Luke Gallows

Biography

Luke Gallows, born Andrew Hankinson on December 22, 1983, is a professional wrestler known for his tenure in WWE, NJPW, and Impact Wrestling. Gallows hails from Cumberland, Maryland, and has had an impactful career in professional wrestling, known for his hard-hitting style and imposing physique.

Early Career

Gallows got his start in WWE’s developmental territories in the mid-2000s, wrestling under the names Deacon Deville and Dorian Deville. He made his main roster debut as Festus, a character with a unique “altered state” gimmick, before being repackaged as Luke Gallows, a disciple of CM Punk in the Straight Edge Society.

Wrestling Career and Evolution

Gallows’ WWE tenure saw him transition from the gimmick of Festus to the more serious Luke Gallows. He had a short stint with TNA after his WWE release in 2010 before heading to Japan. In Japan, Gallows found significant success as part of the popular Bullet Club faction in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). His second run in WWE saw him reunite with his Bullet Club teammate Karl Anderson to form “The Club,” and later “The OC,” alongside AJ Styles.

Major Rivalries and Tag Team Partners

Gallows has had many significant rivalries, both as a singles competitor and as a tag team. His time in the Straight Edge Society saw him feuding with top WWE stars like Rey Mysterio and Big Show. As part of The Club, Gallows, and Anderson had notable feuds with teams like The Usos and The New Day. His primary tag team partner throughout his career has been Karl Anderson, with whom he has held multiple tag team titles.

Championships and Accolades

Luke Gallows is a multi-time tag team champion. He and Karl Anderson are two-time WWE Raw Tag Team Champions. They also held the NJPW’s IWGP Tag Team Championship on multiple occasions. As of September 2021, they are the reigning Impact World Tag Team Champions.

Biggest Matches

Some of Gallows’ biggest matches include his WWE Tag Team Championship victory at the Royal Rumble 2017 and his time in the 2016 Money in the Bank ladder match. His matches in NJPW, particularly against teams like Meiyu Tag (Hirooki Goto and Katsuyori Shibata), have also been highlights of his career.

Finishing Moves and In-Ring Attire

Gallows’ finishing moves include the Gallows Pole (12th Step in TNA), a modified inverted full nelson slam, and the Magic Killer, a tag team finisher with Karl Anderson. Gallows typically wrestles in black trunks or pants, often adorned with designs relating to his current gimmick or faction, and black boots.

Entrance Music

Throughout his career, Gallows’ entrance themes have varied depending on his gimmick and alliance. In his second WWE run, as part of The Club and The OC, the song “Omen In the Sky” by CFO$ was used.

Family Life

As of my knowledge cutoff in 2021, Gallows is a very private individual, and little is known about his family life. He was previously married to fellow wrestler Amber O’Neal, but they have since divorced.

Sponsorships

Gallows, along with Karl Anderson, has a podcast called “Talk’n Shop,” which has its own merchandise line. They have also released a pay-per-view event, “Talk’n Shop A Mania,” further expanding their brand.
In conclusion, Luke Gallows has had a varied and successful career in professional wrestling, marked by successful tag team runs# The Definitive Guide to Luke Gallows