Jason "Jay" Melrose is a British professional wrestler previously signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on the NXT UK brand under the ring name Primate. In NXT UK, he was also one-half of the tag team The Hunt, with Wild Boar.
Professional wrestling career[]
Early career (2014–2018)[]
Melrose was trained by Rampage Brown. He made his debut as early as August 17, 2014 in Target Wrestling. In Target Wrestling, under the ring name Jason Prime, he teamed with Ryan Dean in defeating Kris Karnage & Medallion. He spent almost five years from August 2014 to 2018, working on the independent circuit. Under the ring names Jason Prime and later as Primate, he worked in United Kingdom promotions including Main Event Wrestling, Tidal Championship Wrestling, 5 Star Wrestling, 3 Count Wrestling, Insane Championship Wrestling and many more. He further established his popularity in Defiant Wrestling between 2016 and 2018. While in Defiant Wrestling, he became a two-time Hardcore Champion and a one-time Tag Team Champion. During his early career Primate also became a two-time Main Event Wrestling Heavyweight Champion, a one-time RISE: Underground Pro Wrestling Champion and a one-time Tidal Championship Wrestling Tag Team Champion.
World Wrestling Entertainment[]
NXT UK (2018–2022)[]
Primate made his televised debut on the December 26 episode of NXT UK, teaming with Mike Hitchman in a tag match lost against James Drake & Zack Gibson. He returned to television the following year in 2019 on the January 30 episode of NXT UK under his real name, losing a singles match against Dave Mastiff. Two months later, Primate returned to television on the March 20 episode of NXT UK, debuting as one-half of the new tag team The Hunt alongside partner Wild Boar. Together The Hunt defeated Lewis Howley & Sam Stoker.
Personal life[]
Melrose is a former soldier in the British Army. He is also the owner and operator of the Battle Ready sports clothing business. Melrose is also an avid strength and fitness trainer.
In wrestling[]
- Finishers and signature moves
- Entrance Music
- "Crushed" by Parkway Drive (PROGRESS)
- "Down With The Sickness" by Disturbed
- Nicknames
- "The Primate"
- Managers and valets
- Suzie Kennedy
- Teams and stables
- New Nation - (with Alexander Henry and Rampage Brown)
- The Hunt - (with Wild Boar) (WWE/NXT UK)
Championships and accomplishments[]
- Defiant Wrestling / What Culture Pro Wrestling
- Defiant Hardcore Championship (2 times)
- Defiant Tag Team Championship (1 time, with Jimmy Havoc)
- Main Event Wrestling
- MEW Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
- RISE Championship (1 time)
