From Wrestling Rings to Fox News: The Unlikely Rise of Tyrus and His Ultimate Triumph Over Hollywood’s Giants

In the brutal world of professional wrestling, where larger-than-life personas rise and fall under the spotlight, Tyrus, born George Murdoch, has become a figure that defies all expectations. Once dismissed as nothing more than a towering behemoth with little more than brute strength, Tyrus has reinvented himself and outlasted the doubts of those who once believed his career would be a footnote in WWE history.

From struggling under erratic character changes in the WWE, to being relegated to sidekick roles in TNA, Tyrus’s journey is a saga of resilience, comeback, and ultimate redemption. But it wasn’t until his departure from the squared circle and his entrance into the media world that Tyrus finally found his true calling—and turned Fox News into his personal stage.

How did this ex-wrestler, once considered a failure in the world of sports entertainment, become one of the most charismatic figures in conservative media? Let’s explore how Tyrus went from being a wrestling giant to a media powerhouse, and how he silenced his critics by making an unprecedented leap that most never thought possible.

A Star Was Born… and Quickly Overlooked in WWE

Tyrus’s story began in 2006, when he stepped into the WWE ring for the first time as Brodus Clay. At 375 pounds and standing at 6’7″, Tyrus’s imposing presence made him an immediate standout. The WWE brass saw potential in the giant and decided to cast him in the role of a menacing enforcer for Alberto Del Rio. It was a role that showcased his physical power, but unfortunately, his lack of versatility both in the ring and on the mic became glaringly apparent.

The WWE creative team’s indecisiveness about Brodus Clay’s character left Tyrus stuck in a creative limbo. And just when it seemed like he might break through, WWE made a shocking decision. The Funkasaurus—a dancing, lighthearted character with a ridiculous gimmick—was born. Gone was the menacing enforcer, replaced with a comical funk-loving giant shimmying down to the ring to funky beats, complete with backup dancers.

The move was a disaster. While some fans enjoyed the absurdity of it for a brief period, it completely stripped Tyrus of the gravitas needed to succeed at the top of the wrestling hierarchy. He was dismissed as nothing more than a sideshow. “He wasn’t John Cena or The Rock,” said one former WWE writer. Despite his physical stature, Tyrus’s career was overshadowed by the meteoric rise of new stars like The Shield, leaving him constantly scrambling for scraps.

By 2014, after a series of uninspired storylines and character reboots, Tyrus was released from WWE—his wrestling career hanging by a thread.

TNA: The Struggles Continue

Seeking a fresh start, Tyrus joined Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in 2014. However, much like his WWE run, his TNA tenure was marred by poor booking and lackluster character development. Cast as Ethan Carter III’s enforcer, Tyrus found himself relegated to a background role, his potential squandered once again.

Despite his massive size and undeniable presence, Tyrus struggled to connect with fans, just as he had in WWE. “He was a great big man, but didn’t have the storytelling ability to captivate audiences like AJ Styles or Kurt Angle,” said a TNA insider. Tyrus’s career in TNA ended in 2017 with little fanfare, and for many, it seemed like his days as a performer were numbered.

The Turning Point: NWA and the Title That Changed Everything

However, just when it seemed like Tyrus was destined for obscurity, his fortunes changed when he joined the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in 2021. No longer confined to comedic gimmicks or secondary roles, Tyrus was finally given the creative freedom to build a new, more compelling persona. The dominant heel was born, and for the first time in years, Tyrus was allowed to shine.

The culmination of his reinvention came in 2022 when he won the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship. It was a crowning achievement, proving that Tyrus could still be a top-tier talent, capable of carrying a promotion on his broad shoulders. But, at 49 years old, Tyrus knew his wrestling days were numbered. The championship was a personal triumph, but it also marked the perfect opportunity for Tyrus to pivot to a new chapter in his life.

From Wrestling to the Spotlight: Tyrus Finds His Voice on Fox News

Enter Fox News. While still wrestling, Tyrus began making appearances on Fox News, initially as a guest on The Greg Gutfeld Show. His larger-than-life personality, honed through years of wrestling promos, made him an instant hit with the Fox audience. But it wasn’t until he began regularly appearing alongside Kat Timpf—a sharp-witted libertarian commentator—that Tyrus truly came into his own.

Timpf saw something that WWE and TNA had missed: Tyrus was a natural storyteller. His voice wasn’t just the booming command of a wrestler—it was the voice of someone who had experienced real struggles and had something to say. Together, they created a dynamic on-screen duo that captured the imagination of viewers.

Tyrus’s candid humor and no-holds-barred approach to politics and pop culture endeared him to a growing fanbase. His audience could see that Tyrus wasn’t just a former wrestler—he was a relatable, charismatic media personality capable of holding his own alongside seasoned pundits. Fox News quickly recognized this potential, rewarding Tyrus with his own solo show on OutKick in 2024, titled Maintaining with Tyrus. The show has been a massive hit, with Tyrus now firmly established as a media force.

Out of the Ring, Into the Spotlight: Tyrus’s Ultimate Triumph

Tyrus’s journey is a story of defiance, resilience, and reinvention. From a career marred by bad gimmicks and missed opportunities in the wrestling world to a media powerhouse who commands attention, Tyrus has proven that he’s far from the one-dimensional giant that critics once pegged him as.

Tyrus now stands at 52 as a living testament to the power of re-invention in an industry that often casts aside those who don’t fit its mold. He’s not just a former wrestler turned pundit—he’s a leading voice in the media, a breath of fresh air in a sea of polished talking heads. His memoir, Just Tyrus, and follow-up book, Nuff Said, have further cemented his status as an authentic, unapologetic figure in American media.

The New Titan of Media: Tyrus vs. The World

Tyrus’s rise isn’t just about his personal success—it’s about the changing dynamics of the media world. While many former wrestlers like The Rock have successfully transitioned to acting, Tyrus has chosen a different path—one that has made him a media titan in his own right. His story isn’t just a comeback; it’s a revolution.

Now, with his strong presence on Fox News, his own successful show, and his growing social media influence, Tyrus has surpassed the very industry that once doubted him. He’s rewritten the rules of celebrity, proving that authenticity, humor, and resilience can take you farther than just being a big guy in the ring.

Conclusion: Tyrus, The Reinvention of a Star

Tyrus’s evolution from WWE’s Funkasaurus to Fox News superstar proves that with the right mix of grit, authenticity, and timing, anyone can defy the odds and redefine themselves in the public eye. He’s not just out of the ring; he’s out of their league.

Tyrus’s legacy is no longer defined by the shadow of The Shield or by a dancing gimmick. It’s defined by his unyielding ability to adapt, his ability to speak his truth, and his unmistakable charisma. Hollywood and wrestling may have doubted him, but today, Tyrus stands as a titan in the media world—proving that sometimes, the best stories are the ones that take years to unfold.

Tyrus is not just in the game—he’s rewriting the rules. And for everyone who ever doubted him, he’s living proof that the biggest comebacks often come from the most unexpected places.