Who Is WWE Star Zoey Stark’s Boyfriend? All About Ex Wrestler Tom Howard (Who Once Trained Jack Black for “Nacho Libre”!)

Zoey Stark’s journey to the top has been fueled by hard work, determination and the steadfast support of her boyfriend, Tom Howard.

Their relationship traces back to Stark’s early days on the independent wrestling circuit, where she performed under the name Lacey Ryan. After starting her career in 2013 with Vendetta Pro Wrestling, Stark (born Theresa Serrano) quickly established herself as a rising star, earning notable titles. Her chapter on the independent scene ended seven years later, paving the way for her transition to WWE.

Howard — a former pro wrestler with his own extensive résumé — has been instrumental in Stark’s journey, offering encouragement and guidance both inside and outside the ring. Stark’s gratitude for the sports entertainment veteran shines through in her heartfelt posts about him.

In December 2020, she celebrated his birthday with a sweet Instagram message, writing, “Happy birthday my love! Thank you for everything you do and for pushing me to achieve my dreams. You mean the world to me!”

So who is Zoey Stark’s boyfriend? Here’s everything to know about Tom Howard and his relationship with the rising WWE star.

He grew up in Utah

Born Thomas Howard, the former pro wrestler is the son of Jerry and Joy Howard.

He grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, where, according to a newspaper clipping he shared on Instagram, he attended Bennion Junior High School and was a member of the track team.

Howard was also an Eagle Scout, earning multiple badges and awards. One of his service projects included building blocks and a toy box for his church nursery, as well as refurbishing toys.

He is an accomplished wrestler

Howard built his reputation as an in-ring performer, establishing an impressive career as both a competitor and an instructor.

He has worked with some of the most notable wrestling organizations in the industry, including Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), Pro Wrestling Zero-One, All Japan Pro Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Noah, the Inoki Genome Federation, HUSTLE and Ultimate Pro Wrestling.

In addition to his wrestling accolades, Howard has made a name for himself in combat sports. He competed in K-1, Japan’s premier kickboxing organization, and ventured into mixed martial arts, showcasing his versatility as a fighter across multiple disciplines.

He and Stark have been together for over 10 years

Stark and Howard have kept the details of how their relationship began private, but it appears they have been together since at least 2013.

She posted their first photo together in September that year, when they attended a party with friends. Three years later, he shared a snap of them on his Instagram feed, showing them traveling.

Since then, the duo have shared glimpses into their romance, including celebrating the holidays, going on adventures and enjoying daily moments side-by-side.

He enjoys celebrating Stark’s milestones

While the couple are low-key, Howard doesn’t shy away from showing Stark love on social media.

He frequently shares clips from her television appearances, throwbacks of Stark’s years of training, and photos celebrating her achievements and their bond.

“T just got her dream car.. an M 430i with Red leather interior,” he wrote on Instagram in September 2022, after Starks’ major purchase. “She bought it herself and it is the 1st car she has ever bought. So happy for her!”

Howard also takes moments to express his deep admiration for the woman he calls his “future wife.”

“My life partner and best friend T aka: Zoey. Somehow I get to sleep next to her every night and share this wild journey called life,” he penned in August 2022.

He has worked in the entertainment industry

Howard’s versatility extends far beyond the wrestling ring. He has also earned recognition in the acting world.

His contributions include stunt work in the 1997 action thriller True Vengeance and several other on-screen appearances in films like Daredevil (2003).

As the head trainer for Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) — a now-defunct California-based wrestling promotion that collaborated with Pro Wrestling Zero1 and WWE — Howard was instrumental in shaping the careers of wrestling icons, from John Cena and The Miz to Samoa Joe and Frankie Kazarian.

He also lent his expertise to Hollywood, working with actors like Jack Black for roles like Nacho Libre — a moment he remembers fondly.

“Having the opportunity to train and develop a friendship with Jack Black expanded my horizons of what is possible in life… GREAT GUY with an amazing mindset and work ethic,” he captioned a photo of himself and Black in action in May 2016.

He is a cat dad

Life at home includes the antics of Sly, Howard’s 20-pound grey fur baby affectionately called “The Wondercat.”

Despite Sly’s imposing size, “He still has a peanut head with a brain the size of a walnut (just don’t tell him that),” Howard humorously noted in a June 2022 Instagram post.

Taking his cat parenting to the next level, Howard is teaching Sly to use buttons programmed with voice commands to ask for treats or signal when he wants to go outside.

While they’re still in the early stages, Howard jokingly fears a future where nocturnal Sly presses buttons all night, demanding “Treats” or “Go Outside” in Howard’s own voice.

“Imagine trying to sleep while you hear that all night long… lol,” he quipped in a July 2022 post alongside a video of the feline.

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