Kenny Marquez (October 5, 1994) is an American professional wrestler known by his ring name Jake Atlas. He was previously signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on the NXT brand. He is largely known for his work in the independent circuit, with numerous matches held throughout the California and western United States promotions.
Professional wrestling career[]
Early years (2016-2017)[]
As a native resident of California, Marquez trained at the local Santino Bros. Wrestling Academy, making his in-ring debut on August 6, 2016 under the ring name Jake Atlas. He went on to appear in numerous California promotions including Orange County Championship Wrestling, Empire Wrestling Federation, Baja Star's USA, All Pro Wrestling, Gold Rush Pro Wrestling and Championship Wrestling From Hollywood among several other promotions between 2016 and 2017. During his career, Atlas won titles including Santino Bros. Wrestling's SBW Championship and All Pro Wrestling's Universal Heavyweight and Junior Heavyweight Championships.
World Wrestling Entertainment (2018-2021)[]
Atlas' earliest association with WWE occurred as early as 2018. He first appeared with Stephanie McMahon on an episode of Celebrity Undercover Boss. Atlas reportedly received $25,000 as a downpayment for a house and was hired as an Ambassador for the WWE. During July of that year, Atlas worked in the "Be A Star" program in the Boston, Massachusetts area. It was also reported Atlas received a WWE tryout during December 2018 and would begin training at the WWE Performance Center in Florida.
NXT (2020–2021)[]
Atlas made his WWE debut in NXT during a January 31 live event in a match lost to Ridge Holland. He made his televised debut on the April 1 episode of NXT in a match lost against Dexter Lumis. He also competed in the 2020 NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, placing second in the Group A division of the tournament. On the November 11 episode of NXT, Atlas received a title opportunity however, he was unsuccessful in his challenge against NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar. On August 6, 2021, Atlas was released from WWE.
Return to independent circuit (2021-2022)[]
A month after his release, Atlas returned to Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) at Effy's Big Gay Brunch Chicago, defeating Effy. At Ring of Honor (ROH) event Death Before Dishonor XVIII, Atlas was defeated by Taylor Rust, who had also been released from WWE. Soon after the event, Atlas announced he would be taking a break from wrestling in order to focus on his mental health. On the January 3, 2022 episode of Dark: Elevation, Atlas returned, making his debut for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in a victory over Serpentico. On the January 7 episode of Rampage, Atlas was defeated by Adam Cole, suffering a knee injury during the match.
Personal life[]
Marquez is openly gay and is a steadfast representative of the LGBT community. On May 23, 2022, Marquez was arrested and charged with domestic battery. However, the charges were dropped on June 28.
In wrestling[]
- Finishers and signature moves
- Rainbow DDT
- Headlock Driver
- Entrance Music
- Nicknames
- Managers and valets
- Teams and stables
- Aerial Instinct - with Lucas Riley
- Hard Knocks and Beat Downs - with Ty Ray
- Heart Eyes Emoji - with Heather Monroe and Ray Rosas
Championships and accomplishments[]
- All Pro Wrestling
- APW Universal Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- APW Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Santino Bros. Wrestling
- SBW Championship (1 time)