Darby Allin Bio
Early Life and Background
Samuel Ratsch was born on January 7, 1993, in Seattle, Washington. During his youth, he participated in track and field and played football, inspired by one of his grandfathers who had played in the National Football League. Ratsch briefly took part in amateur wrestling, mistakenly believing it was the same as professional wrestling. He attended a film school in Arizona but left to pursue a career in skateboarding.
Path to All Elite Wrestling
Ratsch was trained by Buddy Wayne and made his professional wrestling debut in 2014 under the ring name Darby Graves. He later adopted the ring name Darby Allin and competed extensively across the American independent circuit between 2015 and 2019. During this time, he wrestled for various promotions including EVOLVE, Game Changer Wrestling, and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, establishing himself as a notable performer before signing with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019.
Darby Allin Career
Early Career (2014–2019)
Ratsch made his debut for Blue Collar Wrestling in Portland, Oregon, in 2014. He became a regular performer for EVOLVE, making his debut at EVOLVE 59 in April 2016. Over the next three years, he frequently appeared for both EVOLVE and WWN-affiliated events until April 2019. He also appeared in Major League Wrestling and toured with British promotion Progress Wrestling during this period.
All Elite Wrestling (2019–present)
Allin signed with AEW in April 2019, making his debut at Fyter Fest on June 29 in a time-limit draw against Cody. He later challenged AEW World Champion Chris Jericho but was unsuccessful. In January 2020, Allin entered a rivalry with Sammy Guevara, culminating in a victory at Revolution on February 29. He participated in the tournament to crown the inaugural TNT Champion, defeating Guevara in the quarterfinals before losing to Cody in the semifinals.
At Full Gear on November 7, 2020, Allin won the TNT Championship, marking his first title in AEW. He defended the title against multiple challengers before losing it to Miro on May 12, 2021. Allin continued to team with Sting, and they won the AEW World Tag Team Championship on February 7, 2024, before vacating the titles shortly after.
Professional Wrestler Style and Strengths
Darby Allin’s wrestling persona draws heavily from his personal background and interests, incorporating elements of punk rock and skateboarding culture. Known for his high-risk, unorthodox in-ring style, Allin frequently performs extreme maneuvers that contribute to his daredevil image. His signature move, the Coffin Drop, exemplifies his willingness to take risks in the ring.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Allin is a two-time AEW TNT Champion and a one-time AEW World Tag Team Champion. His dramatic matches and unique persona have made him one of AEW’s most featured performers, with memorable moments at major events such as All Out and Full Gear.
Darby Allin Career Wins
Darby Allin has achieved significant success in his wrestling career, with notable wins across various promotions, particularly in AEW.
Current AEW Series Highlights
As of 2025, Allin has won the AEW TNT Championship twice and the AEW World Tag Team Championship once. His first TNT Championship win came at Full Gear in 2020, and he regained the title in January 2023. His most recent title reign ended in February 2023, but he remains a prominent figure in AEW’s championship picture.
Previous AEW Series Achievements
Allin’s previous achievements include his victory at Full Gear for the TNT Championship and his successful defenses against various challengers. His partnership with Sting has been a highlight of his career, leading to significant tag team victories and memorable matches.
Darby Allin Family
Family Background and AEW Lineage
Ratsch was married to fellow wrestler Priscilla Kelly from 2018 until their divorce in 2020. They have remained on good terms post-divorce.
Personal Life
Allin resides in Atlanta, Georgia, and lives a straight edge lifestyle, influenced by a traumatic incident in his youth. He has developed an interest in mountaineering and announced plans to climb Mount Everest, although he postponed the expedition due to an injury sustained in the ring.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has seen Darby Allin continue to be a prominent figure in AEW. Following his successful run as a champion, Allin has been involved in high-stakes matches and rivalries, maintaining his status as a fan favorite. His recent performances have showcased his resilience and commitment to pushing the limits of professional wrestling, as he prepares for future challenges and potential title opportunities.
