Brad Maddox, American wrestler and referee
Joshua Tyler Kluttz, better known to professional wrestling fans by his ring name Brad Maddox, is an American retired professional wrestler and a former professional wrestling referee. Born on May 4, 1984, Kluttz etched his place in the sports entertainment landscape primarily through his tenure with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where he was known for a diverse range of on-screen roles that spanned from aspiring competitor to authoritative figure.
His journey in the wrestling world began within WWE's extensive developmental system, a crucial proving ground for aspiring talent. From 2008 to 2012, Kluttz honed his skills and character in territories like Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) and Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). These promotions were instrumental in shaping future WWE Superstars, and during his time there, Maddox demonstrated his potential by capturing championship gold. In OVW, he held both the prestigious OVW Heavyweight Championship and the OVW Television Championship, each on one occasion, showcasing his ability as a singles competitor. His tag team prowess was also evident in FCW, where he twice secured the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship with different partners, underlining his versatility.
Upon his transition to WWE's main roster, Brad Maddox initially gained notoriety as a professional wrestling referee. However, his on-screen persona soon evolved dramatically. He became infamously known for a controversial decision at the Hell in a Cell 2012 pay-per-view, where his interference as a referee cost CM Punk a match against Ryback, a pivotal moment that launched him into more prominent storylines. This incident laid the groundwork for his character to become a conniving and opportunistic figure.
Ultimately, this path led him to one of his most recognized roles: the General Manager of Monday Night Raw. From July 2013 to May 2014, Maddox served in this authoritative, albeit often comically inept, capacity. As GM, he was responsible for making matches, imposing stipulations, and overseeing the chaotic weekly events of Raw, all as part of intricate WWE storylines designed to entertain fans. His run as General Manager provided a distinct chapter in his WWE career, showcasing his ability to deliver a character beyond just in-ring competition.
Following his tenure as General Manager, Maddox continued to appear in various capacities before eventually being released from his WWE contract in November 2015, bringing an end to his significant run with the company. While his time on the main stage was relatively short, Brad Maddox left a memorable impression on the WWE Universe through his unique character and his pivotal roles, particularly his transition from a controversial referee to an on-screen authority figure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brad Maddox
- Who is Brad Maddox?
- Brad Maddox is the professional wrestling ring name for Joshua Tyler Kluttz, an American retired professional wrestler and former professional wrestling referee best known for his time in WWE.
- What was Brad Maddox's real name?
- His real name is Joshua Tyler Kluttz.
- What were Brad Maddox's major accomplishments in wrestling?
- In WWE's developmental territories, he held the OVW Heavyweight Championship once, the OVW Television Championship once, and the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship twice with different partners. On the main roster, he famously served as the General Manager of Monday Night Raw in a storyline capacity.
- What was Brad Maddox's role in WWE's main roster?
- Brad Maddox initially debuted as a referee, but gained notoriety for interfering in a major match at Hell in a Cell 2012. This led to his character evolving, eventually culminating in his role as the storyline General Manager of Monday Night Raw from July 2013 to May 2014.
- When did Brad Maddox leave WWE?
- Brad Maddox was released from his WWE contract in November 2015.