You might think Erika Jayne’s love life has already had all the plot twists, but wait until you meet her new guy.
Enter John ‘Shrek’ McPhee: the rugged, larger-than-life former army man who’s made reality TV headlines alongside Beverly Hills icons.
But there’s so much more beneath that tactical gear and Instagram bravado. From a gritty upbringing to decades in elite military service and a booming training brand, his story reads like a cross between an action movie and a podcast deep dive.
Buckle up, because this isn’t your average Bravo boyfriend bio!
John ‘Shrek’ McPhee had a long army career
John McPhee, 54, isn’t just another retired vet, he’s a retired US Army Special Operations Sergeant Major with over 20 years of service, including deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He’s widely known by the nicknames ‘Shrek’ and the’Sheriff of Baghdad,’ the latter of which he’s embraced as part of his personal brand.
In podcast appearances, including a standout sit-down on The Joe Rogan Experience, John has shared glimpses into his military mindset and experiences overseas.
After retiring from active duty, he launched SOB Tactical, a training and gear company aimed at civilians, law enforcement, and military enthusiasts alike. That move is part business savvy, part extension of his ‘ready for anything’ persona.
What makes Erika’s boyfriend’s army past particularly fascinating, beyond the service itself, is how it contrasts with Erika’s world of glam and sequins.
Their connection blossomed after Erika spotted him backstage at The Mighty Hoopla in London and fearlessly made the first move, because of course she did!
He’s dubbed ‘one of the greatest war fighters of all time’
Among military enthusiast circles and people who’ve tuned into John’s podcast appearances, his name gets tossed around with terms like legendary or epic, and many describe him as “one of the greatest war fighters of all time.”
On shows like Joe Rogan’s and the Shawn Ryan podcast, he’s recounted high-risk missions, solo operations, deep reflections on survival and leadership.
John also delved into how his chaotic childhood shaped his mindset, including living in rough circumstances in Chicago at a young age. These tales have given him a serious following online.
John’s professional credibility after he left the battlefield is undeniable.
Erika Jayne‘s new boyfriend served more than 20 years of distinguished service, with extensive combat experience across multiple theaters and elite mission units.
Since leaving the Army in 2011, he’s become a respected Master Instructor and Subject Matter Expert, pioneering video diagnostics training that breaks down shooting technique with forensic-level precision.
Through his SOB Tactical brand, John now trains civilians, law enforcement, and military units worldwide, with modules ranging from special activities to advanced marksmanship.
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