Evan Karagias, a native of Gastonia, North Carolina, began his journey at Hunter Huss High School, where he became an integral part of the school's theater program. His outstanding performance earned him a full collegiate wrestling scholarship to North Carolina State University in Raleigh. While pursuing his studies in political science and theater arts at NCSU, Evan also became an accomplished wrestler, leading the Wolfpack Wrestling Team to the NCAA Finals.
After completing his education, Evan relocated to New York City to pursue a career in acting and modeling. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Jennifer, on the set of the popular soap opera All My Children. Evan's modeling career flourished, as he became the spokesmodel for the 1996 Calvin Klein and US Olympic Committee advertising campaigns.
In the late 1990s, Evan was recruited by World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and began training at the WCW's "Power Plant" facility in Atlanta, Georgia. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a stunt instructor and eventually making his television debut on WCW's weekly wrestling shows as "The Outrageous Karagias."
As his wrestling career took off, Evan also began touring with the Heartland Wrestling Association, a professional wrestling promotion based in Cincinnati, Ohio. In November 1999, he won the WCW Cruiserweight Title, and in December of the same year, he released his first CD.
Evan's next major venture was the formation of the first pro-wrestling "boy band" with Shane Helms (aka "The Hurricane") and Shannon Moore, known as "Three Count." The trio debuted with a hit single, "Can't Get You Out of My Heart," which was also released as a music video.
When WCW folded in 2001 and was purchased by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF),Evan's contract was among the 24 purchased by the WWE. He was subsequently sent to the WWF's "farm territory," the Heartland Wrestling Association, before being released in December of that year without being called up to the WWF.
Evan's post-WWF career included a brief stint with Xtreme Pro Wrestling (XPW) and a successful run in the American Wrestling Association (AWA),where he challenged then-champion Eric Priest and won the AWA World Championship in one night.
Despite his impressive wrestling career, Evan remains an actor at heart, prioritizing the importance of a good script. He chose not to sign with the WWE, opting instead to focus on his acting career and continue to hone his skills in the world of professional wrestling.
