Ryan Marx

**Ryan Henry Felix Barker** (born October 10, 1987) is an English professional wrestler, better known by his ring name **Ryan Marx**. He is best known for his run with Elite Answers Wrestling, where he competed on the Showdown brand for most of his career, and was a former New Breed Champion and the inaugural EAW Openweight Champion. Prior to working with EAW, Barker was known for his work on the British independent circuit, competing for companies such as ARMBAR Wrestling.

## Early life

Barker was born in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire in 1987, and is the only child of Elaine (née Packwood) and Hugh Barker. He attended the Royal Latin School and later graduated from King's College London with a degree in Philosophy. Barker would go on to work for the university's research department, whilst also training to become a university lecturer.

Barker's interest in professional wrestling occurred later in life, due to the fact his parents discouraged him from watching wrestling at a young age. His first real experience watching wrestling was in his mid-teens, and the interest only grew from there. After graduating from university, Barker contemplated going into pro wrestling and made the decision to do so when he discovered Armbar Academy.

## Professional wrestling career

### **Training and early career (2011–2013)**

Barker began training at the Armbar Academy in mid-2011, working under the likes of Marc Gomez, Aiden Everheart, and Stuart King. He made his official in-ring debut in September 2012 under the ring name Ryan Marx, where he lost to Everheart at a local show in London. Marx continued to wrestle across the country, working for small promotions. His presence on the wider British independent scene was emphasised by his stature and 'intellectual monster' gimmick, as well as the reputation of his trainers. Marx would continue to work across Britain throughout 2012 and 2013, developing his skills and increasing his popularity by working for various promotions.

## Personal life

Despite growing up in a Christian household, Barker identifies as an atheist. He is good friends with Harvey Yorke, Ozymandias, Stuart King, and Dickie Hyde. Before her passing, Barker was also close to Brody Sparks. Barker is currently seeing fellow professional wrestler and manager Soledad. The two met during Barker's time on the British independent scene before he left for EAW, and she announced their engagement on her personal Instagram in early 2018. They live together in Elmbridge, Surrey.

## Professional wrestling highlights

* **Finishing moves**
	+ *The Ivory Tower* (Electric chair driver)
	+ *New Heights* (Vertical suplex DDT)
	+ *Inverse Theory* (Standing stretch muffler with kicks and knee strikes to opponent's head)
	+ *New Heights II* (Second-rope vertical suplex DDT)
	+ *The Antithesis* (Vertebreaker; 2016–2017)
* **Signature moves**
	+ *The Fakeout* (Delayed vertical suplex)
	+ *I Think...* (Elbow smash to the face followed by a European uppercut, often leading into a...)
	+ *...Therefore I Am* (...superkick)
	+ *The Fall of Man* (Fallaway slam)
	+ *Shadow of Ruin* (Pumphandle lift into a reverse STO)
	+ *Paint it Black* (Spits black 'blood' into the opponent's face, stunning and/or blinding them temporarily)
	+ One-handed chokeslam
	+ Pop-up powerbomb
	+ Ankle lock
	+ Multiple suplex variations
		- German
		- Snap
		- Fisherman
	+ Elbow strikes
	+ Backbreaker
	+ Leg drop
	+ Knee drop
	+ Running clothesline
	+ Big boot
	+ Knee lifts
	+ Biting
	+ Limb stomps
	+ Spear
* **Managers**
	+ Soledad
* **Nicknames**
	+ “The Philosopher”
	+ “The One Messiah”
	+ “The Leader of the New Breed”
	+ “The Zeitgeist”
	+ “The Cursed”
* **Entrance themes**
	+ “Arguing With Thermometers” by Enter Shikari (???– April 1, 2017)
	+ “Tempest” by Deftones (April 1, 2017–January 14, 2018)
	+ “Digital Bath” by Deftones (January 14, 2018–February 25, 2018)

### **Championships and accomplishments**

* **Elite Answers Wrestling**
	+ EAW New Breed Championship (1 time)
	+ EAW Openweight Championship (1 time; inaugural)
	+ Extreme Enigma Trophy winner (2017)