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Lance Archer
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==Professional wrestling career== === Independent circuit (2000–2009) === In 2000, Hoyt began training as a wrestler under Solo Fiatala,<ref name="OWOW"/> and debuted in July 2000, facing Tarzan Taylor in his first match. He spent the next four years working on the Texas [[independent circuit]], using the [[ring name]]s Lance Steel and Breakdown, the latter being a character created in the spur-of-the-moment by Hoyt in [[Corpus Christi, Texas|Corpus Christi]] when he had forgotten his usual ring attire and was forced to wrestle in his street clothing.<ref name="wojickinterview"/> Hoyt's most notable tenure within the Texas independent circuit was in Professional Championship Wrestling (PCW), where he debuted in 2000 as Shadow, a dark [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Gimmick|character]]. Throughout his time in PCW, he faced notable opponents including [[Paul London]], Jeromy Sage, and [[Ahmed Johnson]] and early in his tenure, he created a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|stable]] called "The Dark Circle".<ref name="wojickinterview"/> Hoyt later left PCW upon signing with [[Impact Wrestling|Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA) before later making his returned to the promotion in 2006 under his real name, while using his former Shadow ring name simply as a nickname. Soon after his return to PCW, Hoyt proceeded to win the Tag Team Championship with Wally Darkmon in 2006. Beginning in 2008, Hoyt reverted to his Shadow ring name and gimmick, while also adopting a [[Wrestling mask|mask]]. This was short-lived, however, as Hoyt unmasked and suddenly began using his [[Rock 'n Rave Infection]] gimmick from TNA a few months later. Following his release from TNA, PCW announced they had released Hoyt from his contract, which turned out to be a [[Kayfabe|storyline]], leading to Hoyt revealing he had a PCW "legends contract". Hoyt briefly went on become the commissioner of PCW before it was announced that he had signed a contract with [[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]. ===Total Nonstop Action Wrestling=== ====Debut and singles competition (2004–2007)==== Hoyt was hired by [[Impact Wrestling|Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA) in March 2004 and immediately teamed up with X Division mainstay [[Kid Kash]] as Dallas, Kash's bodyguard, tag team partner and [[kayfabe|on-screen]] relative.<ref name="wojickinterview"/> He and Kash took part in a tournament for the vacant [[NWA World Tag Team Championship]] and won the vacant titles by defeating [[Low Ki]] and [[Christopher Daniels]] in the finals on April 7.<ref name="Slam story">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2004/06/03/484623.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115131728/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2004/06/03/484623.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 15, 2013|title='Dallas' is again a Friday TV fixture; Texas wrestler is part of TNA's Impact|date=2004-06-03|last=Johnson|first=Steven|access-date=2009-02-26|publisher=SLAM! Sports}}</ref><ref name="040704TNA">{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_7816.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009120507/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_7816.shtml |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |title=4/7 NWA-TNA PPV review: Miller's detailed rundown |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |last=Miller |first=Dave |date=April 7, 2004 |access-date=August 14, 2024}}</ref> They lost the titles to [[D'Lo Brown]] and [[Germán Figueroa|Apolo]] the subsequent week, then regained them from Brown and Apolo the week following that.<ref name="Slam story"/> Their second and final reign ended on June 4 of that year when they were defeated by [[America's Most Wanted (professional wrestling)|America's Most Wanted]].<ref name="wojickinterview"/> [[File:Lance Hoyt and Jimmy Hart.jpg|thumb|Hoyt posing with [[Jimmy Hart]]]] After Kash was suspended by TNA in June 2004, Hoyt was reduced to wrestling [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Dark match|dark matches]]. He appeared sporadically with TNA throughout the remainder of the year, and aided Kash in his feud with [[AJ Styles|A.J. Styles]] upon his return from suspension.<ref name="wojickinterview"/> In January 2005, Hoyt began wrestling under his own name at the instruction of [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Book|booker]] [[Dusty Rhodes]].<ref name="wojickinterview"/> The common explanation for this is that they wanted no confusion between Hoyt and [[Diamond Dallas Page]]. Hoyt and Kash competed in the tag team division, unsuccessfully challenging America's Most Wanted for the NWA World Tag Team Championship at [[Against All Odds (2005)|Against All Odds]] on February 13, until Kash was released by TNA on April 19, 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/02/14/930282.html|title=Iron Man steals Against All Odds|date=2005-02-14|last=Clevett|first=Jason|access-date=2009-02-26|publisher=SLAM! Sports|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629113654/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/02/14/930282.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Left without a partner, Hoyt teamed with [[Chris Candido]] to face [[Sonny Siaki]] and [[Germán Figueroa|Apolo]] in a [[cage match]] at [[Lockdown (2005)|Lockdown]].<ref name="lockkdown05">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/04/25/1019275.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629113655/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/04/25/1019275.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Lockdown lacks|date=2005-04-25|last=Clevett|first=Jason|access-date=2009-02-26|publisher=SLAM! Sports}}</ref> In the course of the match, Candido suffered a serious leg injury and was stretchered out, and Hoyt was pinned shortly thereafter.<ref name="lockkdown05"/> Following the match, Candido's cohorts, [[The Naturals]], attacked Hoyt, thus [[List of professional wrestling terms#T|turning]] him into a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face character]].<ref name="lockkdown05"/> Hoyt began developing a strong fan following, leading to his introducing a gimmick known as "Hoytamania", a reference to the "Hulkamania" surrounding [[Hulk Hogan]].<ref name="wojickinterview"/> He [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feuded]] with [[Team Canada (TNA)|Team Canada]] throughout mid-2005, and lost to [[Abyss (wrestler)|Abyss]] at [[Sacrifice (2005)|Sacrifice]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/08/15/1174128.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629113656/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/08/15/1174128.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=TNA makes a great Sacrifice|date=2005-08-15|last=LaCroix|first=Corey David|access-date=2009-02-26|publisher=SLAM! Sports}}</ref> He lost to [[Monty Brown]] at [[Bound for Glory (2005)|Bound for Glory]]<ref name="BFG05">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/10/24/1276228.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716045830/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/10/24/1276228.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 16, 2012|title=Rhino upsets Jarrett at Bound for Glory|date=2005-10-24|last=Kapur|first=Bob|access-date=2009-02-26|publisher=SLAM! Sports}}</ref> and was involved in the 10-man Gauntlet match later in the night to determine the number one contender for [[Jeff Jarrett]]'s [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]].<ref name="BFG05"/> In that match, Hoyt was eliminated by eventual winner [[Rhyno|Rhino]].<ref name="BFG05"/> He later began teaming with [[Matt Bentley]] in mid-card tag matches until a misinterpreted steel chair incident led Bentley to believe Hoyt had "screwed" him, and he severely turned on him with a spontaneous brawl by ringside, consisting of several chairshots. Hoyt defeated Bentley at [[Destination X (2006)|Destination X]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/03/13/1485900.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714071639/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/03/13/1485900.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Destination X marks a great PPV|date=2006-03-13|last=LaCroix|first=Corey David|access-date=2009-02-26|publisher=SLAM! Sports}}</ref> He returned to TNA at [[No Surrender (2006)|No Surrender]] in the Triple Chance Tag Team [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] as a partner to [[R-Truth|Ron "The Truth" Killings]], but he was one of the first eliminated from the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/09/25/1894242.html|title=Ultimate X steals No Surrender|date=2006-08-25|last=Clevett|first=Jason|access-date=2009-02-26|publisher=SLAM! Sports|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629205807/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/09/25/1894242.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Hoyt made his Spike TV return, teaming with Killings to defeat [[Michael Shane and Kazarian|Matt Bentley and Kazarian]]. Hoyt participated in the [[Fight for the Right Tournament]], where he was one of the last two remaining men, making it to the third stage of the match. He lost to Abyss, who won a bye to the tournament finals for a shot at the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Even so, he wrestled Ron Killings in the quarterfinals of the tournament on the November 2 episode of ''[[Impact! (TV series)|Impact!]]'', but was defeated. At [[TNA Genesis (2006)|Genesis]], Hoyt and Killings defeated [[Austin Aries|Austin Starr]] and [[Alex Shelley]] with [[Kevin Nash]] at ringside.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/11/20/2430441.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715010937/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/11/20/2430441.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 15, 2012|title=Questionable booking mars TNA Genesis|date=2006-11-20|last=Kapur|first=Bob|access-date=2009-02-26|publisher=SLAM! Sports}}</ref> ====The Rock 'n Rave Infection (2007–2009)==== [[File:Motor City Machine Guns vs.The Rock and Rave Infection.jpg|thumb|left|Hoyt in The Rock 'n Rave Infection with [[Christy Hemme]]]] {{Main|Rock 'n' Rave Infection}} After Killings was given a new program, Hoyt started teaming up with the [[New Age Outlaws#Voodoo Kin Mafia|Voodoo Kin Mafia]] (VKM). His role with the team seemed to be that of a friend and bodyguard, watching their backs during their matches, and working the occasional six-man tag team match with them on ''Impact!''. At [[Slammiversary (2007)|Slammiversary]], VKM defeated [[Basham Brothers|Basham and Damaja]] when [[Billy Gunn|Kip James]] pinned Basham, but Hoyt turned his back on VKM when Kip was about to attack [[Christy Hemme]].<ref name="Slammiversary07">{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/06/17/4268988.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629172343/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/06/17/4268988.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |title=TNA scores with Slammiversary |date=2007-06-17 |last=Clevett |first=Jason |access-date=2009-02-26 |publisher=SLAM! Sports }}</ref> He kissed Hemme after the match, thus re-establishing himself as a heel.<ref name="Slammiversary07"/> Hoyt lost to Abyss on an episode of ''Impact!'' and a week after that he lost to Kip James. He then became part of a tag team managed by Hemme alongside the returning [[Jimmy Rave]], later named The Rock 'n Rave Infection. They soon became a comedic [[Rock bands|rock band trio]], with Hoyt and Rave entering the ring with ''[[Guitar Hero]]'' [[game controller]]s and Hemme screaming on a microphone. Hoyt competed at [[Lockdown (2008)|Lockdown]] in a "Cuffed in the Cage" match losing to the eventual winner, [[Eric Young (wrestler)|Super Eric]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/04/13/5275576.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630011658/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/04/13/5275576.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 30, 2012|title=TNA Lockdown: Joe captures gold|date=2008-04-13|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=2009-02-26|publisher=SLAM! Sports}}</ref> He changed his ringname to Lance Rock on the July 17 episode of ''Impact!'', where he defeated [[Matt Morgan]] shortly after Morgan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/07/18/6191311.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630072845/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/07/18/6191311.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 30, 2012|title=Impact: Joe sends Booker for a ride|date=2008-07-18|last=Sokol|first=Chris|author2=Sokol, Bryan |access-date=2009-02-26|publisher=SLAM! Sports}}</ref> Since then, The Rock 'n Rave Infection defeated the teams of [[Abyss (wrestler)|Abyss]] and Matt Morgan, [[Latin American Xchange]], and The Prince Justice Brotherhood (Super Eric, [[Shark Boy]], and [[Christopher Daniels|Curry Man]]), the latter of whom soon began a feud with The Rock 'n Rave Infection. On February 10, 2009, Hoyt was released from his TNA contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/8339/|title=TNA releases|date=2009-02-10|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|access-date=2009-02-11|publisher=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online}}</ref> He wrestled his last match in TNA on the February 26 edition of ''Impact!'', teaming with Rave and losing to [[Beer Money, Inc.]] in an "[[Professional wrestling match types#Loser Leaves Town match|Off the Wagon Challenge]]".<ref name="OWOW"/> ===World Wrestling Entertainment (2009–2010)=== After a brief stint in [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] as a member of the [[Voodoo Murders]], on April 26, 2009, Hoyt announced he had signed a deal with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).<ref name="Going to WWE"/> He wrestled in WWE's developmental promotion [[Florida Championship Wrestling]] (FCW) under the ring name Lance Archer, after his father.<ref name="OWOW"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://prowrestling.net/article.php?Lance-Archer-a-k-a-Lance-Hoyt-on-his-run-in-TNA-and-the-regulars-who-rallied-behind-him-joining-WWE-and-becoming-Vance-Archer-44832 |title=Lance Archer (a/k/a Lance Hoyt) on his run in TNA and the regulars who rallied behind him, joining WWE and becoming Vance Archer |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=November 18, 2015 |website=ProWrestling.net |publisher= |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119154635/http://prowrestling.net/article.php?Lance-Archer-a-k-a-Lance-Hoyt-on-his-run-in-TNA-and-the-regulars-who-rallied-behind-him-joining-WWE-and-becoming-Vance-Archer-44832 |archive-date=November 19, 2015}}</ref> For his first match, he teamed up with Jon Cutler and was defeated by [[Bray Wyatt|Duke Rotundo]] and Vic Adams. His ring name was then tweaked to Vance Archer.<ref name="OWOW"/> [[File:Vance Archer(WLong Hair) 2009.jpg|thumb|Hoyt as Vance Archer in FCW]] On the November 3 episode of ''[[WWE ECW|ECW]]'', Hoyt, now clean shaven and sporting both a short haircut and new attire, made his WWE debut under his '''Vance Archer''' ring name as a heel, defeating Logan Jones in a squash match.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/11032009|title=Wish granted|website=WWE|accessdate=March 14, 2023}}</ref> After defeating several enhancement talents over the following weeks, Archer defeated [[Tommy Dreamer]] on the December 8 episode of ''ECW''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/12082009|title=Extreme climb to top|website=WWE|accessdate=March 14, 2023}}</ref> Archer continued his winning streak when he once again defeated Dreamer on the December 17, 2009, episode of ''[[WWE Superstars]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwesuperstars/archive/12172009/|title=Evening the Score|newspaper=Wwe }}</ref> On the December 22 episode of ''ECW'', Archer defeated [[Dustin Rhodes|Goldust]] in an "ECW Homecoming" qualifying match to advance to a battle royal where the winner would face the [[ECW World Heavyweight Championship|ECW Champion]] [[Christian Cage|Christian]] at [[Royal Rumble (2010)|Royal Rumble]] for the ECW Championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/12212009|title=Losing his Swagger|website=WWE|accessdate=March 14, 2023}}</ref> He then started a [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] with [[Shelton Benjamin]], which saw Archer lose to him via disqualification on the December 31 episode of ''Superstars''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwesuperstars/archive/12312009|title=Ring in the New Year|website=WWE|accessdate=March 14, 2023}}</ref> However, Archer's unpinned streak was left intact. On the January 12, 2010, episode of ''ECW'', Archer was unable to win the "Homecoming Battle Royal" as he was eliminated by Benjamin.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/01122010|title=Homecoming king|website=WWE|accessdate=March 14, 2023}}</ref> The next week on ''Superstars'', Archer was defeated by Benjamin, thus breaking his streak of not being pinned.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwesuperstars/archive/01212010|title=Can't stop Kane|website=WWE|accessdate=March 14, 2023}}</ref> The two continued to exchange victories, as Archer defeated Benjamin on the February 2 episode of ''ECW'' while Benjamin defeated Archer in a no disqualification match the following week.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/02022010|title=Change is in the air|website=WWE|accessdate=March 14, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/02092010|title=The end is near|website=WWE|accessdate=March 14, 2023}}</ref> at [[WrestleMania XXVI]], Archer competed in a 26-man pre-show battle royal where he was eliminated.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/12800/|title=WrestleMania XXVI live results|accessdate=March 14, 2023}}</ref> Following the disbanding of the [[ECW (WWE brand)|ECW brand]], Archer competed in dark matches and in FCW, and was eventually moved to the SmackDown brand, forming a tag team with [[Brian Myers|Curt Hawkins]]. They made their television debut as a team on the May 13 episode of ''Superstars'', defeating two local competitors. After the match, Hawkins stated that he and Archer had been given a 30-day contract to "make an impact".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwesuperstars/results/14427924/|title=How to make an impact|publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]|first=Ryan|last=Murphy|date=May 13, 2010|access-date=May 13, 2010}}</ref> The team made its ''SmackDown'' debut on the May 21 episode, winning another squash match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05212010/|title=Stepping Over the Limit|publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]|first=Michael|last=Burdick|date=May 21, 2010|access-date=May 29, 2010}}</ref> In an attempt to make an impact, the duo attacked [[Montel Vontavious Porter]] (MVP) and [[Christian Cage|Christian]] on consecutive episodes of ''SmackDown'' on June 4 and June 11, which they followed up on by defeating both in a tag team match on June 18. The next week the duo was officially named "The Gatecrashers".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_42049.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 6/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including McIntyre vs. Teddy Long|website=www.pwtorch.com|accessdate=March 14, 2023}}</ref> On the June 25 episode of Smackdown, The Gatecrashers and [[Dolph Ziggler]] lost to Christian, MVP and [[Kofi Kingston]] in a six man tag team match. On the July 9 episode of Smackdown, The Gatecrashers defeated Christian and [[Matt Hardy]]. On the August 5 episode of [[WWE Superstars]], The Gatecrashers defeated [[Trent Beretta|Trent Barreta]] and [[Caylen Croft]]. On the August 19 episode of Superstars after Archer's match with MVP ended in a no contest and a tag team match was made where The Gatecrashers defeated MVP and [[JTG]]. On the August 26 episode of Superstars. The Gatecrashers lost to Trent Barreta and Caylen Croft. On the September 9 episode of Superstars, The Gatecrashers lost a rematch to Caylen Croft and Trent Barreta. On the September 24 episode of Smackdown, The Gatecrashers lost to [[Big Show]] in a handicap match. The team came to an end on the October 7 episode of ''Superstars'' after a match between Archer and [[Chris Masters]]. Archer accidentally struck Hawkins outside the ring, after which the two argued and a distracted Archer lost the match. Afterwards, Hawkins assaulted Archer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwesuperstars/results/15959648/|title=With friends like these|publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]|first=Ryan|last=Murphy|date=October 7, 2010|access-date=October 7, 2010}}</ref> Archer returned to singles competition on the November 4 edition of ''Superstars'', losing to [[Doc Gallows|Luke Gallows]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwesuperstars/results/16183236/|title=Soaring to new heights|publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]|first=Ryan|last=Murphy|date=November 4, 2010|access-date=November 4, 2010}}</ref> On November 19, 2010, Archer was released from his contract along with five other wrestlers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/wwesuperstarsreleased|title=WWE Superstars released|publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]|date=November 19, 2010|access-date=November 19, 2010}}</ref> ===New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2011–2015)=== {{Main|Suzuki-gun|Killer Elite Squad}} [[File:Lance Archer 2011.jpg|left|thumb|Archer in 2011, on tour with New Japan]] On May 15, 2011, Hoyt made his debut for [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]], during the promotion's first-ever tour of the United States, attacking [[Satoshi Kojima]] after a match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1305557577 |title=5/15 New Japan Pro-Wrestling Results: Philly, PA |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=2011-05-16 |access-date=2011-05-16 |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610122633/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1305557577 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}</ref> The following day it was announced that Hoyt, under the ring name Lance Archer, had joined [[Minoru Suzuki]]'s [[Suzuki-gun]], who had recently begun feuding with Kojima.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_50094.shtml|title=NJPW News: MVP's first IWGP IC Title defense announced, Lance Hoyt part of next New Japan PPV|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2011-05-16|access-date=2011-05-16|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Archer made his in-ring debut on June 18 at [[Dominion 6.18]] in [[Osaka]], teaming with Suzuki in a tag team match, where they defeated Kojima and [[Togi Makabe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=230|title=Dominion 6.18|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2011-06-18|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_50865.shtml|title=NJPW News: Results from Dominion PPV Saturday - MVP's first IWGP IC Title defense, TNA wrestler appears, key title change|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2011-06-18|access-date=2011-06-19|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Three days later, the Suzuki-gun team of Archer, [[Taichi Ishikari|Taichi]] and [[Taka Michinoku]] was eliminated from the J Sports Crown Openweight 6 Man Tag Tournament in the first round by Kojima, Makabe and [[Tomoaki Honma]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=335|title=「J SPORTS CROWN」 ~無差別級6人タッグトーナメント~|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2011-06-21|language=ja}}</ref> In August, Archer took part in the [[2011 G1 Climax]], where he managed to win four out of his nine matches, including defeating former [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship|IWGP Heavyweight Champion]] Togi Makabe in his opening match, finishing eighth out of the ten wrestlers in his block.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=322|title=ブシロード Presents G1 Climax XXI ~The Invincible Fighter~|date=2011-08-14|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2011-08-14|language=ja}}</ref> Archer had his to date highest profile match in New Japan on September 19, when he was defeated by Togi Makabe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=394|title=G1 Climax Special 2011|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2011-09-19|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007041908/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=394|archive-date=2011-10-07|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the [[G1 Tag League#2011|2011 G1 Tag League]], Archer teamed with Minoru Suzuki and, after four wins and one loss, the team finished second in their block, advancing to the semifinals of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=3235|title=(Results) New Japan, 11/4/11|work=Strong Style Spirit|date=2011-11-04|access-date=2011-11-04}}</ref> On November 6, Archer and Suzuki first defeated the [[Chaos (professional wrestling)|CHAOS]] Top Team ([[Shinsuke Nakamura]] and [[Toru Yano]]) in the semifinals and then [[IWGP Tag Team Championship|IWGP Tag Team Champions]] [[Bad Intentions (professional wrestling)|Bad Intentions]] ([[Matt Bloom|Giant Bernard]] and [[Karl Anderson]]) in the finals to win the 2011 G1 Tag League.<ref name=G1ClimaxTagLeague2011>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=467|title=G1 Tag League 2011|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2011-11-06|language=ja}}</ref> On November 12 at [[Power Struggle (2011)|Power Struggle]], Archer and Suzuki failed in their attempt to capture the IWGP Tag Team Championship from Bad Intentions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=469|title=Power Struggle|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2011-11-12|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114175302/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=469|archive-date=2011-11-14}}</ref> On February 12, 2012, at [[The New Beginning (2012)|The New Beginning]], Archer, Minoru Suzuki, Taichi, Taka Michinoku and [[Yoshihiro Takayama]] of the Suzuki-gun took a dominant 5–1 win over [[Kushida (wrestler)|Kushida]], [[Tiger Mask IV|Tiger Mask]], Togi Makabe, [[Wataru Inoue (wrestler)|Wataru Inoue]] and [[Yuji Nagata]] in a ten-man elimination tag team match, with Archer scoring eliminations over Kushida, Tiger Mask and Inoue.<ref name=NewBeginning>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=513&c=3818|title=The New Beginning|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2012-02-12|language=ja}}</ref> Afterwards, Archer and Takayama challenged [[Tencozy]] ([[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]] and Satoshi Kojima) to a match for the IWGP Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=513|title=The New Beginning|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2012-02-12|language=ja}}</ref> On March 18, Archer and Takayama were unsuccessful in their title challenge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=524|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour New Japan Glory 2012|access-date=2012-03-18|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On July 22 at Kizuna Road, Archer, Suzuki, Michinoku and Taichi defeated [[Finn Bálor|Prince Devitt]], [[Ryusuke Taguchi]], Togi Makabe and Yuji Nagata in an eight-man elimination tag team match, with Archer scoring three of his team's four eliminations. Following the match, Archer had a staredown with Makabe, building up to their upcoming match in the [[2012 G1 Climax|2012 G1 Climax tournament]].<ref name=KizunaRoad>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=593&c=4433|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Kizuna Road|access-date=2012-07-22|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> The match took place on August 1, the first day of the tournament, and saw Archer pick up the win over the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion for the second year in a row.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=597|title=カードファイト!! ヴァンガード Presents NJPW 40th anniversary Tour G1 Climax 22 ~The One And Only~|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|date=2012-08-01|access-date=2012-08-01|language=ja}}</ref> After four wins and three losses, Archer headed to the final day of the tournament on August 12 tied at the top of his block, however, a loss to [[Montel Vontavious Porter|MVP]] in his final match caused him to get eliminated from the finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=605|title=カードファイト!! ヴァンガード Presents NJPW 40th anniversary Tour G1 Climax 22 ~The One And Only~|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|date=2012-08-12|access-date=2012-08-12|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_64211.shtml|title=NJPW: Former TNA wrestler wins G1|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2012-08-12|access-date=2012-08-12|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> [[File:Suzukigun.JPG|thumb|Archer with [[Suzuki-gun]] in February 2012]] In the aftermath of Suzuki-gun's July 22 win, Archer had also made a challenge for the IWGP Tag Team Championship, held by Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima, but did not specify who his partner for the match would be.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=593&c=4361|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Kizuna Road|access-date=2012-08-14|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On August 13, [[Davey Boy Smith Jr.|Harry Smith]], later renamed Davey Boy Smith, Jr., was revealed as Archer's partner and the newest member of Suzuki-gun.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8008|script-title=ja:次期シリーズにアレックス・シェリー、ドラダ、アベルノが襲来!! ハーリー・スミスも再上陸!!|date=2012-08-13|access-date=2012-08-14|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On October 8 at [[King of Pro-Wrestling (2012)|King of Pro-Wrestling]], Archer and Smith, now known as the [[Killer Elite Squad|K.E.S.]] (Killer Elite Squad), defeated Kojima and Tenzan to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship.<ref name=KingofProWrestling>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=619|title=NJPW 40th anniversary King of Pro-Wrestling|access-date=2012-10-08|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014185115/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=619|archive-date=2012-10-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_65783.shtml|title=Japan News: TNA stars drop Tag Titles, former WWE stars win Tag Titles, Low-Ki recaptures title, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2012-10-08|access-date=2012-10-08|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> K.E.S. made their first successful title defense on November 11 at [[Power Struggle (2012)|Power Struggle]], defeating Tenzan and Kojima in a rematch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=625|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Power Struggle|access-date=2012-11-11|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1352765476 |title=11/11 NJPW iPPV Results: Osaka, Japan |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=2012-11-12 |access-date=2012-11-13 |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117202001/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1352765476 |archive-date=2012-11-17 }}</ref> From November 20 to December 1, K.E.S. took part in the [[Round-robin tournament|round-robin]] portion of the [[G1 Tag League#2012|2012 World Tag League]], finishing with a record of four wins and two losses, advancing to the semifinals of the tournament in the second place in their group.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=648|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2012-12-01|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=654|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2012-12-01|language=ja}}</ref> On December 2, K.E.S. defeated Always Hypers (Togi Makabe and Wataru Inoue) to advance to the finals of the tournament, Archer's second in a row.<ref name=WorldTagLeague2012Finals>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=656|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2012-12-02|language=ja}}</ref> Later that same day, K.E.S. was defeated in the finals of the 2012 World Tag League by Sword & Guns ([[Hirooki Goto]] and Karl Anderson).<ref name=WorldTagLeague2012Finals/> On January 4, 2013, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 7 in Tokyo Dome]], K.E.S. defeated Sword & Guns in a rematch to retain the IWGP Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=657|title=Wrestle Kingdom 7 ~Evolution~ in 東京ドーム|access-date=2013-01-04|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_67650.shtml|title=Show Results - 1/4 New Japan Tokyo Dome Show: Former WWE stars in undercard matches, Tanahashi vs. Okada, did any titles change hands?|date=2013-01-04|access-date=2013-01-04|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On February 10 at [[The New Beginning (2013)|The New Beginning]], Archer and Smith defeated Tenzan and Kojima for their third successful defense of the IWGP Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=687|title=The New Beginning|access-date=2013-02-10|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On March 3 at New Japan's 41st anniversary event, Archer unsuccessfully challenged Shinsuke Nakamura for the [[IWGP Intercontinental Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=691|script-title=ja:旗揚げ記念日|access-date=2013-03-03|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309151312/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=691|archive-date=2013-03-09|url-status=dead}}</ref> On April 5, Archer and Smith made their fourth successful defense of the IWGP Tag Team Championship against Nakamura and [[Tomohiro Ishii]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=705 | title = Road to Invasion Attack | access-date=2013-04-05 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> On April 20, Archer and Smith defeated Ryan Genesis and Scot Summers in [[Houston]], [[Texas]], to not only retain the IWGP Tag Team Championship, but to also win the NWA World Tag Team Championship.<ref name=NWAWorldTagSmith>{{cite web | url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_70136.shtml | title=Show Results - 4/20 NWA Houston Parade of Champions: Caldwell's in-person report on Conway vs. Masters for NWA Title, Hoyt & Archer defend IWGP Tag Titles, three title changes | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=2013-04-20 | access-date=2013-04-21 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On May 3 at [[Wrestling Dontaku 2013]], K.E.S. lost the IWGP Tag Team Championship back to Tencozy in a four-way match, which also included [[Takayuki Iizuka|Takashi Iizuka]] and Toru Yano, and [[Manabu Nakanishi]] and [[Jon Andersen|Strong Man]], though neither Archer nor Smith was involved in the finish.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=708 | script-title=ja:レスリングどんたく 2013 | access-date=2013-05-03 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_70387.shtml|title=Show results - 5/3 NJPW Dontaku PPV: U.S. stars lose titles or title matches, Okada's first IWGP Title defense, more|date=2013-05-04|access-date=2013-05-04|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> K.E.S. received a rematch for the title on June 22 at [[Dominion 6.22]] in a three-way match, which also included Iizuka and Yano, but were unable to regain the title, when Kojima pinned Archer for the win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=729|title=Dominion 6.22|access-date=2013-06-22|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_71461.shtml|title=Show results - 6/22 NJPW Dominion iPPV: Devitt vs. Tanahashi, NWA Title defended, Benjamin, Hoyt, Shelley, more|date=2013-06-22|access-date=2013-06-22|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On August 1, Archer entered the [[2013 G1 Climax]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=739|title=ブシモ Presents G1 Climax 23|access-date=2013-08-11|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> The tournament concluded on August 11 with a match, where Archer defeated his tag team partner Davey Boy Smith, Jr., costing Smith a spot in the finals and giving Archer a record of four wins and five losses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=747 |title=ブシモ Presents G1 Climax 23 |access-date=2013-08-11 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816170459/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=747 |archive-date=2013-08-16 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_72623.shtml|title=Live results - New Japan's G1 Climax Finals 8/11: Caldwell's complete coverage of Sunday's event featuring Naito vs. Tanahashi, Shelton, Hoyt, Bulldog, Jr., Devitt, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2013-08-11|access-date=2013-08-11|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On November 9 at [[Power Struggle (2013)|Power Struggle]], K.E.S. faced Tencozy and [[The IronGodz]] ([[Jax Dane]] and [[Rob Conway]]) in a two-fall three-way match. In the first fall, they lost the NWA World Tag Team Championship to The IronGodz, but came back in the second to defeat Tencozy for the IWGP Tag Team Championship.<ref name=PowerStruggle2013>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=772|title=Power Struggle|access-date=2013-11-09|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111230216/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=772|archive-date=2013-11-11|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_74458.shtml|title=NJPW news: Double title change in IWGP Tag Title vs. NWA Tag Title match, Young Bucks add Tag Title gold|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2013-11-09|access-date=2013-11-09|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> From November 24 to December 8, K.E.S. took part in the [[G1 Tag League#2013|2013 World Tag League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=10583 |script-title=ja:『ワールドタッグ』出場チーム決定!! 内藤&ソンブラ! コンウェイ&ダンも参戦! アンダーソンは“新顔”ドク・ギャローズとタッグ結成!! |date=2013-11-11 |access-date=2013-12-08 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111133749/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=10583 |archive-date=2013-11-11 }}</ref> After winning their round-robin block with a record of five wins and one loss,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=794|title=World Tag League 2013|access-date=2013-12-08|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> they were eliminated from the tournament in the semifinals by their old rivals, Tencozy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=793|title=World Tag League 2013|access-date=2013-12-08|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On January 4, 2014, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 8 in Tokyo Dome]], K.E.S. lost the IWGP Tag Team Championship to the winners of the tournament, [[Bullet Club]] ([[Doc Gallows]] and Karl Anderson).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=781|title=バディファイトPresents Wrestle Kingdom 8 in 東京ドーム|access-date=2014-01-04|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_75461.shtml|title=Caldwell's NJPW Tokyo Dome results 1/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of New Japan's biggest show of the year - four title changes, former WWE/TNA stars featured, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2014-01-04|access-date=2014-01-04|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> K.E.S. received a rematch for the title on February 9 at [[The New Beginning in Hiroshima]], but were again defeated by Bullet Club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=810|title=The New Beginning in Hiroshima|access-date=2014-02-09|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_76249.shtml|title=NJPW News: Titles defended at Sunday's "New Beginning" show - IWGP IC Title, IWGP Tag Titles, NWA World Title|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2014-02-09|access-date=2014-02-09|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On May 25 at [[Back to the Yokohama Arena]], K.E.S. failed to regain the NWA World Tag Team Championship from Tencozy in a three-way match, which also included Rob Conway and [[Wes Brisco]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=842|title=Back to the Yokohama Arena|access-date=2014-05-25|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On June 21 at [[Dominion 6.21]], K.E.S. received another shot at the NWA World Tag Team Championship, this time in a regular tag team match, but were again defeated by Tencozy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=853 |title=Dominion 6.21 |access-date=2014-06-21 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140624013755/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=853 |archive-date=2014-06-24 }}</ref> From July 23 to August 8, Archer took part in the [[2014 G1 Climax]], where he finished tied sixth in his block with a record of four wins and six losses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=871 |title=バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 24 |access-date=2014-08-08 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808093933/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=871 |archive-date=2014-08-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/50055-8-8-njpw-g-1-climax-day-11-recap-okada-suzuki|title=8/8 NJPW G-1 Climax Day 11 recap (Okada/Suzuki)|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=2014-08-08|access-date=2014-08-08|work=Wrestleview}}</ref> On October 13 at [[King of Pro-Wrestling (2014)|King of Pro-Wrestling]], K.E.S. defeated Tencozy to regain the NWA World Tag Team Championship.<ref name=KingofProWrestling2014>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/card.php?e=889|title=King of Pro-Wrestling|access-date=2014-10-13|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_81243.shtml|title=PPV results - 10/13 New Japan in Tokyo, Japan: Styles drops IWGP World Hvt. Title to Tanahashi, more title changes, former WWE star returns to New Japan, more|date=2014-10-13|access-date=2014-10-13|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> From November 22 to December 5, K.E.S. took part in the [[G1 Tag League#2014|2014 World Tag League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=12707 |title=『World Tag League 2014』出場チーム&公式戦が決定! 棚橋はヨシタツとタッグ結成! 桜庭、AJ、柴田、ROH、NWAも参戦! |date=2014-11-11 |access-date=2014-12-05 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112222204/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=12707 |archive-date=2014-11-12 }}</ref> The team finished their block with a record of four wins and three losses, narrowly missing the finals of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=912 |title=World Tag League 2014 |access-date=2014-12-05 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210130824/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=912 |archive-date=2014-12-10 }}</ref> ===Pro Wrestling Noah (2015–2016)=== On January 10, 2015, K.E.S., along with the rest of Suzuki-gun, took part in a major storyline, where the stable invaded a [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] show. During the attack, K.E.S. beat down [[GHC Tag Team Championship|GHC Tag Team Champions]] [[The Mighty Don't Kneel|TMDK]] ([[Mikey Nicholls]] and [[Shane Thorne|Shane Haste]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=6799|title=「New Year Navig. 2015」1月10日(土)後楽園ホール大会 試合後コメント|date=2015-01-11|access-date=2015-01-11|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20150111-00000101-spnavi-fight |title=丸藤V6もみのるが襲撃 鈴木軍がノアに宣戦布告 |date=2015-01-11 |access-date=2015-01-11 |work=Sports Navi |publisher=[[Yahoo!]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111160357/http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20150111-00000101-spnavi-fight |archive-date=2015-01-11 }}</ref> This led to a match on February 11, where K.E.S. defeated TMDK to become the new GHC Tag Team Champions.<ref name=Noah021115>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1390|title=Great Voyage 2015 in Nagoya|access-date=2015-02-11|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206050812/http://www.noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1390|archive-date=2015-02-06|url-status=dead}}</ref> In May, K.E.S. made it to the finals of the [[2015 Global Tag League]], where they were defeated by [[Masato Tanaka]] and [[Takashi Sugiura]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1424|title=グローバル・タッグリーグ戦2015|access-date=2015-05-04|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505003543/http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1424|archive-date=2015-05-05|url-status=dead}}</ref> After ten successful title defenses, K.E.S. lost the GHC Tag Team Championship to [[Naomichi Marufuji]] and Toru Yano on May 28, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1588|title=infoNear inc. presents Great Voyage 2016 in Osaka|access-date=2016-05-28|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021050736/http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1588|archive-date=2016-10-21|url-status=dead}}</ref> K.E.S. regained the title from Marufuji and Yano on November 23.<ref name=Noah112316>{{cite web | url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1691 | script-title=ja:グローバル・リーグ戦2016 | access-date=2016-11-23 | work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]] | language=ja | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124024818/http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1691 | archive-date=2016-11-24 | url-status=dead }}</ref> They lost the title to [[Go Shiozaki]] and [[Maybach Taniguchi]] on December 3.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1708 | title = One Night Cruise 2016 in Differ | access-date = 2016-12-03 | work = [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] | language = ja | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170215124923/http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1708 | archive-date = 2017-02-15 | url-status = dead }}</ref> Two days later, it was announced that Suzuki-gun was gone from Noah, concluding the invasion storyline.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/625105/ | script-title=ja:【ノア】鈴木軍撤退で方舟マットどうなる? | date=2016-12-05 | access-date=2016-12-05 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja | archive-date=December 6, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206095015/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/625105/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> ===Global Force Wrestling (2015)=== On May 6, 2015, [[Global Force Wrestling (2014–2017)|Global Force Wrestling]] (GFW) announced Hoyt as part of their roster.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://globalforcewrestling.com/the-gfw-roster-reveal-begins-chael-sonnen-named-gfw-analyst/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128151608/https://globalforcewrestling.com/the-gfw-roster-reveal-begins-chael-sonnen-named-gfw-analyst/ |archive-date=November 28, 2022 |title=The GFW Roster Reveal Begins; Chael Sonnen Named GFW Analyst |work=[[Global Force Wrestling (2014–2017)|Global Force Wrestling]] |date=May 6, 2015 |access-date=May 6, 2015}}</ref> He made his debut for the promotion on August 14, losing to [[Nick Aldis]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/95878/814-global-force-wrestling-in-winstonsalem-nc-live-report.html?p=1|title=8/14 Global Force Wrestling in Winston-Salem, NC live report|date=2015-08-15|access-date=2015-08-15|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> On August 21, K.E.S lost to [[Bullet Club]] ([[Drew Hankinson|Doc Gallows]] and [[Karl Anderson]]) in the quarter-finals of the GFW tag team title tournament. === Return to NJPW (2017–present) === [[File:ランス・アーチャー201908.jpg|thumb|right|Archer in August 2019]] The entire Suzuki-gun returned to NJPW on January 5, 2017, attacking the Chaos stable with K.E.S. targeting [[IWGP Tag Team Championship|IWGP Tag Team Champions]] [[Tomohiro Ishii]] and [[Toru Yano]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/79443 | script-title=ja:戦国炎舞 -Kizna- Presents New Year Dash !! | access-date=2017-01-05 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/news/njpw-new-years-dash-results-return-suzuki-gun-never-six-man-titles-line-227721 | title = NJPW New Year's Dash results: The return of Suzuki-gun | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=2017-01-05 | access-date=2017-01-05 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> On February 5 at [[The New Beginning in Sapporo (2017)|The New Beginning in Sapporo]], K.E.S. unsuccessfully challenged Ishii and Yano for the IWGP Tag Team Championship in a three-way match, also involving Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-new-beginning-sapporo-live-results-okada-vs-suzuki-229561 | title = NJPW New Beginning in Sapporo live results: Okada vs. Suzuki | last1=Meltzer | first1=Dave | author-link1=Dave Meltzer | last2=Currier | first2=Joseph | date=2017-02-04 | access-date=2017-02-05 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Following the event, Archer was sidelined with a herniated disc in his lower back, which would require surgery and sideline him for a significant amount of time.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/daily-update-lance-archer-out-action-rock-ufc-news-229876 | title = Daily Update: Lance Archer out of action, The Rock, UFC news | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | author-link=Dave Meltzer | date=2017-02-10 | access-date=2017-02-10 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> After this injury, Archer changed his ''Blackout'' finisher to avoid a future injury. Instead of a sitout reverse crucifix powerbomb, he began to perform a reverse crucifix powerbomb.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/lance-archer-on-the-decision-to-change-the-set-up-for-his-blackout-finisher/ | title=411Mania }}</ref> Archer returned from his injury at G1 Finals on August 13, when he and Smith attacked IWGP Tag Team Champions [[The Viking Raiders|War Machine]] ([[Ivar (wrestler)|Hanson]] and [[Erik (wrestler)|Raymond Rowe]]) and [[Guerrillas of Destiny]] ([[Tama Tonga]] and [[Tanga Loa]]).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-g1-climax-27-finals-live-results-tetsuya-naito-vs-kenny-omega-240871 | title = NJPW G1 Climax 27 finals live results: Tetsuya Naito vs. Kenny Omega | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=2017-08-12 | access-date=2017-08-13 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> On September 24 at [[Destruction in Kobe (2017)|Destruction in Kobe]], K.E.S. defeated War Machine and G.O.D. in a three-way tornado tag team match to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship for the third time.<ref name=Kobe2017>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-destruction-kobe-live-results-kenny-omega-vs-juice-robinson-243361 | title = NJPW Destruction in Kobe live results: Kenny Omega vs. Juice Robinson | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=2017-09-23 | access-date=2017-09-24 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> At the end of the year, K.E.S. took part in the [[G1 Tag League#2017|2017 World Tag League]], where they finished with a record of five wins and two losses, failing to advance to the finals due to losing to block winners G.O.D. in their head-to-head match.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/111996?showResult=1 | title = 鉄拳Presents World Tag League 2017 | access-date=2017-12-09 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> On January 4, 2018, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 12]], K.E.S. lost the IWGP Tag Team Championship to ''[[Los Ingobernables de Japón]]'' ([[Evil (wrestler)|Evil]] and [[Sanada (wrestler)|Sanada]]).<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-12-live-results-okada-naito-omega-jericho-249171 | title = NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12 live results: Okada-Naito, Omega-Jericho | last=Renner | first=Ethan | date=2018-01-03 | access-date=2018-01-04 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> In June 2018, the K.E.S. made two appearances for American promotion [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH), who has a partnership with NJPW. They lost to the [[Bullet Club]] on June 15,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/61518-state-art-san-antonio-tx|title=6/15/18 State of the Art - San Antonio, TX|work=www.rohwrestling.com|date=June 15, 2018|access-date=August 17, 2019|archive-date=August 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812025709/https://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/61518-state-art-san-antonio-tx|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[the Briscoe Brothers]] on June 16; the latter match being for the [[ROH Tag Team Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/61618-ring-honor-live-dallas-tx|title=6/15/18 State of the Art - Dallas, TX|work=www.rohwrestling.com|date=June 16, 2018|access-date=August 17, 2019|archive-date=September 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918012920/https://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/61618-ring-honor-live-dallas-tx|url-status=dead}}</ref> Then K.E.S. competed in the [[World Tag League (NJPW)#2018|2018 NJPW World Tag League]] in December 2018, ending with 18 points, therefore failing to advance to the tournament finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-world-tag-league-results-finals-are-set-271811|title=NJPW WORLD TAG LEAGUE RESULTS: THE FINALS ARE SET|first=Bryan|last=Rose|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|date=December 7, 2018|access-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref> In June 2019, Smith left NJPW, disbanding the K.E.S. and leaving Archer as a singles competitor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-davey-boy-smith-jr-finished-njpw|title=Report: Davey Boy Smith Jr Done With NJPW|work=Fightful}}</ref> Shortly afterwards, Archer competed in the [[G1 Climax 29|2019 G1 Climax]], his first participation since 2014; he participated in the A Block, with a final standing of 6 points, failing to advance to the finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/new-japan-results/njpw-g1-climax-29-night-18-results-tetsuya-naito-vs-jay-white-289826|title=NJPW G1 Climax 29 Night 18 Results: Tetsuya Naito vs. Jay White|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|first=Ethan|last=Renner|date=August 11, 2019|access-date=August 11, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/njpw-g1-climax-29-results-winner-kota-ibushi-tops-jay-white-in-epic-2019-finals-match/|title=NJPW G1 Climax 29 results, winner: Kota Ibushi tops Jay White in epic 2019 finals match|work=[[CBSSports.com]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|first=Jack|last=Crosby|date=August 12, 2019|access-date=August 15, 2019}}</ref> At [[King of Pro-Wrestling (2019)|King of Pro-Wrestling]] on October 14, Archer replaced [[Jon Moxley]] to defeat [[Juice Robinson]] to win the vacant [[IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship]], his first singles championship in NJPW.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/55003?showResult=1|title=2019.10.14 KING OF PRO-WRESTLING|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|date=October 14, 2019|access-date=October 15, 2019|archive-date=September 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920083319/https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/55003?showResult=1|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/62455|title=Jon Moxley unable to compete at Sumo Hall, US Championship vacated|publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|website=njpw1972.com|date=October 14, 2019|access-date=October 14, 2019|archive-date=October 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014064324/https://www.njpw1972.com/62455|url-status=dead}}</ref> He successfully defended the championship against [[David Finlay (wrestler)|David Finlay]] at [[NJPW Showdown|Showdown in San Jose]] on November 9.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/58190?showResult=1 |title=New Japan Showdown in San Jose |publisher=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |access-date=November 11, 2019}}</ref> Archer lost the title to Moxley in a [[Texas Deathmatch]] at [[Wrestle Kingdom 14]] on January 4, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/49954?showResult=1|title=2020.01.04 WRESTLE KINGDOM in TOKYO DOME {{!}} Night 1|publisher=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|date=January 4, 2020|access-date=January 4, 2020|archive-date=May 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530232522/https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/49954?showResult=1|url-status=dead}}</ref> On February 26, Archer signed with [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW) and his profile was removed from NJPW's official website, signaling his departure from NJPW.<ref name="AEW"/> He later came back to NJPW due to his membership with [[Suzuki-gun]]. He is not recognised on the NJPW personnel but he makes appearances on ''[[NJPW Strong]]''. On June 12, 2022, during [[Dominion 6.12 in Osaka-jo Hall]], Archer was announced to be participating in the [[G1 Climax 32]] in July representing AEW, as part of the A Block.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2022/06/12/field-announced-for-njpw-g1-climax-32/ | title=Field announced for NJPW G1 Climax 32 | date=June 12, 2022 }}</ref> Archer finished with a total of 6 points, failing to advance to the semi-finals.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/njpw-g1-climax-32-block-winners-determined-semifinals-set | title=NJPW G1 Climax 32 block winners determined, semifinals set | date=August 16, 2022 }}</ref> Archer returned to NJPW in November, teaming with [[Minoru Suzuki]] in the [[World Tag League (NJPW)#2022|World Tag League]], where the team finished with 8 points, failing to advance to the finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-world-tag-league-super-junior-tag-league-live-results-winners-crowned|title=NJPW World Tag League & Super Junior Tag League live results: Winners crowned|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|first=Chick|last=Fritts|date=December 14, 2022|access-date=January 15, 2024}}</ref> At the World Tag League and [[Best of the Super Juniors#2022|Best of the Super Juniors]] finals, Suzuki announced the disbandment of Suzuki-gun by the end of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/njpws-suzuki-gun-stable-to-disband-at-the-end-of-2022|title=NJPW's Suzuki-gun stable to disband at the end of 2022|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|first=Bryan|last=Rose|date=December 14, 2022|access-date=January 15, 2024}}</ref> The final match between the faction took place on December 23, where the team of [[Taichi (wrestler)|Taichi]], [[Zack Sabre Jr.]], [[Yoshinobu Kanemaru]] and [[Douki]] defeated Suzuki, Archer, [[El Desperado (wrestler)|El Desperado]] and [[Taka Michinoku]]. After the match, each of the Suzuki-gun members spoke about their memories as a part of the group and thanked leader Suzuki. The night ended with all members posing with the Suzuki-gun flag, only to be interrupted by former member [[Takashi Iizuka]], causing all nine men to pose in the ring, behind the Suzuki-gun flag.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2022/12/23/suzuki-gun-bids-farewell-on-new-japans-final-event-of-the-year/ | title=Suzuki-gun bids farewell on New Japan's final event of the year | date=December 23, 2022 }}</ref> In April 2023, NJPW announced a tournament to crown the #1 contender for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship, with Archer being named as one of four participants.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1252927/juice-robinson-more-announced-for-iwgp-united-states-1-contenders-tournament/ | title=Juice Robinson & More Announced for IWGP United States #1 Contender's Tournament | date=April 10, 2023 }}</ref> At NJPW Collision in Philadelphia, Archer defeated [[Fred Rosser]] to advance to the tournament final.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/140274?showResult=1 | title=2023.04.16 Collision in Philadelphia | New Japan Pro-Wrestling }}</ref> At [[Dominion 6.4 in Osaka-jo Hall]], Archer was defeated by [[Will Ospreay]] in the tournament final.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ringsidenews.com/2023/06/04/will-ospreay-to-challenge-kenny-omega-for-iwgp-us-title-at-aew-x-njpw-forbidden-door/ | title=Will Ospreay to Challenge Kenny Omega for IWGP US Title at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door | date=June 4, 2023 }}</ref> ===All Elite Wrestling (2020–present)=== ==== Championship pursuits (2020–2024) ==== On February 26, 2020, Archer signed a multi-year deal with [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW).<ref name="AEW">{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/lance-archer-signs-multi-year-deal-aew-305071|title=Lance Archer signs multi-year deal with AEW|publisher=Figure Four Online|website=f4wonline.com|first=Joseph|last=Currier|date=February 26, 2020|access-date=February 27, 2020}}</ref> He made his debut appearance on the March 11 episode of ''[[AEW Dynamite|Dynamite]]'' as a client of [[Jake Roberts|Jake "The Snake" Roberts]] and he made his in-ring debut on the April 1 episode of ''Dynamite'', defeating [[Marko Stunt]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/2020/03/12/aew-dynamite-jake-roberts-client-lance-archer-new-japan/|author=Casey, Connor|title=Jake Roberts Reveals Lance Archer is His New Client on AEW Dynamite|website=comicbook.com|access-date=March 11, 2020}}</ref><ref name=AEWDebut/> Archer was then announced as a participant in tournament for the inaugural [[AEW TNT Championship]];<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/03/30/aew-introducing-the-tnt-championship-belt-winner-to-be-crowned-in-a-tournament/|title=AEW introducing the TNT Championship belt, winner to be crowned in a tournament|date=March 30, 2020|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=March 31, 2020}}</ref> he defeated [[Colt Cabana]] in the quarter finals, and [[Dustin Rhodes]] in the semi-finals,<ref name="Dynamite04292020">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/04/29/4-29-aew-dynamite-tv-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-vs-darby-allin-and-dustin-rhodes-vs-lance-archer-in-tnt-title-tournament-semifinal-matches-best-friends-vs-jimmy-havoc-and-kip-sabian-b/|title=4/29 AEW Dynamite TV results: Powell's live review of Cody vs. Darby Allin and Dustin Rhodes vs. Lance Archer in TNT Title tournament semifinal matches, Best Friends vs. Jimmy Havoc and Kip Sabian, Brodie Lee vs. Marko Stunt, AEW Champ Jon Moxley's promo|date=April 29, 2020|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 30, 2020}}</ref> but lost in the finals to [[Cody Rhodes|Cody]] at [[Double or Nothing (2020)|Double or Nothing]] on May 23 after boxer [[Mike Tyson]] prevented Roberts from interfering on Archer's behalf.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/watch-mike-tyson-scares-off-jake-the-snake-roberts-at-aew-double-or-nothing-wrestling-show/ | title=WATCH: Mike Tyson scares off Jake 'The Snake' Roberts at AEW Double or Nothing wrestling show | date=May 24, 2020 }}</ref> On September 5 at [[All Out (2020)|All Out]], Archer won the [[Casino Battle Royale]] match to become the number one contender for the [[AEW World Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/everybody-dies-lance-archer-wins-casino-battle-royale%3famp|title=Everybody Dies: Lance Archer Wins The Casino Battle Royal|work=Fightful.com|author=Robert Defelice|date=September 5, 2020|access-date=September 5, 2020|archive-date=November 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116210433/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/everybody-dies-lance-archer-wins-casino-battle-royale?amp|url-status=dead}}</ref> On October 14 at the ''Dynamite Anniversary Show'', Archer failed to win the championship in a No Disqualification match against [[Jon Moxley]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/10/aew-dynamite-live-coverage-jon-moxley-vs-lance-archer-675895/|title=AEW Dynamite Anniversary Show Results: Jon Moxley Vs. Lance Archer, TNT Title Match, MJF|work=WrestlingInc.com|author=Gagnon, Joshua|date=October 14, 2020|access-date=October 15, 2020}}</ref> He returned in November coming to the aid of Death Triangle against Butcher and the Blade, and Eddie Kingston, turning [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] in the process. On the December 2 "[[AEW Winter Is Coming|Winter Is Coming]]" special episode of ''Dynamite'', Archer and The Lucha Bros. ([[Fénix (wrestler)|Rey Fénix]], and [[Pentagón Jr.|Penta El Zero Miedo]]) lost to Eddie Kingston, The Butcher, and The Blade.<ref>{{cite web|last=Beaston|first=Erik|title=AEW Winter Is Coming Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2920654-aew-winter-is-coming-results-winners-grades-reaction-and-highlights|access-date=2021-07-22|website=Bleacher Report|language=en}}</ref> On The Dynamite Tribute Show for [[Brodie Lee]], "[[Brodie Lee Celebration of Life]]", Archer teamed with [[Evil Uno]] [[Evil Uno and Stu Grayson|and]] [[Stu Grayson]] against Kingston, Butcher, and The Blade. Archer dressed up as Lee's classic look, with his team winning.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mueller|first=The Doctor Chris|title=AEW Dynamite Results: Winners, Reaction, Highlights from Brodie Lee Tribute Show|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2924790-aew-dynamite-results-winners-reaction-highlights-from-brodie-lee-tribute-show|access-date=2021-07-22|website=Bleacher Report|language=en}}</ref> On the February 24, 2021, episode of ''Dynamite'', Archer defeated former ally Rey Fénix to qualify for The Face of The Revolution Ladder Match at [[Revolution (2021)|Revolution]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Staff|first=A. E. W.|date=2021-02-25|title=AEW Dynamite Results for February 24, 2021|url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-dynamite-results-for-february-24-2021|access-date=2021-07-22|website=All Elite Wrestling|language=en}}</ref> At Revolution, Archer faced [[Cody Rhodes]], [[Scorpio Sky]], [[Pentagón Jr.|Penta El Zero M]], [[Max Caster]], and surprise entrant [[Ethan Page]], with Sky winning.<ref>{{cite web|title=2021 AEW Revolution results, recap, grades: Deathmatch ends on flat note, ex-WWE star makes stunning debut|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2021-aew-revolution-results-recap-grades-deathmatch-ends-on-flat-note-ex-wwe-star-makes-stunning-debut/live/|access-date=2021-07-22|website=CBSSports.com|date=March 8, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> After Revolution, Lance Archer confronted [[Sting (wrestler)|Sting]] and [[Darby Allin]], who was [[AEW TNT Championship|TNT Champion]] at the time.<ref>{{cite web|last=Staff|first=A. E. W.|date=2021-03-18|title=AEW Dynamite: St. Patrick's Day Slam Results for March 17, 2021|url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-dynamite-st-patrick-s-day-slam-results-for-march-17-2021|access-date=2021-07-22|website=All Elite Wrestling|language=en}}</ref> In May, Archer challenged new TNT Champion [[Miro (wrestler)|Miro]] to a match at [[Double or Nothing (2021)|Double or Nothing]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Staff|first=A. E. W.|date=2021-05-20|title=AEW Dynamite Results for May 19, 2021|url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-dynamite-results-for-may-19-2021|access-date=2021-07-22|website=All Elite Wrestling|language=en}}</ref> At Double or Nothing, Miro defeated Archer.<ref>{{cite news|last=Staff|first=A. E. W.|date=2021-05-31|title=AEW Double Or Nothing 2021 Results|url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-double-or-nothing-2021-results|access-date=2021-07-22|website=All Elite Wrestling|language=en}}</ref> On the July 14 episode of ''Dynamite'', Archer challenged [[Jon Moxley]] to a rematch for the [[IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship]] in a Texas Deathmatch, which Moxley accepted.<ref>{{cite web|last=Beaston|first=Erik|title=AEW Fyter Fest, Night 1 Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2945920-aew-fyter-fest-night-1-results-winners-grades-reaction-and-highlights|access-date=2021-07-22|website=Bleacher Report|language=en}}</ref> The next week at [[Fyter Fest (2021)|AEW Fyter Fest Night 2]], Archer defeated Moxley to become a record-tying two time champion.<ref>{{cite web|last=Staff|first=A. E. W.|date=2021-07-22|title=AEW Dynamite Results for July 21, 2021|url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-dynamite-results-for-july-21-2021|access-date=2021-07-22|website=All Elite Wrestling|language=en}}</ref> The next week at [[Fight for the Fallen (2021)|Fight for the Fallen]] he retained the championship against New Japan's [[Hikuleo (wrestler)|Hikuleo]], setting a match against [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]] at [[NJPW Resurgence]] which he lost thus ending his reign at 24 days, which is the shortest reign in the title history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/halls-aew-dynamite-fight-for-the-fallen-review-7-28-21/|title=Hall's AEW Fight For The Fallen Review 7.28.21|work=411Mania|first=Thomas|last=Hall|date=July 28, 2021|access-date=July 29, 2021}}</ref><ref name=NJPWResurgence>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/08/14/8-14-njpw-resurgence-results-lance-archer-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-for-the-iwgp-u-s-championship-jay-white-vs-david-finlay-for-the-never-openweight-championship-jon-moxley-and-a-mystery-partner-vs/|title=8/14 NJPW Resurgence results: Lance Archer vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP U.S. Championship, Jay White vs. David Finlay for the Never Openweight Championship, Jon Moxley and a mystery partner vs. Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, Tomihiro Ishii vs. Moose|first=Jason|last=Powell|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 14, 2021|access-date=August 15, 2021}}</ref> In early September, he realigned himself with a debuting Minoru Suzuki, and subsequently rejoin the Suzuki-gun stable, reverting to a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] in the process.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=All Elite Wrestling |user=AEW |number=1436066190795984896 |date=September 9, 2021 |title=The legend @suzuki_D_minoru + his protege & longtime partner #LanceArcher were both furious about preferential hometown treatment @JonMoxley received last night at #AEWDynamite! We'll hear from Suzuki-gun NEXT WEDNESDAY on #AEWDynamite, where they'll issue a new challenge to Mox! |language=en |access-date=September 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909231305/https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1436066190795984896 |archive-date=September 9, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Grand Slam (2021)|''Rampage'': Grand Slam]], the duo were defeated by Moxley and [[Eddie Kingston]] in a [[Lights Out match]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2021-09-25 |title=9/24 AEW Rampage results: McGuire's live review of CM Punk vs. Powerhouse Hobbs, Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston vs. Minoru Suzuki and Lance Archer, Adam Cole and Young Bucks vs. Christian Cage, Jungle Boy, and Luchasaurus, Penta, Rey Fenix, Santana, and Ortiz vs. The Butcher, The Blade, and Private Party, Anna Jay vs. Penelope Ford |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/09/24/9-24-aew-rampage-results-mcguires-live-review-of-cm-punk-vs-powerhouse-hobbs-jon-moxley-and-eddie-kingston-vs-minoru-suzuki-and-lance-archer-adam-cole-and-young-bucks-vs-christian-cage-j/ |access-date=2025-05-05 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> Archer was a participant in the Casino Ladder match, won by [[Adam Page]]. He then participated in the eliminator tournament for an AEW World Championship match where he faced [[Eddie Kingston]] in the first round. Archer was scheduled to defeat Kingston, but due to falling on his head after a botched moonsault, the match was quickly ended with Kingston rolling up Archer for the win. Later, it was discovered that Archer suffered a jammed neck as a result of the botched spot. After being sidelined for a few months with the neck injury, Archer made his AEW return on the January 12, 2022, edition of ''Dynamite'', attacking and setting his sights on [[AEW World Championship|AEW World Champion]] [[Adam Page]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2022/01/12/aew-dynamite-report-guevara-retains-lance-archer-returns-punk-beats-wardlow/|title=AEW Dynamite Report: Guevara retains, Lance Archer returns, Punk beats Wardlow|work=POST Wrestling|author=John Siino|date=January 12, 2022|access-date=January 13, 2022}}</ref> This would lead to Archer reuniting with Roberts, briefly aligning with Dan Lambert of [[American Top Team]], and challenging Page to a [[Texas Death Match]] on the February 9 episode ''Dynamite''.<ref name=archertopteam>{{cite web|last=Konuwa|first=Alfred|title=AEW Dynamite Results: Winners, News And Notes As Jay White And Keith Lee Debut|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2022/02/09/aew-dynamite-results-winners-news-and-notes-as-jay-white-and-keith-lee-debut/|date=February 9, 2022|access-date=May 16, 2022|website=Forbes|language=en}}</ref> On the April 27 episode of ''Dynamite'', Archer would wrestle [[Wardlow (wrestler)|Wardlow]], losing via pinfall.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/results/aew-dynamite-live-results-tnt-championship-ladder-match|title=AEW Dynamite live results: TNT Championship ladder match, Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler of FTR will also face each other in an Owen Hart qualifier.|first=Parker|last=Kyln|publisher=Figure Four Online|date=April 27, 2022|accessdate=May 16, 2022}}</ref> After being announced for NJPW's [[G1 Climax|G1 Climax 32]] in July, Archer defeated [[Nick Comoroto]] at the [[AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door]] Buy-In.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/26/aew-njpw-forbidden-door-buy-in-pre-show-results-swerve-strickland-and-keith-lee-vs-yoshinobu-kanemaru-and-el-desperado-max-caster-austin-gunn-colten-gunn-and-billy-gunn-vs-the-dkc-kevin-knight/ | title=AEW-NJPW Forbidden Door Buy-In pre-show results: Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru and el Desperado, Max Caster, Austin Gunn, Colten Gunn, and Billy Gunn vs. The DKC, Kevin Knight, Alex Coughlin, and Yuya Uemura, and Hirooki Goto and Yoshi-Hashi vs. QT Marshall and Aaron Solo | date=June 26, 2022 }}</ref> In November 2022, Archer participated in the AEW World Championship eliminator tournanmet, where he was eliminated by [[Ricky Starks]] in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-19 |title=Ricky Starks advances in AEW World title eliminator tournament on Rampage |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/ricky-starks-advances-in-aew-world-title-eliminator-tournament-on-rampage/ |access-date=2025-05-05 |website=F4W/WON |language=en-GB}}</ref> In June 2023, Archer formed an alliance with [[The Righteous (tag team)|The Righteous]] ([[Dutch (wrestler)|Dutch]] and [[Vinny Marseglia|Vincent]]), teaming with them in various trios matches.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}} On July 15 at [[AEW Battle of the Belts|Battle of the Belts]], Archer unsuccessfully challenged [[Orange Cassidy]] for the [[AEW International Championship]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2023-07-16 |title=AEW Battle of the Belts VII results (7/15): Powell's review of Orange Cassidy vs. Lance Archer for the AEW International Title, Toni Storm vs. Taya Valkyrie for the AEW Women's Title, Luchasaurus vs. Shawn Spears for the TNT Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/07/15/aew-battle-of-the-belts-vii-results-7-15-powells-review-of-orange-cassidy-vs-lance-archer-for-the-aew-international-title-toni-storm-vs-taya-valkyrie-for-the-aew-womens-title-luchasaurus-vs/ |access-date=2025-05-05 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref> ==== The Don Callis Family (2024–present) ==== {{See also|The Don Callis Family}} On the October 8, 2024, episode of ''Dynamite'', Archer was acquired from Jake Roberts by [[Don Callis]] to join [[The Don Callis Family]]. On the next episode of ''Dynamite'', Archer formed a tag team within the Don Callis Family with [[Brian Cage]], later known as "[[Murder Machines]]".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-17 |title=Brian Cage Joins The Don Callis Family On AEW Dynamite |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/brian-cage-joins-don-callis-020236421.html |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=Yahoo Entertainment |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=28&nr=13373 |title=Murder Machines |date= |last= |first= |work=Cagematch.net |access-date=January 20, 2025 }}</ref> In April 2025, Cage suffered an injury, putting Murder Machines on hiatus, though Archer would continue as a singles wrestler with The Don Callis Family.<ref>{{Cite web |last=read |first=Matt Black·1 min |date=2025-04-25 |title=Report: Update On Brian Cage’s AEW Status |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/article/report-brian-cage-aew-status-235310337.html |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en-US}}</ref>
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