Whether you know Robert Strauss for his work as “Robbie E” in TNA or more recently, “Robert Stone” as WWE’s General Manager of NXT, there’s no questioning this exciting performer’s work ethic. Fortunately, as the father of twin boys, and owner of several gyms in Florida, Stone is showing no signs of slowing down. And, at age 43, the “Dad Bod Destroyer” tells M&F how he’s evolved in order to hang with the next generation, both on screen and at home.
Formerly a physical education teacher, Robert Strauss made his pro wrestling debut in the year 2000 and soon worked preliminary matches for WWE until he signed a major deal with Total Nonstop Action in 2010, gaining fame as the charismatic “Robbie E.” It was during his time in TNA that Strauss won a multitude of titles, including the promotion’s TV and X Division gold.
He also lifted the tag team belts on two occasions alongside Jessie Godderz, and in that team, known as “The BroMans,” the duo even received support from seven-time Mr Olympia, Phil Heath. Of course, Strauss is no stranger to Muscle & Fitness. In 2017, he became a popular contributor with his “Dad Bod Destroyer” workouts, detailing how he stayed in fighting shape while balancing life with his twin sons Cash and Carter, who were just months old as that point. In 2026, Strauss is still making a name for himself in the pro wrestling business, by keeping a tight leash on the young superstars of NXT, but while his current role involves a desk rather than a squared circle, Strauss is always ready for action.
As Robert Stone, the world traveled grappler has maintained his fitness and physique by evolving, to stay consistent. For example, as a young lion, he was able to throw around weights with the same reckless abandon that he showed to many a hapless foe inside the ring. But at 43, and juggling his now 10-year-old twins with a hectic role as NXT GM, coach at WWE’s Performance Center, and broadcast commentator to boot, Strauss has a busier schedule than ever despite the fact that he does not currently compete. Fortunately, the performer has combined his passion with his profession and also owns eight gyms across Florida — that’s five F45 and three FS8 studios—so he’s never stuck for a timely way to stay toned.
How Does WWE’s Robert Stone (Robert Strauss) Stay in Ring-Ready Shape at 43?
Because F45 workouts last no more than 45 minutes, Strauss is able to get great value from his sweat equity. “You’re able to get it all in,” he tells M&F, noting that following an efficient plan has cut down his workout time without sacrificing quality. “Sometimes there are days where I don’t have an hour and a half. I don’t have two hours to get in everything, if I want to stretch out, if I want to warm my body up,” adds Strauss, appreciating the fact that F45 sessions are already planned out and ready to go. “At 43, I do need to regularly warm my body up. So, the 45 minutes is clutch, to be able to just come in and leave, and everything be done.”
For mobility, Strauss shares that FS8 workouts focus on a lighter style of resistance training for improving mobility and maintaining longevity, while still building strength. That’s because FS8 sessions combine Pilates and yoga, with a major emphasis on the core as well as controlled, meaningful movements.
Because of his commitment to crushing each workout, Strauss still looks like he could step between the ropes at any moment, and he maintains a low level of bodyfat to stay ripped, but as a mature athlete, he prefers a sustainable approach to nutrition rather than the latest fads, and this means embracing the balance. “The thing is, I really know my body,” he explains. “Mentally, I want to enjoy things sometimes. I’m not always eating a strict, clean diet. I want to have a good time with my wife or my twins. If they want to get ice cream on the weekend, I’m going to get it too, if I want it.”
The clever coach says that allowing himself to indulge also provides him with the motivation to eat cleaner for the rest of the week. “It adds fuel to the fire for my next workout,” says Strauss. Still, this athlete is keen to avoid eating too late in the evenings and particularly avoids starchy carbs and processed sugars before he hits the hay.
Could Robert Strauss Make a Return to the Ring?
Strauss refuses to rule out the possibility that Robert Stone could one day return him to the ring. He certainly would not be the oldest grappler on the roster if he did. Randy Orton and The Miz are 46, CM Punk is 48, and Rey Mysterio is 51. WWE fans also know that Stauss’s colleague and SmackDown General Manager, Nick Aldis, who is 39, returned for a one-off match against Gunther at SummerSlam 2026.
“If someone pushed me past the point where I need to step in the ring again, I don’t need a week to get ready,” says the authority of NXT. “I don’t need three months to get ready… I can be ready in an hour.”
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