Coordinates	20°46′12″N155°59′39″N
Name	Amy Dumas
Names	AngelicaLitaMiss Congeniality
Height
Weight
Birth date	April 14, 1975
Birth place	Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Resides	Atlanta, Georgia
Billed	Sanford, North Carolina
Trainer	Dory Funk, Jr.Ricky SantanaAce SteelKevin QuinnMiguel PérezLeilani KaiDave FinlayEl Dandy
Debut	1999
Retired	November 26, 2006 }}

Amy Christine Dumas (born April 14, 1975), known by her primary stage name Lita, is the lead singer for the band The Luchagors as well as a retired professional wrestler and WWE Diva active from 1999 to 2006.

After briefly working on the independent circuit and in Extreme Championship Wrestling, Dumas signed with World Wrestling Federation in 1999. Originally, she was paired with Essa Rios, but she achieved her greatest push alongside Matt and Jeff Hardy as Team Xtreme. Throughout her career, she won the WWE Women's Championship four times. During her tenure with the company she became arguably the most popular Diva in the company's history.

Dumas had an off-screen relationship with Matt Hardy, which ended in 2005 after her affair with Adam "Edge" Copeland. WWE used the real-life drama between the trio as a storyline throughout 2005 and 2006, which led to Dumas being booed by the fans for the first time and her character becoming villainous on-screen. The relationship also led to the firing of Hardy in 2005, although he was rehired later in the year.

After her retirement from wrestling in 2006, she and then-boyfriend Shane Morton formed the punk rock band The Luchagors. The band released a CD on September 11, 2007.

Early life

Amy Christine Dumas attended many different schools throughout her childhood and adolescent years and managed to finish high school at Lassiter High School six months before graduation. She majored in education at Georgia State University, but dropped out in 1993 because she felt it was too much like high school.

Later, in Washington, D.C., Dumas played bass guitar in several bands, and she worked as a roadie for a band for five years. She began taking judo classes and started wrestling.

Professional wrestling career

Dumas first became interested in wrestling after watching Rey Mysterio, Jr., a Mexican luchador, wrestle on an episode of World Championship Wrestling's ''WCW Monday Nitro''. She traveled to Mexico in 1998 to learn more about the sport and how to wrestle. Dumas financed her training by dancing in a club under the pseudonym Misty. During her stay in Mexico, Dumas trained under numerous wrestlers, including Kevin Quinn, Miguel Pérez, and Ricky Santana. Following the completion of her training, Dumas made several appearances with the Empresa Mexicana de la Lucha Libre.

After returning to the United States, Dumas began working as a valet on the independent circuit. She worked in Maryland Championship Wrestling (MCW) under the ring name Angelica, at one point managing Christopher Daniels. She also made appearances in NWA Mid-Atlantic, where she first met Matt and Jeff Hardy, who offered to train with her.

Extreme Championship Wrestling (1999)

In the spring of 1999, she was approached by Paul Heyman, the owner and booker of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). Dumas debuted in ECW as Miss Congeniality, the on-screen girlfriend of Danny Doring. Dumas later began using the name Angelica once again and made her pay-per-view debut on July 18 at Heat Wave where Doring, as part of their storyline, proposed to her.

Dumas was introduced to veteran wrestler Dory Funk, Jr. by ECW wrestler Rob Van Dam, and Funk invited her to attend his wrestling school, The Funkin' Conservatory. Dumas attended Funk's school alongside twenty-three men, graduated from the school in August 1999, and returned to ECW. Meanwhile, Funk and his wife compiled video footage of Dumas and sent it to the World Wrestling Federation. The Federation was sufficiently impressed, and on November 1, 1999, Dumas was signed to a WWF developmental deal. After five months with ECW, she made her final appearance on October 23, 1999.

World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment (1999-2006)

Debut and Team Xtreme (1999–2000)

After honing her skills at the Memphis Championship Wrestling developmental territory, Dumas was given the ring name Lita and paired with luchador Essa Rios. Lita and Rios made their WWF debut on the February 13, 2000 episode of ''Sunday Night HEAT'', where Rios was booked to win the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship from Gillberg. Lita mimicked his moves, notably the moonsault and hurricanrana, immediately after he had performed them on an opponent. Essa Rios and Lita had a feud with Eddie Guerrero and Chyna which led to a European title match between Ríos and then-champion Guerrero at Backlash 2000, which Ríos lost. In May 2000, a storyline was developed in which Lita found Rios cavorting with The Godfather and his "hoes", causing tension between them. Rios eventually turned on Lita by powerbombing her after she inadvertently cost him a match. As part of the storyline, Lita was saved from a beating at the hands of Rios by the Hardy Boyz (Matt and Jeff), and the trio formed a stable known as Team Xtreme. As a member of Team Xtreme, Lita developed a more "alternative" image, wearing baggy pants with a thong, which was hiked up high above her pants, clearly exposed. During her time with Team Xtreme, Lita became the only female to ever be physically involved in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match in WWE.

In June 2000, Team Xtreme began a storyline with T & A (Test and Albert), with Lita engaging in a rivalry with their manager, Trish Stratus. The rivalry developed into an off and on long-term feud between the two women that lasted until Stratus retired in 2006. The storyline ended shortly after Fully Loaded, where Lita pinned Stratus in a six person intergender tag team match. Subsequently, Lita began feuding with WWF Women's Champion Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley. In the main event of the August 21, 2000 episode of ''RAW is WAR'', Lita defeated Stephanie with a moonsault to win the Women's Championship for the first time. The match also featured The Rock as the Special Guest Referee and constant interference from Triple H and Kurt Angle.

Lita held the Women's Championship for seventy-three days, which included retaining her title in a hardcore match against Jacqueline on October 9. In the course of her reign, Lita became embroiled in the storyline feud between the Hardy Boyz and Edge and Christian. In retaliation for her frequent interference in their matches, Edge and Christian cost Lita the Women's Championship, helping Ivory defeat her in a four way match on the November 2 episode of ''SmackDown''. Ivory was in a conservative-based stable named Right to Censor at that time, which targeted Lita for her attire and moves. Lita attempted to regain the title on several occasions, wrestling Ivory at Survivor Series and Rebellion, but she was thwarted on each occasion by Steven Richards, Ivory's mentor. She spent the remainder of the year in a storyline with would-be suitor Dean Malenko, on one occasion unsuccessfully challenging him for the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship.

The Invasion (2001–2002)

Lita continued to feud with Dean Malenko in early 2001, and she defeated him in a singles bout on the February 19 episode of ''Raw is War'' with the assistance of Matt Hardy. Following the match, Hardy kissed Lita, beginning their on-screen relationship and turning their real-life romance into a storyline. The couple wrestled in several intergender tag team matches throughout the early part of the year.

In July 2001, Lita and Trish Stratus joined forces to combat Stacy Keibler and Torrie Wilson, members of The Alliance: Extreme Championship Wrestling and World Championship Wrestling wrestlers who were invading the WWF as part of The Invasion storyline. At the Invasion pay-per-view on July 22, Lita and Stratus defeated Keibler and Wilson in the first ever tag team bra and panties match by stripping their opponents to their underwear. Throughout The Invasion, Lita, Stratus, and Jacqueline feuded with Alliance members Keibler, Wilson, Ivory, and Mighty Molly. The Invasion storyline ended on November 18 at Survivor Series, where Lita took part in a six pack challenge for the WWF Women's Championship, which had been vacated by Chyna earlier that month; Stratus won the match and the title.

In late 2001, the Hardy Boyz began a storyline in which they were feuding with one another. Lita refereed a match between them at Vengeance on December 9. Jeff won the match with a scripted finish that had Lita failing to notice that Matt had placed his leg on the rope during Jeff's successful pin attempt. Continuing the storyline on the following episode of ''Raw'', Matt defeated Lita and Jeff in a handicap match, shortly after informing Lita that both their relationship and the Hardy Boyz were finished. On the December 17 episode of ''Raw'', both Jeff and Lita were sidelined with storyline injuries following a title match between Jeff and WWF Hardcore Champion The Undertaker. The injuring of both his brother and ex-girlfriend led to a reconciliation between the members of Team Xtreme, and on the December 20 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Matt faced The Undertaker but was also injured. All three members of Team Xtreme were then removed from WWF television for several weeks.

The Hardy Boyz, along with Lita, returned to WWF television in February 2002. Lita resumed her pursuit of the WWF Women's Championship in March 2002 and made her in-ring WrestleMania debut at WrestleMania X8 on March 17, facing Stratus and WWF Women's Champion Jazz in a match in which Jazz retained her title by pinning Lita.

Injury and return (2002–2003)

On April 6, 2002, Dumas suffered what appeared to be a stinger while filming a fight scene for a role in the season finale of the television program ''Dark Angel''. The rehearsal required that she practice the hurricanrana that would be used in the episode, however, the stunt double Dumas was working with dropped her as she swung through the move, causing her to land on her neck and shoulders. After she underwent a CAT scan, it was revealed that she had suffered three cracks in her vertebrae, necessitating surgery. On April 30, Dumas underwent neck surgery under Dr. Lloyd Youngblood, during which he used a section of her hip to fuse her C5 and C6 vertebrae together. She spent the subsequent year rehabilitating, making appearances on ''Sunday Night HEAT'' as a color commentator, beginning in October 2002. On the April 21, 2003 episode of ''Raw'', as part of a new storyline, she was fired from her position as ''Sunday Night HEAT'' color commentator by General Manager Eric Bischoff after she rejected his advances and his request that she follow in the footsteps of ''SmackDown!'''s Torrie Wilson and pose for ''Playboy''.

She returned to the ring after an absence of seventeen months on the September 15 episode of ''Raw'', saving Trish Stratus from a beating at the hands of Molly Holly and Gail Kim. Co-General Manager Stone Cold Steve Austin later explained to Eric Bischoff that he had rehired Lita. Lita and Stratus went on to defeat Holly and Kim in a tag team match on September 21 at Unforgiven. Lita feuded with Holly into late 2003, unsuccessfully challenging her for the Women's Championship on November 16 at Survivor Series. On the November 17 episode of ''Raw'', Lita and Matt Hardy were reunited after Hardy was moved from ''SmackDown!'' to ''Raw''. Continuing the storyline, Holly interrupted as Hardy was about to propose to Lita, challenging the duo to face her and Bischoff in an intergender tag team match later that evening. Bischoff later added the stipulation that Lita would earn a title shot if she won but would be fired if she lost. Hardy and Lita lost the match after Hardy refused to tag in, with Hardy berating Lita for "selfishly" returning to ''Raw'' instead of ''SmackDown!'', claiming that this showed that she cared more about the Women's Championship than about him. Lita was rehired later that evening when Christian informed her that he had used his Survivor Series favor to get Bischoff to reinstate her. One week later, Lita lost to Victoria in the first ever women's steel cage match in WWE history, due to interference from Hardy.

As Lita and Christian appeared to be developing an on-screen relationship, so did Stratus and Chris Jericho. On the December 1, 2003 episode of ''Raw'', however, it was revealed that Christian and Jericho had bet one another "one Canadian dollar" as to who could have sex with Lita and Stratus first. The revelation led to a storyline feud between Lita and Stratus and Christian and Jericho, with the males triumphing in a "Battle of the Sexes" match at Armageddon.

Feuding with Trish; storyline with Kane (2004–2005)

Lita competed in the Women's division throughout early 2004, winning a battle royal to become the number one contender for the Women's Championship on the April 5 episode of ''Raw''. Victoria defeated Lita to retain the Women's Championship at Backlash on April 18. The next night on ''Raw'', Lita was reunited with Matt Hardy when Hardy attacked Kane in an attempt to prevent him from harming Lita, beginning a new storyline involving the trio. In the following weeks, Kane began repeatedly assaulting Hardy and attempting to seduce Lita. During the course of the storyline, he kidnapped Lita and held her tied up backstage, and he persuaded Eric Bischoff to give her a title shot at Bad Blood on June 13. The next night on ''Raw'', Lita revealed that she was pregnant. One week later, it appeared that Hardy was going to propose to Lita, but he was interrupted by Kane, who claimed to be the father of Lita's child, as Lita had slept with Kane to persuade him to stop attacking Hardy. Two months later, it was revealed that Kane was, in fact, the father. Hardy and Kane feuded for several months, culminating in a "Till Death Do Us Part" match on August 15 at SummerSlam, with the stipulation that Lita would be obliged to marry the winner of the match. Kane won the match, leading to he and a reluctant Lita marrying one another on the August 23, 2004 episode of ''Raw''. Despite being married to Kane, Lita thwarted him during his matches, constantly aiding his opponents. On the September 13 episode of ''Raw'', Lita miscarried after Gene Snitsky struck Kane with a chair, resulting in him falling on Lita. The miscarriage led to Lita and Kane joining forces in order to take revenge on Snitsky.

With the pregnancy storyline over, Lita returned to the women's division in November 2004. She began a feud with Trish Stratus after Stratus called Lita "chubby" because of her pregnancy weight gain. Lita challenged Stratus to a Women's Championship match at Survivor Series, however, due to the months of humiliation and being verbally berated by Stratus, Lita was more concerned with doing as much damage as possible, leading to her disqualification. The feud continued, and on December 6, Lita was booked to defeat Stratus in the main event of ''Raw'' to win her second WWE Women's Championship. During the course of the match, Lita botched a suicide dive to the outside when she over rotated by a fraction, barely escaping serious injury. This move was later used in the build up to the title rematch she was booked for at New Year's Revolution against Stratus, who claimed, "Lita had to practically kill herself, just to beat me". She defeated Lita, ending her second reign as Women's Champion on January 9, 2005 at New Year's Revolution. In the course of the match, Lita tore her left ACL after executing a Thesz press off the ring apron.

Lita returned to WWE television in March 2005, mentoring Christy Hemme, who was in the midst of a storyline with Stratus that featured a title match between them at WrestleMania 21. Despite Lita's coaching, Hemme was defeated by Stratus. Lita continued to feud with Stratus by proxy over the following weeks, with Kane defeating Stratus' companion, Viscera, at Backlash on May 1. The relationship between Lita and Kane lasted until the May 16 episode of ''Raw'', when Lita took on a villainous role by betraying Kane, helping Edge defeat him in the finals of the ''Raw'' Gold Rush Tournament. On the May 30 episode of ''Raw'', Lita announced that she had filed for divorce, and said things such as Kane was like a 4th grader in the bedroom. Also, that she would not have to deal with things such as his sweaty body, the "stupid little" laugh he does, and the wedding ring flushing it down a toilet. She then attempted to marry Edge on the June 20 episode of ''Raw'', but the marriage ceremony was interrupted by a vengeful Kane, who emerged from beneath the ring, destroyed the ceremony, and as Edge and Lita escaped from the ring Kane tombstoned their priest. The storyline with Kane ended shortly thereafter.

Off-screen, at this time, Dumas had been involved with Matt Hardy romantically, but began a relationship with Adam Copeland (Edge). WWE then began to use the real-life issues between the three as an on-screen storyline. In April, Hardy was released from WWE, only to be rehired several months later. Lita continued to act as Edge's valet, and Edge defeated Hardy at SummerSlam. On the October 3 episode of ''Raw'', Edge, with the assistance of Lita, defeated Hardy in a ladder match, and Hardy was obligated to leave ''Raw'' as a stipulation of the match.

Relationship with Edge; retirement, Heel Turn (2005–2006)

After Edge defeated John Cena to win the WWE Championship on January 8 at New Year's Revolution, he announced that he and Lita were going to celebrate by having the hardest hardcore sex ever in the middle of the ring the next night on ''Raw''. During the segment, Lita and Edge stripped to their underwear before retreating beneath the covers of a bed that had been erected in the ring. The event was interrupted by John Cena, leading to Edge leaving the bed to fight him. Lita, left alone, hastily got dressed again as Cena entered the ring and attacked her, delivering an FU to her. Lita's bare breast was momentarily shown during the segment. This "Live Sex Celebration" segment earned ''Raw'' a 5.2 rating, its highest ratings in over a year. On the February 6 episode of ''Raw'', Lita teamed with Edge in a loss to Cena and Maria. She continued to manage Edge into mid-2006, frequently interfering on his behalf during his feud with Mick Foley. In May 2006, Foley joined forces with Edge and Lita, with the trio defeating Foley's ECW rivals Terry Funk, Tommy Dreamer, and Beulah McGillicutty in an impromptu six person tag team match at One Night Stand after Edge speared and pinned Beulah.

On the August 14 episode of ''Raw'', Lita was booked to defeat Mickie James by hitting her in the face with the title belt in order to win her third Women's Championship. She also defeated James in their rematch on the August 28 episode of ''Raw'' by using the ropes for extra leverage during the pin. Lita and Edge then feuded with Trish Stratus and Carlito, culminating in a bout between Lita and Stratus at Unforgiven, in which Lita lost the Women's Championship to Stratus in what was Stratus' last match as an active wrestler. After defeating both Candice Michelle and Maria in the semifinals of a Women's Championship tournament, Lita, as part of her last push, defeated Mickie James at Cyber Sunday to capture the vacant title and begin her fourth reign as the Women's Champion. On the November 20 edition of ''Raw'', after defeating a blind-folded Mickie James in a non-title match, Lita announced that she would be retiring from WWE after her title match with James at Survivor Series.

Because of the off-screen issues with Matt Hardy, fans began to shout obscenities to her during her matches. By November, Dumas had decided to let her WWE contract expire and retire. At Survivor Series, on November 26, 2006, Lita was pinned by Mickie James, losing the Women's Championship in her final match in WWE. After the match, Cryme Tyme humiliated Lita by selling her "personal items" in a "ho" sale. The day after her retirement, Lita stated that her plans to retire began around mid-2005, when the feud between Edge and Matt Hardy was at its height. Because of her involvement in the feud, the harassment she received from some fans was so strong that she felt as if "even when [she] was walking the dog there was going to be someone yelling 'You screwed Matt!' out the window." Eventually, she became so fed up with the treatment she was receiving from these fans, she decided that the only way to avoid such harassment was to retire altogether.

Part time appearances (2007–Present)

She made a special appearance on December 10, 2007 on Raw's 15th Anniversary Special as a face by teaming up with former long-time rival Trish Stratus to rid the ring of Jillian Hall, and afterwards celebrated in the ring with Stratus. On the same night, she had a short, backstage reunion with Kane. Dumas also made an appearance as Lita on the November 1, 2010 edition of ''Raw'' in a segment with Pee Wee Herman. Her theme song was played on the April 22, 2011 edition of ''SmackDown'', it was however a prank pulled by Alberto Del Rio, as part of Edge's retirement party.

Music career

Dumas formed the band The Luchagors in the summer of 2006, and they debuted in September 2006 at a rock n' wrestling event called Rock -N- Shock at The Masquerade in Atlanta. Dumas wore a top emblazoned with the symbol of the band during her final match in WWE. The band released their self-titled CD, ''The Luchagors'' on September 11, 2007.

In April 2007, Dumas accepted a job in Atlanta as a radio DJ for a punk show on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. EST called ''PunkRockalypse''.

Media

Lita was featured in the June 2001 video and DVD release ''Lita: It Just Feels Right''. The video featured discussions of Lita's career to that point and showcased several of her matches. Also in 2001, she appeared with The Hardy Boyz in ''Rolling Stone'' magazine's 2001 Sports Hall of Fame issue. Dumas' autobiography, written with Michael Krugman, ''Lita: A Less Traveled R.O.A.D. – The Reality of Amy Dumas'' was published in 2003. The book, which was featured on the ''New York Times'' bestsellers list, covered topics such as her family, childhood years, wrestling career, relationship with Matt Hardy, and her neck surgery and subsequent rehabilitation.

Dumas also appeared on a variety of television shows including ''Dark Angel'', ''Fear Factor'', and ''The Weakest Link's'' "WWF Superstars Edition" in 2002. In 2004, she appeared on an episode of ''Headbangers Ball''.

Personal life

She had breast augmentation surgery in late 1999. Dumas' hair is naturally brunette, although she has dyed it red throughout her WWF/E career. She has a wide variety of tattoos: a three eyed green gargoyle on her upper right biceps, the word "Punk" on the inside of her lower lip, and the word "iconoclast" written in Russian Cyrillic letters on her lower back neck. In 2007, she acquired a sleeve on her left arm, featuring Mexican skulls, one of which has the band 7 Seconds' logo on its forehead. She previously had two piercings in her tongue and another two in her nose.

Dumas is a known animal lover. In 2003, she founded the animal charity Amy Dumas Operation Rescue and Education (A.D.O.R.E.).

She began dating Matt Hardy in 2001. In February 2005, it was revealed that Dumas had been romantically involved with fellow wrestler Adam "Edge" Copeland for several months while still in a relationship with Hardy. Shortly after Hardy made the incident public knowledge, WWE fired Hardy. After Hardy was brought back a few months later, the real-life situation was translated into a storyline. Hardy has stated in interviews that he and Amy have since patched things up, and he still considers her a close friend. In the summer of 2006, Dumas began dating Shane Morton, her Luchagors bandmate. After their break-up Dumas began dating WWE superstar CM Punk. However, according to Matt Hardy in a March 2010 interview, Dumas is no longer dating Punk.

In wrestling

Finishing moves

''Litasault'' (Moonsault)

''Lita DDT'' (DDT)

''Twist of Fate''

Signature moves

Headscissors takedown

''Lita-canrana'' (Diving hurricanrana)

Monkey flip, sometimes into a mounted position

''Litabomb'' (Powerbomb)

''Reverse of Fate''

Russian legsweep

Snap suplex

Suicide dive

Superplex

Tilt-a-whirl slam

Tornado DDT

Double-team moves

''Poetry in Motion''

Wrestlers managed

Christopher Daniels

Danny Doring

*Danny Doring and Amish Roadkill

*El Dandy

Essa Rios

The Hardy Boyz (Matt and Jeff)

*Christian

Kane

Christy Hemme

Edge

*Rated-RKO (Randy Orton and Edge)

*Trish Stratus

Entrance music

"Electron" (WWF)

*"Loaded" by Zack Tempest (with The Hardy Boyz) (WWF)

"It Just Feels Right" by Jim Johnston (WWF)

"Lovefurypassionenergy"(remix) by Boy Hits Car (WWE)

Nicknames

The Queen of Extreme (WWE)

The Extreme Diva (WWE)

Lovely Lita (WWE)

The Anti Diva (WWE)

Championships and accomplishments

American Chronicle

Female of the Year (2006)

Pro Wrestling Illustrated

Feud of the Year (2005) with Edge vs. Matt Hardy

Woman of the Year (2001)

Pro Wrestling Report

*Diva of the Year (2006)

World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment

*WWE Women's Championship (4 times)

Notes

References

External links

Amy's Official Website

Amy's eBay Store

Lita's WWE Alumni Profile

WrestlingEpicenter.com August 2008 Interactive Interview with Amy Dumas

Category:1975 births Category:American female singers Category:American heavy metal singers Category:American judoka Category:American female professional wrestlers Category:American punk rock singers Category:Female heavy metal singers Category:Female punk rock singers Category:Georgia State University alumni Category:Living people Category:People from Atlanta, Georgia Category:People from Florida Category:Professional wrestling announcers Category:Professional wrestling managers and valets

ar:ايمي دوماس bg:Ейми Дюмас ca:Amy Dumas da:Amy Dumas de:Amy Dumas es:Amy Dumas fr:Amy Dumas ko:애미 더머스 it:Amy Dumas nl:Amy Dumas ja:エーミィ・ダーマス pl:Amy Christine Dumas pt:Amy Dumas ro:Amy Dumas ru:Дюма, Эми simple:Amy Dumas fi:Amy Dumas

Coordinates	20°46′12″N155°59′39″N
Name	Dory Funk
Names	Dory FunkThe OutlawDory Funk, Sr.
Height
Weight
Birth date	May 04, 1919
Death date	June 03, 1973
Birth place	Hammond, Indiana
Death place	Amarillo, Texas
Retired	}}

Dorrance Wilhelm "Dory" Funk (May 4, 1919 – June 3, 1973) was a professional wrestler. He is the father of wrestlers Dory Funk, Jr. and Terry Funk.

Career

Funk was an Indiana high school state champion amateur wrestler for three years, as well as an Indiana State University Amateur Athletic Union champion for one year.

Funk started professionally wrestling after serving in the United States Navy during World War II, starting in the southwest United States. He wrestled primarily in the Texas territories and the Central States territories during his career. He was also famous for having 250 Texas death matches without a loss and is a record that has never been broken.

After retirement he became a promoter in Amarillo, Texas with Doc Sarpolis, in which he led a thriving wrestling scene which produced many superstars, including his sons Dory Funk Jr. and Terry Funk, as well as Stan Hansen, Ted DiBiase, Tito Santana, Jumbo Tsuruta and Genichiro Tenryu. Funk had a good business relationship with All Japan Pro Wrestling founder Shohei Baba, which led Funk's talent pool to useful international experience.

On July 15, 2006, Dory Funk Sr. was inducted into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, at the International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Newton, Iowa. The award was accepted by his younger son, Terry Funk. Other inductees included Larry Hennig, Bret Hart, Mike DiBiase, Nikita Koloff, Tom Jenkins, and Bob Roop.

Dory Funk Sr. was heavily involved with the famous Cal Farley Boys Ranch in Amarillo..

June 3, 1973: Dory Funk Sr. died at the age of 54 (Dory Funk is buried at Dreamland Cemetery in Canyon, Texas)

January 30, 2009: Dorothy Funk Culver, the mother of Dory Funk Jr. & Terry Funk, died at the age of 89..

Championships and accomplishments

Championship Wrestling from Florida

:*NWA Florida Southern Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Jose Lothario

NWA All-Star Wrestling

:*NWA Pacific Coast Tag Team Championship ''(Vancouver version)'' (2 times) - with Lou Thesz (1) and Pancho Pico (1)

NWA Western States Sports

:*NWA Brass Knuckles Championship ''(Amarillo version)'' (2 times) :*NWA North American Heavyweight Championship ''(Amarillo version)'' (17 times) :*NWA North American Tag Team Championship ''(Amarillo version)'' (7 times) - with Bob Geigel (1), Dick Hutton (1) and Ricky Romero (5) :*NWA Southwest Tag Team Championship (4 times) - with Cowboy Carlos (2) and Bob Geigel (2) :*NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship (1 time) :*NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards

:*Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)

References

External links

Handbook of Texas Online - Dory Funk, Sr.

Interview on GENICKBRUCH.com

Category:1919 births Category:1973 deaths Category:American professional wrestlers Category:People from Amarillo, Texas Category:People from Hammond, Indiana Category:Professional wrestling trainers

nl:Dory Funk ja:ドリー・ファンク・シニア no:Dory Funk

Coordinates	20°46′12″N155°59′39″N
Name	Matt Hardy
Names	Evil KnievalExecutionerGrim ReaperIgnis FatuusHigh VoltageMatt HardyMatt Hardy Version 1.0SurgeWhite Cheetah
Height
Weight
Birth date	September 23, 1974
Birth place	Cameron, North Carolina
Resides	Cameron, North Carolina
Billed	Cameron, North Carolina
Trainer	Dory Funk, Jr.
Debut	October 15, 1992
Retired	}}

Matthew Moore "Matt" Hardy (born September 23, 1974) is an American professional wrestler. He is best known for his time in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and most recently worked for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).

Before signing with WWE, Hardy, with his brother Jeff, founded a wrestling organization called Organization of Modern Extreme Grappling Arts (OMEGA). While there, Hardy held many championships including the Heavyweight and Tag Team Championship, which he held with Jeff. The promotion folded in October 1999 when they signed contracts with WWE. The Hardys gained notoriety in WWE's tag team division due to their participation in Tables, Ladders, and Chairs matches. As a tag team wrestler, Hardy is a six-time World Tag Team Champion, a one-time WWE Tag Team Champion, and a one-time WCW Tag Team Champion.

Apart from his success as a tag team wrestler, Hardy is a one-time world heavyweight champion, having won the ECW World Heavyweight Championship in 2008. He also has won other singles championships, having held the Hardcore, European, Cruiserweight, and United States Championship on one occasion each.

Professional wrestling career

Hardy, along with his brother Jeff and friends, started their own federation, the Trampoline Wrestling Federation (TWF) and mimicked the moves they saw on television. They later created their own wrestling promotion, OMEGA Wrestling, in which Hardy competed under the name High Voltage. Shortly after Hardy sent in a tape for the World Championship Wrestling (WCW) Amateur Challenge using the ring name High Voltage, a tag team named High Voltage began competing in WCW, causing Hardy to change his name to Surge. A few years later, it was revealed to him by Chris Kanyon that the tape had been kept in the WCW Power Plant, watched multiple times, and that the name High Voltage was blatantly stolen from it.

The Hardys also wrestled for several other North Carolina based wrestling organizations and adapted a number of alter-egos. As The Wolverine, Hardy captured the New England Wrestling Alliance (NEWA) Championship in May 1994. As High Voltage, he teamed with Venom to claim the New Frontier Wrestling Association (NFWA) Tag Team titles in March 1995. A month later, High Voltage defeated the Willow for the NFWA Championship.

World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment

The Hardy Boyz (1998–2001)

Hardy worked as a jobber for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) from 1994 up until he signed a full-time contract. His first WWF match was against Nikolai Volkoff on May 23, 1994, which he lost by submission He wrestled sporadically throughout 1994 in the WWF, losing matches against Crush, Razor Ramon, Owen Hart and The Undertaker. Hardy continued wrestling with the WWF sporadically, including matches against Hunter Hearst Helmsley and "The Ringmaster" Steve Austin. It was not until 1998, however, that the Hardy brothers were given full-time WWF contracts, and sent to train with former wrestler Dory Funk, Jr.. The Hardy Boyz used a cruiserweight, fast-paced high flying style in their matches, often leaping from great heights to do damage to their opponents (and themselves in the process). Although Jeff was better known for his extreme moves, Hardy was a prodigious high-flier himself. In 1999, while feuding with Edge and Christian, the duo briefly picked up Michael Hayes as a manager. On July 5, they won their first WWF Tag team Championship by defeating the Acolytes, but lost it back to them a month later. They soon dumped Hayes however, and joined the short lived stable The New Brood with Gangrel. After breaking away from Gangrel, Hardy and Jeff were briefly managed by Terri Runnels, after they won her services in the first ever tag team ladder match.

In 2000, the Hardy Boyz found a new manager in their real-life friend Lita. Together, the three became known as "Team Xtreme". Throughout 2000 they continued feuding with Edge and Christian, defeating them for the WWF Tag Team Titles on two occasions. Hardy won the WWE Hardcore Championship on April 24, 2000, on ''Raw is War'', by defeating Crash Holly, but lost it back to Holly three days later on ''SmackDown!''. At SummerSlam the Hardy Boyz competed in the first ever Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match, for the Tag Team Titles against the Dudley Boyz and Edge and Christian, but were unsuccessful.

Singles career (2001–2005)

In 2001, after Jeff's Intercontinental Championship run, Hardy was given a singles championship push. He won the European Championship on ''SmackDown!'' four days before Backlash. Hardy believes that he was pushed to win the title because of Jeff winning the Intercontinental Championship, and because of the effort he put into his previous storyline with Triple H and Stone Cold Steve Austin. He became the second-longest reigning European Champion in history and the longest-reigning American-born European Champion.

Throughout the year, the Hardy Boyz continued to win as a tag team, winning the WWF Tag Team Titles two more times, and the WCW Tag Team Championship during the Invasion. By the end of the year, the Hardy Boyz began a storyline where they were having trouble co-existing. This culminated in a match between the two, with Lita as the guest referee, at the Vengeance pay-per-view, which Jeff won.

At the beginning of 2002, it seemed Team Xtreme had patched things up. After the Brand Extension, however, Hardy was relegated to ''Heat'' while Jeff wrestled on the main show, ''Raw''. On the August 12 episode of ''Raw'', Hardy turned against Jeff during Jeff's match against Rob Van Dam, because Hardy was frustrated at not receiving a match against Van Dam for the number one contendership for the Intercontinental Championship. A short time later, Hardy joined the ''SmackDown!'' roster. On the October 3 episode of the show, Hardy took advantage of a run-in from Brock Lesnar to defeat The Undertaker.

Having now dubbed himself "Matt Hardy: Version 1", and with his MF'er (Mattitude Follower) Shannon Moore in his corner, 2003 began with Hardy frantically trying to lose weight to get under the weight limit to compete for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. After just barely making weight, Hardy defeated Billy Kidman at No Way Out to win the Cruiserweight title. At WrestleMania XIX, he successfully defended it against Rey Mysterio. The Mattitude faction then expanded to include Crash Holly as Moore's "Moore-on" (follower). He later disbanded the group and returned to ''Raw'' in order to be able to travel and work with his then girlfriend Lita, who just returned from an injury. On his first night back, he turned on Lita in storyline after teasing a proposal to her. Hardy spent little time on ''Raw'' and later turned into a fan favorite by engaging in a rivalry with Kane. Lita was also involved in the storyline, and Hardy took time off after a chokeslam from Kane off the stage during Lita and Kane's wedding. This time off was due to a knee injury.

Release and independent circuit (2005)

Along with his friend Rhyno, Hardy was released by WWE on April 11, 2005. Edge and Lita received jeers from the crowds at WWE events, often resulting in chants, "You screwed Matt", and, "We want Matt". Paul Heyman, in a "shoot" promo, mocked Edge for his actions at One Night Stand. Lita, for the first time in over five years, became a heel (villainous character) as a result of the affair becoming public knowledge. Fans began a petition on the internet, wanting WWE to re-sign Hardy, and amassed over fifteen thousand signatures.

Hardy released two character promotional vignettes, that he was planning to use before he was offered a new contract by WWE. Hardy called himself The Angelic Diablo with the tagline "the scar will become a symbol" in reference to the way in which he had been treated by Lita and WWE. On the June 20 episode of ''Raw'', during the storyline wedding of Edge and Lita, Hardy's entrance music and video were played when the priest asked if anyone had a reason why Edge and Lita should not be wed. On the July 11 episode of ''Raw'', Hardy made his return, attacking Edge as he made his way to the ring. On the July 13 edition of WWE's webcast ''Byte This!'', which featured Lita as its guest, one of the callers was Hardy himself. The two engaged in a huge argument which led to Lita walking off the set.

Hardy appeared at a scheduled Ring of Honor (ROH) event on July 16 in Woodbridge, Connecticut where he defeated Christopher Daniels via submission. Hardy also cut a brief promo where he continued in full 'worked shoot' mode, attacking WWE and John Laurinaitis. Following his official return to WWE, Hardy was met with backlash following a match with Homicide from the fans at a subsequent ROH event, which Hardy won. The next day at his final ROH appearance, he lost to Roderick Strong.

Return to World Wrestling Entertainment

Return (2005–2006)

On July 11, 2005, Hardy posted on his website that he was finally "free", that wrestling fans had not seen the last of him, and that he had a surprise for the fans who had supported him. That night on ''Raw'', Hardy attacked Edge backstage and again later during Edge's match with Kane, leaving the commentators speechless. Before being escorted out of the building by security, Hardy stated that Edge and Lita would pay for their actions and told fans that they could see him at Ring of Honor while security officials and event staff were trying to restrain him. Hardy also called out Johnny Ace as security had him in handcuffs taking him out of the arena. This caused an uproar amongst fans, who were confused and wondered if the whole thing was a work or a shoot. Similar occurrences repeated during the following two weeks.

On the August 1 episode of ''Raw'', Vince McMahon officially announced Hardy's return to WWE, adding that Hardy would face Edge at SummerSlam. Hardy made his in-ring return, defeating Snitsky on the August 8 ''Raw''. Seconds after the victory, Hardy was attacked by Edge, and as he was being carried backstage, Matt counterattacked Edge in the locker room. On August 21 at SummerSlam, their match came to a premature end when Edge dropped Hardy onto the top of a ring post, causing him to bleed heavily. The referee ended the match on the grounds that Hardy could not continue, and Edge was declared the winner. After SummerSlam, the two continued fighting on ''Raw'', including a Street Fight that resulted in Hardy performing a Side Effect on Edge off the entrance stage and into electrical equipment below. At Unforgiven, Edge faced Hardy in a steel cage match. Hardy caught an interfering Lita with the Twist of Fate and won the match with a leg-drop off the top of the cage. Hardy and Edge faced each other at ''WWE Homecoming'' in a Loser Leaves ''Raw'' ladder match. Edge's briefcase holding the contract for his WWE World title shot was suspended above the ring. The winner of the match received the contract and the loser was forced to leave ''Raw''. After a contentious match, Edge tied Hardy's arms in the ropes, and Lita trapped Hardy in a crucifix hold, leaving Hardy only able to watch Edge win. When the match ended, Edge and Lita gloated over the victory, but Hardy took it in stride and left the arena. With his defeat at the hands of Edge, Hardy was moved to the SmackDown! brand where he re-debuted with a win over Simon Dean on October 21 in Reno, Nevada.

Back on ''SmackDown!'', Hardy started an angle with MNM (Johnny Nitro and Joey Mercury) and their manager Melina when Melina approached Hardy, seemingly wanting Hardy to join with her team. Hardy refused the offer, which led to him facing the tag team on several occasions with a variety of partners. One of his partners, Road Warrior Animal, brutally attacked him after they were defeated – sick of "pulling all the weight in tag teams". Animal, who was renamed The Road Warrior, and Hardy feuded for a while after this, with Hardy picking up several wins over the veteran, including a qualifying match for the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 22, which was ultimately won by Rob Van Dam.

Hardy next competed in the ''SmackDown!'' King of the Ring tournament, losing to eventual winner Booker T in the opening round thanks to a low blow and distraction from Sharmell. Hardy also became the first man to defeat Mr. Kennedy. On July 25, after the ''SmackDown!'' taping, Hardy was taken out of action after doctors found the remnants of the staph infection that had plagued him the previous year. He was sidelined until August 25 while he healed. Hardy made a surprise appearance backstage at Unforgiven after Jeff's match against Johnny Nitro. Lita joined the two in the segment, making this the first time the three had been seen together on WWE television since February 2003. Hardy then began a rivalry against Gregory Helms which saw both winning over each other time and time again. Then at No Mercy, in both of their hometown, Cameron, North Carolina, Hardy beat Helms. The two met again one more time at Survivor Series, where Hardy's team won in a clean sweep.

The Hardys reunion (2006–2007)

On the November 21, 2006 episode of ''ECW on Sci Fi'', Hardy and Jeff competed in a match together for the first time in almost five years, defeating the Full Blooded Italians. At Survivor Series, the Hardy Boyz competed with CM Punk and D-Generation X (Triple H and Shawn Michaels) as part of Team DX versus Team Rated-RKO (which included Edge, Randy Orton, Johnny Nitro with Melina, Mike Knox, and Gregory Helms) in a traditional Survivor Series match. Team DX won with a shut out, last eliminating Orton. At December to Dismember, the Hardy Boyz issued an open challenge to any tag team who wanted to face them. MNM answered their challenge by reuniting at December to Dismember, but ultimately lost to the Hardy Boyz. At Armageddon, Hardy and Jeff competed against Paul London and Brian Kendrick, MNM, and Dave Taylor and William Regal in a Ladder match for the WWE Tag Team Championship but lost. Subsequently, he and Jeff feuded with Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro after the legitimate incident where they injured Mercury's face at Armageddon 2006. This led to a bitter long term rivalry, and at the 2007 Royal Rumble, Hardy and Jeff defeated MNM. Mercury and Hardy continued to feud until Mercury was released from WWE in March. Before Mercury's release, however, Hardy defeated him to earn a spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 23, which was ultimately won by Mr. Kennedy.

The next night on ''Raw'', the Hardys competed in a 10-team battle royal for the World Tag Team Championship. They won the titles for the sixth time after last eliminating Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch. After briefly feuding with Cade and Murdoch, the Hardys retained their World Tag Team Championship in their first title defense at Backlash. Similar results occurred at Judgment Day. One month later at One Night Stand, they defeated The World's Greatest Tag Team to retain the titles in a Ladder match. The following night on ''Raw'', The Hardys lost their titles to Cade and Murdoch, after Murdoch pushed Jeff's foot off the bottom rope during Cade's pinfall, causing the three count to continue. They invoked their rematch clause against Cade and Murdoch at Vengeance: Night of Champions, but were unsuccessful.

Storyline with MVP (2007–2008)

On the July 6, 2007 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Hardy won a non-title match against WWE United States Champion Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), which resulted in a feud between the two. Hardy was unable to defeat MVP at The Great American Bash for the WWE United States Championship. MVP then claimed that he was "better than Hardy at everything", which led to a series of contests between Hardy and MVP, such as a basketball game, an arm wrestling contest, and a chess match which MVP "sneezed" on and ruined when Hardy put him in check. MVP challenged Hardy to a boxing match at ''Saturday Night's Main Event'', however MVP was legitimately diagnosed with the heart condition Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Since MVP was unable to compete, Hardy faced his replacement, former world champion boxer, Evander Holyfield. The match ended in a no contest after MVP entered the ring to verbally abuse Holyfield, who then knocked him out. MVP also challenged Hardy to a beer drinking contest at SummerSlam, but as revenge for what happened at SNME, Hardy allowed Stone Cold Steve Austin to replace him; Austin simply performed a stunner on MVP then kept drinking.

After a segment involving MVP inadvertently choosing Hardy as his tag-team partner, Theodore Long promptly set up a match against Deuce 'n Domino for the WWE Tag Team Championship which the duo were able to win, therefore setting up Hardy's first reign as WWE Tag Team Champion. It was the first time Hardy held a tag team championship with someone other than his brother. Hardy and MVP retained the titles at Unforgiven in a rematch against former champions Deuce 'n Domino. Hardy was scheduled to face MVP at Cyber Sunday, but due to a head injury sustained on the previous episode of ''SmackDown!'', he was not medically cleared to compete.

On the November 16 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Hardy and MVP dropped the WWE Tag Team Championship to John Morrison and The Miz. Despite the fact that Hardy was hurt, MVP immediately invoked the rematch clause. After the rematch, in which Hardy was forced to tap out, MVP attacked Hardy, repeatedly targeting his knee. It was later confirmed by WWE.com that Hardy had suffered an injury at his former partner's hands and that he might not be able to compete at Survivor Series. Despite his absence at the pay-per-view, his team was able to win the match. On November 21, WWE's official website reported that Hardy underwent an emergency appendectomy in Tampa, Florida. A CAT scan revealed an inflamed appendix after Hardy was feeling extreme pain. Later surgery revealed that his appendix had already burst. According to Hardy himself, on December 8 doctors back in North Carolina found an abscess of infection that had not been caught, and he had it drained, spending an additional several days in the hospital. Hardy made an appearance at the December 31 episode of ''Raw'' supporting his brother Jeff. To further Jeff's storyline with Randy Orton, however, Hardy was attacked by Orton. Hardy made his return at a live event in Muncie, Indiana on March 1, 2008. On March 30, 2008, at WrestleMania XXIV, Hardy made his televised return to WWE programming in the Money in the Bank ladder match by cutting through the crowd, and attacking MVP to prevent him from winning the match. He made his official in-ring return the next night on ''Raw'', losing a singles match to WWE Champion Randy Orton. On the April 4 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Hardy faced MVP in a non-title match, which he won, re-igniting their storyline rivalry. On April 27, 2008, Hardy defeated MVP to win the United States Championship at Backlash.

After some sporadic feuds for the title, Hardy was drafted to the ECW brand on the June 23, 2008 episode of ''Raw'' during the 2008 WWE Draft, in the process making the United States Championship exclusive to ECW. After a successful title defense against Chavo Guerrero at Night of Champions, he dropped the United States Championship to Shelton Benjamin at the Great American Bash pay-per-view on July 20, 2008, which meant that the title returned to SmackDown.

ECW Champion and feud with Jeff (2008-2009)

On the July 22 episode of ''ECW'', Hardy became the number one contender to Mark Henry's ECW World Heavyweight Championship after defeating John Morrison, The Miz and Finlay in a fatal four-way match. He won the title match at SummerSlam by disqualification due to interference from Henry's manager, Tony Atlas, thus he failed to win the title. Due to the ending of the pay-per-view match, Hardy received a rematch for the title on the next episode of ''ECW'', but again failed to win the title when Henry pinned him after a distraction by Atlas.

At Unforgiven, Hardy won the ECW World Heavyweight Championship during the Championship scramble match, defeating then-champion Henry, The Miz, Finlay and Chavo Guerrero by pinning the Miz with three minutes left, thus making Hardy the first person in history to win a championship scramble in WWE, and marking his first world heavyweight championship win. He continued to feud with Henry until No Mercy, where Hardy successfully retained the title. After successful defenses against Henry, Chavo, Finlay, and Evan Bourne, Hardy lost the title to Jack Swagger on the January 13, 2009 episode of ''ECW'', which was taped on January 12. At the 2009 Royal Rumble pay-per-view, after losing an ECW Championship rematch to Swagger, Hardy turned into a villain when he hit his brother Jeff with a steel chair, allowing Edge to win the WWE Championship. On the January 27, 2009 episode of ''ECW'', it was announced by General Manager Theodore Long that Hardy had requested, and been granted, his release from ECW, and had re-signed with the SmackDown brand. As part of the buildup to this feud, Hardy implied that he was responsible for all of Jeff's accidents leading back to November, including an automobile accident and a pyrotechnics accident, in an attempt to stop Jeff holding the WWE Championship, and at WrestleMania XXV, Hardy defeated Jeff in an Extreme Rules match, and in a stretcher match on the following episode of ''SmackDown''.

On the April 13 episode of ''Raw'', Hardy was drafted to the Raw brand as part of the WWE draft. Two weeks later, in a rematch from WrestleMania, Hardy lost to Jeff in an "I Quit" match at Backlash, in which he broke his hand. Hardy continued to wrestle with his hand in a cast, incorporating it into his persona and claiming that he was wrestling under protest. At the June 22 taping of ''WWE Superstars'', Hardy suffered an injury, when his intestines "exploded" through his abdominal wall, during a Triple Threat match against MVP and Kofi Kingston. Hardy had suffered a tear in his abdominal muscle two years previously, but had not needed surgery until it worsened, and became a danger to his health.

Return to SmackDown and departure (2009–2010)

He was then traded to the SmackDown brand on June 29, and underwent surgery for the torn abdominal muscle on July 2. He made his return on the August 7 episode of ''SmackDown'' as the special guest referee in the World Heavyweight Championship match between his brother, Jeff, and CM Punk, and helped Jeff retain the championship by counting the pinfall. The following week Hardy saved his brother when CM Punk and The Hart Dynasty attacked both Jeff and John Morrison, turning into a fan favorite again. On the August 21 episode of ''SmackDown'', after apologizing for his past actions towards Jeff, he had his first match back after his injury when he teamed with Jeff and John Morrison to defeat The Hart Dynasty and CM Punk.

In early 2010, Hardy began an onscreen relationship with Maria; the relationship was short-lived, however, as Maria was released from her WWE contract. On the February 16, 2010 episode of ''ECW'', it was announced that Hardy would be mentoring Justin Gabriel on ''WWE NXT''. On the March 5 episode of ''SmackDown'', Hardy qualified for the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania XXVI by defeating Drew McIntyre, but was unsuccessful at WrestleMania, as the match was won by Jack Swagger. Hardy was kayfabe suspended by Vince McMahon because he attacked Drew McIntyre after McIntyre lost to Kofi Kingston at Over the Limit. He was able to get his revenge on McIntyre during the Viewer's Choice episode of ''Raw'' when chosen as the opponent for McIntyre, with Theodore Long stating that Hardy was suspended from ''SmackDown'' but not from ''Raw''. On the following edition of Smackdown however, McIntyre announced per orders of Vince McMahon, that Hardy had been suspended from all WWE programming. At Fatal 4-Way however, Hardy prevented McIntyre from regaining the Intercontinental Championship, thus continuing their feud. On the following edition of ''SmackDown'' he was reinstated by General Manager Theodore Long and had a match with McIntyre which Hardy won. After the match, it was announced that McIntyre's visa had legitimately expired and was sent back to Scotland, thus ending their feud.

On September 12, WWE confirmed they had sent Hardy home from a European tour. Following this Hardy began posting videos on his YouTube channel expressing his disinterest in the WWE product and insisting that he wanted to be released from the company. On October 15, 2010, WWE announced that Hardy had been released from his contract. Hardy later stated that his release had been in effect two weeks before WWE made the announcement.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2011)

On January 9, 2011, Hardy made his debut for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) at the Genesis pay-per-view, as part of the heel stable Immortal. He was the surprise opponent for Rob Van Dam, and defeated him to prevent Van Dam from receiving a match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, held by Hardy's brother Jeff. In the main event, Hardy attempted to interfere in Jeff's World Heavyweight Championship match with Mr. Anderson, but was stopped by Van Dam, which led to Jeff losing both the match and the championship. On the January 13 episode of ''TNA Impact!'' the Hardy Boyz reunited to defeat Anderson and Van Dam in a tag team match, following interference from Beer Money, Inc.. Two weeks later, Hardy suffered his first loss in TNA when he was defeated by Mr. Anderson. On February 13 at Against All Odds, Rob Van Dam defeated Hardy in a rematch.

On the following edition of ''Impact!'', Hardy, along with the rest of Immortal and Ric Flair, betrayed Fortune. On March 13 at Victory Road Hardy was defeated by Flair's previous protégé, A.J. Styles. On April 17 at Lockdown, Immortal, represented by Hardy, Abyss, Bully Ray and Ric Flair, was defeated by Fortune members James Storm, Kazarian and Robert Roode and Christopher Daniels, who replaced an injured A.J. Styles, in a Lethal Lockdown match. On the April 21 episode of ''Impact!'', Hardy faced Sting for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, Hardy's first World Title match in TNA, but was defeated. The following month Hardy was granted a shot at the TNA World Tag Team Championship against James Storm and Robert Roode, Beer Money, Inc. While the champions looked to defend the title against the Hardy Boyz, Matt instead introduced the returning Chris Harris, Storm's old tag team partner, as his partner for the title match. The match took place at Sacrifice, where Storm and Roode retained their title. On June 20 Hardy announced that he was taking a few weeks off from TNA. The following day, it was reported that the promotion had suspended Hardy for his repeated lateness. On August 20, Hardy was released from TNA following a DWI arrest that occurred earlier that same day.

Other media

In 1999, Hardy, along with his brother Jeff, appeared as an uncredited wrestler on ''That '70s Show'' episode "That Wrestling Show". Hardy and Jeff also appeared on Tough Enough in early 2001, talking to and wrestling the contestants. He appeared in the February 25, 2002 episode of ''Fear Factor'' competing against five other World Wrestling Federation wrestlers. He became the eventual winner, and won $50,000 for the American Cancer Society. Hardy also appeared on the October 13, 2009 episode of ''Scare Tactics'', as a mental patient who threatens to attack the prank's victim.

In 2001, Hardy, Jeff and Lita appeared in ''Rolling Stone'' magazine's 2001 Sports Hall of Fame issue. In 2003, Hardy and Jeff, with the help of Michael Krugman, wrote and published their autobiography ''The Hardy Boyz: Exist 2 Inspire''. As part of WWE, Hardy appeared in their DVD, ''The Hardy Boyz: Leap of Faith'' in 2001. On April 29, 2008, WWE released ''"Twist of Fate: The Matt and Jeff Hardy Story"''. The DVD featured footage of the brothers in OMEGA and WWE. Hardy also appears on ''The Hardy Show'', an internet web show which features the Hardys, Shannon Moore and many of their friends.

Personal life

Son to Gilbert and Ruby Moore Hardy, he is the older brother of Jeff Hardy. Their mother died of brain cancer in 1986. Hardy played baseball as a child and throughout high school, but had stopped by his senior year. He also played football, either as a linebacker or a defensive end. Hardy was a good student at Union Pines High School in North Carolina, and was a nominee for the "Morehead Award", a scholarship to any university in North Carolina. Hardy attended University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he majored in engineering; however, after a year he dropped out due to his father being ill. He then attended Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst to gain his associate's degree.

Hardy is good friends with Marty Garner, Shannon Moore and Gregory Helms. Hardy was in a six year relationship with former WWE Diva Amy Dumas, known by the ring name "Lita". They first met in January 1999, at a NWA Mid-Atlantic show, but did not begin dating until a few months later. They used to share a home in North Carolina. The couple broke up when she had an affair with one of Hardy's close friends, fellow wrestler Adam "Edge" Copeland in February 2005. Hardy has stated in interviews that he and Dumas have since patched things up, and he still considers her a close friend. He also dated former WWE Diva Ashley Massaro. In February 2011, Hardy stated he was dating Reby Sky.

Hardy was arrested on August 20, 2011 for driving while intoxicated after crashing into a tree, and was released by TNA shortly later. Hardy was later also charged with reckless driving, with a hearing scheduled to take place October 11. Four days later, Hardy was rushed to an emergency room, after falling down in his house.

On August 30, Hardy posted a video on his YouTube channel, which has since been taken down by the site, implying that he was about to commit suicide: ''"Goodbye, World... My time here is Almost complete... I only have a few hours & minutes... I loved you all... Regardless of how you felt about me... I'll miss you all... September 23, 1974 - August 31, 2011."'' The video sparked 25 to 30 phone calls to 911 to check on Hardy's well being. Police checked on Hardy and confirmed that he was not planning to commit suicide, with the video apparently being a hoax by Hardy. The stunt drew much criticism; his sister-in-law Beth Britt claimed that "the f---ing joke is over. Stop trying to work the internet." and WWE commentator Jim Ross commented that the "Matt Hardy fiasco [was] totally embarrassing and inexplicable", asking for Hardy to "seek answers". Hardy later claimed on Twitter that the "YouTube Video was not in any way a suicide note.. No words such as death, suicide, kill, heaven or hell were included", and defended his actions as he "needed one last attention grabber to let the World know that Matt Hardy has re-found his true self."

In wrestling

Finishing moves

''Ice Pick'' (TNA; 2011) / ''Scar'' (Independent circuit; 2005, used rarely in WWE) (Double underhook with bodyscissors)

''Twist of Fate'' / ''Twist of Hate'' (TNA), sometimes from the top rope or the top of a ladder

Signature moves

Corner clothesline followed by a running bulldog

Corner powerbomb

Diving elbow drop, sometimes to the back of a kneeling opponent's head

Diving leg drop

Forearm smash

Moonsault

Northern Lights suplex

''Ricochet'' (Belly to back suplex lift transitioned into an elbow drop to the opponent's midsection) – 2003

Russian legsweep

''Side Effect'' (Wrist–lock sitout side slam)

''Splash Mountain'' (Sitout crucifix powerbomb)

Managers

Michael Hayes

Terri Runnels

Gangrel

Lita

Ric Flair

Nicknames

"Version 1 (V1)"

"The Angelic Diablo"

"The Sensei of Mattitude"

"The Man Who Will Not Die"

"(Arguably) Everyone's Favorite Wrestler"

"Cold Blood"

Entrance themes

"Loaded" by Zack Tempest

*"Live for the Moment" by Monster Magnet (WWE)

"Rogue and Cold Blooded" by Dale Oliver (TNA)

"Immortal Theme" by Dale Oliver

Championships and accomplishments

National Championship Wrestling

NCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

New Dimension Wrestling

NDW Tag Team Championship (1 time)¹ – with Jeff Hardy

New England Wrestling Alliance

NEWA Championship (1 time)

New Frontier Wrestling Association

NFWA Championship (1 time)

NFWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Venom

NWA 2000

NWA 2000 Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Jeff Hardy

Organization of Modern Extreme Grappling Arts

OMEGA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

OMEGA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Jeff Hardy

Pro Wrestling Illustrated

PWI Feud of the Year (2005)vs. Edge and Lita

PWI Match of the Year (2000) with Jeff Hardy vs. The Dudley Boyz and Edge and Christian at WrestleMania 2000

PWI Match of the Year (2001)with Jeff Hardy vs. The Dudley Boyz and Edge and Christian at WrestleMania X-Seven

PWI Tag Team of the Year (2000) with Jeff Hardy

PWI ranked him #17 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2003

World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment

ECW World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

WCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Jeff Hardy

WWF European Championship (1 time)

WWF Hardcore Championship (1 time)

WWF/World Tag Team Championship (6 times) – with Jeff Hardy

WWE Cruiserweight Championship (1 time)

Terri Invitational Tournament – with Jeff Hardy

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Best Gimmick (2002)

Worst Feud of the Year (2004) with Lita vs. Kane

¹The titles have been vacant since 1999 due to the Hardy Boys signing contracts with the WWF and have been declared inactive until they defend the titles again.

Notes

References

External links

TNA Wrestling profile

The Hardy Show

Slam! Sports bio and story archive

Online World of Wrestling profile

Category:1974 births Category:American bloggers Category:American professional wrestlers Category:Living people Category:People from Raleigh, North Carolina Category:Reality show winners

ar:مات هاردي bar:Matt Hardy bg:Мат Харди ca:Matt Hardy da:Matt Hardy de:Matt Hardy el:Ματ Χάρντι es:Matt Hardy fr:Matt Hardy ko:매트 하디 hi:मैट हार्डी it:Matt Hardy he:מאט הארדי lt:Matt Hardy nl:Matt Hardy ja:マット・ハーディー no:Matt Hardy pl:Matt Hardy pt:Matt Hardy ro:Matt Hardy ru:Харди, Мэтт simple:Matt Hardy fi:Matt Hardy th:แมทท์ ฮาร์ดี tr:Matt Hardy vi:Matt Hardy zh:麥特·哈迪

Coordinates	20°46′12″N155°59′39″N
Name	Trish Stratus
Names	Trish Stratus
Height
Weight
Birth date	December 18, 1975
Birth place	Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
Resides	Toronto, Ontario
Billed	Toronto, Ontario
Trainer	Ron HutchinsonDave Finlay
Debut	March 19, 2000}}

Patricia Anne Stratigias (; born December 18, 1975), better known by her ring name Trish Stratus, is a Canadian professional wrestler, actress and television personality currently signed with WWE. She is also a former fitness model.

After beginning her career as a fitness model, Stratus began working for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), which was later renamed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Early in her career, she was involved in sexually themed storylines, such as managing the team T & A and an affair with Vince McMahon. As Stratus spent more time in the ring, her wrestling skills and popularity strengthened. Because of this, she was a one-time WWE Hardcore Champion, three-time "WWE Babe of the Year" and was proclaimed "Diva of the Decade". After nearly seven years in the business, Stratus retired from professional wrestling at WWE Unforgiven on September 17, 2006 after winning her seventh WWE Women's Championship, the most in WWE history. Stratus is an eight time champion overall.

Aside from professional wrestling, Stratus appeared on a number of magazine covers and has been involved in charity work. She has also hosted several award and television shows, Stratigias grew up in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada where she attended Bayview Secondary School. She enrolled at York University, where she studied biology and kinesiology and played soccer and field hockey. Due to a faculty strike in 1997, she was forced to change her plans. She was working as a receptionist at a local gym when she was approached by the publisher of ''MuscleMag International'' to do a test shoot for the magazine. She later appeared on the cover of the May 1998 issue and was signed to a two year contract. For the next six months, she worked on her body and appeared on numerous magazine covers. During this time, she joined Big Daddy Donnie & Jeff Marek as the third host of ''Live Audio Wrestling'' on Toronto Sports Radio, The FAN 590.

Stratigias had been a fan of wrestling since childhood and her modeling work caught the attention of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). In November 1999 she was signed to a multi-year contract with the company, who sent her to Sully's Gym where she was trained by Ron Hutchinson.

World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment

Managing; relationship with McMahon (2000–2001)

Stratigias made her debut as a heel on the March 19, 2000 episode of ''Sunday Night Heat'', under the ring name Trish Stratus. She appeared on stage to scout WWF Superstars, in particular Test and Prince Albert. The next night on ''Raw'' Stratus began her first role in the company, managing Test and Albert in the tag team T & A. It was during her stint managing T & A that Stratus took her first major bump in the ring, being driven through a table by the Dudley Boyz at Backlash after she had been taunting Bubba Ray Dudley for several weeks. She also began managing then-heel, Val Venis to win the Intercontinental Championship but their partnership ended at SummerSlam after Venis lost the title.

Stratus made her in-ring debut on the June 22 taping of ''SmackDown!'', winning a tag team match with T & A against the Hardy Boyz and Lita. A storyline feud between Stratus and Lita developed after the match with Stratus attacking Lita on episodes of ''Raw'' and ''SmackDown!'', leading to an Indian Strap match on the July 24 edition of ''Raw'' which Stratus won with help from Stephanie McMahon. She finished the year competing unsuccessfully for the WWF Women's Championship numerous times, and leaving Test and Albert when the team disbanded.

In early 2001, Stratus became involved in an angle with WWF Chairman Vince McMahon, during a time when Vince's wife Linda was kayfabe institutionalized following a demand Vince had made for a divorce during an episode of ''SmackDown!'' on December 7, 2000. Vince and Stratus' relationship increasingly angered the boss' daughter, then-heel, Stephanie McMahon. At No Way Out on February 25, Stratus and Stephanie squared off, with Stephanie scoring the victory after a run-in by William Regal. In the midst of a tag team match that pitted Vince and Stratus against Regal and Stephanie the next night on ''Raw'', Stratus was the victim of a set-up by Vince, Stephanie and Regal. Regal executed his finisher, the Regal Cutter, on Stratus and Stephanie then dumped sewage over Stratus' body. Vince stood over Stratus, and he told her she was a toy with which he had grown tired of playing and that it was over. The angle continued the next week on ''Raw'' with Vince forcing Stratus to strip down to her black underwear in the ring and bark like a dog. The storyline came to an end at WrestleMania X-Seven when Stratus slapped Vince during his match against his son Shane, becoming a fan favorite in the process.

Women's Champion (2001–2003)

Following her first face turn, Stratus began wrestling part-time. She won a Bra and Panties tag team match with Lita against then-heels, Stacy Keibler and Torrie Wilson at InVasion. After suffering an ankle injury in the summer, however, she was sidelined for the following three months. This interrupted not only her recent venture into wrestling, but also an on-screen romance with Jeff Hardy and budding storyline with Team Xtreme. As she rehabilitated, she kept herself visible by co-hosting ''Excess'' on TNN. After returning in autumn, Stratus appeared at Survivor Series where she won the WWF Women's Championship for the first time in a six-pack challenge. Stratus was next involved in a feud with Jazz over the Women's Championship, where she was booked to retain the title at the Royal Rumble but being booked to lose the belt to Jazz two weeks later on the February 4, 2002 edition of ''Raw''. Stratus then went after the title for several months, even competing in a Triple Threat match at WrestleMania X8 against Lita and Jazz in her hometown of Toronto, Canada but failed to win the match. While chasing after the Women's title, Stratus won the WWE Hardcore Championship on May 6, pinning Crash Holly after Bubba Ray Dudley hit him over the head with a trash can. She, however, lost the title to then-heel, Steven Richards soon afterward due to the stipulation that the belt was defended 24/7 as long as there was a referee present. One week later, she regained the Women's Title in a tag team match with Bubba Ray Dudley. During this time, Stratus began wrestling solely on the Raw brand after being drafted in the WWF Brand Extension.

Stratus' second reign as champion came to an end on June 23 when she was defeated at King of the Ring by the heel gimmick of Molly Holly. The two Divas continued their storyline feud for the next three months. After a failed attempt to win the title in July, Stratus won back the championship at Unforgiven. While feuding with Holly, Stratus was also involved in an angle with new Diva the heel gimmick of Victoria who held a storyline grudge against Stratus, claiming she was betrayed by Stratus when they worked as fitness models. The two competed in several title matches, with Stratus retaining until Survivor Series where Victoria won the belt in a Hardcore match. On March 17, 2003, Victoria and Steven Richards defeated Jazz and Stratus in tag team competition when Jazz walked out on Stratus. After the match, Jeff Hardy saved Stratus from an attack by Victoria and Richards and then kissed her. Stratus would become Hardy's on-screen girlfriend once more. The two would talk and kiss backstage, compete as an intergender tag team, and come to each other's aid when in danger during single's competition. At no point was their previous relationship acknowledged. The storyline was suddenly dropped when WWE released Hardy in April. This marked the second time in two years that a romance between Stratus and Hardy was abruptly scrapped due to a setback in one of their personal lives. In neither instance did the angle fully play out or reach a conclusion.

At WrestleMania XIX Stratus defeated Victoria and then-heel, Jazz to capture her fourth Women's Championship, equaling the record previously set by The Fabulous Moolah, only to lose the title to Jazz at the following pay-per-view, Backlash. In the following months, Stratus was placed into an alliance with Gail Kim. It was short-lived, though, as Kim turned on Stratus and teamed with Molly Holly, putting the women in a storyline feud. The duo defeated Stratus and several tag team partners until Stratus began to partner with a returning Lita. The team defeated Kim and Holly in several matches, including a match at Unforgiven.

Teaming and feuding with Lita (2003–2005)

Stratus began a romance with Chris Jericho during the November 10 edition of ''Raw'' when she agreed to go on a date with him. Subsequently, they participated in an intergender tag team match as partners on December 1. After the match, Stratus overheard Jericho talking to then-heel, Christian, who was involved in an on-screen romance with the face gimmick of Lita at the time, about who could sleep with their respective woman first. One week later, Stratus and Lita confronted the men about their actions, leading to a feud between the two men and women which resulted in a "Battle of the Sexes" match at Armageddon, which the women lost. A rematch the next night ended in a no contest. Her relationship with Jericho continued into the next year with a new angle of Jericho developing feelings for Stratus. Christian would also briefly turn face once again, but would quickly turn heel once more by doing a one night betrayal on Stratus and starting a feud with Jericho. During a match at WrestleMania XX, however, Stratus became a heel for the first time since her debut by betraying Jericho and siding with Christian, Stratus claimed her reasons for siding with Christian were that he was a real man and Jericho was a love sick puppy. The duo feuded with Jericho for several months and competed in a Handicap match at Backlash. The team of Stratus and Christian were joined by "problem solver" Tyson Tomko the next night on ''Raw''.

Stratus was booked to win the Women's Championship for a fifth time at Bad Blood on June 13. She defended the title until she suffered a legitimate broken hand in July that caused her to be out of action for approximately a month. Upon her return, she continued to defend the title against numerous challengers before losing the championship to Lita on December 6 when both women wrestled in the main event of Raw for the championship. Stratus recaptured the gold a month later at New Year's Revolution after Lita suffered a legitimate injury during the match. A new angle was then developed between Stratus and 2004 Raw Diva Search winner Christy Hemme over jealousy of Hemme's ''Playboy'' magazine exposure, with Stratus attacking Hemme and spray painting the word "slut" across her back. Stratus was challenged by Hemme, who later revealed she was being trained by Lita, for a title match at WrestleMania 21 and was successful in retaining the title.

Feuding with Mickie James; retirement (2005–2006)

In May 2005 Stratus was sidelined with the Women's Championship after suffering a herniated disc, with the storyline explanation that Viscera had injured her with a big splash move at Backlash after she berated him for losing to Lita's then-husband Kane. She returned to ''Raw'' in September, once again portraying her face persona by siding with Ashley Massaro against Vince's Devils. The feud also involved the debuting Diva Mickie James who introduced herself as Stratus' biggest fan. On the Eddie Guerrero Tribute Show, Stratus took part in an interpromotional Diva battle royal that was won by SmackDown! Diva Melina. The next week, MNM kidnapped Stratus for Melina, who challenged a tied up and gagged Stratus to a match for the Women's Championship. The two fought at Survivor Series, with Stratus defeating Melina. Stratus and James continued teaming together in late 2005 while James' character became increasingly obsessed with Stratus. On the December 26 episode of ''Raw'', the storyline between Stratus and James developed into a lesbian one when James initiated an intimate kiss with Stratus under a sprig of mistletoe, causing a surprised Stratus to flee the locker room.

The odd relationship between Stratus and James continued into 2006, with the two Divas competing against each other in a title match at New Year's Revolution, where Stratus emerged victorious. Despite the defeat, James continued to be enamored of Stratus which made her feel uncomfortable. On March 6, 2006 Stratus confronted James, telling her that she needed space. The duo briefly reconciled on the March 18 edition of ''Saturday Night's Main Event'', teaming together to defeat Candice Michelle and Victoria. James, however, turned on Stratus after the match and began to attack her. A match at WrestleMania 22 saw Stratus lose the Women's Championship to James. During a rematch at Backlash Stratus suffered a legitimate dislocated shoulder after taking a bump to the outside of the ring. While she was rehabilitating for six weeks she continued to appear on-screen.

Stratus returned to the ring on June 26 and started a romantic angle with Carlito after he saved her from a double team attack by Melina and Johnny Nitro. They competed as a team and won a mixed tag team match against Melina and Nitro at ''Saturday Night's Main Event'' on July 15. As a couple, Stratus and Carlito briefly feuded with WWE Champion Edge and Lita after the pair interrupted Stratus' title match with Mickie James. The two couples competed in several tag team matches, including a six-person tag team match where Edge, Lita and Randy Orton defeated Stratus, Carlito and John Cena after Orton RKO'd Stratus and Lita followed up with the pin. Stratus' last match on ''Raw'' occurred on September 11, 2006 where she defeated Mickie James. In late August, Lita stated that Stratus would retire following Unforgiven, which was later confirmed by Stratus. At the pay-per-view Unforgiven on September 17, in her hometown of Toronto, Stratus won against Lita with fellow Canadian Bret Hart's signature submission maneuver, the Sharpshooter.

Part time appearances (2007–2009)

Stratus made a special appearance on December 10, 2007 during Raw's 15th Anniversary special along with Lita, interrupting Jillian Hall as she sang by attacking her and then celebrating with Lita. Stratus made another special appearance on the May 5, 2008 episode of ''Raw'', as the event took place from her hometown, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She took part in a backstage segment involving Ron Simmons and Trevor Murdoch. Stratus wrestled her first match in over two years on the December 22, 2008 episode of ''Raw''. She and John Cena defeated Santino Marella and her former on-screen protégé Beth Phoenix in a mixed tag team match. Stratus also served as the guest hostess of the September 14, 2009 edition ''Raw'' in her home town of Toronto. After a confrontation backstage with Phoenix and former character beau Chris Jericho, she participated in what would be a six-person tag team match with MVP and Mark Henry to defeat Phoenix, Jericho, and The Big Show.

Return to World Wrestling Entertainment (2011-present)

Stratus made a surprise appearance at the 2011 Elimination Chamber pay per view to announce that she would be a trainer on the revival ''WWE Tough Enough''. At the same event, she stopped LayCool's attack on Kelly Kelly. Kelly and Stratus both celebrated the victory shortly after. Stratus wrestled her first singles match since 2006 on the March 14, 2011 edition of ''Raw'' against Vickie Guerrero in a losing effort, due to interference from LayCool and Dolph Ziggler. After the match, John Morrison and ''Raw'' guest star of the night Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi (from the MTV series ''Jersey Shore'') came to her aid. Guerrero then challenged Stratus, Morrison and Snooki to a match at WrestleMania XXVII against the team of LayCool and Ziggler. On the March 21 edition of ''Raw'', Stratus teamed with Morrison in a losing effort to LayCool, Guerrero, and Ziggler. At WrestleMania 27, Stratus and her team of Snooki and Morrison beat the team of Ziggler and LayCool. The night after WrestleMania, on ''Raw'', Stratus and Morrison once again defeated Guerrero and Ziggler in a rematch. She appeared on the June 6 episode of Raw, in a backstage segment with fellow "Tough Enough" trainer, Booker T before being interrupted by Jack Swagger.

Other media

From 2001, Stratus was a spokesperson for the World Natural Sports Association. On June 3, 2006, she hosted the Canada's Walk of Fame induction ceremony and performed a song and dance number inspired by the soundtrack from the film ''Chicago'' at the event. During the show, Stratus ad libbed a kiss with fellow Canadian actress Pamela Anderson.

From late November 2006 to mid-January 2007, Stratus temporarily moved to Muncie, Indiana for the CBS reality show ''Armed & Famous''. She was given a spot in the series after Paul Heyman had mentioned her name to CBS. The concept was that she was one of five celebrities who trained as volunteer officers with the Muncie Police Department. After finishing her training, Stratus and her real life officer partner were followed around by a camera crew while going on legitimate police calls. Although the show was scheduled to broadcast seven episodes starting on January 10, 2007, CBS canceled the series after just four of the episodes were aired.

After the cancellation of ''Armed & Famous'', Stratus hosted ''The Second City's Next Comedy Legend''. The contest was similar to the style of ''America's Next Top Model'', with Stratus portraying the "Tyra Banks" role as contact between the contestants and judges. Stratus also guest-starred in the Canadian show ''Da Kink in My Hair'''s new season, which started on February 12, 2009.

In September 2007, Stratus announced that she would be opening a yoga studio in Vaughan, Ontario called Stratusphere Yoga in 2008. Also in 2008, she hosted her own travel show also called ''Stratusphere''. She has an appearance in ''Smackdown vs. Raw 2010'' as an unlockable character. Trish has also been announced as a character in the upcoming ''WWE '12'' video game. Trish will be starring in the upcoming Canadian independent movie ''Bail Enforcers'', playing bounty hunter Jules Taylor, scheduled for release in 2011, premiering at ActionFest 2011.

Personal life

Stratigias is of Greek descent and is the eldest daughter of John and Alice Stratigias. Her sisters are named Christie and Melissa.

Stratigias married her high school sweetheart and boyfriend of fourteen years, Ron Fisico, on September 30, 2006. Guests in attendance at her wedding included former WWE Divas Lilian Garcia, Lita, Ivory, Molly Holly, Torrie Wilson, Victoria, Maria Kanellis, Ashley Massaro, and Mickie James. Her bridal gown was featured on a cover of ''Today's Bride'' magazine. Shortly after the wedding, Stratus got the call to be a part of ''Armed & Famous'', so she filmed the show instead of going on her honeymoon. Stratigias has also been involved with numerous charities such as Ronald McDonald House, Dreams Take Flight and the Special Olympics. On March 29, 2008, she participated in the Island Triathlon Series as part of a celebrity relay team to help raise money for Dignitas International.

In wrestling

Finishing moves

:*''Chick Kick'' (Roundhouse kick) :*''Stratusfaction'' (Springboard bulldog)

Signature moves

:*''Air Canada'' (Thesz press followed by punches) :*Backhand chop, sometimes preceded by licking the palm of her hand :*Bicycle kick :*Diving clothesline :*Diving crossbody :*Hurricanrana pin :*''MaTrish'' (Matrix evasion) :*''MaTrish Reloaded'' / ''MaTrish Revolutions'' / ''Whirlybird Headscissors'' (Handstand headscissors takedown) :*Multiple bulldog variations :**Diving :**One-handed :**''Trish-Dog'' (Running bulldog) :**Wheelbarrow :*One-armed neckbreaker slam :*Simultaneous side headlock and headscissors takedown combination on two opponents :*Spinebuster :*Springboard sunset flip :*''Stratusphere'' (Turnbuckle handstand headscissors takedown) :*''Stratus Splash'' (Stinger splash) :*Super frankensteiner :*Turnbuckle mounted rear naked choke :*Victory roll

Wrestlers managed

:*Albert :*Ashley Massaro :*Kurt Angle :*Beth Phoenix :*Lita :*Carlito :*Christian :*Bubba Ray Dudley :*Chris Jericho :*Test :*Tyson Tomko :*Viscera :*Val Venis :*Jeff Hardy :*Triple H :*John Morrison

Nicknames

:*"The Quintessential WWE Diva" :*"Canada's Greatest Export" :*"Diva of the Decade"

Entrance themes

:*"Emergency" by Rick DiFonzo from the Backspin production music library (WWF) June 22 2000-February 2001 :*"Whiplash" by Code Red from Extreme Music (WWF/WWE) April 2 2001-September 30 2002 :*"Time to Rock & Roll" by Lil' Kim (WWE) October 28 2002-Present

Championships and accomplishments

Diva Dirt

:*Diva Dirt Legacy Award (2010, First)

Fighting Spirit magazine

:*Double X Award (2006) :*Three Degrees Award (2006)

Pro Wrestling Illustrated

:*PWI Woman of the Year (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006) :*PWI Woman of the Decade (2000-2009)

World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment

:*WWE Hardcore Championship (1 time) :*WWF/WWE Women's Championship (7 times) :*Babe of the Year (2001–2004) :*Diva of the Decade

Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards

:*Worst Worked Match of the Year (2002) with Bradshaw vs. Christopher Nowinski and Jackie Gayda on ''Raw'' on July 7

Death Valley Driver Video Review

DVDVR's Most Smashing Crumpet (2011)

Footnotes

References

External links

Official site

WWE Alumni profile

Online World of Wrestling profile

Category:1975 births Category:Canadian female professional wrestlers Category:Canadian female models Category:Canadian people of Greek descent Category:Canadian people of Polish descent Category:Fitness & figure competitors Category:Living people Category:People from Richmond Hill, Ontario Category:Professional wrestling managers and valets Category:Canadian martial artists

ar:تريش ستراتس bg:Триш Стратъс ca:Trish Stratus de:Trish Stratus es:Trish Stratus fa:تریش استراتوس fr:Trish Stratus it:Patricia Stratigias nl:Trish Stratus ja:トリッシュ・ストラタス no:Trish Stratus pl:Trish Stratus pt:Trish Stratus ro:Trish Stratus ru:Триш Стратус simple:Trish Stratus fi:Trish Stratus tl:Trish Stratus th:ทริส สตราตัส

Coordinates	20°46′12″N155°59′39″N
Name	Edge
Names	Adam CopelandAdam ImpactConquistador UnoDamon StrikerEdgeSexton Hardcastle
Height
Weight
Birth place	Orangeville, Ontario, Canada
Birth date	October 30, 1973
Resides	Asheville, North Carolina
Billed	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Trainer	Ron HutchisonSweet Daddy SikiDory Funk, Jr.Tom PrichardLeo BurkeStu Hart
Debut	July 1, 1992
Retired	April 11, 2011
Federation	WWE }}

Adam Joseph Copeland (born October 30, 1973) is a retired former Canadian professional wrestler and actor, better known by his ring name Edge. He is currently signed to WWE, formerly the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) under a Legends contract.

Copeland was trained by former professional wrestlers Sweet Daddy Siki and Ron Hutchinson. Throughout 1990s, he wrestled in North American independent promotions early in his career. During his time in these promotions, he competed in singles and tag team competition, the latter with Christian, his storyline brother. In 1997, Copeland signed a developmental deal with the WWF and began competing for the company the following year. After signing with the WWF, he began competing under the ring name Edge. In June 1999, he won the WWF Intercontinental Championship, making it his first title reign with the company. He and Christian went on to win the WWF Tag Team Championship on seven different occasions. During this time, they gained notoriety in the tag team division, partly due to their participation in Tables, Ladders, and Chairs matches.

Overall, Edge won 31 championships in WWE, including eleven world championships (the WWE Championship four times and the World Heavyweight Championship a record seven times), five Intercontinental Championships, one United States Championship, 14 tag team championships (a record 12 World Tag Team Titles and two WWE Tag Team Championships), and is one of only two wrestlers (Kurt Angle being the other) who has held every currently active male Championship in WWE. In addition to his championship accolades, Copeland won the 2001 King of the Ring tournament, the inaugural Money in the Bank ladder match in 2005, and the Royal Rumble match in 2010 making him the only wrestler in history to achieve all three of those accomplishments.

Aside from professional wrestling, Copeland has appeared in the 2000 fantasy film ''Highlander: Endgame'' and made guest appearances on television shows, including ''The Weakest Link'', ''Mind of Mencia'', ''Deal or No Deal'', ''Haven'', and ''MADtv''.

Early life

Copeland was born on October 30, 1973 in Orangeville, Ontario, Canada, to Judy Copeland, a single mother, who worked two jobs to support her son. To this day, he has never met his father, nor seen a picture of him. At a young age, he became interested in professional wrestling. His favorite wrestlers included Mr. Perfect, Randy Savage, Hulk Hogan, Ricky Steamboat, Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart. When he was eighteen, Copeland won an essay contest, with Sully's Gym offering free wrestling training to whoever could write a good essay, explaining why they would want to become a professional wrestler. As the result of his win, he was trained by Sweet Daddy Siki and Ron Hutchinson in Toronto. Copeland put his wrestling aspirations aside, to help pay the bills. He held numerous jobs and decided to go to Humber College, where he graduated with a diploma in radio broadcasting.

Professional wrestling career

Early career

Throughout the 1990s, Copeland wrestled on the independent circuit in Ontario and the Great Lakes region of the United States under the name Sexton Hardcastle. He became a part of the tag team Sex and Violence with Joe Legend. During 1997, Sex and Violence became part of a larger stable known as Thug Life, made up of Legend, Hardcastle, Christian Cage (Copeland's childhood friend Jason Reso), Bill Skullion, and Rhino Richards. During his independent career, he won the ICW/MWCW Midwest Unified Tag Title holder alongside Joe.

The duo of Hardcastle and Cage were known as Hard Impact before changing their name to The Suicide Blondes. They also worked in Japan under the name the Canadian Rockers. Copeland also once wrestled as Damon Striker against Meng on an episode of ''WCW Pro''.

Copeland was asked to wrestle in a World Wrestling Federation (WWF) match in 1996, now known as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Canadian wrestler Bret Hart, who saw Copeland wrestle, put in a good word for Copeland, which ultimately resulted in Copeland receiving a developmental contract with the WWF in 1997. Coincidentally, Copeland made his WWF wrestling debut as Sexton Hardcastle the night after Hart left the company.

World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (1998–present)

Debut; Edge and Christian (1998–2001)

In 1998, Copeland made his WWF television debut on the June 22 episode of ''Raw is War'' as Edge, a loner character who entered the arena through the crowd for his matches. His character's persona included him aimlessly walking around the city streets and assaulting innocent pedestrians. His first televised match was against Jose Estrada, Jr., which ended prematurely by countout when Edge performed a somersault senton from the ring to the outside, legitimately injuring Estrada's neck. In his first pay-per-view match at SummerSlam in August, he served as Sable's mystery tag team partner against Jacqueline and Marc Mero, and bodyslammed Sable onto Mero in a pinning position to pick up the win.

thumb|left|225px|Edge (left) and [[Christian (wrestler)|Christian at King of the Ring 2000.]]Edge was then placed in a feud against the vampire wrestler Gangrel. During the feud, Gangrel introduced Christian Cage (now going by just "Christian"), Edge's storyline brother, as his ally. Eventually, Gangrel and Christian convinced Edge to join them, and the three of them formed an alliance known as The Brood. The Brood as a whole was later abducted by and converted into The Undertaker's Ministry of Darkness. In May 1999, the Brood broke away from The Ministry after Christian was attacked by Ken Shamrock and forced to reveal the location of the captive Stephanie McMahon. The Undertaker chose to have Christian punished for his trespass, but Edge and Gangrel stood by him and betrayed The Undertaker leading to a brief feud with the Ministry.

Edge captured his first singles championship, the WWF Intercontinental Championship, on July 24, 1999, defeating Jeff Jarrett at a house show in Toronto, Ontario. He lost the title the next night to Jarrett at Fully Loaded.

Later in the year, he was placed in a storyline angle with The Hardy Boyz (Matt and Jeff). Soon, however, Gangrel betrayed both Edge and Christian and formed The New Brood with their enemies, The Hardy Boyz. They feuded with the Hardy Boyz, as they went onto compete in a ladder match at No Mercy in October for the "managerial services" of Terri Runnels and $100,000, which the Hardy Boyz won. At WrestleMania 2000 on April 2, Edge and Christian defeated the Hardy Boyz and the Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von) to win the WWF Tag Team Championship in a Triangle Ladder match, which ultimately led to the creation of the Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match (TLC).

Following this victory, Edge and Christian found success as a villainous duo, shifting their in-ring personas from borderline goth to a comedic pair of "cool dudes", winning the WWF Tag Team Title six more times (for a total of seven). During this time, their trademark became the "five second pose" where they performed a pose in the ring for five seconds "for the benefit of those with flash photography" to mock, insult, or otherwise amuse the fans. They also competed as a team in the first three TLC matches, winning the first two over The Dudley Boyz and The Hardy Boyz, at SummerSlam in 2000 and then again at WrestleMania X-Seven. At the 2001 Royal Rumble, Edge and Christian were defeated by the Dudley Boyz and lost the World Tag Team title. They unsuccessfully attempted to regain the tag team title at No Way Out against the Dudley Boyz and the Brothers of Destruction (The Undertaker and Kane), but they succeeded at WrestleMania X-Seven against the Dudley Boyz and The Hardyz in the second TLC match.

Various storylines and injury (2001–2003)

Edge went on to solidify himself as an emerging singles competitor by winning the King of the Ring tournament in 2001. Christian betrayed Edge shortly afterward, and the two feuded over Edge's Intercontinental Championship that Edge won at SummerSlam and later lost to Christian at Unforgiven, though, Edge captured the title later. Following this, Edge lost the Intercontinental title to Test and shortly afterwards won the WCW United States Championship from Kurt Angle. Edge defeated Test at Survivor Series to unify the Intercontinental Championship with the U.S. Championship.

The following year, Edge was placed in a feud with William Regal for the Intercontinental Championship. Edge, however, came up short in the feud. At WrestleMania X8, Edge found himself in a match with Booker T that was the result of Edge beating out Booker for a fictitious Japanese shampoo endorsement. Shortly after defeating Booker T at WrestleMania, Edge was drafted to the SmackDown! brand in the first WWE Draft Lottery. Upon arriving there, he began a feud with Kurt Angle, which culminated in Edge shaving Angle's head following a hair vs. hair match at Judgment Day in May. Two months later, he would end up winning the WWE Tag Team Championship (later renamed the World Tag Team Championship) alongside Hulk Hogan on July 4, 2002. He then formed a tag team with Rey Mysterio; the two participated in a tournament for the newly created and SmackDown!-exclusive WWE Tag Team Championship. They lost to Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit in the finals of the tournament at No Mercy, the match was voted match of the year by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. After they failed in winning the title, Mysterio and Edge defeated Los Guerreros in a number one contender's match on the October 24 edition of ''SmackDown!'' to earn a title shot. On the November 7 edition of ''SmackDown!'', they defeated Angle and Benoit in a two out of three falls match to win their first Tag Team Championship. They soon lost the tag titles to Los Guerreros in a Triple Threat Elimination match that also involved former champions Angle and Benoit at Survivor Series. After losing the title, Edge and Mysterio went their separate ways to focus on their singles careers. At No Way Out, he teamed up with Chris Benoit and Brock Lesnar against Team Angle (Kurt Angle, Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin), however Edge was attacked and he would not participate in the match, thus the match became Two-on-Three Handicap tag team match. After No Way Out, Edge suffered a legitimate neck injury and had to undergo surgery with Dr. Lloyd Youngblood.

Pursuit of the World Heavyweight Championship (2004–2005)

Recovery kept him sidelined for almost a year. He was placed on the Raw brand in the WWE Draft after WrestleMania XX and returned to in ring action shortly after that event. On the April 19, 2004 episode of ''Raw'' he and Chris Benoit won the World Tag Team Championship. They continued a close partnership even after losing the title, but it was disbanded when Edge won the Intercontinental championship at Vengeance from Randy Orton. Following a legitimate groin injury in a non-televised match, Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff stripped Edge of the Intercontinental title.

Upon his return, Edge began to show some villainous characteristics centering around his obsession for the World Heavyweight Championship. Edge, Chris Benoit, and Shawn Michaels received a title shot for Triple H's World Heavyweight Championship at Taboo Tuesday in October 2004. Michaels won the audience vote to receive the title shot, giving Edge and Benoit a tag team title shot. During the match, Edge abandoned his partner (although Benoit managed to win the title on his own) and instead interfered in the main event, costing Michaels the championship. On the November 1 episode of ''Raw'', Edge and Benoit lost the World Tag Team Championship with Edge once again abandoning Benoit and sitting in a chair and watching the match. After the conclusion of the match, Edge attacked Benoit, officially turning heel. In a November episode of ''Raw'', both Edge and Benoit competed in a number one contender's battle royal, but they eliminated each other simultaneously at the conclusion of the match, resulting in a draw. As a result, Triple H was forced to defend the title in a triple threat match. In the match, Benoit locked on the Crippler Crossface on Edge, who shifted his weight putting Benoit's shoulders on the mat for a pin. This match also ended in a draw for Benoit and Edge, as Benoit made Edge submit at the same time the referee counted a pinfall for Edge. This led to a match at the Royal Rumble later in the month, in which Edge defeated Michaels.

Mr. Money In The Bank and feud with Matt Hardy (2005-2006)

Subsequently, at WrestleMania 21, Edge won the first ever Money in the Bank ladder match, gaining himself a contract that gave him a shot at the World Heavyweight championship within one year. Even though he was already a villain, Edge faced even more scorn from the fans due to Copeland's adulterous affair with WWE Diva Amy Dumas, known on-screen as Lita. Dumas had been the girlfriend of Copeland's close real life friend, Matt Hardy. When Dumas suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, she was put out of action, and it was during this time that Copeland began an affair with her while she was still in a relationship with Hardy. Shortly after the incident became public knowledge, WWE released Hardy resulting in even more backlash towards Copeland and Dumas. After Hardy returned, however, the real-life situation was translated into a storyline.

Edge was then paired with Lita in an angle where she betrayed her storyline husband Kane, which ended with a stretcher match that Edge won, but shortly before, Kane performed a tombstone piledriver on Lita. On the July 11 episode of ''Raw'', Edge's match with Kane was interrupted when Matt Hardy made a surprising appearance. The situation was a real-life occurrence, with Hardy referring to Edge as "Adam" and issuing a threat to Lita as well. When Hardy was officially brought back to Raw, he and Edge continued their feud, including a match at SummerSlam where Edge defeated Hardy, causing Hardy to have excessive blood loss. They also competed in a Street Fight, which resulted in a no contest when Hardy performed a side effect on Edge off the entrance ramp into the sound speakers and other electrical equipment. They also fought in a Steel cage match at Unforgiven in September in which Hardy defeated Edge. The feud culminated in a "Loser Leaves Raw Ladder Match" at ''WWE Homecoming'' on October 3, which Edge won, after the match, Hardy left the Raw brand to go to the SmackDown! brand. Shortly after the ''Homecoming'' victory, Edge suffered a legitimate torn pectoralis major muscle that kept him shelved for several weeks. During his time off, he starred in his own talk show segment on Raw entitled ''The Cutting Edge'', Edge eventually began using ''The Cutting Edge'' as a soapbox to run down Flair until, after weeks of public mockery, Flair eventually showed up and attacked Edge. Edge and Ric Flair formally met at the New Year's Revolution event in 2006 in a match for Flair's Intercontinental Championship, which resulted in Flair retaining, after Edge was disqualified.

WWE Champion (2006)

At New Year's Revolution, later that night after Edge's match with Flair, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon appeared on stage and declared that WWE Champion John Cena had to defend the WWE Championship, after he just retained it after the conclusion of the main event match, the Elimination Chamber. As a result, Cena was forced to defend the title against Edge, who cashed in his Money in the Bank contract at that moment. Edge defeated Cena in less than two minutes after two spears to become WWE Champion for the first time. In an interview conducted after the event, on WWE.com, Edge announced that he and Lita would have "hot, unbrideled, sex" in the middle of the ring on ''Raw'' the following night to celebrate his victory. On ''Raw'', Edge held up to that promise by engaging in foreplay with Lita until they were interrupted by Flair, who called Edge a disgrace and "that he was horrible in the sack." Flair, however, ended up on the receiving end of a con-chair-to on the announcers' table until Cena came out to Flair's aid and performed an FU on Lita. The "Live Sex Celebration" segment earned ''Raw'' a 5.2 rating, the highest ''Raw'' rating in over a year, leading Edge to call himself the "most watched champion ever".

Three weeks later, at the Royal Rumble, Edge lost the WWE Championship back to Cena.

He then lost a return match on a special Thursday episode of ''Raw'' held in February. Edge blamed special guest referee Mick Foley for his loss, claiming biased officiating and attacked him. At ''Saturday Night's Main Event'', Foley got revenge on Edge by assaulting him with a con-chair-to. They feuded until WrestleMania 22 in April, where Edge defeated Foley in a Hardcore match by spearing him through a flaming table but suffered second degree burns.

Following his feud with Foley, Edge once again challenged John Cena for the WWE Championship. Triple H was involved in a feud with Cena at the time, resulting in a triple threat match at Backlash, where Cena pinned Triple H to retain the title. After Backlash, Edge continued his feud with Mick Foley as they entered a triple threat hardcore match. Foley, however, betrayed his friend Tommy Dreamer with Edge's assistance. Edge and Foley then proclaimed that, because of their brutal match at WrestleMania, they were the true Hardcore Champions. At June's pay-per-view event One Night Stand, Edge, Foley, and Lita defeated Dreamer, Terry Funk, and Beulah McGillicutty in an Extreme rules tag team match.

Later in the event, Edge interfered in the WWE title match between John Cena and challenger Rob Van Dam, helping Van Dam win the title. Edge, who won a number one contender's match for the WWE title to face Van Dam, was unable to win the title at Vengeance.

left|thumb|220px|Edge facing off against John Cena during a WWE house show.Two weeks later on ''Raw'', Edge pinned Van Dam in a triple threat match, after blindsiding Cena with the title belt, to become WWE Champion for the second time. This angle re-ignited Edge's feud with Cena, and he lost by disqualification at ''Saturday Night's Main Event'' in order to retain the title. Subsequently, a match was made for the August event SummerSlam with the stipulation that if Edge disqualified himself, he would lose the title. At the event, Edge retained the title by pinning Cena after he hit him in the back of the head with a pair of brass knuckles, this occurred when the referee was not looking. The night after SummerSlam, Lita disposed of Cena's customized "spinner" belt into the Long Island Sound at Edge's command, who declared it the end of the "Cena era" in his life. Edge later unveiled the new "Rated-R" version of the belt. Cena, however, interfered in Edge's match with a returning Jeff Hardy later that night, chasing him down to the outside of the building, assaulting him down, and tossing Edge into the Long Island Sound. Edge accepted, on the condition the match be a TLC match held at September's Unforgiven event in Edge's home town of Toronto. At the event, he lost the championship after Cena performed the FU on him, sending Edge crashing through two stacked tables from a ladder. At one point during the match, Cena locked in the STFU on Edge,

Rated-RKO and World Heavyweight Champion (2006–2007)

On the October 2, 2006 episode of ''Raw'', interference from the newly reformed D-Generation X (DX) (Triple H and Shawn Michaels) cost Edge his "final chance" at John Cena's WWE Championship in a Steel cage match, though their interference was a response to the interference of Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch, led to Edge approaching Randy Orton and asking him to join forces to defeat DX, which Orton accepted and joined an alliance with Edge. The two formed the tag team Rated-RKO. Rated-RKO became the first to defeat DX since their reunion, and quickly dominated the Raw brand's tag team division to become tag team champions, making Edge a record holder of 11 World Tag Team Championship title reigns in his WWE career.

As part of the storyline angle, Rated-RKO attacked Ric Flair with steel chairs to enrage DX on November 27. At New Year's Revolution in January 2007, Rated-RKO faced DX in a title defense, but the match was declared a no-contest when Triple H suffered a legitimate injury during the match. With Triple H out of action, the team continued their on-screen rivalry with remaining DX member Shawn Michaels. Michaels teamed with John Cena to defeat Rated-RKO for the tag team championship on January 29, 2007. Edge and Orton suffered a series of losses to Cena and Michaels in the following months, building hatred towards one another. Edge and Orton also became rivals in their goals of achieving the WWE Championship. Neither Edge nor Orton won the championship, and they lost their claims as number one contenders after a failed match with Cena at Backlash in April.

On the May 7, 2007 episode of ''Raw'', Edge defeated Mr. Kennedy to win his Money in the Bank title opportunity (Kennedy had suffered a legitimate injury prior to the match), making Edge a two-time Money in the Bank holder. On the May 11 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Edge cashed in his newly won contract against The Undertaker, following Undertaker's title match against Batista in a Steel cage match. Following the match, a returning Mark Henry assaulted The Undertaker. As Henry was leaving, Edge came to the ring with the briefcase and demanded to wrestle The Undertaker, and eventually pinned him after a Spear to win his first World Heavyweight Championship. As a result of this victory, Edge became a part of the SmackDown! brand. Edge then began a feud with Batista and successfully defended his championship title against him at Judgment Day, in a Steel Cage match at One Night Stand, and a third and final time in a last chance match at Vengeance. Edge then began a feud with Kane after SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long announced Kane as the new number one contender for the World Heavyweight title. Edge was forced to relinquish the World title due to a legitimately torn left pectoral muscle injury on the July 20 episode of ''SmackDown!'' following an attack by Kane.

La Familia (2007–2009)

At November's pay-per-view event, Survivor Series, Edge made his return, interfering in a World Heavyweight Championship Hell in a Cell match between Batista and The Undertaker. The following ''SmackDown!'' show saw Edge and General Manager Vickie Guerrero make their relationship public, making his official in-ring return in a World title match against Batista on November 30, a match that ended after The Undertaker interfered. At Armageddon, Edge won the World Heavyweight Championship, after giving The Undertaker two chair shots and pinning the defending champion Batista (who had been Tombstoned by Undertaker prior) in a Triple Threat match. During the match, Edge used two look-a-likes to distract Batista and The Undertaker. It was later revealed that these look-a-likes were the Major Brothers, who were then repackaged as Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder. Edge also formed an alliance with Chavo Guerrero, nephew of Vickie Guerrero, and on the January 22, 2008 broadcast of ''ECW'', he assisted Chavo in winning the ECW Championship from CM Punk, even though Chavo previously rebuffed Edge and allied himself with Rey Mysterio, Edge's scheduled opponent at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view. The group eventually came under the name of La Familia. On the Valentine's Day episode of ''SmackDown'', Edge proposed to Vickie, to which she accepted.

At WrestleMania XXIV, Edge lost the World Heavyweight championship to The Undertaker when he tapped out to the gogoplata. In a WrestleMania rematch, The Undertaker defeated Edge once again at Backlash to retain the World Heavyweight championship. Following Backlash, The Undertaker was stripped of the World title by Vickie Guerrero and faced Edge for the title at Judgment Day in May and then again at One Night Stand in a TLC match in June. The first match ended with a countout victory for The Undertaker but no champion was crowned due to the circumstances. The second match at One Night Stand saw Edge walk away champion, which also meant Undertaker was forced to leave the company.

On the June 30, 2008 episode of ''Raw'', Edge lost the World title to CM Punk, after Batista assaulted Edge and prompted Punk to cash in his Money in the Bank contract and defeated Edge to win the World Heavyweight championship. On the July 4, 2008 episode of ''SmackDown'', Edge took his frustrations out on Vickie because he lost the title and told her the wedding was off. The following week, however, after Guerrero saved Edge from a con-chair-to by The Big Show, Edge re-proposed, and the wedding was back on. On July 18, 2008 at the wedding reception, Triple H came out and showed a video of Edge cheating on Guerrero the day before with the wedding planner, Alicia Fox. The angle continued at The Great American Bash in July, when Fox attempted to hand Edge the WWE Championship belt to use as weapon against Triple H, but was stopped by Guerrero. Edge attempted to spear Triple H but hit Guerrero instead, with the distraction, Triple H performed a Pedigree on Edge to retain the WWE title. Edge attempted to apologize to Guerrero, even though he was seen talking to Fox, but she revealed to him that she had rehired The Undertaker and that Edge would face him in a Hell in a Cell match at SummerSlam. Edge then turned on La Familia during the August 8 episode of ''SmackDown'', performing a one man con-chair-to on Chavo in the ring, and tossed Guerrero out of her wheelchair, effectively disbanding the faction. The following week, Edge verbally assaulted Guerrero, before he forced her to apologize to The Undertaker for what she did to him. He also mentioned to Guerrero, that it was because of her that La Familia suffered. At SummerSlam, The Undertaker defeated Edge, and after the match, Undertaker chokeslammed Edge off the top of a ladder and through the ring canvas, with flames rising from the hole.

On November 23, 2008 at Survivor Series, Edge returned to WWE after an introduction by SmackDown General Manager and his on-screen wife Vickie Guerrero, replacing Jeff Hardy in the Triple Threat match for the WWE Championship involving champion Triple H and Vladimir Kozlov. He pinned Triple H to become the WWE Champion for the third time in his career. The following month, Edge lost the title to Hardy at Armageddon in a Triple Threat match, which also featured Triple H. At the Royal Rumble, however, Edge regained the title in a no disqualification match, following Matt Hardy's interference. At the February event No Way Out, Edge lost the WWE title in an Elimination Chamber after being pinned by Jeff Hardy, being the first to be eliminated, with the title eventually being won by Triple H. Later that night, Edge inserted himself into the World Championship Elimination Chamber match after attacking Kofi Kingston and barricading himself inside one of the Chamber's pods, proceeding to win his eighth World Championship, last eliminating Rey Mysterio and taking the title over to SmackDown. At WrestleMania XXV in April, Edge lost the championship to John Cena in a Triple Threat match, which also included The Big Show. Three weeks later he regained the championship at Backlash, when he defeated Cena in a Last Man Standing match, after interference by The Big Show. After a successful defense against Jeff Hardy at Judgment Day, he lost the title to Hardy at Extreme Rules in a ladder match, and afterwards said some disparaging things to his on-screen wife, Vickie Guerrero. While Hardy was celebrating, CM Punk cashed in his money in the bank and defeated Hardy to win the World Heavyweight Championship. The following night, Guerrero resigned as the Raw General Manager due to being humiliated, and Edge came out to apologize. Instead, however, he claimed he married Guerrero because she had authoritative powers as the General Manager, and sought a divorce.

Final storylines, Championship reigns and pursuits and retirement (2009–2011)

In June, Edge won the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship (the unified version of the World Tag Team Championship from the Raw brand and the WWE Tag Team Championship from the SmackDown brand) with Chris Jericho at The Bash after he and Jericho were inserted into the match as late entries just prior. On July 3, Edge suffered a torn Achilles tendon while competing at a live event in San Diego in a match against Jeff Hardy, and later underwent surgery. It was reported that he could be out of action for up to a year. During Edge's absence, Jericho replaced him with Big Show (forming Jeri-Show) and Jericho began to speak badly of Edge, mocking him for his injury. At the Royal Rumble event on January 31, 2010, Edge returned from injury by entering the Royal Rumble match as the twenty ninth surprise entrant. He quickly eliminated Jericho who had been the 28th. Ultimately, he won the match for the first time in his career after last eliminating John Cena. After Jericho won the Heavyweight Championship from the Undertaker during Elimination Chamber, Edge turned face, for the first time since October 2004, by challenging Chris Jericho for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XXVI after a surprise attack on Jericho. However, Edge lost to Jericho in the match. The following month, Edge beat Jericho in a Steel cage match at Extreme Rules.

The following night at the 2010 WWE Draft, Edge was drafted back to the Raw brand, also costing Randy Orton a title shot against John Cena by spearing him in a Triple Threat match against Batista and Sheamus. On the April 30 episode of ''SmackDown'', Edge had said goodbye to SmackDown fans. However, Edge turned on the fans by calling them "puppets" for saying 'spear! spear! spear!' and later tried a sneak attack on his former tag team partner Christian, thus becoming a villain once again. After being drafted to the Raw brand and heel turn, Edge began a feud with his former Rated-RKO tag team partner Randy Orton, with both Edge and Orton gaining the upper hand over one another. Much of the antagonism stemmed of Randy's refusal to re-form Rated-RKO with Edge, as Edge wanted to pursue the tag team titles he had been stripped of. Edge beat Christian in a match on the May 17 edition of ''Raw'' held in Toronto. Edge and Orton met in a match at May's Over the Limit pay-per-view, with the match resulting in a double countout. At Fatal 4-Way, Edge participated in a fatal four-way match that included Orton, Sheamus, and John Cena for the WWE Championship, though Edge failed to win the title.

The following month Edge participated in the Raw Money in the Bank ladder match at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view but failed to win the briefcase. Edge then went on to participate in the main event of SummerSlam in which he and six teammates were victorious in a seven-on-seven elimination tag team match against The Nexus. On the 900th episode of ''Raw'', he disqualified himself, in the main event in a five-on-five elimination match against The Nexus. This saw him enter into a feud with the anonymous GM of Raw, during which the GM cost him several matches. At Night of Champions, Edge participated in a six pack elimination challenge for Sheamus' WWE Championship but once again failed to win the title.

At WWE's Hell in a Cell PPV event, Edge defeated Jack Swagger. The next night on ''Raw'', it was announced that he had been traded to the Smackdown brand for SmackDown's CM Punk due to him destroying the Raw GM computer turning him face and ending the feud between the two. On his SmackDown return, he defeated Jack Swagger in his first match. On the October 15, 2010 episode of ''SmackDown'', he defeated Dolph Ziggler to become part of Team SmackDown at WWE's Bragging Rights PPV event. At the event, Edge won the cup for Team SmackDown alongside Rey Mysterio eliminating R-Truth, John Morrison and Team Raw's captain Miz.

Soon after that, he entered a feud with World Heavyweight Champion Kane. He defeated Mysterio and Alberto Del Rio to become the number one contender for Kane's World Championship at WWE's Survivor Series PPV event, which ended in a draw. On December 19, 2010 Edge defeated Kane, Rey Mysterio, and Alberto Del Rio in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match at the TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs PPV event to win the World Heavyweight Championship for a record sixth time and making him a ten time World Champion. Edge then defended the World Championship against Kane in a winning effort in a Last Man Standing match, thus ending their feud.

Edge would then feud with Dolph Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero up through the Royal Rumble and after. After the Royal Rumble, Rumble winner Alberto Del Rio announced that he would challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship, which was held by Edge at that time. On the 600th episode of ''Smackdown'' on February 18, acting GM Guerrero fired Edge, and awarded the World Title to her (kayfabe) boyfriend Ziggler. ''Smackdown'' GM Teddy Long returned later that night, and rehired Edge. Edge would then defeat Ziggler to win back the World Title for the seventh time, and his 11th World Championship overall. After the match, Teddy Long fired Dolph and Vickie. At the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, Edge successfully defended his World Heavyweight Championship in an Elimination Chamber match by finally pinning Rey Mysterio. After he defended his championship, he was attacked by Alberto Del Rio, but was saved by the returning Christian. Edge and Christian briefly reunited to defeat Alberto and his NXT bodyguard Brodus Clay. At WrestleMania XXVII, in his last WWE in-ring match (although he did not know it then), Edge successfully defended the World Title against Alberto Del Rio in the opening match.

On the April 11 episode of ''Raw'', Edge gave a speech about his career and the realities of wrestling. He also mentioned he took more tests after passing his basic strength tests at the behest of WWE, and the MRI forced him to retire. Leading up to this announcement, he had reflected upon his previous neck injury where his cervical vertebrae had been fused, and mentioned feeling numbness in his arms and losing feeling in them. This was diagnosed as cervical spinal stenosis, and because of such, the doctors cannot medically clear him to compete without him risking neck-down paralysis, or even death. Later that same week on the April 15 edition of ''SmackDown'', Edge officially relinquished the World Heavyweight Championship.

Part-time appearances (2011-present)

On the April 22 episode of ''SmackDown'', Edge made an appearance, interrupting Alberto Del Rio's mock retirement party. At Extreme Rules, Edge helped Christian win the vacant World Heavyweight Championship by using Del Rio's car horn to distract him. At SummerSlam, Christian had Edge return to be in his corner for his World Heavyweight Championship defense against Randy Orton. However, Edge, disappointed by the cowardly tactics Christian used to win his second World Heavyweight Championship, berated him and before walking out on him. Christian would later lose the belt to Orton for a second time.

Other media

In 2000, he made a cameo appearance in the fantasy movie ''Highlander: Endgame'', credited as "Road Bandit". During the appearance, actor Adrian Paul remarks "Looks like you've lost your ''edge'', lad" after defeating him in a sword fight.

In March 2002, Copeland alongside other WWE Superstars appeared on the quiz show, the ''Weakest Link''. He was voted out in the first round, and the eventual winner was Kane. On the August 6, 2006 episode of ''Mind of Mencia'', Copeland appeared as Edge as a commentator for "The Royal Religious Rumble". He punched out an actor playing L. Ron Hubbard to stop Scientology from ruling the world and then speared another actor playing Tom Cruise. In March 2007 he alongside Randy Orton, John Cena, and Bobby Lashley appeared on ''Deal or No Deal''. Weeks later he appeared on the sketch comedy show ''MADtv''. Copeland appeared in a Slim Jim commercial where his spicy side causes chaos in a DMV, a restaurant and a hotel.

''Edge: a Decade of Decadence'', a DVD documentary of Copeland's life, was released in December 2008. The DVD illustrates his wrestling career dating back to 1998 when he entered the WWF.

In June 2011, Copeland appeared on the Syfy series ''Sanctuary'', in the season 3 finale episode, "Into the Black" as Thelo, an Abnormal.

Copeland will also appear regularly in the second season of the Syfy series ''Haven'', which started in July 2011, as Dwight Hendrickson.

He will also star alongside Jamie Kennedy and Jennifer Esposito in the 2011 WWE production ''Bending the Rules''.

{|class="wikitable" border="2" cellpadding="4" background: #f9f9f9; |- align="center" ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Title ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Role ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Notes |- | 2000 || ''Highlander: Endgame'' || Road Bandit || |- | 2002 || ''Weakest Link'' || Himself || |- | 2006 || ''Mind of Mencia'' || Himself || Episode: ''Royal Religious Rumble'' |- |rowspan=2|2007 || ''Deal or No Deal'' || Himself with WWE Superstar, Randy Orton || |- | ''MADtv'' || Himself || |- |rowspan=2|2011 || ''Sanctuary'' || Thelo || Episode: ''Into the Black'' |- | ''Haven'' || Dwight Hendrickson || Episode: ''Sparks and Recreation'' |- |}

Personal life

Copeland used to play hockey with National Hockey League (NHL) player Aaron Downey. He is a fan of the NHL's New Jersey Devils. As a teenager, Copeland attended WrestleMania VI sitting in the eleventh row at ringside. He was cheering on WWF Champion Hulk Hogan against The Ultimate Warrior, and he credits this match with making him realize he wanted to be a wrestler. Twelve years later Copeland returned to SkyDome as a competitor at WrestleMania X8.

Copeland has been married two times. His first marriage was to Alannah Morley, the sister of Sean Morley, whom he wedded on November 8, 2001. They divorced after three years on March 10, 2004. His second marriage was to Lisa Ortiz on October 21, 2004. But they soon divorced on November 17, 2005. Edge currently resides in Asheville, N.C.

His autobiography, titled ''Adam Copeland on Edge'', was published on November 4, 2004. Unlike most wrestlers who used "ghostwriters" to write their autobiographies, Copeland wrote the entire book himself, in longhand. Mick Foley wrote the foreword to his book. Copeland does not smoke. He claims he had his first cigarette when he was sixteen, hated it, and has not smoked since. Copeland has several tattoos. He has a tattoo of a red and black sun on his left upper biceps (which covers a tattoo of a muscular shark which resembled the Street Sharks), a star on his right upper biceps with several smaller stars below it, two skulls wearing bandannas, adorned with flowers and hearts, below said star tattoo, along with a tattoo of a cross on his left forearm, and another tattoo of a scroll like piece of paper that adorns the words Rise Above. All of Copeland's tattoos represent a stage in his career: his sun, which Copeland got while recovering from his neck injury, represents "looking towards brighter days." The cross tattoo represents his time with the Brood, and his star and skull tattoos represent his Rated-R Superstar persona and his self-proclaimed status as the "Guns N' Roses of wrestling".

Controversy

In March 2007, Copeland became a key figure in an alleged steroid ring and drug investigation. On March 19, ''Sports Illustrated'' posted an article on its website in its continuing series investigating a steroid and HGH ring used by a number of professional athletes in several sports. That article mentioned several current and former WWE wrestlers, including Copeland who was alleged to have obtained HGH. Copeland has previously admitted using steroids in April 2004 after neck surgery as an experiment on TSN's ''Off The Record with Michael Landsberg'' in January 2005. He said he felt it slowed him down, so he quickly got off the substance. According to Copeland, he took HGH after returning from a spinal fusion neck surgery. He was told by doctors that it would help the bones grow back around the screws and plate that were inserted into his neck. He claims to have taken blood tests, consulted doctors, studied the drug, and got prescriptions before deciding to take them.

According to a ''Sports Illustrated'' article rotated on August 30, 2007, Copeland was named one of 10 superstars found to have purchased steroids and other drugs from an online pharmacy, a violation of the WWE Talent Wellness program. Copeland was said to have received somatropin, genotropin, and stanozolol between September 2004 and February 2007.

In wrestling

Finishing moves

''Edgecator'' (Kneeling inverted Sharpshooter)

* ''Impaler DDT''/''Edgecution''/''Buzz Killer'' (Lifting DDT), sometimes from the top rope

One man con–chair–to - used mainly in hardcore matches-1998-2011

Spear, sometimes from the second or top rope, with theatrics

Signature moves

Big boot

Camel clutch

Diving crossbody

''Edge–O–Matic'' (Sitout rear mat slam)

Electric chair drop

Flapjack

Flying forearm smash

Half nelson bulldog

Missile dropkick

Northern Lights suplex

Rolling wheel kick

Russian legsweep

Sharpshooter

Sitout powerbomb

Somersault plancha

With Rey Mysterio

:*''619'' (Tiger feint kick) by Mysterio followed by a spear or Edgecution by Edge :*''Bombs Away'' (Simultaneous powerbomb (Edge) / springboard seated senton (Mysterio) combination) :*Catapult by Edge into a diving hurricanrana by Mysterio :*Double missile dropkick :*Hurricanrana by Mysterio into a spear by Edge :*Powerbomb lift by Edge to Mysterio, Mysterio then moonsaults on to the opponent (opponent(s) usually at ringside)

Stables and Tag Teams

*The Brood

*Ministry of Darkness

*Edge and Christian

*Rated-RKO

*La Familia

Managers

* Gangrel-as a member of the brood

* Terri Runnels

* Lita-until her retirment

* Vickie Guerrero-2007-2009

Nicknames

* "King Edge the Awesome"

"The Rated-R Superstar"

"The Ultimate Opportunist"

"'''The Master Manipulator"

"'''Mr. Money in the Bank"

* "'''The Grand Puppetmaster"

Entrance themes

*'''WWF/E

** "You Think You Know Me" by Jim Johnston (June 22, 1998–July 1999)

**"Blood" by Jim Johnston (used as part of The Brood; October 26, 1998–August 1999)

** "On the Edge" by Jim Johnston (October 2, 1999–September 2001, October 26, 2002, April 18, 2004–October 2004)

** "Never Gonna Stop (The Red Red Kroovy)" by Rob Zombie (September 2001–March 22, 2004)

**"Rated RKO" by Jim Johnston (Used While a Part of Rated RKO;October 2 2006–April 29 2007)

** "Metalingus" by Alter Bridge (October 2004–april 2011, used in his part-time apperances thereafter)

Championships and accomplishments

Insane Championship Wrestling

ICW Street Fight Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Christian Cage

New Tokyo Pro Wrestling

NTPW Pro Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Christian Cage

Pro Wrestling Illustrated

*PWI Comeback of the Year (2004)

*PWI Feud of the Year (2005) with Lita vs. Matt Hardy

*PWI Feud of the Year (2006) vs. John Cena

*PWI Match of the Year (2000) with Christian vs. The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardy Boyz in a Triangle Ladder match at WrestleMania 2000

*PWI Match of the Year (2001) with Christian vs. The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardy Boyz in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match at WrestleMania X-Seven

*PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (2006)

*PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (2001)

Southern States Wrestling

SSW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Christian Cage

World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment

World Heavyweight Championship (7 times)

WWF/E Intercontinental Championship (5 times) – with Christian (7), Chris Benoit (2), Hulk Hogan (1), Randy Orton (1) and Chris Jericho (1)

WWE Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Rey Mysterio (1) and Chris Jericho (1)

* Fourteenth Triple Crown Champion

King of the Ring (2001)

Mr. Money in the Bank (2005, 2007)

* Royal Rumble (2010)

Slammy Award for Couple of the Year (2008) – with Vickie Guerrero

Slammy Award for "Oh Snap" Meltdown of the Year (2010)

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Match of the Year (2002)

Tag Team of the Year (2000)

Worst Feud of the Year (2010)

Worst Worked Match of the Year (2008)

1 Won during the Invasion storyline. 2 Won the 2007 Money in the Bank contract when he defeated the then–Money in the Bank holder, Mr. Kennedy, on ''Raw''.

WrestleSlam Awards

*Superstar of the Year (2010)

Lucha de Apuesta record

{|class="wikitable sortable" width=100% |- !style="background: #e3e3e3;" width=5%|Wager !style="background: #e3e3e3;" width=20%|Winner !style="background: #e3e3e3;" width=20%|Loser !style="background: #e3e3e3;" width=20%|Location !style="background: #e3e3e3;" width=15%|Date !style="background: #e3e3e3;" width=20%|Notes |----- align="center" |Hair || Edge || Kurt Angle || Nashville, Tennessee || || Hair vs. hair match at Judgment Day |}

Notes

References

External links

WWE profile

Edge's Complete Biography at Wrestling Gimmicks

Category:Article Feedback Pilot Category:1973 births Category:Living people Category:Canadian expatriate professional wrestling people in the United States Category:Canadian male professional wrestlers Category:Fictional kings Category:People from Dufferin County, Ontario Category:People from Tampa, Florida Category:Sportspeople from Toronto

ar:آدم كوبلاند bar:Edge bg:Адам Коупланд ca:Adam Copeland cs:Edge (wrestler) da:Edge de:Edge (Wrestler) el:Edge (παλαιστής) es:Adam Copeland fa:اج fr:Adam Copeland ko:에지 id:Edge it:Adam Copeland he:אדם קופלנד lv:Edge lt:Adam Copeland nl:Adam Copeland ja:アダム・コープランド no:Adam Copeland pl:Adam Copeland pt:Edge (lutador) ro:Adam Copeland ru:Коплэнд, Адам simple:Edge (wrestler) fi:Adam Copeland sv:Adam Copeland th:อดัม โคปแลนด์ tr:Edge (güreşçi) uk:Едж (реслер) vi:Adam Copeland zh:Edge (摔角手)