“They said I’d never make it.”

That one sentence—spoken without bitterness, just quiet certainty—sums up the improbable rise of Tyrus, the towering former pro wrestler who defied expectations to become one of the most talked-about personalities on Fox News.

Once stuck in the background of WWE storylines, often cast as comic relief or a forgettable enforcer, Tyrus—born George Murdoch—has now carved out a new legacy in an unlikely place: late-night political television. And this time, he’s not just being seen. He’s being heard.

Wrestling Roots, Missed Chances

Before he was sitting next to Greg Gutfeld and trading barbs with Kat Timpf, Tyrus was better known by another name: Brodus Clay. In the world of WWE, that name was tied to bright costumes, dance breaks, and gimmicks that never quite landed.

“They gave me everything but a real chance,” Tyrus has said of his time in the wrestling world. “I was always the big guy in the background. Never the headline.”

Despite his size, his charisma, and years of dedication, Tyrus was rarely allowed to break out of the mold management had cast him in. While other stars rose to the top, he was often left stuck on the undercard, carrying the match but never the spotlight.

The rejection was constant. The message was clear: “You’re not what we’re looking for.”

But behind the scenes, something else was forming. A voice. A perspective. A style of communication that wouldn’t be fully appreciated until he stepped far beyond the ring.

Reinvention at Fox News

Fox News: We investigated Britt McHenry's allegations against Tyrus, and consider the matter closed

When he left wrestling, most expected Tyrus to fade into the kind of quiet retirement many wrestlers slide into—autograph shows, nostalgia appearances, maybe a podcast. Instead, he took a leap no one expected: political television.

Fox News gave him something WWE never did—room to speak. Not as a caricature, not as a punchline, but as himself.

And audiences noticed.

On shows like Gutfeld!, Tyrus’s slow-burning style, dry humor, and blunt observations set him apart in a world of rapid-fire arguments and talking points. He didn’t shout. He didn’t try to win every exchange. But when he spoke, people listened.

“It wasn’t about throwing punches anymore,” he said. “It was about having something to say.”

That approach made him a standout voice in a crowded space. Where others leaned on outrage, Tyrus relied on presence. Where others pushed controversy, he brought calm. It was a surprising fit—but a powerful one.

Chemistry with Kat Timpf: The Odd Couple That Works

One of the most talked-about dynamics on Gutfeld! is the playful, often sharp exchange between Tyrus and co-host Kat Timpf. Their chemistry is unexpected—and completely real.

“She’ll say something wild,” Tyrus laughs, “and I’ll just look at her and ask, ‘Are you serious right now?’”

Timpf’s quick wit and libertarian leanings often clash with Tyrus’s more grounded, traditional views. But instead of clashing in the usual TV style, their disagreements are funny, human, and oddly touching.

There’s a rhythm to it. A mutual respect. And it’s one of the reasons viewers keep coming back.

Their segments routinely rack up millions of views online, with fans praising the mix of humor, insight, and unpredictability. It’s not just good TV—it’s good conversation.

Turning the Pain Into Power

Chris Adonis To NWA: Is It Now OK To Say Why Fans Really Rejected Tyrus?

Tyrus’s success isn’t just a redemption arc—it’s a complete reinvention. The very things that held him back in wrestling—his slow pace, his quiet demeanor, his refusal to be flashy—are now the traits that define his strength on television.

He’s not angry about his past. If anything, he sees it as essential.

“You hear no so many times, you start building your own yes,” he says. “Fox gave me the mic. But I had to be ready to use it.”

And he did.

Beyond TV: Building a Legacy

Off-camera, Tyrus has authored books, spoken at major events, and developed a brand built on authenticity and straight talk. He doesn’t pretend to be something he’s not. He doesn’t posture. And that realness has struck a nerve with a public worn out by pretense.

He’s also become a symbol of second chances—not the kind handed out, but the kind earned through grit, patience, and belief in your own value.

In a media world that often recycles the same names and narratives, Tyrus is a rare story: someone who didn’t just switch careers—he redefined who he was.

Still Rising

Today, Tyrus isn’t just a familiar face on Fox News. He’s a voice people recognize and respect. And that transformation—from overlooked wrestler to late-night star—is still unfolding.

“They said I’d never make it,” he says again, not with spite but with quiet pride.

And now?

“I’m just getting started.”