From Elliot Sexton to Duke: The Evolution of a Wrestling Standout
From Elliot Sexton to Duke: The Evolution of a Wrestling Standout
If you’ve been a fan of Australian wrestling, you may know him as the smug, six-foot-five Elliot Sexton. If you’ve followed WWE NXT, you might recognize him as Duke Hudson, the powerhouse of Chase U. Now, as he returns to the independent scene under the name Duke, one thing is certain—he’s left a lasting impact wherever he’s competed. With undeniable charisma, sharp wit, and an innate ability to tell a compelling story, Duke has always been a standout performer, whether he was opening a show or headlining it.
The Early Years & Training
Duke’s wrestling journey began in 2006 when he made his in-ring debut for Riot City Wrestling in his hometown of Adelaide. However, his love for wrestling started long before that—at just 15 years old, he began training under the legendary Col Dervany and John E. Radic. Unfortunately, an injury put his training on hold for a couple of years, but his passion never faded. Upon his return, he joined the Snakepit Wrestling Academy, which set him on a path to success. His commitment to growth eventually led him overseas in 2013, where he trained with Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling and even had his first WWE tryout.
Melbourne City Wrestling & Championship Dominance
As Melbourne City Wrestling surged in popularity, Duke was one of the key players responsible for elevating the promotion to new heights. In 2015, he defeated Krackerjak at Ballroom Brawl to capture the MCW Heavyweight Championship. His reign lasted an incredible 559 days, making him one of the longest-reigning champions in MCW history. Throughout his reign, he had several unforgettable matches, including a brutal steel cage war against Tommy Hellfire and a hard-hitting defense against Hartley Jackson—one of his early mentors.
Tag Team Success & International Exposure
Duke wasn’t just a dominant singles competitor—he also thrived in tag team wrestling. In 2011, he reunited with Jonah Rock (now WWE’s Bronson Reed) to form SEXROCK, a powerhouse duo that made waves across multiple Australian promotions. Their chemistry and presence made them a feared team wherever they competed.
In 2017, Duke took a step back from the Australian wrestling scene, but his career was far from over. He returned in 2018 for New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Australian tour and competed for PROGRESS Wrestling when they teamed up with MCW for their Australian events. Later that year, he joined PROGRESS Wrestling again, this time on their U.S. tour. His final match in Australia took place in MCW, where he and Jonah Rock fell short in a Three-Way tag match.
The WWE Chapter
Shortly after his final match on Australian soil, Duke and Jonah Rock officially signed with WWE. He made his NXT debut under the ring name Brendan Vink, defeating Nick Comoroto at a house show. Over time, he evolved into the suave and cocky Duke Hudson, capturing attention with his charismatic promos and imposing in-ring style. Eventually, he found success as part of Chase U alongside Andre Chase, where the duo claimed the NXT Tag Team Championships.
In January 2025, Duke was released from WWE, but his story was far from over. Already making waves once again, he launched a mini-series on social media, giving fans insight into his new character as he steps back into the independent scene. With bookings already lined up across the American indie circuit, it’s clear that Duke isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
A Lasting Legacy in Australian Wrestling
Duke’s contributions to Australian wrestling extend far beyond his championships and accolades. As a performer, he helped elevate the scene, particularly through Melbourne City Wrestling, where his larger-than-life personality and top-tier storytelling made him a must-watch talent. His presence inspired a new generation of Australian wrestlers, proving that homegrown talent could thrive on a global stage. Now, as he embarks on the next chapter of his career, his influence continues to be felt. Whether it’s through his independent wrestling resurgence or the lessons he’s passed on to the next wave of talent, Duke’s impact on the industry is undeniable. No matter where he goes next, one thing is certain—Duke will continue to shape and influence wrestling for years to come.
Championships & Accomplishments: AWA Championship MCW World Heavyweight Championship PWI 500 (Year 2020) Ranked 479 PWI 500 (Year 2024) Ranked 306 WRESTLEROCK Championship WWE NXT Tag Team Championship
I’m Matty, a lifelong wrestling fan who first discovered the world of wrestling in 2006. It wasn’t until 2014 that I became immersed in Australian wrestling, which has since become a major passion of mine—a passion that has now evolved into showcasing Australian wrestlers through writing.
