The Kings of Wrestling was a professional wrestling stable that worked on the independent circuit. It was formed in Chikara as a large stable, but also appeared in numerous promotions mainly as a tag team of Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli. Hero's manager Larry Sweeney and valet Sara Del Rey were also part of the group at differing times. The group also comprised Icarus and Gran Akuma who teamed separately as Team F.I.S.T. as well as Arik Cannon, Mitch Ryder, Max Boyer, Chuck Taylor and Shayne Hawke.
Claudio Castagnoli and Chris Hero performing their signature pose after winning on Pro Wrestling Noah's European Navigation Tour
Left to right: Claudio Castagnoli, Sara Del Rey and Chris Hero as the Kings of Wrestling in 2011
Chris Spradlin, better known by his ring name Chris Hero, is an American professional wrestler and trainer. As of July 2023, he is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a producer. Hero has worked for a number of independent wrestling promotions, including Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), Ring of Honor (ROH), Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South, Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) and Chikara, as well as Pro Wrestling Noah in Japan. Hero has had two stints in WWE, both as part of their development territory NXT, under the ring name Kassius Ohno. His second tenure with the company saw him work as a "player-coach" for the trainees in NXT and NXT UK.
Hero in 2013
Hero (right) in the ring with Excalibur at the 2008 Battle of Los Angeles
Hero in 2009
Hero making his ring entrance in 2008