Overview

Matthew Joseph Korklan (born March 19, 1983) is an American professional wrestler best known under the ring name Evan Bourne. He was born in St. Louis and raised in Missouri. Over more than a decade in the ring he became notable for an aerial, high-energy style favored by lighter-weight competitors.

Ring persona and wrestling style

Korklan performed as a professional wrestler who emphasized speed, acrobatics and ring awareness. He often used springboards, flips and dives to gain momentum and crowd reaction. His most famous finishing maneuver was the shooting star press, commonly called the "Air Bourne" during his time in WWE.

Career highlights

He wrestled on the independent scene and appeared for multiple promotions early in his career, including a stint with TNA from 2004 to 2005. Korklan garnered wider exposure after signing with WWE, where his combination of athleticism and charisma led to televised matches and recurring storylines. In recognition of his finishing move he received a Slammy Award in 2008 for Best Finishing Maneuver.

Awards and signature moves

  • Signature move: Air Bourne (shooting star press)
  • Award: 2008 Slammy Award for Best Finishing Maneuver

Later career and departure from WWE

Korklan's run in WWE ended when he was released from his contract on June 12, 2014. After leaving WWE he returned to the independent circuit and continued performing under various ring names, including work outside mainstream television. He has made sporadic appearances for other promotions and remained associated with the cruiserweight and high-flying wrestling communities.

Notable distinctions

While many wrestlers evolve toward a ground-based or character-driven style, Korklan is primarily remembered for preserving a classic aerial approach at a time when such techniques helped define a generation of lighter-weight performers. He is also one of the more prominent wrestlers to transition between major promotions and the independent scene while keeping a consistent in-ring identity.

For further information about his matches, biography and a chronology of promotions where he worked, consult wrestling archives and promotion profiles. Additional resources and interviews can provide deeper context about his training, influences and post-WWE activities. See related entries on regional wrestling histories and performer biographies for broader context.

American wrestler profile · Birthplace details · State background · Professional career overview · WWE tenure summary