Ezekiel Jackson

{{short description|Guyanese-American wrestler and bodybuilder}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}} {{Infobox professional wrestler | name = Ezekiel Jackson | image = EzekielJackson2012Cropped.png | caption = Jackson in 2012 | birth_name = Rycklon Edward Stephens | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1978|04|22}}<ref name="OWOW"/> | birth_place = [[Linden, Guyana|Linden]], Guyana | alma_mater = [[University at Buffalo]] | children = 2 | spouse = {{marriage|Jenn Stephens|2004}} | ring_names = Big Ryck<ref name=LUWON/> '''Ezekiel Jackson'''<ref name="wwebio"/> Rycklon<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/> Rycklon Stephens<ref name="OWOW"/> | height = 6 ft 3 in<ref name="wwebio">{{cite web|title=Ezekiel Jackson|url=https://www.wwe.com/superstars/ezekieljackson|access-date=November 4, 2018|publisher=[[WWE]]|website=[[WWE]].com}}</ref> | weight = 280 lb<ref name="wwebio"/> | billed = [[Harlem]], [[New York (state)|New York]] Guyana, South America<ref name="wwebio"/> [[South Central, Los Angeles]], [[California]] | trainer = [[Homicide (wrestler)|Homicide]]<ref name="OWOW"/> [[Tom Prichard]]<ref name="OWOW"/> [[Steve Keirn]]<ref name="OWOW"/> Rick Bassman<ref name="Kreikenbohm">{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=4710|title=Ezekiel Jackson|work=Cagematch.net|access-date=November 4, 2018|author=Philip Kreikenbohm}}</ref> | debut = January 27, 2007<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/> | website = [https://web.archive.org/web/20240915234423/https://www.rycklon.com/ rycklon.com] }} '''Rycklon Edward Stephens''' (born April 22, 1978)<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/e/ezekiel-jackson.html|title=Ezekiel Jackson profile|access-date=2008-07-24|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> is a Guyanese-American [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. He is best known for his tenure in [[WWE]] from 2007 to 2014 where he performed under the [[ring name]] '''Ezekiel Jackson''', where he was the final [[ECW World Heavyweight Championship|ECW Champion]] under WWE's [[ECW (WWE brand)|ECW]] [[WWE brand extension|brand]], as well as a former [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|WWE Intercontinental Champion]].<ref name="ECWtitle"/><ref name="WWEIC1"/>

Stephens made his professional wrestling debut for the California-based promotion [[Ultimate Pro Wrestling]] in 2007 under the ring name Big Ryck Hytz. He was then signed by WWE in 2007 and sent to their then-[[Farm team|developmental territory]], [[Florida Championship Wrestling]], under the new ring name Rycklon, which was later changed to Ezekiel Jackson after his main-roster debut in 2008. During his time in WWE, Jackson was the final man to win the ECW Championship, his only professional wrestling world championship, making him the third African American to hold the ECW championship, the sixth [[Black people|black]] [[World Heavyweight Championship (professional wrestling)|world champion]] (after [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]], [[Booker T (wrestler)|Booker T]], [[Bobby Lashley]], [[Ron Simmons]], and [[Mark Henry]]), and the first South American -born champion in WWE history. He later joined [[The Corre]] but was kicked out, thus starting a feud with the stable's leader [[Wade Barrett]] and he would go on to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship once.

Jackson would leave WWE in 2014 and briefly wrestle for [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA) later that year. He also competed in one season of [[Lucha Underground]] from 2014 to 2015 as Big Ryck. He retired from fulltime wrestling in 2015 and is the owner of the [[Redwood City, California]]-based [[professional wrestling promotion]] and [[professional wrestling school|school]] Bryckhouse Pro Wrestling.

== Early life == Rycklon Edward Stephens was born on April 22, 1978 in Linden, Guyana. At a young age, he immigrated to the United States. He graduated from [[John Dewey High School]] in [[Brooklyn|Brooklyn, New York]]. Stephens attended the [[University at Buffalo, The State University of New York|University at Buffalo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/wwefeaturepage/features/wwehigh1/news/studentsofthegame/|title=Students of the game|access-date=2010-06-07|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100610050104/http://www.wwe.com/inside/wwefeaturepage/features/wwehigh1/news/studentsofthegame/|archive-date=June 10, 2010}}</ref>

== Professional wrestling career == === World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE (2007–2014)=== ==== Florida Championship Wrestling (2007–2008) ==== Stephens signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment in March 2007 and debuted in [[Florida Championship Wrestling]] (FCW) in late June.<ref name="OWOW"/> In his debut match on June 27, he teamed with [[Keith Walker (wrestler)|Keith Walker]] to defeat [[Kofi Kingston]] and [[Eric Pérez]].<ref name="OWOW"/> He continued to compete in the [[Professional wrestling promotion|promotion]] in both tag team and singles matches. On February 8, 2008, he competed in a match with tag partner [[Byron Saxton|Bryan Kelly]] in a losing effort against [[Steven Lewington|Steve Lewington]] and [[Heath Slater|Heath Miller]] in a mini-tournament to face the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Champions]] [[John Morrison and The Miz]].<ref name="OWOW"/> On May 6, 2008, Stephens wrestled his final match in FCW before being called up to WWE's main roster.<ref name="OWOW"/>

==== The Brian Kendrick's bodyguard (2008–2009) ==== [[File:Brian Kendrick and Ezekiel.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Jackson with [[The Brian Kendrick]] in 2009]] After being trained in FCW, Stephens debuted on the July 18, 2008, episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'' under the name Ezekiel, as [[Brian Kendrick|The Brian Kendrick]]'s [[Enforcer (professional wrestling)|bodyguard]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07182008/mainarticle|title=Love bites|date=2008-07-18|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=2008-07-27|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the August 8, 2008, edition of ''SmackDown'', his ring name was tweaked to Ezekiel Jackson, and he was revealed as being Kendrick's "advisor". He then began interfering in Kendrick's matches against [[Jeff Hardy]], [[Dave Finlay|Finlay]], and [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]] [[Triple H]]. On the October 17 episode of ''SmackDown'', Jackson made his official in-ring debut by [[Squash (professional wrestling)|quickly defeating]] [[Super Crazy]], after replacing a supposedly sick Kendrick.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/10172008/mainarticle|title=Cyber campaigning|date=2008-10-17|last=Burdick|first=Michael|access-date=2008-10-25|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> In late 2008, Jackson began [[Tag team|teaming]] with Kendrick and both began [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feuding]] with the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Champions]] [[The Colóns (2002–2010)|The Colóns]] ([[Carlito (wrestler)|Carlito]] and [[Primo Colón|Primo]]), although Kendrick and Jackson failed to win the championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/22/7499931.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122135142/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/22/7499931.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 22, 2016|title=Smackdown: Quoth the Hardy, Nevermore|date=2008-11-22|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=2009-07-13|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/12/19/7810461.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107160500/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/12/19/7810461.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 7, 2016|title=Smackdown: Hardy tested on first night as champ|date=2008-12-19|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=2009-07-13|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/01/09/7977041.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122135142/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/01/09/7977041.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 22, 2016|title=Smackdown: Triple H falls in final jeopardy|date=2009-01-09|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=2009-07-13|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> He suffered his first defeat on the February 13, 2009, episode of ''SmackDown'', when he lost a singles match to [[Ron Killings|R-Truth]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/02/14/8394056.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122135142/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/02/14/8394056.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 22, 2016|title=Smackdown: Four way leads to No Way Out|date=2009-02-14|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=2009-07-13|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Jackson made his final appearance on the SmackDown brand in a losing effort against [[Jeff Hardy]] on the April 3, 2009, episode.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/04/04/9002831.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310090351/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/04/04/9002831.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Smackdown: MVP and Hardy flying high into Mania|date=2009-04-04|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=2009-07-13|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>

==== The Ruthless Roundtable and ECW Champion (2009–2010) ==== On April 15, 2009, Jackson was drafted to the [[ECW (WWE)|ECW]] brand as part of the [[2009 WWE Draft#Supplemental Draft|2009 Supplemental Draft]], therefore breaking up the team of himself and Kendrick.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2009draft/2009supplementaldraftresults/|title=2009 WWE Supplemental Draft results|date=2009-04-15|access-date=2009-04-15|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> He made his ECW debut defeating Jack Meridol on the July 9, 2009, episode.<ref name="ECWdebut">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/10/10084086.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003104107/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/10/10084086.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 3, 2015|title=ECW: Christian earns title match|date=2009-07-10|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=2009-07-10|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Jackson then began an angle with [[Vladimir Kozlov]] in which, week after week, after one of them had squashed a local competitor, the other would come out and hit their finishing move on the fallen opponent in a game of [[one-upmanship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/07212009/mainarticle|access-date=2009-09-19|date=2009-07-21 |last=Rote |first=Andrew |title=What's in the cards for ECW?|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/07282009/mainarticle|access-date=2009-09-19 |date=2009-07-28|last=Murphy|first=Ryan|title=The Christian era begins|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/08042009/mainarticle|access-date=2009-09-19|date=2009-08-04|last=Medalis|first=Kara A.|title=Extreme fight to the finish|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/08112009/mainarticle|access-date=2009-09-19|date=2009-08-11|last=Medalis|first=Kara A.|title=A Regal No. 1 Contender|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the August 18 episode of ''ECW'', Jackson formed an [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|alliance]] with Kozlov and [[William Regal]] after [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Turn|betraying]] the [[ECW World Heavyweight Championship|ECW Champion]], [[Christian (wrestler)|Christian]], during a tag team match to side with them, and attacking Christian at Regal's request.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/08/18/10506166.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309215231/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/08/18/10506166.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 9, 2016|title=ECW: Christian, Regal on collision course|date=2009-08-18|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=2009-08-24|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Kozlov and Jackson aided Regal in his feud with Christian over the ECW Championship, but Regal was unable to capture the title.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2009/matches/11230026/ |access-date=2009-09-19|date=2009-08-23|last=Medalis|first=Kara A.|title=Extreme celebration soured |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebreakingpoint/matches/11599568/results/|access-date=2009-09-19|date=2009-09-13|last=Medalis|first=Kara A.|title=One-on-one, Christian rules|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> [[File:Ezekiel Jackson 2010 Tribute to the Troops.jpg|thumb|Jackson at the 2010 ''[[WWE Tribute to the Troops|Tribute to the Troops]]'' show]] On the November 24 episode of ''ECW'', Jackson attacked both Regal and Kozlov after Kozlov accused Jackson of costing Regal a match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/11/24/11914546.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807224943/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/11/24/11914546.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 7, 2016|title=ECW: A glimpse into the future|date=2009-11-24|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=2010-01-29|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The following week, Jackson once again betrayed Kozlov and Regal by walking out on Kozlov during a tag team match against Christian and [[Shelton Benjamin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/12/02/12007716.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726014519/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/12/02/12007716.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 26, 2015|title=ECW: Weak show doesn't build towards TLC|date=2009-12-02|last=DiLiegro|first=Philip|access-date=2010-01-29|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Jackson, however, realigned himself with Regal, when he was aided by Regal in defeating Kozlov on an episode of ''ECW''. On the January 12, 2010, episode of ''ECW'', Jackson won the ECW Homecoming battle royal to earn a match for the ECW Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/01/13/12442681.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309144919/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/01/13/12442681.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 9, 2016|title=ECW: Large challenge awaits Christian at Rumble|date=2010-01-13|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=2010-01-29|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> He faced Christian for the ECW championship at the [[Royal Rumble (2010)|Royal Rumble]] pay-per-view but was unsuccessful.<ref name="RR2010">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/01/12692126.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707142128/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/01/12692126.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 7, 2015|title=The 2010 Royal Rumble is Rated R in Atlanta|date=2010-02-01|last=Plummer|first=Dale|author2=Tylwalk, Nick|access-date=2010-02-01|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the final episode of ''ECW'' on February 16, Jackson defeated Christian to win the ECW Championship in an [[Professional wrestling match types#No Disqualification match/No Holds Barred match|Extreme Rules match]].<ref name="ECWtitle">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/history/ecwchampionship/13528698|title=Ezekiel Jackson's first ECW Championship reign |date=2010-02-16|access-date=2010-02-17|publisher=[[WWE]]|quote=the last ECW Champion}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/16/12907541.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624194257/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/16/12907541.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 24, 2016|title=ECW: Extreme ending for Christian, what's NXT|date=2010-02-16|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=2010-02-17|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Upon winning the title, WWE credits Jackson as the final ECW Champion.<ref name="ECWtitle"/>

==== The Corre and Intercontinental Champion (2010–2011) ==== {{Main|The Corre}} On the February 19 episode of ''SmackDown'', a video package aired, promoting Jackson's return to the brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/02192010/mainarticle|title=Awakening The Deadman}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39209.shtml|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 2/19: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Batista vs. Edge|date=2010-02-19|last=Parks|first= Greg|access-date=2010-02-20|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> He made his return on the March 5 episode of ''SmackDown'' without Regal, who instead joined ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'', and defeated [[James Yun|Jimmy Wang Yang]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/13674476/mainarticle|title=Ready, set, Spear!}}</ref> On April 10, 2010, at a house show in Glasgow, Scotland, Jackson suffered a tear in his right [[Quadriceps femoris muscle|quadriceps muscle]] during a match against [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]], and was expected to be inactive for approximately six months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/14143904|title=Ezekiel Jackson injury update|date=2010-04-14|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> During his injury, Jackson was drafted to the Raw brand as part of the [[2010 WWE Draft#Supplemental Draft|2010 WWE Supplemental Draft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2010draft/2010supplementaldraftresults|title=2010 WWE Supplemental Draft results|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=2010-04-27}}</ref>

Jackson made his return to the ring on September 14, 2010, defeating [[Zack Ryder]] in a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Dark|dark match]] prior to the ''Raw'' tapings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/17523/|title=Non-Raw results from Cincinnati|last=Fahrmeier|first=Robert|date=2010-09-14|access-date=2010-09-14|publisher=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> He returned to television on the October 18 episode of ''Raw'', where he was revealed as a member of Team Raw for the [[Bragging Rights (2010)|Bragging Rights]] pay-per-view.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/10/18/15739996.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701033807/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/10/18/15739996.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 1, 2015|title=RAW: Smackdown! superstars invade Monday Night|date=2010-10-18|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=2010-10-19|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> At Bragging Rights, Jackson was one of the final two remaining members of Team Raw, but they lost to Team SmackDown.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/10/25/15816946.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626165552/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/10/25/15816946.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 26, 2015|title=Cena central to Bragging Rights; Smackdown wins again|date=2010-10-25|last=Sokol|first=Bryan|access-date=2010-11-04|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the November 22 episode of ''Raw'', Jackson qualified for the [[King of the Ring (2010)|2010 edition]] of the [[King of the Ring]] tournament by defeating [[Kevin Kiley (wrestler)|Alex Riley]], who replaced Jackson's original opponent [[Mike Mizanin|The Miz]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/22/16270746.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105132813/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/22/16270746.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 5, 2015|title=RAW: The Miz cashes in as Nexus costs Orton WWE title|date=2010-11-22|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=2010-11-25|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> He faced [[Drew McIntyre]] in the quarter-finals, but the match ended in a double countout, so neither advanced.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/29/16367731.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707165705/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/29/16367731.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 7, 2015|title=RAW: King of the Ring crowned|date=2010-11-29|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=2010-12-01|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>

In December 2010, Jackson was traded back to the SmackDown brand.<ref name="wwebio"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_46153.shtml|title=WWE News: WWE makes official roster move – Ezekiel Jackson debuting on live Smackdown next week|date=2010-12-18|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=2010-12-19|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the January 11, 2011, taping of the January 14 edition of ''SmackDown'', Jackson joined [[Wade Barrett]], [[Justin Gabriel]] and [[Heath Slater]] in assaulting The [[Big Show]], appearing to form an alliance with the three.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_46712.shtml|title=WWE News: Smackdown spoilers 1/14 – Full results & big developments for Friday's Smackdown on Syfy|date=2011-01-12|last=Brown|first=Jim|access-date=2011-01-13|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/15/16900206.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720222416/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/15/16900206.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 20, 2015|title=Smackdown: Rumblings of opportunities and change|date=2011-01-15|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=2011-01-15|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The following week the group was named [[The Corre]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_46885.shtml|title=WWE News: spoilers – second detailed Smackdown TV taping report – match results, key angles, overall review of TV taping experience|date=2011-01-19|last=Richmond|first=Adam|access-date=2011-01-20|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the May 6 episode of ''SmackDown'', Jackson defeated Big Show in a singles match, but refused to celebrate with the other members of The Corre afterward. Backstage, the other members of The Corre attacked him in retaliation, turning Jackson face.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/07/18116736.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721001202/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/07/18116736.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 21, 2015|title=Smackdown: Peeps have a say|date=May 7, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=May 7, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Jackson went on to face Barrett for the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] at [[Over the Limit (2011)|Over the Limit]], and won by disqualification, which meant that Barrett retained the championship.<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=January 22, 2016|title=Over the Limit: Unpredictability makes for a good show|date=May 22, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=May 23, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Jackson continued to feud with the other members of The Corre, winning against Barrett by disqualification and countout respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/28/18205116.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310031522/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/28/18205116.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Smackdown: The People's Court calls the shots again|date=May 28, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=December 20, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/04/18237591.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703202327/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/04/18237591.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 3, 2015|title=Smackdown: Christian's patience wearing thin|date=June 4, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=December 20, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> [[File:Ezekiel Jackson Torture Rack.jpg|right|thumb|Jackson performing a [[Backbreaker#Argentine backbreaker rack|backbreaker rack]] on [[Drew McIntyre]]]] On June 19, at the [[WWE Capitol Punishment|Capitol Punishment]] pay-per-view, Jackson defeated Barrett to win the Intercontinental Championship for the first time.<ref name="WWEIC1"/> Jackson successfully retained the championship in a rematch against Barrett on the following episode of ''SmackDown'' and also successfully defended it against [[Ted DiBiase, Jr.|Ted DiBiase]] on the July 15 episode.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/25/18334021.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721005442/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/25/18334021.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 21, 2015|title=Smackdown: Last chance for Christian ... again|date=June 25, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=December 20, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/07/15/18423176.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720215605/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/07/15/18423176.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 20, 2015|title=Smackdown: Final deposit for Money in the Bank|date=July 15, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=December 20, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On August 12 episode of ''SmackDown'', Jackson lost the Intercontinental Championship to [[Cody Rhodes]], ending his Intercontinental Championship reign at 51 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/12/18548216.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310152744/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/12/18548216.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Smackdown: Eventful last show before Summerslam|date=August 12, 2011|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=December 20, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> He went on to feud with both Rhodes and DiBiase. On the August 19 episode of ''SmackDown'', he lost a rematch for the championship to Rhodes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/20/18579311.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119162222/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/20/18579311.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 19, 2015|title=Smackdown: Turning the page|date=August 20, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=December 20, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Jackson was part of a ten-man battle royal for the Intercontinental Championship, but was eliminated by Rhodes.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 9/26: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw Supershow leading to Hell in a Cell|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_53690.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=2012-03-25}}</ref>

==== Final feuds and departure (2012–2014) ==== On January 29, 2012, at the [[Royal Rumble (2012)|Royal Rumble]] pay-per-view, Jackson entered the Royal Rumble match as the thirteenth entrant, but he was eliminated by the returning [[The Great Khali|Great Khali]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2012/royal-rumble-match|title=Sheamus won the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match}}</ref> Jackson started a losing streak losing to the likes of [[Jinder Mahal]], [[Drew McIntyre]], and [[David Otunga]]. Jackson finally ended his losing streak by teaming with The Great Khali to defeat the team of Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks on the May 16 episode of ''[[WWE NXT (TV series)|NXT]]''. However, he lost to the Big Show on the May 26 episode and May 27 episode of Smackdown.

Around mid–2012, Jackson suffered an upper body injury and was inactive for many months. After almost a year of inactivity due to his injury, Jackson returned at a live event for [[WrestleMania Axxess]] on April 4, 2013, by teaming up with [[Yoshi Tatsu]] to defeat the team of [[Hunico]] and [[Tevita Fifita|Camacho]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Matches of Ezekiel Jackson in April 2013|url=http://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bilanzen&wrestler=3819&jahr=2013&monat=4|access-date=June 11, 2013|publisher=Wrestling Data}}</ref> On January 4, 2014, Jackson announced he was undergoing another surgery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=82581|title=FORMER ECW CHAMPION UNDERGOING SURGERY - PWInsider.com|website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref> As a result of this, on April 6, 2014, Jackson reported that he had officially parted ways with the WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/04/07/21587081.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601134927/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/04/07/21587081.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 1, 2016|title=Ezekiel Jackson gone from WWE|website=canoe.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/ezekiel-jackson-departs-wwe-26222693|title=Ezekiel Jackson departs WWE|website=wwe.com|access-date=2014-04-08|archive-date=2014-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410143509/http://www.wwe.com/inside/ezekiel-jackson-departs-wwe-26222693|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2014) === He made his debut, along with [[Gene Snitsky]], in [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA) on the June 25 taping of ''Impact Wrestling'' (which aired on July 24) using the ringname '''Rycklon''' as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]]; attacking [[Tommy Dreamer]], [[Bubba Ray Dudley|Bully Ray]] and [[D-Von Dudley|Devon]], and aligning himself with [[Dixie Carter (wrestling)|Dixie Carter]]. It also marked the very first time that the final champion of the original and the new ECW were in the ring at exactly the same time (Rhino and Rycklon)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/86526/full-impact-spoilers-from-nyc-for-the-717-and-724-episodes.html?p=1|title=FULL IMPACT SPOILERS FROM NYC FOR THE 7/17 AND 7/24 EPISODES|date=June 25, 2014|website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/86541/the-rest-of-the-724-impact-tna-destination-x-spoilers-from-nyc.html?p=1|title=THE REST OF THE 7/24 IMPACT, TNA DESTINATION X SPOILERS FROM NYC AND MORE - PWInsider.com|website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/86669/tna-injury-update-departures-and-more-spoiler-notes.html?p=1|title=TNA INJURY UPDATE, DEPARTURES AND MORE SPOILER NOTES - PWInsider.com|website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref> Rycklon and Snitsky were fired by Dixie Carter on the August 7 edition of ''Impact Wrestling''. Earlier on the show they had competed in an Eight-Man Hardcore War between Team EC3 ([[Ethan Carter III|EC3]], [[Rhyno|Rhino]], Rycklon and Snitsky) in a losing effort against Team Bully (Bully Ray, Devon, [[Tommy Dreamer]] and [[Al Snow]]).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/50041-tna-impact-wrestling-results-8-7-14-ithappens-with-dixie | title=TNA IMPACT WRESTLING RESULTS - 8/7/14 (#ITHAPPENS WITH DIXIE) | publisher=wrestleview.com | date=August 7, 2014 | access-date=8 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/08/07/21860446.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828144125/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/08/07/21860446.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=August 28, 2016 | title=Impact: Bully Ray tables Dixie Carter | publisher=canoe.com | access-date=8 August 2014 | author=Howell, Nolan}}</ref>

=== Lucha Underground (2014–2015) === In September 2014, Stephens worked at [[Lucha Underground]] under the ring name Big Ryck, where he was forming a heel trio named The Crenshaw Crew with Cisco, [[B-Boy (wrestler)|Bael]] and [[Ricky Reyes|Cortez Castro]].<ref name=LUWON>{{cite journal| last = Meltzer | first = Dave | author-link = Dave Meltzer | date = September 15, 2014 | title = Sept. 15, 2014 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Sean O'Haire dead, Smackdown unmoved, UFC weekend recap, more | journal = [[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] | location = [[Campbell, California]] | issn = 1083-9593 | page=15 | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/38875-sep-15-2014-wrestling-observer-newsletter-sean-ohaire-dead-smackdown-unmoved-ufc-weekend-recap-more}}</ref><ref name=LUTaping>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/88089/early-spoiler-notes-from-first-lucha-underground-tv-taping.html?p=1|title=Early spoiler notes from first Lucha Underground TV taping|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=2014-09-06|access-date=2014-09-07|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> Ryck feuded with Johnny Mundo and Prince Puma. Their feud concluded in a three-way ladder match, which was won by Mundo. On the October 5, 2014, taping, Ryck participated in an Aztec Warfare Battle Royal to crown the first Lucha Underground Champion but was eliminated. On January 21, 2015, Cisco, Castro and Bael attacked Ryck and burned his eye with a cigar, turning face in the process. Ryck returned to action on February 25, 2015, distracting The Crew in a match against Sexy Star, Mascarita Sagrada, and Pimpinela Escarlata. On March 4, 2015, Ryck defeated Star to earn a match against The Crew. Ryck defeated The Crew in a one-on-three handicap match. On February 8, 2015, Ryck, along with [[Shane Strickland|Killshot]] and [[Willie Mack]] participated in a tournament for the Lucha Underground Trios Championship, but they were defeated in the finals by the eventual winners Angélico, Son of Havoc and Ivelisse.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=124615|title=Lucha Underground #1.24 - Trios Champions « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> After their loss, Ryck left Mack and Killshot and was hired by [[DelAvar Daivari]], attacking Texano on May 20, 2015, turning heel in the process. At Ultima Lucha, Daivari ran out and distracted Ryck by firing him, hinting at a face turn. However, nothing came of this due to Stephens departing Lucha Underground in 2015 due to traveling conflicts.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} It was revealed that Big Ryck was one of five missing people on the April 20 episode of Lucha Underground. In the four-issue miniseries following that, it explaining what had happened after Ultima Lucha and before season two. It was revealed that Ryck was "killed" by The Disciples of Death, officially writing his character off the show.

=== International promotions (2015–present) === On October 17, 2015, Stephens, as Big Ryck, made his debut for the German [[Westside Xtreme Wrestling]] (wXw) promotion, unsuccessfully challenging [[Karsten Beck]] for the [[wXw Unified World Wrestling Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/pages/posts/wxw-slammania-iii-1845.php|title=wXw Slammania III|access-date=2015-10-21|work=[[Westside Xtreme Wrestling]]|language=de|archive-date=2015-10-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017045148/http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/pages/posts/wxw-slammania-iii-1845.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> After this, he retired from wrestling full-time to become a personal trainer.<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-news-ezekiel-jackson-retires-jasmin-gets-nxt-name/|title=WWE News: Ezekiel Jackson Retires, Jasmin Gets NXT Name|work=411Mania.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://wrestlingnews.co/other/former-wwe-star-ezekiel-jackson-aka-big-ryck-retires-from-pro-wrestling/|title=Former WWE star Ezekiel Jackson (aka Big Ryck) retires from pro wrestling|first=WrestlingNews co|last=Staff|work=Wrestling News |date=18 October 2015}}</ref> He maintained that he was not officially retired from wrestling and has not wrestled his last match.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/editorial/ezekiel-jackson-s-agent-claims-that-he-s-not-retiring-from-pro-wrestling/amp|title=Ezekiel Jackson's Agent Claims That He's Not Retiring From Pro Wrestling|first=EWrestlingNews co|last=Staff|date=October 22, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-ezekiel-jackson-future-eight-years-wwe-exit|title=Ezekiel Jackson addresses his in-ring future eight years after WWE exit|first=Danny|last=Hart|date=February 24, 2022}}</ref>

Stephens would make his in-ring return in March 2025, nearly 10 years after his last match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestlingattitude.com/2025/03/ezekiel-jackson-returns-to-the-ring-at-fwe-event.html|title=Ezekiel Jackson Returns to the Ring at FWE Event|first=Bad|last=rose|date=March 16, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://cultaholic.com/posts/ezekiel-jackson-wrestles-first-match-in-10-years|title=Ezekiel Jackson Wrestles First Match In 10 Years |first=Lewis|last=Hawse|date=March 17, 2025}}</ref> He competed in a triple threat match at FWE Full Throttle against Psycho Boy Fodder and [[Sylvain Grenier|Sylvain]] for the FWE Heavyweight Championship, and was unsuccessful in winning the championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ringsidenews.com/2025/03/16/ex-wwe-star-makes-in-ring-return-after-9-years|title=Ezekiel Jackson Wrestles First Match In 10 Years|first=Subhojeet|last=Mukherjee|date=March 16, 2025}}</ref>

== Personal life == Stephens has been married to his wife Jenn Stephens since 2004, and the couple had two children.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stabroeknews.com/2012/09/27/sports/dr-anthony-ezekiel-jackson-have-wide-ranging-talks/|title=Dr. Anthony, Ezekiel Jackson have wide ranging talks|date=27 September 2012}}</ref> Stephens is a devout [[Christians|Christian]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RycklonS/status/861266510735581184|title=Jesus you are the everlasting name above all names... We are #worshipping here |first=Rycklon|last=Stephens 🇬🇾|date=7 May 2017}}</ref> His son, R.J. Stephens, plays as a defensive lineman for [[California Golden Bears football|UC Berkeley]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://calbears.com/sports/football/roster/r-j--stephens/26271|title=R.J. Stephens - Football - California Golden Bears |first=R.J.|last=Stephens}}</ref>

== Other media == === Video games === {| class="wikitable sortable" |+Video game appearances !Year !Title !Notes |- |2009 |''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010]]'' |Video game debut |- |2010 |''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011]]'' | |- |2011 |''[[WWE '12]]'' | |}

== Championships and accomplishments == * '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''''' ** PWI ranked him No. 78 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2011<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com/2011/08/pwi-500-1-100.html|title="PWI 500": 1–100|date=9 August 2011|access-date=9 August 2011|work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]}}</ref> * '''[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE]]''' ** [[ECW World Heavyweight Championship|ECW Championship]] ([[List of ECW World Heavyweight Champions|1 time, final]])<ref name="ECWtitle"/> ** [[WWE Intercontinental Championship]] ([[List of WWE Intercontinental Champions|1 time]])<ref name="WWEIC1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/25021591|title=Ezekiel Jackson's first Intercontinental Championship reign|access-date=December 20, 2011|publisher=[[WWE]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401231027/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/25021591|archive-date=April 1, 2012}}</ref> ** [[WWE tournaments#ECW Homecoming Tournament|ECW Homecoming Tournament (2010)]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/2297-ecw-on-syfy-results-1-12-10/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230224132808/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/2297-ecw-on-syfy-results-1-12-10/ |archive-date=February 24, 2023 |title=ECW on SyFy Results – 1/12/10 |work=WrestleView |last=Kelly |first=Chris |date=January 13, 2010 |access-date=February 24, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1572&page=2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224132245/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1572&page=2 |archive-date=February 24, 2023 |title=ECW Homecoming Tournament |work=CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Phil |date=January 12, 2010 |access-date=February 24, 2023}}</ref>

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == {{Commons category|Rycklon Stephens|Ezekiel Jackson}} * {{Twitter|rycklons|Rycklon Stephens}} * {{Professional wrestling profiles}} * {{IMDb name|nm3245972|Rycklon Stephens}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Jackson, Ezekiel}} [[Category:1978 births]] [[Category:American male professional wrestlers]] [[Category:ECW Heavyweight Champions/ECW World Heavyweight Champions]] [[Category:Guyanese professional wrestlers]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:University at Buffalo alumni]] [[Category:WWF/WWE Intercontinental Champions]] [[Category:Guyanese Christians]] [[Category:People from Linden, Guyana]] [[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]