Braun Strowman

2.1. Childhood and Education

Adam Joseph Scherr was born on September 6, 1983, in Sherrills Ford, North Carolina, near Charlotte, to Sara and Rick "Crusher" Scherr. His father, Rick "Crusher" Scherr, is renowned as one of the greatest slow-pitch softball players of all time and is a USSSA Hall of Fame member. Rick still holds All-Time World Series records for home runs (101), hits (166), and RBI (202). Adam has a younger sister named Hannah. As a child, he spent time in Arkansas and Tennessee. He attended Bandys High School, where he actively participated in American football, track and field, and amateur wrestling. During his high school years, Scherr experienced a significant growth spurt, growing from 5.7 ft ^{(1.73 m)} in his freshman year to 6.4 ft ^{(1.96 m)} by graduation in 2001. After graduating, he took a break until 2003 when he enrolled in a community college. For the next four years, he played semi-professional football for the Hickory Hornets, supplementing his income by working as a doorman and a mechanic. In 2007, Scherr attended the NFL Scouting Combine but ultimately did not pursue a professional football career.

2.2. Strongman career

In the late 2000s, Adam Scherr transitioned from football to amateur strongman competitions, quickly making a name for himself in the strength athletics world. He earned his Strongman Corporation (ASC) Professional Card by winning the NAS Amateur National Championships on November 5, 2011.

His strongman achievements include:

• 2010**:
  • Winner of the Monster of the Midland.
  • Winner of the Europa Battle of Champions.
• 2011**:
  • Winner of Central GA Strongest Man.
  • Winner of Summerfest Strongman.
  • Winner of West Cary Fall Festival of Power.
  • Winner of the NAS US Amateur National Championships.
• 2012**:
  • Winner of the Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships on March 4, which took place during the Arnold Sports Festival. This victory, where he achieved a total of 64.2 points, earned him an invitation to the 2013 Arnold Strongman Classic. This achievement also led to him being called "Strongest of the world's man," which later influenced his ring name.
  • Finished 5th overall at the SCL North American Championships on July 8.
  • Finished 7th overall at the Giants Live Poland event on July 21, where he earned the nickname "The Straw Man."
• 2013**:
  • Competed in the Arnold Strongman Classic on March 4, finishing in 10th place.

3.1. WWE Performance Center and training

Scherr signed a developmental contract with the professional wrestling promotion WWE in May 2013 and was assigned to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. There, he adopted the ring name Braun Strowman. The name "Braun" was inspired by Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun, while "Strowman" was a tweaked version of his strongman nickname, "The Straw Man," which itself was a shortened form of "Strongest of the World's Man."

In 2014, he made appearances as one of Adam Rose's "Rosebuds" in his Exotic Express gimmick. Scherr made his professional wrestling debut at an NXT live event in Jacksonville, Florida on December 19, 2014, where he defeated Chad Gable. On June 2, 2015, Strowman also appeared at a Main Event taping in a dark match, defeating an unidentified wrestler.

3.2. The Wyatt Family

On the August 24, 2015, episode of Raw, Strowman made his main roster debut as a villain by attacking Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns, establishing himself as the newest member of The Wyatt Family alongside Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, and Erick Rowan. He wore a black sheep mask during this period, emphasizing his physically dominant persona.

Strowman had his first televised singles match on the August 31 episode of Raw, defeating Ambrose by disqualification. At Night of Champions on September 20, The Wyatt Family defeated Ambrose, Reigns, and Chris Jericho in a six-man tag team match, with Strowman securing the win by making Jericho pass out to his lifting arm triangle choke. On December 13 at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, The Wyatt Family defeated The ECW Originals (Bubba Ray Dudley, D-Von Dudley, Rhyno, and Tommy Dreamer) in an eight-man tag team elimination tables match.

On January 24, 2016, Strowman participated in the Royal Rumble match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, eliminating five opponents before being eliminated by Brock Lesnar. He later returned to the match to help his fellow Wyatt Family members eliminate Lesnar. At Fastlane on February 21, The Wyatt Family lost to Big Show, Kane, and Ryback, but they secured a victory in a rematch the following night on Raw. On April 3 at WrestleMania 32, Strowman appeared during The Rock and John Cena's confrontation with The Wyatt Family, taking a Rock Bottom during the exchange. The Wyatt Family then began a feud with the WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day, defeating them in a six-man tag team match on July 24 at Battleground.

3.3. Singles competition

After the dissolution of The Wyatt Family, Braun Strowman embarked on a dominant singles career, quickly becoming one of WWE's most formidable forces.

As part of the 2016 WWE draft, Strowman was drafted to the Raw brand, separating him from The Wyatt Family, whose other members were drafted to SmackDown. This marked the beginning of his singles career. In the following weeks on Raw, Strowman modified his appearance and easily defeated various local wrestlers, including James Ellsworth, who posed little challenge. On the September 5 episode of Raw, Sin Cara challenged Strowman for disrespecting luchadores, but Strowman defeated him by countout and then by pinfall in subsequent weeks.

On the October 17 episode of Raw, Strowman won a one-on-three handicap match against three local competitors and was then confronted by Sami Zayn. Their scheduled match the following week on Raw never officially started as both men attacked each other before the bell. On October 31, Strowman won a battle royal by last eliminating Zayn, earning a spot on Team Raw for the traditional Survivor Series five-on-five elimination match. At the event on November 20, Strowman eliminated Dean Ambrose but was the first man eliminated from Team Raw after being counted out due to interference from James Ellsworth, whom Strowman later put through a table. Team Raw ultimately lost the match.

On the December 12 episode of Raw, Raw general manager Mick Foley announced a ten-minute time limit match between Strowman and Zayn for Roadblock: End of the Line on December 18, which Strowman failed to win within the time limit. The next night on Raw, Strowman, frustrated by Zayn being given the night off, attacked Sin Cara and Titus O'Neil during their match, and later interfered in a match between Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns against Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens. Strowman finally defeated Zayn in a Last Man Standing match on the January 2, 2017, episode of Raw, concluding their feud.

At the Royal Rumble on January 27, Strowman interfered in the Universal Championship match between Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns, helping Owens retain. Later that night, Strowman entered the Royal Rumble match at #7, eliminating Mojo Rawley, Big Cass, Kalisto, Mark Henry, Big Show, James Ellsworth, and Tye Dillinger before being eliminated by Baron Corbin. On the January 30 episode of Raw, Strowman challenged for his first world championship against Kevin Owens for the Universal Championship, a match granted by Foley after Owens had previously promised him a title shot. Strowman won by disqualification after Reigns interfered. Strowman continued to demand tougher competition, easily defeating four local competitors before being granted a match with Reigns at Fastlane, who had also attacked him in a match against Samoa Joe, causing Joe to win. At Fastlane on March 5, Strowman suffered his first loss by pinfall against Reigns. At WrestleMania 33 on April 2, Strowman competed in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, which was won by Mojo Rawley.

3.4. Independent circuit and WWE return

Following his initial departure from WWE, Adam Scherr explored opportunities on the independent circuit before making a significant return to his former company.

As part of the 2020 Draft in October, Strowman was drafted to the Raw brand. At Survivor Series on November 22, Strowman was part of Team Raw, who defeated Team SmackDown in a clean sweep. At Royal Rumble on January 31, 2021, he entered at #30, eliminating Sheamus, Cesaro, and AJ Styles but was eliminated by eventual winner Edge.

On the March 1, 2021, episode of Raw, Strowman teamed with WWE official Adam Pearce to face the Raw Tag Team Champions The Hurt Business, but they were unsuccessful after Shane McMahon forced Strowman to tag Pearce in, leading to a pinfall loss. The next week, Strowman demanded an explanation and apology from Shane McMahon, who instead mocked him and called him "stupid," turning Strowman face. McMahon was scheduled to face Strowman at Fastlane, but McMahon suffered a kayfabe left knee injury and was replaced by Elias, whom Strowman defeated. At WrestleMania 37, Strowman defeated McMahon in a steel cage match.

On the Raw after WrestleMania, Strowman faced Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton in a triple threat match for a WWE Championship opportunity at WrestleMania Backlash, but McIntyre pinned Orton to win. On the April 26 episode of Raw, Strowman defeated McIntyre to gain entry into the WWE Championship match after interference from Mace and T-Bar. At WrestleMania Backlash, Strowman failed to win the title from Bobby Lashley in a triple threat match also involving McIntyre. This would be his final match for WWE before his release on June 2, 2021.

After his release, Scherr debuted at Free The Narrative 2: The Monsters In Us All, defeating the show's creator EC3. In January 2022, Scherr teamed with the former Erick Rowan (now Erick Redbeard) in a match against Bully Ray & nZo at Northeast Wrestling's WrestleFest XXVI on January 22, with Scherr and Redbeard winning. This marked their first time teaming together in five years.

Scherr debuted at the ROH pay-per-view Final Battle on December 11, 2021, where he, EC3, and Westin Blake formed the new Control Your Narrative stable and attacked Eli Isom, Dak Draper, and Brian Johnson. On February 17, 2022, Scherr, along with EC3, revealed the formation of their own wrestling promotion, Control Your Narrative (CYN). The company began tapings for an impending TV deal in March, taking inspiration from Fight Club by featuring talent booking their own storylines, resembling the early stages of Fight Club's "Project: Mayhem".

On September 1, 2022, Scherr was reported to have re-signed with WWE. On the September 5 episode of Raw, Braun Strowman returned to WWE, attacking every competitor in a fatal four-way tag team match. On the October 14 episode of SmackDown, Strowman was confronted by Omos, starting a feud between the two. At Crown Jewel on November 5, Strowman defeated Omos. Strowman then entered the SmackDown World Cup, where the winner would earn an eventual Intercontinental Championship match against Gunther. He defeated Jinder Mahal in the first round before losing to Ricochet in the semifinals after interference from Imperium. Strowman formed an alliance with Ricochet and feuded with Imperium, with Strowman and Ricochet emerging victorious against them in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight on the Christmas Eve edition of SmackDown. Strowman challenged Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship on the January 13, 2023, episode of SmackDown, but lost.

In the 2023 WWE Draft, Strowman was drafted to the Raw brand. He went on hiatus soon thereafter due to undergoing neck surgery. He made a brief return during the opening segment on the August 25, 2023, episode of SmackDown, which was a tribute to his friend Bray Wyatt, who had died the previous day due to a heart attack. Strowman returned from injury on the April 29, 2024, episode of Raw. In mid-2024, Strowman feuded with 'Big' Bronson Reed, destroying WWE property including cars and backstage equipment. Their rivalry culminated in a Last Monster Standing on September 30, which Strowman won after Seth 'Freakin' Rollins performed The Stomp on Reed, allowing Strowman to get to his feet. During the match, Strowman suffered a torn groin injury, sidelining him for some time. He returned from injury on the December 13 episode of SmackDown, where he moved to the SmackDown brand and defeated Carmelo Hayes in a squash match. On the December 20 episode of SmackDown, Strowman was a guest on The Grayson Waller Effect with A-Town Down Under's Grayson Waller and Austin Theory, until Carmelo Hayes interrupted, leading to a match where Strowman lost via count-out. At Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVIII, Strowman defeated Jacob Fatu by disqualification after Fatu shoved the referee. At the Royal Rumble on February 1, Strowman eliminated Fatu before being eliminated by John Cena.

4.1. Family and relationships

Adam Scherr is the son of Sara and Rick "Crusher" Scherr, a renowned slow-pitch softball player. He has a younger sister named Hannah. Scherr is the godfather of Bray Wyatt and JoJo Offerman's son. He was formerly in a relationship with fellow professional wrestler Raquel Rodriguez, having met at a gym in 2019 and becoming friends before dating. He has also dated professional wrestler Kamille.

4.2. Hobbies and interests

Scherr is a passionate supporter of the Green Bay Packers. He has stated that although he and his sister were born outside of Wisconsin, it still feels like home to him, and he actively roots for the Packers.

5.1. Signature moves and finishing moves

Strowman's arsenal of moves emphasizes his strength and size, often leading to devastating impacts on his opponents.

• Monster Slam (Powerbomb) - This became his primary finisher upon his return to WWE. After tearing his tank top, he puts his opponent's head between his legs, then lifts them high to slam them down onto the canvas. He has even used this move on super heavyweights like Otis.
• Running Powerslam (Modified Avalanche hold) - A signature finishing move where he hoists his opponent onto his shoulder and then slams them down with his full body weight. Although often referred to as a "powerslam," it differs from the traditional move.
• Flip Facebuster (Modified Yokosuka Cutter) - An early finisher where he lifts the opponent into a Canadian backbreaker position, then rotates them horizontally to drop them head-first, similar to Yokosuka Susumu's Yokosuka Cutter.
• Lifting Arm Triangle Choke - An early finisher where he applies an Arm triangle choke and lifts the opponent off the ground.
• Chokeslam - A common power move.
• Release Inverted Spinebuster - A variation of the spinebuster.
• Yokosuka Cutter - An early finishing move.
• GET THESE HANDS - A powerful Hammer punch to the opponent's chest. This move is so strong it can reportedly break steel ladders. It also became a catchphrase.
• Strowman Express (Enhanced Tackle) - A signature move used outside the ring, a running shoulder block that often sends opponents crashing through barriers or into obstacles. This move also spawned a popular catchphrase and part of his entrance.
• Military Press Drop - A move showcasing his powerlifting background, where he lifts his opponent high above his head and slams them down.
• Big Boot
• Body Slam
• Delayed Vertical Suplex
• Lariat
• Running Dropkick
• Shoulder Block
• Turnbuckle Thrusts
• Elbow
• Knuckle Punch
• Uppercut (often delivered in the style of a Hell Thrust)
• Chop Smash
• Clothesline
• Running Front Dropkick
• Superplex
• Reverse Chokeslam - A chokeslam where he grabs the back of the opponent's head and slams their face down.
• Hispanic Buster - A counter-style modified pop-up chokeslam, where he swiftly lifts and slams a running opponent.
• Car Standard Slapping - A move used against vehicles like ambulances and large trailers.

5.2. Nicknames

Braun Strowman has accumulated several memorable nicknames throughout his career, reflecting his dominant and monstrous persona:

• "The Abominable Strowman"
• "The Black Sheep"
• "The Monster Among Men"
• "The Monster of all Monsters"
• "The Mountain of a Man"
• "Mr. Money in the Bank"
• "Mr. Monster in the Bank"
• "The New Face of Destruction"
• "The Straw Man"

5.3. Entrance themes

Strowman's entrance themes have evolved with his character, from his time in The Wyatt Family to his current "Monster of All Monsters" persona.

• "Live in Fear" by Mark Crozer (used as a member of The Wyatt Family; 2015-2016)
• "Swamp Gas" by Jim Johnston (2015-2016)
• "I Am Stronger" by CFO$ (2016-2021; 2022)
• "Monster Of All Monsters" by Def Rebel (2022-present)

6.1. Professional wrestling awards

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • Ranked No. 6 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2018.
  • Ranked No. 63 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2016.
• Sports Illustrated
  • Ranked No. 5 of the top 10 wrestlers in 2017.
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • Most Improved (2017)
  • Worst Feud of the Year (2020) vs. Bray Wyatt
  • Worst Match of the Year (2020) vs. Bray Wyatt at The Horror Show at Extreme Rules
• WWE
  • WWE Universal Championship (1 time)
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship (1 time)
  • WWE Raw Tag Team Championship (2 times) - with Nicholas (1) and Seth Rollins (1)
  • Men's Money in the Bank (2018)
  • André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal (2019)
  • WWE Greatest Royal Rumble (2018)
  • WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship #1 Contender Tournament (2023) - with Ricochet
  • WWE Year-End Award for Male Superstar of the Year (2018)
  • Achieved the Triple Crown

6.2. Strongman awards

• Arnold Amateur Strongman Championships
  • Winner (2012)
• Central GA Strongest Man
  • Winner (2011)
• Europa Battle of Champions
  • Winner (2010)
• Monster of the Midland
  • Winner (2010)
• NAS US Amateur National Championships
  • Winner (2011)
• Summerfest Strongman
  • Winner (2011)
• West Cary Fall Festival of Power
  • Winner (2011)