Tyler Breeze, Canadian wrestler

Matthew Clement, born on January 19, 1988, is a distinguished Canadian figure in professional wrestling, recognized not only for his dynamic in-ring performances but also for his commitment to nurturing future talent as a professional wrestling trainer. He is most widely acclaimed for his significant tenure with WWE, where he captivated audiences under the charismatic ring name, Tyler Breeze.

Early Career and the Path to WWE's Developmental System

Before his prominent run as Tyler Breeze, Clement embarked on his professional wrestling journey, eventually signing with WWE in 2010. During his initial years with the company, from 2010 to 2012, he honed his craft within WWE's then-primary developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). Operating under the ring name Mike Dalton, Clement quickly demonstrated his potential. His time in FCW was marked by considerable success, as he notably captured both the prestigious FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship and the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship. The latter title was won alongside Leakee, a wrestler who would later achieve global superstardom as Roman Reigns. These early accolades underscored Clement's emerging talent and laid the groundwork for his future in WWE.

The Genesis of Tyler Breeze in NXT

In 2013, as WWE transitioned its developmental focus and rebranded FCW into the more refined and widely accessible NXT, Matthew Clement underwent a significant character evolution. It was within this vibrant new environment that the iconic Tyler Breeze persona was conceived and meticulously developed. Breeze emerged as a narcissistic "pretty boy," utterly obsessed with his own image and perpetually seeking the perfect selfie, even mid-match. This unique character, often accompanied by a signature selfie stick and the catchphrase "Mmm-hmm," resonated strongly with fans and critics alike, establishing him as one of NXT's standout personalities during a pivotal era for the brand. His distinctive entrance music, "Good Dirty," further cemented his self-absorbed yet entertaining gimmick.

Main Roster Elevation and the Rise of Breezango

Clement's undeniable talent and the popularity of his Tyler Breeze character led to his promotion to WWE's main roster in 2015, where he began competing on flagship shows like Raw and SmackDown. While initially navigating the singles division, a pivotal partnership emerged when he allied with fellow charismatic performer, Fandango. Together, they formed the highly entertaining tag team known as "Breezango." This duo gained immense traction, particularly on SmackDown Live, transforming into "The Fashion Police." Their popularity soared due to a series of critically acclaimed and hilariously creative segments dubbed "The Fashion Files." These comedic skits, often blending elements of detective work with fashion critiques and featuring various guest stars from the WWE roster, became a weekly highlight, showcasing Breezango's unique chemistry and comedic timing.

NXT Return and Championship Triumph

In 2019, Breezango made a strategic return to NXT. This move allowed the duo to reinvigorate their careers and further refine their tag team synergy within a competitive environment. Their dedication culminated in a significant achievement on August 20, 2020, when Matthew Clement, as Tyler Breeze, alongside Fandango, captured the NXT Tag Team Championship. This monumental victory marked their first major championship within WWE and solidified their legacy as a formidable and fan-favorite tag team.

Venturing into Professional Wrestling Training with Flatbacks Wrestling

Beyond his distinguished in-ring career, Matthew Clement has extended his passion for professional wrestling to the realm of instruction. In 2019, he co-founded Flatbacks Wrestling, a highly regarded professional wrestling school located in Apopka, Florida. Clement partnered with fellow seasoned wrestler Shawn Spears (formerly Tye Dillinger in WWE) to establish this institution. Flatbacks Wrestling is dedicated to providing comprehensive training, focusing on fundamental techniques and practical skills, preparing aspiring wrestlers for the rigors and demands of the professional circuit. This venture underscores Clement's commitment to giving back to the industry and shaping the next generation of wrestling talent.

Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew Clement (Tyler Breeze)

Who is Matthew Clement best known as in professional wrestling?
Matthew Clement is most widely known by his ring name, Tyler Breeze, from his time in WWE.
What were some of Matthew Clement's early achievements in WWE's developmental system?
As Mike Dalton in FCW (Florida Championship Wrestling), Clement won the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship and the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship (with Leakee, who later became Roman Reigns).
What was the signature characteristic of the Tyler Breeze character in NXT?
The Tyler Breeze character was a narcissistic "pretty boy" obsessed with taking selfies, often using a selfie stick, and known for his "Mmm-hmm" catchphrase.
What was "The Fashion Files" and who was involved?
"The Fashion Files" were a series of popular comedic skits on WWE's SmackDown Live featuring the tag team "Breezango" (Tyler Breeze and Fandango), blending mystery and fashion humor.
Did Breezango win any championships in WWE?
Yes, Breezango won the NXT Tag Team Championship in August 2020.
What is Flatbacks Wrestling?
Flatbacks Wrestling is a professional wrestling school located in Apopka, Florida, co-founded by Matthew Clement (Tyler Breeze) and Shawn Spears in 2019, dedicated to training aspiring wrestlers.