Chris Hero signs with WWE, expected to debut in developmental soon

A long rumored signing is finally official. Chris Hero -- one half of The Kings of Wrestling -- has inked a deal with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

The story broke courtesy (note: heavy spyware) of PWInsider who added that there were no plans to team Hero up with former partner Claudio Castagnoli who is currently working for Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) under the Antonio Cesaro moniker.

It's another great signing for the WWE as Hero has made quite the name for himself on the independent wrestling scene stateside and also across the Pacific. A mainstay in promotions such as Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), CHIKARA, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) and Ring of Honor (ROH), Hero has made appearances for the latter two promotions in recent months.

He took on Willie Mack at PWG's year-ending show, "Fear", in a losing effort and was also the one who answered Roderick Strong's open challenge at ROH's "Final Battle 2011" internet pay-per-view (iPPV) show. He lost that match as well as dropping a bout to Michael Elgin a month later at "The Homecoming 2012."

Despite his continued appearances in ROH, his performances indicated he wasn't to stay long in the Philadelphia promotion and was being brought in to add some star power to shows and also give the rub to younger stars in the making such as Elgin.

No word on exactly when Hero will show up in developmental -- likely FCW -- but it shouldn't be too long before "That Young Knockout Kid" makes his debut.

Any suggestions on new names for Hero?