Jip Thornton was born in Anaheim Hills California. When he was 13 years old, he was involved in a house fire that killed his mother, sister, and brother. Later at the Hospital, his father died as well; Making him the lone survivor of the Thornton family. After leaving the hospital, Jip remained on the streets associating with people such as Sean Jensen to get where he needed, Jip soon found himself back on the wrestling path.