Prince Nana

American professional wrestler and manager (born 1979)

This article is about the wrestler. For the footballer, see Prince Nana (footballer).

Prince Nana

Nana at a Ring of Honor show in 2011

Birth name| Nana Osei Bandoh
Born|  (1979-08-01) August 1, 1979 (age 45)
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)| Nana[1]
Prince Nana
Billed height| 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)[2]
Billed weight| 235 lb (107 kg)[2]
Billed from| "Ghana, West Africa"[2]
Trained by| Angel Medina
Vito LoGrasso[2]
D-Von Dudley[2]
Johnny Rodz[2]
Mr. Fabian Street[2]
Debut| 1996[2]

Nana Osei Bandoh (born August 1, 1979), better known by his ring name, Prince Nana, is an American professional wrestling manager and former professional wrestler of Ghanaian descent. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he serves as the on-screen manager of Swerve Strickland.

## Early life

[edit]

Although Nana was born in the United States, he claims that he is the son of an Ashanti tribe member with royal heritage and the heir to the throne of Ashanti in Ghana.[3][4] When Nana was three, his family relocated to Ghana for five years, returning so that Nana could be educated in America. As a teenager, he relocated to New York City in America as an exchange student. In 1992, at the age of twelve, Nana watched WrestleMania VIII, and was inspired by the WWF Championship match between "Macho Man" Randy Savage and Ric Flair to become a wrestler. A year later, he wrote to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF; renamed WWE in 2002) and asked their advice as to which professional wrestling school he should attend. The WWF recommended that he train under Larry Sharpe in New Jersey, but Nana felt that Sharpe's school was too far away. Instead, Nana became a photographer for Johnny Rodz, who operated Gleason's Gym in New York. Nana worked for Rodz until he turned eighteen, when Rodz began training him as a wrestler.

## Professional wrestling career

[edit]

### Early career (1996–2002)

[edit]

Nana debuted in 1996, wrestling in a church in Spanish Harlem.[3][5][6][7]

Nana worked regularly for the East Coast Wrestling Association in Delaware and USA Pro Wrestling in New York, as well as making appearances with the WWF and with Pro Wrestling ZERO1-MAX in Japan.

### Ring of Honor (2002–present)

[edit]

See also: the Embassy

Nana in 2005

In 2002, Nana joined the upstart Ring of Honor promotion, where in 2004 he formed a heel stable known as The Embassy. In storylines, Nana used his wealth gained from the taxes of people of Ghana to hire wrestlers to wrestle his opponents and rivals. Under his management, John Walters defended his ROH Pure Championship and Jimmy Rave, Alex Shelley and Abyss won the Trios Tournament in 2006. He remained with Ring of Honor until September 2006, when he gave his notice.[8]

On October 24, 2008, in Danbury, Connecticut, Nana made a surprise return to Ring of Honor, saying he had no more riches or crown and just wanted a job, before he was dragged away by security. The next night, Nana made an appearance at Ring of Honor's Edison, New Jersey show where he was removed in the same fashion. The next time ROH was in Edison on January 17, 2009, Nana again appeared, only to be dragged away by security. He would then be featured in segments on the ROH Video Wire. In a March edition of the Video Wire, Nana revealed that he had regained his riches due to President Obama's stimulus package, and had been directing Bison Smith's attacks on ROH wrestlers. On March 20, at the ROH show in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, Nana declared that he had officially reformed the Embassy, with himself, Bison Smith and Ernie Osiris.[9] The next day in New York City they were joined by the returning Jimmy Rave. Other members of the stable came to include Claudio Castagnoli, Joey Ryan, Erick Stevens, Shawn Daivari and Necro Butcher, but by October 2010 all of them, except Osiris, had left the group. On January 22, 2011, Nana debuted the latest version of the Embassy, consisting of Ernesto Osiris, Mia Yim, R.D. Evans, and Tommaso Ciampa, who would take over Jimmy Rave's former role as Nana's number one wrestler.[10] The following April and June, both Dave Taylor and Rhino made appearances representing the Embassy.[11][12] On the July 28, 2012 episode of Ring of Honor Wrestling, The Embassy disbanded, when Ciampa turned on Nana, after R.D. Evans had revealed his deal with Truth Martini, which had cost Ciampa the ROH World Television Championship.[13]

On Monday, June 3, 2013, Nana received a tryout with WWE. Nana commented on the tryout on Facebook, writing, "Great day with the WWE...The future may be bright....Fools."

In mid-2013, Nana was given the new on-screen role of ROH Talent Scout.[14] In late 2014, Nana formed yet another version of the Embassy with Moose, Stokely Hathaway and Veda Scott, which was later disbanded.[15]

Nana was the manager of Donovan Dijak, after he sent him some envelopes every time he wrestled, until he finally departed from The House of Truth that took place on February 25, 2016 episode of ROH tapings.[16]

On July 23, 2022, at Death Before Dishonor, Prince Nana returned and announced he had purchased Tully Blanchard Enterprises and reformed The Embassy, with Brian Cage, Bishop Kaun and Toa Liona.[17] The trio would go on to defeat the team of Alex Zayne, Blake Christian and Tony Deppen during the preshow.[18] At Final Battle, Cage, Liona and Kaun, defeated Dalton Castle and The Boys, to win the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships, under Nana's guidance.[19] This victory marked the first time in his 20-year history with the company that Prince Nana had managed his Embassy clientele to ROH gold.

### All Elite Wrestling (2023–present)

[edit]

See also: Mogul Embassy

Nana at All In in August 2024

On the April 7, 2023 episode of AEW Rampage, Prince Nana began managing Swerve Strickland as a part of Mogul Embassy, formerly 'The Embassy' in ROH, after Strickland announced he was merging his 'Mogul Affiliates' stable with The Embassy.

On April 21, 2024 at Dynasty, Strickland defeated Samoa Joe to win the AEW World Championship. This marked the first time that Prince Nana had managed an Embassy client to any singles championship, and specifically to a world championship. On the May 8 episode of Dynamite, Mogul Embassy was disbanded after Brian Cage, Toa Liona, and Bishop Kaun attacked Strickland and broke away to form their own stable, Cage of Agony. Despite this, Nana continued to manage Strickland without the Mogul Embassy banner.

Nana managed Strickland for his successful title defenses against Christian Cage at Double or Nothing later that month and against Will Ospreay at Forbidden Door in June 2024. At All In in August 2024, Strickland lost the AEW World Championship to Bryan Danielson. In September 2024 at Grand Slam, Nana was scheduled to give an update on Strickland's condition after his lights out steel cage match with "Hangman" Adam Page at All Out. However, he would be interrupted by a debuting MVP, who blamed Nana for Strickland's losses at All In and All Out and offered to take over as Strickland's manager. In October 2024 at WrestleDream, Strickland rejected MVP's offer and remained loyal to Nana.

## Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

* CyberSpace Wrestling Federation
* CSWF Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Sonjay Dutt
* East Coast Wrestling Association
* ECWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[2]
* ECWA Mid Atlantic Championship (2 times)[2]
* New York Wrestling Connection
* NYWC Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with MEGA[2]
* Pro Wrestling Illustrated
* PWI ranked him #311 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2010[20]
* USA Pro Wrestling
* USA Pro New York State Championship (2 times)
* WreslePurists
* Best Non-Wrestler Award 2023.[21]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Nana". Ring of Honor. Archived from the original on August 16, 2017. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Prince Nana". OnlineWorldOfWrestling.com. Retrieved May 20, 2007.
3. ^ a b Clevett, J. (May 31, 2005). "Nana an honorable Prince". Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved May 20, 2007. "I was born in the U.S., but when I turned three we went back to Ghana for five years. I came back to go to school. My Father is part of the Ashanti tribe in Ghana, West Africa with Royal Heritage. I am part of that because of my relation to the existing chiefs of the Ashanti tribe. If my uncle is to pass away, because he is the chief uncle, legally I will be the next King."
4. ^ "Prince Nana at Cagematch.net". Retrieved May 23, 2007.
5. ^ Clevett, J. (May 31, 2005). "Nana an honorable Prince". Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved May 20, 2007. "...it was the classic feud between Randy "Macho Man" Savage and Flair that culminated at Wrestlemania 8 that changed his life."
6. ^ Clevett, J. (May 31, 2005). "Nana an honorable Prince". Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved May 20, 2007. "A year later I was looking into schools and I wrote to the WWE, who told me to go to Larry Sharpe's school. It was too far away because I was living in New York City as an exchange student from Ghana. After a few months I found Gleason's gym on Front Street. I started as a photographer for Johnny Rodz..."
7. ^ Schwan, B. (2005). "Ten Questions With Prince Nana". WrestlingClothesline.com. Retrieved May 20, 2007.
8. ^ Clevett, J. (May 31, 2005). "Nana an honorable Prince". Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved May 20, 2007.
9. ^ "10/24 ROH in Danbury, CT. Results & Discussion". October 24, 2008. Archived from the original on February 14, 2010. Retrieved October 24, 2008.
10. ^ Martin, Adam (January 23, 2011). "Spoilers: 1/22 ROH HDNet tapings in Philadelphia". WrestleView. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved March 4, 2011.
11. ^ Caldwell, James; Radican, Sean (April 2, 2011). "ROH Internet PPV report 4/2: Caldwell & Radican's ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live ROH PPV from Atlanta". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
12. ^ Radican, Sean (June 26, 2011). "Radican's "Best in the World" internet PPV report 6/26: Ongoing "real-time" coverage of live PPV from New York City". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
13. ^ Namako, Jason (July 28, 2012). "ROH on Sinclair Results - 7/28/12". WrestleView. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
14. ^ "Final Battle: Ring of Honor World Tag Team Title Match". Ring of Honor. November 18, 2013. Retrieved November 19, 2013.
15. ^ Caldwell, James (December 7, 2014). "Caldwell's ROH Final Battle 2014 PPV results 12/7: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV from New York City". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved December 8, 2014.
16. ^ 2/27 Ring of Honor TV Taping Results from Las Vegas, NV - PWInsider.com
17. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (July 23, 2022). "Prince Nana Announces He's Purchased Tully Blanchard Enterprises At ROH Death Before Dishonor". Fightful. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
18. ^ "ROH Wrestling.com Death Before Dishonor 2022 Results".
19. ^ "The Embassy Win ROH Six-Man Tag Team Titles At ROH Final Battle 2022".
20. ^ ""PWI 500": 301–400". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. July 27, 2010. Retrieved July 31, 2010.
21. ^ WrestlePurists. January 28, 2024 "WRESTLEPURISTS AWARDS 2023" https://wrestlepurists.com/wrestlepurists-awards-2023-results/"WRESTLEPURISTS AWARDS 2023". Retrieved January 28, 2024. `{{cite web}}`: Check `|url=` value (help); Missing or empty `|title=` (help)

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Prince Nana.

* Ring of Honor profile
* Prince Nana's profile at Cagematch.net, Wrestlingdata.com, Internet Wrestling Database
* Nana Bandoh at IMDb

It has been suggested that the personnel be split out into another article titled Template:All Elite Wrestling personnel. (Discuss) (May 2025)

|

* v
* t
* e

All Elite Wrestling

Personnel|

| Men's division|

* Aaron Solo
* Action Andretti
* Adam Cole
* "Hangman" Adam Page
* Alex Reynolds
* Angélico
* Angelo Parker
* Anthony Bowens
* Anthony Ogogo
* AR Fox
* Ariya Daivari
* Austin Gunn
* Bandido
* The Beast Mortos
* Big Bill
* Billy Gunn
* Bishop Kaun
* The Blade
* Bobby Lashley
* Brandon Cutler
* Brian Cage
* Brody King
* Bryan Danielson
* Bryan Keith
* Buddy Matthews
* The Butcher
* Carlie Bravo
* Cash Wheeler
* Chris Jericho
* Christian Cage
* Claudio Castagnoli
* Colt Cabana
* Colten Gunn
* Cope
* Danhausen
* Daniel Garcia
* Dante Martin
* Darby Allin
* Darius Martin
* Dax Harwood
* Dralístico
* Dustin Rhodes
* Eddie Kingston
* Evil Uno
* Griff Garrison
* Hologram
* Hook
* Isiah Kassidy
* Jack Perry
* Jay Lethal
* Jay White
* Jeff Jarrett
* John Silver
* Johnny TV
* Jon Moxley
* Josh Alexander
* Josh Woods
* Juice Robinson
* Katsuyori Shibata
* Kazuchika Okada
* Keith Lee
* Kenny Omega
* Kevin Knight
* Killswitch
* Kip Sabian
* Komander
* Konosuke Takeshita
* Kota Ibushi
* Kyle Fletcher
* Kyle O'Reilly
* Lance Archer
* Lee Johnson
* Lee Moriarty
* Lio Rush
* Mansoor
* Mark Briscoe
* Mark Davis
* Marq Quen
* Marshall Von Erich
* Mason Madden
* Matt Menard
* Matt Sydal
* Matt Taven
* Matthew Jackson
* Max Caster
* Mike Bailey
* Mike Bennett
* MJF
* MVP
* Nicholas Jackson
* Nick Comoroto
* Nick Wayne
* Orange Cassidy
* Ortiz
* Pac
* Peter Avalon
* Powerhouse Hobbs
* Preston Vance
* Ricochet
* Rocky Romero
* Roderick Strong
* Ross Von Erich
* Rush
* Sammy Guevara
* Samoa Joe
* Satnam Singh
* Scorpio Sky
* Serpentico
* Shane Taylor
* Shawn Dean
* Shelton Benjamin
* Swerve Strickland
* Toa Liona
* Tommy Billington
* Tony Nese
* Trent Beretta
* Truth Magnum
* Turbo Floyd
* Wardlow
* Wheeler Yuta
* Will Ospreay

|

Women's division|

* Anna Jay
* Athena
* Billie Starkz
* Deonna Purrazzo
* Diamanté
* Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D.
* Emi Sakura
* Harley Cameron
* Hikaru Shida
* Jamie Hayter
* Julia Hart
* Kamille
* Kiera Hogan
* Kris Statlander
* Leila Grey
* Madison Rayne
* Marina Shafir
* Megan Bayne
* Mercedes Martinez
* Mercedes Moné
* Mina Shirakawa
* Nyla Rose
* Penelope Ford
* Queen Aminata
* Rachael Ellering
* Red Velvet
* Riho
* Ruby Soho
* Serena Deeb
* Skye Blue
* Tay Melo
* Taya Valkyrie
* Thekla
* Thunder Rosa
* Toni Storm
* Willow Nightingale
* Viva Van
* Yuka Sakazaki

Other on-air personnel|

* Alex Abrahantes
* Don Callis
* Jake Roberts
* Karen Jarrett
* Luther
* Mark Sterling
* Paul Wight
* Prince Nana
* Sonjay Dutt
* Stokely Hathaway

Stables and tag teams|

* Bang Bang Gang
* The Butcher and the Blade
* The Dark Order
* Alex Reynolds and John Silver
* Death Riders
* Don Callis Family
* The Elite
* The Young Bucks
* FTR
* Gates of Agony
* Grizzled Young Veterans
* Hounds of Hell
* The Hurt Syndicate
* La Faccion Ingobernable
* The Learning Tree
* MxM Collection
* The Outrunners
* The Paragon
* The Patriarchy
* Private Party
* Undisputed Kingdom
* Matt Taven and Mike Bennett
* The Von Erichs

Referees|

* Aubrey Edwards
* Bryce Remsburg
* Paul Turner
* Rick Knox
* Stephon Smith

Broadcast team|

* Alex Marvez
* Alicia Atout
* Arkady Aura
* Carlos Cabrera
* Excalibur
* Ian Riccaboni
* Jim Ross
* Justin Roberts
* Lexy Nair
* Nigel McGuinness
* Renee Paquette
* RJ City
* Taz
* Tony Schiavone

Backstage personnel|

* Chris Hero
* Christopher Daniels
* Chuck Taylor
* Dean Malenko
* Glacier
* Jerry Lynn
* Kevin Matthews
* Jennifer Pepperman
* Michael Nakazawa
* Pat Buck
* Q. T. Marshall
* Robert Evans
* Scotty 2 Hotty
* Scott Antol
* Sting
* Tony Chimel

Khan family|

* Shahid Khan
* Tony Khan

Former|

* Alumni

Programming|

* All Access
* Battle of the Belts
* Collision
* Episodes
* Television specials
* Dark
* Episodes
* Dynamite
* Episodes
* Television specials
* Elevation
* Episodes
* Rampage
* Episodes
* Television specials
* TNT Overdrive
* Special events
* Pay-per-view events
* All In
* All Out
* Double or Nothing
* Dynasty
* Forbidden Door
* Full Gear
* Revolution
* WrestleDream
* Worlds End

Championships|

| Men's|

* World (reigns)
* International
* Continental
* TNT (reigns)
* World Tag Team (reigns)
* World Trios

|

Women's|

* Women's World
* TBS

Former|

* FTW

Accomplishments|

* Casino Battle Royale
* Dynamite Diamond Ring
* Tournaments
* Owen Hart Cup
* Continental Classic
* Awards

Affiliates/partnerships|

| Sister promotion|

* Ring of Honor

|

Current partners|

* Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
* CyberFight
* DDT Pro-Wrestling
* Pro Wrestling Noah
* Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling
* New Japan Pro-Wrestling
* Revolution Pro Wrestling
* World Wonder Ring Stardom

Former partners|

* Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide
* National Wrestling Alliance
* Oriental Wrestling Entertainment
* Pro Wrestling Wave
* Total Nonstop Action Wrestling

See also|

* AEW Plus
* All In (2018)
* Chris Jericho's Rock 'N' Wrestling Rager at Sea
* Daily's Place
* Starrcast
* Universal Studios Soundstage 21
* Video games
* Fight Forever
* Wednesday Night Wars

* v
* t
* e

Ring of Honor

Personnel|

| Men's division|

* The Beast Mortos
* Bishop Kaun
* Blake Christian
* Brian Cage
* Carlie Bravo
* Christopher Daniels
* Claudio Castagnoli
* Cole Karter
* Dalton Castle
* Daniel Garcia
* Dustin Rhodes
* Eddie Kingston
* Griff Garrison
* Kyle Fletcher
* Lee Johnson
* Lee Moriarty
* Mark Briscoe
* Marshall Von Erich
* Matt Taven
* Mike Bennett
* Nick Comoroto
* Preston Vance
* Ross Von Erich
* Sammy Guevara
* Shane Taylor
* Shawn Dean
* Toa Liona
* Wheeler Yuta

|

Women's division|

* Athena
* Billie Starkz
* Charlette Renegade
* Diamante
* Lady Frost
* Marina Shafir
* Mercedes Martinez
* Rachael Ellering
* Robyn Renegade
* Trish Adora

Other on-air personnel|

* Jerry Lynn
* Paul Wight
* Stokely Hathaway

Stables and tag teams|

* Bang Bang Gang
* The Butcher and the Blade
* The Dark Order
* FTR
* Gates of Agony
* Renegade Twins
* Shane Taylor Promotions
* Undisputed Kingdom
* Matt Taven and Mike Bennett
* Von Erichs

Broadcast team|

* Bobby Cruise
* Caprice Coleman
* Ian Riccaboni
* Lexy Nair

Management|

* Tony Khan

Historic|

* Alumni
* Adam Pearce
* Cary Silkin
* Delirious
* Gabe Sapolsky
* Jim Cornette
* Joe Koff
* Marty Scurll

Programming|

| Television/streaming|

* Honor Club
* Ring of Honor Wrestling

|

Current events|

* Death Before Dishonor (2003–2019, 2021–present)
* Final Battle (2002–present)
* Supercard of Honor (2006–2011, 2013–2019, 2022–present)
* Wrestle Dynasty (2025)

Former events|

* All Star Extravaganza (2002–2016)
* Anniversary Show (2003–2021)
* Best in the World (2006, 2011–2019, 2021)
* The Big Bang! (2010)
* Boiling Point (2012)
* Border/Global Wars (2012–2019)
* Bound By Honor (2019)
* Caged Collision (2009)
* Driven (2007–2008)
* Field of Honor (2014–2016)
* Gateway to Honor (2011, 2020)
* Glory By Honor (2002–2016, 2018–2021)
* Honor for All (2021)
* Honor Rising: Japan (2016–2019)
* Honor Takes Center Stage (2011)
* Man Up (2007)
* New Horizons (2008)
* Respect is Earned (2007–2008)
* Rising Above (2007–2008)
* Showdown in the Sun (2012)
* Summer Supercard (2019)
* Survival of the Fittest (2004–2007, 2009–2012, 2014–2018, 2021)
* Take No Prisoners (2008–2009)
* Undeniable (2007)

Special events|

* All In (2018)
* Crockett Cup (2019)
* The Jay Briscoe Celebration of Life (2023)
* Sea of Honor (2018)
* War of the Worlds (2014–2019)

Championships|

| Primary|

* World
* reigns
* Women's
* reigns

|

Secondary|

* Pure
* reigns
* Television
* reigns
* Women's Pure
* Women's Television

Divisional|

* Tag Team
* reigns
* Six-Man
* reigns

Former|

* Top of the Class Trophy
* reigns
* Women of Honor
* reigns

Other accomplishments|

* Grand Slam
* Hall of Fame
* Honor Rumble
* Survival of the Fittest
* Tournaments
* Pure Tournament
* Tag Wars Tournament
* Top Prospect Tournament
* Triple Crown

Affiliates|

| Sister promotion|

* All Elite Wrestling

|

Current partnerships|

* Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
* New Japan Pro-Wrestling

Former partnerships|

* All Japan Pro Wrestling
* Combat Zone Wrestling
* Chikara
* Dragongate
* Frontier Wrestling Alliance
* Full Impact Pro
* Global Professional Wrestling Alliance
* Jersey All Pro Wrestling
* Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide
* MCW Pro Wrestling
* National Wrestling Alliance
* Preston City Wrestling
* Pro Wrestling Noah
* Pro Wrestling Zero1
* Ohio Valley Wrestling
* Revolution Pro Wrestling
* Shimmer Women Athletes
* Sinclair Broadcast Group
* The Crash Lucha Libre
* Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
* World Wonder Ring Stardom

Venues|

* 2300 Arena
* Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena
* Manhattan Center
* Universal Studios Soundstage 21

Miscellaneous|

* ROH Dojo
* Women of Honor

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