Fabian Aichner

Professional wrestling career

Independent circuit (2011–2017)

Fabian made his professional wrestling debut on December 12, 2011 for New European Championship Wrestling (NEW). In 2012, Fabian competed in the finals of the NEW World Heavyweight Championship tournament but ultimately did not win the tournament nor the championship. In 2013, Fabian once again reached in the finals of a NEW tournament, this time competing in the Deadline tournament but he once again would not win the tournament; the same would happen in the Deadline tournament in 2014. After his return to the independent circuit following the Crusierweight Classic, Fabian would win the NEW World Tag Team Title Tournament with Mexx.

NXT (2017–present)

On June 5, 2017, it was announced that Aichner had signed a contract with WWE. On June 22, Aichner made his return at a NXT live event in a losing effort against Adrian Jaoude. It was later revealed that Aichner had gained almost 30 lbs of muscle since his appearance in the Cruiserweight Classic. He made his television debut on the September 27 episode of NXT, losing to Kassius Ohno. Aichner had his first televised victory on the November 1 episode of NXT, defeating Johnny Gargano. During the inaugural USA Network broadcast of the December 13 episode of NXT, Aichner challenged for the NXT Championship held by Andrade Almas but was unsuccessful in winning the title.