Raymond Griner: The Untold Story Of Mason Ryan (WWE Star!)

Prof. Rahsaan Kilback 28 May 2025

Is Raymond Griner a name you recognize? If not, you definitely know him as Mason Ryan, the imposing Welsh wrestler who stormed onto the scene with WWE, and his story is far from over.

Raymond Griner, the man behind the persona of Mason Ryan, carved a niche for himself in the world of professional wrestling. While best recognized for his tenure with WWE, where he showcased his skills on both the ECW and SmackDown brands, Griner's journey extends far beyond the confines of those televised rings. His career is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and a raw talent that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Born in the rugged landscapes of Wales, Raymond Thomas Griner's path to professional wrestling began in 2006. Before the bright lights of WWE beckoned, Griner honed his craft in the diverse and demanding environment of the independent wrestling circuit in the United Kingdom. It was here, amidst smaller venues and passionate crowds, that he began to forge the skills and the presence that would eventually capture the attention of the global wrestling giant. In 2010, that hard work paid off when he signed with WWE, signaling the start of a new and more widely visible chapter in his career.

Upon joining WWE, Griner was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), the company's developmental territory. This was a crucial period for Griner, a time for refinement and adaptation to the WWE style. His efforts were quickly rewarded. In FCW, Griner captured the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship, a significant accomplishment that demonstrated his readiness for the next level and provided him a springboard to the main roster.

Attribute	Details
Real Name	Raymond Thomas Griner
Ring Name(s)	Mason Ryan
Date of Birth	January 17, 1982
Birthplace	Aberdare, Wales
Height	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight	275 lb (125 kg)
Residence	Orlando, Florida
Debut	2006
Notable Championships	FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship, ECW Tag Team Championship
Signature Move	Celtic Cross (Powerbomb Variation)
Wrestling Style	Powerhouse, Brawler
Trained By	FCW Training Staff
Affiliations	WWE, Independent Promotions
Additional Information	Known for his imposing physique and intense in-ring presence.

Source: WWE Official Website

The year 2011 marked Griner's official arrival on the WWE main roster. He was assigned to the ECW brand, then a platform for showcasing emerging talent. His debut on the June 14 episode saw him decisively defeat Yoshi Tatsu, immediately signaling his arrival as a force to be reckoned with. He quickly formed an alliance with Ezekiel Jackson, resulting in the tag team known as The Correa powerhouse duo that seemed destined for dominance.

As a unit, Griner and Jackson, under The Corre banner, achieved tag team gold, capturing the ECW Tag Team Championship. However, their reign at the top was relatively short-lived. By December 2011, The Corre were dethroned by the formidable stable known as The Corre, losing the titles and setting the stage for new challenges and individual pursuits for both wrestlers.

The landscape shifted again in 2012 when Griner was drafted to the SmackDown brand, a move that promised new opportunities but ultimately resulted in limited television exposure. Despite possessing undeniable talent and a physique that commanded attention, Griner's appearances on SmackDown were sporadic. In 2014, WWE and Griner parted ways, concluding his initial chapter with the company.

Following his release from WWE, Raymond Griner embarked on a return to the independent circuit, a move that has allowed him to showcase his skills across a diverse range of promotions. He has wrestled for Impact Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, exposing him to different styles and audiences, and contributing to his evolution as a performer. Griner has also expanded his wrestling experience internationally, undertaking tours with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he has faced some of the most respected names in the industry.

Raymond Griner's abilities in the ring are characterized by a blend of raw power and developing technical skill. He is a physical wrestler, capable of delivering impactful maneuvers that wear down opponents. This physicality, combined with his increasing grasp of wrestling psychology, makes him a compelling performer to watch.

Beyond his in-ring attributes, Griner has shown potential in developing a compelling character. His imposing size and intense demeanor lend themselves well to playing either a dominant force or a calculating antagonist, offering creative possibilities for future storylines.

Griner's marketability stems from his impressive physique and undeniable presence. He embodies the image of a professional wrestler, making him an attractive figure for promotions seeking to draw attention and build a strong brand. His ability to connect with fans, whether as a hero or villain, further enhances his potential for success.

Raymond Griner's time within WWE was a complex period, characterized by both moments of success and periods of stagnation. While he did not ascend to the main event status that some predicted, he experienced success in the mid-card, securing championship titles and gaining valuable experience on a global stage. His victories in FCW and the ECW tag team division stand as tangible markers of his accomplishments during this time.

Injuries unfortunately played a role in shaping Griner's WWE career. He sustained a torn pectoral muscle in 2011, an injury that sidelined him and disrupted his momentum. Additionally, he underwent knee surgery in 2013, further impacting his ability to compete at his peak. These physical setbacks undoubtedly hindered his progress and prevented him from realizing his full potential within the WWE system.

As Raymond Griner continues his wrestling journey, his future in the industry remains promising. He possesses the key attributes necessary for success: natural talent, a dedication to his craft, and a marketable persona. If he can maintain his health and continue to develop his skills, there is no reason to believe that he cannot achieve even greater heights in the world of professional wrestling.

Raymond Griner, also known as Mason Ryan, is a prominent figure in professional wrestling, whose career has been influenced by different facets.

In-Ring Skills: Griner's technical abilities and imposing physical style have garnered recognition.
Heel Charisma: His innate capacity to portray a villain generates strong reactions from audiences.
WWE Stint: During his time in WWE, he achieved championship victories and worked alongside acclaimed wrestlers.
Market Appeal: Griner's physicality and charisma make him a marketable wrestler.
Career after WWE: He has remained active in wrestling for diverse organizations since departing from WWE.

These elements come together to create a well-rounded depiction of Raymond Griner's career. His in-ring talent, combined with his captivating heel personality, has made him a memorable performer. His WWE career, filled with both successes and challenges, has molded his path. Despite injuries, Griner's determination has enabled him to continue his wrestling career outside of WWE, showcasing his versatility and adaptability.

Raymond Griner's skill in the ring is essential to his achievement as a wrestler. His technical skill and forceful style have won him acclaim as a formidable opponent. Griner's technical proficiency is evident in his performance of intricate maneuvers, such as suplexes and submission holds. His strength and agility allow him to dominate opponents, frequently overpowering them with ease. In addition, Griner's creative employment of power moves, like his signature "Celtic Cross" powerbomb, has become linked with his in-ring image.

Griner's in-ring expertise has been crucial to his accomplishments throughout his career. His technical skills have allowed him to adapt to various wrestling styles, making him a versatile performer. His powerful style has enabled him to defeat larger and more experienced opponents, demonstrating his resilience and resolve. Furthermore, Griner's outstanding in-ring performances have enthralled audiences, cementing his position as a fan favorite.

Raymond Griner's capacity to portray a heel, or villainous character, is critical to his success in the wrestling industry. His ability to generate negative reactions from the crowd through his acts and demeanor has made him a memorable and effective performer.

One of the most important aspects of Griner's heel personality is his ability to connect with the audience on a personal level. He understands the psychology of what causes a crowd to react, and he uses this knowledge to his advantage. Griner's facial expressions, body language, and promos are all designed to elicit anger from the crowd, and he is constantly seeking ways to irritate them.

Griner's heel image has also aided his success in the ring. His ability to elicit anger from the audience gives him a psychological advantage over his opponents, which he frequently exploits. Griner is also unafraid to take risks in the ring, and he is constantly seeking new ways to surprise and amuse the audience.

Raymond Griner's time in WWE was a significant chapter in his wrestling career, characterized by both successes and failures. He reached significant milestones and collaborated with well-known wrestlers during his tenure with the company, which molded his path in the wrestling industry.

Championship Wins:
Griner's most remarkable accomplishment in WWE was winning the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship once and the ECW Tag Team Championship once with Ezekiel Jackson. These title wins demonstrated his in-ring talents and cemented his reputation as a credible competitor within the company.
Working with Reputable Wrestlers:
Throughout his WWE career, Griner had the opportunity to work alongside some of the most renowned wrestlers in the industry. He created a tag team with Ezekiel Jackson, known as The Corre, and also collaborated with CM Punk during his time on the ECW brand. These collaborations gave Griner with valuable experience and exposure, allowing him to learn from seasoned veterans and improve his performance.

Griner's WWE career, while not without its setbacks, was critical in his growth and development as a wrestler. The title victories and partnerships he experienced during this period laid the groundwork for his future success and cemented his reputation as a respected figure in the wrestling world.

Raymond Griner's marketability is a crucial component of his success in the wrestling industry. His physical characteristics and charisma make him an appealing candidate for promotions and sponsors.

Griner's physical characteristics are a major factor in his marketability. He is a tall, muscular man with a chiseled jawline and a commanding presence. This makes him an ideal candidate for modeling and other promotional activities. Furthermore, Griner's athleticism and in-ring talents make him an exciting performer to watch, further boosting his marketability.

Griner also possesses a high level of charisma. He is a natural entertainer who can connect with audiences. This charisma allows him to move beyond the ring and become a larger-than-life character. Griner's charisma has made him a popular choice for television appearances and other media endeavors.

The combination of Griner's physical characteristics and charisma makes him a very marketable wrestler. He is a valuable asset to any promotion or sponsor, and he will undoubtedly continue to be a successful wrestler for many years to come.

Raymond Griner continued his wrestling career on the independent circuit after being released from WWE in 2014. He has wrestled for various promotions, including Impact Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. He has also toured Japan with New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

Independent Circuit:
Griner has excelled on the independent circuit, winning championships and headlining major events. He has established himself as a leading star in several promotions and has amassed a devoted following among fans.
International Exposure:
Griner's international tours have allowed him to demonstrate his abilities to a global audience. He has participated in prestigious promotions such as New Japan Pro-Wrestling, gaining invaluable experience and recognition.
Career Longevity:
Griner has prolonged his career and remained active in the wrestling industry by continuing to wrestle for various promotions. He has avoided the potential pitfalls of being tied to a single promotion and has maintained his passion for wrestling.
Versatility and Adaptability:
Griner's experience in diverse promotions has allowed him to adapt to various wrestling styles and work with a diverse range of opponents. This versatility has made him a valuable asset to any promotion and has contributed to his longevity in the industry.

Griner's post-WWE career has been distinguished by sustained success and flexibility. He has demonstrated that he is a talented wrestler capable of succeeding in a variety of environments. His dedication to the sport and willingness to investigate new opportunities have guaranteed that he remains a relevant figure in the wrestling industry.

This section addresses often asked questions regarding Raymond Griner, providing succinct and informative answers to clarify common misconceptions or provide additional insights.

Question 1: What is Raymond Griner's most significant wrestling achievement?

Raymond Griner's most notable wrestling accomplishment is winning the ECW Tag Team Championship with Ezekiel Jackson during his time in WWE.

Question 2: Why did Raymond Griner leave WWE?

Raymond Griner was released from WWE in 2014, supposedly due to a mix of factors, including injuries and a lack of creative direction for his character.

These FAQs offer a quick summary of some of the key aspects of Raymond Griner's wrestling career, addressing common queries and providing insights into his journey.

Raymond Griner's career in the wrestling industry demonstrates his talent, resilience, and versatility. Griner has left an indelible mark on the wrestling world, from his technical prowess in the ring to his compelling heel persona.

Griner's determination and passion for wrestling have propelled him to continued success both within and outside of WWE, despite failures and obstacles. His ability to connect with audiences and adapt to diverse wrestling styles has secured his longevity and relevance in the industry.

Brittney Griner's father Raymond Griner speaks with FOX 26 on daughter

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Brittney Griner's Parents Raymond Griner & Sandra Griner

Buzzline Weekly

Raymond Griner: The Untold Story Of Mason Ryan (WWE Star!)

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