Ziegler began working out in his parents' basement at nine years old.[2] In 2010, he became a national freestyle skiing champion. He also won various bodybuilding titles as a teenager.[3] In 2020, he graduated from Coastal Carolina University majoring in marketing.[4]
Professional wrestling career
Training
In 2019, Ziegler graduated from Firestar Pro Wrestling, under Labron Kozone.[5] He wrestled under the name "The Golden Boy" A. J. Z.[6][7][8] In 2019, he began working for Ohio Valley Wrestling. He performed for their live weekly television for two years. During his tenure at OVW, A. J. Z. feuded with many wrestlers including: Tony Gunn,[9][10][11] Ryan Howe,[12][13]Jay Bradley,[14] and The Tate Twins.[15] On October 22, 2019, he won the OVW Television Championship,[16] and to this day is the final person to ever hold that title.[17][18][19] His final match at OVW was against Jessie Godderz for the National Heavyweight Championship.[20]
In 2021, Ziegler began working for NJPW Strong (TV Series).[27][28] He debuted against Rocky Romero in a losing attempt.[29] That match was known as his first mainstream appearance.[30][31] His next appearance was in a match against Clark Connors.[32][33][34] His last known appearance was at NJPW Autumn Attack.[35] A. J. Z. signed with Control Your Narrative. A. J. Z. was a part of the first ever match, at the first ever CYN event, that was held in Orlando, Florida.[36]
On June 17, 2023, A. J. Z. debuted for ROH at the United Center in Chicago Illinois. He competed against the ROH six-man tag team champions the Mogul Embassy's Brian Cage, Kaun, and Toa Liona. They were managed by Prince Nana.[37]
On June 17, 2023, A.J.Z. appeared in an episode of Destination Polaris which also featured Braun Strowman. The two showed host Alexa Score how to wrestle. Destination Polaris airs nationally on television.[38][39]
Ziegler renamed himself "The Hunter" A.J.Z.[40] Using this new persona, he has wrestled all over the United States and into Canada on the independent wrestling scene.[41][42]
Ziegler's character is "The Golden Boy", an arrogant wrestler who thinks he is better than anyone else. In kayfabe, he is also presented as the nephew of WWE wrestler Dolph Ziggler.[49]