8 Things WWE Fans Need To Know About American Alpha
Who are Jason Jordan and Chad Gable?
American Alpha have finally made their way to WWE’s main roster. Drafted 22nd overall, Jason Jordan and Chad Gable will soon make their way from NXT to Daniel Bryan’s SmackDown, where they’ll continue their rapid ascent as one of the most exciting tag teams that the WWE Performance Center has ever produced.
One of six NXT picks made throughout Tuesday night’s WWE Draft, American Alpha are well-positioned to become an immediate hit on the main roster. Debuting in July 2015, American Alpha’s charisma, chemistry, and explosive in-ring ability made them an instant hit at Full Sail University. By the time TakeOver: London came around in December, Jordan and Gable were a must-see act, and their incredible progress was rewarded with a 68-day run as NXT Tag Team Champions that ended back in June.
Both wrestlers have been in WWE’s developmental program for a number of years, but their rise as a tandem has been nothing short of stratospheric. Now, with only The Usos for legitimate competition on SmackDown, their rise through WWE’s tag team ranks seems all but certain.
But who are American Alpha? Is there more to Jason Jordan and Chad Gable than singlets, suplexes, and slams? SmackDown audiences are about to become very well-acquainted with them indeed, but until then, here are 8 things that WWE fans need to know about American Alpha.
8. Jason Jordan Was A Three-Sport Athlete
Jason Jordan is an athletic phenom. He packs a lot of power into his 6’3”, 245lb frame, but while watching him throw opponents around the ring with his impressive array of suplexes had become one of NXT’s great pleasures, Jordan is more than just a straightforward powerhouse. Shockingly quick, agile, and light on his feet, Jordan is an incredibly well-rounded, explosive athlete: it’s what makes him one of the best “hot tag” wrestlers in the business today, and a surefire singles success should American Alpha ever split.
It’s no surprise, then, that Jordan was a hugely-successful three-sport athlete growing up. While wrestling was always his primary focus, Jordan also participated in football and baseball throughout high school. He was actually drafted for a professional baseball contract straight out of high school, but passed-up the opportunity in favour of continuing his education as a budding wrestler.
Competing as an undersized 225lb’er in the 285lb weight class, Jason used his speed advantage to overcome much larger opposition throughout his college career. In his senior year, Jordan amassed an impressive 35-0 record (the second-best in the country at the time), and caught the eye of WWE talent scout Gerald Brisco shortly afterwards. Though he’d initially hold-off on Brisco’s advances so he could complete his college degree, Jordan finally signed for WWE in 2011.