- After graduating from Texas State University, where he played football and worked as a strength instructor, Cory Weston relocated to Ocala, Florida to undergo wrestling training at Dory Funk Jr.s Funking Conservatory school. He wrestled on the schools !Bang! TV show under his real name, debuting in 2011. He was one of the central figures of the show during his time there, holding multiple titles. - In June 2013, Weston signed a developmental contract with WWE, and reported to its developmental brand NXT, making his house show debut in October under the name Wesley Blake. He began appearing on NXT television as enhancement talent in January 2014 with a cowboy gimmick. - In August 2014, Blake dropped the cowboy gimmick and began teaming with Buddy Murphy, In January 2015, the duo scored an upset win over The Vaudevillains, setting up an NXT Tag Team Titles match with the Lucha Dragons, where they were again victorious and held the titles until August. After winning the belts, their first names were dropped and they established themselves as heels. The duo acquired Alexa Bliss as a manager in May.