Colt Cabana: Wrestling’s “Boom Boom” Entertainer and Independent Trailblazer

Scott Colton, better known to wrestling fans as Colt Cabana, has spent over two decades carving out a career that blends comedy, technical wrestling, podcasting, and global travel. From his beginnings alongside CM Punk in Ring of Honor to his quirky runs in WWE, to international tours, to his role as both wrestler and commentator in Ring of Honor and AEW, Cabana’s career reflects both the struggles and rewards of the independent wrestling life.

Early Life and Training

Born May 6, 1980, in Deerfield, Illinois, into a Jewish family.
Attended Western Michigan University, playing football briefly before graduating in 2002 with a business marketing degree.
Trained in Chicago under Ace Steel and Danny Dominion, the same trainers who shaped CM Punk.
Debuted as Colt Cabana in 1999/2000, bringing a style that blended technical wrestling, British-influenced grappling, and comedic timing.

Ring of Honor (2002–2007)

Cabana became a fixture in ROH’s formative years, often linked to his real-life friend and rival CM Punk.

Initially booked as Punk’s rival, then later teamed with Punk and Ace Steel as the Second City Saints.
Twice won the ROH World Tag Team Championship with Punk.
Notable rivalries included:
- Homicide – a bloody, violent feud (2005–2006) involving brutal chair shots, Drāno angles, and a Chicago Street Fight payoff.
- Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan) – challenged multiple times for the ROH World Title, including a 60-minute two-out-of-three falls draw in 2006.
Known for his blend of comedy spots and serious wrestling, Cabana was a fan favorite for his charisma and versatility.

International Tours (2004–2007)

Cabana became a globetrotting wrestler during the mid-2000s.

United Kingdom: Wrestled extensively for 1PW and others; teamed with Darren Burridge as Team SHAG, winning the 1PW Tag Team Championship.
Europe/Japan: Competed in Germany, France, Austria, Puerto Rico, and Japan’s Zero-One Max, forming alliances with Steve Corino.
His European matches, particularly a 2004 bout with Johnny Kidd, were praised for their World of Sport influence.

Wrestling Society X (2006)

Appeared on MTV’s short-lived Wrestling Society X as Matt Classic, a parody “old school” wrestler who wore a mask and used outdated holds.
His profile humorously listed him as a champion in the 1950s—before Cabana was born—cementing his reputation as wrestling’s best comedy throwback act.

WWE (2007–2009) – Scotty Goldman

Signed to a WWE developmental deal in 2007.
Won the OVW Television Championship and twice held the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship.
Called up to SmackDown in 2008 under the ring name Scotty Goldman.
- His run was brief, marked mostly by quick losses to stars like The Brian Kendrick and The Great Khali.
- Hosted a short-lived WWE.com webshow Good as Goldman.
Released from WWE in February 2009, after which Cabana reinvented himself back on the independent scene.

Independent Circuit & Resurgence (2009–2020)

Returning to the indies reinvigorated Cabana’s career:

Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG): Became a mainstay, challenging for titles and using his mix of comedy and mat wrestling to stand out.
Chikara: Returned as Matt Classic, teaming with Dasher Hatfield and Sugar Dunkerton in the King of Trios.
NWA: Twice won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (2011 & 2012) and also captured the NWA National Heavyweight Title (2019).
JCW (Juggalo Championship Wrestling): Won the JCW World Heavyweight Championship as “Officer Colt Cabana.”
Podcasting Pioneer: Launched The Art of Wrestling Podcast, which ran for 400+ episodes, featuring candid interviews with wrestlers, becoming one of the most influential podcasts in wrestling media.

Ring of Honor Return (2016–2019, 2022)

Returned at Supercard of Honor X (2016) to challenge Jay Lethal for the ROH World Championship.
Briefly feuded with and later commentated alongside Dalton Castle, The Briscoes, and others.
Transitioned to commentary, replacing Nigel McGuinness, while still wrestling part-time.
In 2019, won the NWA National Heavyweight Championship at the Crockett Cup.
Returned again in 2022, competing at Death Before Dishonor against Anthony Henry.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2019–2020)

Debuted at Honor Rising: Japan events, teaming with Cheeseburger, Delirious, and Toru Yano.
Entered the New Japan Cup 2019, reaching the quarterfinals before being eliminated by SANADA.
His comedic but effective team with Yano became a fan favorite.

All Elite Wrestling (2020–present)

Signed with AEW in February 2020.
Initially courted by Brodie Lee to join The Dark Order, Cabana slowly aligned with them, gaining wins while teasing his role.
After Brodie Lee’s passing, Cabana became part of the emotional Brodie Lee Celebration of Life, securing the pinfall in tribute.
In 2022, briefly challenged Chris Jericho for the ROH World Championship on Dynamite.
In 2023–2024, formed a tag team with Brandon Cutler, feuding with his former Dark Order allies.
Serves as both a coach and occasional performer for AEW/ROH.

Other Media

Host of The Art of Wrestling Podcast, considered groundbreaking in blending insider interviews with fan access.
Twitch streamer under coltcabana, streaming gaming content since 2020.
Provides commentary for RetroMania Wrestling (2021), the spiritual successor to WWF WrestleFest.
Appeared in multiple documentaries and indie films, often embracing his comedic side.

Personal Life

Lifelong friendship with CM Punk turned complicated, particularly after their involvement in the 2015 lawsuit with WWE doctor Chris Amann following Punk’s explosive interview on Cabana’s podcast.
Cabana later sued Punk over legal fee disputes; both cases were settled without compensation in 2019.
Known as a locker room favorite, bridging comedy, technical skill, and creativity.
Has remained connected to his Chicago roots, often appearing at independent shows to this day.

Legacy

Colt Cabana may never have been a long-term WWE or AEW main eventer, but his influence in independent wrestling culture and wrestling media is enormous:

Pioneer of wrestler-driven podcasts.
One of the most beloved comedy wrestlers, while also capable of serious technical classics.
A bridge between the old indie boom of the early 2000s and today’s global wrestling scene.
Revered as a fan favorite whose career represents the independent spirit of pro wrestling.