Robert Anthony

Early career
Anthony debuted in 2001 under the ring name Egotistico Fantastico, a luchador gimmick, and began competing for Pro Championship Wrestling. While in PCW, he captured the promotion's Heavyweight Championship. He would also take the gimmick to various promotions, most notably Ring of Honor, ROH's sister promotion Full Impact Pro, and Combat Zone Wrestling. In August 2011 Anthony married journalist photographer Felicia Hoe in a small civil ceremony in Oakland, California.

World Wrestling Entertainment
In November 2006, Anthony was signed to a developmental contract by World Wrestling Entertainment before being assigned to the developmental territory Deep South Wrestling. While in DSW, he began competing under his real name instead of the Egotistico Fantastico gimmick. When DSW was shut down, Anthony was transferred over to Florida Championship Wrestling, where he continued to train until he was released from his developmental contract in February 2008.

Return to the independent circuit
Following his release from WWE, Anthony returned to wrestling in the independent circuit for promotions such as All American Wrestling, Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South and Combat Zone Wrestling. As Egotistico Fantastico, he made his debut for IWA-MS in April soon became a mainstay for the promotion after a series of high profile matches during the Ted Petty Invitational in 2008. Later on in 2008, Egotistico Fantastico joined CZW. In June 2009 he won CZW's the Best Of The Best 9 tournament. On October 9, 2010, Anthony returned to CZW unmasked, using the ring name "The Ego" Robert Anthony.

On December 2010 he became number one contender for a major title for the first time in his career: the CZW World Heavyweight Championship, by winning a match at CZW Cage of Death XII.

On February 13, 2011 at CZW Twelve: The Twelfth Anniversary Event, he defeated Jon Moxley for the CZW World Heavyweight title.