Tim Storm
Tim Storm, born Timothy Scoggins in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is an American professional wrestler, teacher, and sports commentator best known for his tenure with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), where he became the promotion's oldest World Heavyweight Champion at age 51.[1] Growing up in the 1970s as a dedicated fan of regional wrestling territories such as Memphis, Georgia, and World Class Championship Wrestling, Storm initially trained under Bill Ash and debuted in 1995 before taking a hiatus to focus on his career as a school teacher.[1] He returned to the ring in 2001, competing primarily on the independent circuit in promotions like Professional Championship Wrestling (PCW) and Texas Championship Wrestling (TCW), where he honed his skills as a powerhouse performer standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 260 pounds.[2] By 2011, Storm had captured the Indy World Title at the Wringenmiesterschaft tournament, marking an early significant achievement in his comeback.[1] Storm's career reached its pinnacle in the NWA, where he signed in the mid-2010s and quickly rose to prominence by defeating Jax Dane on October 21, 2016, to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in a match that highlighted his resilience and fan appeal.[1] His 414-day reign as champion, the longest in NWA history during that era, ended on December 9, 2017, when he lost to Nick Aldis, though he later challenged unsuccessfully for the title again in 2019.[1] In addition to the world title, Storm held the NWA North American Championship and various regional honors, including the Elite Tag Team and Lone Star Heavyweight titles across independent promotions.[2] As of 2025, at age 60, he remains signed to the NWA as a color commentator for its television broadcasts and continues to make in-ring appearances under the ring name Baron Von Storm, which he adopted full-time in April 2024; he resides in Texas as a husband, grandfather, and educator with over 20 years of teaching experience.[1][2][3]Professional wrestling career
Independent circuit (1995–2014)
Tim Storm began training for a professional wrestling career in 1995 under the guidance of Bill Ash in Texas, where he learned the fundamentals of old-school wrestling psychology and in-ring performance. That same year, he made his professional debut in Texas-based independent promotions, starting with a tag team match alongside his trainer. Over the next decade, Storm established himself as a reliable journeyman performer on the Texas independent scene, competing in regional shows and gradually building a reputation for his technical skills and storytelling ability in the ring. Storm's most prominent early success came in Professional Championship Wrestling (PCW), where he became a multi-time champion. He captured the PCW Heavyweight Championship on August 27, 2005, by defeating Shadow, holding the title for a 259-day reign until dropping it to Mace Malone on May 13, 2006. He added to his accolades by winning the PCW Tag Team Championship five times, often teaming with partners such as Apocalypse (as part of The Dark Circle) and Johnny Dollaz; notable victories included defeats over The KEG Brothers on May 10, 2003, The Professionals on February 21, 2004, and The Lost Souls on May 5, 2007.[4] Beyond PCW, Storm achieved titles in other regional promotions, including the Texas Championship Wrestling (TCW) Heavyweight Championship, which he won on December 8, 2012, and defended successfully in subsequent matches against opponents like Shane Williams. On June 11, 2011, he claimed the NWA Oklahoma Heavyweight Championship, further solidifying his status among territorial wrestlers.[5] A key aspect of his PCW tenure was a heated feud with Franco D'Angelo in 2008, marked by intense matches including a hair vs. hair stipulation bout that highlighted Storm's resilience as a babyface competitor. Throughout his independent career up to 2014, Storm transitioned from midcard roles to consistent main event bookings across Texas promotions like PCW and TCW, amassing a record of reliable performances that emphasized character-driven narratives over high-flying spots. His regional dominance paved the way for a full-time affiliation with the National Wrestling Alliance later that year.NWA debut and North American Championship (2014–2016)
Tim Storm entered the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in 2014, debuting as a seasoned babyface with a strong presence in regional promotions. His initial high-profile match occurred on July 4, 2014, at the NWA Summer Clash event in Benton, Arkansas, where he challenged Byron Wilcott for the NWA North American Heavyweight Championship in a competitive bout that highlighted his veteran style and determination.[6] Although unsuccessful in capturing the title, the performance positioned Storm as a credible contender within NWA territories, drawing on his prior independent wrestling background to build fan support.[5] Storm's breakthrough came on October 17, 2014, when he defeated Byron Wilcott to win the NWA North American Heavyweight Championship at an NWA event in Sherman, Texas.[7] This victory marked the start of his first reign, lasting 177 days, during which he defended the title against notable opponents, including a hard-fought win over Apoc on April 11, 2015, at an NWA Bayou Independent Wrestling show, showcasing his resilience in intense, story-driven matches.[8] The reign elevated Storm's profile, emphasizing his role as a reliable champion who embodied traditional wrestling values in NWA storylines focused on territorial rivalries and personal grit.[9] The first reign concluded on April 12, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada, as Storm lost the title to Jax Dane in a unification match against the NWA National Heavyweight Championship, combining the belts under Dane's name.[10] Dane's subsequent injury led to the titles being vacated on May 28, 2015, prompting a tournament to crown a new champion. Storm rebounded strongly, defeating Andy Anderson in the tournament final on July 17, 2015, in Sherman, Texas, to regain the NWA North American Heavyweight Championship for his second reign.[11] Storm's second reign extended 365 days, further cementing his credibility through defenses that underscored ongoing feuds and his status as a top babyface. Notable victories included retaining against John Saxon on March 21, 2015, during his first reign, and Aaron Neil on August 14, 2015, which highlighted his technical prowess and storytelling ability in building toward larger opportunities.[12] These matches, often set against the backdrop of NWA's emphasis on classic heel-face dynamics, helped transition Storm into world title contention by late 2016. The reign ended on July 16, 2016, when Tyson Dean dethroned him in Pavo, Georgia, at an NWA Southeastern Wrestling event.[13]NWA World Heavyweight Championship reign (2016–2018)
On October 21, 2016, Tim Storm defeated Jax Dane to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at an NWA Texoma Wrestling event in Sherman, Texas, becoming the promotion's oldest champion at age 51.[1][14] This victory marked a career pinnacle for Storm, who had previously held the NWA North American Heavyweight Championship as a stepping stone to the world title.[15] During his 414-day reign, Storm made numerous defenses across various territories, including high-profile matches against legends like Jerry Lawler in 2017, where he retained the title in a bout that highlighted his resilience against established icons.[16][17] He also successfully defended against challengers such as Nick Aldis on November 12, 2017, at a Championship Wrestling from Hollywood event, and others including Timmy Lou Retton, solidifying his status as a fighting champion.[15] The reign exacted a significant emotional and physical toll on Storm, who described it as a "wild ride" amid the demands of frequent travel and in-ring battles at an advanced age for professional wrestling.[15][18] Storm's championship run ended on December 9, 2017, when he lost the title to Nick Aldis at Combat Zone Wrestling's Cage of Death 19 event in Sewell, New Jersey, concluding a reign that spanned 414 days.[1] In the aftermath, Storm engaged in notable feuds throughout 2018, particularly with Jocephus (the ring persona of James Ellsworth), which culminated in an empty arena match on January 15, 2018, at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, where Jocephus earned a shot at the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.[19][20] This rivalry provided Storm with opportunities to pursue rematches, maintaining his prominence in the division.[21] Storm's tenure as champion played a pivotal role in the NWA's revival under new owner Bill Corgan, who acquired the promotion in October 2017 during Storm's reign.[15] As the face of the company, Storm elevated its profile through global defenses—reportedly 29 in total across 11 countries—and his everyman storyline resonated with fans, bridging the pre-Corgan era to a renewed focus on traditional wrestling narratives.[15][22] His authenticity and dedication helped stabilize and promote the NWA amid its transition to television and broader media exposure.[23]Feuds, hiatus, and commentary role (2019–2023)
Following his NWA World Heavyweight Championship reign, Tim Storm entered into a high-profile feud with the Strictly Business stable in 2019, led by champion Nick Aldis and including members such as Jeff Cobb, Chris Adonis, and Thom Latimer. The rivalry intensified on the debut episode of NWA Powerrr on October 8, 2019, where Aldis defended the title against Storm in a match stipulating that a loss for Storm would result in a one-year ban from challenging for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Aldis retained the title via pinfall after interference from stablemate Kamille, enforcing the ban and sidelining Storm from main event title pursuits for the subsequent year.[24] The feud with Strictly Business continued sporadically into 2021, marked by shifting alliances as Aldis was expelled from the group for defending Storm from an attack, leading to the two former rivals teaming up against the remaining members. A notable example occurred on August 31, 2021, during an episode of NWA Powerrr, where Storm and Aldis defeated Adonis and Latimer in a tag team match, highlighting Storm's resilience amid ongoing tensions with the dominant faction.[25] Storm made limited in-ring appearances during this period, focusing on independent circuit bookings while navigating the storyline fallout from the 2019 loss. In 2022, Storm announced a shift toward semi-retirement from full-time wrestling due to accumulated injuries and his age, transitioning primarily to a non-wrestling role within the NWA. Starting mid-2022, he took on a full-time position as color commentator for NWA Powerrr, joining play-by-play announcer Joe Galli and fellow analyst Velvet Sky to provide insightful analysis during broadcasts.[26] His commentary tenure through 2023 emphasized his deep knowledge of NWA history, often highlighting matches involving former rivals like Aldis and members of Strictly Business, while he occasionally teased in-ring involvement without committing to a full return.[27]Return as Baron Von Storm (2024–present)
In 2024, Tim Storm transitioned from his commentary role to a full-time in-ring competitor in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), adopting the new heel persona of Baron Von Storm to revitalize his character.[2] This change was showcased in his debut match under the new name on April 13, 2024, at the NWA Crockett Cup, where he defeated Mims via submission with the Iron Claw in 6:03.[28] The bout aired on the July 9, 2024, episode of NWA Powerrr, introducing the aristocratic gimmick complete with a prominent mustache, formal attire, and a domineering presence as a villainous nobleman.[29] Baron Von Storm's early momentum continued with tag team partnerships, notably alongside Jax Dane. On June 1, 2024, the duo defeated The Slimeballz (Sage Chantz and Tommy Rant) to secure a number one contender spot for the NWA United States Tag Team Championship during NWA Powerrr tapings.[30] They followed with additional victories in Powerrr episodes, including a win over Magic Jake Dumas and Zyon on October 26, 2024, taped for the Samhain 2 event, emphasizing Storm's heel tactics and claw-based offense.[31] In October 2024, Baron Von Storm expanded his presence through crossover appearances in affiliated promotions, such as Texas Style Wrestling's "Catch These Stars!" event on October 12, where he competed as part of NWA talent integration.[32] This period also saw teases of broader title pursuits, leveraging his status as a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion to position him for contention in ongoing NWA narratives. Throughout 2025, Baron Von Storm remained integral to NWA storylines, participating in high-profile matches and segments on NWA Powerrr. Notable bouts included a singles victory over Pretty Boy Smooth in April 2025 during an Exodus Pro crossover, and a tag team clash with Brandon Barretta against The Temple of Duum in June 2025.[33] A key segment in September 2025 featured him addressing emerging challengers and the shifting world title landscape following major events like the Crockett Cup, hinting at renewed feuds with top contenders.[34] In November 2025, Storm defeated Daisy Kills by disqualification in a no count-out match on NWA Powerrr after interference, continuing his heel dominance and building toward potential championship opportunities.[35] As of November 2025, he continues as an active NWA competitor, focusing on heel dominance and potential championship pursuits under the promotion's evolving direction.[36]Personal life
Education and teaching career
Tim Storm began his teaching career in 2000, initially in Oklahoma, where he instructed in subjects such as history and government, while also serving as a football coach and basketball coach.[15] By the early 2000s, after relocating to Texas, Storm had established a long-term career as a junior high school history and science teacher at Euless Junior High in Euless, referring to himself as a "storyteller" in the classroom.[1][37] This educational role has shaped his wrestling persona, with Storm drawing on historical knowledge and narrative skills from teaching to craft compelling storylines and promos in matches.[1] Balancing the demands of teaching with wrestling proved challenging, particularly during his NWA World Heavyweight Championship reign from 2016 to 2018, when frequent travel and appearances strained his schedule; however, he maintained his position by relying on family support and school summer breaks.[15] As of 2025, Storm remains actively employed in his teaching role, with no indications of retirement from education.[1]Family
Tim Storm is married and serves as a devoted father to two children, while also being a grandfather. His family, based in Texas, provides crucial support for his wrestling endeavors, enabling him to maintain a demanding schedule in the ring alongside his personal commitments.[1][37] Storm often incorporated family elements into his public persona, notably through heartfelt tributes to his mother, affectionately known as "Momma Storm," during NWA entrances and promos prior to her death in 2023. These references endeared her to fans, establishing her as a symbolic pillar of his character and highlighting the personal motivations behind his performances.[38][39] The influence of his family extends to key career choices, such as Storm's decision to forgo earlier retirement plans in order to serve as an inspiration for his children through his continued achievements in professional wrestling.[1]Championships and accomplishments
National Wrestling Alliance
- NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time) – longest reign in the promotion's modern history (414 days)[3]
- NWA North American Heavyweight Championship (2 times)[3]
- NWA Oklahoma Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[2]
- NWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[3]
Professional Championship Wrestling
- PCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[2]
- PCW Tag Team Championship (5 times) – with Apocalypse (3), The Faithful & Mace Malone (1), The Faithful & James Johnson (1)[2]
Traditional Championship Wrestling
- TCW Heavyweight Championship (4 times)[2]
- TCW Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Matt Riviera and Apocalypse[2]
Other promotions
- Indy World Championship (1 time) – won in the Wringenmiesterschaft tournament (2011)[3]
- Lone Star Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[2]
- Elite Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Matt Riviera[2]
Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- PWI ranked him 449th of 500 active singles wrestlers in 2009[3]