Mason Ryan

{{short description|Welsh actor and former professional wrestler (born 1982)}} {{use British English|date=May 2012}} {{use dmy dates|date=November 2014}} {{Infobox professional wrestler |name = Mason Ryan |image = Mason Ryan.jpg |caption = Griffiths in 2011 |birthname = Barri Griffiths |birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1982|1|13}} |birth_place = Tremadog, Wales |billed = Cardiff, Wales<ref name="wwe">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/masonryan|title=Mason Ryan|access-date=7 June 2012|archive-date=18 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418013022/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/masonryan|url-status=dead}}</ref> |names = {{unbulleted list|Barri Griffiths<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name="Trewyn"/><ref name="Metro"/>|Mason Ryan<ref name="Trewyn"/>|Mason Williams<ref name="IGF">{{cite web|url=http://www.igf.jp/fighter/mason-williams/|title=Mason Williams|access-date=21 February 2015|work=Inoki Genome Federation|language=ja|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305005226/http://www.igf.jp/fighter/mason-williams/|url-status=dead}}</ref>|Smackdown Warrior<ref name="Metro"/>}} |height = {{height|ft=6|in=5}}<ref name=IGF/> |weight = {{convert|297|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name=IGF/> |trainer = {{unbulleted list|Orig Williams<ref name="Trewyn"/>|Florida Championship Wrestling<ref name="OWOW"/>}} |debut = 2007 |retired = 2015 |spouse = {{marriage|Julie Rolfe|2015}} }}

'''Barri Griffiths''' (born 13 January 1982) is a Welsh stunt performer, actor, and former professional wrestler. He is best known for his time with WWE, where he performed under the ring name '''Mason Ryan''' from 2009 to 2014. He joined Cirque du Soleil in 2016.

Griffiths played as a centre back for Porthmadog FC, but a knee injury curtailed his career. He appeared as '''Goliath''' on ''Gladiators'' in 2009. He began training to be a professional wrestler in 2006, and competed around Europe for the next three years. In 2009, he signed a contract with WWE, debuting in Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) and becoming a one-time FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion. He made his main roster debut in 2011 and joined The New Nexus. In 2013, he started working on WWE's NXT brand until his release the following year.

==Early life== Griffiths was born in Tremadog,<ref name="Trewyn"/><ref name=IGF/><ref name="Gladiator"/> the son of Carys and Malcolm Griffiths.<ref name="Gaksell">{{cite web|last=Gaksell|first=Simon|title=WWE star Mason Ryan ditched undertaker's life for wrestling stardom|date=21 April 2012 |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/film-tv/wwe-star-mason-ryan-ditched-2032873|access-date=28 April 2013|publisher=Wales Online}}</ref> He has a sister named Catrin.<ref name="Gaksell"/><ref name="Hywel"/> He attended Ysgol y Gorlan primary school in Tremadog and Ysgol Eifionydd secondary school in Porthmadog, before studying construction management at Cardiff University for 18 months.<ref name="Hywel"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2011/01/26/gwynedd-wwe-star-barri-griffiths-billed-as-from-cardiff-55578-28054764/|title=Gwynedd WWE star Barri Griffiths billed as from Cardiff|date=26 January 2011|last=Hughes|first=Owen R|access-date=30 January 2011|work=North Wales Daily Post}}</ref> He worked as a trainee carpenter and in his family's funeral home prior to becoming a wrestler.<ref name="Trewyn"/><ref name="Metro"/> Griffiths played football as a centre back for Porthmadog FC, but had to curtail his career due to a knee injury.<ref name="Devine"/>

==Professional wrestling career== ===Training and early career (2006–2009)=== Griffiths began training to be a professional wrestler in 2006 after attending a wrestling show with a friend where the promoter and referee Orig Williams recommended he start wrestling.<ref name="Metro"/><ref name="Jones">{{cite web|url=http://www.northwaleschronicle.co.uk/news/91611/barri-wrestles-with-rise-to-fame.aspx|title=Barri wrestles with rise to fame|date=5 August 2010|last=Jones|first=Geraint|access-date=11 August 2010|work=North Wales Chronicle|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723033417/http://www.northwaleschronicle.co.uk/news/91611/barri-wrestles-with-rise-to-fame.aspx|archive-date=23 July 2011|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Hywel">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2008/11/27/meet-north-wales-very-own-gladiators-55578-22350024/|title=Meet North Wales' very own Gladiators|date=27 November 2008|last=Trewyn|first=Hywel|access-date=11 August 2010|work=North Wales Daily Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-24 |title=Orig Williams: How Army Boxing Ignited His Love For Wrestling - Atletifo |url=https://atletifo.com/features/orig-williams-how-army-boxing-ignited-his-love-for-wrestling/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |language=en-GB}}</ref> He trained at a professional wrestling school in Birkenhead.<ref name="Metro"/><ref name="Jones"/>

Prior to appearing on ''Gladiators'', Griffiths had wrestled under the names "Celtic Warrior" and "Smackdown Warrior" since 2007, and had competed in almost 100 matches.<ref name="Metro"/> He represented the UK in a 'Battle of the Nations' tag team match between the UK and Austria, teaming with Drew McDonald and Sheamus O'Shaunessy in a losing effort to Chris Raaber, Michael Kovac, and Robert Ray Kreuzer at the European Wrestling Association's ''Night of Gladiators'' show in June 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ewa-wrestling.com/events.php|title=EWA Results|publisher=European Wrestling Association|access-date=9 November 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611062842/http://www.ewa-wrestling.com/events.php|archive-date=11 June 2009|df=dmy-all}}</ref> After signing with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Griffiths had his final show in Wales in October 2008 in Porthmadog, when he won a singles match and battle royal.<ref name="NWC">{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=44521 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306103553/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=44521 |archive-date=6 March 2023 |title=OWP Event 27.10.2009 |work=CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date=27 October 2009 |access-date=6 March 2023}}</ref>

===World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE (2009–2014)=== ====Florida Championship Wrestling (2009–2011)==== [[File:MasonRyan1.jpg|thumb|left|Ryan as the FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion in 2010]]

In 2009, Griffiths signed a five-year contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).<ref name="BBC1"/> When he received his work visa, he debuted in their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) in January 2010.<ref name="Trewyn"/> Under the name Mason Ryan, he competed against wrestlers including Johnny Curtis, Tyler Reks, Johnny Prime, and Hunico in his first matches.<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/mason-ryan.html|title=Mason Ryan|access-date=11 August 2010|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>

On 22 July, Ryan won a triple threat match against defending champion Alex Riley and Johnny Curtis by pinning Riley to win the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship for the first time.<ref name="Trewyn">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2010/08/02/north-wales-man-crowned-heavyweight-champion-wrestler-of-florida-55578-26976836/|title=North Wales man crowned heavyweight champion wrestler of Florida|date=2 August 2010|last=Trewyn|first=Hywel|access-date=11 August 2010|work=North Wales Daily Post}}</ref><ref name="Jones"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcwwrestling.info/talent.html|title=Florida Championship Wrestling roster|access-date=11 August 2010|publisher=Florida Championship Wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213101907/http://www.fcwwrestling.info/talent.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 December 2010}}</ref>

Over the next few months, Ryan successfully defended the championship against wrestlers including Bo Rotundo, Richie Steamboat, and Eli Cottonwood.<ref name="FCW10">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2010/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling (2010)|access-date=23 January 2011|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> At the tapings of FCW television on 2 September, Ryan successfully defended the championship against Johnny Curtis when FCW commentator Byron Saxton interfered and aided him.<ref name="FCW10"/> The following week, Saxton became aligned with Ryan, accompanying him to the ring and acting as his manager.<ref name="FCW10"/>

In November 2010, Ryan toured Europe with the SmackDown brand, defeating Chavo Guerrero in Belfast on 4 November and again in Liverpool on 6 November.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1288934474|title=11/4 WWE Results: Belfast, Northern Ireland|date=5 November 2010|last=Gerweck|first=Steve|access-date=5 November 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1289170255|title=11/6 WWE Results: Liverpool, England|date=7 November 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=8 November 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> On 3 February 2011, Ryan lost the Florida Heavyweight Championship to Bo Rotundo, ending a six-and-a-half month reign.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcwwrestling.info/champions.html |title=Champions Roll Call |access-date=20 February 2011 |publisher=Florida Championship Wrestling |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208110516/http://fcwwrestling.info/champions.html |archive-date=8 February 2012 }}</ref>

====Raw (2011–2012)==== [[File:Mason Ryan New Nexus.jpg|thumb|Ryan with The New Nexus in 2011]] Griffiths, as Mason Ryan, made his WWE television debut on 17 January 2011 episode of ''Raw'' by interfering in a match between CM Punk and John Cena. Following his interference, Punk presented him with a 'Nexus' armband, inducting him into the group.<ref name="BBC1">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-12242322|title=Welsh wrestler Mason Ryan is a stateside hit|access-date=20 January 2011|date=20 January 2011|publisher=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/17/16926621.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122135142/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/17/16926621.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 January 2016|title=RAW: The Rumble and The Nexus grow|date=17 January 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=22 January 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Ryan then participated in the 2011 Royal Rumble match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2011/01/31/super-size-royal-rumble-saves-biggest-surprise-for-last/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213110728/https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2011/01/31/super-size-royal-rumble-saves-biggest-surprise-for-last/ |archive-date=13 February 2023 |title=Super-size Royal Rumble saves biggest surprise for last |work=Slam Wrestling |last1=Plummer |first1=Dale |last2=Tylwalk |first2=Nick |date=30 January 2011 |access-date=1 February 2011}}</ref> On 7 February 2011, he had his debut match on ''Raw'', losing to R-Truth via disqualification.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/07/17190006.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122135142/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/07/17190006.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 January 2016|title=RAW: Punk, Nexus battle Elimination Chamber entrants|date=7 February 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=13 February 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> In late February, it was announced that Punk would face Randy Orton at WrestleMania XXVII, with each member of The Nexus facing Orton to win the right to accompany Punk to the ring in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/28/17446551.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705130129/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/28/17446551.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 July 2015|title=RAW: Triple H talks Wrestlemania; The Miz loses an ally|date=28 February 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=2 April 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Ryan was the final member to face Orton, but lost on 14 March episode of ''Raw''. Following the match, Orton punted Ryan in the head.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/14/17616206.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927121359/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/14/17616206.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 September 2015|title=RAW: Cena wrecked on the Road to Wrestlemania|date=14 March 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=18 March 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> He was absent from television for nearly a month, making his return on 11 April on ''Raw'' with the other New Nexus members, attacking Orton and preventing him from earning a WWE Championship match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/11/17958501.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018034532/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/11/17958501.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 October 2015|title=RAW: Edge calls it a career|date=11 April 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=12 April 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> On 2 May, Ryan lost to Kane by disqualification following interference from Punk, and went on to attack both Kane and Big Show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/02/18095156.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723040347/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/02/18095156.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 July 2015|title=RAW: Happy Birthday Rock|date=2 May 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=8 May 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> At the Over the Limit pay-per-view on 22 May, Ryan and Punk challenged Big Show and Kane for the WWE Tag Team Championship, but were unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/05/22/18180176.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122135142/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/05/22/18180176.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 January 2016|title=Over the Limit: Unpredictability makes for a good show|date=22 May 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=23 May 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> The following month, Ryan suffered an injury and was absent from television to recuperate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1310320537|title=Update on Mason Ryan and his WWE status|date=10 July 2011|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=19 December 2011|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref>

Ryan returned from injury at a house show in Jackson, Mississippi in late August.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1314457218|title=Injured WWE star makes his return|date=27 August 2011|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|access-date=19 December 2011|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> He made his television return on 8 September episode of ''WWE Superstars'', defeating JTG.<ref name="Superstarsreturn">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_53100.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Superstars Report 9/8: Bryan dominates main event, Fox vs. Tamina, returns & TV debuts & squash matches|date=8 September 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=19 December 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On 26 September, on ''Raw'', Ryan was chosen by Vickie Guerrero as the partner for Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler in a six-man tag team match against Zack Ryder and Air Boom (Evan Bourne and Kofi Kingston), but Ryan turned on Swagger and Ziggler turning Ryan face, allowing Ryder to pick up the victory for his team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/26/18743236.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710013554/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/26/18743236.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 July 2015|title=Raw: Building to the Cell|date=26 September 2011|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=19 December 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref>

The following week on ''Raw'', Ryan teamed with Air Boom, Sheamus, CM Punk, and John Cena in a 12-man tag team match to defeat the team of Alberto Del Rio, Christian, Cody Rhodes, David Otunga, Ziggler, and Swagger.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/10/03/18776371.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131152301/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/10/03/18776371.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 January 2016|title=Raw: WWE roster walks out on HHH|date=3 October 2011|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=19 December 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Ryan began feuding with Ziggler, with the pair trading wins via disqualification.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/10/18/18840061.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106043442/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/10/18/18840061.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 November 2015|title=Raw: JR gains measure of revenge, makes Cole tap|date=18 October 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=19 December 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/11/14/18969046.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106045225/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/11/14/18969046.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 November 2015|title=Raw: The Rock (and The Sock) return to electrify Boston|date=14 November 2011|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=19 December 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Ryan was part of Team Orton at the Survivor Series pay-per-view in November, where he was eliminated by Cody Rhodes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/11/21/18996341.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709151226/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/11/21/18996341.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 July 2015|title=No swerves but plenty of Rock and Punk at Survivor Series|date=21 November 2011|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=19 December 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref>

====NXT (2012–2014)==== He appeared only sporadically on television throughout 2012, and he then rejoined the rebranded developmental system NXT.<ref>{{cite web|title=Back on track: Mason Ryan's road to redemption|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/wwe-nxt-july-10-2013/back-on-track-mason-ryans-road-to-redemption-26128258|publisher=WWE|access-date=26 July 2013}}</ref> He returned to the ring in November for house shows and debuted on the rebooted ''WWE NXT'' show and began his singles winning streak on 30 January 2013, by defeating Sakamoto.<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=James's WWE NXT results 1/30: Tournament continues, Bo Dallas in main event, returns of Bateman, A-Ry & Mason Ryan|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_68301.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=3 June 2013}}</ref>

Ryan then entered into a feud against Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady; although he easily defeated them in singles matches,<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=James's WWE NXT Report 7/3 – week 53: Bo Dallas defends NXT Title, Women's Tourney continues, Mason Ryan|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_71725.shtml|access-date=9 August 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> he lost to them in a handicap match.<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=James's WWE NXT Report 7/10: Wyatts vs. Team Regal six-man main event, NXT Women's Title tourney continues, Generico (Zayn), Mason Ryan, set-up for Charlotte's debut|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_71861.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=14 July 2013}}</ref> Mason was then rarely used on WWE television until he had his final televised match on 24 April 2014 episode of NXT, in a losing effort to number one contender for the NXT Championship. On 30 April 2014, it was reported that Ryan had been released by WWE.<ref>{{cite web|title=Former Nexus Member, Second Generation Diva and more released by WWE|url=http://pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=85329|publisher=PWInsider|access-date=30 April 2014}}</ref>

===Independent circuit (2014–2015)=== After his release from WWE, Griffiths began wrestling on the independent circuit, still using his WWE name. His first appearance was for the American Pro Wrestling Alliance promotion, where he became the new APWA Tri State Champion on 31 May.<ref name="facebook.com">{{cite web|title=American Pro Wrestling Alliance June 1st 2014 Match Card|url=https://www.facebook.com/apwawrestling/posts/663792403676299|date=1 June 2014|access-date=1 June 2014|work=American Pro Wrestling Alliance Facebook}}</ref> Mason made his debut for the WrestleSport promotion on 16 August where he defeated Adam Pearce to become the first WrestleSport Heavyweight Champion.<ref name="wrestle-sport.com/news.html">{{cite web|title=WrestleSport News|url=http://www.wrestle-sport.com/news.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903071158/http://www.wrestle-sport.com/news.html|archive-date=3 September 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 5 September, at Full Impact Pro's ''Fallout'', Ryan along with Michael Tarver and Shaun Ricker participated in a trios tournament, but were defeated by the Full Impact Puerto Ricans (Lince Dorado, Jay Cruz, and Jay Rios).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/88071/fip-fallout-2014-ippv-report-which-team-would-survive-the-tournament-of-six-man-tag-teams.html?p=1|title=FIP FALLOUT 2014 iPPV REPORT: WHICH TEAM WOULD SURVIVE THE TOURNAMENT OF SIX MAN TAG TEAMS? - PWInsider.com|website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref> On 5 June 2015, Ryan was defeated by then-Full Impact Pro Heavyweight Champion, Rich Swann.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/94191/fip-accelerate-report-rich-swann-defends-the-fip-world-title-against-mason-ryan-who-is-the-number-one-contender-for-the-tag-titles-can-chicago-win-again-in-tampa-and-more.html?p=1|title=FIP ACCELERATE REPORT: RICH SWANN DEFENDS THE FIP WORLD TITLE AGAINST MASON RYAN, WHO IS THE NUMBER ONE CONTENDER FOR THE TAG TITLES?, CAN CHICAGO WIN AGAIN IN TAMPA?, AND MORE - PWInsider.com|website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref>

On 11 October 2014, Ryan won the UPWA Heavyweight Championship in Shallotte, North Carolina.<ref>{{Cite web|title = UNITED PRO WRESTLING ASSOCIATION|url = http://www.theupwa.com/main.html|website = www.theupwa.com|access-date = 2015-06-04}}</ref> His last wrestling appearance to date, was in the United Kingdom for Pro Wrestling Pride on 1 November 2015, he was on the losing team in an 8-man tag team match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=5127&page=4|title=Matches « Mason Ryan « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref>

===TNA appearance (2015)=== On 16 February 2015, Ryan took part in a dark match before the TNA One Night Only's Gut check event defeating Shaun Ricker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0216/589520/former-wwe-talents-work-tna-dark-match/|title=Former WWE Talents Work TNA Dark Match, Drew Galloway Gets New Tag Team Partner In TNA?|date=16 February 2015}}</ref>

===Inoki Genome Federation (2015)=== On 20 February 2015, Griffiths, working under the ring name Mason Williams, made his debut for the Japanese Inoki Genome Federation (IGF) promotion, losing to Shogun Okamoto.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.igf.jp/event/genome32/|title=Genome32|access-date=21 February 2015|work=Inoki Genome Federation|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207044733/http://www.igf.jp/event/genome32/|archive-date=7 February 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==Cirque du Soleil career== In January 2016, Ryan announced on his Twitter account that he is now working at Cirque du Soleil, as the chief archer of ''Kà''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ryan|first=Mason|url=https://twitter.com/MasonTheManiac|access-date=2 January 2016|title=@MasonTheManiac|via=Twitter}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/mason-ryan-where-are-they-now-cirque-du-soleil|title=Where Are They Now? Mason Ryan|access-date=18 February 2016|publisher=WWE}}</ref>

==Other media== Griffiths appeared in the second series of the revived ''Gladiators'' television show in 2009, and competed under the name "Goliath".<ref name="Gladiator">{{cite web|url=http://www.gladiatorszone.co.uk/gladiators/new/male/goliath/|title=Goliath, Barri Griffiths|access-date=11 August 2010|publisher=Gladiator Zone}}</ref> When he was working on a television show in Wales about being a wrestler, he was told that producers were looking for new gladiators, and he applied with the encouragement of his trainer, Orig Williams.<ref name="Metro">{{cite web|url=https://www.metro.co.uk/showbiz/interviews/467726-gladiator-in-hot-pants-trouble|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924080158/https://www.metro.co.uk/showbiz/interviews/467726-gladiator-in-hot-pants-trouble|url-status=dead|archive-date=2010-09-24|title=Gladiator in hot pants trouble|date=8 January 2009|last=Williams|first=Andrew|access-date=11 August 2010|work=Metro}}</ref><ref name="Devine">{{cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/01/04/welsh-duo-are-tv-gladiators-91466-22600153/|title=Welsh duo are TV gladiators|date=4 January 2009|last=Devine|first=Darren|access-date=11 August 2010|publisher=Wales Online}}</ref> He began filming the first show approximately a month later and had to grow a beard especially for the role.<ref name="Metro"/><ref name="Hywel"/>

Griffiths has appeared on ''The Paul O'Grady Show''.<ref name="Caernarfon">{{cite web|url=http://www.caernarfonherald.co.uk/caernarfon-county-news/local-caernarfon-news/2009/10/15/tremadog-wrestler-is-off-to-the-us-to-join-wwe-88817-24932274/|title=Tremadog wrestler is off to the US to join WWE|date=19 October 2009|last=Jones|first=Dion|access-date=11 August 2010|work=Caernarfon Herald|archive-date=23 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223083834/http://www.caernarfonherald.co.uk/caernarfon-county-news/local-caernarfon-news/2009/10/15/tremadog-wrestler-is-off-to-the-us-to-join-wwe-88817-24932274/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Barri Griffiths: Y Reslar'', a Welsh language documentary about Griffiths' life in the months before he moved to the United States, aired in September 2010 on S4C.<ref name="White">{{cite web|url=http://www.caernarfonherald.co.uk/caernarfon-county-news/local-caernarfon-news/2010/08/26/big-barri-s-preparations-for-stardom-88817-27137357/|title=Big Barri's preparations for stardom|date=26 August 2010|last=White|first=Kevin|access-date=8 November 2010|work=Caernarfon Herald|archive-date=23 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723034051/http://www.caernarfonherald.co.uk/caernarfon-county-news/local-caernarfon-news/2010/08/26/big-barri-s-preparations-for-stardom-88817-27137357/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In December 2011, Griffiths appeared on the TV documentary ''Orig'', where he was interviewed by Tara Bethan, the daughter of his first trainer Orig Williams.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.s4c.co.uk/ffeithiol/e_orig.shtml|title=Sharing memories about Orig, with a smile and tears|access-date=26 April 2012|work=S4C}}</ref>

==Personal life== Griffiths married American football player Julie Rolfe in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wrestler Barri Griffiths weds bride in Porthmadog |last=Wyn-Williams |first=Gareth |work=Daily Post |date=27 October 2015 |access-date=1 October 2018 |url= https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wrestler-barri-griffiths-weds-bride-10341192}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/photos/2013/762/photo-mason-ryan-and-lfl-lingerie-football-league-player-julie/| title=Mason Ryan And LFL Lingerie Football League Player Julie Rolfe| publisher=Wrestling Inc| access-date=1 October 2018}}</ref> They reside in Tampa, Florida.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/watch-barri-griffiths-wrestling-gwynedd-9277100|title=Watch: Barri Griffiths wrestling in Gwynedd again|date=18 May 2015|last=Wyn-Williams|first=Gareth|access-date=18 May 2015|work=North Wales Daily Post}}</ref>

Griffiths speaks Welsh fluently.<ref name="Metro"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newyddion/17779502|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721155002/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newyddion/17779502|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 July 2012|title=Mason Ryan yn perfformio yn ôl adre'|date=19 April 2012|last=Evans|first=Dafydd|access-date=26 April 2012|work=Newyddion|publisher=BBC Cymru}} {{in lang|cy}}<!--Welsh--></ref> He is an avid weightlifter<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/leisure/tv-wales/programme-news/2009/01/23/goliath-making-waves-on-gladiators-55578-22763353/|title=Goliath making waves on Gladiators|date=23 January 2009|last=Greenhouse|first=Debra|access-date=11 August 2010|work=North Wales Daily Post|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929035445/http://www.dailypost.co.uk/leisure/tv-wales/programme-news/2009/01/23/goliath-making-waves-on-gladiators-55578-22763353/|archive-date=29 September 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and once set a world record for holding 20&nbsp;kg (approx. 44&nbsp;lbs) of weight with his arms straight for just over one minute.<ref>{{cite web|title=Back on track: Mason Ryan's road to redemption, Hungrier than ever|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/wwe-nxt-july-10-2013/back-on-track-mason-ryans-road-to-redemption-26128258/page-2|publisher=WWE|access-date=26 July 2013}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments== * '''American Pro Wrestling Alliance''' ** APWA Tri State Championship (1 time)<ref name=IGF/><ref name="facebook.com"/> *'''Florida Championship Wrestling''' ** FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=IGF/><ref name="Trewyn"/><ref name="Jones"/> * '''''Pro Wrestling Illustrated''''' ** Ranked No. 119 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''PWI 500'' in 2011<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com/2011/08/pwi-500-101-200.html|title="PWI 500": 101–200|date=8 August 2011|access-date=8 August 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated}}</ref> * '''United Pro Wrestling Association''' ** UPWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theupwa.com/frames/results.html|title=UNITED PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING ASSOCIATION|website=www.theupwa.com}}</ref> * '''WrestleSport''' ** WrestleSport Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="wrestle-sport.com/news.html"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/wrestlesport1/posts/10153187312200399|title=WrestleSport|website=www.facebook.com}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== * {{Twitter|masonthemaniac}} * {{instagram|masonryanofficial}} * [http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/mason-ryan.html Online World of Wrestling profile] * [http://www.gladiatorszone.co.uk/gladiators/new/male/goliath/ Gladiators profile] * {{IMDb name|3267387}} * {{professional wrestling profiles}} * {{Commons category-inline|Barri Griffiths|Mason Ryan}}

{{The Nexus}} {{FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship}} {{WXW Shotgun Championship}} {{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ryan, Mason}} Category:1982 births Category:21st-century British sportsmen Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers Category:Cirque du Soleil performers Category:British expatriate professional wrestlers Category:FCW Florida Heavyweight Champions Category:living people Category:male actors from Gwynedd Category:men's association football defenders Category:people educated at Ysgol Eifionydd, Porthmadog Category:people from Tremadog Category:Porthmadog F.C. players Category:sportspeople from Gwynedd Category:Welsh expatriate male actors in the United States Category:Welsh expatriate sportspeople in the United States Category:Welsh male actors Category:Welsh male professional wrestlers Category:Welsh men's footballers Category:WXw Shotgun Champions