Tyrus, well-known to WWE fans for his strong-man reputation, has more beneath the surface than just muscle. He’s smart, well-spoken, and insightful, qualities he’s honed while overcoming significant personal hardships. These included a difficult childhood filled with moments where he desperately wished to change his skin color.
Though the emotional scars linger, Tyrus transformed that pain into strength rather than bitterness. This article delves into Tyrus’s remarkable life journey and the illustrious wife who has been a pillar in his narrative. Continue reading to see how she helped shape Tyrus’s awe-inspiring story.
If you’re a wrestling fan, the name Tyrus, 51, likely resonates with you. Once an NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion, he’s left his mark on the sport.
Today, however, Tyrus is recognized for more than his wrestling prowess. He’s carved out a niche as a TV personality, frequently appearing on Fox News and Fox Nation, particularly as a co-host on the late-night program, Gutfeld!.
His rise to stardom wasn’t straightforward. Given his beginnings, the path he carved is nothing short of astounding.
A Rocky Start: Tyrus’s Childhood Challenges
Born George Murdoch on February 21, 1973, in Boston, Massachusetts, Tyrus’s path to celebrities did not come easily.
Tyrus’s early life was anything but stable. He was born to teenage parents—his father was 19, his mother only 15—resulting in a volatile upbringing in Los Angeles. The instability turned tragic when his father, plagued by abuse, harmed him, resulting in a lasting injury to Tyrus’s eye. This incident drove his mother to escape, taking Tyrus and his brother along with her.
Unfortunately, their mixed-race heritage barred them from finding refuge with their grandparents, pushing the siblings into the foster care system. The familial rejection was heart-wrenching, fueling Tyrus’s wish to change his skin color in hopes of reconciliation.
Eventually, Tyrus and his brother reunited with their mother, who worked relentlessly—up to 80 hours a week—to support them. Yet stability was elusive; the family relocated every six months in pursuit of her employment.
The situation worsened with the arrival of a stepfather Tyrus couldn’t accept, prompting him to leave home at 15. He found himself homeless and unwilling to ask for help, spending many nights sleeping in a school locker room.
Finding Salvation in Sports
Amidst the turmoil came a beacon of hope—football.
“Football saved my life. I’d be in jail or dead if it wasn’t for football,” Tyrus recalled in an interview with the Lexington Clipper-Herald.
Football provided male role models, accountability, and friendships. More importantly, it gave him purpose and a goal to chase, which kept him moving forward.
His coaches and teammates became his makeshift family, offering support and guidance. His prowess on the field unlocked opportunities in higher education.
The towering offensive lineman drew attention from recruiters, earning spots at Antelope Valley College and later the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK).
At UNK, Tyrus excelled as part of the Lopers football team, renowned for its large and apt members—each player averaging over 300 pounds. His time there was not only about athletic achievement; it was life-changing, helping him mature into a responsible adult.
Financial constraints, however, trailed Tyrus throughout, making even simple milestones, like attending his graduation, unattainable due to pride-driven decisions not to seek financial help.
From a Bar Brawl to Wrestling Stardom
Unbeknownst to many, Tyrus was close to an NFL journey but setbacks, including a ruptured appendix, dashed those dreams.
In the aftermath, he worked by day as a substitute teacher and by night as a bouncer at nightclubs.
His entry into wrestling was serendipitous. One night in the early 2000s, while breaking up a fight as a bouncer, his comedic quip and imposing demeanor caught the eye of professional wrestler, Tommy Dreamer.
Dreamer believed Tyrus had a future on TV due to his engaging presence and convinced him to give wrestling a try.
By 2006, Tyrus had debuted in professional wrestling as Brodus Clay, later gaining known as The Funkasaurus, and by 2014, joining Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) simply as Tyrus.
The Path to Gutfeld! and Fox
Tyrus’s outsized personality found a further outlet in television, capturing the interest of producers.
His journey to TV stardom is an amusing one, stemming from a playful Twitter altercation with host Greg Gutfeld. Their banter became so lively that Gutfeld invited Tyrus to appear on his show, a mix of politics and satire.
But television wasn’t the only venture for Tyrus. He had roles in various TV series like The Purge, MacGyver, and Syn, and even in the horror film, No One Lives.
Meet Tyrus’s Wife
Tyrus married his long-time love, Ingrid Rinck, on January 7, 2024.
Ingrid, an accomplished businesswoman and personal trainer, has been integral to his life for many years. She founded The Rinck Routine, a brand promoting holistic living and fitness.
Additionally, Ingrid launched Sensible Meals, a meal service business using her 20-year expertise to assist others in reaching their health targets.
According to Tyrus, Ingrid is much more than a spouse. He fondly refers to her as his “chief of staff, top dog, number one, and queen of my tiny wild kingdom.”
Living together in Mandeville, Louisiana, they once shared their exotic reptile collection with fans before moving to a farm in New Jersey.
Tyrus’s Daughter Georgie
The couple welcomed their daughter, Georgie Rose Murdoch, into the world on May 7, 2014.
Now 10 years old in 2024, Georgie is likely attending elementary school.
Though Tyrus and Ingrid maintain a degree of family privacy, they sometimes offer glimpses into their life with Georgie through social media.
One memorable moment came when Ingrid shared a photo of Georgie horseback riding, expressing delight at her daughter’s joy and grace in the sport.
Tyrus beams with pride when discussing Georgie’s natural affinity for equestrian activities. Despite being new to the sport, Georgie has already garnered accolades, often atop her beloved horse, Rosevelt, affectionately called Teddy.
The Family Grows Beyond Georgie
Tyrus is a father of five, with Georgie being his only biological child.
From previous relationships, Tyrus has two older sons, Rhett and Rock. Rhett, Ingrid’s stepson, completed high school in Louisiana in 2021, celebrating the occasion with a heartfelt message from his mother.
Rock, younger than Rhett, resides in Mandeville and has needed special care ever since his Type 1 diabetes diagnosis in 2014. Ingrid’s Sensible Meals have been crucial in managing his condition.
While tidbits of their sons’ lives occasionally appear online, Georgie’s presence in Tyrus’s life is prominent, evidenced by the affectionate snapshots he shares highlighting their cherished father-daughter bonds.
Tyrus’s Financial Success
Tyrus has parlayed his versatile skill set into an impressive fortune. As of 2024, he possesses an estimated net worth of $3 million, solidifying his stature beyond wrestling.
Known for his forthrightness and charisma, Tyrus reportedly earns around $45,700 annually as a political commentator for Fox News. However, estimates from various sources suggest that Fox News contributors, on average, make approximately $56,921 per year.
What an inspiring journey Tyrus has embarked on—from challenges and triumphs in wrestling to becoming a prominent TV personality and loving family man!
This transformative story of grit and resilience is one worth sharing. Spread the word about Tyrus’s life story and inspire others to pursue their passions against all odds. 💪✨
