Michael Elgin
Aaron Frobel (born December 13, 1986), better known by the ring name Michael Elgin, is a Canadian professional wrestler recognized for his power-based style and tenure in major independent promotions.[1][2] Standing at 5'11" and weighing approximately 249 pounds, he debuted in 2005 after training from age 14 and gained prominence through athletic feats like multiple buckle bombs and suplexes against larger opponents.[3][4] Elgin's most significant achievements include winning the Ring of Honor (ROH) World Championship in 2014 by defeating Adam Cole, capturing the IWGP Intercontinental Championship and NEVER Openweight Championship during his 2016–2019 run with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and securing the Impact World Championship in 2020 before his suspension.[4][5] He also won ROH's Survival of the Fittest tournament twice, in 2010 and 2015, highlighting his endurance and in-ring dominance.[6] However, his career has been defined by controversies, including allegations of sexual misconduct during the 2020 Speaking Out movement, an arrest in 2021 for violating a protective order amid claims of abuse by an ex-fiancée, and a 2022 detention in Japan for alleged theft, all of which he has publicly denied and refuted as baseless or mishandled.[7][8][9] These incidents led to releases from Impact Wrestling and NJPW, lawsuits against former employers, and a shift to independent bookings, though he continues to wrestle as of 2025 while seeking redemption through performances.[10][11]
Early life and training
Background and initial interest
Aaron Frobel, professionally known as Michael Elgin, was born on December 13, 1986, in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.[1][4] Frobel developed an interest in professional wrestling from an early age by watching matches on television. At 14 years old, he attended a local wrestling show, where he obtained a flyer advertising training opportunities, prompting him to begin his initial wrestling education as a notably large teenager.[12][4] This step marked the start of his commitment to the sport, driven by a personal ambition to compete at a high level, including aspirations to challenge for major championships he identified as early as 2002.[4]Wrestling training
Aaron Frobel, who performs under the ring name Michael Elgin, initiated his professional wrestling training at age 14 in Ontario, Canada, following a period of weight loss motivated by his aspiration to enter the industry.[13] Dissatisfied with the quality of instruction at his first unnamed training facility, Frobel relocated to the Squared Circle Training school in Toronto, where he worked under coach Rob Fuego alongside assistants including Tyson Dux and Ashley Sixx.[13][14] This structured environment emphasized fundamental techniques, conditioning, and match preparation, enabling Frobel to debut professionally at age 16 in November 2003 against Truth Martini in Hamtramck, Michigan.[15][3]Professional wrestling career
Independent circuit debut (2005–2010)
Aaron Frobel, performing as Michael Elgin, made his professional wrestling debut in late 2004 following training at Squared Circle Training in Toronto under Rob Fuego.[13][14] By early 2005, at age 18, he established himself as a regular competitor on the Canadian independent circuit, primarily in Ontario-based promotions.[1] Elgin's initial appearances included BSE Pro Wrestling events, where on September 25, 2005, he lost to Kobra Kai in the first round of a tournament.[1] He also competed in Northern Championship Wrestling (NCW), suffering a defeat to Vanessa Kraven on October 8, 2005, and in Pro Series Elite (PSE), falling to Geza Kalman Jr. on November 20, 2005.[1] These early matches highlighted his entry into multi-promotion bookings typical of the regional indie scene. In 2006, Elgin expanded to Great Canadian Wrestling (GCW), debuting with a victory over Phil Atlas on April 13 and engaging in stipulation matches, such as a no-rules tables and weapons bout against Xtremo on June 8.[16][17] He participated in GCW's title pursuits, including a ladder match for the inaugural Canadian National Championship. Throughout 2007–2008, he maintained activity across BSE and GCW, building experience in singles and tag formats amid the circuit's competitive environment. By 2009, Elgin achieved his first championship success, teaming with Ashley Sixx to capture the BSE Tag Team Championship on November 7 by defeating Kenneth Crisis and Mike Alias; they held the titles for 14 days.[1][18] This period solidified his reputation as a powerhouse performer in Canadian independents, with consistent bookings emphasizing his physical style before transitioning to larger promotions.[19]Ring of Honor tenure (2007–2016)
Elgin made his Ring of Honor (ROH) debut on January 27, 2007, losing to Shane Hagadorn in a dark match at the Battle of the Icons event.[1] He appeared sporadically in subsequent years on the independent circuit before signing with ROH in 2010 and transitioning to regular competition as a heel member of the House of Truth stable, managed by Truth Martini.[20] The group positioned Elgin as an enforcer, emphasizing his raw power in matches such as tag team bouts alongside stablemates like Zach Gowen against opponents including Grizzly Redwood and Bobby Dempsey at Fate of an Angel II on November 13, 2010.[21] By late 2012, Elgin exited the House of Truth amid internal tensions, including disputes with Roderick Strong over title opportunities, marking his shift to a fan-favorite role.[22] This change elevated his status, leading to high-profile feuds with Strong, highlighted by their singles clash at Final Battle on December 16, 2012, and with Adam Cole, whose rivalry turned personal with attacks and hair-cutting incidents en route to the ROH World Championship.[23][24] On June 22, 2014, at Best in the World, Elgin defeated Cole to capture the ROH World Championship in a match showcasing intense athleticism between the two.[25] He defended the title seven times against challengers including Strong and Kyle O'Reilly before dropping it later that year.[26] Elgin's momentum continued, culminating in a victory in the 2015 Survival of the Fittest tournament on November 14, earning another world title opportunity.[2] Elgin remained a top contender through 2016, unsuccessfully challenging Jay Lethal for the ROH World Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 10 on January 4 via the ROH-NJPW partnership.[27] On December 15, 2016, he announced his departure from ROH via social media to prioritize commitments with New Japan Pro-Wrestling.[28]Pro Wrestling Guerrilla involvement (2012–2017)
Elgin debuted for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) on May 25, 2012, at the Death to All But Metal event, where he was defeated by Willie Mack in a singles match.[29] Later that year, he participated in the 2012 Battle of Los Angeles tournament, advancing to the semifinals by defeating Davey Richards on September 1 and Ricochet on September 2 before being eliminated.[29] On October 27, at Failure to Communicate, Elgin unsuccessfully challenged Kevin Steen for the PWG World Championship in a three-way match also involving Ricochet.[29] In 2013, Elgin teamed with Brian Cage as the Unbreakable F'n Machines, debuting at the January 12 Dynamite Duumvirate of Doom Night 2 event, where they won the PWG World Tag Team Championship by defeating Super Smash Bros. (Player Uno and Stupefied) in the finals of the DDT4 tag team tournament.[30] The duo defended the titles against teams including The Young Bucks and The American Wolves (Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards).[29] Elgin also competed in singles matches that year, including victories over Rich Swann on August 30 and a loss to Kyle O'Reilly on August 31 during the Battle of Los Angeles.[31] The Unbreakable F'n Machines continued tag team defenses into 2015, defeating DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) on December 12 at All Star Weekend 11 Night 2 and The American Wolves on December 11 at Night 1.[29] Elgin's singles run included a standout match against Kamaitachi on May 20, 2016, at PWG Prince, praised for its clash of power and high-flying styles.[32] In 2017, Elgin defeated Kyle O'Reilly on April 21 at Game Over, Man and teamed with Cage against War Machines (Hanson and Ray Rowe) on June 16 at Mystery Vortex IV, marking some of his final PWG appearances during this period.[29]New Japan Pro-Wrestling expeditions (2015–2019)
Elgin debuted for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in mid-2015 as part of the Global Wars tour, a collaborative event with Ring of Honor (ROH). This excursion leveraged the ongoing partnership between the two promotions, allowing Elgin to compete against NJPW's roster in North America.[33] In February 2016, Elgin signed a two-year contract with NJPW, marking his transition to a more regular presence in the promotion. His first tour under this agreement featured participation in the 2016 New Japan Cup tournament, where he advanced to the semifinals by defeating Hiroyoshi Tenzan in the first round on March 3 and Bad Luck Fale in the second round on March 4, before losing to Hirooki Goto.[34][35][36] On May 3, 2016, at Wrestling Dontaku, Elgin captured the NEVER Openweight Championship by defeating Tomohiro Ishii, establishing himself as a formidable heavyweight contender. He held the title until June 19, 2016, when he lost it to Katsuyori Shibata. Notable defenses and matches during this period included a historic main event against Kenny Omega on May 27, 2016, highlighting two Canadian wrestlers in a prominent NJPW slot.[37] Elgin renewed his contract for another two years in February 2018, extending his expeditions through early 2019. On June 9, 2018, he reclaimed the NEVER Openweight Championship from Hirooki Goto, though this reign was brief. He also secured the IWGP Intercontinental Championship during his tenure, further solidifying his status in NJPW's junior heavyweight and midcard divisions.[38][39] By April 2019, Elgin and NJPW mutually parted ways after discussions, concluding his four-year association with the promotion following the expiration of his contract. During his expeditions, Elgin competed in over 90 matches for NJPW, often portraying a powerhouse babyface challenging established stars like Tetsuya Naito and Minoru Suzuki.International excursions (2016–2022)
In 2016, Elgin ventured into Mexican lucha libre through Lucha Libre Elite (LLE), participating in the inaugural ELITE International Tournament held from June 23 to June 26 at Arena México in Mexico City.[40] He advanced to the finals, defeating Volador Jr. on June 26 to capture the newly created ELITE World Championship, marking his first major title win outside North American promotions.[41] Elgin's excursions expanded to Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) in 2017, beginning a tour on August 22 that featured appearances in Mexico City events. On September 1, he competed in the CMLL International Gran Prix, a multi-man elimination match, where he was the last man eliminated by Diamante Azul after surviving several competitors.[42] Returning to CMLL in 2018, Elgin headlined the September 28 International Gran Prix at Arena México, representing Team World alongside wrestlers from various countries.[43] He eliminated key opponents including Último Guerrero to secure victory as the sole survivor, becoming the first non-Mexican winner since the event's revival and earning widespread acclaim for his performance in the high-stakes format.[44] During this tour, he also engaged in notable singles and tag matches, such as a best-of-three-falls loss to Último Guerrero on October 12, solidifying his status as a reliable foreign talent in CMLL's heavyweight division.[42] These Mexican outings from 2016 to 2018 showcased Elgin's adaptability to the fast-paced, aerial-oriented style of lucha libre, contrasting his power-based approach.Impact Wrestling and suspensions (2019–2020)
Elgin joined Impact Wrestling in April 2019 following his departure from New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He made his debut at the Rebellion pay-per-view event on April 28, 2019, attacking newly crowned Impact World Champion Brian Cage with a powerbomb after Cage's title victory over Sami Callihan, igniting a feud between the former tag team partners.[45][46] Throughout 2019, Elgin positioned himself as a top contender in the heavyweight division, engaging in high-profile matches including a world title challenge against Cage at Slammiversary on July 7, 2019, which he lost, and a singles bout against Naomichi Marufuji at Bound for Glory on October 20, 2019. He also competed in multi-man matches such as a four-way at Turning Point on November 9, 2019, and faced Eddie Edwards at Over Drive on November 10, 2019. Elgin's aggressive style and power-based offense contributed to his portrayal as a dominant heel, though he did not capture any championships during this period.[47][48] On June 22, 2020, Impact Wrestling announced the suspension of Elgin pending further review of allegations of misconduct raised during the #Speaking Out movement, alongside the termination of contracts for Joey Ryan and Dave Crist. Four days later, on June 26, 2020, the promotion confirmed Elgin's removal from all future programming, effectively ending his tenure with the company.[49][50][51]Return to independents and promotions (2022–present)
Following his international commitments, Elgin returned to Pro Wrestling Noah in Japan in April 2022, defeating Masa Kitamiya on April 30 at the Majestic 2022 event.[52] He then formed a tag team partnership with Kitamiya, securing victories including a win over Kongo (Katsuhiko Nakajima and Manabu Soya) on May 4 at Dream On 2022 - Day 1, and a singles triumph over Manabu Soya the following day.[48] On May 21, 2022, at Dream On 2022 Final, Elgin and Kitamiya defeated Sugiura-gun representatives to capture the GHC Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, marking Elgin's second reign with the titles in Noah.[53] The duo held the championships until June 7, 2022, after which Elgin competed in additional Noah events throughout the year, totaling 14 matches.[1][48] Transitioning back to North American independent circuits, Elgin made sporadic appearances in 2023, including a loss to Ryan Matthias on January 6 at Pro Wrestling Showcase's A Tribute For Truth event.[1] He returned to Championship International Wrestling (CIW) in October 2023 after a 16-year absence from the promotion.[54] On October 28, 2023, Elgin competed in a CIW match, rebuilding momentum amid limited bookings from larger promotions.[1] In 2024, Elgin pursued the CIW Heavyweight Championship, culminating in a steel cage victory over champion Malice on September 8 to claim the title after Malice's 1,030-day reign.[55] As champion, he defended the belt in high-profile bouts, including intense encounters with Brandon Day documented in December 2024.[56] A rematch with Day for the title was scheduled for January 26, 2025, in Toledo, Ohio.[57] On January 20, 2025, CIW issued a statement from Elgin highlighting personal sacrifices in his career, underscoring ongoing commitments to the promotion despite challenges.[58] Through 2024 and into 2025, Elgin maintained an active schedule with 17 matches in 2024 alone, achieving a 52.9% win rate.[48]Wrestling style and persona
In-ring technique
Michael Elgin employs a powerhouse wrestling style characterized by explosive strength, heavy strikes, and high-impact lifts, allowing him to overpower opponents while maintaining versatility for his 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m), 250 lb (113 kg) frame.[26] His technique draws from strong style influences gained during excursions to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, emphasizing stiff forearms, chops, and lariats to wear down foes before transitioning to suplex variations and slams.[27] Elgin's matches often feature prolonged sequences of German suplexes and delayed vertical suplexes, showcasing his grip strength and ability to execute chain wrestling against larger or more technical adversaries.[1] In grappling and submissions, Elgin favors opportunistic holds like the crossface to target the neck and arms, often setting up for power-based follow-ups rather than pure technical dominance.[3] His striking arsenal includes backhand chops, big boots, enzuigiri kicks, and hammer blows, delivered with deliberate force to simulate realistic combat impact, aligning with his "Unbreakable" persona's emphasis on resilience and raw power.[27] Despite his size, Elgin incorporates athletic flourishes such as the corkscrew senton bomb from the top rope, demonstrating agility uncommon among heavyweights and enabling him to counter faster opponents.[6] Elgin's signature maneuvers highlight his explosive athleticism: the bucklebomb, a running powerbomb into the corner; the Air Raid Crash, an over-the-shoulder back-to-belly piledriver; and the Jackhammer, a vertical suplex side slam.[3] His primary finisher, the Elgin Bomb (spinning sitout powerbomb), has been pivotal in title defenses, such as retaining the ROH World Championship on multiple occasions by driving opponents' heads into the mat with rotational force.[1] This move, refined over his independent circuit tenure, underscores his technique's blend of power and precision, often preceded by a buckle bomb to maximize impact.[26]Character development
Michael Elgin's on-screen persona debuted prominently in Ring of Honor in 2010 as a key member of the House of Truth stable, led by manager Truth Martini, where he was positioned as a dominant heel enforcer relying on brute strength and tactical aggression to overpower opponents.[20] This characterization leveraged his imposing physique to portray an unstoppable force within the faction's cult-like dynamic.[59] After breaking away from the House of Truth, Elgin shifted to a fan-favorite babyface role, cultivating the "Unbreakable" gimmick that underscored his exceptional durability and high-impact athleticism despite weighing over 250 pounds. Signature elements included executing multiple powerbombs in sequence and performing dives from elevated structures, reinforcing a narrative of physical invincibility and relentless determination.[59] This evolution aligned with his 2011 Survival of the Fittest victory and subsequent main-event pushes, establishing him as a resilient everyman hero challenging established champions.[60] In New Japan Pro-Wrestling from 2015 onward, Elgin adapted his persona to fit the promotion's hard-hitting strong style, presenting as a foreign powerhouse capable of matching elite competitors in endurance and intensity during events like the G1 Climax tournament.[59] His character emphasized adaptability, blending power moves with stiff strikes and submissions, which garnered respect for bridging North American and Japanese wrestling aesthetics. Subsequent independent and international appearances further refined this into a gritty, self-reliant archetype, focusing on perseverance amid career adversities.[61]Championships and accomplishments
Major championship reigns
Michael Elgin captured the Ring of Honor (ROH) World Championship on June 22, 2014, at Best in the World in Nashville, Tennessee, by defeating Adam Cole in the main event.[1][62] This victory marked Elgin's sole reign with ROH's premier title, lasting 76 days until he dropped it to Jay Briscoe on September 6, 2014, at All-Star Extravaganza VI in Toronto, Ontario.[62] The reign highlighted Elgin's status as a top contender in ROH, built on his prior Survival of the Fittest tournament win, though it ended amid ongoing feuds with established stars like Cole and Briscoe.[26] In New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Elgin secured the IWGP Intercontinental Championship on June 19, 2016, at Dominion 6.19 in Osaka-jo Hall, defeating defending champion Kenny Omega in the promotion's first ladder match for the title.[63] His 98-day reign concluded on September 25, 2016, at Destruction in Kobe, where he lost to Tetsuya Naito viaDestino submission.[27] This period positioned Elgin as a gaijin heavyweight challenging NJPW's elite, with defenses against international competitors underscoring the title's midcard-to-main-event prestige before its unification.[63] Elgin's brief tenure as NEVER Openweight Champion came on June 9, 2018, at Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall, where he defeated Hirooki Goto to claim NJPW's openweight division crown.[64] Recognized as the shortest reign in the title's history at eight days, it ended on June 17, 2018, against Goto in a rematch.[65] The quick turnaround reflected NJPW's emphasis on competitive resets in the NEVER brand, though Elgin's power-based style aligned with the division's hardcore ethos during his limited defenses.[64]Tournament victories and awards
Elgin secured victory in the Ring of Honor (ROH) Survival of the Fittest tournament on November 18, 2011, last eliminating Adam Cole to win the multi-man elimination match.[2] He repeated as winner on October 3, 2015, again as the sole survivor in the final elimination bout, marking the first time any wrestler achieved this feat in the event's history.[2] [26] In independent promotions, Elgin claimed the Absolute Intense Wrestling (AIW) J.T. Lightning Invitational Tournament on May 24, 2014, defeating John Thorne in the finals after advancing through a series of singles matches.[2] That same year, on October 18, he won the IWA Mid-South Revolution Strong Style Tournament, overcoming multiple opponents in a strong style showcase event.[26] Elgin triumphed in the inaugural Lucha Libre Elite International Tournament on June 5, 2016, defeating Volador Jr. in the final to also capture the promotion's newly established World Championship.[66] In 2017, he won the New Japan Pro-Wrestling New Japan Rumble battle royal on January 5, eliminating the final competitors to earn the victory.[26] Additionally, on October 27, 2018, Elgin was part of the winning team in the CMLL International Gran Prix, contributing to the foreign team's success in the annual tag-team elimination match.[26]| Tournament | Promotion | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Survival of the Fittest | ROH | November 18, 2011 | Sole survivor; defeated Adam Cole last.[2] |
| J.T. Lightning Invitational | AIW | May 24, 2014 | Finals win over John Thorne.[2] |
| Revolution Strong Style | IWA Mid-South | October 18, 2014 | Multi-opponent strong style format.[26] |
| International Tournament (inaugural) | Lucha Libre Elite | June 5, 2016 | Defeated Volador Jr. in finals; awarded World Championship.[66] |
| New Japan Rumble | NJPW | January 5, 2017 | Battle royal victory.[26] |
| International Gran Prix | CMLL | October 27, 2018 | Team win in tag elimination.[26] |