Jonathan Rhine
Jonathan Rhine (born July 7, 1984) is an American professional wrestler most known for his work in FUSE.
Early Life
Jonathan Rhine was born in New Orleans, LA to Sylvia and Gregory Rhine. He was the first-born of three children, and as the oldest he was most affected by his father's competitive nature. He was enrolled in the local parish sports club and played football, basketball, and baseball until he was 12. When he was 12 years old, his father brought him to a local gym and began to teach him how to wrestle both professional and amateur style.
Getting Discovered
Jonathan practiced both styles of wrestling until he was in high school, when he favored the amateur style because it was offered at school. He won a district championship in the 140 division his first year, and in his second year won the state championship. At the end of his winning match, Foster Nackedy, a local New Orleanian and an NWC star at the time, told Jonathan that he was special and if he was ever interested in wrestling professionally to give Foster a call. After high school ended, Jonathan was offered a scholarship to Rice, but turned it down because he was no longer interested in amateur wrestling. Ready to take the plunge, he gave Foster Nackedy a call.
Gray's Wrestling Academy
Jonathan was immediately entered into the training program of Grey's Wrestling Academy, a school started by Pat Gray, Foster's first trainer. After Gray died do to an unknown illness, there were many head trainers over the next few years until Foster finally retired from the NWC to teach the school. By the time Foster became head trainer, Jonathan Rhine had become the golden boy of the Academy, impressing all of his teachers and classmates with his natural ability and propensity to learn. Foster soon turned Gray's into a promotion, holding house shows at the St. Bernard Parish Civic Center. After a few weeks, Rhine became the champion there, and Foster decided it was time for him to truly shine. He sent video packages to several federations, showing Rhine's skill and also his intelligence and good nature. After a few months, FUSE sent a contract.