Former WWE Talent Karl Fredericks Returns to Independent Wrestling with Renewed Passion
After parting ways with WWE in early May, Karl Fredericks, formerly known to fans as Eddy Thorpe during his NXT tenure, has made a notable comeback to the independent wrestling circuit. His return was marked by a powerful moment that showcased both his cultural pride and a rekindled enthusiasm for the sport.
On July 26, Fredericks appeared at the joint event hosted by DPW, Prestige Wrestling, and West Coast Pro titled “Cruel Summer.” The show took place at the United Irish Cultural Center in San Francisco, California, drawing attention from wrestling insiders and fans alike. Rather than immediately entering a match, Fredericks made his presence felt by stepping into the ring post-intermission to deliver an emotional promo, signaling not just a return to wrestling but a new chapter in his career.
During his time in WWE, Fredericks performed under the ring name Eddy Thorpe and was part of the NXT roster. His character leaned heavily on his Native American heritage, a direction he has since critiqued for its lack of depth and nuance. In his recent promo, he openly reflected on his cultural roots, proudly embracing his Indian ancestry while distancing himself from portrayals he felt were shallow or misrepresentative. He made a pointed reference to a “cowboy” character based in Orlando, asserting, “I am not their Indian,” underscoring his desire to control his own narrative.
This candid moment came as a revelation for many fans who had followed his WWE career. Fredericks revealed that while in NXT, he had pitched ideas to add complexity to his character, including a storyline focused on an obsessive quest for the NXT North American Championship. Unfortunately, those concepts never came to fruition during his WWE stint.
Following his release on May 2, 2025, Fredericks initially described himself as being in “vacation mode.” Although he mentioned receiving phone calls regarding his wrestling future, he chose to keep the details private. His break from WWE, however, appears to have rejuvenated his passion for professional wrestling, as evidenced by his recent actions and statements on the independent scene.
Prior to joining WWE, Fredericks gained valuable experience wrestling in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), where he earned respect for his in-ring abilities and charisma. He signed with WWE in January 2023 and made his debut on NXT Level Up the following month. His time in WWE was relatively brief, but it provided a platform that increased his visibility within the industry.
The wrestling community has responded with interest and optimism about Fredericks’ comeback. Many see his return to the independents as a chance for him to develop his character more authentically and reconnect with the roots of the sport away from the creative confines of a major promotion.
His appearance at “Cruel Summer” was more than just a comeback—it was a statement. By choosing to address his heritage and critique his past portrayal publicly, Fredericks signaled a new level of agency over his career and identity. This move is anticipated to resonate with fans who value genuine storytelling and representation in wrestling.
As Karl Fredericks continues to rebuild his career on the independent circuit, wrestling followers will be watching closely. His renewed dedication and willingness to confront previous challenges head-on may well set the stage for a resurgence that could eventually lead him back to larger platforms.