Max Caster (born July 31, 1989) is an American professional wrestler and rapper. He is best known for his time in All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
He began his wrestling career in 2015 and signed with AEW in November 2020, beginning a team with Anthony Bowens and later Billy Gunn called The Acclaimed. As part of The Acclaimed, he became a former one-time AEW World Trios Champion and one-time AEW World Tag Team Champion. He departed AEW in 2026. He debuted in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) that same year, but was released after only one day due to making controversial remarks in his entrance.
Contents
Professional wrestling career
Early career (2015–2020)
Caster trained under Brian Myers and Pat Buck at their Create A Pro Wrestling Academy and made his debut for the school's promotion in February 2015, later becoming the inaugural CAP Champion in December of that year. He wrestled on the independent circuit for a number of promotions including Combat Zone Wrestling. He also made a WWE appearance as Frances, one of Bobby Lashley's (kayfabe) sisters, on the May 21, 2018 episode of Raw.
All Elite Wrestling (2020–2026)
Caster made his first appearance for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on the June 23, 2020 episode of Dark as a heel, teaming with Luther and Serpentico in a losing effort against Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy, Luchasaurus and Marko Stunt). He came back with his new tag team partner Anthony Bowens on the October 27 episode of Dark but lost to Best Friends (Chuck Taylor and Trent). In November 2020, AEW President Tony Khan announced that Caster, alongside Bowens, had been signed to a five-year contract with the promotion. The announcement also stated that Bowens and Caster would compete as a tag team named The Acclaimed. Caster and Bowens made their first appearance on the December 16 episode of Dynamite, defeating SoCal Uncensored. The following week, Caster and Bowens unsuccessfully challenged The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) for the AEW World Tag Team Championship.
On the March 3, 2021, episode of Dynamite, Caster defeated 10 to qualify for the Face of the Revolution ladder match at Revolution. However, at Revolution, the match was won by Scorpio Sky. At Double or Nothing on May 30, Caster competed in the Casino Battle Royale, but he was eliminated by Christian Cage. On the August 3 episode of Dark, while making his entrance, Caster rapped about subjects such as Olympic gymnast Simone Biles' mental health issues, the Duke lacrosse case, the validity of PCR COVID-19 testing, and made a sexual joke about Julia Hart. AEW owner Tony Khan called the rap "terrible", said it should have been edited out of the show and announced that he would personally be taking over the editing of the show. Caster was later removed from several independent events and AEW programming following the incident. He returned to action at Dark: Elevation on September 1.
Beginning in 2022, the Acclaimed allied with the Gunn Club (Billy Gunn and his sons Austin Gunn and Colten Gunn). On Dark and Dark: Elevation, the alliance defeated the Dark Order and later the team of Lee Johnson, Brock Anderson, Lee Moriarty, and Matt Sydal. Their alliance with the Gunns broke down and turned into a rivalry in mid-2022, leading to a "Dumpster Match" in August 2022, which the Acclaimed won. While Billy Gunn was initially caught between the two groups, his sons turned on him, having joined the Firm, leading to him becoming the Acclaimed's manager. In the latter half of 2022, the Acclaimed entered a feud with tag team champions Swerve in our Glory (Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee). At All Out of that year the Acclaimed challenged for tag team championships, although Strickland and Lee retained. After All Out, The Acclaimed turned face due to the favorable crowd reactions they would receive. The On September 21, 2022, at Grand Slam, The Acclaimed would win the AEW World Tag Team Championship from Swerve In Our Glory. On February 8, 2023, after 140 days as champions, they lost the championships to Colten and Austin Gunn on Dynamite.
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2026)
Caster made his debut for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) on October 11, 2026, at Bound for Glory, where he was defeated by Moose after answering his open challenge. During his entrance, Caster rapped an unapproved line that referenced the October 2026 attacks on Saudi Arabian airports, drawing backlash from Saudi Arabian fans and TNA executives. Qatar Pro Wrestling chairman Ali Al-Marafi called the rap "unacceptable and apalling". The following day, TNA removed references to Caster's debut from its social media accounts, issued a public apology, and announced his departure from the company.
Professional wrestling style and persona
Caster is known for his hip hop-inspired persona, often rapping to diss his opponents during his entrance. He uses a diving elbow drop called The Mic Drop as his finisher.
Music career
Caster released his debut album, Critically Acclaimed, Vol.1, in May 2021, under the name Platinum Max.
He provided several original tracks for the soundtrack to AEW's first video game release AEW Fight Forever, which were later made available to stream as a collection titled "Songs From a Video Game". Caster also makes an appearance in the music video for "Grateful" by Atmosphere.
Personal life
Caster's father is former NFL player Rich Caster. Caster's father died on February 2, 2024.
He is related to rapper DC2trill.
Discography
Mixtapes
Critically Acclaimed, Vol.1 (2021)
Championships and accomplishments
All Elite Wrestling
AEW World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Anthony Bowens
AEW World Trios Championship (1 time) – with Anthony Bowens and Billy Gunn
Create A Pro Wrestling
CAP Championship (2 times, inaugural)
CAP Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Bobby Orlando and Bryce Donovan
CAP Championship Tournament (2015)
National Wrestling League
NWL Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
NWL Vista Championship (1 time)
New York Post
Male Breakout Wrestler of the Year (2022) shared with Anthony Bowens
Pro Wrestling Illustrated
Ranked No. 171 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2022
Wrestle Pro
Wrestle Pro Gold Championship (1 time)
Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Most Improved (2022) with Anthony Bowens as The Acclaimed
Worst Feud of the Year (2025) vs. Anthony Bowens