Think back to 2004. You are an IWA Mid-South fan, and CM PUNK has just entered the ring to face CHRIS HERO. You feel special to be a member of this cult-like audience that gets to enjoy these wonderful artists, and you feel like you're a part of a movement.

You experience that when Jaden Newman enters the ring. Jaden is hip, edgy, and has the power to make you feel like you are a part of something special.

   El Numero Uno, Ichiban, Nummer Eins,  and simply Number One are some of the names that you may have called this rising indepent wrestling star, but for Jaden, One has not been the loneliest number.  This native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, had a strong support system growing up in the form of his mother, sister, and grandparents.

   At a very young age, Jaden was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.  It was difficult for Jaden to find his "normal" as a child,  but he found solace in spending time with his grandfather, whom he affectionately called "Grandbud."  Grandbud and Jaden would take adventures to the Flea Market in East Ridge, TN to scour the booths like a grandfather and grandson tag team looking for anything funny or Spiderman-related.

  The Flea Market trips were all fun and games until Jaden was around 7 years old and the flea market booth surfing became very serious. Grandbud led him to a booth that was full of nothing but wrestling memorabilia and videos, completely unaware of the spark he was about to light in young Jaden.  Jaden's eyes widened as the wrestling bug began to gnaw at him, and his attention was drawn to a Super Hero type figure in a mask who was on the cover of a DVD.   

   Rey Mysterio JR versus Eddie Guerrero in 1997's Halloween Havoc provided what many consider to be one of the greatest in-ring performances ever. Grandbud would fire up the Mysterio vs Guerrero match on repeat for his grandson. Jaden recalls that moment as the one that permanently changed his life: "I was hooked."

   Jaden's love for professional wrestling grew so quickly and intensely that, at the age of 14, he discovered a small independent promotion in Ringgold, Georgia, and began training there. Jaden began to understand the industry after entering it at such a young age, and that is when he realized he needed to broaden his expertise.  The knowledge he received in Ringgold was great, but he really wanted something a little more.. UMMMM...AWFUL?

   If you mix Dutch Mantell with a little bit of Charles Manson then put them in a punk rock band, you get Kerry Awful.  Awful was the head trainer at the Crux Wrestling Academy in Tullahoma, TN.  The tag team of Kerry and Nick Iggy went by the moniker "The Carnies" while performing on the independent circuit. 

   Iggy and Awful performed for a number of high profile promotions as they traveled across the country, just like their carny forebears. Jaden absorbed all the information from Awful like a sponge, and at this point, everything began to make sense. Jaden was ready to fulfill his lifelong ambition of wrestling in front of an audience. 

   Nothing could have been more appropriate for Newman's debut match to be the first match of the first TWE show in his hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee,  As Jaden stood across from his first opponent ever, he looked into the eyes of Chris Crunk, another of his mentors.  

  Jaden was on the move immediately following his match with Crunk. Demonstrating his dedication to learning his craft, Jaden studied Aj Styles, Bryan Danielson, and Chris Hero, and as he gained experience, he began to imitate their styles.  A goal had been accomplished, but the life of an independent wrestler is not so glamorous. Newman is spending countless miles on the road, enduring damage on his body and punching the clock at numerous retail jobs to chase his dream.

    However, this starving artist's life doesn't come without continued support.  Jaden will be the first to admit that none of this would be possible without Cheyenne, his wife. When I questioned Jaden about how wrestling affected his marriage, he responded, "It can be hard leaving her(Cheyenne) for days on end with minimal contact (especially if in another country) but we do the best we can to make due with our time we have together."  

   As Jaden advances in the ranks of independent pro wrestling, the advantages of his sacrifices are noticed. Wrestling fans can be a mystery; sometimes they support someone wholeheartedly, as they did for AEW star HOOK, and other times they can criticize you before you've even put on a show.  Lukily for EL NUMERO UNO, the internet wrestling community has been kind to him.  

  Jaden is beginning to be mentioned in the same breath as some of the finest independent wrestlers thanks to his recent Scenic City Invitational triumph, high-profile matches on NWA, and what he believes to be his best match to date with Jonathan Gresham.

   The potential to succeed in the world of professional wrestling is there for Jaden Newman. He possesses physical prowess, impeccable timing (both in the ring and during character work), amazing facial expressions, a vast repertoire of thrilling maneuvers, the ability to sell convincingly, and a distinctive charisma. As he continues to showcase his abilities in organizations like WXW (Germany), ACTION Wrestling (GA), Beyond Wrestling/Wrestling Open (MA), TWEChattanooga (TN), Southern Underground Pro (TN), AML Wrestling (NC), PWX Wrestling (NC), ICW No Holds Barred (NJ), NWA(USA)and several other top promotions, Jaden Newman will experience a significant year of growth in 2023.

   A broader national audience will be able to get to know the man known as Ichiban because to Jaden's regular appearances on NWA television. We all know that anything can happen in the world of professional wrestling, but don't be surprised if you start to hear the name Jaden Newman a lot more often.

  One thing is certain: as Jaden continues to rise in the ranks of professional wrestling, he will make every effort to honor Peter Parker's Uncle Ben and Jaden's own Grandbud and keep in mind,

"WIth Great Power Comes Great Responsibility"

Written by: Tommy Phillips

"I would like to thank Jaden for his time with during the interview process and wish him the best as he continues on his journey"-Tommy Phillips