In the world of professional wrestling, where charisma is currency and only the boldest survive, few stories are as remarkable as that of Tyrus. Once dismissed as a failed experiment in WWE, the 6-foot-7 powerhouse—born George Murdoch—has now become a household name on Fox News, turning years of rejection into an unlikely victory that’s inspired millions.

A Giant’s Inauspicious Start

Tyrus’s journey began with promise. When he entered WWE’s developmental system in 2006, the wrestling world took notice of his imposing size and raw athleticism. Early on, he was cast as Brodus Clay, a menacing “monster heel” whose role was to intimidate and overpower. In 2011, he became Alberto Del Rio’s bodyguard, a position that put him in the spotlight but never quite let him shine.

Behind the curtains, however, WWE’s creative team struggled to find a lasting identity for him. The company’s relentless search for the next big star meant constant reinvention for Tyrus—and not always for the better.

A Career Derailed by Gimmicks and Overshadowed by The Shield

The turning point came in 2012, when WWE abruptly recast Tyrus as “The Funkasaurus”—a dancing, fun-loving character complete with backup dancers and garish costumes. While this comedic turn initially delighted audiences, it stripped Tyrus of the menace and seriousness he needed to be taken seriously as a contender. Critics and fans alike began to question his mic skills and acting chops, two essential ingredients for WWE superstardom.

“He wasn’t connecting the way John Cena or The Rock did,” a former WWE writer recalled. “He was imposing, but the depth just wasn’t there.”

Adding to his woes, WWE’s focus shifted to new stars. The Shield—Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose—burst onto the scene in 2012, capturing the company’s attention and leaving mid-carders like Tyrus fighting for scraps. Often booked to lose to these rising stars, Tyrus found himself stuck in a rut, unable to break through. By 2014, after years of inconsistent booking and missed opportunities, WWE released him. The dream of championship gold in wrestling’s biggest league was over.

Struggles in TNA: More of the Same

Not one to give up, Tyrus sought a fresh start with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in 2014. Adopting the Tyrus moniker, he hoped for creative freedom and a real chance to shine. Instead, he was cast as a muscle-bound sidekick for Ethan Carter III, relegated once more to a supporting role. TNA’s own backstage chaos and financial uncertainty didn’t help his cause. The criticisms that haunted him in WWE followed him to TNA: impressive physique, but lacking the charisma and mic skills to anchor a show.

By 2017, Tyrus left TNA, his wrestling career teetering on the edge of obscurity.

Redemption in the NWA

The tide began to turn when Tyrus joined the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in 2021. In the smaller, tradition-rich promotion, he finally found the creative space to reinvent himself. No longer a comic relief or a silent enforcer, Tyrus was reborn as a dominant heel, exuding both power and presence. His hard work paid off in 2022 when he captured the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship—a crowning achievement that proved he could carry a promotion as its top star.

But as he celebrated this long-awaited triumph, Tyrus knew that wrestling’s physical toll was mounting. At 49, he realized it was time to look beyond the ring for his next act.

A Second Act: Fox News and a New Kind of Spotlight

In 2016, while still wrestling, Tyrus began appearing on Fox News, starting with The Greg Gutfeld Show (later Gutfeld!). It was here that he discovered a stage perfectly suited for his unique blend of humor, insight, and authenticity. What critics once called a lack of promo skill in wrestling became an asset on television. Tyrus’s unfiltered honesty and relatable stories resonated with viewers.

Key to his rise was his on-air partnership with Kat Timpf, a libertarian commentator known for her razor-sharp wit. Timpf saw in Tyrus what wrestling promoters had missed: a natural storyteller with the ability to connect. Their chemistry was undeniable, and together they became a fan-favorite duo, trading jokes and perspectives on everything from politics to pop culture.

“WWE missed out big time,” Timpf said in a 2023 interview. “Tyrus has a raw authenticity that people crave.”

A New Kind of Superstar

Fox News viewers responded enthusiastically. Tyrus’s appearances on shows like Outnumbered, The Five, and Fox & Friends quickly made him a star in conservative media. In 2024, Fox News and OutKick rewarded him with his own show, Maintaining with Tyrus, where he tackled hot-button issues with humor and candor. The show’s success silenced any lingering doubters.

Tyrus’s journey has been chronicled in two books—Just Tyrus and Nuff Said—where he shares lessons learned from both the wrestling ring and the media spotlight. He credits his setbacks for giving him the resilience and perspective needed to succeed on his own terms.

Turning Weakness into Strength

What makes Tyrus’s story so compelling is his ability to turn perceived weaknesses into his greatest strengths. Wrestling promoters saw a one-dimensional giant; Fox News fans saw a relatable, self-made man who could speak to their concerns and hopes. With Timpf’s encouragement, Tyrus proved that he didn’t need a script or a gimmick—he just needed a stage.

“I didn’t need a script to be me,” Tyrus said on his show. “Fox gave me a chance, and the fans gave me a voice.”

Legacy: Reinvention and Resilience

Now 52, Tyrus stands as a testament to the power of reinvention. From the humiliation of bad gimmicks and being overshadowed in wrestling, to the triumph of prime-time television, he’s outlasted the doubters and rewritten his own narrative.

For anyone who’s ever been told they weren’t good enough, Tyrus’s journey is proof that with grit, self-belief, and the right opportunity, you can turn your lowest moments into your greatest victories. His story reminds us that sometimes, the script you’re handed isn’t the one you’re meant to follow—and that the biggest stage might be waiting just outside the spotlight.