Tyrus: From Wrestling Giant to Fox News Powerhouse — A Remarkable Journey of Reinvention

In the high-stakes world of professional wrestling, where larger-than-life personalities and intense rivalries define the entertainment, few stories are as inspiring as that of Tyrus (born George Murdoch). Once dismissed by the industry as a one-dimensional giant with little acting or mic skills, Tyrus’ remarkable transformation into a major media figure at Fox News proves that talent and perseverance can redefine a career—even after multiple setbacks. His rise from the wrestling ring to the TV screen is not just a tale of redemption; it’s a testament to the power of reinvention and the importance of finding your voice.

A Promising Start Derailed in WWE: From Brodus Clay to Funkasaurus

When Tyrus first stepped into the WWE ring in 2006, the world saw a towering, 375-pound athlete with the potential to dominate the squared circle. Initially debuting as Brodus Clay, WWE executives saw his raw power and commanding presence and cast him as the classic “monster heel”—the intimidating bad guy. Clay’s role as Alberto Del Rio’s bodyguard in 2011 showcased his intimidating size and physicality.

However, WWE’s creative team struggled to define him, ultimately turning Tyrus’ character into a comedic gimmick. In 2012, WWE rebranded him as “The Funkasaurus,” a character who danced his way to the ring to funky beats, flanked by backup dancers called the Funkadactyls. This abrupt shift in persona baffled fans and critics alike, with Tyrus shedding his fearsome image to become the butt of jokes. His once-promising career seemed to stall, and critics pointed to his lack of mic skills and ability to sell storylines as major flaws.

By 2014, after years of inconsistent booking and a lack of meaningful character development, Tyrus was released from WWE, leaving behind a career full of potential that seemed to have fizzled out.

The Stumbling Block in TNA: More of the Same?

Tyrus didn’t give up after leaving WWE. He joined Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in 2014, hoping to find a fresh start. Under the TNA banner, he adopted a new persona as Ethan Carter III’s enforcer. However, history repeated itself. Once again, Tyrus was relegated to a secondary role, his potential largely wasted in forgettable feuds and storyline gimmicks. The same critiques followed him from WWE to TNA: he was a massive talent but lacked the acting chops to take center stage.

Despite his impressive physicality and raw talent, Tyrus found himself overshadowed by more charismatic performers in the promotion, which led to frustration. By 2017, Tyrus parted ways with TNA, his wrestling career seeming to stagnate.

Redemption in NWA: A New Beginning

In 2021, Tyrus found himself at a crossroads. It wasn’t in the big leagues like WWE or TNA, but in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), a smaller promotion with a rich history and a focus on traditional wrestling. This time, Tyrus was given the creative freedom he had long been denied in the past. In NWA, he was not relegated to comedic gimmicks or secondary roles. Instead, Tyrus was molded into a dominant force, exuding both menace and charisma.

In 2022, Tyrus captured the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship—a monumental achievement in his wrestling career. For the first time, he was celebrated as a main-event talent, showing the world that he could carry a promotion and be a major player in the wrestling world. Despite the physical toll that wrestling had taken on him, Tyrus had finally found a space where his talents could shine.

But even as he achieved success in the ring, Tyrus knew that wrestling wasn’t the future for him. At 49, he was facing the reality that his body could no longer withstand the grueling demands of professional wrestling. The NWA title marked his crowning achievement, but it also set the stage for a new chapter—one that would see him transition from wrestling to television.

Tyrus Finds His Voice on Fox News

Tyrus’ next act came when he joined Fox News in 2016, continuing to make use of his larger-than-life persona. Initially appearing on The Greg Gutfeld Show, Tyrus’ personality—a mix of humor, blunt opinions, and unfiltered commentary—made him an immediate hit with audiences. His background in wrestling gave him a unique edge in media, as he could hold his own during debates and make himself heard without fear of controversy.

But it wasn’t until he teamed up with Gutfeld! co-host Kat Timpf that Tyrus truly hit his stride. Timpf, known for her sharp wit and fearless commentary, helped Tyrus refine his on-air presence, bringing out his natural storytelling skills. The duo’s chemistry quickly captivated audiences, turning Gutfeld! into a show that blended humor, politics, and candid moments. Tyrus’ approachability and charisma shone through, and he became an integral part of the program’s success.

In 2024, Fox News launched Maintaining with Tyrus, a solo show on OutKick where Tyrus could discuss everything from cancel culture to personal empowerment, drawing in a wide audience and solidifying his position as a prominent media personality. The show’s success marked a new phase in his career, allowing Tyrus to move beyond wrestling and firmly establish himself as a respected commentator.

A New Era: Tyrus as a Cultural Force

What makes Tyrus’ journey truly remarkable is his ability to defy the odds and reinvent himself at every turn. WWE and TNA saw him as a one-note giant, too stiff to truly capture the audience’s attention. But Tyrus’ unique brand of humor, paired with his candid, no-nonsense approach to politics, allowed him to carve out a new path in the media world.

Tyrus’ success in broadcasting wasn’t handed to him—he earned it. His wrestling days taught him resilience, but his transition to television showed that his talents extended far beyond the ring. His authenticity, humor, and willingness to speak his mind have resonated with viewers across political lines, making him a beloved figure in media.

At 52, Tyrus has proven that you don’t need to fit into a prescribed mold to be successful. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, reinvention, and the importance of finding your voice—no matter what career path you pursue.

Conclusion: Tyrus Rewrites the Rules of Success

Tyrus’ transition from WWE’s “Funkasaurus” to the NWA World Heavyweight Champion, and finally to Fox News personality, demonstrates that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. His career is defined not by the setbacks or labels imposed on him by others but by his ability to adapt, grow, and use his voice to inspire and entertain.

Whether he’s stepping into the wrestling ring or hosting a late-night talk show, Tyrus continues to rewrite the rules of success. His journey shows that with resilience, authenticity, and the willingness to challenge expectations, you can create a legacy that transcends any one industry or role. Tyrus may have been overlooked in the past, but today, he’s outshining the very industry that doubted him.