Roderick Strong, a renowned professional wrestler currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), has made a name for himself in the wrestling world, overcoming a challenging upbringing shaped by his parents, Jacqueline Lindsey and his father, Billy, a collegiate wrestler.
Roderick Strong, born Christopher Lindsey, is a renowned professional wrestler signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
Over the years, Strong has built a formidable reputation, becoming a staple in some of the biggest wrestling promotions.
His career began in 2000 on the Floridian independent circuit, where his technical prowess and hard-hitting style quickly set him apart.
Strong’s talents took him to Japan, TNA, and the independent scene, including Full Impact Pro (FIP) and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), where he achieved multiple championships.
Strong’s prominence soared during his 13-year stint with Ring of Honor (ROH), where he became a Triple Crown Champion by holding the ROH World, World Television, and World Tag Team Championships.
In WWE’s NXT, he became a two-time NXT Tag Team Champion as part of the Undisputed Era and held the North American and Cruiserweight titles.
Now a key figure in AEW, Strong has competed for major titles and is part of the Undisputed Kingdom stable. He showcases his skills in both AEW and its sister promotion, Ring of Honor.
Roderick Strong Grew Up In A Challenging Environment With His Parents’ Struggles With Addiction!
Strong’s upbringing was marked by significant challenges, growing up in poverty in Florida after being born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
His family faced constant financial hardships, living in trailer parks. He dealt with the instability that came from his parents’ struggles with addiction.
Despite the turbulence in his early life, Roderick Strong’s journey to professional wrestling was significantly influenced by his parents.
Both of his parents, Jacqueline Lindsey, and his father, a collegiate wrestler, grappled with alcohol and drug dependency. This created a challenging environment during his formative years.
The most traumatic event occurred when Roderick was just 12 years old. He witnessed his mother, Jacqueline, shoot his father during a heated domestic dispute.
Although the incident was non-fatal, it left a deep emotional scar that shaped much of his early life.
Roderick Strong Openly Credited His Father, Bill Lindsey, For His Success In Wrestling!
Despite these hardships, Roderick’s father played a crucial role in his eventual path to wrestling.
He has credited his father for constantly encouraging him since childhood and training him in wrestling and said,
My father is the reason I’m a wrestler today. He was trained by Jim ‘The Anvil’ Neidhart, and competed under the names Billy the Kid and Elvis Wesley on the Florida Independent scene.
In 1994, he began training under Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, and Roderick often attended training sessions, gaining firsthand exposure to the world of professional wrestling.
In interviews, Strong has been open about the struggles he faced growing up. He said,
“Being a 12-year old that, like my mom shot my dad, like I grew up in trailer parks, like poor, my mother was a drug addict. Like just so much s**t and like, and like, people to look up to me and like, I wanna be like you, it’s just crazy.”
Via: YouTube
He speaks candidly about the effect of his parents’ addictions and the violence he witnessed.
Moreover, he acknowledged how these experiences shaped him as a person and wrestler.
His transparency about his difficult upbringing has resonated with fans, who see his journey as a testament to the power of resilience.
Roderick Strong has something to say before he faces MJF THIS SATURDAY at #AEWFullGear!
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) November 21, 2024
Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@RoderickStrong | @MattTaven | @RealMikeBennett | @The_MJF pic.twitter.com/EK9QHmpazm
While his past has occasionally been referenced in wrestling storylines, Strong remains focused on his achievements rather than the hardships he endured.
In 2017, Roderick Strong expressed his appreciation for his mother, celebrating a significant milestone in her life. He shared,
“It’s a little belated, but I would like to congratulate my beautiful mother, @jacquelinelindsey5102, on celebrating 11 years sober recently! She is the strongest and most dedicated person I know. You motivate me every day to move forward in life, and I can’t thank you enough!!”
Via: Instagram
This heartfelt acknowledgment highlighted his mother’s strength and perseverance in overcoming her past challenges, showing how much she inspires him.
Roderick Strong’s mother is active on social media, frequently sharing heartfelt moments about her family, especially her grandchildren.
Through her posts, she expresses deep pride and love for her children and grandchildren, offering a glimpse into their lives and celebrating significant milestones.
Despite the challenges of his difficult childhood, Strong’s success in wrestling is a powerful story of resilience and determination.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Roderick Strong got engaged to mixed martial artist and fellow wrestler Marina Shafir in December 2015.
- They welcomed their first child, a son named Troy Veniamin Lindsey, in 2017.
- Roderick Strong and Marina Shafir were married on November 7, 2018.
