the Wrestling Radio Network called The Kevin Kelly Show. Kelly also hosts The Big Picture audio show on ClubWWI.com. In 2014, Kevin Kelly began hosting a wrestling and pop culture podcast, The Kevin Kelly Show, on Place to Be Nation.[6]

Professional wrestling

[edit]

Independent circuit (1991–1996, 1999–2005, 2011, 2022–present)

[edit]

Kelly debuted on the professional wrestling independent circuit in 1991. He originally worked as a ring announcer for Eddie Mansfield's Orlando, Florida-based International Wrestling Federation.[3][1]

In November 1999, Kelly debuted in the Delaware-based East Coast Wrestling Association as a manager, forming several heel stables. On April 7, 2001, in Wilmington, Delaware, Kelly defeated Cheetah Master for the ECWA Heavyweight Championship with the help of Billy Fives and Rick Fuller, members of Kelly's "Alliance of Defiance" stable. He was stripped of the title on May 5, 2001, with Scoot Andrews defeating Billy Fives for the vacant title.[7][8] On December 3, 2005, Kelly was inducted into the ECWA Hall of Fame.

From 2003 to 2004, he worked for the first incarnation of Major League Wrestling.

From May 28, 2011, to October 22, 2011, Kelly was an announcer for Lucha Libre USA Season 2.[9]

On November 13, 2022, Kevin Kelly announced that he would be starting his own wrestling promotion under the name "American eXcellence Wrestling". The promotion's first event was held on January 7, 2023 at the Hamburg Field House in Hamburg, Pennsylvania.[10]

World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (1996–2003)

[edit]

Kelly received a try-out with the World Wrestling Federation as a ring announcer due to the intervention of fellow IWF alumnus Billy Gunn.[3] He was hired by the WWF in June 1996, and began working as a backstage interviewer.[11] From August to October 1996, Kelly served as commentator for Raw is War, the flagship television program of the WWF, alongside Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler. From December 1997 to March 1998, Kelly again served as a commentator for Raw is War, alongside Jim Ross and Michael Cole. Afterward, Kelly resumed serving as an interviewer on Raw is War and (upon its premiere) SmackDown!.[3]

As an interviewer, Kelly was involved in numerous angles. The most publicized was the controversial "Pillman's got a gun" angle, which took place on the November 4, 1996 episode of Monday Night Raw, which was filmed in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The angle was set against the backdrop of an ongoing feud between Brian Pillman and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Throughout the broadcast of Monday Night Raw, live footage was shown of Kelly interviewing Pillman in his home in Walton, Kentucky alongside Pillman's wife Melanie. After Dok Hendrix informed Monday Night Raw announcer Vince McMahon that Austin was supposedly traveling to Pillman's home, Pillman, upon being apprised of this development, produced and loaded a 9 mm pistol and stated that he would "blow [Austin's] sorry ass straight to hell!" A frightened Kelly delivered the line "Pillman's got a gun!"[12][13] In the course of the interview, Austin arrived at Pillman's home and, after fighting off several of Pillman's friends who had surrounded the house to protect him, broke into the house and advanced on Pillman. Pillman responded by pointing his pistol at Austin, with the live camera feed subsequently fading to black as Kelly and Melanie Pillman screamed. When the camera feed returned, Pillman was being restrained by his friends, and Kelly informed McMahon that there had been two explosions, but no-one had been injured. At that point, Austin re-entered the house, with Pillman's friends forcing him out again as Pillman pointed his pistol at Austin while screaming obscenities and threats. Kelly shouted for someone to "call the police" as Monday Night Raw color commentator Jerry Lawler instructed him to "get the gun". The broadcast ended with Austin being driven from the house as Melanie Pillman cried. The WWF and Pillman would later apologize for the segment.[12][13]

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Kelly would frequently be mocked by The Rock during interviews, with The Rock labeling him an "ugly hermaphrodite" and nicknaming him "Hermie".[1][14] At Unforgiven on September 24, 2000, Kelly was attacked by the returning Stone Cold Steve Austin while attempting to interview him.[15]

Kelly would later begin hosting the weekly WWF webcast Byte This!.[16] In addition to his on-screen roles, Kelly served as a WWF talent scout, monitoring wrestlers in the Heartland Wrestling Association, Memphis Championship Wrestling, Ohio Valley Wrestling, and Urban Wrestling Alliance developmental territories.[3] Kelly was responsible for watching and evaluating tapes of matches sent to the WWF by prospective employees.[17][18] Kelly also had a minor degree of influence on the creative direction of the WWF, and was the creator of the storyline that saw Stephanie McMahon marry Triple H, creating the McMahon-Helmsley Faction.[14] In addition, Kelly produced WWE Confidential.[14]

On March 21, 2003, Kelly was released by World Wrestling Entertainment as part of a series of budget cuts.[14][19] Since his release, Kelly has criticized the corporate policies and creative direction of his former employer.[14][20][21]

Major League Wrestling (2004)

[edit]

In 2004, Kevin Kelly would replace Joey Styles as the announcer for Major League Wrestling, but the promotion would cease operations shortly thereafter.

Ring of Honor (2010–2017)

[edit]

On March 2, 2010, Jim Cornette announced that Kelly had signed an agreement to be the voice of Ring of Honor (ROH) on Internet pay-per-view[22] Between 2011 and 2017, Kelly served as main play-by-play announcer for ROH television tapings and pay-per-views.

On February 2, 2017, it was reported that Kelly had given his notice to ROH and left his position as the company's head play-by-play announcer.[23][24] Kelly remained with ROH in a part-time role until July 11, when he announced he was no longer working for the company, although he will still call ROH matches held as part of New Japan Pro-Wrestling events as he is associated with the Japanese promotion as their English language play-by-play announcer.[25]

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2015–2023)

[edit]

On October 12, Kelly and Matt Striker served as the English language commentators for New Japan Pro-Wrestling's King of Pro-Wrestling on NJPW World.[26]

Kelly returned to NJPW English commentary at Wrestle Kingdom 10 in Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2016, again working alongside Matt Striker as well as NJPW wrestler Yoshitatsu.[27] He returned as part of NJPW English commentary at Invasion Attack 2016 alongside Steve Corino, who filled in Matt Striker's position. In January 2017, Corino was replaced by Don Callis.[28]

On September 5, 2023, Kelly announced that he would be leaving NJPW in 2024.[29] Kelly would leave the company on November 14 instead, he was replaced by Game Changer Wrestling commentator Walker Stewart on English commentary.[30][31]

All Elite Wrestling (2023–2024)

[edit]

Kelly officially joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on June 17, 2023, where he debuted as part of the commentary team for the inaugural episode of AEW Collision alongside Nigel McGuinness and Jim Ross.[32] He was fired on March 8, 2024, after taking to social media the week before and accusing ROH and fellow AEW announcer Ian Riccaboni of libel and attempted career sabotage.[33] Kelly later appeared on Eric Bischoff's podcast show on June 15, discussing his termination, and plans to sue AEW.[34] On September 5, it was reported that Kelly (and The Tate Twins) have filed a lawsuit against AEW and AEW's owner and CEO Tony Khan to void the arbitration clause of their AEW talent contracts and to certify a class-action lawsuit that AEW misclassifying wrestlers as independent contractors instead of employees. Kelly has also filed a lawsuit for monetary damages from AEW and Riccaboni for breach of contract, defamation and causing him to being unable to find work.[35]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e "Kevin Kelly". Bodyslamminging.com. Retrieved July 26, 2007.
  2. ^ "Profil von Kevin Kelly". Cagematch.net. March 4, 2007. Retrieved July 26, 2007.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "Kevin Kelly". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved July 26, 2007.
  4. ^ a b "Interview with Kevin Kelly". TheBurningHammer.com. December 11, 2006. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved July 26, 2007.
  5. ^ Thatcher, L.; Young, D. (April 8, 2007). "Kevin Kelly interview". WrestlingObserver.com. Retrieved July 26, 2007.
  6. ^ "Place to Be Wrestling Network".
  7. ^ Gerweck, S. (May 30, 2001). "Jim Kettner". Gerweck.net. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved July 26, 2007.
  8. ^ a b Dupree, J. (2005). "ECWA - East Coast Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Title History". Solie.org. Retrieved July 26, 2007.
  9. ^ Roberts, Alex (May 30, 2011). "5/28 Lucha Libre USA TV taping: Spoiler results for Season 2 episodes of MTV2 show - Lethal debuts, Petey, new commentators, double-turns". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  10. ^ Jeremy Thomas (November 13, 2022). "Kevin Kelly Announces Launch Of New Wrestling Promotion". 411mania.com. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  11. ^ Lyon, S. (June 17, 2006). "Stephen Lyon looks at 10 years ago this week in the Wrestling Observer". WrestlingObserver.com. Retrieved July 26, 2007.
  12. ^ a b Burkholder, D. (October 7, 2004). "1996: Brian Pillman Whips It Out". OnlineOnslaught.com. Archived from the original on October 3, 2011. Retrieved July 26, 2007.
  13. ^ a b Lyon, S. (November 4, 2006). "Pillman & Austin Gun Angle..." WrestlingObserver.com. Retrieved July 26, 2007.
  14. ^ a b c d e "Kevin Kelly interview about backstage in WWE". WrestlingObserver.com. September 22, 2003. Retrieved July 26, 2007.
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  40. ^ "Daily Update: Coronavirus notes, NOAH, WrestleMania". March 29, 2020.
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