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Matt Taven

Matthew Marinelli, known by his ring name, Matt Taven, is an American professional wrestler and wrestling trainer. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and its sister promotion, Ring of Honor (ROH), where he is one-half of The Kingdom with Mike Bennett. Taven is best known for his work with ROH as an original member of The Kingdom and he's the former leader of the 2016-19 revival incarnation. During his tenure in ROH he held the ROH World Championship, ROH World Television Championship, ROH World Tag Team Championship, and ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship.
Profession:
Professional Wrestler
Full Name:
Matthew Marinelli
Date of Birth:
20 March 1985
Place of Birth:
Derry, New Hampshire, USA
Nationality:
United States
Gender:
Male
Height (cm):
188
Weight (kg):
99
Career Started:
2008
Years Active:
From - 2008, To - Present
Ring Name:
Matt Taven, The Romantic Touch

Matt Taven Bio

Early Life and Background

Matthew Marinelli, known by his ring name Matt Taven, was born on March 20, 1985, in Derry, New Hampshire, USA. Growing up in New England, Taven developed a passion for wrestling at a young age, influenced by the vibrant wrestling culture in the region. He began his journey in professional wrestling after completing his education, making his debut in 2008.

Path to All Elite Wrestling

Taven’s early career saw him working primarily for independent promotions such as Top Rope Promotions and Collision Pro Wrestling. He made his professional wrestling debut on March 7, 2008, and quickly began to establish himself in the wrestling community. His breakthrough came when he won the 2013 Top Prospect Tournament, which earned him a contract with Ring of Honor (ROH), setting the stage for his future success.

Matt Taven Career

Early Career (2008–2009)

After debuting in 2008, Taven competed in various independent promotions, where he honed his skills and developed his persona. His first notable series was with Top Rope Promotions, where he challenged for the TRP Interstate Championship in a six-way ladder match. Although he did not win, this experience laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in wrestling.

Ring of Honor (2009–2021)

Taven’s first match for Ring of Honor took place on May 8, 2009. Initially, he struggled to find his footing, losing several matches. However, his fortunes changed when he won the 2013 Top Prospect Tournament, which led to him capturing the ROH World Television Championship by defeating Adam Cole at the 11th Anniversary Show. Taven’s reign as champion was historic, lasting 287 days and featuring 12 successful title defenses.

During his time in ROH, Taven became a prominent figure, leading the revival of The Kingdom alongside Mike Bennett. He achieved significant milestones, including winning the ROH World Championship in a ladder match at G1 Supercard, making him the second Grand Slam winner in ROH history. His tenure in ROH solidified his reputation as a top competitor in the wrestling industry.

All Elite Wrestling Era (2022–Present)

In October 2022, Taven made his debut in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), aligning himself with Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis. He quickly became involved in various storylines, including a feud with FTR and competing for the AEW TNT Championship. Taven’s return to Ring of Honor in December 2022 marked a new chapter in his career, where he continued to showcase his talent and engage in high-stakes matches.

In 2023, Taven and Bennett formed a new stable called the Undisputed Kingdom, competing for the ROH World Tag Team Championship and achieving notable victories. Their dynamic has kept them relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling.

Professional Wrestler Style and Strengths

Matt Taven is known for his charismatic persona and in-ring agility, often employing a mix of technical wrestling and high-flying maneuvers. His ability to connect with the audience, combined with his strategic approach to matches, has made him a formidable opponent in the ring.

Notable Achievements and Milestones

Throughout his career, Taven has achieved numerous accolades, including multiple championships in ROH and NJPW. His reigns as ROH World Champion and World Television Champion are particularly noteworthy, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level in professional wrestling.

Matt Taven Career Wins

Matt Taven has accumulated a significant number of wins across various promotions, establishing himself as a top competitor. His career highlights include championship victories and memorable matches that have contributed to his legacy in professional wrestling.

Current All Elite Wrestling Series Highlights

As of 2025, Taven has continued to be a key player in AEW, competing in high-profile matches and storylines. His partnership with Mike Bennett has been a focal point, with the duo capturing the ROH World Tag Team Championship multiple times. Taven’s ability to adapt and thrive in different wrestling environments has kept him in the spotlight.

Previous Ring of Honor Series Achievements

In ROH, Taven’s accomplishments include winning the ROH World Championship, the ROH World Television Championship, and the ROH World Tag Team Championship. His tenure in ROH was marked by significant rivalries and memorable matches that have solidified his status as a wrestling star.

Matt Taven Family

Family Background and Wrestling Lineage

Details about Matt Taven’s family background are not widely publicized, but his commitment to wrestling suggests a supportive environment that encouraged his passion for the sport.

Personal Life

Taven maintains a level of privacy regarding his personal life, focusing primarily on his wrestling career. His dedication to the sport and his work with aspiring wrestlers through training reflects his commitment to the wrestling community.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season has seen Matt Taven continue to evolve as a performer in AEW. His partnership with Mike Bennett has been pivotal, with the duo engaging in compelling storylines and matches that highlight their chemistry. Taven’s performances have kept him in contention for championships, and his ability to adapt to the dynamics of the wrestling landscape suggests a promising outlook for the remainder of the year.