Kipp Christianson (September 30, 1974) is a part-time American professional wrestler and former basketball player. He is best known for his time in WWE, where he wrestled under the name Eli Cottonwood. Christianson competed on the second season of NXT. His "pro" was John Morrison. He was the second rookie eliminated from the season. He returned to NXT in 2012. He was with Bray Wyatt for a short time. He asked for a release from WWE in June, 2012.On an independent wrestling show Christianson announced his retirement as a wrestler on July 10, 2014.