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Simon Diamond

From Alfawiki
Patrick Joseph Michael Kenney
Born
Patrick Joseph Michael Kenney

(1968-05-26) May 26, 1968 (age 58)
Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.
Other namesSimon Diamond, Lance Diamond, Irish Pat Kenney
Occupation(s)Professional wrestler, former baseball athlete
Years active1991–present
Known forProfessional wrestling career as Simon Diamond, Director of Talent Relations at National Wrestling Alliance

Patrick Joseph Michael Kenney (born May 26, 1968) is a former American professional wrestler and ex-baseball athlete, widely known by his wrestling alias, Simon Diamond. He currently holds the position of Director of Talent Relations at the National Wrestling Alliance. Diamond gained significant recognition during his stint with Extreme Championship Wrestling between 1998 and 2001.

Early life

Kenney completed his education at Salesianum School for Boys in Wilmington, Delaware, graduating in 1986. Excelling in baseball, he received an offer from the San Diego Padres to join Major League Baseball as a catcher but opted to attend college instead. While studying at Virginia Commonwealth University on a baseball scholarship, he supported himself working as a bartender and earned a bachelor's degree in English. A serious shoulder injury ended his aspirations in professional baseball, prompting a career shift toward wrestling. His baseball experience was later woven into wrestling storylines, including appearances at the Chicago White Sox’s training camp.

Early career (1991–1998)

In 1991, Kenney was employed as a marketing executive at PepsiCo when he met wrestling trainer Jim Kettner and began training in Salem, New Jersey. He started competing for Kettner’s East Coast Wrestling Association under the ring name "Lance Diamond," frequently partnering with Steve Corino.

Extreme Championship Wrestling (1998–2001)

Kenney made his debut in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in May 1998, facing off against Nova in York, Pennsylvania. By August of that year, he adopted the ring persona "Simon Diamond," a tribute to mentor Dean Malenko. In May 2000, he formed a lasting tag team with Johnny Swinger during an ECW World Tag Team Championship tournament. Alongside C. W. Anderson, they climbed the ranks within ECW.

Independent circuit (2001–2003)

After ECW declared bankruptcy in 2001, Kenney sought new ventures, including talks with World Championship Wrestling (WCW), which ended following WCW’s acquisition by the World Wrestling Federation. He then competed across several independent organizations such as USA Professional Wrestling, Border City Wrestling, and World Wrestling All-Stars. Within Major League Wrestling, he co-founded The Extreme Horsemen alongside Steve Corino, C. W. Anderson, and Justin Credible before MLW ceased operations.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and Impact Wrestling (2003–2017)

Kenney and Swinger made their TNA debut on July 9, 2003, during a Total Nonstop Action Wrestling pay-per-view event, igniting a rivalry with America's Most Wanted. Managed by Glenn Gilbertti, they captured the NWA World Tag Team Championship on August 27, 2003, holding onto the titles until November.

In 2004, after parting ways with Swinger, Kenney embraced his Irish roots as "Irish" Pat Kenney and engaged in a feud with his former partner. Following a brief period wrestling in Japan with Pro Wrestling ZERO1-MAX, he returned to TNA in June 2005 as the villainous Simon Diamond. He allied himself with Ryan Wilson as an "insurance policy" and later established the group "Diamonds in the Rough" featuring David Young and Elix Skipper.

During September 2005, Kenney toured India promoting Impact! on ESPN Star Sports; an overcrowding incident in Bhopal sparked a riot, though no injuries were reported. Later that year, he was involved in a storyline with Chicago White Sox catcher A. J. Pierzynski, culminating in matches that included Pierzynski and manager Ozzie Guillen. Subsequently, Kenney transitioned into a role as a TNA road agent.

Due to budget reductions, Kenney was released from TNA on November 3, 2008; however, he returned as a road agent in September 2009. In July 2010, he made an on-screen comeback during an ECW alumni invasion storyline and took part in the Hardcore Justice: The Last Stand pay-per-view event.

On May 8, 2012, Kenney filled in for Taz as Color Commentator on TNA Xplosion. He ultimately left Impact Wrestling on June 19, 2017, alongside Shane Helms and Al Snow.

National Wrestling Alliance (2017–present)

Kenney made an appearance at the NWA 73rd Anniversary Show Pay Per View, notably during the bout between Nick Aldis and Trevor Murdoch, where he became involved in the action occurring outside the ring.

Other media

Diamond was included as a selectable character in the 2000 video game titled ECW Hardcore Revolution.

Personal life

In October 1998, Kenney began a romantic relationship with fellow wrestler Dawn Marie, following almost two years of friendship. Although they intended to wed around 2000 or 2001, they stayed engaged for several years before their relationship ultimately ended. Kenney and Candice Kenney share a child who was born in 2010.

In 2009, Kenney initiated legal action alleging sexual abuse by a former priest associated with Salesianum School.

Championships and accomplishments

See also

External links

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