Evan Golden (wrestler)

Robert Evan Lee Cox (born September 29, 2000), better known by the ring name Evan Golden, is an American professional wrestler currently performing for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). A second generation wrestler, he is the son of Eddie Golden and the third member of the Golden wrestling family.

Early life
Robert Evan Lee Cox was born on September 29, 2000, in Asheville, North Carolina. His father, Eddie, worked as a professional wrestler, touring the Southeast. Cox attended Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College where he graduated a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and the International Thespian Society.

Early career (2021–2022)
Golden debuted on December 18, 2021, for the Asheville-based promotion Uprise Pro Wrestling, accompanied to the ring by his father, Eddie. Golden was provided training from his dad alongside E.Z. Money and Jeff Connelly. Golden defeated Connelly in a student vs teacher match on October 22, 2022 at a fundraising event.

National Wrestling Alliance (2023–present)
Early appearances (2023–2024)

Golden unsuccessfully challenged Kerry Morton for the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship in Mountain City, Tennessee on May 17, 2023. Immediately after the match, Golden tagged alongside Jeff Paul against Morton and Bryan Montgomery in an impromptu tag team match.

Golden competed at SOM Live and the National Wrestling Alliance's Monsters of the Midway event on July 28, 2023. Golden retained the SOM Hybrid Championship against Victor Andrews, Blade Gibson, and Jackson Black. Golden retained the championship in a defense against Kirk Cazana on August 8, 2023.

NWA-JCP Southeast (2024–present)

On February 9, 2024, Golden debuted for National Wrestling Alliance Joe Cazana Promotions Southeast, the official southeastern territory for the NWA. Golden teamed alongside Michael Gabriel as The Guiding Light in a losing effort to The Country Gentlemen, AJ and KC Cazana.

Golden and Gabriel returned to NWA-JCP on May 10, 2024 at Showdown at Sunbright, revealing Sal Rinauro as their new manager. The Guiding Light, now accompanied by Rinauro, faced Gustavo and JeMiale. Golden and Gabriel emerged victorious after Golden blinded JeMiale with an eyerake, allowing Rinauro to burn JeMiale with a fireball from the Book of Gabriel. After stealing the victory, Golden and Gabriel remained at ringside for Rinauro’s match with Tyler Shoop. Golden attempted to use the Book of Gabriel fireball on Shoop, but the fire did not take shape, allowing Shoop to throw Rinauro into the book and execute a schoolboy pin. After the loss for Rinauro, a tense argument ensued before Golden and Rinauro made up.

On June 14, 2024, Golden and Gabriel challenged The Zenith (JR Miller and TDT) to a match at NWA-JCP Showcase Series: Back to the Basics in Decatur, Tennessee. Golden and Gabriel lost the match after Gabriel failed his attempt to cheat.

Professional wrestling style, persona, and reception
Golden utilizes the somersault neckbreaker as his finisher, known as the Afterburner. Golden inherited the finisher from his trainer E.Z. Money, who innovated the move in ECW and WCW. Golden occasionally employs a diving neckbreaker variation of the move called the Super Afterburner. Golden also inherited the Pendulum of Pain from Money, a rocking horse Boston crab. Golden uses a variety of different moonsault variations, most notably the top rope moonsault and the standing moonsault.

Golden has donned a flamboyant vogue since the beginning of his career, popularizing concepts such as illuminating jackets and body glitter. Golden has received acclaim for his work as a heel, often instigating fans and provoking spectators at ringside. Golden has utilized his promo abilities to host his own talk show, 24 Karat Gold, using the platform to initiate matches and trash talk.

Music career
On March 19, 2020, Golden debuted his first single as a musician on streaming platforms. Golden released the following single, "Walk", a year later. Golden released his third single titled "Jet Lag" in collaboration with MecHeoN on May 28. Golden released his fourth single titled "Huntin' for Myself" alongside James Tate on July 10, 2021.

Championships and accomplishments

 * SOM Live
 * SOM Hybrid Championship (1 time)
 * SOM East Tennessee Heavyweight Championship (1 time, current)
 * SOM East Tennessee Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with KC Cazana and Michael Gabriel
 * SOM Awards (1 time)
 * Breakout Star of the Year (2023)
 * Southern Pride Championship Wrestling
 * SPCW Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)