Byron Barrett/aka johnny reb

= Background =

Born Jonathan Beauregard Montgomery on March 23, 1984, Johnny Reb is the younger of two sons.

He was raised by a loving, albeit rigidly traditional, Southern family. His early life was primarily unremarkable; Johnny was a good student academically, though he frequently engaged in behavior that was considered disruptive by his teachers and fellow students.

A longtime pro-wrestling fan, Johnny developed an enthusiastic interest in traditional wrestling while in junior high, attending practices and meets religiously, and walking away with numerous awards and other recognition of skill. He went all the way to the State level many times throughout high school, but was only State Champion in his Senior year.

Johnny went to college out of state, attending a small university in Georgia, where he met and befriended fellow wrestler Doc Henry. During that time, he convinced Henry to join him in further professional wrestling training, in spite of the objections of the Montgomery family.

While Reb's parents viewed the entire profession as "uncouth" and a completely unfitting career choice, Johnny's brother, Jacob supported him in his quest. Jacob, being the elder son and the one destined to inherit both the family business and the lion's share of the family estate, never agreed with their parents' dismissal of Johnny's dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. However, in spite of his encouragement and help, Jacob's standing as the elder (and better-favored) brother left Johnny with some unresolved resentment issues.

Johnny Reb managed to finish his Master's Degree while attending a small, local promotion that subsequently folded, forcing the tiny roster to seek employment elsewhere. In early March 2008, Reb entered into contract negotiations with GWC, and later that month, made his professional wrestling debut.