Matt Striker loved the opportunity to mold young minds as a high school teacher in Bayside, NY — but he never gave up on his dream of becoming a professional wrestler and competed for various local promotions every chance he could. His big break came when he received the call to complete in the WWE’s Kurt Angle Invitational on “Smackdown” in 2005. Matt called out sick from his day job to participate — a move that generated national media coverage and cost him his teaching position — but resulted in a WWE contract. After two years of competing in the ring, including at Wrestlemania 23 before 80,000 fans, Matt hung up his wrestling boots in favor of the commentary desk.
Today, Matt brings his unique brand of witty banter and color commentary to Lucha Underground, which begins its third season on September 7 on the El Rey network. The popular wrestling series combines ancient tradition, extraordinary athleticism, and a flare for theatrics as masked villains and heroes face off for supremacy inside the squared circle. Lucha Underground introduced American audiences to the high-flying aerial maneuvers, slingshot moves, dramatic masks, intricate, rapid-fire combinations and distinctive wrestling techniques of lucha libre, one of Mexico’s most popular sports. The uniquely original series focuses on the artistry, originality, intense action and over-the-top characters that have come to define this phenomenal fan-favorite.
