Early Life and Military Service
Carlie Bravo grew up in Queens, New York, before moving to Spring Valley where he was raised. His path to professional wrestling wasn’t the usual independent circuit grind from teenage years—Bravo first served his country. As a United States Marine Corps veteran, he learned discipline and resilience long before stepping between the ropes.
After completing his service, Bravo relocated to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue wrestling, training at the Nightmare Factory, the prestigious school operated by Cody Rhodes and QT Marshall.
Early Career (2020–2021)
Bravo’s professional wrestling debut came on August 1, 2020 with Pro South Wrestling, where he lost a Beat the Clock Challenge to Tyler Cullprett. His early career coincided with the COVID-era rise of AEW’s Dark programming, which provided a spotlight for up-and-coming independent wrestlers.
In February 2021, Bravo made his All Elite Wrestling debut, teaming with Shawn Dean in a loss to Peter Avalon and Cezar Bononi on AEW Dark. This pairing, though unsuccessful in their early matches, would become the foundation of his long-term career identity.
All Elite Wrestling & ROH – The Infantry
Bravo and Shawn Dean continued to team throughout 2021 and 2022 on AEW programming, often as underdogs, rarely picking up wins. Despite the lack of victories, their chemistry began to stand out. By 2023, the duo officially branded themselves as The Infantry.
Ring of Honor (2023–present)
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March 3, 2023: The Infantry debuted on the inaugural ROH on Honor Club episode, losing to The Kingdom.
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June 22, 2023: They earned their first victory as a team against The Kingdom, thanks to Trish Adora preventing Maria Kanellis from interfering. Adora subsequently became the third member of The Infantry.
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Through summer 2023, The Infantry mixed it up with The Kingdom, Leyla Hirsch, and later challenged the Mogul Embassy (Brian Cage, Bishop Kaun, Toa Liona) unsuccessfully for the ROH Six-Man Tag Titles.
AEW Spotlight (2024)
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On March 9, 2024 (AEW Collision): The Infantry interrupted FTR, teasing their entry into the AEW World Tag Team Championship tournament. A respectful handshake with FTR showed the team’s credibility had grown.
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The following week, they scored their first televised AEW victory, defeating House of Black’s Brody King & Buddy Matthews, aided by Mark Briscoe. This qualified them for the tournament.
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March 30, 2024: They fought FTR in the quarter-finals but came up short.
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At Supercard of Honor 2024, The Infantry challenged The Undisputed Kingdom (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) for the ROH Tag Titles, though unsuccessful.
Later in 2024, at Death Before Dishonor, The Infantry (with Adora) defeated Griff Garrison & Anthony Henry (with Maria Kanellis), cementing themselves as a rising team in ROH.
On October 31, 2024, The Infantry formally joined Shane Taylor Promotions, aligning with one of ROH’s most prominent modern stables.
Style and Persona
Bravo brings intensity, military pride, and resilience to his persona. His Marine background is woven into The Infantry’s identity—presented as a disciplined, battle-tested unit. With Adora balancing the group’s energy and Shane Taylor Promotions giving them a larger platform, The Infantry has shifted from undercard underdogs to a respected and dangerous faction.
Legacy-in-Progress
Carlie Bravo’s career is still young—he only debuted in 2020. Yet in four years, he’s:
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Served in the U.S. Marines before wrestling.
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Trained at one of wrestling’s premier schools.
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Signed to AEW/ROH.
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Built a credible faction with Shawn Dean and Trish Adora.
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Earned the respect of veterans like FTR.
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Aligned with Shane Taylor Promotions.
For Bravo, the Marine-turned-wrestler who started at the Nightmare Factory, the story is far from over. His Infantry is finally marching into meaningful battles—and AEW/ROH fans are starting to take notice.