Byron Saxton

Byron Saxton is an American wrestling announcer, commentator, and a former pro wrestler himself. He is currently signed to WWE as a backstage interviewer on Monday Night RAW and as the color commentator of NXT Level Up. His real name is Bryan Jesus Kelly.

Early Life

Byron Saxton’s real name is Bryan Jesus Kelly. He was born on August 20, 1981, in Burke, Virginia, USA. His childhood included stints in both Virginia and Orlando, Florida. Academically inclined, he attended the University of Florida, graduating in 2003. There, he honed his communication skills working as a producer and reporter for the university's radio and TV stations, WRUF-AM, WUFT-FM, and WUFT-TV. Interestingly, his on-camera experience didn't begin in wrestling, but rather as a traffic reporter for WJXT Channel 4 News in Jacksonville, Florida.

Pro-Wrestling Career

Indies and WWE Tough Enough (2003-2007)

Saxton’s professional wrestling journey began in 2003, competing on the independent circuit in Florida and Georgia. In 2004, he set his sights on WWE by trying out for their reality show "Tough Enough" (season 4) but unfortunately wasn't selected. Saxton kept wrestling independently until his perseverance paid off in 2007 with another WWE tryout opportunity.

Developmental Territories in WWE (2007-2012)

Kelly's beginnings in FCW were rough. Debuting in October 2007 under his real name, he faced several losses against wrestlers like Hade Vansen, Sinn Bowdee, and Afa Jr. He did manage to snag some victories though, including a six-man tag team win alongside Rycklon Stephens and Chet Douglas.

2008 wasn't a major turnaround. While Kelly started the year with a win against Steve Lewington, things went back and forth. A match against Afa Jr. ended inconclusively, and he teamed up with Rycklon for a string of losses. They even had a tag team match end in a double countout against Johnny Curtis and Gabe Tuft. Overall, Kelly's early FCW career was a period of establishing himself, with both defeats and hard-fought wins paving the way for his future development.

After a string of losses and some tag team action, Kelly (now Byron Saxton) shifted gears in FCW. In June 2008, he became a manager for Black Pain, even forming a faction called the Saxton Conglomerate with Black Pain, Stu Sanders, and Tyson Tarver. They feuded with wrestlers like Kafu and Johnny Prime, with Kaleb O'Neal even switching sides to join the Conglomerate. However, things became unstable in January 2009 when Black Pain left the group. Saxton then aligned himself with Abraham Washington, eventually transitioning into commentary alongside Dusty Rhodes and then Washington himself. This partnership wouldn't last either, as Saxton turned on Washington in November 2010, sparking another feud.

After commentating stints on ECW and a short-lived NXT, he came back to FCW in 2010, this time as a commentator with a twist. He wore an arm sling, feigning injury and avoiding competition. This act culminated in a hilarious moment in March 2012 where he unexpectedly ditched the sling and attacked Kenneth Cameron with a coin roll! A match was set, but Saxton, true to his playful persona, claimed injury again, leaving poor Colin Cassady to take his place. Saxton continued as a commentator until FCW closed its doors in August 2012.

In between his commentary stints, he also competed in NXT. He participated in both seasons 3 and 5. While he teamed with established stars like Chris Masters and Dolph Ziggler, he never quite achieved major success. In season 5, he even turned on his mentor, Yoshi Tatsu, and developed a cocky "Big League" persona. Ultimately, he was voted off NXT Redemption in May 2011 and returned to FCW, where he wrestled until August 2012 before fully transitioning into commentary.

WWE On-Screen Career After Retirement

Saxton's commentary career truly kicked off in 2012 when he returned as the play-by-play voice for the relaunched NXT. He even wore multiple hats, becoming the ring announcer and contributing creatively to the brand. He called NXT matches until late 2015.

In 2014, he started appearing on the main roster, first on the WWE App for Raw, then alongside Tom Phillips on WWE Superstars. He even got officially introduced as a new member of the Raw announce team by Michael Cole! Interestingly, while he maintained a neutral persona on the main shows, he continued commentating on NXT as a heel. He even got ambushed by Alicia Fox during a backstage interview on Main Even.

Saxton's commentary career got busy in 2015! He became a fill-in announcer on Raw after some wrestlers got attacked, then took over for Booker T who was busy with coaching. He even hosted a WWE Network show! This musical chair continued as Saxton became the permanent Raw announcer while Booker T went to SmackDown.

In December 2015, he swapped places again, this time joining the SmackDown announce team with Mauro Ranallo. But the shuffling wasn't over! By July 2016, Saxton was back on Raw, now a clear good guy commentator opposite Corey Graves. The drama continued in April 2017 when he was traded back to SmackDown, this time for David Otunga.

In 2020, he was back calling matches on Raw alongside familiar faces. He even added another show to his plate, becoming the play-by-play voice for 205 Live. In 2021, Saxton had a brush with championship gold! He briefly won the 24/7 Championship on Raw, but quickly lost it in the show's signature chaotic fashion. Saxton took a Stunner from Stone Cold Steve Austin after WrestleMania 38 in 2022. Earlier this year, he filled in for Booker T as the color commentator on NXT.

Byron Saxton Net Worth 2024

Not many details are known about the finances of Byron Saxton including his net worth and salary.

Byron Saxton Wife

Byron Saxton has kept his personal life private and it is not known whether or not he is married as of 2024.

Championships and Accomplishments