Diotoir Doran

Doran at a show in 2018.

**Kevin Doran** (born July 3, 1989) is an Irish professional wrestler who performs under the ring name **Diotoir Doran**. Since his debut in 2008, he has performed for promotions across the world, becoming a well-known name on the worldwide independent circuit.

## Early life

Doran was born on July 3, 1989 in Galway, Republic of Ireland. He has one older sister, a younger sister, and a younger brother. During his upbringing, his working class family struggled financially at times, which was only worsened by his father's addiction to alcohol and lack of familial support. Thus, Doran used professional wrestling as an escape. At the age of seventeen, he expressed interest in pursuing a professional wrestling career and joined the Fighter's Forge, a wrestling school based in Ireland.

## Professional wrestling career

### **Early career (2008–2010)**

Doran made his official in-ring debut in October 2008, performing under the ring name Diotoir Doran for a local promotion in Ireland. Throughout 2008 and 2009, he would compete for various small companies in Ireland and Northern Ireland, quickly becoming a well-known name on the independent scene there. In mid-2009, he began making appearances in Britain, competing for small companies in Scotland and England. Considering the much larger wrestling scene in England and Scotland, Doran remained in these countries throughout most of 2009 and 2010, building up his image by competing for numerous companies across both countries. Before his hiatus from professional wrestling, Doran was announced as one of the competitors in Premier British Wrestling's Super25 Cup tournament, but had to withdraw due to personal issues.

### **Hiatus (2011–2013)**

In early 2011, Doran announced via social media that he was taking a break from pro wrestling due to his father's death. Throughout his life, Doran's father had struggled with alcohol addiction, which had led to complications and ultimately resulted in his passing. Doran had stated that the hiatus was “indefinite” as he had issues coping with the loss, as well as his prolonged absence from home due to his wrestling career. During his hiatus, he remained away from social media and public appearances.

## Personal life

Doran identifies as Taoist and follows the practices that the philosophy expresses, such as a vegan diet, daily meditation, abstinence from alcohol, and occasional fasting. During his hiatus from professional wrestling, he discovered Taoism and went on a pilgrimage to Beijing, China, where he learned more about the philosophy whilst practising it and serving a Taoist temple. Whilst in Beijing, he also learned Mandarin Chinese, which he is fluent in.

## Professional wrestling highlights

* **Finishing moves**
	+ *The Elixir* (Lumbar check)
	+ *Dynasty Falls* (Sitout double underhook powerbomb)
	+ *The Disharmony* (Cutter variations)
	+ *Neidan* (Kraken choke)
* **Signature moves**
	+ *Path of Origin* (Pumphandle lift into a reverse STO)
	+ *Path of Divinity* (Spin-out powerbomb)
	+ *Path of Virtue* (Bicycle knee)
	+ *Pantheon* (Series of knee strikes to a kneeling opponent's chest, followed by a switchblade kick to the head)
	+ Multiple DDT variations
		- Cradle
		- Double underhook
		- Reverse
		- Running
		- Tornado
		- Lifting
	+ Running meteora
	+ Penalty kick
	+ Spinning back kick
	+ Multiple enzuigiri variations
		- Running
		- Step-up
		- Standing
		- Springboard
	+ Brainbuster
	+ Multiple lariat variations
		- Running
		- Discus
		- Diving
	+ Fujiwara armbar
	+ Hip toss and keylock combination
	+ Standing moonsault
	+ Multiple dropkick variations
		- Standing
		- Running
		- Diving
		- To knees
		- Corner
		- Basement
	+ Tiger suplex
	+ Shining wizard
* **Nicknames**
	+ **"Demon Heart"**
* **Entrance themes**
	+ "The Suffering" by Coheed and Cambria (2008–2011)
	+ "New Divide" by Linkin Park (2013–2016)
	+ **"What Are You Afraid Of?"** by The Family Rain (2016–present)