View source for Brian Kendrick

{{short description|American professional wrestler (born 1979)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{redirects|Spanky (wrestler)|other uses|Spanky (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
| name        = Brian Kendrick
| birthname   = Brian David Kendrick
| image       = Brian Kendrick April 2019.jpg
| caption     = Kendrick in 2019
| names       = '''Brian Kendrick'''<ref name="WWEProfile">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/brian-kendrick|title=The Brian Kendrick|publisher=[[WWE]]|work=[[WWE]].com|access-date=July 14, 2016}}</ref><ref name="OWWProfile"/><br>The Brian Kendrick<ref name="WWEProfile"/><br>Leonardo Spanky<ref name="OWWProfile"/><br>Spanky<ref name="OWWProfile"/>
| height      = {{height|ft=5|in=7}}<ref name="WWEProfile"/>
| weight      = {{convert|175|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name="WWEProfile"/>
| birth_date  = {{Birth date and age|1979|5|29}}<ref name="NJPW">{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/data/detail_profile.php?f=711|language=ja|script-title=ja:ブライアン・ケンドリック|access-date=October 22, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]}}</ref><ref name="slambio"/>
| birth_place = [[Fairfax, Virginia]], U.S.<ref name="slambio"/>
| spouse      = {{Marriage|[[Taylor Matheny]]|2008}}
| billed      = '''[[Venice, California]]'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/roster/|title=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla roster|access-date=March 7, 2010|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425133333/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/roster/|archive-date=April 25, 2009}}</ref><br />[[Olympia, Washington]]<ref name="WWEProfile"/><br />Orlando, Florida<ref name="TNAProfile">{{cite web|url=http://www.tnawrestling.com/roster/Wrestler-Roster/item/1613-brian-kendrick|title=Brian Kendrick Bio|access-date=March 7, 2010|publisher=[[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519202457/http://www.tnawrestling.com/roster/Wrestler-Roster/item/1613-brian-kendrick|archive-date=May 19, 2011}}</ref>
| trainer     = [[Shawn Michaels]]<ref name="TWint"/><br>Rudy Boy Gonzalez<ref name="TWint"/><br>[[Texas Wrestling Academy]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.texaswrestlingacademy.com/TWAgraduates.htm|title=TWA Graduates|access-date=July 18, 2007|publisher=[[Texas Wrestling Academy]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070629063730/http://www.texaswrestlingacademy.com/TWAgraduates.htm|archive-date=June 29, 2007|url-status=usurped}}</ref><br>[[Tracy Smothers]]
| debut       = October 8, 1999<ref name="TWint"/>
| retired= 
}}

'''Brian David Kendrick''' (born May 29, 1979) is an American [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. He is best known for his tenure in [[WWE]]. He is also known for his time in [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH), [[Impact Wrestling|Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA), [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW), and [[Pro Wrestling Zero1]] (Zero1).

Kendrick began his career in 1999. During the early years of his career, Kendrick wrestled as '''Leonardo Spanky''' or simply '''Spanky''' for several small American [[Professional wrestling promotion|promotions]] like ROH and TNA and for Japanese promotions like Zero1, where he won the [[International Lightweight Tag Team Championship (Zero1)|NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship]] and [[Zero-One United States Heavyweight Championship|Zero-One United States Openweight Championship]].<ref name="zero1 junior heavy"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/paullondon/bio/|title=Paul London Bio|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080110084513/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/paullondon/bio/|archive-date=January 10, 2008|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|quote=London & Kendrick would hold those titles for nearly a year before being defeated, making them the longest-reigning WWE Tag Team Champions in history.}}</ref> In the early 2000s, he also had two stints with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, later World Wrestling Entertainment), one as a [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental wrestler]] and a second stint where he appeared as part of the main roster before departing. He would make his return to WWE in 2005, where he was paired with [[Paul London]]. During his time as a tag team, they would win the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|World Tag Team Championship]] and the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Championship]], with the latter becoming the longest reign of the title until 2016. After the team was dissolved, he began a singles career as The Brian Kendrick, with [[Ezekiel Jackson]] as his enforcer. He would leave WWE in 2009. The next year, Kendrick would make his return to TNA, where he stayed for two years, winning the [[Impact X Division Championship|TNA X Division Championship]]. He also worked until 2016 on the [[independent circuit]] and toured occasionally with NJPW.

In 2014, Kendrick began to work with WWE as a trainer. He would make his return to the ring during the 2016 [[WWE Cruiserweight Classic|Cruiserweight Classic]], a tournament held by WWE for cruiserweight wrestlers. Despite not winning the tournament, Kendrick was assigned to 205 Live, a newly created cruiserweight brand, where he would capture the [[NXT Cruiserweight Championship|WWE Cruiserweight Championship]] once. During the following years, Kendrick worked on both the ''[[WWE 205 Live|205 Live]]'' and ''[[NXT UK]]'' programs, until he began to work as a backstage producer for the [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT brand]].

Kendrick is also a promoter. He currently owns and operates his own promotion, called Brian Kendrick's Wrestling Pro Wrestling, as well as a professional wrestling trainer at Pro Wrestling Unpluggeds Kayfabe college<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=8&nr=1151|title=Brian Kendrick's Wrestling Pro Wrestling (BKWPW)|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=www.cagematch.net|access-date=January 9, 2017}}</ref>

==Early life==
Kendrick was born in the [[Washington, D.C.]], suburb of [[Fairfax, Virginia]], and is the son of Barbara Kendrick and the oldest of three children—a brother named Neal and a sister named Shannon.<ref name="TWint"/><ref name="WWEmag07">{{cite journal|date=December 2007|title=Your Lunch Money, Please|last=Bernstein|first=Rob|journal=WWE Magazine|issue=18|page=21}}</ref> He later moved to Olympia, Washington where he attended [[North Thurston High School]] in [[Lacey, Washington]].<ref name="OWWProfile">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/b/brian-kendrick.html|title=Brian Kendrick|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=June 2, 2007}}</ref><ref name="TWint">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingdiscussion.com/67787-post15.html|title=Spanky Interview|access-date=July 19, 2007|publisher=Total Wrestling magazine|date=August 2003|archive-date=October 9, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009041105/http://www.wrestlingdiscussion.com/67787-post15.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="WWEmag07"/> During his [[Twelfth grade|senior year]], he worked as a [[Dishwashing|dishwasher]] at Dirty Dave's Pizza Parlor while saving money to attend [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#School|wrestling school]].

While growing up, Kendrick's favorite wrestlers included [[Warrior (wrestler)|Ultimate Warrior]], [[Owen Hart|Blue Blazer]] and [[Koko B. Ware]].<ref name="socal interview">{{cite web|url=http://www.socaluncensored.com/article113.html|title=Spanky (Brian Kendrick) Interview|last=Gray|first=Travis|access-date=March 23, 2008|publisher=SoCalUncensored|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100808090356/http://www.socaluncensored.com/article113.html|archive-date=August 8, 2010}}</ref> He was also a fan of Shawn Michaels, who trained him, and [[Chris Jericho]].<ref name="socal interview"/> He was already very good friends with his former tag team partner [[Paul London]], as well as with [[Lance Cade]] and [[Bryan Danielson]], both of whom he trained with.<ref name="socal interview"/>

==Professional wrestling career==
===Early career (1999–2002)===
In 1999, he moved to [[Texas]] to begin training at the NWA Southwest wrestling school and later attended the [[Texas Wrestling Academy|Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy]].<ref name="TWint"/> It was there that Kendrick adopted the [[ring name]] Spanky,<ref name="OWWProfile"/><ref name="slambio">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/kendrick_brian.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130101081239/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/kendrick_brian.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 1, 2013|title=SLAM! Sports – Wrestling – Brian Kendrick|access-date=July 20, 2007|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|date=March 12, 2006|last=Milner|first=John M.}}</ref> a nickname he was given due to his method of staying awake during long drives on the indy circuit.<ref name="WWEMAG0607">{{cite news|last=Christensen|first=Matt|title=London and Kendrick's Excellent Adventure|publisher=WWE Magazine|page=27|date=June 2007}}</ref> He made his [[professional wrestling]] debut on October 8, 1999, in a match with [[Bryan Danielson|American Dragon]] that ended in a 10-minute time limit [[Draw (professional wrestling)|draw]].<ref name="TWint"/>
In October 2001, Kendrick wrestled American Dragon in the first round of The King of the Indies tournament, but lost.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rfvideo.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2513|title=King Of The Indies Tournament 2001|access-date =March 23, 2008|publisher=RFVideo}}</ref> The crowd, however, gave both men a standing ovation after the match.<ref name="OWWProfile"/>

===Memphis Championship Wrestling (2000–2001)===
In February 2000, Kendrick signed a developmental deal with the [[World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF), spending a year in the company's "[[Farm team|farm territory]]", [[Memphis Championship Wrestling]] (MCW), before the [[Professional wrestling promotion|promotion]] closed and Kendrick was released from his contract.<ref name="slambio"/><ref name="TWint"/> Kendrick won his first Championship in MCW when he defeated American Dragon for the [[MCW Southern Light Heavyweight Championship]] on September 22.<ref name="MCW LH"/> He later teamed with American Dragon to win the [[MCW Southern Tag Team Championship]], on December 1, becoming a double champion.<ref name="MCW tag"/> The tag team disbanded after they lost the Championships to [[The Dupps]].<ref name="MCW tag"/> On December 30, however, the Southern Light Heavyweight title was declared vacant after a match that Kendrick had with Derrick King.<ref name="MCW LH"/> In a match for the vacant championship, Kendrick regained the title after beating King, on January 6, 2001.<ref name="MCW LH"/> He later dropped it to Tyler Gates, before regaining it on May 11.<ref name="MCW LH"/> On June 1, however, Spanky was stripped of the title and it was abandoned, making Spanky the last ever MCW Southern Light Heavyweight Champion.<ref name="MCW LH"/> He also holds the record for most reigns, with three.<ref name="MCW LH"/>

===Ring of Honor, Japan and various promotions (2002)===
On February 23, 2002, Kendrick wrestled on the premiere show of [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH), winning the match to gain an ROH contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=ROH – Past Results|access-date=September 26, 2011|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913070006/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=September 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> While in ROH, Kendrick competed in several other promotions such as [[Heartland Wrestling Association]] and [[All Pro Wrestling]], before leaving for Japan in June to compete in [[Pro Wrestling Zero1|Pro Wrestling Zero-One]] (Zero-One).<ref name="slambio"/> There, he wrestled under the ring name Leonardo Spanky, a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Gimmick|gimmick]] proposed by [[Shinya Hashimoto]] due to Kendrick's resemblance to [[Leonardo DiCaprio]].<ref name="slam2">{{cite web|url=http://www.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2004/02/16/350119.html|title=Spanky explains WWE departure|access-date=July 25, 2007|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|date=February 17, 2004|last=Lacroix|first=Corey David|archive-date=July 23, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120723050044/http://www.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2004/02/16/350119.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> On June 29, he became the first [[Zero1 International Junior Heavyweight Championship|International Junior Heavyweight Champion]] in company history.<ref name="zero1 junior heavy"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://puroresufan.com/other/zero-one/results/creation02.php|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070929110720/http://puroresufan.com/other/zero-one/results/creation02.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 29, 2007|title= ZERO-ONE Creation tour results|access-date=July 20, 2007|publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> He [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Drop|dropped]] the title to [[Low Ki]] a few months later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/zero-one/01-int-j.html|title=International Junior Heavyweight Title|access-date=March 23, 2008|publisher=Wrestling-titles}}</ref>

=== World Wrestling Entertainment (2002–2004) ===
In late 2002, Kendrick signed a contract with [[WWE]], but was unable to compete until he completed his time in the independent circuit.<ref name="slambio"/> He made his WWE debut on the edition of January 11, 2003, of ''[[WWE Velocity|Velocity]]'' under the [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Gimmick|gimmick]] of a [[mascot]] representing the local sports team of the town in which he was competing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030109.html|title=SmackDown! results – January 9, 2003|access-date=July 28, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> He continued wearing [[Lucha libre#Masks|masks]] for several weeks, each time competing under a different identity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/liveevent/030111s.html|title=SmackDown! live event results – January 11, 2003|access-date=July 28, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030116.html|title=SmackDown! results – January 16, 2003|access-date=July 28, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030123.html|title=SmackDown! results – January 23, 2003|access-date=July 28, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> After acting as a telegram deliverer for Big Show to Undertaker, and getting a Last Ride for his troubles, he showed up the following week and began a series of events trying to impress the then General Manager of Smackdown! [[Stephanie McMahon]] in order to earn a contract for the WWE, including trying to last five minutes in a match with [[Kurt Angle]]. He eventually earned himself a contract on the March 20, 2003, episode of Smackdown! by defeating [[Shannon Moore]]. His first major storyline within WWE came on the May 1, 2003, episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]]''. He reverted to his former "Spanky" ring name after he interrupted a [[Promo (professional wrestling)|promo]] by [[John Cena]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030501.html|title=SmackDown! results – May 1, 2003|access-date=July 28, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> The two [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feuded]] over their similar [[Hip hop music|hip hop]] gimmicks, until May 22.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030522.html|title=SmackDown! results – May 22, 2003|access-date=July 28, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> On October 30, Spanky began [[tag team|teaming]] with [[Paul London]] until January 13, 2004, when Kendrick left WWE to return to Zero1.<ref name="slam2"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/031030.html|title=SmackDown! results – October 30, 2003|access-date=July 28, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2004/articles/1074104172.php|title=Brian "Spanky" Kendrick hands in notice to the WWE|access-date=July 28, 2007|publisher=LordsofPain|date=January 14, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080314135318/http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2004/articles/1074104172.php|archive-date=March 14, 2008}}</ref>

===Independent circuit (2004–2005)===
After leaving WWE, Kendrick wrestled in different independent promotions. He returned to [[Pro Wrestling Zero1]] as "Spanky" and was quickly [[Push (professional wrestling)|pushed]] to capture the [[NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship]]. This occurred with partner [[Low Ki]] on February 19, 2004, when they defeated [[Dick Togo]] and [[Ikuto Hidaka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zerooneusa.com/title_us.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080206231833/http://www.zerooneusa.com/title_us.php|archive-date=February 6, 2008|title=ZERO1 results – February 19 – 27, 2004|access-date=July 30, 2007|publisher=zerooneusa.com}}</ref> They lost the championship to [[Tatsuhito Takaiwa]] and [[Tomohiro Ishii]] a few months later.<ref name="NWA lightheavweight tag">{{cite web|url=http://www.zerooneusa.com/title_lwtag.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090121021827/http://zerooneusa.com/title_lwtag.php|archive-date=January 21, 2009|title=ZERO1-MAX Lightweight Tag Team Champions|access-date=March 22, 2008|publisher=Zero1-Max USA|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kendrick gained a new tag team partner in [[Kaz Hayashi]], on September 19, 2004, and won back the championships.<ref name="NWA lightheavweight tag"/> They held onto the titles until March 2005, when they [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Drop|dropped]] them to Hidaka and Minoru Fujita.<ref name="NWA lightheavweight tag"/> Although he lost the tag titles in March, Kendrick, as Spanky, received a singles push, and won the [[Zero-One United States Heavyweight Championship|Zero-One United States Openweight Championship]] that same month.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zerooneusa.com/whirlpool.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080205201810/http://www.zerooneusa.com/whirlpool.shtml|archive-date=February 5, 2008|title=ZERO1 results – September 12 – 19, 2004|access-date=July 30, 2007|publisher=zerooneusa.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zerooneusa.com/strongwind.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080205201750/http://www.zerooneusa.com/strongwind.shtml|archive-date=February 5, 2008|title=ZERO1 results – March 21 – May 6, 2005|access-date=August 2, 2007|publisher=zerooneusa.com}}</ref> but he lost the title in September 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/paullondon/bio/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080110084513/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/paullondon/bio/|archive-date=January 10, 2008|title=ZERO1-MAX US Openweight title|access-date=March 22, 2008|publisher=Zero1-Max USA}}</ref>

===Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2004)===
Kendrick had a brief stint in [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] in November 2004 under the ring name "Spanky" on the November 4 episode of ''Impact'' where he defeated [[Frankie Kazarian|Kaz]], [[Matt Sydal]] and [[Amazing Red]], in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|four-way match]].<ref name="OWWProfile"/> At TNA's first monthly three-hour PPV event [[Victory Road (2004)|Victory Road]], Spanky competed in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Gauntlet match|20-man X-Division Gauntlet match]] for the X Division Cup the match was won by [[Héctor Garza]].

===Return to ROH (2004–2005)===
He then returned to ROH, as well as debuting on its sister promotion [[Full Impact Pro]] (FIP) on December 17, 2004, winning the first ever [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|Florida Rumble]].<ref name="OWWProfile"/><ref name="rumble">{{cite web|url=http://www.fullimpactpro.com/results/results2004.htm#rumble|title=Full Impact Pro 2004 results|access-date=July 30, 2007|publisher=[[Full Impact Pro]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525093452/http://www.fullimpactpro.com/results/results2004.htm|archive-date=May 25, 2013}}</ref> On February 25, Kendrick wrestled a match against fellow WWE alumnus, [[Jamie Noble|James Gibson]].<ref name="feb 25 05">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/050225.html|title=Ring of Honor – 3rd Anniversary Part 2|date=February 25, 2005|access-date=March 23, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Throughout the match, the crowd chanted "Welcome Back!" and "SmackDown! Sucks!", and both men received a standing ovation after the match.<ref name="feb 25 05"/> During his time in ROH, Kendrick was [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Book|booked]] as a mid-carder, consistently having matches late on the [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Card|card]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/050226.html|title=Ring of Honor – 3rd Anniversary Part 3|date=February 25, 2005|access-date=March 23, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Kendrick also competed in the Trios Tournament, but lost in the first round with his team members, Gibson and [[Nigel McGuinness]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/050305.html|title=Ring of Honor – Trios Tournament|date=March 5, 2005|access-date=March 23, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> He unsuccessfully competed for several titles such as the [[ROH Pure Championship]], [[ROH World Championship]] and [[ROH World Tag Team Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/050416.html|title=Ring of Honor results – April 16, 2005|access-date=July 31, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/050604.html|title=Ring of Honor results – June 4, 2005|access-date=July 31, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/050813.html|title=Ring of Honor results – August 13, 2005|access-date=July 31, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> In July 2005, Kendrick announced that he had re-signed with World Wrestling Entertainment, and would be returning there after he had fulfilled his obligations on the [[Independent circuit]].<ref name="OWWProfile"/> In FIP, Kendrick won the [[FIP Tag Team Championship]] with [[Sal Rinauro]] on August 6, 2005,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fullimpactpro.com/results/results2005.htm#heatstroke2|title=Full Impact Pro 2005 results|access-date=August 2, 2007|publisher=[[Full Impact Pro]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626101516/http://fullimpactpro.com/results/results2005.htm#heatstroke2|archive-date=June 26, 2007}}</ref> but lost it to The Heartbreak Express less than a month later, shortly before he returned to WWE.<ref name="OWWProfile"/>

===Return to WWE (2005–2009)===
====Teaming with Paul London (2005–2008)====
{{Main|Paul London and Brian Kendrick}}
In July 2005, Kendrick announced that after he had fulfilled his obligations on the independent circuit, he would return to WWE. He made his return during a live event on August 22, 2005, losing in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|Fatal Four-Way match]] for the [[WWE Cruiserweight Championship (1991–2007)|WWE Cruiserweight Championship]].<ref name="slambio"/> He then reformed a tag team with his former partner [[Paul London]] on the edition of September 30 of ''[[WWE Velocity|Velocity]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050930.html|title=SmackDown! results – September 30, 2005|access-date=August 3, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> On December 16, the pair remade their image, wearing theatrical masks to the ring with matching vests and shorts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rajah.com/base/node/4479|title=Velocity results – December 16, 2005|access-date=August 3, 2007|publisher=Rajah.com|date=December 16, 2005|quote=London and Kendrick are sporting new matching ring attire and theatrical themed mimist masks.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071006151902/http://rajah.com/base/node/4479|archive-date=October 6, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> They were quickly elevated into the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Championship]] picture, receiving a non-title match against WWE Tag Team Champions [[MNM (wrestling)|MNM]] on the edition of February 10, 2006, of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'', which London and Kendrick lost.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/02102006/mainarticle|title=Deadman's Return|date=February 10, 2006|access-date=August 3, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=January 5, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105134607/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/02102006/mainarticle|url-status=dead}}</ref> On April 7, they faced MNM again, picking up a win in a non-title match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04072006/mainarticle|title=Breaking New Ground|date=April 7, 2006|access-date=August 3, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> Their storyline [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] continued, as London and Kendrick continued their winning streak over the champions, including singles victories for both Kendrick and London on MNM members [[John Morrison (wrestler)|Johnny Nitro]] and [[Adam Birch|Joey Mercury]], respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04142006/mainarticle|title=The Wrestling Machine snaps|date= April 14, 2006|access-date=August 3, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04212006/mainarticle|title=Something to Celebrate|date=April 21, 2006|access-date=August 3, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103044536/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04212006/mainarticle|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04282006/mainarticle|title=The Dream stays alive|date=April 28, 2006|access-date=August 3, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> London and Kendrick won the WWE Tag Team Championship at [[Judgment Day (2006)|Judgment Day]], thus defeating MNM six times in a row in singles and tag team matches altogether.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/2006/matches/23848442 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818015000/https://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/2006/matches/23848442 |archive-date=August 18, 2022|title=Paul London & Brian Kendrick def. MNM (new champions)|date=May 21, 2006|last=Williams III|first=Ed|access-date=January 5, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>

[[Image:Brian Kendrick.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Kendrick as [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Champion]] in December 2006]]
Their first main competition for the titles came when [[Kasey James|K. C. James]] and [[Damien Sandow|Idol Stevens]] defeated the champions in a non-title match, in early August, igniting a storyline feud between the two teams.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/08112006/mainarticle|title=Dead Man Walking?|date=August 11, 2006|last=Hoffman|first=Brett|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> During the rivalry, [[WWE Diva]] [[Ashley Massaro]] began accompanying London and Kendrick to the ring, acting as a [[Manager (professional wrestling)|valet]] to the team while combating the actions of James and Stevens' manager [[Michelle McCool]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/09082006/mainarticle|title=All the King's men|date=September 8, 2006|last=Hoffman|first=Brett|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>

On October 14, London and Kendrick became the longest reigning WWE Tag Team Champions until 2016, surpassing MNM's previous record of 145 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/1871854|title=History of the WWE Tag Team Championships – MNM|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|quote=MNM Dec. 30, 2005 – May 21, 2006 (Note: ''SmackDown!'' was recorded on Tuesday, making their title reign commence on Dec. 27, 2005)|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080215122106/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/1871854|archive-date=February 15, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.calendarhome.com/cgi-bin/date2.pl?month1=12&date1=27&year1=2005&wd=Tuesday&month2=5&date2=21&year2=2006&wd2=Sunday |title=MNM's title reign |access-date=August 4, 2007 |publisher=CalendarHome.com |quote=145 Days |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927020605/http://www.calendarhome.com/cgi-bin/date2.pl?month1=12&date1=27&year1=2005&wd=Tuesday&month2=5&date2=21&year2=2006&wd2=Sunday |archive-date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.calendarhome.com/cgi-bin/date2.pl?month1=5&date1=21&year1=2006&wd=Sunday&month2=10&date2=14&year2=2006&wd2=Saturday |title=London and Kendrick's title reign |access-date=August 4, 2007 |publisher=CalendarHome.com |quote=146 Days |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927020515/http://www.calendarhome.com/cgi-bin/date2.pl?month1=5&date1=21&year1=2006&wd=Sunday&month2=10&date2=14&year2=2006&wd2=Saturday |archive-date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref> Despite this, they were still booked as the underdogs in their feuds, and this was shown when they began a losing streak to the team of [[William Regal]] and [[Dave Taylor (wrestler, born 1957)|Dave Taylor]]. Regal defeated both in singles matches<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/11172006/mainarticle|title=Ani-mauled|date=November 17, 2006|last=Starr|first=Noah|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/11242006/mainarticle|title=Prelude to Survivor Series|date=November 24, 2006|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> and on the December 8 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Kendrick and London lost a non-title tag team match to the duo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/12082006/mainarticle|title=A united front|date=December 8, 2006|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> London and Kendrick had a scheduled title defense at [[Armageddon (2006)|Armageddon]], against [[The Blue Bloods|Regal and Taylor]].<ref name="armageddon 07"/> Before the pay-per-view, the match changed into a Fatal Four Way tag team [[ladder match]] with London and Kendrick defending their titles against Regal and Taylor, MNM, and [[Hardy Boyz|The Hardys]].<ref name="armageddon 07"/> London and Kendrick won the match and retained the titles.<ref name="armageddon 07">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/2006/matches/34729444 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012210950/https://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/2006/matches/34729444 |archive-date=October 12, 2022|title=WWE Tag Team Champions Paul London & Brian Kendrick vs. William Regal & Dave Taylor|date=December 17, 2006|last=Tello|first=Craig|access-date=January 5, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>

[[File:Brian-Kendrick-&-Snitsky-Faceoff,-RLA-Melb-10.11.2007.jpg|thumb|left|Kendrick facing [[Gene Snitsky|Snitsky]] during 2007]]
On February 2, 2007, London and Kendrick suffered a non-title loss to the [[rookie]] team [[Deuce 'n Domino]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/02022007/mainarticle|title=Chairman's Bombshell|date=February 2, 2007|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> In a title match at [[No Way Out (2007)|No Way Out]], London and Kendrick retained the championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/2007/matches/346566811 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421174657/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/2007/matches/346566811 |archive-date=April 21, 2022|title=London & Kendrick won WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match|date=February 18, 2007|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=January 5, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> London and Kendrick, however, dropped the championship to them on the edition of April 20 of ''SmackDown!'', ending their reign at 331 days (''SmackDown!'' was recorded on April 17).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.calendarhome.com/cgi-bin/date2.pl?month1=5&date1=21&year1=2006&wd=Sunday&month2=4&date2=17&year2=2007&wd2=Tuesday|title=London and Kendrick's title reign|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=CalendarHome.com|quote=331 Days|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927020552/http://www.calendarhome.com/cgi-bin/date2.pl?month1=5&date1=21&year1=2006&wd=Sunday&month2=4&date2=17&year2=2007&wd2=Tuesday|archive-date=September 27, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/187185411 |title=History of the WWE Tag Team Championship – Deuce & Domino |date=April 20, 2007 |access-date=January 5, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080109012336/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/187185411 |archive-date=January 9, 2008 }}</ref> In the storyline, London missed a [[moonsault]] from the [[Wrestling ring|ring apron]] to the floor during the title match, injuring his ribs, leaving Kendrick to battle Deuce 'n Domino alone.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04202007/mainarticle|title=Mayhem in Milan|date=April 20, 2007|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> London and Kendrick unsuccessfully competed for the title on June 1 in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic elimination matches|triple threat]] tag team match, which also involved Regal and Taylor,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06012007/mainarticle|title=Draft patterns|date=June 1, 2007|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> and lost a rematch on June 15 in a standard tag team match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06152007/mainarticle|title=Backdraft|date=June 15, 2007|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>

Kendrick, along with London, was drafted to the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] [[WWE Brand Extension|brand]] on June 17, 2007, during the [[2007 WWE Draft#Supplemental draft|Supplemental Draft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/supplementaldraft07|title=2007 Supplemental Draft results|date=June 17, 2007|last=Dee|first=Louie|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> They won their debut match on ''Raw'' against [[The World's Greatest Tag Team]] on June 18.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070618.html|title=RAW results – June 18, 2007|date=June 18, 2007|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> They were soon established as a threat to the tag titles, and on the edition of September 3 of ''Raw'', they won a number one contender's match for [[Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch]]'s [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|World Tag Team Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/09032007/mainarticle|title=Tag Team Showdown at Unforgiven|date=September 3, 2007|last=Adkins|first=Greg|access-date=September 12, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> Kendrick and London then worked a feud with Cade and Murdoch, and at a [[house show]] on September 5, they defeated Cade and Murdoch to win the titles,<ref name="world tag wwe">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/09052007|title=Brian Kendrick and Paul London's first World Tag Team Championship reign|date=September 5, 2007|access-date=January 5, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011021736/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/09052007|archive-date=October 11, 2007}}</ref> only to lose it back to Cade and Murdoch three days later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/09032007/articles/tagtitlesswitch|title=World Tag Team Titles change hands twice in South Africa|date=September 9, 2007|last=Zeigler|first=Zack|access-date=September 10, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/09082007|title=History Of The World Tag Team Championship – Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch|date=September 8, 2007|access-date=September 10, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|quote=Just three days after[...]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011030749/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/09082007|archive-date=October 11, 2007}}</ref> London and Kendrick continued to feud with Cade and Murdoch and lost to the Tag Team champions at [[Unforgiven (2007)|Unforgiven]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/09/17/4503170.html|title=Undertaker's return highlight of underwhelming Unforgiven|date=September 16, 2007|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=September 26, 2008|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629105736/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/09/17/4503170.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> For the rest of 2007, London and Kendrick mainly competed on ''[[WWE Heat|Heat]]'' or in tag title bouts,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/071105.html|title=WWE Raw Results – November 5, 2007 – Internet Heat Tapings|date=November 5, 2007|access-date=March 23, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/071112.html|title=WWE Raw Results – November 12, 2007 – Internet Heat Tapings|date=March 12, 2007|access-date=March 23, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> until London got injured in late 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jrsbarbq.com/2008/01/22/jr%e2%80%99s-random-ramblings-%e2%80%9dbig-nuts%e2%80%9d-on-air-fumble-tom-brady-julio-jones-great-one-email-hdtv-politics-fertilizer/|title=J.R.'s Random Ramblings..|date=January 22, 2008|last=Ross|first=Jim|author-link=Jim Ross|access-date=January 24, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080127084006/http://www.jrsbarbq.com/2008/01/22/jr%E2%80%99s-random-ramblings-%E2%80%9Dbig-nuts%E2%80%9D-on-air-fumble-tom-brady-julio-jones-great-one-email-hdtv-politics-fertilizer/|archive-date=January 27, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> As a result, Kendrick was mainly used as a [[Job (professional wrestling)#Jobbers|jobber]] on ''Raw'', until London returned at the start of February 2008, although Kendrick still won sometimes on ''Heat''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02042008/mainarticle|title=World Domination|date=February 4, 2008|last=Adkins|first=Greg|access-date=February 24, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>

In his next storyline, Kendrick abandoned London during a [[Professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|handicap match]] with [[Eddie Fatu|Umaga]].<ref name="mar 17 08">{{cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/080317.html|title=RAW results – March 17, 2008|access-date=March 22, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> This abandonment resulted in Umaga performing the [[Professional wrestling attacks#Throat thrust|Samoan Spike]] on London, allowing Umaga to pick up the win over the duo. London and Kendrick still teamed together with no apparent dissension rising between the former tag team champions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/03312008/mainarticle|title=Back on the attack|date=April 1, 2008|last=Clayton|first=Corey|access-date=June 2, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> After defeating [[Charlie Haas]] and [[Robbie McAllister]] on ''Heat'', London and Kendrick said they were ready to win the World Tag Team Championship. London and Kendrick beat the champions [[Bob Holly|Hardcore Holly]] and [[Cody Rhodes]] next week on ''Heat'' in a non-title match. However, they failed to win the World Tag Team Titles on ''Raw'' after Holly pinned London.

====Championship pursuits (2008–2009)====
[[File:Brian Kendrick and Ezekiel.jpg|thumb|left|"The Brian Kendrick" and [[Ezekiel Jackson]] in 2009]]
As part of the [[2008 WWE Draft#Supplemental draft|2008 WWE Supplemental Draft]], Kendrick was drafted back to the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown brand]] while London stayed on Raw, thus ending the team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/wwedraft2008/7505418/|title=Official 2008 WWE Supplemental Draft Results|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=June 25, 2008}}</ref> He made his return to the brand on the July 18, 2008, airing of ''SmackDown'', as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]], with new ring attire, changing his name to The Brian Kendrick and accompanied by [[Ezekiel Jackson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07182008/mainarticle|access-date=July 26, 2008|date=July 18, 2008|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|title=Love bites|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> On the August 22 edition of ''SmackDown'', Kendrick won a 10-man battle royal to qualify for the [[WWE Championship]] [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|Scramble match]] at [[Unforgiven (2008)|Unforgiven]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/08222008/mainarticle|title=Four chances at ultimate glory|date=August 22, 2008|last=Burdick|first=Michael|access-date=September 6, 2008|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Kendrick won the interim WWE Championship title at the event, though he did lose minutes after having the longest reign as "interim" champion. As Kendrick was not the final interim champion, he never officially held the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/09/08/6698911.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629151951/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/09/08/6698911.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Scramble matches make for wild Unforgiven|date=September 8, 2008|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=April 3, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> He later teamed with Jackson on many occasions, becoming number one contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championship held by [[Carly Colón|Carlito]] and [[Eddie Colón|Primo]], but they never managed to win the championship.

On April 15, 2009, Kendrick was separated from Jackson as he was drafted back to the Raw brand as part of the [[2009 WWE Draft#Supplemental Draft|2009 Supplemental Draft]] while Jackson was drafted to the [[ECW (WWE brand)|ECW brand]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2009draft/2009supplementaldraftresults/|title=2009 WWE Supplemental Draft results|date=April 15, 2009|access-date=April 15, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> He wrestled his return match on ''Raw'' on the April 27 episode, against [[Kofi Kingston]]. He won a match on ''Raw'' after defeating Carlito on the May 11 episode before declaring his intention to win the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship; in the following weeks, Kendrick tried several unsuccessful pairings. In his final match, he was defeated by Kofi Kingston while cutting a promo on [[Jerry Lawler]]. The match ended with Kendrick turning around into Trouble In Paradise. On July 30, 2009, WWE announced that Kendrick was released from his contract.<ref name="release">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/briankendrickreleased|title=Brian Kendrick released|date=June 30, 2009|access-date=July 30, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>

===Return to the independent circuit (2009–2016)===
[[File:Brian Kendrick BOLA 2009.jpg|thumb|Kendrick at the 2009 [[Battle of Los Angeles (professional wrestling)|Battle of Los Angeles]].]]
Kendrick signed with [[Dragon Gate USA]] on August 6, 2009.<ref name="DGUSA-signed">{{cite web|url=http://www.dgusa.tv/featurearticles29.htm|title=Brian Kendrick Signs With DGUSA|access-date=August 7, 2009|publisher=[[Dragon Gate USA]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090809113107/http://www.dgusa.tv/featurearticles29.htm|archive-date=August 9, 2009}}</ref> His first match for the company, a losing effort against [[Nobuhiko Oshima|Cima]] at [[DGUSA Untouchable|Untouchable]], aired on pay-per-view edited down to only the highlights of the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_36476.shtml|title=RADICAN'S DGUSA "Untouchable" PPV review – Doi vs. Danielson, Shingo vs. Richards|last=Radican|first= Sean|date=November 2, 2009|access-date=December 20, 2009|publisher=PWTorch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/122221/Dragon-Gate-USA-News:-Kendrick-Upset,-Open-The-Freedom-Gate-Card,-Looking-For-New-Markets,-More.htm|title=Dragon Gate USA News: Kendrick Upset, Open The Freedom Gate Card, Looking For New Markets, More|last=Csonka|first=Larry|date=November 17, 2009|access-date= December 20, 2009|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> On August 28 he made his return to [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] at ''Speed of Sound'' where he, wrestling as a heel, defeated Bryan Danielson after a low blow.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/123284/Break-It-Down:--PWG-Speed-of-Sound.htm|title=Break It Down: PWG Speed of Sound|last=Rozanski|first=Ryan|date=December 7, 2009| access-date=December 20, 2009|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> Afterwards he formed an alliance with [[PWG World Tag Team Championship|PWG World Tag Team Champions]] [[The Young Bucks]] and started a feud with [[El Generico]], [[Colt Cabana]] and the [[PWG World Championship|PWG World Champion]] [[Kenny Omega]]. On December 19 Ring of Honor announced that Kendrick would be making his return to the company on February 13, 2010, at the ''8th Anniversary Show''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/124973/Ring-Of-Honor-Announces-Return-To-New-York.htm|title=Ring Of Honor Announces Return To New York|date=December 19, 2009|access-date=December 20, 2009|last=Lansdell|first=Chris|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> At the event Kendrick was defeated by [[Roderick Strong]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/129869/Ongoing-Results-From-ROH%5C%5Cs-8th-Anniversary-Show.htm|title=Ongoing Results From ROH's 8th Anniversary Show|date=February 13, 2010|access-date=February 14, 2010|last=Lansdell|first=Chris|publisher=411Mania}}</ref>

On January 30, 2010, at PWG's [[WrestleReunion#WrestleReunion 4|WrestleReunion 4]] the Young Bucks decided that Kendrick did not fit in with them and turned on him, only for him to be saved by his old tag team partner Paul London. Later in the night, Kendrick and London defeated the Young Bucks, now renamed Generation Me, in a non-title match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/05/12763466.html|title=L.A. convention maybe the best, most organized ever|date=February 5, 2010|last=Lano|first=Mike|access-date=January 11, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|archive-date=July 15, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715153304/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/05/12763466.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> On March 27, 2010, at the tapings of Dragon Gate USA's ''Mercury Rising'' pay-per-view, Kendrick was defeated by [[Jimmy Jacobs]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Loser Leaves Town match|Loser Leaves Company]] tag team match, where he teamed with Paul London against Jacobs and [[Jack Evans (wrestler)|Jack Evans]] and as a result was forced to leave the company for good.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagesideseats.com/2010/3/28/1394135/dragon-gate-usa-wrestlemania|last=Bixenspan|first=David|title=Dragon Gate USA Wrestlemania Weekend Night 2: Mercury Rising PPV Taping Results|publisher=CagesideSeats|date=March 28, 2010|access-date=June 20, 2011}}</ref>

On March 30, 2014, Kendrick made his [[Insane Championship Wrestling|ICW]] debut in a match against [[Joe Coffey (professional wrestler)|Joe Coffey]] at ICW - Still Smokin' in the O2 ABC in [[Glasgow, Scotland]], where he was narrowly defeated. On September 8, 2014, it was announced that Kendrick would once again team up with [[Paul London]] to take on The New Age Kliq in [[Newcastle upon Tyne|Newcastle, England]], on October 5 for the [[Insane Championship Wrestling]] Tag-Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insanewrestling.co.uk/news/stories/5October_NAK_London_Kendrick/?p=1|last=ICW|first=website|title=Tag-Team Championship Match Unveiled for Magical Mystery Tour|publisher=ICW|date=September 8, 2014|access-date=September 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910195703/http://www.insanewrestling.co.uk/news/stories/5October_NAK_London_Kendrick/?p=1|archive-date=September 10, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Both men won the titles and lost them on November 2, 2014.

Kendrick made an appearance for [[Ring of Honor]] on February 2, 2016, defeating [[Will Ferrara]] in a non-televised match.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=106&page=4&year=2016&promotion=4|title=Brian Kendrick's 2016 ROH matches|website=cagematch.net|access-date=September 16, 2016}}</ref>

===Return to TNA (2010–2012)===
[[File:Brian Kendrick TNA.jpg|thumb|right|Kendrick performing under his new gimmick in September 2010.]]
On January 17, 2010, at Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)'s [[pay-per-view]] [[Genesis (2010)|Genesis]], Kendrick made his return to the promotion using his real name and losing to [[Amazing Red]] in a match for the [[TNA X Division Championship]], under a similar heel gimmick to his The Brian Kendrick gimmick used in WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_38198.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Genesis PPV Report 1/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of A.J. Styles vs. Kurt Angle, Hulk Hogan's TNA PPV debut|date=January 17, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=January 18, 2010|publisher= Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On April 7, 2010, [[Dixie Carter (wrestling)|Dixie Carter]] announced on her [[Twitter]] account that Kendrick had signed a new multi-year deal with the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/TNADixie/status/11738462135|title=Signed Brian Kendrick & Christy Hemme to multi-yr contracts today. LOVE Christy in her new role & excited to see what Brian brings to X Div|last=Carter|first=Dixie|date=April 7, 2010|publisher=[[Twitter]]|access-date=April 7, 2010}}</ref> On the May 3, 2010, edition of ''[[TNA Impact!]]'', Kendrick turned [[face (professional wrestling)|face]] by having a confrontation with his partner [[Doug Williams (wrestler)|Douglas Williams]] after their match against Ink Inc. ([[Shannon Moore]] and [[Jesse Neal]]), but then [[Samoa Joe]] came out and attacked both of them.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_41070.shtml|title=TNA Impact Results 5/3: Keller's ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live show from Orlando| first=Wade|last=Keller|date=May 3, 2010|access-date=May 13, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following week, Kendrick picked up his first singles victory since returning to TNA by defeating Williams after a distraction from [[Frankie Kazarian|Kazarian]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_41297.shtml|title=TNA Impact Results 5/13: Keller's live ongoing coverage of return to Thursdays, Jeff RVD vs. Hardy vs. A.J. Styles|last=Keller|first=Wade|date= May 13, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 18, 2010}}</ref> As a result of his victory, Kendrick was given a shot at Williams' X Division Championship at [[Slammiversary VIII]], but was unable to win the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_41923.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Slammiversary results 6/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – RVD vs. Sting, Hardy & Anderson, "nice surprise"|date=June 13, 2010|access-date=June 13, 2010|last= Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

Kendrick received a rematch the following month at [[Victory Road (2010)|Victory Road]], but was defeated again by Williams, this time in an [[Ultimate X match|Ultimate X]] [[Professional wrestling match types#Variations of singles matches|submission match]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_42439.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Victory Road PPV results 7/11: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage live on-site from Orlando – four-way TNA Title match, Flair vs. Lethal|date=July 11, 2010|access-date=July 11, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the September 2 edition of ''Impact!'', Kendrick joined [[ECW Originals#EV 2.0|EV 2.0]], a stable consisting of former [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] performers.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_43519.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 9/02: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast (updated)|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|date= September 2, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 3, 2010}}</ref> At [[Bound for Glory (2010)|Bound for Glory]] Kendrick interfered in a [[Lethal Lockdown match]] between EV 2.0 and [[Fortune (professional wrestling)|Fortune]] and helped his team win the match between the two factions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_44417.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV results 10-10-10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Angle vs. Anderson vs. Hardy, "they" reveal|date=October 10, 2010|access-date=October 10, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Turning Point (2010 wrestling)|Turning Point]] EV 2.0 faced Fortune in a ten-man tag team match, where each member of EV 2.0 put their TNA careers on the line. Kendrick was taken out of the match immediately, after being attacked by Douglas Williams. In the end, EV 2.0 lost the match and Sabu was released from TNA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_45110.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Turning Point PPV results 11/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Hardy vs. Morgan, EV2 vs. Fortune, Team 3D "retirement" match|date=November 7, 2010|access-date=November 7, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work= Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

After the dissolution of EV 2.0, Kendrick spent months wrestling mainly house show matches, before returning to PPV on April 17, 2011, at [[Lockdown (2011)|Lockdown]], where he wrestled in an eight-man X Division number one contender's [[Professional wrestling match types#Xscape match|Xscape match]], where he outlasted six other men, before losing to [[The Young Bucks|Max Buck]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_49368.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Lockdown PPV results 4/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live all-cage match PPV – Sting vs. Anderson vs. RVD, Angle vs. Jarrett|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=April 17, 2011|access-date=May 6, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the edition of May 5 of ''Impact!'', Kendrick came together with Amazing Red and Generation Me to battle for X Division's future, after the legitimate firing of [[Jay Lethal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_49849.shtml|title=Bax's TNA Impact report 5/5: Main-Eventers Take The Week Off, Hype For Next Week's Show|first=Matt|last=Baxendell|date=May 5, 2011|access-date=May 6, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On June 12 at [[Slammiversary IX]], Kendrick failed in his attempt to win the X Division Championship from [[Abyss (wrestler)|Abyss]] in a three-way match with Kazarian.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_50710.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Slammiversary PPV results 6/12: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Sting vs. Anderson, Angle vs. Jarrett blow-off|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 12, 2011|access-date=June 12, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On July 10 at [[Destination X (2011)|Destination X]], Kendrick defeated Abyss to win the TNA X Division Championship for the first time.<ref name=DX2011>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_51335.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Destination X PPV results 7/10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Styles vs. Daniels, Ultimate X, RVD vs. Lynn|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=July 10, 2011|access-date=July 11, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the edition of July 21 of ''Impact Wrestling'', Kendrick made his first successful defense of the X Division Championship by defeating Alex Shelley, following outside interference from [[Austin Aries]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wadekellerdotcom/51592.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact Wrestling report 7/21: Ongoing "virtual time" report on Sting title win fallout|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|date=July 21, 2011|access-date=July 21, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following week Kendrick successfully defended the title against Abyss in an Ultimate X match to end the feud.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_51748.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact report 7/28: Live ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV telecast|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|date=July 28, 2011|access-date=July 29, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

On August 7, 2011, at [[Hardcore Justice (2011)|Hardcore Justice]], Kendrick successfully defended the title against Alex Shelley and Austin Aries in a three-way match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_51958.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Hardcore Justice PPV results 8/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Sting vs. Angle, five title matches, BFG Series matches|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=August 7, 2011|access-date=August 7, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On September 11 at [[No Surrender (2011)|No Surrender]], Kendrick lost the X Division Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_53179.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA No Surrender PPV results 9/11: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – three-way TNA Title match, BFG Series finals|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=September 11, 2011|access-date=September 11, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the September 29 edition of ''Impact Wrestling'', Kendrick won a five-man ladder match to earn a rematch with Aries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1317354854|title=Impact Wrestling Results – 9/29/11|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|date=September 30, 2011|access-date=September 30, 2011|work=WrestleView|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121208175311/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1317354854|archive-date=December 8, 2012}}</ref> On the October 6 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Kendrick was attacked by [[Kid Kash]] for disrespect on Kash. On October 16 at [[Bound for Glory (2011)|Bound for Glory]], Kendrick failed in his attempt to regain the X Division Championship from Austin Aries, this was Kendrick's last TNA pay-per-view appearance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_54312.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV results 10/16: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Angle-Roode, Hogan-Sting |date=October 16, 2011|access-date=October 16, 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the November 17 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Kendrick teamed up with [[Jesse Sorensen]] to help defeat Austin Aries and Kid Kash in a tag team match, this was Kendrick's last appearance in TNA. After three months of inactivity, TNA announced that Kendrick was released from his TNA contract on February 27, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1330359679|title=X Division wrestler released by TNA|date=February 27, 2012|access-date=February 27, 2012|last=Martin|first=Adam|work=WrestleView|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229203314/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1330359679|archive-date=February 29, 2012}}</ref>

===New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2011–2013)===
On June 18, 2011, at [[Dominion 6.18]], Kendrick made a surprise debut for [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] in [[Osaka]], teaming with [[Gedo (wrestler)|Gedo]] and [[Jado]] in a six-man tag team match, where they defeated [[Jushin Thunder Liger]], [[Yujiro Kushida|Kushida]] and [[Tiger Mask IV|Tiger Mask]], when Kendrick pinned Kushida with the ''Sliced Bread #2''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_50865.shtml|title=NJPW News: Results from Dominion PPV Saturday – MVP's first IWGP IC Title defense, TNA wrestler appears, key title change|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 18, 2011|access-date=June 21, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Three days later Kendrick, Gedo and Jado were eliminated from the J Sports Crown Openweight 6 Man Tag Tournament in the first round by the team of [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship|IWGP Heavyweight Champion]] [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]], Kushida and [[Máscara Dorada]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=335|title=「J Sports Crown」 ～無差別級6人タッグトーナメント～|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=June 21, 2011|language=ja}}</ref> The two matches built to a singles match between Kendrick and Kushida on June 23, where Kushida managed to pick up the win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=338|title=「J Sports Crown」 ～無差別級6人タッグトーナメント～|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=June 23, 2011|language=ja}}</ref> During his time in New Japan, Kendrick became an associate member of [[Chaos (professional wrestling)|Chaos]] and competes for Chaos whenever he has toured New Japan.

On May 11, 2012, New Japan announced that Kendrick would return to the promotion to take part in the [[Best of the Super Juniors#2012|2012 Best of the Super Juniors tournament]] as [[Davey Richards]]' replacement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=7496|title=Spanky is Coming!!|date=May 11, 2012|access-date=May 11, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_61289.shtml|title=NJPW: Former WWE star replacing Richards in BOSJ tourney|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=May 11, 2012|access-date=May 11, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> In the [[Round-robin tournament|round-robin]] stage of the tournament, which ran from May 27 to June 9, Kendrick won five out of his eight matches, but a loss to [[Ryusuke Taguchi]] in his final round-robin match caused him to narrowly miss advancing to the semifinals of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=563|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Best of the Super Jr. XIX ～The door to the glory～|access-date=June 9, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=571|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Best of the Super Jr. XIX ～The door to the glory～|access-date=June 9, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> Kendrick returned to New Japan on October 21, when he and Low Ki entered the [[Super Junior Tag Tournament#2012|2012 Super Jr. Tag Tournament]] as "Chaos World Wrestling Warriors".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8318|title=【いよいよ開幕!!】10.21＆11.2後楽園で 「Super Jr.Tag Tournament」!! あのネグロ・カサスも来日!!|date=October 19, 2012|access-date=October 21, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> However, the team was eliminated from the tournament in the first round by [[Apollo 55]] ([[Fergal Devitt|Prince Devitt]] and Ryusuke Taguchi).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=621|title=NJPW 40ｔｈ anniversary Tour Road to Power Struggle|access-date=October 21, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref>

In May 2013, Kendrick returned to participate in the [[Best of the Super Juniors#2013|2013 Best of the Super Juniors]], where he managed to win four out of his eight matches, failing to qualify for the semifinals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=726|title=Best of the Super Jr. XX|access-date=June 6, 2013|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> Kendrick returned to NJPW on October 25 to take part in the [[Super Junior Tag Tournament#2013|2013 Super Jr. Tag Tournament]], where he teamed with [[Trent Barreta|Beretta]]. They were, however, eliminated in their first round match by The Young Bucks, following a pre-match assault by [[Bullet Club]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=763&c=5764 |title=Road to Power Struggle |access-date=October 25, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029184225/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=763&c=5764 |archive-date=October 29, 2013 }}</ref> Kendrick teamed with various Chaos stablemates in midcard six-man and eight-man tag team matches for the rest of the tour, which lasted until November 6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=764|title=Road to Power Struggle|access-date=November 20, 2013|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=771 |title=Road to Power Struggle |access-date=November 20, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109092342/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=771 |archive-date=November 9, 2013 }}</ref>

===Brian Kendrick's Wrestling Pro Wrestling (2013–present)===
In 2013, Kendrick founded his own professional wrestling promotion, called Brian Kendrick's Wrestling Pro Wrestling, in Bell Gardens, California. Wrestling Pro Wrestling currently has live streaming event on Twitch TV monthly.<ref name=":0" /> The promotion ran shows pretty regularly until 2018, when they only ran two shows. Both shows took place in Los Angeles rather than Bell Gardens and South Gate, where his previous shows had taken place.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=8&nr=1151&page=4 |title = Events « Brian Kendrick's Wrestling Pro Wrestling (BKWPW) « Promotions Database « CAGEMATCH - the Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>

===Second return to WWE===
====Trainer (2014–2016)====
On December 11, 2014, Kendrick was backstage at [[NXT TakeOver: R Evolution]] as he was reportedly trying out for a trainer role at the [[WWE Performance Center]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2303176-charlotte-brian-kendrick-and-latest-wwe-nxt-developmental-news#slide3|title=Charlotte, Brian Kendrick and Latest WWE NXT Developmental News|author=Dilbert, Ryan|website=Bleacherreport|date=December 17, 2014 |access-date=February 15, 2020}}</ref> Kendrick made his televised return on the February 25, 2015, episode of ''[[WWE NXT|NXT]]'', losing to [[Finn Bálor]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2015-02-23/wwe-nxt-results-2015-02-25-27143452|title=WWE NXT: February 25, 2015|publisher=[[WWE]].com|access-date=February 15, 2020}}</ref> Kendrick then began working as a trainer for WWE and was tasked in training [[Eva Marie]] and [[WWE Tough Enough#Season 6|Tough Enough Season 6]] contestants [[Sonya Deville|Daria Berenato]] and Mada Abdelhamid.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/exclusive-interview-eva-marie-brian-kendrick-27318614 |title=Exclusive interview: Eva Marie and Brian Kendrick on the "Total Divas" star's reinvention |author=Melok, Bobby |website=[[WWE]] |date=April 22, 2015 |access-date=April 25, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424144119/http://www.wwe.com/inside/exclusive-interview-eva-marie-brian-kendrick-27318614 |archive-date=April 24, 2015 }}</ref> Kendrick appeared on Season 4 of ''[[Total Divas]]'' as a recurring character.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kondolojy|first=Amanda|title=E! Unveils Dynamic Slate of Original Programming Including New Series 'The Wanted Life', 'The Trend', 'Holly Has a Baby' & More|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/04/22/e-unveils-dynamic-slate-of-original-programming-including-new-series-the-wanted-life-total-divas-holly-has-a-baby-more/179021/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622132440/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/04/22/e-unveils-dynamic-slate-of-original-programming-including-new-series-the-wanted-life-total-divas-holly-has-a-baby-more/179021/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 22, 2013|work=[[TV by the Numbers]]|publisher=[[Tribune Media|Tribune Digital Ventures]]|access-date=October 6, 2015|date=April 22, 2013}}</ref>

====Cruiserweight Champion (2016–2017)====
On June 13, 2016, Kendrick was announced as a participant in WWE's upcoming [[Cruiserweight Classic]] tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/13/32-wrestlers-announced-wwes-cruiserweight-tournament/|title=All 32 wrestlers announced for WWE's cruiserweight tournament|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 13, 2016|access-date=June 13, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The tournament began on June 23, with Kendrick defeating [[Raul Mendoza]] in the first round match.<ref name=CWC1>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-cruiserweight-classic-round-one-spoilers-sabre-jr-swann-gargano-ibushi-more-215211|title=WWE Cruiserweight Classic round one spoilers: Sabre Jr, Swann, Gargano, Ibushi, more!|last=Williams|first=JJ|date=June 23, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> On July 14, Kendrick defeated [[Tony Nese]] in the second round match.<ref name=CWC2>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-cruiserweight-classic-round-two-spoilers-216501|title=WWE Cruiserweight Classic round two spoilers|last=Williams|first=JJ|date=July 14, 2016|access-date=July 14, 2016|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> On August 26, Kendrick was eliminated from the tournament in the quarterfinals by [[Kota Ibushi]], with his performance moving color commentator [[Bryan Danielson|Daniel Bryan]] to tears and drawing an ovation from the live crowd. Kendrick and Bryan would later embrace each other in the ring.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/26/826-wwe-cruiserweight-spoilers-full-taping-results-elite-8-round-d-bryan-involvement/|title=8/26 WWE Cruiserweight spoilers – Full taping results from the Elite 8 Round and D-Bryan involvement|date=August 26, 2016|access-date=August 27, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

On the August 22 episode of ''Raw'', Kendrick was announced as part of the upcoming cruiserweight division.<ref>{{cite web|title=First five members of Raw's cruiserweight division are...|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/104250/first-five-members-of-raws-cruiserweight-division-are.html?p=1|last=Johnson| first=Mike|date=August 22, 2016|access-date=August 23, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> On the September 19 episode of ''Raw'', Kendrick made his official main roster return, winning a number one contender's fatal four-way match against [[Cedric Alexander]], [[Máscara Dorada|Gran Metalik]] and [[Rich Swann]] for the [[NXT Cruiserweight Championship|WWE Cruiserweight Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=9/19 WWE Raw Results – CALDWELL'S Complete TV Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/19/sept19rawresults/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922000423/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/19/sept19rawresults/|archive-date=September 22, 2016}}</ref> At [[Clash of Champions (2016)|Clash of Champions]], Kendrick failed to win the title from [[T. J. Perkins|TJ Perkins]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=9/25 WWE C. of Champions Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/25/clashppvresults/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 15, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927133708/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/25/clashppvresults/|archive-date=September 27, 2016}}</ref> After the match, Kendrick embraced Perkins, but attacked him with a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Headbutt|headbutt]] afterwards, re-establishing himself as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] in the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2665819-wwe-clash-of-champions-2016-results-winners-grades-reaction-and-highlights/page/2|title=WWE Clash of Champions 2016 Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights|first=Ryan|last=Dilbert|website=[[Bleacher Report]]}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', Kendrick challenged Perkins to another match.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=9/26 WWE Raw Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Live TV Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/26/sept26rawresults/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=September 26, 2016|access-date=October 3, 2016}}</ref> At [[Hell in a Cell (2016)|Hell in a Cell]] on October 30, Kendrick defeated Perkins to win the Cruiserweight Championship, after faking an injury.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Hell in a Cell 2016 live review: Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte for the WWE Women's Championship, Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Rusev for the U.S. Championship|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/10/30/powells-wwe-hell-in-a-cell-2016-live-review-sasha-banks-vs-charlotte-for-the-wwe-womens-championship-kevin-owens-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-roman-reigns-vs-rusev/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=October 30, 2016|date=October 30, 2016}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2016)|Survivor Series]] in an [[WWE brand extension#Interbrand competition|interpromotional match]], Kendrick retained the title against SmackDown brand's [[Kalisto (wrestler)|Kalisto]], winning by disqualification.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Survivor Series 2016 live review: Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar, three Team Raw vs. Team Smackdown elimination matches, IC and WWE Cruiserweight Title matches|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/11/20/powells-wwe-survivor-series-2016-live-review-goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-three-team-raw-vs-team-smackdown-elimination-matches-ic-and-wwe-cruiserweight-title-matches/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 20, 2016|access-date=November 20, 2016}}</ref> On the premiere episode of ''[[WWE 205 Live|205 Live]]'' on November 29, Kendrick lost the title to Rich Swann, ending his reign at 30 days.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-205-live/2016-11-29#full-detail-40015493|title= Rich Swann def. The Brian Kendrick to become the new and third WWE Cruiserweight Champion|publisher=[[WWE]].com|access-date=November 30, 2016}}</ref> The following week on ''205 Live'', Kendrick lost to Swann in a rematch for the title.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-205-live/2016-12-06/article/%E2%80%9Cthe-outlandish%E2%80%9D-rich-swann-def-the-brian-kendrick-%E2%80%93-wwe|title="The Outlandish" Rich Swann def. The Brian Kendrick – WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match|publisher=[[WWE]].com|access-date=February 15, 2020}}</ref> At [[Roadblock: End of the Line]], Kendrick again failed to regain the title in a triple threat match also involving TJ Perkins.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Roadblock: End of the Line 2016 live review: Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte in an Iron Man match for the Raw Women's Championship, Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Title|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/12/18/powells-wwe-roadblock-end-of-the-line-2016-live-review-sasha-banks-vs-charlotte-in-an-iron-man-match-for-the-raw-womens-championship-kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns-for-the-wwe-universal-title/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=December 18, 2016}}</ref>

====205 Live (2017–2020)====
In 2017, he developed a gimmick by offering to teaching lessons to the new [[Akira Tozawa]], who declined. This eventually led to a street fight on the May 23, 2017, episode of ''205 Live'', in which Tozawa defeated Kendrick. Kendrick then began a feud with [[Gentleman Jack Gallagher|Jack Gallagher]], with Kendrick impersonating and mocking Gallagher after the latter's matches. The feud ended on the edition August 29 edition of ''205 Live'', when Kendrick defeated Gallagher by referee stoppage in a no disqualification match, which led to Gallagher turning heel and the two regularly competing as a tag team on ''205 Live'', having notable matches against Kalisto and Gran Metalik.

On the December 25, 2017, episode of ''Raw'', Kendrick suffered an injury during a match against [[Kenta Kobayashi|Hideo Itami]], after Itami performed a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Go 2 Sleep|''GTS'']] on Kendrick. After going to a local medical facility, it was revealed that Kendrick suffered a fracture to his [[orbital bone]] and [[nasal bridge]] and would be out of action for two months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://popculture.com/wwe/2017/12/26/hideo-itami-brian-kendrick-injury/|title=Hideo Itami Sends Brian Kendrick to the Hospital|date=December 26, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2017/12/26/16820482/brian-kendrick-broken-nose-orbital-bone-wwe-raw-hideo-itami-gts|title=Brian Kendrick broke his nose, orbital bone on Raw this week|date=December 27, 2017}}</ref> Kendrick returned on the April 17, 2018, edition of ''205 Live'', teaming with Gallagher to defeat two local competitors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2018/4/17/17246812/wwe-205-live-results-april-17-2018-buddy-murphy-tornado-tag|title=WWE 205 Live results (April 17, 2018): Buddy Murphy wants the belt|author=Sean Rueter|work=Cageside Seats|date=April 17, 2018|access-date=April 17, 2018}}</ref> On the October 3 episode of ''205 Live'', Kendrick was attacked by his allies Gallagher and Gulak during one of Gulak's PowerPoint presentations, with Gulak calling Kendrick the "weakest link" in the group, turning Kendrick [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] again. On October 17 episode of ''205 Live'', Kendrick saved his former rival Akira Tozawa from a post-match attack by Gulak and Gallagher. On the October 30 episode of ''205 Live'', Kendrick defeated Gallagher after Tozawa prevented the interference of Gulak. They two sides went on to trade victories over the next few weeks. On the December 19, 2018, episode of ''205 Live'', Kendrick returned to his old clean shaven look and blonde hair as he and Tozawa defeated Gulak and Gallagher in a Street Fight match to end the feud. On the February 26 episode of ''205 Live'', Kendrick was defeated by Drew Gulak in the first round of the tournament to decide the number one contender for the Cruiserweight Championship at [[WrestleMania 35]].

Following this, Kendrick would team with [[Akira Tozawa]] regularly while also managing him during his chase for the Cruiserweight Championship. In August, Kendrick and Tozawa began a feud with [[Gentleman Jack Gallagher|Jack Gallagher]] after Kendrick accidentally knocked Gallagher's foot off the rope during a match with Tozawa, costing him the match. On the September 10 episode of ''205 Live'', Kendrick and Tozawa faced Gallagher and his mystery partner [[Kushida (wrestler)|Kushida]] in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdnSWQC7-Zw|title=Brian Kendrick & Akira Tozawa vs. Gentleman Jack Gallagher & Kushida: WWE 205 Live, Sept. 10, 2019|website=[[YouTube]]|date=September 10, 2019 |access-date=September 10, 2019}}</ref> The following week, Kendrick would face Gallagher, where he lost by disqualification after assaulting Gallagher with a kendo stick. After Tozawa confronted him, Kendrick would proceed to assault him with the kendo stick, thus turning heel again.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwEh8ygnMc0|title=Gentleman Jack Gallagher vs. The Brian Kendrick: WWE 205 Live, Sept. 17, 2019|website=[[YouTube]]|date=September 17, 2019 |access-date=September 17, 2019}}</ref> On November 15, Kendrick announced on Twitter that he would be taking an indefinite hiatus from ''205 Live''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/brian-kendrick-says-he-s-taking-indefinite-leave-absence-ring|title=Brian Kendrick Says He's Taking an Indefinite Leave of Absence from the Ring &#124; Fightful News|date=November 15, 2019 }}</ref> He returned on the January 3 episode of 205 Live where he cost [[Danny Burch]] his match against [[Ariya Daivari]] and proceeded to attack him afterwards. On the January 21 episode of ''205 Live'', Kendrick defeated Danny Burch with the help of Daivari.

During January and February 2020, Kendrick wrestled two televised matches for [[NXT UK]], losing to [[Travis Banks]] in his first and then losing to [[A-Kid (wrestler)|A-Kid]] in his second. After a brief hiatus due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Kendrick made his return on the August 28 episode of 205 Live where he defeated Tehuti Miles. After the match, he shook hands with Miles thus turning face in the process.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/wwe-205-live-results-live-coverage-82820-lorcan-burch-vs-ever-rise-tony-nese-action|title=WWE 205 Live Results for 8/28/20 Lorcan & Burch vs Ever-Rise, Tony Nese in Action|website=Fightful|date=August 29, 2020 }}</ref> Kendrick would continue wrestling on 205 Live in the coming months losing to the likes of Ashante "Thee" Adonis (Tahuti Miles), [[Isaiah "Swerve" Scott]] and [[Mansoor (wrestler)|Mansoor]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cook|first=Ryan|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/wwe-205-live-results-live-coverage-10920-ashante-thee-adonis-vs-brian-kendrick|title=WWE 205 Live Results for 10/9/20 Ashante Thee Adonis vs The Brian Kendrick|date=October 9, 2020|access-date=February 21, 2021|website=Fightful}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/wwe-205-live-results-live-coverage-101620-brian-kendrick-vs-isaiah-scott|last=Cook|first=Ryan|title=WWE 205 Live Results for 10/16/20 The Brian Kendrick vs Isaiah Scott|date=October 16, 2020|access-date=February 21, 2021|website=Fightful}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Cook|first=Ryan|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/wwe-205-live-results-live-coverage-102320-mansoor-vs-brian-kendrick|title=WWE 205 Live Results for 10/23/20 Mansoor vs The Brian Kendrick|date=October 23, 2020|access-date=February 21, 2021|website=Fightful}}</ref> On the October 30 episode of 205 Live, Kendrick would team with Mansoor to defeat [[3.0 (professional wrestling)|Ever-Rise]].

==== Backstage producer (2020–2023) ====
On March 31, 2021, in a video released on the [[WWE Performance Center]]'s YouTube channel entitled "Brian Kendrick: Life After Wrestling", Kendrick announced that his match on October 30, 2020, would be his semi-retirement match as he would be transitioning to a backstage producer role and that he would only wrestle part-time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/wwe-205-live-results-live-coverage-103020-curt-stallion-vs-ariya-daivari|title=WWE 205 Live Results for 10/30/20 Curt Stallion vs Ariya Daivari|date=October 30, 2020|access-date=February 21, 2021|website=Fightful}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Cook|first=Ryan|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-brian-kendrick-working-producer-nxt|title=Report: Brian Kendrick Working As A Producer For NXT|date=November 25, 2020|access-date=February 21, 2021|website=Fightful}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9FhZsD3UrQ&ab_channel=WWEPC|title=Brian Kendrick: Life After Wrestling|date=March 31, 2021|access-date=April 3, 2021|website=YouTube}}</ref> On the December 14 episode of [[WWE NXT|NXT 2.0]], Kendrick was involved in an angle where he was thrown down a flight of stairs by Harland after trying to escort him out of the arena. On the December 21 episode of NXT 2.0, Kendrick announced that he had resigned as a coach and would make his in-ring return against Harland.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wilkins|first=Rob|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/wwe-nxt-results-121421-bron-breakker-vs-roderick-strong-and-harland-makes-ring-debut|title=WWE NXT Results for 12/14/21 Bron Breakker vs. Roderick Strong, and Harland Makes In-Ring Debut|date=December 14, 2021|access-date=December 21, 2021|website=Fightful}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Guzzo|first=Gisberto|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/brian-kendrick-vs-harland-riddle-and-msk-confront-imperium-and-more-set-1228-nxt-20|title=Brian Kendrick vs. Harland, Riddle And MSK Confront Imperium, And More Set For 12/28 NXT 2.0|quote=Brian Kendrick addressed his attacker, saying that he has resigned as a coach in NXT and that if Harland wants an apology from him, he can get it in the ring next week.|date=December 21, 2021|access-date=December 21, 2021|website=Fightful}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Faria|first=Colby|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/wwe-nxt-results-122121-aj-styles-calls-out-grayson-waller-raquel-gonzalez-vs-dakota-kai-and-pete|title=WWE NXT Results (12/21/21): AJ Styles Calls Out Grayson Waller, Raquel Gonzalez vs. Dakota Kai and Pete Dunne Takes On Tony DeAngelo|date=December 21, 2021|access-date=December 21, 2021|website=Fightful}}</ref> However, the match never took place as scheduled and on January 25, 2022, it was reported that Kendrick had asked for his release from the company,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Johnson|first=Mike|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=155145|title=ANOTHER WWE TALENT WAITING FOR RELEASE|date=January 25, 2022|access-date=January 27, 2022|website=PW Insider}}</ref> which was granted six days later on February 1.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/brian-kendrick-reportedly-granted-wwe-release|title=Brian Kendrick reportedly granted WWE release|work=[[F4wonline.com]]|first=Ethan|last=Renner|date=February 1, 2022|access-date=February 1, 2022}}</ref> 

In November 2022, he briefly returned to produce [[Ronda Rousey]]'s match at [[Survivor Series WarGames]] with Rousey having specifically requested he produce her match.<ref>[https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/update-on-brian-kendrick-producing-ronda-rousey-wwe-survivor-series Update on Brian Kendrick producing match at WWE Survivor Series]</ref> He made another brief return on May 6, 2023, in which he co-produced [[Bad Bunny]]'s match at [[Backlash (2023)|Backlash]]. He was requested to do so as he was the one who had produced Bunny's match at [[Wrestlemania 37]] and as such Bunny was used to working with him.<ref>[https://www.pwmania.com/brian-kendrick-addresses-being-a-wwe-producer-at-blacklash Brian Kendrick Addresses Being A WWE Producer At Blacklash]</ref>

===Cancelled All Elite Wrestling appearance (2022)===
On the same day he was granted his WWE release on February 1, 2022, it was announced that Kendrick would make his [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW) debut on the February 2 episode of ''[[AEW Dynamite]]'', where he would face [[Jon Moxley]].<ref>{{cite tweet|user=AEW|number=1488690010865999878|title=In his #AEW debut, @mrbriankendrick will face the toughest of tests tomorrow night on #AEWDynamite LIVE @ 8pm ET/7pm CT on @TBSNetwork when he goes one-on-one with former AEW World Champion @JonMoxley! Jon Moxley vs Brian Kendrick tomorrow night LIVE on Wednesday Night Dynamite!|author=[[All Elite Wrestling]]|date=February 1, 2022|access-date=February 1, 2022}}</ref> The match was pulled from the card, however, when [[Tony Khan]] was made aware of [[Brian Kendrick#Conspiracy theory controversy|controversial comments]] made by Kendrick in the past.<ref name=somecomments>{{cite news|url=https://www.tmz.com/2022/02/02/aew-pulls-wrestler-brian-kendrick-abhorrent-offensive-comments-9-11-holocaust/|title=Brian Kendrick Pulled From AEW Over 'Abhorrent' Past Comments ... About 9/11, Holocaust|publisher=TMZ Sports|date=February 2, 2022|accessdate=February 3, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Mutter |first1=Eric |title=Controversial Comments By Brian Kendrick Resurface Prior To AEW Debut |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2022/02/controversial-comments-by-brian-kendrick-resurface-prior-to-aew-debut/ |website=Wrestling Inc. |date=February 2, 2022 |access-date=February 3, 2022}}</ref> Kendrick would be released from AEW in May 2022, never having made his debut.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Dakota |date=June 28, 2022 |title=Brian Kendrick Discusses Controversial Comments Costing Him AEW Spot |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2022/06/brian-kendrick-discusses-controversial-comments-costing-him-aew-spot/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |website=Wrestling Inc. |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Conspiracy theory controversy==
In 2011, Kendrick told the [[conspiracy theory]] website Truth is Scary that he believed the [[September 11 attacks]] were [[9/11 conspiracy theories|faked with holograms]] and that the [[killing of Osama bin Laden]] never happened.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://thecomeback.com/pro-wrestling/brian-kendrick-removed-from-aew-card-over-past-abhorrent-offensive-comments.html|title=Brian Kendrick removed from AEW card over past "abhorrent & offensive comments," a day after his WWE release|first=Andrew|last=Bucholtz|publisher=The Comeback|date=February 2, 2022|accessdate=February 3, 2022}}</ref> In 2013, a Highspots Wrestling Network video interview titled ''Brian Kendrick Presents: The Kendrick Theory'' featured him discussing his belief that the [[Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting]] was [[Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting conspiracy theories|faked]] and that [[Extermination_camp#Gassings|Holocaust gas chambers]] were used for [[delousing]] rather than murder, as well as repeating a false claim that the [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross]] had once admitted that "only 250,000 Jews were killed" during [[the Holocaust]] and that the number was [[Holocaust denial|exaggerated]] in order to justify the creation of [[Israel]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/brian-kendrick-pulled-from-aew-dynamite-due-to-past-comments|title=Brian Kendrick pulled from AEW Dynamite due to past comments|work=F4WOnline|first=Ethan|last=Renner|date=February 2, 2022|accessdate=February 3, 2022}}</ref>

Kendrick's comments, along with additional statements regarding his belief in other conspiracy theories, went largely unnoticed until they resurfaced in February 2022 and resulted in mass outrage on [[social media]]; his scheduled ''AEW Dynamite'' debut, which had been announced the previous day, was cancelled.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/tony-khan-announces-brian-kendrick-has-been-pulled-22-aew-dynamite-card|title=Tony Khan Pulls Brian Kendrick From 2/2 AEW Dynamite; Kendrick Apologizes For Past Comments|work=Fightful|first1=Gizberto|last1=Guzzo|first2=Ryan|last2=Defelice|date=February 2, 2022|accessdate=February 3, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleedingcool.com/tv/tony-khan-kendrick-is-off-aew-dynamite-for-offensive-comments/|title=Tony Khan: Kendrick Is Off AEW Dynamite For "Offensive Comments"|publisher=[[Bleeding Cool]]|first=Ryan|last=Fassett|date=February 2, 2022|accessdate=February 3, 2022}}</ref> He [[Twitter|tweeted]] in response, "I apologize for all the hurt and embarassment {{sic}} I have caused with my words. These are not my beliefs and never were beliefs of mine, and I crossed the line. I spread the most vile comments without thinking of the damage it would cause. I will live with this regret for the rest of my life. I am truly sorry for the pain I have caused."<ref name=comments>{{cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2022/02/02/brian-kendrick-pulled-from-aew-debut-over-abhorrent-past-comments/|title=Brian Kendrick pulled from AEW debut over 'abhorrent' past comments|first=Joseph|last=Staszewski|publisher=New York Post|date=February 2, 2022|accessdate=February 3, 2022}}</ref> He was released from AEW in May 2022 without ever appearing for the company.<ref name=":1" /> That same month, he claimed that his statements were part of an attempt to establish himself as a "villain" in order to generate bookings as a professional wrestler; he also revealed that he had begun working with The Survivor Mitzvah Project, a charity that supports elderly Holocaust survivors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2022/05/05/brian-kendrick-awful-holocaust-comments-profit-off-tragedy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240825184117/https://www.tmz.com/2022/05/05/brian-kendrick-awful-holocaust-comments-profit-off-tragedy/ |archive-date=August 25, 2024 |title=Brian Kendrick On Holocaust Conspiracy ... 'I Was Trying To Profit Off Tragedy' |work=[[TMZ]] |date=May 5, 2022 |access-date=August 27, 2024}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Kendrick married fellow professional wrestler [[Taylor Matheny]] in August 2008.<ref name="Taylor Matheny - OWW">{{cite web|title=Taylor Matheny|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/bios/t/taylor-matheny/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829064145/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/bios/t/taylor-matheny/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 29, 2012|website=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=August 19, 2015}}</ref>

==Media==
*''Best of Spanky – Danger! Danger!'' (DVD) [[Ring of Honor]]

==Other media==
Kendrick played the role of 'Skull' in the movie ''Slammed'' (2004).<ref name="Slammed (2004)">{{cite web|title=Slammed (2004) - Full Cast & Crew|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0308905/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm|website=IMDb|access-date=July 29, 2020}}</ref> Kendrick also appeared in Season 4 of ''[[Total Divas]]'', training [[Eva Marie]].<ref name="Total Divas 8-4-15">{{cite web|title=411's Total Divas Report 8.05.15|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-total-divas-report-8-05-15/|website=411 Mania|access-date=August 19, 2015}}</ref>

== Championships and accomplishments ==
[[File:Paul London and Brian Kendrick 7dec2006.jpg|thumb|Kendrick (right) as one half of the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Champions]] with [[Paul London]] (left), with their reign of 331 days being the second longest in history]]
*'''Battleground Championship Wrestling'''
**BCW Championship (1 time, inaugural)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=357849|title=Battleground Championship Wrestling A Champion Shall Rise - Pay Per View @ 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=March 18, 2023|access-date=March 19, 2023}}</ref>
**BCW Title Tournament (2023)
*'''British Kingdom Pro-Wrestling'''
**Brit King Pro Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time, current)<ref>https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=2396</ref>
*'''[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship]] ([[List of Ironman Heavymetalweight Champions (2010–2019)#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/ddt/ironman-hm.html|title=Ironman Heavymetalweight Title|access-date=August 12, 2016|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref>
*'''[[Full Impact Pro]]'''
**[[FIP Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of FIP Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with [[Sal Rinauro]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fullimpactpro.com/history/taghistory.htm|title=FIP Tag Team Championship history|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=[[Full Impact Pro]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006161709/http://fullimpactpro.com/history/taghistory.htm|archive-date=October 6, 2010}}</ref>
**Florida Rumble (2004)<ref name="rumble"/>
*'''[[Insane Championship Wrestling]]'''
**[[ICW Tag Team Championship]] (1 time) - with [[Paul London]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleropesuk.wordpress.com/2014/10/05/insane-championship-wrestling-helter-skelter-results-new-champion/|title=Insane Championship Wrestling 'Helter Skelter' Results *NEW CHAMPION*|date=October 5, 2014}}</ref>
*'''Los Angeles Wrestling'''
**LAW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=126421|title=LAW Holy War « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref>
*'''Northwest Pro Wrestling'''
**NWP Championship (1 time)<ref>{{YouTube|-U7QlvGGzqY}}</ref>
*'''[[Memphis Championship Wrestling]]'''
**[[MCW Southern Light Heavyweight Championship]] ([[MCW Southern Light Heavyweight Championship#Title history|3 times]])<ref name="MCW LH">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/memphis/mcw/mcw-lh.html|title=MCW Light Heavyweight Championship history|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref>
**[[MCW Southern Tag Team Championship]] ([[MCW Southern Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Bryan Danielson|American Dragon]]<ref name="MCW tag">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/memphis/mcw/mcw-s-t.html|title=MCW Southern Tag Team Championship history|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref>
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**[[PWI Tag Team of the Year]] (2007) <small>with [[Paul London]]</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwittoty.htm |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners – Tag Team of the Year |access-date=March 21, 2008 |work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]] |publisher=Wrestling Information Archive |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522012359/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwittoty.htm |archive-date=May 22, 2011 }}</ref>
**Ranked No. 43 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2003<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50003.htm |access-date=July 19, 2008 |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 – 2003 |work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]] |publisher=Wrestling Information Archive |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616062657/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50003.htm |archive-date=June 16, 2008 }}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Zero1|Pro Wrestling Zero-One / Pro Wrestling Zero1-Max]]'''
**[[Zero1 International Junior Heavyweight Championship|NWA/UPW/Zero-One International Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[Zero1 International Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="zero1 junior heavy">{{cite web|url=http://zerooneusa.com/title_jr.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090121021822/http://zerooneusa.com/title_jr.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 21, 2009|title=Zero1 International Junior Heavyweight Championship history}}</ref>
**[[Zero-One United States Heavyweight Championship|Zero1-Max United States Openweight Championship]] ([[Zero-One United States Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zerooneusa.com/title_us.php|title=Zero1 United States Heavyweight Championship history|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211234132/http://zerooneusa.com/title_us.php|archive-date=February 11, 2012}}</ref>
**[[NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]]) – with [[Low Ki]] (1) and [[Kaz Hayashi]] (1)<ref name="NWA lightheavweight tag"/>
*'''Santino Bros. Wrestling'''
**SBW Championship (2 times)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=2090|title=SBW Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref>
*'''Steeltown Pro Wrestling'''
**SPW Provincial Championship (1 time)<ref name="SPWProChamp">{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1698|title=SPW Provincial Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref>
*'''[[Texas Wrestling Academy|Texas Wrestling Alliance]]'''
**TWA Television Championship (1 time)<ref name="twatitles">{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/other/twatit.htm|title=Texas Wrestling Alliance championship histories|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive|access-date=August 4, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930165404/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/other/twatit.htm|archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref>
**TWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with [[Bryan Danielson|American Dragon]]<ref name="twatitles"/><ref name=F4WMarch21>{{cite web |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0322-dutch-mantel-wins-southern-title-jerry-lawler | title=Daily pro wrestling history (03/21): Flair vs. Fujinami at WCW/NJPW Supershow | date=March 21, 2020 | access-date=March 22, 2020 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] | first=Brian | last=Hoops}}</ref>
*'''[[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]]'''
**[[TNA X Division Championship]] ([[List of TNA X Division Champions|1 time]])<ref name=DX2011/>
*'''[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE]]'''
**[[NXT Cruiserweight Championship|WWE Cruiserweight Championship]] ([[List of NXT Cruiserweight Champions|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-cruiserweight-championship|title=WWE Cruiserweight Championship|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=October 30, 2016}}</ref>
**[[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|WWE Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE)|1 time]]) – with Paul London<ref name="WWE tag">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/18718541|title=Brian Kendrick and Paul London's first WWE Tag Team Championship reign|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060712034724/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/18718541|archive-date=July 12, 2006}}</ref>
**[[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE, 1971–2010)|1 time]]) – with Paul London<ref name="world tag wwe" />

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Brian Kendrick}}
* {{Twitter|MrBrianKendrick|Brian Kendrick}}
* {{IMDb name|1323267|Brian Kendrick}}
* {{professional wrestling profiles}}

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{WWE Cruiserweight Championship}}
{{The ECW Originals}}
{{TNA X Division Championship}}
{{WWE Tag Team Championship}}
{{World Tag Team Championship (WWE)}}
{{Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship}}
{{Chaos (professional wrestling)}}
{{ICW Tag Team Championship}}
{{International Junior Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)}}
{{International Lightweight Tag Team Championship (Zero1)}}
{{FIP World Tag Team Championship}}
}}

{{good article}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kendrick, Brian}}
[[Category:1979 births]]
[[Category:American conspiracy theorists]]
[[Category:American male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Chaos (professional wrestling) members]]
[[Category:Ironman Heavymetalweight Champions]]
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[[Category:Sportspeople from Fairfax, Virginia]]
[[Category:TNA/Impact X Division Champions]]
[[Category:World Tag Team Champions (WWE, 1971–2010)]]
[[Category:World Tag Team Champions (WWE)]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
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