Challenges Faced by JD McDonagh: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 6, 2025

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped JD McDonagh's life and career.

JD McDonagh, formerly known as Jordan Devlin, is an Irish professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, performing on the Raw brand as a member of The Judgment Day. He is a former NXT Cruiserweight Champion, holding the title for a record 439 days. In addition, he is a one-time World Tag Team Champion in WWE, showcasing his versatility as both a singles and tag team competitor.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

January 2017: WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament

In January 2017, Jordan Devlin participated in the WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament, defeating Danny Burch in the first round before being defeated by Tyler Bate in the quarterfinals.

2017: ICW World Heavyweight Championship and ICW Zero-G Championship Matches

In 2017, Jordan Devlin wrestled both Trent Seven and Joe Coffey individually for the ICW World Heavyweight Championship. He also failed to win the ICW Zero-G Championship from BT Gunn at ICW: Fight Club that same year, but received another opportunity at ICW: BarraMania 4 in a gauntlet match where he was eliminated by Andy Wild.

May 2018: Second United Kingdom Championship Tournament

In May 2018, WWE announced Jordan Devlin as a contestant in the second annual United Kingdom Championship Tournament, where he lost to Flash Morgan Webster in the quarterfinals.

August 2018: Loss of OTT World Heavyweight Championship

In August 2018, Jordan Devlin lost the Over the Top Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship to WALTER.

January 2019: Feud with Travis Banks and Match Against Finn Balor

In January 2019, Jordan Devlin began a feud with Travis Banks, which led to an attack before their scheduled match at NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool. He was then defeated by Finn Bálor.

January 2020: NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool II

In January 2020, Jordan Devlin lost to Tyler Bate at NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool II.

June 2020: Stripped of Progress Tag Team Championship

In June 2020, Jordan Devlin and Scotty Davis were stripped of the Progress Tag Team Championship after 278 days, due to allegations made against Devlin during the Speaking Out movement.

January 2022: NXT UK Championship Match and Departure

In January 2022, Jordan Devlin faced Ilja Dragunov for the NXT UK Championship, being unsuccessful. He would get another chance at the title, under the stipulation that the loser leaves NXT UK. He failed to win the title, marking his final appearance for the brand.

April 2023: NXT North American Championship Challenge

In April 2023, JD McDonagh challenged for the NXT North American Championship in a fatal-five way match at NXT Stand & Deliver, which was won by Wes Lee.

January 2024: Royal Rumble Debut and Elimination

In January 2024, JD McDonagh entered his first Royal Rumble match at number 23, but was quickly eliminated by Jey Uso.

January 2025: Injury

On January 27, 2025 episode of Raw, McDonagh and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio failed to regain the titles from The War Raiders. During the match, McDonagh suffered an injury after he attempted a moonsault to the outside but his body bounced off the announce table. Despite finishing the match, McDonagh later revealed he had suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung, putting him out of action for a couple of months.