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Hulk Hogan
![Hulk Hogan vs Brock Lesnar [ Smackdown 2002 ]](http://web.archive.org./web/20120914074928im_/http://i.ytimg.com/vi/rxTTa_RLP0Y/0.jpg "The Immortal Hollywood Hulk Hogan squares of against The Next Big Thin Brock Lesnar, This match represents youth vs experience, watch , comment , rate , ENJOY THIS EPIC MATCH IS PRESENTED TO YOU BY SEGINY CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING (SCW) This video belongs to the WWE and does not belong to me More TagS: Flag of United States Brian Kendrick * Flag of United States Paul London * Flag of United States The Miz (Mike Mizanin) * Flag of United States Shannon Moore * Flag of United States Jamie Noble (James Howard) * Flag of United States Montel Vontavious Porter (Antonio Banks) * Flag of England William Regal (Darren Matthews) * Flag of United States Scotty 2 Hotty (Scott Garland) * Flag of England Dave Taylor * Flag of United States Jimmy Wang Yang (James Yun) (more) (less) (more) (less) Y2J Chris Jericho TNA Wrestling John Morrison (more) (less) youtube Tribute Chavo The Rock The Undertaker Kurt Angle nWo (New World Order) Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, X-Pac, Chris Benoit Kane Hollywood Hulk Hogan Rob Van Dam Billy & Chuck Booker T Edge Big Show Rikishi Bubba Ray Dudley D-Von Dudley ,Brock Lesnar Mark Henry ,William Regal Maven,Lita Billy Kidman Bradshaw Tajiri Steven Richards Chris Jericho Matt Hardy Ivory Raven Albert Jeff Hardy The Hurricane Mr. Perfect Al Snow Spike Dudley Lance Storm D'Lo Brown Diamond Dallas Page Shawn Stasiak Torrie Wilson Terri Scotty 2 Hotty Jacqueline Stacy Keibler Goldust Christian Trish Stratus Test Justin Credible Faarooq Big Boss Man Tazz Tommy Dreamer <b>...</b>")
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Alabama
Alabama () is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States of America. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland waterways. The state ranks 23rd in population with almost 4.6 million residents in 2006.
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Augusta, Georgia
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Australia
{{Infobox country
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Boston
Boston (pronounced ) is the capital and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. Boston city proper had a 2009 estimated population of 645,169, making it the twentieth largest in the country. Boston is also the anchor of a substantially larger metropolitan area called Greater Boston, home to 4.5 million people and the tenth-largest metropolitan area in the country. Greater Boston as a commuting region includes six Massachusetts counties, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Plymouth, and Worcester, all of Rhode Island and parts of New Hampshire; it is home to 7.5 million people, making it the fifth-largest Combined Statistical Area in the United States.
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California
California (pronounced ) is the most populous state in the United States and the third-largest by land area, after Alaska and Texas. California is also the most populous sub-national entity in North America. It's on the U.S. West Coast, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and by the states of Oregon to the north, Nevada to the east, Arizona to the southeast, Baja California, Mexico, to the south. Its 5 largest cities are Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, and Long Beach, with Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose each having at least 1 million residents. Like many populous states, California's capital, Sacramento is smaller than the state's largest city, Los Angeles. The state is home to the nation's 2nd- and 6th-largest census statistical areas and 8 of the nation's 50 most populous cities. California has a varied climate and geography and a multi-cultural population.
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Clearwater, Florida
Clearwater is a city located in Pinellas County, Florida, US, nearly due west of Tampa and northwest of St. Petersburg. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 108,787; however, according to the 2005 U.S. Census Bureau's estimates, the city's population fell slightly to 108,687. It is the county seat of Pinellas County. Clearwater is the smallest of the three principal cities in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area, most commonly referred to as the Tampa Bay Area.
http://wn.com/Clearwater_Florida -
Cocoa Beach, Florida
Cocoa Beach is a city in Brevard County, Florida, United States. The population was 12,482 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S. Census Bureau estimates of 2008, the city had a population of 11,920. It is part of the Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville Metropolitan Statistical Area.
http://wn.com/Cocoa_Beach_Florida -
England
England () is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west and the North Sea to the east, with the English Channel to the south separating it from continental Europe. Most of England comprises the central and southern part of the island of Great Britain in the North Atlantic. The country also includes over 100 smaller islands such as the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight.
http://wn.com/England -
Fort Myers, Florida
Fort Myers is the county seat and commercial center of Lee County, Florida, United States. Its population was 48,208 in the 2000 census. According to 2008 estimates, the population is 65,394.
http://wn.com/Fort_Myers_Florida -
France
{{Infobox Country
http://wn.com/France -
Hollywood
Hollywood is a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California - situated west-northwest of Downtown Los Angeles. Due to its fame and cultural identity as the historical center of movie studios and movie stars, the word "Hollywood" is often used as a metonym of American cinema, and is often interchangeably used to refer to the greater Los Angeles area in general. The nicknames StarStruck Town and Tinseltown refer to Hollywood and its movie industry. Today, much of the movie industry has dispersed into surrounding areas such as the Westside neighborhood, but significant auxiliary industries, such as editing, effects, props, post-production, and lighting companies remain in Hollywood, as does the backlot of Paramount Pictures.
http://wn.com/Hollywood -
Italy
http://wn.com/Italy -
Mall of America
Mall of America (also MOA, MoA, the Megamall) is a super-regional shopping mall located in the Twin Cities suburb of Bloomington, Minnesota, USA. The mall is located southeast of the junction of Interstate 494 and Minnesota State Highway 77, north of the Minnesota River and is across the interstate from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. It is the second largest mall in North America, after the West Edmonton Mall, in Edmonton, Canada. In the United States, it is the largest mall in terms of retail space but is second largest in terms of total enclosed floor area. Opened in 1992, the mall received 40 million visitors in 2006. Triple Five Group, owned by Canada's Ghermezian family, owns and manages the Mall of America, as well as the West Edmonton Mall.
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Minnesota
Minnesota () is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.27 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state on May 11, 1858. Known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes", the state's name comes from a Dakota word for "sky-tinted water". Those waters, together with forests, parks, and wilderness areas, offer residents and tourists a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.
http://wn.com/Minnesota -
Nottingham
Nottingham () is a city and unitary authority area in the East Midlands region of the United Kingdom. It is located in the ceremonial county of Nottinghamshire, and is one of eight members of the English Core Cities Group. Whilst the City of Nottingham has a historically tightly drawn boundary which accounts for its relatively small population of 288,700, the wider Nottingham Urban Area has a population of 667,000 and is the seventh-largest urban area in the United Kingdom, ranking between those of Liverpool and Sheffield.
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Orlando, Florida
Orlando () is a major city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan region. The Orlando metropolitan area has a population of 2,082,628 and it is the 27th largest metropolitan area in the United States. The city-proper population is 235,860 making Orlando the 80th largest city in the United States. It is Florida's fifth largest city by population. Orlando was incorporated on July 31, 1875, and became a city in 1885.
http://wn.com/Orlando_Florida -
Panama
Panama (), officially the Republic of Panama (; ), is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The capital is Panama City.
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St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis ( or ; French: Saint-Louis or St-Louis, ) is an independent city and the second largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri. The city itself has an estimated population of 354,361 and is the principal municipality of Greater St. Louis, population 2,879,934, the largest urban area in Missouri and 16th-largest in the United States.
http://wn.com/St_Louis_Missouri -
Tampa, Florida
Tampa () is a Gulf Coast Bay city in the U.S. state of Florida. It serves as the county seat for Hillsborough County. Tampa is located on the west coast of Florida. The population of Tampa in 2000 was 303,447. According to the 2009 estimates, the city's population had grown to 343,890, making it the 54th largest city in the United States.
http://wn.com/Tampa_Florida -
Tennessee
Tennessee () is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,214,888, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area. Tennessee is bordered by Kentucky and Virginia to the north, North Carolina to the east, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi to the south, and Arkansas and Missouri to the west. The Appalachian Mountains dominate the eastern part of the state, and the Mississippi River forms the state's western border. Tennessee's capital and second largest city is Nashville, which has a population of 626,144. Memphis is the state's largest city, with a population of 670,902. Nashville has the state's largest metropolitan area, at 1,521,437 people.
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The Great Movie Ride
The Great Movie Ride is an attraction at Walt Disney World's Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. It is a dark ride which takes guests through scenes from famous movies throughout history.
http://wn.com/The_Great_Movie_Ride -
TNA Impact! Zone
The TNA Impact! Zone (also once called the "Extreme Zone" at TNA's 2010 Hardcore Justice Pay-Per-View) is the professional wrestling nickname for Soundstage 21, a sound stage in Universal Studios Florida in Orlando, Florida. Its nickname is derived from Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's (TNA) Impact! weekly television series, which is taped at this venue.
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Venice beach
http://wn.com/Venice_beach -
ViSalus
http://wn.com/ViSalus -
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. (), formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States, founded on July 16, 1790. Article One of the United States Constitution provides for a federal district, distinct from the states, to serve as the permanent national capital. The City of Washington was originally a separate municipality within the federal territory until an act of Congress in 1871 established a single, unified municipal government for the whole District. It is for this reason that the city, while legally named the District of Columbia, is known as Washington, D.C. The city shares its name with the U.S. state of Washington, which is located on the country's Pacific coast.
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Zeus
http://wn.com/Zeus
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A.J. Styles
Allen Jones (born June 2, 1978), better known by his ring name A.J. Styles is an American professional wrestler currently working for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he is the reigning TNA Television Champion in his second reign. He, James Storm, Jeff Jarrett and Abyss (who wrestled under the name Justice) are the only wrestlers to perform on the inaugural NWA-TNA pay-per-view event on June 19, 2002, and still be employed by the company in a wrestling role today. Since he joined TNA, Styles has been the first TNA X Division Champion while also having the most reigns with six, a five-time World Tag Team Champion (4 NWA and 1 TNA) and a four-time World Heavyweight Champion (3 NWA and 1 TNA). With having won the TNA X Division, NWA World Tag Team, and NWA World Heavyweight Championships, Styles was the first to complete the TNA Triple Crown Championship. Styles would later complete the Triple Crown three more times, making him the only man to complete it more than once and for most of TNA's existence the only one to complete it at all. His victory over Booker T for the TNA Legends Championship made him the first, and only, man to have ever won the TNA Grand Slam Championship, which he has done twice. He is also the longest reigning TNA World Heavyweight Champion in the company's history. In 2010 he became the first TNA wrestler currently under contract to rank in at #1 on Pro Wrestling Illustrated annual PWI 500 list.
http://wn.com/AJ_Styles -
Abdullah the Butcher
Lawrence Robert "Larry" Shreeve (born on January 11, 1941) best known as Abdullah the Butcher, and also at times The Madman from The Sudan, is a semi-retired Canadian professional wrestler known as one of the most brutal or "hardcore" professional wrestlers of all-time. He debuted in the late 1950's.
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Abyss (wrestler)
Christopher J. "Chris" Parks, better known by his ring name "The Monster" Abyss, is an American professional wrestler currently working for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). He is a former three-time world heavyweight champion having held the 1PW World Heavyweight Championship twice and the NWA World Heavyweight Championship once.
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Adam Copeland
http://wn.com/Adam_Copeland -
Adrian Adonis
http://wn.com/Adrian_Adonis -
Afa Anoa'i
'''Arthur "Afa" Anoa'i, Sr.''' (born November 21, 1942) is a Samoan American retired professional wrestler and professional wrestling manager. Since retiring in the 1990s, he has operated the World Xtreme Wrestling promotion and trained wrestlers at the Wild Samoan Training Facility.
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Akira Nogami
Akira Nogami is a Japanese professional wrestler and actor, currently working for the New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) promotion.
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Al Lopez
Alfonso Ramon "Al" Lopez (August 20, 1908 – October 30, 2005) was an American catcher and manager in Major League Baseball, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.
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Al Rosen
http://wn.com/Al_Rosen -
Al Snow
Allen Ray Sarven (born July 18, 1963) is a professional wrestler and actor better known by his ring name of Al Snow. He is best known for his work in Extreme Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment and currently works for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling as a road agent.
http://wn.com/Al_Snow -
Alberto Del Rio
http://wn.com/Alberto_Del_Rio -
Althea Gibson
http://wn.com/Althea_Gibson -
Andre Dawson
http://wn.com/Andre_Dawson -
Andrew Martin
http://wn.com/Andrew_Martin -
André the Giant
http://wn.com/André_the_Giant -
Andy Bean
Thomas Andrew Bean (born March 13, 1953) is an American professional golfer who has won numerous tournaments at both the amateur and professional level including 11 PGA Tour victories.
http://wn.com/Andy_Bean -
Andy Gustafson
Andrew "Andy" Gustafson (April 3, 1903 – January 7, 1979) was an American football player, coach, and college athletics administrator. He served as the head football coach at Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute from 1926 to 1929 and the University of Miami from 1948 to 1963, compiling a career college football record of 115–78–4. Gustafson was also the athletic director at Miami from 1963 to 1968. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 1985.
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Angelo Dundee
http://wn.com/Angelo_Dundee -
Anthony Garcia
Anthony Garcia (born September 20, 1946) is a retired New Zealand professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Tony Garea, who wrestled for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), spending thirty-two of his thirty-five year career in the promotion. After his in-ring retirement, he was signed by World Wrestling Entertainment to be a backstage worker.
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Antonino Rocca
http://wn.com/Antonino_Rocca -
Antonio Inoki
(born on February 20, 1943) is a Japanese professional wrestling promoter and retired professional wrestler and mixed martial artist who now resides between New York City and Tokyo. He was also the founder and former owner of New Japan Pro Wrestling before selling his controlling share in the promotion to Yukes.
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Antonio Pugliese
Antonio Pugliese (1941–August 19, 2000), born in Cosenza, Italy, was a professional wrestler. He is better known by his ring name Tony Parisi. Pugliese was primarily a tag team wrestler, and he won tag team titles in several organizations, including the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), and Championship Wrestling from Florida. He held the WWWF World Tag Team Championship from 1975 to 1976. As a singles wrestler, he also won the WWF International Heavyweight Championship. After retiring from wrestling, Pugliese continued to work in the industry and also operated a hotel and restaurant. He died in 2000 after suffering a heart attack.
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Arn Anderson
Martin Anthony Lunde (born September 20, 1958) better known by his ring name Arn Anderson, is a former American professional wrestler. His career has been highlighted by his alliances with Ric Flair and various members of the wrestling stable, The Four Horsemen, in the NWA/WCW. He currently serves as the senior producer for World Wrestling Entertainment's Raw brand.
http://wn.com/Arn_Anderson -
Arnold Palmer
Arnold Daniel Palmer (born September 10, 1929) is an American golfer who is generally regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of men's professional golf. He has won numerous events on both the PGA Tour and Champions Tour, dating back to 1955. Nicknamed "The King," he is one of golf's most popular stars and its most important trailblazer because he was the first star of the sport's television age, which began in the 1950s. He is part of "The Big Three" in golf along with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player who are widely credited with popularizing and commercialising the sport around the world.
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Artis Gilmore
Artis Gilmore (born September 21, 1949) is a former professional basketball player in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and National Basketball Association (NBA).
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Babe Zaharias
MedalCountry | the
http://wn.com/Babe_Zaharias -
Barry Windham
Barry Clinton Windham (born July 4, 1960) is an American semi-retired professional wrestler and the son of wrestler Blackjack Mulligan. He is best known for his appearances with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
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Ben Geraghty
http://wn.com/Ben_Geraghty -
Bernie Kosar
Bernard Joseph "Bernie" Kosar, Jr. (born November 25, 1963) is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League. Kosar played for the Cleveland Browns from 1985 to 1993 and then finished his career with the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins.
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Bernie Little
Bernie Little (born in McComb, Ohio, USA circa 1926 - died April 25, 2003) was the most successful owner in Unlimited Hydroplane racing history. His Miss Budweiser team won 134 of the 354 hydroplane races they entered. They won the high points championship 22 years in 40 years of competition, and the Gold Cup 14 times. His first victory came on the Columbia River near Kennewick, Washington in 1966 for the Columbia Cup. The winning driver, Bill Brow, won in the Miss Budweiser with a winning speed greater than 98 mph.
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Big John Studd
http://wn.com/Big_John_Studd -
Big Van Vader
:For other pages with the word Vader, see Vader.
http://wn.com/Big_Van_Vader -
Bill France, Jr.
William Clifton France (April 4, 1933 - June 4, 2007), nicknamed "Bill Jr." and "Little Bill," was an American motorsports executive who served from 1972 to 2000 as the head of NASCAR, the sanctioning body of United States-based stock car racing. He succeeded the founder of NASCAR, his father Bill France, Sr., as its head. His son Brian France has been NASCAR CEO since 2003.
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Bill France, Sr.
William Henry Getty France Sr. (September 26, 1909–June 7, 1992), also known by Bill France Sr. or Big Bill, was an American race car driver. He is best known for co-founding and managing NASCAR, a sanctioning body of United States-based stock car racing.
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Bill Goldberg
William Scott "Bill" Goldberg (born December 27, 1966) is a former professional wrestler best known for his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). He is famous for holding the record for the largest undefeated winning streak in professional wrestling. The official count is listed as 173 wins and zero losses, although some authors have disputed that total. Goldberg is also famed for his catch phrase, "Who's next?"
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Bill Hartack
William John Hartack Jr. (December 9, 1932 – November 26, 2007) was a Hall of Fame jockey. He was born in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania.
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Bill Peterson
William E. "Bill" Peterson (1920 – August 5, 1993) was an American football coach. His career included head coaching stops at Florida State, Rice University and with the Houston Oilers. Considered one of the unique characters in college sports, Peterson is credited with bringing the pro passing game to college football. He is also known as the "Coach of Coaches", having tutored such coaches as Joe Gibbs, Bill Parcells, Bobby Bowden, Don James, Dan Henning, Ken Meyer and many others. Coach "Pete", as he was known, is also remembered for his reshaping of the English language. One of his more novel expressions was to have his team "pair off in groups of threes, then line up in a circle." Beyond his trials with syntax, Peterson is best remembered for bringing the Seminoles to the forefront of college football, using pro-style offenses and a much feared passing game.
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Bill Watts
William F. "Bill" Watts (born May 5, 1939) is a former American professional wrestler and promoter. Watts was famous under his "Cowboy" gimmick in his wrestling career, and then as a tough, no-nonsense promoter in the Mid-South area of the United States, which grew to become the UWF.
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Billy Kidman
Peter Gruner (born May 11, 1974) is an American professional wrestler, trainer, and wrestling producer, better known by his ring name Billy Kidman. Kidman is best known for his work with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and his current workplace of the World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/E) throughout the late 1990s, early to late 2000s, and now into the early 2010's. He trained the likes of Sheamus O'Shaunessy and Wade Barrett in Florida Championship Wrestling.
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Bob Armstrong
Joseph Melton James (born October 3, 1939) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong. In the course of his career, which spanned five decades, Armstrong held numerous championships throughout the Southeastern United States. Armstrong is also the patriarch of the Armstrong wrestling family; he has four sons (Scott, Brad, Steve and Brian), all of whom became wrestlers.
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Bob Backlund
Robert Lee "Bob" Backlund (born August 14, 1949) is an American professional wrestler and actor with an in ring career that spanned over 30 years. Over that time, he went on to become a four-times WWWF/WWF Champion.
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Bob Griese
Robert Allen "Bob" Griese (; born February 3, 1945) is a former American collegiate and Professional Football quarterback who earned All-American honors with the Purdue Boilermakers before being drafted in 1967 by the American Football League's Miami Dolphins. Griese led the Dolphins to three consecutive Super Bowl appearances, including two Super Bowl victories (VII and VIII). Griese's talents eventually resulted in his induction to the College Football Hall of Fame and the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. He is a television commentator for college football on ESPN on ABC, teaming with Chris Spielman and Dave Pasch.
http://wn.com/Bob_Griese -
Bob Hayes
Robert Lee "Bullet Bob" Hayes (December 20, 1942 – September 18, 2002) was an Olympic sprinter turned American football wide receiver in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys. An American track and field athlete, he was a two-sport stand-out in college in both track and football at Florida A&M; University. Hayes was enshrined in the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2001 and was selected for induction in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in January 2009. He was officially inducted in Canton, Ohio on August 8, 2009. Hayes is the second Olympic gold medalist to be inducted to the Hall of Fame, after Jim Thorpe.
http://wn.com/Bob_Hayes -
Bob Holly
Robert "Bob" Howard (born January 29, 1963) better known by his ring name "Hardcore" Bob Holly, is an American professional wrestler. He is best known for his 15-year stint with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
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Bob Masterson
Robert Patrick Masterson (July 23, 1915 – June 29, 1994) was an American football wide receiver in the National Football League. He played six seasons for the Washington Redskins (1938-1943). He played college football at the University of Miami and was drafted in the sixth round of the 1938 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.
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Bob Murphy (golfer)
Robert Joseph Murphy, Jr. (born February 14, 1943) is an American professional golfer.
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Bob Orton, Jr.
Robert Keith Orton (born November 10, 1950) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, "Cowboy" Bob Orton. He is the father of wrestler Randy Orton, who is signed to World Wrestling Entertainment. Orton's father, Bob Orton, Sr., and brother, Barry O, were also professional wrestlers.
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Bobby Allison
Robert Arthur Allison (born December 3, 1937) is a former NASCAR Winston Cup driver and was named one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers. His two sons, Clifford Allison and Davey Allison followed him into racing, and both died within a year of each other.
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Bobby Heenan
Raymond Louis Heenan (born November 1, 1944), better known as Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, is a former American professional wrestling manager and color commentator, best known for his time with the American Wrestling Association, World Championship Wrestling and the World Wrestling Federation. He was known for his skill in drawing heel heat for himself and his wrestlers, and for his on-screen repartee with Gorilla Monsoon as a color commentator.
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Bobby Riggs
http://wn.com/Bobby_Riggs -
Bobo Brazil
http://wn.com/Bobo_Brazil -
Booker Huffman
Booker Tio Huffman (born March 1, 1965, in Houston, Texas), better known by his ring name Booker T, is an American professional wrestler best known for his time in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He has also worked for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), and is the owner of the Pro Wrestling Alliance.
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Booker T (wrestler)
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Bret Hart
Bret Hart (born July 2, 1957) is a Canadian on-screen personality, writer and retired professional and amateur wrestler who is currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), appearing on the Raw brand.
http://wn.com/Bret_Hart -
Brian Blair
Brian Leslie Blair (born January 12, 1957) is a local politician in Florida, who gained fame as a professional wrestler especially as a part of the Killer Bees.
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Brock Lesnar
Brock Edward Lesnar (; born July 12, 1977) is an American mixed martial artist and a former professional and amateur wrestler. He is currently the UFC Heavyweight Champion. He is ranked the #1 Heavyweight in the world by Sherdog and MMA Weekly.
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Brooke Hogan
Brooke Ellen Bollea (born May 5, 1988), better known by her stage name Brooke Hogan, is an American singer, actress, model, socialite, and television personality, and the oldest child of professional wrestler Hulk Hogan (Terry Gene Bollea). She appeared on the reality-television series Hogan Knows Best, which focused on her family, and which premiered on July 10, 2005 on VH1. Since the cancellation of Hogan Knows Best, she's starred in a spin-off reality series called Brooke Knows Best which focuses on her life now independent from her parents and living with two roommates. She released her debut album Undiscovered in 2006. In 2009, she released her second studio album, The Redemption, and appeared in a second season of Brooke Knows Best.
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Bruno Sammartino
Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino (born October 6, 1935) is an Italian former professional wrestler, best known for being the longest-running champion of the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), holding the title across two reigns for over 11 years in total, as well as the longest single WWE Championship reign in professional wrestling history.
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Brutus Beefcake
http://wn.com/Brutus_Beefcake -
Buck O'Neil
http://wn.com/Buck_O'Neil -
Camille Tourville
Camille Tourville (1927-December 24, 1985) was a professional wrestler and manager better known as Tarzan Tyler. He was one-half of the first WWF Tag Team Champions, along with Luke Graham. He died December 24, 1985 at the age of 58.
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Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 (March 1941), from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. Over the years, an estimated 210 million copies of "Captain America" comic books have been sold in a total of 75 countries. For nearly all of the character's publication history Captain America was the alter ego of Steve Rogers, a sickly young man who was enhanced to the peak of human perfection by an experimental serum in order to aid the United States war effort. Captain America wears a costume that bears an American flag motif, and is armed with an indestructible shield that can be thrown as a weapon.
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Carl Weathers
Carl Weathers (born January 14, 1948) is an American actor, as well as former professional football player in the United States and Canada. He is best known for playing Apollo Creed in the Rocky series of films. He also played Dillon in the first Predator movie, Chubbs Peterson in Happy Gilmore and Little Nicky, and made guest appearances in the television series Arrested Development.
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Catie Ball
Catherine Northcutt "Catie" Ball Condon (born September 30, 1951) is a former American international swimmer who won a gold medal during the 1968 Summer Olympics. Ball is remembered as a teenage star who was the dominant female breaststroke swimmer of her generation.
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Charles Kalani, Jr.
Charles "Charlie" J. Kalani, Jr. (January 6, 1930 - August 22, 2000) was an American professional wrestler, professional boxer, college football player, soldier, actor, and Martial Artist who, in fighting rings, was also known as Professor Toru Tanaka, or simply, Professor Tanaka.
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Charlie Haas
Charles "Charlie" Doyle Haas II (born March 27, 1972) is an American professional wrestler and former collegiate amateur wrestler best known for his time in World Wrestling Entertainment.
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Charlie Tate
Charles W. "Charlie" Tate (February 20, 1919 – June 10, 1996) was the head coach of the Miami Hurricanes football program from 1964 to 1970. During his tenure, he compiled a 34-27-3(.555) record. His best season came in 1966, when his team went 8-2-1, with a Liberty Bowl win against Virginia Tech. Chuck Foreman was the most famous recruit for coach Tate in the late '60's. When interviewed at the ESPN Club in Orlando, Florida, Foreman, who went on to have a great career in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings, said the following about Charlie Tate, "He had faith in me, as a black athlete in the South during that tumultuous time, and I will never forget him. He was a great, generous man."
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Chris Benoit
http://wn.com/Chris_Benoit -
Chris Evert
Christine Marie "Chris" Evert (born December 21, 1954) is a former world number 1 professional tennis player from the United States. She won 18 Grand Slam singles championships, including a record seven championships at the French Open and a record six championships at the U.S. Open. According to the Women's Tennis Association, she was the year-ending World No. 1 singles player in 1975, 1976, 1977, 1980, and 1981 and, according to many sources, in 1974 and 1978, also.
http://wn.com/Chris_Evert -
Chris Jericho
Christopher Keith Irvine (born November 9, 1970) better known by his ring name Chris Jericho, is an American-born Canadian professional wrestler, television and stage actor, author, radio host, television host and rock musician. He is currently working for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), wrestling on its Raw brand. He is also known for his appearances with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and internationally in Canadian, Mexican, and Japanese promotions. He is also known as the host of the ABC show Downfall.
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Chris Kanyon
http://wn.com/Chris_Kanyon -
Chris Von Erich
http://wn.com/Chris_Von_Erich -
Christian (wrestler)
William Jason Reso (born November 30, 1973) is a Canadian professional wrestler and actor, better known by his ring names Christian and Christian Cage. He currently wrestles for the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) promotion, formerly the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), on its SmackDown brand. However, he is currently inactive due to injury.
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Christopher Daniels
Daniel Christopher Covell (born March 24, 1971) is an American professional wrestler, best known in the United States by his ring name "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels. He has also wrestled as Curry Man and Suicide. He is best known for working for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and currently works regularly for Ring of Honor as well as several independent promotions.
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Christy Hemme
Christina Lee "Christy" Hemme (born October 28, 1980) is an American actress, singer, model, professional wrestling valet and former professional wrestler. Hemme is currently signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, as a backstage interviewer.
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CM Punk
Phillip Jack Brooks (born October 26, 1978), better known by his ring name CM Punk, is an American professional wrestler currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on its Raw brand.
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Cody Rhodes
Cody Runnels (born June 30, 1985) is an American professional wrestler and actor, better known by his ring name Cody Rhodes. Runnels is currently signed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) where he wrestles on its SmackDown brand, where he is one-half of the reigning WWE Tag Team Champions with Drew McIntyre. He is a former three-time World Tag Team Champion, having won the championship once with Hardcore Holly and twice with Ted DiBiase, Jr.
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Cris Collinsworth
Anthony Cris Collinsworth (born January 27, 1959) is an Emmy Award-winning American television sportscaster and former college and professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons in the 1980s. Collinsworth played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he played professionally for the Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL.
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Curt Gowdy
Curtis Edward "Curt" Gowdy (July 31, 1919–February 20, 2006) was an American sportscaster, well-known as the longtime "voice" of the Boston Red Sox and for his coverage of many nationally-televised sporting events, primarily for NBC Sports in the 1960s and 1970s.
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Curt Hennig
http://wn.com/Curt_Hennig -
Dale Oliver
Dale Byron Oliver is an American music composer who works for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Formerly a guitarist in BackHawk (the backing band of the American country music group BlackHawk), Oliver serves mainly as a composer of theme music used in professional wrestling.
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Dale Van Sickel
Dale Harris Van Sickel (November 29, 1907 – January 25, 1977) was an American college football, basketball and baseball player in the 1920s, who later became a Hollywood motion picture actor and stunt performer for over forty years.
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Dan Marino
Daniel Constantine "Dan" Marino, Jr. (born September 15, 1961) is an American Hall of Fame former quarterback who played for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League. The last quarterback of the Quarterback Class of 1983 to be taken in the first round, Marino became one of the most prolific quarterbacks in league history, holding or having held almost every major NFL passing record. Despite never being on a Super Bowl-winning team, he is recognized as one of the greatest quarterbacks in American football history. Remembered particularly for having a quick release and a powerful arm, Marino led the Dolphins into the playoffs ten times in his seventeen season career.
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Danny Wuerffel
Daniel Carl "Danny" Wuerffel (born May 27, 1974) is a former American college and professional football player who won the 1996 Heisman Trophy and 1996 national football championship while playing quarterback at the University of Florida. After graduating from Florida, he played for several National Football League (NFL) teams, and retired from professional football in 2002. Since then, Wuerffel has led a non-profit organization engaged in Christian mission and charitable work in Louisiana, Georgia and Alabama.
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Dave Andreychuk
David John Andreychuk (born September 29, 1963) is a former professional ice hockey left winger who played in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning. He is one of the highest scoring left wingers in NHL history, and is the league's all-time leader in power-play goals with 274.
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Dave Cowens
David William Cowens (born October 25, 1948, in Newport, Kentucky) is a retired American professional basketball player and NBA head coach. At 6'9", he played the center and occasionally the power forward position. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991. He was recently an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons, and currently serves as a special assistant to Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars.
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Dave Hebner
Dave Hebner (born May 17, 1949) is an American professional wrestling authority figure, promoter, road agent and referee.
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David Von Erich
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Deacon Jones
David D. "Deacon" Jones (born December 9, 1938 in Eatonville, Florida) is a former American football defensive end in the National Football League for the Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, and the Washington Redskins. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980.
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Dean Higuchi
Dean Higuchi is a retired American professional wrestler, known by his ring name Dean Ho, who competed in North American regional promotions including Pacific Northwest Wrestling, the World Wide Wrestling Federation and the National Wrestling Alliance, specifically the Hawaii-based Big Time Wrestling during the 1960s and 1970s. A longtime veteran of the Vancouver's NWA All-Star Wrestling, he feuded with Terry Adonis, The Brute and former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Gene Kiniski.
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Deane Beman
Deane R. Beman (born April 22, 1938) is an American professional golfer, golf administrator, and golf course designer.
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Deion Sanders
Deion Luwynn Sanders (; born August 9, 1967 in Fort Myers, Florida) is a former National Football League cornerback and Major League Baseball outfielder who currently works as an NFL Network commentator. He has been known by the nicknames "Prime Time" and "Neon Deion."
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Dennis Rodman
Dennis Keith Rodman (born May 13, 1961) is a retired American professional basketball player of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, he was nicknamed "Dennis the Menace" and "The Worm" and was known for his fierce defensive and rebounding abilities. Playing small forward in his early years before becoming a power forward, Rodman earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors seven times and was voted NBA Defensive Player of the Year twice. He also led the NBA in rebounds per game for a record seven consecutive years and won five NBA championships (1989, 1990, 1996, 1997, 1998). His biography at NBA.com states that he is "arguably the best rebounding forward in NBA history".
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Derrick Brooks
Derrick Dewan Brooks (born April 18, 1973 in ) is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buccaneers 28th overall in the 1995 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.
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Diamond Dallas Page
:For the 1930s cricketer, see Dallas Page (cricketer)
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Dick Howser
Richard Dalton Howser (May 14, 1936–June 17, 1987) was an American Major League Baseball shortstop, coach and manager.
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Dick Mayer
Alvin Richard Mayer (August 28, 1924 – June 2, 1989) was an American professional golfer.
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Dick Pope (promoter)
Richard Downing Pope, Sr., better known as Dick Pope (April 19, 1900 – January 28, 1988) was the founder of Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, Florida.
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Dick Vitale
Richard J. "Dick" Vitale (Dickie V) (; born June 9, 1939) is an American basketball sportscaster. A former head coach in the college and professional ranks, he is well-known as a college basketball broadcaster and for the enthusiastic and colorful remarks he makes during games. He is known for his trademark catchphrase "baby." He has authored seven books and appeared in several movies.
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Dino Bravo
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Dixie Carter-Salinas
Dixie Lee Carter-Salinas (born October 6, 1964) more commonly known as Dixie Carter, is an American businesswoman and wrestling promoter currently serving as president of the limited liability company TNA Entertainment. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, TNA Entertainment produces professional wrestling television programs, live events, pay-per-views and associated merchandise such as video games.
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Dolly Parton
Dolly Rebecca Parton (born January 19, 1946) is an American singer-songwriter, author, multi-instrumentalist, actress and philanthropist, best-known for her work in country music.
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Dominic DeNucci
Dominic DeNucci is an Italian-American professional wrestler. He is also an accomplished trainer, counting former World Heavyweight champions Mick Foley and Shane Douglas, as well as referee Brian Hildebrand, among his students.
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Don Aronow
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Don Bosseler
Donald John Bosseler (born January 24, 1936 in Wethersfield, New York) is a former American football fullback who played in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins from 1957 to 1964. He played college football at the University of Miami and was drafted in the first round (ninth overall) of the 1957 NFL Draft. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
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Don Garlits
Donald Glenn "Don" Garlits (born January 14, 1932, Tampa, Florida) is considered the father of drag racing. He is known as "Big Daddy" to drag racing fans around the world. Always a pioneer in the field of drag-racing, he, with the help of T.C. Lemons, relating at least in part to the loss of a portion of his foot in a drag racing accident, perfected the rear-engine "top fuel dragster design". This design is notably safer as it puts most of the fuel processing and rotating or reciprocating parts of the dragster behind the driver. The driver is placed in "clear air" in front of nearly all mechanical components, thus remaining capable of activating a variety of safety equipment in the event of catastrophic mechanical failures or fire. Garlits was an early promoter of a full-body, fire-resistant suit - complete with socks and gloves, often branded as Nomex.
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Don Jardine
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Don Muraco
Donald Muraco (born on September 10, 1949) is a retired American professional wrestler also known as "The Rock" Don Muraco and The Magnificent Muraco. Wrestling during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, Muraco is a former two time WWF Intercontinental Championship holder, a former two time ECW Heavyweight Champion and was the 1985 King of the Ring, the first-ever in WWE history.
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Don Sutton
Donald Howard Sutton (born April 2, 1945) is a former Major League Baseball player and current radio sportscaster. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998.
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Don Veller
Donald A. "Don" Veller is a former head coach of the Florida State college football program from 1948-1952.
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Donnie Allison
Dunkiny "Donnie" Allison (born September 7, 1939 in Miami, Florida) is a former driver on the NASCAR Grand National/Winston Cup circuit, who won ten times during his racing career, which spanned the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s. He was part of the "Alabama Gang," and is the brother of 1983 champion Bobby Allison and uncle of Davey Allison. He was inducted in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2009.
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Doris Hart
Doris Hart (born on June 20, 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri) is a former World No. 1 American female tennis player.
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Dot Richardson
Dorothy ("Dot") Richardson (born September 22, 1961 in Orlando, Florida) is an American physician and former international softball player.
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Doug Sanders
George Douglas "Doug" Sanders (born July 24, 1933) is a former American professional golfer who won twenty PGA Tour tournaments during his career.
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Drew Carey
Drew Allison Carey (born May 23, 1958) is an American actor, comedian, photographer, and game show host. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and making a name for himself in stand-up comedy, Carey eventually gained popularity starring on his own sitcom, The Drew Carey Show, and serving as host on the U.S. version of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, both of which aired on ABC.
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Dustin Rhodes
Virgil Riley Runnels III (born April 11, 1969) is an American professional wrestler. He is currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment and competing on the Raw brand under the ring name Goldust. He has also performed for World Championship Wrestling and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling as Dustin Rhodes, Black Reign and Seven. Runnels is the son of "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes and is the half-brother of "Dashing" Cody Rhodes.
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Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Douglas Johnson (born May 2, 1972) is an American actor and former professional wrestler. He is also known by his former ring name The Rock and is occasionally credited as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
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Earl Hebner
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Earl Morrall
Earl Edwin Morrall (born May 17, 1934 in Muskegon, Michigan) is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League. Morrall, who also occasionally punted, played 21 seasons in the National Football League as both a starter and reserve. In the latter capacity, he became known as the greatest backup quarterback in NFL history. Morrall made Pro Bowl appearances following the 1957 and 1968 seasons.
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Ed Farhat
Edward George Farhat (June 9, 1926 - January 18, 2003) was an American professional wrestler best known as by his ring name The Sheik (or The Original Sheik to distinguish him from The Iron Sheik, a wrestler from the 1980s). He is also one of the originators of what became the hardcore wrestling style, and the uncle of ECW legend Sabu.
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Eddie Graham
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Eddie Guerrero
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Edge (wrestler)
Adam Joseph Copeland (born October 30, 1973) is a Canadian professional wrestler and actor, better known by his ring name Edge. He is currently signed to the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) promotion, formerly the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), on its SmackDown brand.
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Edward Flynn (boxer)
Edward "Eddie" L. Flynn (October 25, 1909 – October 14, 1982) was an American boxer who competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics.
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Edward Leslie
Edward Harrison "Ed" Leslie (born April 21, 1957) is an American professional wrestler, best known for his work in the World Wrestling Federation under the ring name Brutus The Barber Beefcake. He later worked for World Championship Wrestling under a variety of names, mainly as "The Disciple" of real-life best friend Hulk Hogan. He is a former WWF World Tag Team Champion. He was part of the Hulkamania Let The Battle Begin Tour in late 2009 which toured throughout Australia, including Perth and Sydney.
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Emmitt Smith
Emmitt James Smith, III (born May 15, 1969) is a former American college and professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for fifteen seasons during the 1990s and 2000s. Smith played college football for the University of Florida, where he was an All-American; thereafter, he played professionally for the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals of the NFL. During his long professional career, he became the NFL's all-time rushing leader, breaking the record formerly held by his childhood hero, Walter Payton, and played for the three Super Bowl-winning Dallas Cowboys teams. Smith is the only running back to ever win a Super Bowl championship, the NFL Most Valuable Player award, the NFL rushing crown, and the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player award all in the same season (1993). He is also one of only four running backs to lead the NFL in rushing three or more consecutive seasons, joining Steve Van Buren, Jim Brown and Earl Campbell. Smith was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010, and is the first player from the 1990 NFL Draft to be inducted.
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Eric Bischoff
Eric Aaron Bischoff (born May 27, 1955) is an American entrepreneur and professional wrestling booker, producer, and on-screen personality who is currently signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, as Executive Producer. He is best known for serving as Executive Producer and later President of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and later, the General Manager of World Wrestling Entertainment's Raw brand.
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Ernie Ladd
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Ernie Roth
http://wn.com/Ernie_Roth -
Fireball Roberts
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Fran Curci
Fran Curci was an All-American American football quarterback at the University of Miami in 1959. He served as head coach at the University of Tampa from 1968 to 1970, the University of Miami from 1971 to 1972 and the University of Kentucky from 1973 to 1981.
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Frank Shorter
Frank Charles Shorter (born October 31, 1947) is a former American long-distance runner who won the gold medal in the marathon at the 1972 Summer Olympics. His victory is credited with igniting the running boom in the United States of the 1970s.
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Fred Biletnikoff
Frederick S. "Fred" Biletnikoff (born February 23, 1943) is a former American football wide receiver and coach. He spent the majority of his professional playing and coaching days with the Oakland Raiders. Biletnikoff retired as an NFL Football player after the 1978 season, and played one additional season in the Canadian Football League for the Montreal Alouettes.
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Freddie Blassie
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Freddie Solomon
Freddie Solomon (born January 11, 1953 in Sumter, South Carolina), is a former professional American football player who was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the 2nd round of the 1975 NFL Draft. A 5'11", 184-lb. wide receiver from the University of Tampa, Solomon played in 11 NFL seasons for the Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers from 1975 to 1985. On December 5, 1976, Solomon had a career game, with 5 catches for 114 yards and a touchdown, 1 rushing attempt for 59 yards and a touchdown, and a punt return for 79 yards and a touchdown. Solomon won two Super Bowls as a member of the 49ers.
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Gail Kim
Kimberly Gail (born February 20, 1977), also known as Gail Kim, is a Canadian professional wrestler of Korean descent. She is currently signed with the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) promotion, assigned to its Raw brand.
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Gardnar Mulloy
Gardnar Putnam ("Gar") Mulloy (born November 22, 1913, in Washington, D.C.) is a tennis player primarily known for playing in doubles matches with partner Bill Talbert.
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Garo Yepremian
Garabed Sarkis "Garo" Yepremian (born June 2, 1944) is a former Armenian-American football placekicker in the National Football League for the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a career that spanned from 1966 to 1981.
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Gary Carter
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Gary Glitter
Gary Glitter (born Paul Francis Gadd on 8 May 1944) is an English former glam rock singer-songwriter and musician.
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Gene Sarazen
Gene Sarazen (February 27, 1902 – May 13, 1999) was an American professional golfer, one of the world's top players in the 1920s and 1930s. He is one of five golfers (along with Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods) to win all the current major championships in his career, the Career Grand Slam:
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George Steele
William James Myers (born April 16, 1937), better known by his ring name George "The Animal" Steele is a former American professional wrestler and actor. Steele's career lasted from 1967 until 1989, though he made occasional wrestling appearances into the 1990s and 2000s.
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George Steinbrenner
http://wn.com/George_Steinbrenner -
George Wagner
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Gino Brito
Louis Gino Acocella (born May 18, 1941), better known by his ring name Gino Brito is a Canadian professional wrestler. He was a popular wrestler in Montreal, and was one of the promoters in the city in the 1980s. As Louis Cerdan, he was a WWWF Tag Team Champion, teaming with fellow Canadian-Italian wrestler Tony Parisi.
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Gino Toretta
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Ginuwine
http://wn.com/Ginuwine -
Glenn Gilbertti
Glenn Gilbertti (born November 12, 1968) is an American professional wrestler, best known for his appearances with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as Disco Inferno. He is also a former road agent for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.
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Gorilla Monsoon
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Grady Johnson
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Greg Louganis
Gregory "Greg" Efthimios Louganis (born January 29, 1960) is an American Olympic diver and author. He is best known for winning back-to-back Olympic titles in both the 3m and 10m diving events.
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Greg Norman
Gregory John Norman AO (born 10 February 1955) is an Australian professional golfer and entrepreneur who spent 331 weeks as the world's number one ranked golfer in the 1980s and 1990s. He is nicknamed The Great White Shark or sometimes simply The Shark – a reference to Norman's blond hair, size and aggressive golf style and the shark inhabiting Australian waters.
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Greg Valentine
John Wisniski, Jr. (born September 20, 1950) is an American professional wrestler, better known as Greg "The Hammer" Valentine. He is the son of wrestler Johnny Valentine.
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Gregory Helms
Gregory Shane Helms (born July 12, 1974) is an American professional wrestler. He is best known for his time with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) where he wrestled as The Hurricane and Gregory Helms. He is also known for his time with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) where he wrestled as "Sugar" Shane Helms.
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Hal McRae
Harold Abraham McRae (; born July 10, 1945 in Avon Park, Florida) is a former left fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Cincinnati Reds (1968, 1970–72) and Kansas City Royals (1973–87). Utilized as a designated hitter for most of his career, McRae batted and threw right-handed. He was formerly the hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals. He is the father of former major league outfielder Brian McRae, and his son Cullen McRae is the Florida Marlins video coordinator.
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Harley Race
Harley Leland Race (born April 11, 1943) is a retired American professional wrestler and current promoter and trainer. During his career as a wrestler, he amassed eight National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) World Heavyweight Championship reigns at a time when wrestlers rarely repeated as champion, and worked for all of the major wrestling promotions, including the NWA, the American Wrestling Association (AWA), the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He was the first NWA United States Heavyweight Champion. Race is one of six men inducted into each of the WWE Hall of Fame, the WCW Hall of Fame, the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.
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Harold Carmichael
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Herb Score
Herbert Jude Score (June 7, 1933 – November 11, 2008) was a Major League Baseball pitcher and announcer.
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Hermie Sadler
Herman Marion Sadler III (born April 24, 1969) is an American race car driver/announcer and professional wrestling promoter from Emporia, Virginia. He is also an advocate for autism research, as his daughter Hailie Dru, was diagnosed with the disorder in 2001. His younger brother Elliott Sadler is also a NASCAR driver.
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Hiro Saito
Hiroyuki Saito (born March 25, 1961 in Kawasaki, Japan) is a professional wrestler best known by the shortened name of .
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Hiroyoshi Tenzan
Hiroyoshi Yamamoto is a Japanese professional wrestler who currently works for New Japan Pro Wrestling, and is better known by his ring name Hiroyoshi Tenzan. With Satoshi Kojima, in 2008, they won the Real World Tag League in AJPW and the G1 Climax Tag League in NJPW becoming in the only tag team which has done it.
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Hornswoggle
Dylan Postl (born May 29, 1986) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring names Hornswoggle or Little Bastard. He is employed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), appearing on its SmackDown brand. In WWE, he was the last Cruiserweight Champion before the belt was deactivated.
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Howard Finkel
Howard Finkel (born June 7, 1950) is a professional wrestling ring announcer currently working with World Wrestling Entertainment in a variety of roles. Hired in 1975 by Vincent J. McMahon's World Wide Wrestling Federation, "The Fink" was the first person brought in to Vincent K. McMahon's nascent World Wrestling Federation and is widely credited as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)'s first and longest lasting employee.
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Hubert Green
Hubert Myatt Green (born December 28, 1946) is an American professional golfer who has won numerous professional golf tournaments at both the PGA Tour and Champions Tour level.
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Hugh Culverhouse
Hugh Franklin Culverhouse, Sr. (1919 – August 26, 1994) was the longtime owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was a successful tax lawyer, and his real estate investments made him one of the nation's wealthiest men. He owned the Buccaneer franchise from its inception until his death, and became one of the most influential team owners in the NFL, even while his teams were rarely competitive on the field. Initially lauded for bringing professional football to the Tampa Bay area, he eventually came to be blamed for the team's struggles.
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Hugh Durham
Hugh Durham (born October 26, 1937) is the first and only coach in the history of NCAA Division I basketball to lead two different schools to the NCAA Final Four for the first and only time in each school's history (Florida State University - 1972; University of Georgia - 1983). No other coach in either school's history has been able to duplicate Durham's achievements.
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Hulk Hogan
Terry Gene Bollea (born August 11, 1953), better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, is an American professional wrestler, actor, television personality, and musician currently signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).
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Hurley Haywood
Hurley Haywood (born May 4, 1948 in Chicago) is an American race-car driver who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1977 (Porsche 936), 1983 (Porsche 956) and 1994 (Dauer 962 Le Mans) and is the most successful driver at the 24 Hours of Daytona with 5 wins (1973, 1975, 1977, 1979, and 1991). He won the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1973 and 1981. He also drove in the 1980 Indianapolis 500 finishing 18th. He also represented IMSA four times in the International Race of Champions (1986, 1989, 1992, 1995). In 1970, he was drafted into the Vietnam War where he served as Specialist 4. By the time he returned from his tour of duty, he returned to his winning ways with his first IMSA GT title in 1971.
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Héctor Guerrero
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Iron Sheik
Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri (born March 15, 1943) is a retired Iranian professional wrestler and actor better known by his ring name The Iron Sheik. He is known for ending the near six year World Wrestling Federation Championship reign of Bob Backlund and for being the man Hulk Hogan defeated for his first WWF Championship.
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Irv Gotti
Irv Gotti (born Irving Lorenzo on June 26, 1970) is a prominent hip hop and R&B; record producer and is the head and founder of The Inc record label. He is known for producing many hit rap songs such as Jay-Z's "Can I Get A...", DMX's "What's My Name?", and Ja Rule's "Holla Holla". He chose the stage name Irv Gotti by naming himself after John Gotti.
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Ivan Koloff
"The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff (born Oreal Perras on August 25, 1942, Crysler, Ontario, Canada) is a former Canadian professional wrestler who once held the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship.
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Ivan Putski
Josef Bednarski (born January 21, 1941), is a Polish former professional wrestler and bodybuilder. He is known by the ring name Ivan Putski and was given the nickname "The Polish Hammer".
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Jack Brisco
Freddie Joe Brisco (September 21, 1941 – February 1, 2010), better known as Jack Brisco or Uvalde Slim, was an American professional wrestler who was popular during the 1970s, and into the 1980s. He performed for various territories of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), becoming a two-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, and multi-time NWA Tag Team Champion with his brother Gerald Brisco. Brisco was considered one of the top wrestlers of his era; in 2005, Don Leo Jonathan called him "probably the greatest champion of the 20th century."
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Jack Harding
Jack Harding (January 4, 1898 – February 2, 1963) was an American football, basketball, and baseball player and coach of football and baseball. He served as the head football coach at the University of Scranton from 1926 to 1936 and at the University of Miami from 1937 to 1942 and 1945 to 1947, compiling a career college football record of 103–69–12. He was also the head baseball coach at Miami in 1940 and 1959, tallying a mark of 16–14–1. Harding was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 1980.
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Jack Lanza
John "Jack" Lanza (born October 14, 1935) is a retired professional wrestler. He was one half of The Blackjacks with Blackjack Mulligan in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) and World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). He is currently a producer in WWE. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006.
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Jack McClairen
Jack McClairen (born March 2, 1931 in Panama City, Florida) is a former American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL.
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Jack Nicklaus
Jack William Nicklaus (born January 21, 1940), also known as "The Golden Bear", is an American professional golfer. With the most victories in major championships (18), he was continuously ranked as the world's number one golfer on McCormack's World Golf Rankings from its inception in 1968 to 1977. Having won seven professional major titles between 1962 and 1967, he would likely have been considered number one in some of those years as well (a period when he, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player vied for that status in public acclaim as The Big Three). After 1978, while much younger players such as Tom Watson and Seve Ballesteros came to be ranked higher than him, Nicklaus continued to regularly challenge for and indeed win many major titles until 1986, making a full quarter-century in which he competed at the very highest level of his sport. Indeed, over the course of this 25-year period of 100 major championships as a professional, Nicklaus finished either first or second 36 times, in the top three 45 times, the top five 54 times, and the top 10 67 times. Nicklaus and the other 45 major championship winners during this period combined for a total of 119 major championship victories, 704 official PGA Tour wins, and over 825 additional individual professional victories (excludes Champions Tour events, etc.). While other marquee players such as Nick Faldo, Tom Kite, Nick Price, Payne Stewart, and Curtis Strange were winning numerous tournaments worldwide, they had yet to break through with major wins prior to 1987, but proved to be on the verge of doing so. These facts make this period arguably the most competitive in the history of professional golf and illustrate Nicklaus' ability and durability over time.
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Jack Youngblood
Herbert Jackson "Jack" Youngblood, III (born January 26, 1950) is a former American professional football player who was a defensive end for 14 years for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. He was a five-time consensus All-Pro and a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Youngblood graduated from the University of Florida, was an All-America selection, and is considered among the best players Florida ever produced—one of only five Gators to be named to the Gator Football Ring of Honor and inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
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Jake Gaither
Alonzo Smith "Jake" Gaither (April 11, 1903–February 18, 1994) was the head football coach at Florida A&M; University (FAMU) for 25 years, and amassed one of the best winning records of any college football coach.
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James Dudley
James Dudley born (May 12, 1910 – June 1, 2004) was an American baseball player, professional wrestling manager, and professional wrestling executive. He played Negro league baseball for nine years but is best known for his time with World Wide Wrestling Federation. Dudley was the first African-American to run a major United States arena (Turner's Arena in Washington, D.C.). He worked with four generations of wrestling's McMahon family and was particularly close with Vincent J. McMahon. At age 74, he was put back on the company's payroll to show appreciation for his work for the McMahons. He also managed several wrestlers in the WWWF and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1994.
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James J. Dillon
James J. "J.J." Dillon (born James Morrison on June 26, 1942) is a former professional wrestler and manager.
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James Storm
James Allan Black (born June 1, 1977) is an American professional wrestler who competes under the ring name James Storm. He is currently contracted with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling where he is a former 10-time Tag Team champion having won the NWA World Tag Team Championship seven times and the TNA World Tag Team Championship three times.
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Jason Reso
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Jay Leno
James Douglas Muir "Jay" Leno (; born April 28, 1950) is an American stand-up comedian and television host.
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Jeff Hardy
Jeffrey "Jeff" Nero Hardy (born August 31, 1977) is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he is the reigning TNA World Heavyweight Champion. He is best known for his time in the World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWE).
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Jeff Jarrett
Jeffrey Leonard Jarrett (born July 14, 1967) is an American professional wrestler and wrestling promoter. He is currently signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), an organization he co-founded along with his father and in which he holds minority stock. He is well-known from his multiple runs in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) during the 1990s.
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Jeremy Borash
Jeremy Borash (born July 19, 1974 in Minneapolis, Minnesota), is an American professional wrestling play-by-play commentator, announcer, ring announcer, booker, interviewer, producer and website designer. He was heavily involved in World Championship Wrestling, the now defunct World Wrestling All-Stars promotion, and has been a very influential staff member of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling since its inception in 2002. He is a member of the TNA creative team and is the host of TNA Today.
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Jerome Brown
Jerome Brown (February 4, 1965 – June 25, 1992) was an American football defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. He played his entire five-year NFL career with the Eagles from 1987 to 1991, before his death just before the 1992 season. He was selected to two Pro Bowls in 1990 and 1991. He played college football at Miami.
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Jerry Lawler
'''Jerry O'Neil Lawler (born November 29, 1949) is an American professional wrestler, wrestling commentator, musician, businessman, commercial artist and film actor, known throughout the wrestling world as Jerry "The King" Lawler'''. He is currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), working and wrestling on its Raw brand as the color commentator. He also wrestles and occasionally commentates for the Memphis Wrestling promotion.
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Jesse Ventura
James George Janos (born July 15, 1951) is an American politician, former governor of Minnesota, Navy UDT veteran, actor, and former radio and television talk show host. As a professional wrestler, he is best known for his nickname, Jesse "The Body" Ventura, and tenure in the World Wrestling Federation as a combatant and color commentator. In 2004, he was inducted into the company's Hall of Fame.
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Jim Courier
http://wn.com/Jim_Courier -
Jim Dooley
James William Dooley (February 8, 1930 – January 8, 2008) was a former American football player and coach. He is best remembered for his tenure in both capacities with the National Football League's Chicago Bears.
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Jim Duggan
James Stuart Duggan (born January 14, 1954), better known by his ring name "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, is an American professional wrestler. He is best known for his time with World Wrestling Entertainment in the 1980s, when it was known as World Wrestling Federation (WWF), and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). His best known character is that of an American patriot, which sees him use a 2x4 length of wood as a weapon, the battle cry "Hooo!" and the U-S-A! cheer. During his time in WWE he was the oldest active wrestler after Ric Flair retired in 2008.
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Jim Kelly
James Edward Kelly (born February 14, 1960 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills and the USFL's Houston Gamblers.
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Jim Rathmann
Jim Rathmann (born Royal Richard Rathmann July 16, 1928 from Alhambra, California) is a former American race car driver who won the Indianapolis 500 in 1960.
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Jim Ross
James "Jim" Ross (born January 3, 1952 ) was a professional wrestling commentator, restaurateur, and former company executive of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). He worked behind-the-scenes for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) dealing with many aspects of talent relations including talent payroll, scouting and talent development. To many peers, Ross is considered to be the best wrestling announcer of all time and has been called the voice of WWE. He is known affectionately as "good ol" J.R., or simply J.R., to his fans.
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Jim Steinman
James Richard "Jim" Steinman (born November 1, 1947) is an American record producer, composer and lyricist, responsible for several hit songs. He has also worked as an arranger, pianist, and singer. His work has included songs in the adult contemporary, rock and roll, dance, pop, musical theater, and film score genres.
http://wn.com/Jim_Steinman -
Jimmy Carnes
Jimmy Carnes (born 1935) is a former American track & field athlete, coach and administrator. A successful coach at the high school, college and international levels, Carnes compiled a 161–11 career dual meet record, highlighted by four college conference championships and six state high school championships. Carnes was the head coach of the U.S. Olympic track & field team and the Florida Gators track & field team, the founder of the Florida Track Club, and a member of the U.S. Track & Field Hall of Fame.
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Jimmy Hart
Jimmy Ray Hart (born January 1, 1944) is a professional wrestling manager, executive, composer, and musician best known for his work in the World Wrestling Federation and World Championship Wrestling under his nickname The Mouth of the South. He has managed many professional wrestlers, including Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, Jim Neidhart, Jerry "The King" Lawler, Ted DiBiase, and The Honky Tonk Man. He is also a one-time AWA Southern Heavyweight Champion. He is currently working for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.
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Jimmy Snuka
James William Reiher (born May 18, 1943) is a semi-retired Fijian professional wrestler and actor, better known by his ring name of Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka. Originally from the Fiji Islands, Snuka wrestled for several wrestling promotions in the 1970s and 1980s. He is best known for his time in the World Wrestling Federation in the early to mid-'80s, and is credited with being the first ECW Heavyweight Champion, and introducing the high-flyer style of wrestling to the WWF. His son James Jr. is also a professional wrestler, who has wrestled in the WWE as both Deuce and Sim Snuka. His daughter Sarona is also a wrestler.
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JoAnne Carner
JoAnne Gunderson Carner (born April 4, 1939) is a former American professional golfer. Her 43 victories on the LPGA Tour led to her induction in the World Golf Hall of Fame. She is the only woman to have won the U.S. Girls' Junior, U.S. Women's Amateur, and U.S. Women's Open titles, and was the first person ever to win three different USGA championship events. Tiger Woods is the only man to have won the equivalent three USGA titles. Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Carol Semple Thompson have also won three different USGA titles.
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Joe Robbie
http://wn.com/Joe_Robbie -
Joe Scarpa
Joseph Luke Scarpa (born 1928) is a former professional wrestler who was best known by his famous ring moniker, Chief Jay Strongbow. Scarpa portrayed a Native American wrestler, who wore a traditional headdress to the ring and would "go on the warpath" when the fans started cheering him on against an opponent.
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John Cena
John Felix Anthony Cena, Jr. (; born April 23, 1977) is an American actor, rapper, and professional wrestler employed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on its Raw brand, where he is a member of The Nexus.
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John Hill (wrestler)
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John Layfield
John Charles Layfield (born November 29, 1966) is an American Retired professional wrestler and a current commentator/host for mixed martial arts promotion Vyper Fight League. Layfield is best known by his ring names, Bradshaw, John "Bradshaw" Layfield or JBL from his time in World Wrestling Entertainment, where he is the longest reigning WWE Champion in SmackDown history with a reign lasting 280 days.
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John Pennel
http://wn.com/John_Pennel -
John Philip Sousa
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John Tenta
John Anthony Tenta (June 22, 1963 – June 7, 2006) was a Canadian professional wrestler, known for his work in the World Wrestling Federation as Earthquake and later Golga, and in World Championship Wrestling as Avalanche and The Shark.
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Johnny Rodz
Johnny Rodriguez (born May 16, 1938) is a retired American professional wrestler. He has previously worked as a professional wrestler under the ring name Johnny Rodz.
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Jon Heidenreich
John Heidenreich (born June 28, 1969) is an American professional wrestler of Austrian descent, better known simply as Heidenreich. He is currently working for various independent wrestling promotions, including Nu-Wrestling Evolution and One Pro Wrestling. He is best known for his tenure with World Wrestling Entertainment, where he was a one time WWE Tag Team Champion with Road Warrior Animal as a part of the Road Warriors.
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Jules Strongbow
:This article is about the 1980s-era pro wrestler. There was another Jules Strongbow, who wrestled in the 1930s and promoted in California through the 1950s.
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Julian Jackson
Julian Jackson (born September 12, 1960) is a former professional boxer and former three-time world champion of the middleweight & junior middleweight division. Born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Jackson is considered to be one of the hardest pound-for-pound punchers of all time . His nickname is "The Hawk." The Virgin Island's Jackson family has a boxing legacy as it includes Peter Jackson. He was ranked #25 on Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time
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Julius Boros
Julius Nicholas Boros (March 3, 1920 – May 28, 1994) was a Hungarian-American professional golfer.
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Junji Hirata
is a Japanese professional wrestler who wrestles for the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion, and currently uses the ring name Super Strong Machine.
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Junkyard Dog
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Kane (wrestler)
Glenn Thomas Jacobs (born April 26, 1967) is an American professional wrestler and actor better known by his ring name, Kane. He is working for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), signed to its SmackDown brand, where he is the reigning World Heavyweight Champion.
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Karen Jarrett
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Karl Istaz
Karl Istaz (August 3, 1924 - July 28, 2007) was a professional wrestler and trainer born in Antwerp, Belgium, best known by his ring name Karl Gotch. The German suplex is named after Gotch.
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Karl Malone
MedalCountry|
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Katarina Waters
Katarina Waters (born November 10, 1980) is a German-born English professional wrestler and valet. She is best known for her time in World Wrestling Entertainment, performing on its Raw brand under the ring name Katie Lea. Prior to signing with WWE, she spent many years on the independent circuit, particularly in the Frontier Wrestling Alliance, where she used the ring name Nikita. After signing with WWE, she competed in their former developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling, where she became a two time Women's Champion before being called up to the main roster.
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Keiji Mutoh
is a Japanese professional wrestler who first gained international fame in the National Wrestling Alliance. He is mostly known for his work as The Great Muta in New Japan Pro Wrestling during the 1990s, but he has also competed in America, Puerto Rico, and Taiwan. He is the current President of All Japan Pro Wrestling, as well as being a full-time wrestler for the promotion since 2002, but is currently inactive due to a knee injury. Mutoh is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all-time, both in Japan and America.
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Ken Riley
Kenneth Jerome Riley (born August 6, 1947) is a former professional American Football defensive back who played his entire career for the Cincinnati Bengals, in the American Football League in 1969 and in the NFL from 1970 through 1983. Riley recorded 65 interceptions in his career, which was the fourth most in Pro Football history at the time of his retirement behind three members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame; Dick Lane, Emlen Tunnell and Paul Krause. But despite his accomplishments, Riley was never an exceptionally popular or well known player. In his 15 seasons, Riley was never once selected to play in the AFL All-Star Game or the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, and to this date has not been voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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Ken Shamrock
Kenneth Wayne Shamrock (born Kenneth Wayne Kilpatrick February 11, 1964) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, a UFC Hall of Famer and also a professional wrestler. Shamrock emerged as one of the biggest stars in the history of mixed martial arts, headlining over 15 main events and co-main events in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Pride Fighting Championships during the course of his career and set numerous pay per view records with his drawing power. Shamrock is widely considered to be a legendary figure and icon in the sport of mixed martial arts.
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Kerry Von Erich
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Kevin Eubanks
Kevin Tyrone Eubanks (born November 15, 1957 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American jazz guitarist and composer who was the leader of the Tonight Show Band with host Jay Leno from 1995 to 2010. He also led The Primetime Band on the short-lived The Jay Leno Show.
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Kevin Nash
Kevin Scott Nash (born July 9, 1959) is a retired American professional wrestler and actor, who most recently worked for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Nash has wrestled under various ring names, but is most notably known by his real name in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and in World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment (WWF/E), where he was known as Diesel in his first run with the company. Nash is a six-time world champion, having won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship five times and the WWF Championship once. He has achieved notable success in the tag team division as well, being a twelve-time world tag team champion: nine times in WCW, two times in WWF and once in TNA. He is also a one-time WWE Intercontinental Champion. He also won the WCW World War 3 battle royal in 1998. He is also one of the three founding members of the New World Order (nWo), along with Hulk Hogan and Scott Hall.
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King Curtis Iaukea
Curtis Piehau Iaukea, III (b. 1938) was a professional wrestler better known as King Curtis Iaukea. Iaukea won championships in several of the major regional US promotions, both as a single and in various tag team combinations, during the 1960s. He then competed in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) where he won the WWF Tag Team Championship. He was also later The Master of the Dungeon of Doom in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Under the name "Iau Kea" he appeared in the film The Three Stooges Go Around the World in a Daze with Moe Howard declaring "That's not a man! That's a committee!".
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King Kong Bundy
Chris Pallies (born November 7, 1957) is an American professional wrestler, stand-up comedian and actor, better known by his ring name, King Kong Bundy.
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Kofi Kingston
Kofi Sarkodie-Mensah (born on August 14, 1981), is a Ghanaian American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, Kofi Kingston, currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment working on the SmackDown brand. Since competing for WWE, he has won the Intercontinental Championship two times, the United States Championship once, and the World Tag Team Championship once with CM Punk.
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Koko B. Ware
James Ware (born June 20, 1957), better known by his ring name Koko B. Ware, is a semi-retired American professional wrestler who made his professional wrestling debut in 1979. He gained most of his popularity in the World Wrestling Federation when he was known as the Birdman. Ware came to the ring with a blue-and-yellow macaw parrot named Frankie, and would flap his arms like a bird while dancing before and after his matches. Before joining the WWF, Ware worked as a part of several tag teams, first with Bobby Eaton in Memphis and then later on with Norvell Austin as one half of the The P.Y.T. Express in several promotions.
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Konnan
http://wn.com/Konnan -
Kurt Angle
Kurt Steven Angle (born December 9, 1968) is an American professional wrestler, actor and 1996 Olympic gold medalist. He is currently under contract with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, where he is a former three-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion, and recognized by the promotion as a 13-time World Champion.
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Laila Ali
Laila Ali (born December 30, 1977 in Miami Beach, Florida) is a former professional boxer. She is the daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali and his third wife Veronica Porsche Ali. Laila has a total of eight brothers and sisters. She has six sisters and their names are Rasheeda, Jamilla, Maryum, Miya, Khalilah and Hana. And has two brothers and their names are Muhammed, Jr. and Asaad. Laila is the most successful out of all of her siblings. But her parents had very successful careers as well. Laila's father, Muhammad Ali, was one of the most popular and well known boxers. Laila's mother, Veronica Porsche Ali, was a formal model.
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Lance Storm
Lance Timothy Evers (born April 3, 1969) known professionally by his ring name Lance Storm, is a semi-retired Canadian professional wrestler. He is best known for his work in World Wrestling Entertainment, Extreme Championship Wrestling, and World Championship Wrestling. He runs a pro wrestling school, Storm Wrestling Academy, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Larry Csonka
Larry Richard Csonka (born December 25, 1946) is a former collegiate and professional American football fullback.
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Larry Little
Lawrence Chatmon Little (born November 2, 1945, in Groveland, Georgia) is a former guard in college and professional American football. He has been elected to the National Football League's Hall of Fame.
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Lee Corso
Leland "Lee" Corso (born August 7, 1935 ) is a sports broadcaster and football analyst for ESPN. He has been featured on ESPN's College GameDay program since its inception and he appeared annually as a commentator in EA Sports' NCAA Football through NCAA Football 10. In the off season, Corso serves as Director of Business Development for Dixon Ticonderoga, a Florida based pencil manufacturing company. Corso played college football at Florida State University. He served as the head football coach at the University of Louisville (1969–1972), Indiana University (1973–1982), and Northern Illinois University (1984), compiling a career college football record of 73–85–6. Corso was also the head coach of the United States Football League's Orlando Renegades in 1985.
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Lee Roy Selmon
Lee Roy Selmon (born October 20, 1954 in Eufaula, Oklahoma) is a Hall of Fame former NFL football defensive lineman. He is the youngest of nine children of Lucious and Jessie Selmon, raised on a farm near Eufaula, Oklahoma.
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Lesnar
http://wn.com/Lesnar -
Lew Burdette
http://wn.com/Lew_Burdette -
Lex Luger
Lawrence "Larry" Wendell Pfohl (pronounced "Foal") (born June 2, 1958), best known by his ring name Lex Luger, is an American former professional wrestler and football player. He is best known for his work with the National Wrestling Alliance, World Championship Wrestling, and the World Wrestling Federation. In professional wrestling, Luger is a three-time world champion having held the WCW World Heavyweight Championship two times, and the WWA World Heavyweight Championship once. Most recently, Luger has been traveling to various churches and giving his testimony about his life decision of becoming a born again Christian.
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Lisa Marie Varon
Lisa Marie Varon (born February 10, 1971), is an American professional wrestler, bodybuilder and fitness competitor of Puerto Rican and Turkish descent. Varon is best known for her time in World Wrestling Entertainment under the ringname Victoria, where she is a former two-time WWE Women's champion and for her current tenure in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling under the ringname Tara, where she is a former four-time TNA Women's Knockout Champion.
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Lou Albano
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Lou Ferrigno
Louis Jude "Lou" Ferrigno (born November 9, 1951) is an American actor, fitness trainer/consultant, and retired professional bodybuilder. Ferrigno won an IFBB Mr. America title and two consecutive IFBB Mr. Universe titles. He appeared in the television series The Incredible Hulk (playing David Banner's bulky alter ego, the Hulk), the bodybuilding documentary Pumping Iron, European-produced fantasy-adventures including Sinbad of the Seven Seas and Hercules, and most recently in the 2009 comedy I Love You, Man. He had a recurring role, as himself, in the sitcom The King of Queens.
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Lyn St. James
Lyn St. James (born Evelyn Gene Cornwall on March 13, 1947 in Willoughby, Ohio) is a retired professional IndyCar driver with 8 CART and 5 Indy Racing League starts to her name. She is just one of seven women who successfully qualified for the Indianapolis 500, and became the first woman to win the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year award. She also has two victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona, 1 win at the 12 Hours of Sebring, and competed twice at the 24 Hours of LeMans. She founded the 501c3 Women in the Winner's Circle Foundation in 1994 and is a motivational speaker.
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Mae Young
Johnnie Mae Young (born March 12, 1923) is a mostly retired female professional wrestler and is currently a WWE Ambassador. Beginning in 1999, Young had a high-profile "second career" in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Young, along with best friend The Fabulous Moolah were a part of the WWF/WWE family by making occasional appearances on WWE television.
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Marcelino Huerta
Marcelino "Chelo" Huerta, Jr. (October 31, 1927 – October 8, 1985) was an American college football player and head coach. Huerta played college football at the University of Florida, and he was later the head football coach of the University of Tampa, University of Wichita (later known as Wichita State University) and Parsons College.
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Mark "Slick" Johnson
Mark "Slick" Johnson is an American professional wrestling referee.
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Mark Madden
Mark Madden (born December 29, 1960) is a radio sports talk-show host in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and also a former-World Championship Wrestling television commentator.
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Marty Jannetty
Frederick Marty Jannetty (born February 3, 1962) is an American professional wrestler, best known for his time in the World Wrestling Federation as part of tag team The Rockers with partner Shawn Michaels, and later as a singles competitor. While in the WWF, he became a one-time Intercontinental Champion and one-time Tag Team Champion with the 1-2-3 Kid. With Michaels, The Rockers became two-time World Tag Team Champions in the American Wrestling Association.
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Mary Wise
Mary Wise (born August 1959) is an American college volleyball coach, former player and author. Wise is currently the head coach of the Florida Gators volleyball team that represents the University of Florida located in Gainesville, Florida. In her nineteen years at Florida, Wise has compiled a 578–61 (.905) record, won eighteen consecutive Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular season titles (1991–2008) and twelve SEC Tournament titles, and the Gators have made nineteen consecutive trips to the NCAA tournament, including seven final four appearances and an appearance in the 2003 National Championship final. Wise is a past president of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).
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Masa Saito
(born February 1, 1942) is a former Japanese professional wrestler better known as Mr. Saito or . He wrestled for several years in various promotions operated by the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). He later joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where he teamed with Mr. Fuji to hold the World Tag Team Championship twice. He also won the AWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1990. In Japan, Saito wrestled for both All Japan Pro Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling. Saito gained notoriety for his arrest after throwing a boulder through the window of a McDonald's restaurant in Waukesha Wisconsin and for a match wrestled against Antonio Inoki on a deserted island in Japan.
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Matt Hardy
Matthew "Matt" Moore Hardy (born September 23, 1974) is an American professional wrestler. He is currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment, on the SmackDown brand.
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Maurice Vachon
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Michael Irvin
Michael Jerome Irvin (born March 5, 1966) is a former American football player for the Dallas Cowboys, and actor. He is also a former broadcaster for ESPN's NFL Countdown and currently an analyst for NFL Network. Irvin was self-nicknamed "The Playmaker" due to his penchant for making big plays in big games during his college career. In 2007, he was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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Michelle Akers
Football biography 2
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Mick Foley
Michael Francis "Mick" Foley, Sr. (born June 7, 1965) is an American actor, author, comedian, voice actor, and professional wrestler.
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Mikael Judas
:This article is about the professional wrestler, Michael Cole. For the WWE announcer, see Michael Cole.
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Mike Rotunda
Lawrence Michael Rotunda (born March 30, 1958) is a former American professional wrestler, perhaps best known under the name Irwin R. Schyster or I.R.S. for short. He is currently signed with World Wrestling Entertainment working as a road agent and making occasional appearances on WWE shows as Irwin R. Schyster.
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Mike Tenay
Michael William "Mike" Tenay (born August 15, 1954) is a professional wrestling play-by-play announcer currently employed by Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). Prior to signing with TNA in 2002, he had a notable tenure with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) from 1994-2001. Known by the nickname "The Professor", Tenay is a highly respected historian of professional wrestling due to his extensive knowledge of the business. Current TNA Executive Producer and former WCW president Eric Bischoff has described Tenay as "a walking encyclopedia of knowledge."
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Mike Tyson
Michael Gerard "Mike" Tyson (born June 30, 1966) is an American boxer. Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion and holds the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles. He won the WBC title when he was 20 years, 4 months and 22 days old, after defeating Trevor Berbick by a TKO in the second round.
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Mikel Scicluna
"Baron" Mikel Scicluna (July 29, 1929 – March 20, 2010) was a Maltese-born professional wrestler who gained his fame during the 1960s and 1970s.
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Mil Máscaras
http://wn.com/Mil_Máscaras -
Miss Elizabeth
http://wn.com/Miss_Elizabeth -
Monica Seles
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Mr. Fuji
Harry Fujiwara (born May 4, 1935) is an American former professional wrestler and manager, best known by his ring name Mr. Fuji. He was infamous for often throwing salt in the eyes of face wrestlers. Although he was billed as Japanese, he is a Japanese-American born in Hawaii.
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Mr. T
Mr. T (born Laurence Tureaud; May 21, 1952) is an American actor known for his roles as B. A. Baracus in the 1980s television series The A-Team, as boxer Clubber Lang in the 1982 film Rocky III, and for his appearances as a professional wrestler. Mr. T is also well-known for his distinctive mohawk hairstyle, for wearing large amounts of gold jewelry, and for his tough guy image. In 2006 he starred in the reality show I Pity the Fool, shown on TV Land, the title of which comes from his catchphrase from Rocky III.
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Muhammed Lawal
http://wn.com/Muhammed_Lawal -
Nancy Hogshead
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Nat Moore
Nathaniel "Nat" Moore (born September 19, 1951) is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for thirteen seasons in the 1970s and 1980s. Moore played college football at the University of Florida, and thereafter, he played professionally for the Miami Dolphins of the NFL. He is best known as a favorite passing target of Dolphins quarterbacks Bob Griese and Dan Marino.
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Newt Perry
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Nick Aldis
Nicholas Harry "Nick" Aldis (born November 6, 1986) is an English professional wrestler and actor. He is currently working for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling under the ring name Magnus, where he is a one time World Tag Team Champion with Doug Williams. Aldis also appeared on the United Kingdom revival of Gladiators, where he was known by the name Oblivion.
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Nick Bockwinkel
Nicholas Warren Francis "Nick" Bockwinkel (born December 6, 1934) is a retired American professional wrestler. He mainly competed in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) in the United States. He is a former multi-time AWA World Heavyweight Champion and co-holder of the AWA World Tag Team Championship.
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Nick Bollettieri
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Nick Buoniconti
Nicholas Anthony Buoniconti (born December 15, 1940) is a former American Football League and NFL Hall of Fame middle linebacker, who played for the Boston Patriots and Miami Dolphins.
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Nick Dinsmore
Nicholas Colinius Bobowski "Nick" Dinsmore (born December 17, 1975) is an American professional wrestler. He is best known for his work for World Wrestling Entertainment.
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Nick Hamilton
Joseph Nicholas Patrick Hamilton Jr. (born on November 9, 1959), better known by his ring name Nick Patrick, is a professional wrestling referee. He is a former referee for World Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment. He has also served as head referee for former WWE developmental territory Deep South Wrestling until that company's closing, and is former head referee for Florida Championship Wrestling.
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Nick Hogan
Nicholas Allan Bollea (born July 27, 1990), also known as Nick Hogan, is an American reality personality, best known as the son of semi-retired professional wrestler Hulk Hogan and for his appearances on the reality show Hogan Knows Best (and its spinoff, Brooke Knows Best) alongside his father, mother Linda, and older sibling Brooke.
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Nicole Haislett
Nicole Lea Haislett Bacher (born December 16, 1972) is a former American college and international swimmer who was an eight-time American national college champion and a three-time Olympic gold medalist.
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Nigel McGuinness
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Nikolai Volkoff
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ODB (wrestler)
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Orlando Jordan
Orlando Jordan (born July 10, 1971) is an American professional wrestler, currently signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Jordan is best known for his tenure in World Wrestling Entertainment, where he was a one-time United States Champion.
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Otis Birdsong
Otis Lee Birdsong (born December 9, 1955 in Winter Haven, Florida) is an American former professional basketball player. He spent twelve seasons (1977–1989) in the NBA and appeared in four NBA All-Star Games.
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Ottis Anderson
Ottis Jerome "O.J." Anderson (born January 19, 1957) is a former American football running back. He was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press (AP) with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1979, and the MVP of Super Bowl XXV in 1991 when playing with the New York Giants.
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Owen Hart
http://wn.com/Owen_Hart -
Ox Baker
Douglas A. Baker (born April 19, 1934, Sedalia, Missouri) better known professionally as Ox Baker, is an American former professional wrestler and actor, and was feared for his dreaded finishing move, the Heart Punch, sometimes called the "Hurt Punch", after Baker's famous catchphrase "I LOVE to hurt people!" He has appeared in several movies including Blood Circus and Escape from New York.
http://wn.com/Ox_Baker -
Pancho Segura
Pancho Segura, born Francisco Olegario Segura (June 20, 1921, known as "Segoo"), was a leading tennis player of the 1940s and 1950s, both as an amateur and as a professional. In 1950 and 1952, as a professional, he was the World Co-No. 1 player. He was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, but moved to the United States in the late 1930s and is a citizen of both countries.
http://wn.com/Pancho_Segura -
Pat Barrett
Patrick "Pat" Barrett (born: September 4, 1941) is a former Irish professional wrestler who is best known for his time with NWA and WWWF. He has wrestled in many areas which include Ireland, Pacific Islands, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and United States of America.
http://wn.com/Pat_Barrett -
Pat Borders
Patrick Lance Borders (born May 14, 1963 in ) is a former catcher in Major League Baseball who is best remembered for being the Most Valuable Player in the 1992 World Series. Borders also won an Olympic Games gold medal with the United States' baseball team at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. He bats and throws right-handed.
http://wn.com/Pat_Borders -
Pat Bradley (golfer)
Pat Bradley (born March 24, 1951) is an American professional golfer. She became a member of the LPGA Tour in 1974 and won six major championships and 31 LPGA Tour events in all.
http://wn.com/Pat_Bradley_(golfer) -
Pat Summerall
George Allen "Pat" Summerall (born May 10, 1930 in Lake City, Florida) is a former American football player and television sportscaster, having worked at CBS, Fox, and ESPN.
http://wn.com/Pat_Summerall -
Patty Berg
http://wn.com/Patty_Berg -
Paul Azinger
Paul William Azinger (born January 6, 1960) is an American professional golfer and occasional on air golf analyst. He spent almost 300 weeks in the top-10 of the Official World Golf Rankings between 1988 and 1994.
http://wn.com/Paul_Azinger -
Paul Orndorff
Paul Parlette Orndorff, Jr. (born October 29, 1949) is a retired American professional wrestler, best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation and World Championship Wrestling as "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff. After retiring, Orndorff worked as a wrestling trainer.
http://wn.com/Paul_Orndorff -
Paul Warfield
Paul Dryden Warfield (born November 28, 1942 in Warren, Ohio) is a former professional American football wide receiver in the 1960s and 1970s known for his speed, fluid moves, grace, jumping ability and hands.
http://wn.com/Paul_Warfield -
Payne Stewart
http://wn.com/Payne_Stewart -
Pedro Morales
Pedro Morales (born October 22, 1942) is a retired Puerto Rican professional wrestler. He began his wrestling career as a teenager in 1959 and continued through to the late 1980s. Morales was the first man in wrestling history to win all three major men's titles in the World Wrestling Federation: the WWWF Heavyweight Championship, the Intercontinental Championship and the WWF World Tag Team Championship. Morales was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1995.
http://wn.com/Pedro_Morales -
People (magazine)
People (originally called People Weekly) is a weekly American magazine of celebrity and human-interest stories, published by Time Inc. As of 2006, it has a circulation of 3.75 million and revenue expected to top $1.5 billion. It was named "Magazine of the Year" by Advertising Age in October 2005, for excellence in editorial, circulation and advertising. People ranked #6 on Advertising Age's annual "A-list" and #3 on ''Adweek's'' "Brand Blazers" list in October 2006.
http://wn.com/People_(magazine) -
Perry Moss
Perry Moss (born August 4, 1926) in Tulsa, Oklahoma was an American college football head coach and former football player. Moss played tailback at the University of Tulsa and quarterback at Illinois during the 1940s. As a Tulsa tailback, he was on the Orange Bowl team that beat Georgia Tech, 26-12 in the 1945 Orange Bowl and later as an Illinois T-quarterback, he directed a Rose Bowl team which routed UCLA, 45-14, in 1947. Moss served two years in the United States Air Force between his playing time at Tulsa and Illinois. At Illinois, he was named to All-Big Ten and All-American teams. He was drafted in 1948 by theGreen Bay Packers in the 13th round (111th pick overall) and played at the professional level for one year before returning to Illinois as an assistant.
http://wn.com/Perry_Moss -
Pete Cooper (golfer)
Richard Bernice "Pete" Cooper (December 31, 1914 – October 8, 1993) was an American professional golfer on the PGA Tour in the 1940s and 1950s; he was best known for winning the 1976 PGA Seniors' Championship.
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Pete Rose
Peter Edward Rose (born April 14, 1941) is a former Major League Baseball player and manager. Rose played from 1963 to 1986, and managed from 1984 to 1989.
http://wn.com/Pete_Rose -
Pete Sampras
http://wn.com/Pete_Sampras -
Peter Maivia
http://wn.com/Peter_Maivia -
Pop Lloyd
http://wn.com/Pop_Lloyd -
Randy Orton
Randal Keith "Randy" Orton (born on April 1, 1980) is an American professional wrestler currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) wrestling on its Raw brand, where he is the reigning WWE Champion. Orton is a third-generation professional wrestler; his grandfather Bob Orton, Sr., father "Cowboy" Bob Orton, as well as his uncle Barry O, all competed in the professional wrestling industry.
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Ray Fernandez
http://wn.com/Ray_Fernandez -
Ray Graves
Samuel Ray Graves (born December 31, 1918) is a former American college and professional football player and college football coach. Graves is a native of Tennessee and an alumnus of the University of Tennessee, where he played college football. Graves is best known as the former head coach of the Florida Gators football team that represents the University of Florida.
http://wn.com/Ray_Graves -
Raymond Floyd
Raymond Loran "Ray" Floyd (born September 4, 1942) is an American professional golfer who has won numerous tournaments on both the PGA Tour and Champions Tour.
http://wn.com/Raymond_Floyd -
Red Barber
http://wn.com/Red_Barber -
René Goguen
http://wn.com/René_Goguen -
Rey Mysterio
http://wn.com/Rey_Mysterio -
Ric Flair
Richard Morgan Fliehr (born February 25, 1949) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Ric Flair. Also known as "The Nature Boy", Flair is one of the most well known professional wrestlers in the world.
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Rick Barry
Richard (Rick) Francis Dennis Barry III (born March 28, 1944, in Elizabeth, New Jersey) is a retired American professional basketball player. He is considered by many veteran basketball observers to be one of the greatest pure small forwards of all time as a result of his very precise outside shot, uncanny court vision, knowledge and execution of team defense principles, tenacious and ofttimes demanding will to win, and unorthodox but accurate underhanded free throw shooting. Barry is one of few elite players who altered their games without losing effectiveness; he broke into the professional ranks as a rebounder and all-purpose scorer before he became a primary ball distributor and lethal perimeter threat.
http://wn.com/Rick_Barry -
Rick Bognar
Richard "Rick" Bognar (born January 16, 1970) is a Canadian professional wrestler. He is best known as the "second" Razor Ramon who debuted in the World Wrestling Federation as a replacement for the original man to use the Ramon gimmick, Scott Hall.
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Rick Casares
Richard Jose "Rick" Casares (born July 4, 1931) is a former American college and professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL) for twelve seasons in the 1950s and 1960s. Casares played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he played professionally for the Chicago Bears and Washington Redskins of the NFL and the Miami Dolphins of the AFL.
http://wn.com/Rick_Casares -
Rick Martel
Richard Vigneault (born March 18, 1956) is a retired Canadian professional wrestler, best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) between 1980 and 1995 under the ring name Rick "The Model" Martel. He is also known for his two-year long reign as AWA World Heavyweight Champion.
http://wn.com/Rick_Martel -
Rick Rhoden
Richard Alan Rhoden (born May 16, 1953) is a professional golfer and was a Major League Baseball pitcher. During his 16 year baseball career, he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers (1974-1978), Pittsburgh Pirates (1979-1986) and Houston Astros (1989) of the National League; and the New York Yankees (1987-1988) of the American League.
http://wn.com/Rick_Rhoden -
Rick Rude
http://wn.com/Rick_Rude -
Ricky Steamboat
Richard Henry Blood (Born February 28, 1953), better known by his ring name Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, is an American professional wrestler who is one of the most well-known professional wrestlers of the late 1980s and early 1990s. He is currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment working as a road agent. He was well-known among wrestling fans as being one of the few wrestlers who stayed a babyface throughout his lengthy career. He is best known for his work with the American Wrestling Association (AWA), the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
http://wn.com/Ricky_Steamboat -
Rico Constantino
Americo Sebastiano Costantino (born October 1, 1961) is an American retired professional wrestler and wrestling manager of Italian origin. He is best known by his ring names Rico Costantino and Rico in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) from 2001 to 2004. He is currently an Airport Control Officer for the Nevada Taxi Cab Authority.
http://wn.com/Rico_Constantino -
Riki Choshu
http://wn.com/Riki_Choshu -
Rikishi (wrestler)
http://wn.com/Rikishi_(wrestler) -
Rip Sewell
Truett Banks "Rip" Sewell (May 11, 1907 - September 3, 1989) was a right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played 13 years in the major leagues with the Detroit Tigers (1932) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1938-1949). Sewell was selected four times to the National League All Star team (1943-1946) and is credited with inventing the "Eephus pitch."
http://wn.com/Rip_Sewell -
Road Warrior Animal
Joseph Aaron "Joe" Laurinaitis (born January 26, 1960) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring names, Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior. Along with Road Warrior Hawk, Laurinaitis was one-half of the tag team known as the Road Warriors.
http://wn.com/Road_Warrior_Animal -
Road Warrior Hawk
http://wn.com/Road_Warrior_Hawk -
Rob Conway
Robert Thomas Conway (born November 28, 1972), better known as Rob Conway, is an American professional wrestler and is best known for his seven year stint with World Wrestling Entertainment. He is currently wrestling on the independent circuit as Rob Conway.
http://wn.com/Rob_Conway -
Rob Strauss
Robert "Rob" Strauss (born October 1, 1983) is an American professional wrestler, currently signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling under the ring name Robbie E. He has also competed in Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic independent promotions under the ring name Rob Eckos, including Chaotic Wrestling, the East Coast Wrestling Association, Hardway Wrestling, Jersey All Pro Wrestling, the National Wrestling Alliance, Pro-Pain Pro Wrestling and Mikey Whipwreck's New York Wrestling Connection.
http://wn.com/Rob_Strauss -
Rob Van Dam
Robert Alexander "Rob" Szatkowski (born December 18, 1970), better known by his ring name Rob Van Dam (RVD), is an American professional wrestler and actor who is currently signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Szatkowski has held twenty-eight championships in various promotions during his career, and is a three-time world champion: a one-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion, one-time WWE Champion, and one-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion, and the only man to hold the ECW World Heavyweight Championship and WWE Championship simultaneously. Van Dam is the only man to hold the ECW, WWE, and TNA World Heavyweight titles in his career. He was also the winner of WWE's Money in the Bank ladder match in 2006.
http://wn.com/Rob_Van_Dam -
Robert Swenson
Robert Alexander Swenson, Jr., more commonly known as Jeep Swenson (January 5, 1957–August 18, 1997), was an American professional wrestler, stuntman, and actor.
http://wn.com/Robert_Swenson -
Rocky Johnson
Rocky Johnson (born Wayde Bowles on August 24, 1944) is a retired Canadian professional wrestler. Quite popular in his own right in the 1970s and 1980s, he is also known for being the father of actor and former wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. During his wrestling career he became a 1-time National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Georgia Champion and also became a 1-time NWA Southern Heavyweight Memphis Champion as well as winning many other championships. Along with his partner Tony Atlas, Johnson was a part of the first black tag team to win the World Tag Team championship in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
http://wn.com/Rocky_Johnson -
Roddy Piper
Roderick George Toombs (born April 17, 1954), better known by his ring name "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, is a Canadian former professional wrestler and film actor currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment. Though being Canadian, due to his Scottish heritage he was billed as coming from Glasgow, Scotland and was known for his signature kilt and bagpipe entrance music. He earned the nickname "Rowdy" by displaying his trademark "Scottish" rage, spontaneity and quick wit, and despite being a crowd favorite for his rockstar-like persona, often played the villain; he was also nicknamed "Hot Rod". He accumulated thirty-four championships in various promotions during his career. Piper was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
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Ron Simmons
Ron Simmons (born May 15, 1958) is an American semi-retired professional wrestler and retired American football player. He was the first of only two African Americans to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, along with Booker T.
http://wn.com/Ron_Simmons -
Rowdy Gaines
Ambrose ("Rowdy") Gaines IV (born February 17, 1959 in Winter Haven, Florida) is a former American swimmer, U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame member, Olympic three-time gold medalist, and member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. He is currently the chief fundraiser for USA Swimming as well as a swimming analyst for television networks ESPN and NBC including coverage of the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, his fourth as a TV commentator.
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Samoa Joe
:"King Joe" redirects here. For the monster, see King Joe (Ultra monster).
http://wn.com/Samoa_Joe -
Sarah Stock
Sarah Stock (born March 4, 1979) is a Canadian professional wrestler. She currently competes for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, where she is a former Knockout Tag Team Champion, under the ring name Sarita and for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) under the ring name Dark Angel. Stock has wrestled for many independent promotions throughout North America, facing both male and female wrestlers.
http://wn.com/Sarah_Stock -
Satoshi Kojima
is a Japanese professional wrestler and currently works as a freelancer in Japan. As a singles wrestler, he was the first wrestler to hold NJPW's IWGP Heavyweight Championship and AJPW's Triple Crown Championship simultaneously. As a team, he and Hiroyoshi Tenzan became the first team to won G1 Climax Tag League and World's Strongest Tag Team League on the same year. In New Japan Pro Wrestling, Kojima is the current IWGP Heavyweight Champion in his second reign.
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Scot Brantley
Scot Eugene Brantley (born February 24, 1958) is an American radio and television sports broadcaster and former college and professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons in the 1980s. Brantley played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he played professionally for the Tampa Buccaneers of the NFL.
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Scott Hall
Scott Oliver Hall born (October 20, 1958), is an American professional wrestler. In the course of his career, which has spanned over two decades, Hall has wrestled for the American Wrestling Association (AWA), the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), Juggalo Championship Wrestling (JCW), the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).
http://wn.com/Scott_Hall -
Sean Morley
Sean Allen Morley (born March 6, 1971) better known by his ring name Val Venis, is a Canadian professional wrestler. He is best known for his 11 year run in World Wrestling Entertainment, from 1998 to 2009 and most recently was employed by Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, where he was performing under his real name. Morley is currently performing for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre.
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Sean Waltman
Sean Michael Waltman (born July 13, 1972) is an American professional wrestler who most recently worked for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Waltman is best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/E) under the ring names 1-2-3 Kid and X-Pac, World Championship Wrestling (WCW) under the ring name Syxx and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) under the ring name Syxx-Pac and also under his real name.
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Seiji Sakaguchi
is a retired Japanese professional wrestler who was a mainstay of New Japan Pro Wrestling and also competed for the World Wide Wrestling Federation and the National Wrestling Alliance.
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Sgt. Slaughter
Robert Remus (born August 27, 1948) is an American former WWE personality, and semi-retired professional wrestler better known by the ring name Sgt. Slaughter. From the late 1970s to the early 1990s, Slaughter had success in the National Wrestling Alliance, American Wrestling Association, and World Wrestling Federation.
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Shannon Tweed
Shannon Lee Tweed (born March 10, 1957) is a Canadian actress and model. One of the most successful actresses of mainstream erotica, she is identified with the genre of the erotic thriller. Tweed currently lives with her longtime partner Gene Simmons of Kiss and they have two children.
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Shawn Daivari
Dara Daivari (born April 30, 1984) is an Iranian American professional wrestler, currently performing for Ring of Honor as Shawn Daivari. He is best known for his work with World Wrestling Entertainment as simply Daivari and with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling as Sheik Abdul Bashir.
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Shawn Hernandez
Shawn Hernandez (born February 11, 1973) is an American professional wrestler of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, better known by his ring names, "Hotstuff Hernandez" and "Hernandez".
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Shawn Michaels
Michael Shawn Hickenbottom (born July 22, 1965), better known by his ring name Shawn Michaels, is a former American professional wrestler. He performed for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), formerly the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), from 1988 until his retirement in 2010. He was considered one of WWE's senior performers, having performed for over 20 years.
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Sheamus
Stephen Farrelly () (born January 28, 1978) is an Irish professional wrestler and actor, best known by his ring names Sheamus and '''Sheamus O'Shaunessy'''. He is signed with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and competes on the Raw brand.
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Shelton Benjamin
Shelton James Benjamin (born July 9, 1975) is an American professional wrestler and former amateur wrestler best known for his time in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Benjamin has an amateur wrestling background, including wrestling in high school and at the University of Minnesota. In addition, Benjamin has acted as an assistant coach in amateur wrestling. He first spent time in Ohio Valley Wrestling, where he held the Southern Tag Team Championship four times. WWE then moved him to the main roster and put him into an alliance with Kurt Angle and Charlie Haas, known as Team Angle (and later the World's Greatest Tag Team). During his tenure with the company, he has won the Intercontinental Championship three times, the United States Championship once, and the WWE Tag Team Championship twice with Haas. He currently wrestles in WWC where he is the reigning WWC Universal Heavyweight Champion thus making him a one-time world champion.
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Sherri Martel
http://wn.com/Sherri_Martel -
Shirley Fry Irvin
Shirley June Fry Irvin (June 30, 1927) was a World No. 1 American female tennis player who was born in Akron, Ohio, United States.
http://wn.com/Shirley_Fry_Irvin -
ShoMiz
http://wn.com/ShoMiz -
Sid Eudy
Sidney Raymond "Sid" Eudy (born July 4, 1960) is an American professional wrestler, best known as Sid Vicious in World Championship Wrestling, and as Sid Justice and Sycho Sid in the World Wrestling Federation. He is a six-time world champion: a two-time WWF Champion, two-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, and two-time USWA Unified World Heavyweight Champion. In addition, he is a one-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion.
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Sika Anoa'i
'''Leati "Sika" Anoa'i''' (born April 5, 1945) is a former professional wrestler and a member of the Anoa'i family.
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SoCal Val
Valerie Elizabeth Wyndham (born March 27, 1986) is an American professional wrestling valet, better known by her ring name, SoCal Val. She is currently working for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.
http://wn.com/SoCal_Val -
Stan Stasiak
George Stipich (April 13, 1937 - June 19, 1997), better known by his ring name Stan Stasiak, was a Canadian professional wrestler and former World Wide Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Champion. He is the father of professional wrestler Shawn Stasiak.
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Stephanie McMahon
Stephanie Marie McMahon-Levesque (born September 24, 1976) better known by her maiden name Stephanie McMahon, is World Wrestling Entertainment's Executive Vice President, Creative Development & Operations., former professional wrestling valet and occasional wrestler. She is also the daughter of WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon and Linda McMahon, as well as the younger sister of Shane McMahon, and wife of American wrestler Paul Levesque (aka Triple H).
http://wn.com/Stephanie_McMahon -
Stephen C. O'Connell
'''Stephen Cornelius O'Connell''' (January 12, 1916 – April 13, 2001) was an American attorney, appellate judge and university president. O'Connell was a native of Florida, and earned bachelor's and law degrees before becoming a practicing attorney. He later was chosen to be a justice of the Florida Supreme Court from 1955 to 1967, and served as the sixth president of the University of Florida from 1967 to 1973.
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Steve Carlton
Steven Norman Carlton (born December 22, 1944) is a former left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball, from to . He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in . He was affectionately known to Philadelphia fans as "Lefty". He played the most number of years for the Philadelphia Phillies, receiving his greatest acclaim as a professional and winning four Cy Young Awards. In addition, Carlton spent time with the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, San Francisco Giants, Cleveland Indians and Minnesota Twins.
http://wn.com/Steve_Carlton -
Steve Garvey
Steven Patrick Garvey (born December 22, 1948) is a former Major League Baseball first baseman, and current Southern California businessman. Garvey was a one time NL MVP, 10 time All Star, and holds the National League record for consecutive games played (1207). He was nicknamed "Mr. Clean" because of the squeaky-clean image he held throughout his career in baseball.
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Steve Spurrier
Stephen "Steve" Orr Spurrier (born April 20, 1945) is an American college football coach and former professional coach, and former college and professional player. Spurrier is a native of Florida, graduated from high school in Tennessee, and is an alumnus of the University of Florida, where he played college football. He was a two-time All-American quarterback, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a player. Spurrier played professional football for the San Francisco 49ers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons in the 1960s and 1970s. He is best known for winning the Heisman Trophy in 1966, and for coaching the University of Florida Gators football team to six Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships and a consensus national championship in 1996. Spurrier is the current head coach of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks football team.
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Stu Hart
http://wn.com/Stu_Hart -
Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone (; born July 6, 1946), nicknamed Sly Stallone, is an American actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, and film director. Stallone is known for his machismo and Hollywood action roles. Two of the notable characters he has portrayed include boxer Rocky Balboa and soldier John Rambo. The Rocky and Rambo franchises, along with several other films, strengthened his reputation as an actor and his box office earnings.
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Tammy Lynn Sytch
Tamara Lynn Sytch (born December 7, 1972) is an American professional wrestling manager, personality and occasional wrestler. She achieved her greatest success as Sunny for the World Wrestling Federation during the 1990s, and is widely considered as one of the first Divas. She also performed under her own name in Extreme Championship Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling and Ring of Honor.
http://wn.com/Tammy_Lynn_Sytch -
Tatsumi Fujinami
is a Japanese professional wrestler who is famous for his gimmick as "The Dragon." He is the one who is credited for inventing the Dragon Sleeper and the Dragon Suplex. He is also the owner & founder of the Dradition wrestling promotion.
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Tatsutoshi Goto
http://wn.com/Tatsutoshi_Goto -
Tazz
Peter Senerchia (born October 11, 1967) is a retired American professional wrestler and current color commentator best known by his ring name Tazz, originally Tazmaniac and later shortened to simply Taz. He is currently signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.
http://wn.com/Tazz -
Ted DiBiase
http://wn.com/Ted_DiBiase -
Ted DiBiase, Jr.
Theodore Marvin "Ted" DiBiase, Jr. (born November 8, 1982) is an American professional wrestler and actor signed with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where he appears on its Raw brand as the Million Dollar Champion. He is a former two time World Tag Team Champion with his tag team partner, Cody Rhodes.
http://wn.com/Ted_DiBiase_Jr -
Ted Hendricks
Theodore (Ted) Paul Hendricks (born November 1, 1947 Guatemala City, Guatemala) is a Hall of Fame former American football linebacker who logged 15 seasons for the Baltimore Colts (1969-73), the Green Bay Packers (1974) and the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders (1975-83) in the National Football League. In 2007 he was named to the Florida High School Association All-Century Team which selected the Top 33 players in the 100 year history of high school football in the state of Florida's history.
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Ted Turner
Robert Edward "Ted" Turner III (born November 19, 1938) is an American media mogul and philanthropist. As a businessman, he is known as founder of the cable news network CNN, the first dedicated 24-hour cable news channel. In addition, he founded WTBS, which pioneered the superstation concept in cable television. As a philanthropist, he is known for his $1 billion gift to support UN causes, which created the United Nations Foundation, a public charity to broaden support for the UN. Turner serves as Chairman of the United Nations Foundation board of directors.
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Ted Williams
Theodore Samuel Williams (August 30, 1918 – July 5, 2002) was an American left fielder in Major League Baseball. He played 21 seasons with the Boston Red Sox, twice interrupted by military service as a Marine Corps pilot. Nicknamed The Kid, the Splendid Splinter, Teddy Ballgame, and The Thumper, he is widely considered one of the greatest hitters ever.
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Terry Funk
Terrence "Terry" Funk (born June 30, 1944) is an American professional wrestler and actor known chiefly for the hardcore wrestling style he adopted in the latter part of his career that inspired many younger wrestlers, including Mick Foley. Funk has appeared in the NWA, AWA, WWF/E, WCW, ECW, USWA, ROH, and TNA.
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The Fabulous Moolah
http://wn.com/The_Fabulous_Moolah -
The Miz
http://wn.com/The_Miz -
The Undertaker
Mark William Calaway (born March 24, 1965) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name The Undertaker. He is signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), currently wrestling on the SmackDown brand.
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Thea Trinidad
http://wn.com/Thea_Trinidad -
Tim Raines
Timothy Raines (born September 16, 1959 in Sanford, Florida), nicknamed "Rock",
http://wn.com/Tim_Raines -
Tino Martinez
Constantino "Tino" Martinez (born December 7, 1967 in Tampa, Florida) is a retired first baseman in Major League Baseball.
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Tito Santana
Merced Solis (born May 10, 1953) better known by his ring name Tito Santana, is an American professional wrestler whose heyday spanned from the late 1970s to the early 1990s, though he continues to appear on the independent circuit. He is best known from his time in the World Wrestling Federation. Competing almost exclusively in the WWF from 1979 to 1993, Solis helped bridge the gap between the 1980s "Rock 'n Wrestling Connection" era to the 1990s "New Generation" era. He also won the very first match in WrestleMania history.
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Tom Lister, Jr.
Tommy "Tiny" Lister (born Thomas Lister, Jr.; June 24, 1958) is a character actor and former wrestler known for his role as the neighborhood bully Deebo in the Friday trilogy series of movies. He also had a short-lived professional wrestling career, wrestling Hulk Hogan in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) after appearing as "Zeus" in Hogan's movie No Holds Barred. Lister is blind in his right eye.
http://wn.com/Tom_Lister_Jr -
Tom Nugent
Thomas N. "Tom" Nugent (February 24, 1913 – January 19, 2006) was an American college football coach and innovator, sportscaster, public relations man. He is credited with the invention of the I formation. Nugent served as the head football coach at Florida State University, the University of Maryland, and the Virginia Military Institute.
http://wn.com/Tom_Nugent -
Tommy Bolt
Thomas Henry "Tommy" Bolt (March 31, 1916 – August 30, 2008) was an American professional golfer.
http://wn.com/Tommy_Bolt -
Tommy Dreamer
Thomas James "Tom" Laughlin (born February 13, 1971) is an American professional wrestler better known by his ring name Tommy Dreamer. He is currently working for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and various promotions on the independent circuit. He is best known for his time spent with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Among other accolades, he is a fourteen-time WWF/E Hardcore Champion and a two-time world champion, having won the ECW World Heavyweight Champion twice. He is the only man to have won this title in both the original company and in the WWE relaunch.
http://wn.com/Tommy_Dreamer -
Tommy Mercer
http://wn.com/Tommy_Mercer -
Tonga Fifita
'''Tonga 'Uli'uli Fifita (born February 3, 1959) is a retired professional wrestler and actor, known for his appearances in both World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). In WCW, he wrestled under the name Meng; in the WWF, he wrestled under the names King Tonga, King Haku, and Haku'''.
http://wn.com/Tonga_Fifita -
Tony Atlas
Anthony White (born April 23, 1954) better known by his ring name "Tony Atlas" is a , bodybuilder, powerlifter, and professional wrestler who has held multiple titles and championships in each sport. He is also known by his bodybuilding title, "Mr. USA" (a distinction he earned three times), the nom de guerre the "Black Superman", as well as an alter ego named Saba Simba. He returned as an on screen manager for World Wrestling Entertainment, recently appearing on its now-defunct ECW brand.
http://wn.com/Tony_Atlas -
Tony Boselli
Don Anthony "Tony" Boselli, Jr. (born April 17, 1972 in Modesto, California) is a former American football offensive tackle. He spent nearly all of his professional career playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL).
http://wn.com/Tony_Boselli -
Torchy Clark
http://wn.com/Torchy_Clark -
Torrie Wilson
Torrie Anne Wilson (born July 24, 1975) is a retired American professional wrestler, fitness competitor and model. She is best known for her tenures in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where she worked on both their SmackDown and Raw brands through out her eight year run.
http://wn.com/Torrie_Wilson -
Tracy Caulkins
Tracy Anne Caulkins Stockwell, OAM, (born January 11, 1963) is a former American college and international swimmer, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and a former world record-holder.
http://wn.com/Tracy_Caulkins -
Triple H
Paul Michael Levesque (born July 27, 1969) is an American professional wrestler, actor and executive, better known by his ring name Triple H, an abbreviation of his former ring name, Hunter Hearst Helmsley. He is currently signed with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where he works as the senior advisor to Vince McMahon. He is also signed on the Raw brand as a wrestler but is currently inactive due to injury.
http://wn.com/Triple_H -
Tully Blanchard
Tully Arthur Blanchard (born January 22, 1954) is a semi-retired second generation American professional wrestler. He is best known as an original member of the Four Horsemen.
http://wn.com/Tully_Blanchard -
Velvet Sky
Jamie Szantyr (born June 2, 1981) is an American professional wrestler currently working for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling under the ring name Velvet Sky. She also works outside of TNA as Talia Madison.
http://wn.com/Velvet_Sky -
Verne Gagne
Verne Gagne (born February 26, 1926, Robbinsdale, Minnesota) is a former American professional wrestler, football player, and professional wrestling trainer and promoter. He was the former owner/promoter of the American Wrestling Association (AWA), based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which was the predominant promotion throughout the Midwest and Manitoba for many years. He remained in this position until 1991, when the company folded.
http://wn.com/Verne_Gagne -
Vince McMahon
Vincent Kennedy "Vince" McMahon Jr. (born August 24, 1945) is an American professional wrestling promoter, announcer, commentator, film producer and former occasional professional wrestler, and is often referred to as the archetypal wrestling magnate. McMahon currently serves as the chairman and CEO of professional wrestling promotion World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and is the majority shareholder of the company, holding approximately 88% of the total voting power within WWE. Upon acquiring World Championship Wrestling and Extreme Championship Wrestling, McMahon's WWE became the sole remaining major American professional wrestling promotion until the national expansion of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and Ring of Honor.
http://wn.com/Vince_McMahon -
Vince McMahon, Sr.
http://wn.com/Vince_McMahon_Sr -
Vinny Testaverde
Vincent Frank Testaverde (; born November 13, 1963 in Brooklyn, New York) is a former Italian-American quarterback who last played for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. Testaverde has previously played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, and the New England Patriots. He led the Jets to the AFC Championship game in 1998. Testaverde holds the NFL record for having thrown a touchdown pass in 21 consecutive seasons. Testaverde also holds the record for most losses by a starting quarterback with 123. In addition, he holds the NFL record for throwing touchdown passes to 70 different players. Also, he holds the second highest completion percentage in a single game during the regular season (at least 20 attempts) at 91.3% (21/23), in 1993 vs. the LA Rams (Kurt Warner is the first, with 24/26 for 92.3%). As a University of Miami quarterback, he won the Heisman Trophy in 1986.
http://wn.com/Vinny_Testaverde -
Wade Boggs
Wade Anthony Boggs (born June 15, 1958) is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Boston Red Sox. His hitting in the 1980s and 1990s made him a perennial contender for American League batting titles, in much the same way as his National League contemporary Tony Gwynn. Boggs was elected to the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. With 12 straight All-Star appearances, Boggs is third only to Brooks Robinson and George Brett in number of consecutive appearances as a third baseman. His finest season was 1987, when he set career highs in home runs (24), RBI (89), and slugging percentage (.588). He also batted .363 and had a .461 on-base percentage that year, leading the league in both statistics. In 1999, he ranked number 95 on the Sporting News list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, and was a nominee for the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.
http://wn.com/Wade_Boggs -
Wade Keller
Wade Keller (born May 22, 1971) is a wrestling columnist. He runs the Pro Wrestling Torch newsletter, widely regarded as one of the most influential newsletters in professional wrestling.
http://wn.com/Wade_Keller -
Warrior (wrestler)
:For a 1975 film, see The Ultimate Warrior (1975 film). For the South Korean film Ultimate Warrior, see Musa (film). For other uses, see Warrior (disambiguation).
http://wn.com/Warrior_(wrestler) -
Wayne Huizenga
Harry Wayne Huizenga (; born December 29, 1939 in Evergreen Park, Illinois) is an American businessman who grew Blockbuster Video, Waste Management, Inc., and AutoNation into successful companies. He is the former owner of the National Football League's Miami Dolphins, the National Hockey League's Florida Panthers and the Major League Baseball's Florida Marlins. He graduated from the Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1955 and is an alumnus of Calvin College located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
http://wn.com/Wayne_Huizenga -
Wes Chandler
Wesley Sandy "Wes" Chandler (born August 22, 1956) is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for eleven seasons in the 1970s and 1980s. Chandler played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he played professionally for the New Orleans Saints, the San Diego Chargers and the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL. After retiring as a player, Chandler has become a football coach, and most recently he was the offensive coordinator for the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League (UFL).
http://wn.com/Wes_Chandler -
William Calhoun
http://wn.com/William_Calhoun -
William Regal
Darren Kenneth Matthews (born May 10, 1968) also known by his ring names Steven Regal and William Regal, is a British professional wrestler, currently signed to the World Wrestling Entertainment, performing on its Raw brand.
http://wn.com/William_Regal -
Willie Galimore
Willie (The Wisp) Galimore (March 30, 1935 - July 27, 1964) was an American football running back for the Chicago Bears from 1957-1963. He attended Florida A&M; University, working with the legendary coach Jake Gaither. Galimore is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
http://wn.com/Willie_Galimore -
Yasuhiro Kojima
Yasuhiro Kojima (July 22, 1937 – November 27, 1999) was a professional wrestler and the trainer of Hulk Hogan, "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff, Lex Luger, Ron Simmons, Keiji Mutoh, and many other professional wrestlers. He was better known as Hiro Matsuda, an identity he adopted while competing in the southern U.S., inspired by earlier wrestlers Sorakichi Matsuda and Matty Matsuda. As a trainer, Matsuda was famous for being very stiff with his trainees to toughen them up and teach them to respect the business. His most famous story involved him being very tough on a young Hulk Hogan in his first day of training and breaking his leg. After Hogan healed, he came right back to Matsuda's school, looking to continue his training. Matsuda was so impressed by his display of "guts" that he trained him properly from that day on.
http://wn.com/Yasuhiro_Kojima -
Yokozuna (wrestler)
http://wn.com/Yokozuna_(wrestler) -
Yoshihiro Tajiri
, is a Japanese professional wrestler, perhaps best known for his appearances with Extreme Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment. He is currently competing in New Japan Pro Wrestling AND SMASH as TAJIRI.
http://wn.com/Yoshihiro_Tajiri
Hogan, Hulk Filmography
- The Epic Journey of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson (2012)
- Zombie Hamlet (2012)
- WWE Hall of Fame 2012 (2012)
- WWE: The Best of WCW Clash of the Champions (2012)
- Zombie Hamlet (2012)
- WWE: You Think You Know Me - The Story of Edge (2012)
- WWE: 50 Greatest Finishing Moves in WWE History (2012)
- Gnomeo & Juliet (2011)
- The True Story of WrestleMania (2011)
- Black River (2011)
- Randy Orton: The Evolution of a Predator (2011)
- WWE: OMG! - The Top 50 Incidents in WWE History (2011)
- Best of King of the Ring (2011)
- WWE: The Very Best of WCW Monday Nitro (2011)
- Big Show: A Giants World (2011)
- WWE: Best Cage Matches (2011)
- Spike TV VGA Video Game Awards (2011)
- WWE: Greatest Rivalries - Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart (2011)
- WWE: Shawn Michaels - My Journey (2010)
- WWE: Top 50 Superstars of All Time (2010)
- Saturday Night Live Presents: Sports All-Stars (2010)
- Comedy Central Roast of David Hasselhoff (2010)
- Breaking the Code: Behind the Walls of Chris Jericho (2010)
- Finding Hulk Hogan (2010)
- Hulkamania: Let the Battle Begin (2009)
- WWE: Macho Madness - The Randy Savage Ultimate Collection (2009)
- WWE: Legends of Wrestling (2009)
- Starrcade: The Essential Collection (2009)
- WWE: Hulk Hogan (2009)
- WWE: History of the World Heavyweight Championship (2009)
- WWE: Greatest Stars of the '90s (2009)
- The WWE: The Best of Saturday Night's Main Event (2009)
- Hulkamania: Let the Battle Begin (2009)
- Little Hercules in 3-D (2009)
- WWE: The Rise and Fall of WCW (2009)
- WWE: Allied Powers - The World's Greatest Tag Teams (2009)
- WWE: The Best of SmackDown - 10th Anniversary 1999-2009 (2009)
- WWE: The Best of SmackDown - 10th Anniversary 1999-2009 (2009)
- WWE: Survivor Series Anthology, Vol. 1 (2009)
- WWE: Summerslam - The Complete Anthology, Vol. 1 (2009)
- Saturday Night Live Sports Extra '09 (2009)
- WWE Summerslam: The Complete Anthology, Vol. 4 (2008)
- Viva la Raza: The Legacy of Eddie Guerrero (2008)
- Bigger Stronger Faster* (2008)
- WWE Edge: A Decade of Decadence (2008)
- The Life and Times of Mr. Perfect (2008)
- Gladiators Ready! - The Gladiators Story (2008)
- Triple H: King of Kings (2008)
- The Rock: The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment (2008)
- Nature Boy Ric Flair: The Definitive Collection (2008)
- WWE: Royal Rumble - The Complete Anthology, Vol. 1 (2007)
- Robot Chicken: Star Wars (2007)
- WWE Raw's 15th Anniversary Special (2007)
- WWE: John Cena - My Life (2007)
- WWE: The New & Improved DX (2007)
- WWE Draft Special (2007)
- Ric Flair & The Four Horsemen (2007)
- Summerslam (2006)
- TNA Wrestling: The 50 Greatest Moments (2006)
- 20 Years Too Soon: Superstar Billy Graham (2006)
- The Spectacular Legacy of the AWA (2006)
- WWE Cyber Sunday (2006)
- MTV Video Music Awards 2006 (2006)
- The American Dream: The Dusty Rhodes Story (2006)
- WWE Hall of Fame 2006 (2006)
- Brian Pillman: Loose Cannon (2006)
- WWE Great American Bash (2006)
- 75th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade (2006)
- WWE: The History of the WWE Championship (2006)
- Born to Controversy: The Roddy Piper Story (2006)
- 20 Greatest Celebreality Moments (2006)
- WWE Royal Rumble (2006)
- The Worlds Greatest Wrestling Managers (2006)
- Hulk Hogan: The Ultimate Anthology (2006)
- The Bret Hart Story: The Best There Is, Was, and Ever Will Be (2005)
- WWE Backlash (2005)
- WrestleMania 21 (2005)
- Remainder (2005)
- I Love the '90s: Part Deux (2005)
- XWF: In Your Face (2005)
- Hope Rocks: The Concert with a Cause (2005)
- Jake 'The Snake' Roberts: Pick Your Poison (2005)
- Luscious Johnny: The Wrestler (2005)
- Road Warriors: The Life and Death of Wrestling's Most Dominant Tag Team (2005)
- Saturday Night Live in the '80s: Lost & Found (2005)
- 2005 Taurus World Stunt Awards (2005)
- Summerslam (2005)
- WWE WrestleMania: The Complete Anthology, Vol. 4 (2005)
- WWE WrestleMania: The Complete Anthology, Vol. 2 (2005)
- WWE Wrestlemania: The Complete Anthology - Vol. 1 (2005)
- The 2005 Billboard Music Awards (2005)
- The Great American Bash (2005)
- WWE Unforgiven (2005)
- The Self Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior (2005)
- The Teen Choice Awards 2005 (2005)
- Tombstone: The History of the Undertaker (2005)
- VH1 Big in 05 (2005)
- WWE Legends: Greatest Wrestling Stars of the 80's (2005)
- WWE Hall of Fame 2005 (2005)
- 2004 Radio Music Awards (2004)
- Cheating Death, Stealing Life: The Eddie Guerrero Story (2004)
- WWE: The History of Wrestlemania I-IX (2004)
- The Monday Night War: WWE Raw vs. WCW Nitro (2004)
- I Love the '90s (2004)
- Sting: Moment of Truth (2004)
- The Rise & Fall of ECW (2004)
- John Cena: Word Life (2004)
- The Ultimate Ric Flair Collection (2003)
- WrestleMania XIX (2003)
- WWE No Way Out (2003)
- WWE Bloodbath: Wrestling's Most Incredible Steel Cage Matches (2003)
- WWE Judgment Day (2003)
- WWE: Brock Lesnar: Here Comes the Pain (2003)
- WWE Judgment Day (2002)
- WWE Velocity (2002)
- WWE Vengeance (2002)
- WWE Back in Black: NWO New World Order (2002)
- Hollywood Hulk Hogan: Hulk Still Rules (2002)
- WWF Backlash (2002)
- WWF No Way Out (2002)
- King of the Ring (2002)
- WrestleMania X8 (2002)
- WWE: Hardy Boyz - Leap of Faith (2001)
- WWE: Undertaker - This Is My Yard (2001)
- WCW Slamboree 2000 (2000)
- WCW Uncensored (2000)
- WCW the Great American Bash (2000)
- WCW SuperBrawl 2000 (2000)
- WCW Bash at the Beach (2000)
- Muppets from Space (1999)
- Shadow Warriors II: Hunt for the Death Merchant (1999)
- The Unreal Story of Professonal Wrestling (1999)
- Halloween Havoc (1999)
- WCW Uncensored (1999)
- WCW Fall Brawl (1999)
- WCW Road Wild '99 (1999)
- Shadow Warriors II: Hunt for the Death Merchant (1999)
- WCW Souled Out (1999)
- WCW Spring Stampede (1999)
- WCW SuperBrawl IX (1999)
- Shadow Warriors II: Hunt for the Death Merchant (1999)
- WCW Superstar Series: Goldberg - Who's Next? (1999)
- WCW Superstar Series: Mayhem (1999)
- WCW Superstar Series: Sting - Back in Black (1999)
- WCW Bash at the Beach (1998)
- McCinsey's Island (1998)
- WCW Thunder (1998)
- Sunday Night Heat (1998)
- WCW Uncensored (1998)
- Halloween Havoc (1998)
- SuperBrawl VIII (1998)
- WCW World War 3 (1998)
- 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain (1998)
- WCW Road Wild '98 (1998)
- The Ultimate Weapon (1998)
- WCW/NWO Superstar Series: Diamond Dallas Page - Feel the Bang! (1998)
- WCW Fall Brawl (1998)
- WCW Souled Out (1998)
- Jefftowne (1998)
- WCW: The Great American Bash (1998)
- Halloween Havoc (1997)
- Assault on Devil's Island (1997)
- nWo Souled Out (1997)
- Starrcade (1997)
- WCW Road Wild '97 (1997)
- WCW SuperBrawl VII (1997)
- WCW Uncensored (1997)
- MuchOnDemand (1997)
- Assault on Devil's Island (1997)
- Starrcade (1996)
- The Secret Agent Club (1996)
- The 18th Annual CableACE Awards (1996)
- Clash of the Champions XXXIII (1996)
- Halloween Havoc (1996)
- Santa with Muscles (1996)
- WCW Uncensored (1996)
- WCW SuperBrawl VI (1996)
- WCW Hog Wild (1996)
- WCW Fall Brawl 1996 (1996)
- WCW Bash at the Beach (1996)
- Clash of the Champions XXXII (1996)
- Spy Hard (1996)
- Halloween Havoc (1995)
- WCW Bash at the Beach (1995)
- Kids Against Crime (1995)
- Clash of the Champions XXX (1995)
- WCW Fall Brawl (1995)
- WCW Uncensored (1995)
- Thunder in Paradise 3 (1995)
- WCW SuperBrawl V (1995)
- WCW Slamboree 1995 (1995)
- Halloween Havoc (1994)
- WCW Bash at the Beach (1994)
- Thunder in Paradise II (1994)
- Starrcade (1994)
- Clash of the Champions XXVIII (1994)
- Clash of the Champions XXIX (1994)
- WrestleMania IX (1993)
- Mr. Nanny (1993)
- King of the Ring (1993)
- Circus of the Stars Gives Kids the World (1993)
- Thunder in Paradise (1993)
- The 1993 Annual Vision Awards (1993)
- Thunder in Paradise (1993)
- WWF Monday Night RAW (1993)
- Royal Rumble (1992)
- WrestleMania VIII (1992)
- This Tuesday in Texas (1991)
- Royal Rumble (1991)
- Survivor Series (1991)
- WWF UK Rampage '91 (1991)
- Suburban Commando (1991)
- Suburban Commando (1991)
- WrestleMania VII (1991)
- Hulkamania 6 (1991)
- Best of Saturday Night's Main Event (1991)
- Summerslam (1991)
- Stories from Growing Up (1991)
- Happy Birthday, Bugs!: 50 Looney Years (1990)
- Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
- WrestleMania VI (1990)
- WWF: Wrestlefest '90 (1990)
- Sinatra 75: The Best Is Yet to Come (1990)
- Survivor Series (1990)
- Royal Rumble (1990)
- Summerslam (1990)
- WrestleMania V (1989)
- Survivor Series (1989)
- Summerslam (1989)
- Royal Rumble (1989)
- No Holds Barred (1989)
- Hulkamania 4 (1989)
- WWF: Wrestlemania's Greatest Matches (1989)
- No Holds Barred (1989)
- WrestleMania IV (1988)
- WWF: Wrestlefest 88 (1988)
- Summerslam (1988)
- Survivor Series (1988)
- Royal Rumble (1988)
- WrestleMania III (1987)
- Survivor Series (1987)
- The 37th Annual Slammy Awards (1987)
- WWF: The Big Event (1986)
- WrestleMania 2 (1986)
- WWF Greatest Matches (1986)
- WrestleMania (1985)
- André the Giant (1985)
- Rock 'n' Wrestling (1985)
- World Championship Wrestling (1985)
- Rock 'n' Wrestling Saturday Spectacular (1985)
- WWF Wrestling Classic (1985)
- Wrestling's Country Boys (1985)
- Goldie and the Bears (1984)
- Bimini Code (1983)
- Rocky III (1982)
- AWA All-Star Wrestling (1960)
karaoke
When I was 15 years old
I weighed only 96 lbs
Then my PE teacher told me about anabolic steroids
My body started to swell
My penis didn't look too well
After deep thought meditation
I joined the Wrestling Federation
When I step into the ring
Little Hulksters scream & shout
Although I'm feeling really
I can't keep my hair from falling out
Macho grabs me by the hair
Throws me up into the air
There goes another 60 strands
Out into the screaming fans
I'm Hulk Hogan
I am losing all my hair
Send this Playlist by SMS
Email this Page
Hulk Hogan Entrance - Titantron
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 3:00
- Published: 28 Sep 2006
- Updated: 13 Sep 2012
Thx for the great support hulkamaniacs! All Rights (if any) go to owner of the Hulk Hogan Videos/Name, the Hulkster himself!
http://wn.com/Hulk_Hogan_Entrance_Titantron
Hulk Hogan vs Brock Lesnar [ Smackdown 2002 ]
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 10:01
- Published: 26 Jun 2009
- Updated: 13 Sep 2012
The Immortal Hollywood Hulk Hogan squares of against The Next Big Thin Brock Lesnar, This match represents youth vs experience, watch , comment , rate , ENJOY THIS EPIC MATCH IS PRESENTED TO YOU BY SEGINY CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING (SCW) This video belongs to the WWE and does not belong to me More TagS: Flag of United States Brian Kendrick * Flag of United States Paul London * Flag of United States The Miz (Mike Mizanin) * Flag of United States Shannon Moore * Flag of United States Jamie Noble (James Howard) * Flag of United States Montel Vontavious Porter (Antonio Banks) * Flag of England William Regal (Darren Matthews) * Flag of United States Scotty 2 Hotty (Scott Garland) * Flag of England Dave Taylor * Flag of United States Jimmy Wang Yang (James Yun) (more) (less) (more) (less) Y2J Chris Jericho TNA Wrestling John Morrison (more) (less) youtube Tribute Chavo The Rock The Undertaker Kurt Angle nWo (New World Order) Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, X-Pac, Chris Benoit Kane Hollywood Hulk Hogan Rob Van Dam Billy & Chuck Booker T Edge Big Show Rikishi Bubba Ray Dudley D-Von Dudley ,Brock Lesnar Mark Henry ,William Regal Maven,Lita Billy Kidman Bradshaw Tajiri Steven Richards Chris Jericho Matt Hardy Ivory Raven Albert Jeff Hardy The Hurricane Mr. Perfect Al Snow Spike Dudley Lance Storm D'Lo Brown Diamond Dallas Page Shawn Stasiak Torrie Wilson Terri Scotty 2 Hotty Jacqueline Stacy Keibler Goldust Christian Trish Stratus Test Justin Credible Faarooq Big Boss Man Tazz Tommy Dreamer <b>...</b>
http://wn.com/Hulk_Hogan_vs_Brock_Lesnar_Smackdown_2002_
Hulk Hogan Addresses His Ex-Wife's Abuse and Gay Allegations
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 5:27
- Published: 09 Feb 2012
- Updated: 13 Sep 2012
Hulk Hogan speaks out about the abuse and gay allegations his ex-wife made against him in her book.
http://wn.com/Hulk_Hogan_Addresses_His_Ex-Wife's_Abuse_and_Gay_Allegations
Hulk Hogan's Retirement Takes A Shocking Turn
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 11:41
- Published: 05 Oct 2011
- Updated: 13 Sep 2012
Hulk Hogan's retirement on Thursday takes a shocking turn thanks to Sting!Watch IMPACT WRESTLING every Thursday night at 9/8c on SpikeTV
http://wn.com/Hulk_Hogan's_Retirement_Takes_A_Shocking_Turn
Hulk Hogan Saves Macho Man Randy Savage
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 6:58
- Published: 21 Aug 2008
- Updated: 12 Sep 2012
From Saturday Night's Main Event XII; probably my most memorable moment. Hulk Hogan comes to the aid of Randy Savage after he is brutally atacked by the Hart Foundation.
http://wn.com/Hulk_Hogan_Saves_Macho_Man_Randy_Savage
WrestleMania 6 Hulk Hogan Vs The Ultimate Warrior
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 31:14
- Published: 27 Jan 2012
- Updated: 13 Sep 2012
Footage of the epic match that stole the show at WrestleMania 6 between The Immortal Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior
http://wn.com/WrestleMania_6_Hulk_Hogan_Vs_The_Ultimate_Warrior
Linda Hogan's Message to Hulk Hogan
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 6:13
- Published: 27 Apr 2012
- Updated: 13 Sep 2012
Real life Hot Topic Linda Hogan talks about her relationship with a much younger man and has a special message for Hulk Hogan.
http://wn.com/Linda_Hogan's_Message_to_Hulk_Hogan
Ric Flair Calls Out Hulk Hogan
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 7:06
- Published: 04 May 2012
- Updated: 08 Sep 2012
Ric Flair isn't at all happy about what happen to his good friend Eric Bischoff on his final day in professional wrestling. He blames Hulk Hogan. What will the two legends have to say to each other? Watch TNA IMPACT WRESTLING every Thursday night at 9/8c on SpikeTV
http://wn.com/Ric_Flair_Calls_Out_Hulk_Hogan
hulk hogan Real American
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 3:07
- Published: 06 Oct 2006
- Updated: 13 Sep 2012
musik de la entrada(entrance)hulk hogan
http://wn.com/hulk_hogan_Real_American
Hulk Hogan "Real American" PT 1 of 4
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 16:02
- Published: 12 Jul 2012
- Updated: 06 Sep 2012
The 'Real American' Hulk Hogan attempts to conquer the legendary Andre the Giant in a brutal steel cage match. From Wrestlefest 7/13/88. From 'Hulk Hogan: Real American' Coliseum Home Video. #wweclassics
http://wn.com/Hulk_Hogan_Real_American_PT_1_of_4
TNA Greatest Moment: Hulk Hogan Arrives at TNA Wrestling
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 1:08
- Published: 11 May 2012
- Updated: 10 Sep 2012
In June, we celebrate 10 years of TNA with Slammiversary - we count down some of the biggest moments in TNA history voted by you, the fans!
http://wn.com/TNA_Greatest_Moment_Hulk_Hogan_Arrives_at_TNA_Wrestling
WWE '12 Community Showcase - Hulk Hogan (Episode 109)
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 4:19
- Published: 13 Apr 2012
- Updated: 10 Sep 2012
WWE '12 Community Showcase: Hulk Hogan (Episode 109) Download Details: caws.smacktalks.org Video Formula: www.youtube.com
http://wn.com/WWE_'12_Community_Showcase_Hulk_Hogan_Episode_109
Bruno Sammartino BURIES Hulk Hogan
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 1:50
- Published: 30 Jul 2012
- Updated: 12 Sep 2012
insidetheropes.podbean.com From "Inside the Ropes Podcast" former WWWF Champion Bruno Sammartino feels that one of the greatest WWE Champions, Hulk Hogan is very much overrated. Photo Attribution (Bruno) By swiftwj (Bruno I) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (creativecommons.org via Wikimedia Commons URL: commons.wikimedia.org Photo Attribution (Hogan): www.flickr.com
http://wn.com/Bruno_Sammartino_BURIES_Hulk_Hogan
Hulk Hogan v. Andre the Giant
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 2:46
- Published: 24 Feb 2007
- Updated: 11 Sep 2012
An incredible match between two great superstars! Legandary.
http://wn.com/Hulk_Hogan_v_Andre_the_Giant
Hulk Hogan Gives Austin Aries the Opportunity of a Lifetime But at a Cost
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 4:45
- Published: 18 Jun 2012
- Updated: 10 Sep 2012
After retaining his X Division Championship, Austin Aries is praised by Hulk Hogan and given the opportunity of a lifetime but this opportunity comes at a cost. Watch IMPACT WRESTLING every Thursday night at 8/7c on Spike TV. For more information about IMPACT WRESTLING go to www.impactwrestling.com Watch Pay-Per-Views live at http TNA Merchandise at www.shoptna.com
http://wn.com/Hulk_Hogan_Gives_Austin_Aries_the_Opportunity_of_a_Lifetime_But_at_a_Cost
Hulk Hogan's Message To Flyers Fans
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 0:23
- Published: 15 Apr 2012
- Updated: 10 Sep 2012
Hulk Hogan pumps up Flyers fans during Game 3 of the Pens-Flyers Series!
http://wn.com/Hulk_Hogan's_Message_To_Flyers_Fans
Bobby Roode confronts Hulk Hogan about his lack of respect
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 5:02
- Published: 10 Jun 2012
- Updated: 10 Sep 2012
Bobby Roode confronts Hulk Hogan about they way he uses his power and accuses him of being Jealous and having no respect. Watch IMPACT WRESTLING every Thursday night at 8/7c on Spike TV. For more information about IMPACT WRESTLING go to www.impactwrestling.com Watch Pay-Per-Views live at http Merchandise at www.shoptna.com
http://wn.com/Bobby_Roode_confronts_Hulk_Hogan_about_his_lack_of_respect
Hulk Hogan and Shawn Michaels Tag 5/1/05
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 28:59
- Published: 12 Jul 2012
- Updated: 12 Sep 2012
The 'Hulkster' and Shawn Michaels team up to thwart the duo of Davari and Muhammad Hassan, From WWE Backlash 5/1/05. #wweclassics
http://wn.com/Hulk_Hogan_and_Shawn_Michaels_Tag_5_1_05
WWE Legends of WrestleMania - Relieve - Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 13:30
- Published: 14 Jun 2012
- Updated: 28 Aug 2012
WWE Legends of Wrestlemania - Relieve - Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior
http://wn.com/WWE_Legends_of_WrestleMania_Relieve_Hulk_Hogan_vs_Ultimate_Warrior
Where is Hulk Hogan?
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 2:08
- Published: 13 Jul 2012
- Updated: 12 Sep 2012
After numerous attempts to call out Hulk Hogan to the ring it is finally revealed what has happened to him. Watch IMPACT WRESTLING every Thursday night at 8/7c on Spike TV. For more information about IMPACT WRESTLING go to www.impactwrestling.com Watch Pay-Per-Views live at http Merchandise at www.shoptna.com
http://wn.com/Where_is_Hulk_Hogan?
The Start Of IMPACT: Hulk Hogan Kicks Off Open Fight Night
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 15:25
- Published: 25 May 2012
- Updated: 10 Sep 2012
Watch the start of Thursday's IMPACT WRESTLING on SpikeTV as Hulk Hogan kicks off Open Fight Night
http://wn.com/The_Start_Of_IMPACT_Hulk_Hogan_Kicks_Off_Open_Fight_Night
Scott Hartnell imitates Hulk Hogan
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 1:13
- Published: 01 Apr 2012
- Updated: 20 Aug 2012
Hit that subscribe button if you want. I have some great videos coming up at the end of the regular season. Scott Hartnell imitates Hulk Hogan during game vs. the Penguins on (4-1-12)
http://wn.com/Scott_Hartnell_imitates_Hulk_Hogan
Hogan vs Warrior at WM pt1
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 9:27
- Published: 06 Aug 2007
- Updated: 12 Sep 2012
Enjoy Pt2 youtube.com Pt3 youtube.com
http://wn.com/Hogan_vs_Warrior_at_WM_pt1
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Photo: AP / Mohammed Abu Zaid
12 Sep 2012
September 12, 2012 -- Updated 0415 GMT (1215 HKT) An armed man waves his rifle as buildings and cars are engulfed in flames after being set on fire inside the U.S. Consulate compound in Benghazi,...
Photo: AP / Rahimullah Yousafzai
11 Sep 2012
Article by WN.com Correspondent Dallas Darling. When Osama bin Laden, former leader of al Qaeda and master mind behind the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, wrote in 2004, "Our actions are but a reaction to...
Photo: AP / U.S. Dept of Justice
12 Sep 2012
Article by WN.com Correspondent Dallas Darling Five years before 9-11 and after shopping at several technology and communication stores in and around New York's Long Island, one of Osama bin Laden's...
Photo: AP / Ibrahim Alaguri
12 Sep 2012
U.S. Ambassador to Libya John Christopher Stevens and three other Americans were killed Tuesday in an assault on the American consulate in the eastern city of Benghazi, the White House said. The...
The Examiner
Related topics WWEWrestleManiaHulk HoganUltimate Warriorbest of Wrestlemania Advertisement In the next three weeks leading up to the biggest show of the year Pro Wrestling Examiner will flashback to some of the biggest matches and moments in Wrestlemania history. Tell us what your favorite Mania...(size: 7.5Kb)
Hulk Hogan
13 Aug 2012
Hulk Hogan undergoes hip and knee surgery
19 Jul 2012
IMDb
Hulk Hogan has undergone knee and hip surgery to repair long-lingering...(size: 0.5Kb)
WWE star Hulk Hogan undergoes surgery
19 Jul 2012
Newstrack India
Tweet London, July 19 (ANI): Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has undergone a knee and hip surgery after suffering years of wear-and-tear in the ring. The wrestler has also filmed a video from his hospital bed to thank fans for their support as he recovers, the Daily Express reported....(size: 2.1Kb)
Hulk Hogan undergoes surgery
18 Jul 2012
Orange News
Tweet Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has undergone surgery on his hip and knee after suffering years...(size: 0.6Kb)
Huffington Post
Clearwater Patch: Get ready, because Hulkamania is about to hit Clearwater Beach, brother! Longtime Clearwater resident Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, is set to open a retail shop on Mandalay Avenue, just a leg drop away from his new North Beach home. The shop, located on...(size: 1.8Kb)
Kotaku
Wrestle War is a Japanese wrestling game that...(size: 0.3Kb)
Stockhouse
...(size: 0.1Kb)
IMDb
Pro wrestling champ Hulk Hogan has use TwitVid to show the pending Tropical Storm Debby in action at his Tampa...(size: 0.7Kb)
The Dallas Morning News
The post originally ran on our Biz Beat Blog. Hulk Hogan learned today that he loves tres leches cake. The iconic wrestler is in Dallas this week to promote the 10th annual Slammiversary, a program of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling open to the public at the University of Texas at Arlington this...(size: 2.3Kb)
| Hulk Hogan | |
|---|---|
 Hulk Hogan at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C. (August 21, 2005) |
|
| Ring name(s) | The Super Destroyer[1] Hulk Hogan[1] Hollywood Hulk Hogan[1] Hollywood Hogan[2] Terry Boulder[1] Mr. America Sterling Golden |
| Billed height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)[3] |
| Billed weight | 302 lb (137 kg)[1] |
| Born | (1953-08-11) August 11, 1953 (age 58)[1] Augusta, GA[1] |
| Resides | Tampa, Florida[1] |
| Billed from | Venice Beach, California[3] Washington, D.C. (as Mr. America)[4] Hollywood, California (as Hollywood Hogan) |
| Trained by | Hiro Matsuda[1] |
| Debut | August 10, 1977[1] |
| Website | hulkhogan.com |
Terry Gene Bollea[5] (born August 11, 1953),[1] better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, is an American professional wrestler, actor, television personality, and musician signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).[6]
Hogan enjoyed mainstream popularity in the mid 1980s through the early 1990s as the all-American character Hulk Hogan in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF—now WWE), and was notable in the mid-to-late 1990s as Hollywood Hogan, the villainous nWo leader, in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Following the closure of WCW, he made a brief return to WWE in the early 2000s before revising his heroic character by combining elements of his two most famous personas.
Hogan was later inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He is a 12-time world champion being a six-time WWF/WWE Champion, six-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, as well as a former WWE World Tag Team Champion with Edge. He won the Royal Rumble in 1990 and 1991, making him the first to win two consecutive Royal Rumbles. He was also the first WWE wrestler to win the WWE Championship three times. In his first reign as WCW World Heavyweight Champion, Hogan held the title for 469 days from July 17, 1994 to October 29, 1995—the longest ever reign for this championship.
Early life[link]
Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, was born in Augusta, Georgia, the son of Peter Bollea, a construction foreman, and Ruth, a homemaker and dance teacher. He is of Italian, French, and Panamanian heritage.[7]
When he was one and a half years old, his family moved to Port Tampa, Florida.[8]
As a boy, he was a pitcher in Little League Baseball. He began watching professional wrestling at 16 years old. While in high school, he revered Dusty Rhodes,[9] and he regularly attended cards at the Tampa Sportatorium. It was at one of those wrestling cards where he first turned his attention towards "Superstar" Billy Graham and looked to him for inspiration;[9] since he first saw Graham on TV,[9] Hogan wanted to match his "inhuman" look.[9] Hogan was also a skilled musician, spending ten years playing bass guitar in several Florida-based rock bands.[2]
He went on to study at Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida. After music gigs began to get in the way of his time in college, Hogan decided to drop out of the University of South Florida before receiving any degree.[10] Eventually, Hogan and two local musicians formed a band called Ruckus in 1976.[11] The band soon became a local sensation in the Tampa Bay region.[11]
During his spare time, Hogan would work out at Hector's Gym in the Tampa Bay area and eventually became strong enough to do big lifting.[12] Many of the wrestlers who were competing in the Florida region visited the bars where Ruckus was performing.[9] Among those attending his performances were Jack and Gerald Brisco,[9] two brothers who wrestled together as a tag team in the Florida region. Impressed by Hogan's physical stature, the Brisco brothers asked Hiro Matsuda—the man who trained wrestlers working for Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF)—to make him a potential trainee.[13] In 1976, the two brothers asked Hogan to try wrestling. Having been a wrestling fan since childhood,[9] Hogan eventually agreed.[14] At first, however, Mike Graham, the son of CWF promoter Eddie Graham, refused to put Hogan in the ring;[15] according to Hogan, he met Graham while in high school and the two didn't get along.[15] However, after Hogan quit Ruckus and started telling people in town that he was going to be a wrestler,[15] Mike Graham finally agreed to accept the Brisco Brothers' request.
Professional wrestling career[link]
Early years (1977–1979)[link]
In the summer of 1977, after over a year of training with Matsuda,[16] the Brisco brothers dropped by Matsuda's gym to see Hogan.[16] During this visit, Jack Brisco handed Hogan a pair of wrestling boots and informed him that he was scheduled to wrestle his first match the following week.[16] In his professional wrestling debut, Eddie Graham booked him against Brian Blair in Fort Myers, Florida on August 10, 1977 in Championship Wrestling from Florida.[17][18] A short time later, Bollea donned a mask and assumed the persona of "The Super Destroyer," a hooded character first played by Don Jardine and subsequently used by other wrestlers. Hogan, however, eventually could no longer work with Hiro Matsuda,[19] whom he felt was an overbearing trainer,[19] and left Championship Wrestling From Florida.[20] After declining an offer to wrestle for the Kansas City circuit,[20] Hogan took a hiatus from wrestling and managed a private club in Cocoa Beach, Florida-known as the Anchor Club-.[20] for a man named Whitey Bridges.[20] Eventually, Whitey and Hogan became close friends, and decided to open a gym together;[20] the gym would be known as Whitey and Terry's Olympic gym.[20] Soon after, Hogan's friend Ed Leslie (later known as Brutus Beefcake) came down to Cocoa Beach to help Hogan and Bridges manage both the Anchor Club and the Whitey and Terry's Olympic Gym.[20] On his spare time, he and Beefcake would work out in the gym together,[20] and eventually, Beefcake developed a muscular physique;[21] Hogan was impressed by Beefcake's physical stature and became convinced that the two of them should wrestle together as tag team partners.[21] Depressed and yearning to return to wrestling,[21] Hogan called Superstar Billy Graham in 1978 with hopes that Graham could find him a job wrestling outside of Florida;[21] Graham agreed and Hogan soon joined Louie Tillet's Alabama territory.[21] Hogan also convinced Beefcake, who had yet to become a wrestler,[21] to come with him and promised to teach him everything he knew about the sport.[21]
In Alabama, he and Beefcake wrestled as Terry and Ed Boulder, known as the Boulder Brothers.[22] These early matches as a tag team with the surname Boulder being used by both men prompted a rumor among wrestling fans unaware of the inner workings of the sport that Hogan and Beefcake were brothers,[22] as few people actually knew their real names outside of immediate friends, family, and of course the various promoters the two worked for. After wrestling a show for Continental Wrestling Association (CWA) in Memphis,[23] Jerry Jarrett, the promoter for the (CWA), approached Hogan and Beefcake and offered them a job in his promotion for $800.00 a week;[23] this was far more than the $175.00 a week they would make working for Tillet.[23] Hogan and Beefcake accepted this offer and left Tillet's territory.[23]
During his time in Memphis, Hogan appeared on a local talk show, where he sat beside Lou Ferrigno, star of the television series The Incredible Hulk.[24] The host commented on how Terry, who stood 6 ft 7 in (201 cm) and weighed 295 pounds with 24 inch biceps, actually dwarfed "The Hulk." Watching the show backstage, Jerry Jarrett noticed that Hogan was actually bigger than Ferrigno, who was well known at the time for having large muscles.[25] As a result, Bollea began performing as Terry "The Hulk" Boulder[25] and sometimes wrestled as Sterling Golden.[2]
In May 1979, Bollea had an early shot at the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, which at the time was generally recognized as the highest honor in wrestling. In June 1979, Bollea won his first wrestling championship, the NWA Southeast Heavyweight Championship, recognized in Alabama and Tennessee when he defeated Ox Baker.
World Wrestling Federation (1979–1980)[link]
Later that year, former NWA World Champion Terry Funk introduced Bollea to the company head Vincent J. McMahon, who was impressed with his charisma and physical stature. McMahon, who wanted to use an Irish name, gave Bollea the last name Hogan, and also wanted him to dye his hair red. Hogan who said his hair was already beginning to fall out, refused to dye it and simply said "I'll be a blond irish.[26] At this time, Hogan wrestled Bob Backlund for the World Championship,[27] and he started his first big feud with André the Giant, which culminated in a match with André at Shea Stadium in August 1980.[28] Hulk Hogan claims in his autobiography that he and André the Giant were the reason for the Shea gate. However, Sammartino/Zbyszko sold out everywhere they wrestled leading up the show. Hogan and Andre wrestled in White Plains, New York, drawing 1,200 in a building that held 3,500 as the main event before they wrestled at Shea. During his initial heel run in the WWF, Hogan was paired with "Classy" Freddie Blassie, a wrestler-turned-manager.
New Japan Pro Wrestling (1980–1985)[link]
A great deal of Hogan's early success was achieved in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Japanese wrestling fans were in awe of the gargantuan blond American and nicknamed him "Ichiban" (which translates to "Number One"). Hogan first appeared in Japan on May 13, 1980, while he was still with the WWF. He occasionally toured the country over the next few years, facing a wide variety of opponents ranging from Tatsumi Fujinami to Abdullah the Butcher. When competing in Japan, Hogan used a vastly different repertoire of wrestling moves, relying on more technical, traditional wrestling holds and maneuvers as opposed to the power-based, brawling style American fans became accustomed to seeing from him. Another difference is that Hogan used a running forearm lariat (called the "Axe Bomber") as his finisher in Japan instead of the running leg drop that has been his traditional finisher in America. On June 2, 1983, Hogan became the first International Wrestling Grand Prix (IWGP) tournament winner (although he held the IWGP Heavyweight Championship belt, this was not the beginning of the actual championship), defeating Japanese wrestling icon Antonio Inoki by knockout in the finals of a 10-man tournament featuring top talent from throughout the world.[29] Hogan and Inoki also worked as partners in Japan, winning the prestigious MSG Tag League tournament two years in a row: in 1982 and 1983. Hogan's popularity in Japan was so great, he even recorded an album there—a forerunner to the World Wrestling Federation's "Rock 'n' Wrestling" of the mid 1980s.
In 1984, Hogan returned to New Japan, to wrestle Antonio Inoki in the finals of the IWGP League, in which he lost the belt by countout, thanks to interference from Riki Choshu. Hogan would also defend his WWF World title against various stars in New Japan including Inoki, Seiji Sakaguchi, and Tatsumi Fujinami among others, until the WWF ended their relationship with New Japan in October 1985.
American Wrestling Association (1981–1983)[link]
After filming his scene for Rocky III against the elder McMahon's wishes, Hogan made his debut in the American Wrestling Association, owned by Verne Gagne. Hogan started his AWA run as a heel, taking on "Luscious" Johnny Valiant as his manager, before handing the AWA title over to him. Hogan, unwilling to give up his life as a bachelor for the world title of the AWA, continued to turn down the belt. Shortly after these attempts to woo Hogan into giving Gagne more of a share of his profits and booking in Japan and attempts to bring him into the Gagne family, Hogan was lured back to the Northeast by Vincent K. McMahon, who had just recently purchased the WWF from his ailing father.
Over twenty years later, just prior to Hulk Hogan's WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2005, the revived American Wrestling Association, under the authority of owner Dale Gagner, retroactively acknowledged Hogan's two previously-overturned title wins over Nick Bockwinkel making Hogan a two-time AWA World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion.[30] This resolution, however, has been regarded as apocryphal to most as the resurrected AWA is generally regarded as a different body than the Verne Gagne–owned AWA of old. As recently as the release of the DVD The Spectacular Legacy of the AWA, interviews between Hogan and the Gagnes show that there is still animosity between both parties indicating the unlikelihood that Hogan's AWA title reign would have been retroactively instated under the original ownership. The WWE won a lawsuit against Dale Gagner, due to trademark infringement, which declared Gagner's claims to ownership of the AWA false and as such rendered the resolution moot as WWE only recognizes twelve American world championships being attributed to Hulk Hogan, and, the AWA World Championship is not among that number.[citation needed]
Return to World Wrestling Federation (1983-1993)[link]
The Birth of Hulkamania (1983–1984)[link]
After purchasing the company from his father in 1982, Vincent K. McMahon had plans to expand the territory into a nationwide promotion, and he handpicked Hulk Hogan to be the company's showpiece attraction due to his charisma and name recognition. Hogan made his return at a television taping in St. Louis, Missouri on December 27, 1983 defeating Bill Dixon.[31]
On the January 7, 1984 edition of Championship Wrestling, Hogan confirmed his face status for the WWF fans by saving Bob Backlund from a three-way assault.[32] Hogan's turn was explained simply by Backlund: "He's changed his ways. He's a great man. He's told me he's not gonna have Blassie around." The storyline shortcut was necessary because less than three weeks later on January 23, Hogan won his first WWF Championship, pinning The Iron Sheik (who had Blassie in his corner) in Madison Square Garden.[2][33] The storyline accompanying the victory was that Hogan was a "last minute" replacement for the Sheik's original opponent Bob Backlund,[3] and became the champion by way of being the first man to escape the camel clutch (the Iron Sheik's finishing move).[34] The backstage story was that the WWF Champion Bob Backlund had refused to let Hogan win the title from him, demanding that any wrestler to whom he lost the belt have a legitimate wrestling background. As a consequence, The Iron Sheik won the title from Backlund first and then dropped it to Hogan.
Immediately after the title win, commentator Gorilla Monsoon proclaimed "Hulkamania is here!" Hogan frequently referred to his fans as "Hulkamaniacs" in his interviews and introduced his three "demandments": training, saying prayers, and eating vitamins. Eventually, a fourth demandment (believing in oneself) was added during his feud with Earthquake in 1990. Hogan's ring gear developed a characteristic yellow-and-red color scheme; his ring entrances involved him ritualistically ripping his shirt off his body, flexing, and listening for audience cheers in an exaggerated manner. The majority of Hogan's matches during this time involved him wrestling heels who had been booked as unstoppable monsters, using a format which became near-routine: Hogan would deliver steady offense, but eventually lose momentum, seemingly nearing defeat. He would then experience a sudden second wind, fighting back while "feeding" off the energy of the audience, becoming impervious to attack—a process described as "Hulking up". His signature maneuvers—pointing at the opponent (which would later be accompanied by a loud "YOU!" from the audience), shaking his finger to scold him, three punches, an Irish Whip, the big boot and running leg drop—would follow and ensure him a victory. That finishing sequence would occasionally change depending on the storyline and opponent; for instance, with "Giant" wrestlers, the sequence might involve a body slam.
Over the next year, Hulk Hogan became the face of pro wrestling as McMahon pushed the WWF into a pop culture enterprise with The Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection on MTV, drawing record houses, pay-per-view buyrates, and television ratings in the process. The centerpiece attraction for the first WrestleMania on March 31, 1985, Hogan teamed with legit friend Mr. T to defeat his archrival "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff.[2][35] On the first edition of Saturday Night's Main Event, Hogan successfully defended the WWF title against Cowboy Bob Orton in a match which Hogan won by a disqualification.[36]
Hogan was named the most requested celebrity of the 1980s for the Make-a-Wish Foundation children's charity. He was featured on the covers of Sports Illustrated, TV Guide, and People magazines, while also appearing on The Tonight Show and having his own CBS Saturday morning cartoon titled Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling. Hogan, as the premier WWF icon, headlined eight of the first nine WrestleMania events. He also co-hosted Saturday Night Live on March 30, 1985 during this lucrative run. AT&T reported that his 900 number information line was the single biggest 900 number from 1991 to 1993. Hogan operated the 900 number through his stint in WWF and then recreated it when he joined World Championship Wrestling.[37]
WWF Champion (1984–1988)[link]
On the October 5, 1985 edition of Saturday Night's Main Event, he successfully defended the title against Nikolai Volkoff in a flag match.[38] He met long-time rival Roddy Piper in a WWF title match at the Wrestling Classic pay-per-view (PPV) event. Hogan retained the title by disqualification after Bob Orton interfered and hit Hogan with his cast.[39] Hogan had many challengers in the way as the new year began. Throughout 1986, Hogan made successful title defenses against challengers such as Terry Funk,[40] "The Magnificent" Don Muraco,[41] King Kong Bundy (in a steel cage match at WrestleMania 2),[42] Paul Orndorff,[43] and Hercules Hernandez.[44]
In the fall of 1986, Hogan occasionally wrestled in tag matches with The Machines as Hulk Machine under a mask copied from New Japan Pro Wrestling gimmick "Super Strong Machine."[1][45] At WrestleMania III in 1987, Hogan was booked to defend the title against André the Giant, who had been the sport's premier star and was pushed as undefeated for the previous two decades. A new storyline was introduced in early 1987; Hogan was presented a trophy for being the WWF Champion for three consecutive years.[46] André the Giant, a good friend came out to congratulate him.[47] Shortly afterward, André was presented a slightly smaller trophy for being "undefeated in the WWF for 15 years."[46] Hogan came out to congratulate André, who walked out in the midst of Hogan's speech. Then, on an edition of Piper's Pit, Hogan was confronted by Bobby Heenan, who announced that André was his new protégé, and Andre challenged Hogan to a title match at WrestleMania III.[47][48][49][50] At WrestleMania III, Hogan successfully defended the WWF World Heavyweight Championship against André the Giant. During the match, Hogan bodyslammed the 520-pound Frenchman (which was dubbed "the bodyslam heard around the world") and won the match after a leg drop.[48][51]
Hogan remained WWF Champion for four years (1,474 days).[52] In front of 33 million viewers, however, Hogan finally lost the belt to André on the February 5 edition of The Main Event after a convoluted scam involving "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase and Earl Hebner (who assumed the place of his twin brother Dave Hebner, the match's appointed referee).[53] After André delivered a belly to belly suplex on Hogan, Hebner counted the pin while Hogan's left shoulder was clearly off the mat.[3] After the match, André handed the title over to DiBiase to complete their business deal.[53] As a result, the WWF Championship was vacated for the first time in its 25-year history.[53] At WrestleMania IV, Hogan participated in a tournament for the vacant WWF title to regain it and faced André in the tournament quarter-finals but their match resulted in a double disqualification.[54] Later that night in the main event, Hogan interfered and helped "Macho Man" Randy Savage defeat Ted DiBiase to win the title.[55]
The Mega Powers (1988–1989)[link]
Main article: The Mega Powers
Together, Hogan, Savage, and manager Miss Elizabeth formed a partnership known as The Mega Powers.[56] After Savage became WWF Champion at WrestleMania IV, they feuded with The Mega Bucks (Ted DiBiase and André the Giant) and defeated them at the main event of the first SummerSlam.[57] The Mega Powers, however, soon imploded from within in 1989, due to Savage's burgeoning jealousy of Hogan and his paranoid suspicions that Hogan and Elizabeth were "more than friends". Dissension was furthered at the Royal Rumble, when Hogan eliminated Savage from the Royal Rumble match.[58] The duo broke up while wrestling The Twin Towers on the February 3, 1989 edition of The Main Event. During the match, Savage accidentally collided with Miss Elizabeth. Hogan took her backstage to receive medical attention, while temporarily abandoning Savage. When he returned to the ring, Savage slapped Hogan and left the ring, where Hogan eventually won the match by himself.[59] After the match, Savage attacked Hogan backstage, which started a feud between the two.[56] Their feud culminated in Hogan beating Savage for his second WWF Championship at WrestleMania V.[3][56]
Later WWF Championship reigns (1989–1992)[link]
Hogan's second run lasted a year, during which time he starred in the movie No Holds Barred. The film was the inspiration of a feud with Hogan's co-star Tom Lister, Jr., who appeared at wrestling events as his movie character, Zeus. Zeus was a monster heel who was "jealous" over Hogan's higher billing and wanted revenge. Hogan, however, was easily able to defeat Zeus in a series of matches across the country during late 1989, beginning with a tag team match at SummerSlam, in which Hogan and Brutus Beefcake topped Zeus and Savage.[60] Hogan and Beefcake defeated Zeus and Savage in a rematch at the No Holds Barred pay-per-view to end the feud.[61][62]
Hogan's second title run was briefly interrupted in January 1989 when he was defeated via submission by Dino Bravo after Hogan couldn't break Bravo's bearhug hold. Hogan attempted to "Hulk Up" and turn the match around, but Bravo wouldn't release the hold, and Hogan became unconscious, forcing the ref to call the match. A silenced crowd watched Bravo grab the championship belt no sooner than an announcement was made that Hogan was determined the winner, by way of disqualification, therefore retaining his title and championship. An infuriated Bravo was quoted, "Last I checked, a bearhug was a legal move. The better and stronger wrestler just got cheated." The Wrestler magazine covered the story in their February 1989 issue with Bravo's hold on Hogan on the front cover with the title, "The Man That Hulk Hogan Cannot Beat." Also during his second run, Hogan won the 1990 Royal Rumble match.[3][63] He dropped the title to Intercontinental Champion The Ultimate Warrior in a title versus title match at WrestleMania VI on April 1, 1990.[64]
Hogan soon became embroiled in a heated feud with the 470-pound Earthquake, who had crushed Hogan's ribs in a sneak attack on The Brother Love Show in May 1990. On television, announcers explained that Hogan's injuries and his WrestleMania VI loss to Warrior both took such a huge toll on his fighting spirit that he wanted to retire. Viewers were asked to write letters to Hogan and send postcards asking for his return (they got a postcard-sized picture in return, autographed by Hogan, as a "thank-you"). Hogan returned by SummerSlam 1990 and for several months, dominated Earthquake in a series of matches across the country.[65] His defeat of this overwhelmingly large foe caused Hogan to add a fourth demandment: believing in yourself. He would also be known as "The Immortal" Hulk Hogan. Hogan then became the first wrestler to win two Royal Rumble matches in a row,[66] as he won the 1991 Royal Rumble match.[3][63][66]
At WrestleMania VII, Hogan stood up for the USA against Sgt. Slaughter, defeating him for his third WWF Championship.[67] In the fall of 1991, Hogan was challenged by Ric Flair, the former NWA champion who recently arrived in the WWF. The feud remained unresolved, as Hogan lost the WWF title to The Undertaker at Survivor Series,[68] and he won it back at This Tuesday in Texas six days later.[69] Flair had interfered in both matches and due to the resulting controversy, the title was again declared vacant.[69]
The WWF Championship was decided at the 1992 Royal Rumble in the Royal Rumble match. Hogan failed to regain the championship as he was eliminated by friend Sid Justice and in turn caused Sid to be eliminated, leaving Ric Flair the winner and new champion.[70] Hogan and Sid patched things up and teamed together on the February 8, 1992 edition of Saturday Night's Main Event against Flair and Undertaker but during the match Sid abandoned Hogan,[71] starting their feud. At WrestleMania VIII, Hogan defeated Sid via disqualification due to interference by Sid's manager Harvey Wippleman.[72] Hogan was then attacked by Papa Shango and was saved by the returning Ultimate Warrior.[72]
At this time, news sources began to allege that Dr. George Zahorian, a doctor for the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission, had been selling steroids illegally to wrestlers in general and Hogan in particular. Hogan appeared on an episode of The Arsenio Hall Show to deny the allegations. Due to intense public scrutiny, Hogan took a leave of absence from the company.[73]
Return and departure (1993–1994)[link]
Hogan returned to the WWF in February 1993, helping out his friend Brutus Beefcake in his feud with Money Inc. (Ted DiBiase and Irwin R. Schyster), and officially renaming themselves The Mega-Maniacs.[61] At WrestleMania IX, Hogan and Beefcake took on Money Inc. for the WWF Tag Team Championship. However, Hogan thought he was too big of a star to be a tag champion and instead wanted the world title. So Hogan and Vince McMahon came up with the plan that Hogan and Brutus would be disqualified in their match.[61][74] Later that night, Hogan won his fifth WWF Championship by pinning Yokozuna only moments after Yokozuna had defeated Bret Hart.[74][75] McMahon then planned that Hogan and Bret Hart would eventually fight in a big match at Summerslam 1993 in which Hogan would drop the title to Hart, Hogan didn't want to drop the title in a clean victory to Hart, due to Hart's size and doubts over whether he could draw, and opted to lose the title to the heel Yokozuna instead. At the first annual King of the Ring pay-per-view on June 13, 1993, Hogan defended the championship against the former champion, Yokozuna, in his first title defense since defeating Yokozuna at WrestleMania IX. Yokozuna kicked out of Hogan's signature leg drop and scored the pinfall after Hogan was blinded by a fireball shot by a "Japanese photographer" (actually a disguised Harvey Wippleman), this was Hogan's idea as he did not want Yokozuna to gain a clean victory over him. The victorious Yokozuna proceeded to give Hogan a Banzai Drop.[58][76] This would be Hogan's last WWF pay-per-view appearance until 2002, as both he and Jimmy Hart were preparing to leave the promotion. Hogan would continue his feud on the international house show circuit with Yokozuna until August 1993. After that, Hogan would sit out the rest of his contract which expired later that year.
In 1994, Hogan, having received immunity from prosecution, testified in the trial of Vince McMahon relating to shipments of steroids received from Dr. Zahorian by both parties. Under oath, Hogan admitted that he had used anabolic steroids since 1976 to gain size and weight, but that Vince McMahon had neither sold him the drugs, nor ordered him to take them. The evidence given by Hogan proved extremely costly to the government's case against McMahon. Due to this and jurisdictional issues, McMahon was found not guilty.[77]
Return to New Japan (1993–1994)[link]
On May 3, 1993, Hulk Hogan returned to NJPW as WWF Champion, defeating IWGP Heavyweight Champion The Great Muta in a dream match at Wrestling Dontaku. Hogan would wrestle against Muta again, under his real name, Keiji Mutoh on September 26, 1993. Hogan would also wrestle The Hell Raisers with Muta and Masahiro Chono as his partners. His last match in Japan was on January 4, 1994 at Battlefield, when he defeated Tatsumi Fujinami.
World Championship Wrestling (1994-2000)[link]
Early run (1994–1996)[link]
After Hogan left the WWF in the summer of 1993, he split his time working on movies, television, wrestling in Japan, and spending time with his family. In June 1994, Hogan signed with Ted Turner's World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and began appearing on television the next month. Hogan won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in his debut match, defeating Ric Flair in a 'dream' match at Bash at the Beach.[78] After overcoming the likes of Flair,[79] The Butcher (former partner Brutus Beefcake),[80] Vader,[81][82][83] and the Dungeon of Doom[84] for the next fifteen months (the longest reign of all time for this championship), Hogan dropped the belt to The Giant at Halloween Havoc 1995 via DQ.[85] Following the controversial loss (which was due to a "contract clause"), the WCW title became vacant.
In early 1996, Hogan continued his feud with The Giant,[86] before teaming with Randy Savage in a feud with the Alliance to End Hulkamania.[87] After coming out victorious from his feuds, Hogan began to only appear occasionally on WCW programming.
New World Order (1996–1998)[link]
Main article: New World Order (nWo)
At Bash at the Beach in 1996, during a six man tag team match pitting The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) against WCW loyalists, Hogan interfered on behalf of Nash and Hall, attacking Randy Savage, thereby turning heel for the first time in over ten years.[1][58][88] After the match, Hogan delivered a promo, accosting the fans and WCW for underappreciating his talent and drawing power, and announcing the formation of the New World Order (nWo).[88] The new stable gained prominence in the following weeks and months.[2][3][88][89] Hogan grew a beard alongside his famous mustache and dyed it black, traded his red and yellow garb in for black and white clothing, often detailed with lightning bolts, and renamed himself Hollywood Hulk Hogan (often shortened to Hollywood Hogan). Hogan returned to WCW programming eight days after his heel turn.[1][58]
Hogan won his second WCW World Heavyweight Championship at Hog Wild, defeating The Giant for the title.[89][90] He spray painted "nWo" across the title belt, scribbled across the nameplate, and referred to the title as the "nWo title" during this and any other time he held the title while in the nWo.[90] Hogan then started a feud with Lex Luger after Luger and The Giant defeated Hogan and Dennis Rodman in a tag team match at Bash at the Beach.[85]
On the August 4, 1997 edition of Nitro, Hogan lost the WCW title to Luger by submission.[91] Five days later, at Road Wild, Hogan defeated Luger to regain the WCW title and begin his third WCW World Heavyweight Championship.[92] Hogan then lost the belt to Sting in a match at Starrcade. In the match, WCW's newly-contracted Bret Hart accused referee Nick Patrick of fast-counting a victory for Hogan and had the match restarted—with himself as referee.[58] Sting later won by submission.[58] After a rematch the following night, where Sting controversially retained the title, the WCW Championship became vacant.[1] Sting then went on to win the vacant title against Hogan at SuperBrawl VIII.[93]
Hogan then developed a rivalry with former friend (and recent nWo recruit) Randy Savage, who had just cost Hogan the title match at SuperBrawl by hitting him with a spray can.[58] The heat culminated in a steel cage match at Uncensored, which ended in a no contest.[94] Savage took the World Championship from Sting at Spring Stampede, while Hogan teamed with Kevin Nash to take on Roddy Piper and The Giant in the first-ever Bat match.[95] Hogan betrayed Nash by hitting him with the bat and then challenged Savage the following night for his championship.[89] In the no disqualification match for Savage's newly won title, Nash entered the ring and powerbombed Hogan as retribution for the attack the previous night. Bret Hart interfered moments later and turned heel by jumping in to attack Savage and preserve the victory for Hogan, who won his fourth WCW World Heavyweight Championship.[96] However, Nash's attack on him signified a split of the nWo into two separate factions- Hogan's became nWo Hollywood and Nash's became nWo Wolfpac- that would feud with each other for the remainder of the year.
Hogan defended the title until July of that year, when WCW booked him in a match against newcomer and then WCW United States Champion Bill Goldberg, who had yet to lose a match in the company. Late in the match, Hogan was distracted by Karl Malone, and Goldberg pinned Hogan to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.[97]
Hogan spent the rest of 1998 wrestling celebrity matches. His second tag team match with Dennis Rodman pitted them against Diamond Dallas Page and Karl Malone at Bash at the Beach[98] and at Road Wild, he and Eric Bischoff lost to Page and Jay Leno thanks to interference from Kevin Eubanks, who leveled Bischoff with a Diamond Cutter.[99] Hogan also had a rematch with the Ultimate Warrior at Halloween Havoc, where his nephew Horace aided his victory.[100]
Return to WCW (1998-1999)[link]
On the Thanksgiving episode of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Hogan officially announced his retirement from professional wrestling, as well as his candidacy for President of the United States.[101] Campaign footage aired on Nitro of Hogan and Bischoff holding a press conference, making it appear legitimate. In the long run, however, both announcements were false and merely done as a publicity stunt attempting to draw some of the hype of Jesse Ventura's Minnesota gubernatorial win back to him.[101]
After some time off from WCW, Hogan returned on the January 4, 1999 edition of Nitro to challenge Kevin Nash for the WCW title. Hogan won the match for his fifth WCW World Heavyweight Championship, but many people found the change to be "scandalous".[102] As a result, the warring factions of the nWo reunited into one group, which began feuding with Bill Goldberg and The Four Horsemen.
Conflicts with Vince Russo (1999–2000)[link]
He then lost the title to Ric Flair at Uncensored in a Steel Cage First Blood match. A heavily bleeding Flair won via pinfall in a match refereed by Charles Robinson.[1][103] During that match, however, Hogan began to show some signs that a face turn was imminent, showing off some old tactics like his "Hulking up" no-sell.[58] The turn would have to wait, however, as Hogan was severely injured in a Texas Tornado match for the world championship featuring him, Sting, Diamond Dallas Page, and Flair at Spring Stampede[104]
On the July 12 edition of Nitro, Hogan made his grand return as a full-fledged face and accepted a challenge from Savage, who had gained the world title at Bash at the Beach the night before in a tag team match by pinning Kevin Nash. Thanks to interference from Nash, Hogan defeated Savage to win his sixth and final WCW World Heavyweight Championship.[105] Nash turned on him the next week, however, and the two began a feud that would last until the next pay-per-view.
On August 9, 1999, he started the night dressed in the typical black and white, but after a backstage scene with his son, Hogan came out dressed in the traditional red and yellow for his main-event 6-man tag team match. He then defeated Nash in a retirement match at Road Wild to retain his title. Injuries and frustrations were mounting up however, and he was absent from television from October 1999 to February 2000. In his book Hollywood Hulk Hogan, Bollea said that he was asked to take time off by newly hired head of creative booking Vince Russo and was not told when he would be brought back at the time. Despite some reservations, he agreed to do so. On October 24 at Halloween Havoc, Hogan was to face Sting for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship (which he had lost to Sting at Fall Brawl the previous month, when Sting beat Hogan by cheating and had turned heel in the process).[106] Hogan, however, came to the ring in street clothes, laid down for the pin, and left the ring.[107]
Soon after his return in February 2000, at Bash at the Beach on July 9, Hogan was involved in a controversial, legit incident with Vince Russo. Hogan was scheduled to wrestle Jeff Jarrett for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.[108] Before the match, there was a dispute between Hogan and Russo. Unbeknownst to Hogan, Russo told Jarrett to lie down in the middle of the ring and asked Hogan to pin him straight away. A visibly confused Hogan complied with a foot on Jarrett's chest after getting on the microphone and telling Russo, "Is this your idea, Russo...? That's why this company is in the damn shape it's in, because of bullshit like this!" Russo responded by coming out and angrily proclaiming "I can guarantee you that this is the last time you will ever see that piece of shit in a WCW stadium!" This is also when the public discovered, through Russo, the "creative control" clause that Hogan had, which meant that Hogan was able to control what would happen with his own character and be able to do so without anyone else being able to tell him no. This has been a common complaint about Hogan, since he has been known to request such clauses in his contracts (even in WWE) because it is believed by many that he uses them to be able to "bury" others that would prove to be a threat to his legacy (which also might lead to the belief that the on-air criticisms that Bobby Heenan and then later Mark Madden made about him were not kayfabe even though the two usually were heel commentators, with Madden saying "Amen!" when Russo said that Hogan would not be back in WCW after that night). In his Bash at the Beach shoot promo, Russo said that he was arguing with Hogan all day prior to the event in the back because he wanted to use the clause in the Jarrett match, saying, "That means that, in the middle of this ring, when [Hogan] knew it was bullshit, he beats Jeff Jarrett!"
Since Hogan refused to job to Jarrett, a new WCW World Heavyweight Championship was created, setting the stage for a title match between Booker T and Jeff Jarrett later that night.[58] Whether or not the whole incident was a shoot or a work was hotly debated. As a result, Hogan filed a defamation of character lawsuit against Russo soon after,[109] which was eventually dismissed in 2002. Russo claims the whole thing was a work, and Hogan claims that Russo made it a shoot.[110] Eric Bischoff agreed with Hogan's side of the story when he wrote that Hogan winning and leaving with the title was a work, and that he and Hogan celebrated after the event over the success of the angle, but that Russo coming out to fire Hogan was an unplanned shoot which led to the lawsuit filed by Hogan.[1][109]
In the months following the eventual demise of WCW in March 2001, Hogan underwent surgery on his knees in order for him to wrestle again. As a test, Hogan worked a match in Orlando, Florida for the Xcitement Wrestling Federation promotion run by his longtime handler Jimmy Hart. Hogan defeated Curt Hennig in this match and felt healthy enough to accept an offer to return to the WWF in February 2002.[1]
Return to World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment[link]
Hollywood Hogan and Undisputed WWF Champion (2002)[link]
File:HollywoodHulkhoganwmx8.jpg
"Hollywood" Hulk Hogan making his entrance at WrestleMania X8 in 2002
At No Way Out in 2002, Hogan returned to the company that had made him a pop culture icon.[3] Returning as leader of the original nWo with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, the three got into a confrontation with The Rock[111] and cost Stone Cold Steve Austin a chance at becoming the Undisputed WWF Champion against Chris Jericho in the main event.[111] The nWo feuded with both Austin and The Rock, and Hogan accepted The Rock's challenge to a match at WrestleMania X8. At the event, Hogan asked Hall and Nash not to interfere, wanting to defeat The Rock by himself. Despite the fact that Hogan was supposed to be the heel in the match, the crowd cheered for him heavily. The Rock cleanly won the contest,[112] but befriended Hogan at the end of the bout and helped him fight off Hall and Nash, who were upset by Hogan's conciliatory attitude.[113] After the match, Hogan was a definite face again, siding with The Rock, though he continued wearing black and white tights for a few weeks after WrestleMania X8 until he resumed wearing his signature red and yellow tights. During this period, the "Hulk Rules" logo of the 1980s was redone with the text "Hulk Still Rules." Hulk wore the original "Hulk Rules" attire 12 years earlier, when he headlined WrestleMania VI at the same arena, in the SkyDome. For a time, he was still known as "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan, notably keeping the Hollywood Hogan style blond mustache with black beard while wearing Hulkamania-like red and yellow tights and using the Voodoo Child theme music he used in WCW. On April 4, Hogan feuded with Triple H and defeated him for the Undisputed WWF Championship and sixth and final WWF Championship at Backlash,[114][115] thus becoming the last ever WWF champion before the initials dispute against the World Wildlife Fund For Nature. On May 19 at Judgment Day, he lost the belt to The Undertaker.[116] After losing a Number One Contenders match for the Undisputed Championship to Triple H on June 6, Hogan began feuding with Kurt Angle resulting in a match between the two at the King of the Ring, which Angle won by submission.
On the July 4, 2002 edition of SmackDown!, Hogan teamed with Edge to defeat Billy and Chuck and capture the WWE World Tag Team Championship for the first time.[117] They celebrated by waving the American flag as the overjoyed audience sang along to Hogan's theme song "Real American." They later dropped the titles to The Un-Americans (Lance Storm and Christian), at Vengeance.[118] In August 2002, Hogan was used in an angle with Brock Lesnar, culminating in a main event singles match. Lesnar won by submission (the match was called after Hogan became unconscious from a bear hug hold). Lesnar became only the second WWE Superstar to defeat Hogan by submission (after Kurt Angle), and the first to defeat Hogan by having the match called. Following the match, Lesnar continued to beat on Hogan, leaving him bloody and unconscious in the ring in what many fans recall as the worst beating Hogan ever received of his career. As a result of Lesnar's assault, Hogan went on hiatus and was not able to return until early 2003, shaving off his black beard and dropping "Hollywood" from his name in his return. He battled The Rock (who had turned heel) once again at No Way Out[119] and defeated Vince McMahon at WrestleMania XIX in a match billed as "20 years in the making."[120]
Mr. America and departure (2003)[link]
Later, he had a run as the masked Mr. America. The persona was supposed to be Hulk Hogan in disguise, wearing a mask. He used Hulk Hogan's "Real American" theme music and used all of Hogan's signature gestures, moves, and phrases. He was the subject of a storyline that took place after Hulk Hogan was forced by Vince McMahon to sit out the rest of his contract.[1] After Hogan won at WrestleMania XIX, McMahon was frustrated with him and wanted Hulkamania to die.[1] A WWE pre-debut push took place with mysterious Mr. America promos airing for weeks during SmackDown!.[1] There was also on-screen discussion on SmackDown! between then General Manager Stephanie McMahon and other players concerning her hiring Mr. America "sight unseen."[1] On May 1, Mr. America debuted on SmackDown! on a Piper's Pit segment. McMahon appeared and claimed that Mr. America was Hulk Hogan in disguise; Mr. America shot back by saying, "I am not Hulk Hogan, brother!" (lampooning Hogan's use of "brother" in his promos).[1] The feud continued through the month of May, with a singles match between Mr. America and Hogan's old rival Roddy Piper at Judgment Day.[121] McMahon tried desperately to prove that Mr. America was indeed Hulk Hogan but failed at all attempts. Mr. America even passed a lie detector test.[58]
Mr. America's last WWE appearance was on the June 26 edition of SmackDown! when The Big Show and The World's Greatest Tag Team (Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas) defeated the team of Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, and Mr. America in a six-man tag team match when Show pinned Mr. America.[122] After the show went off the air, Mr. America unmasked to show the fans that he was indeed Hulk Hogan, putting his finger to his lips telling the fans to keep quiet about his secret. The next week, Hogan quit WWE due to frustration with the creative team.[123] On the July 3 edition of SmackDown!, Vince McMahon showed the footage of Mr. America unmasking as Hogan and "fired" him, although Hogan had already quit in real life.[123] The Mr. America gimmick came under fire briefly from Marvel Comics, who anointed it a rip-off of Captain America, citing costume similarity; the single star on the mask was also a trademark on Captain America's chest piece. This was also adding fuel to the fire over the rights to use the Hulk Hogan name because of Marvel's ownership of the Incredible Hulk character. Because of these problems, WWE was forced to edit out all references to the "Hulk Hogan" name, including pictures which featured Hogan wearing memorabilia that said "Hulk" (a majority of them) and started to refer to Hogan under the "Hollywood Hogan" name he used in WCW. It was later revealed that Hogan was unhappy with the payoffs for his matches after his comeback under the Mr. America gimmick.[123] Vince decided to terminate Hogan's contract, and Hogan left WWE in 2003.[123]
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2003)[link]
Shortly after Hogan left WWE, TNA Wrestling began making overtures to Hogan, culminating in Jeff Jarrett, co-founder of TNA and then NWA World Heavyweight champion, launching an on-air attack on Hogan in Japan in October 2003. The attack was supposed to be a precursor to Hogan battling Jarrett for the NWA title at TNA's first three-hour pay-per-view. However, due to recurring knee and hip problems, Hogan did not appear in TNA. Still, the incident has been shown several times on TNA broadcasts, and was included in the TNA DVD TNA's Fifty Greatest Moments.
Return to WWE (2005–2007)[link]
In 2005, weeks before WrestleMania 21, it was announced on all WWE programming that Hogan would be inducted into the Hall of Fame. On April 2, Hogan was inducted by actor and friend Sylvester Stallone.[124] Hogan was applauded for several minutes before he was able to make a speech. When he paused during his speech, the crowd chanted "One More Match! One More Match!" The fans also chanted "Austin, Hogan" (referring to a Steve Austin vs. Hulk Hogan match); Hogan responded "that may be a good match someday". At WrestleMania 21 on April 3, Hogan came out to rescue Eugene, who was being attacked by Muhammad Hassan and Khosrow Daivari. Some of the build-up to Hogan's induction into the Hall of Fame and preparation for this angle were shown on the first season of Hogan Knows Best.
The next night on Raw, Hassan and Daivari came out to confront and assault fan favorite Shawn Michaels. The following week, Michaels approached Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff demanding a handicap match with Hassan and Daivari. Bischoff refused but told Michaels if he found a partner he would be granted a tag team match. Michaels then made a plea for Hulk Hogan to come back and team with him. On the April 18 episode of Raw, Hassan again led an attack on Michaels until Hogan appeared, and saved Michaels and accepted his offer. At Backlash 2005, Hassan and Daivari lost to Hogan and Michaels.[125]
Hogan then appeared on July 4 edition of Raw as the special guest of Carlito on his talk-show segment Carlito's Cabana. After being asked questions by Carlito concerning his daughter Brooke Hogan, Hogan proceeded to attack Carlito. This was then followed up by an appearance of Kurt Angle, who made comments about Brooke, which further upset Hogan. Hogan was eventually double teamed by Carlito and Angle but was saved by Shawn Michaels. Later that night, Michaels and Hogan defeated Carlito and Kurt Angle in a tag match. During the post match celebration, Michaels delivered Sweet Chin Music to Hogan and walked off.[126] The following week on Raw, Michaels appeared on Piper's Pit and challenged Hogan to face him one-on-one for the first time.[127] Hogan appeared on Raw one week later and accepted the challenge.[128] The match took place at SummerSlam. The "Legend vs. Icon" storyline was the main event for the Raw brand going into SummerSlam. The match went back and forth, with two referees getting knocked out and Michaels using a steel chair to try to gain an advantage. Even after Michaels hit his Sweet Chin Music, Hogan still kicked out and mounted some offense against Michaels, finally hitting him with the legdrop and scoring the victory. Michaels extended his hand to him, telling him that he "had to find out for himself," and Hogan and Michaels shook hands. Michaels left the ring to allow Hogan to celebrate with the crowd.[129]
Prior to WrestleMania 22, Hogan inducted friend and former announcer "Mean" Gene Okerlund into the WWE Hall of Fame. Hogan returned on the July 15, 2006 edition of Saturday Night's Main Event with his daughter Brooke. During the show, Randy Orton flirted (kayfabe, as he was engaged with his girlfriend, now wife Sam Speno) with Hogan's daughter, and later attacked Hogan in the parking lot and hit the RKO onto the trunk of Hogan's car.[130] He later challenged Hulk to a match at SummerSlam, which Hogan won.[131] In regards to the public reaction to Summerslam, and his treatment as an employee, he said:
| “ | Last year at SummerSlam, I fought Randy Orton—and me and Vince had some problems with the money. Before SummerSlam, I was a little worried because instead of being a main event match I was on fourth against Randy Orton. When I heard about the first three matches at the Fleet Center in Boston, it sounded like a funeral. And when I listened to the crowd reactions to those matches, it did sound like a funeral. Then, when my music came on it was like the old days, people were stood up. It was electric. Randy is a great hard working wrestler and we fought an old school style match. That was the most exciting match I've ever had in the Fleet Centre. I wrestled Steve Borden in a cage, which was a great match in my opinion at least, but this one was better; as after second-guessing I was like 'Oh my god, it still works'. Then Vince went out with his son and wrestled Triple H and Shawn Michaels and it was dead again. Cena went on for the main event, and people started leaving.[132] | ” |
He also spoke extensively on his payment, and his concerns of not being a top priority to Vince McMahon, despite the fact that he felt he was the company's biggest draw:
| “ | I felt bad when the night ended, as they should have put me on later, but it was the money that really got to me. I swore I would never talk about the money again with Vince because that's what we always argue about. But when I saw the amount I was like, 'That's like one of my driver's paychecks', so I had to say something. He replied, 'Well you're not the only big guy any more, there are now 12 big guys.' I said, 'Well if that's the case let me explain something to you, I heard the first three matches and (the crowd response was) nothing. I wrestled and I heard what happened. And then I heard your match, Vince, and nothing. And I saw Cena, and people were leaving. I had a hard time getting out the building because of all the people marching through. 'So who are the other 11 big guys you're splitting my money with?'[132] | ” |
Hogan's last WWE appearance to date occurred on December 10, 2007 on the WWE Raw 15th anniversary. He saved Hornswoggle from being attacked by The Great Khali.
Memphis Wrestling and PMG Clash of Legends (2007)[link]
After a brief fall out with McMahon and WWE,[133] Hogan was lured to Memphis Wrestling with the proposal of wrestling Jerry "The King" Lawler.[134] The match had been promoted on Memphis Wrestling Prime Time for several months. On April 12, 2007, however, Lawler announced in a news conference that WWE had barred him from wrestling Hogan on the basis that NBC performers (including Lawler, on the basis of co-hosting the NBC-owned USA Network's WWE Raw and his appearances on the biannual WWE Saturday Night's Main Event) are contractually prohibited from appearing on VH1, the channel on which Hogan Knows Best airs.[134] The situation resulted in a lawsuit being filed against WWE by event promoter Corey Maclin.[135] Lawler was replaced with Paul Wight.[134] Hulk Hogan defeated Wight at PMG Clash of Legends on April 27, 2007 when he picked up and bodyslammed Wight and pinned him following his signature Leg Drop.
Return to TNA Wrestling[link]
Dixie Carter's business partner (2009–2010)[link]
On October 27, 2009 it was announced on TNAwrestling.com that Hulk Hogan had signed a contract to join TNA on a full time basis where, partnered with Eric Bischoff, he would partner with TNA President, Dixie Carter.[6] The footage of his signing and the press conference in the Madison Square Garden following it were featured on the October 29 episode of TNA Impact!. His role remained uncertain.[136]
On November 21, 24, 26, and 28, Hogan performed with a group of wrestlers including Spartan-3000, Heidenreich, Eugene, Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake and Orlando Jordan across Australia in a tour titled Hulkamania: Let the Battle Begin. The main event of each show was a rematch between Hogan and Ric Flair—the wrestler who defeated Hogan more times than any other. Hogan defeated Flair in all four matches, bringing his career record against Flair from 2–8 to 6–8.[137] It was the first time Hogan had performed in Australia.[138]
On December 5, 2009, Hogan announced on UFC's The Ultimate Fighter that he would be making his official TNA debut on January 4, 2010, in a special live three hour Monday night edition of TNA Impact! to compete with WWE's Monday Night Raw (which featured the return of Bret Hart[139]) Carter revealed Hogan's role in the company in an interview with The UK Sun stating when his job came to question, "he is involved with everything from looking at the talent to how we shoot the show".[140]
On the January 4, 2010 Impact!, Hogan debuted after a motorcade arrival reuniting briefly with former nWo partners Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Sean Waltman, the latter two of whom made their returns to the company. He, however, refused to join them for a full-fledged reunion of their group claiming, "it's a different time", and stuck to his business relations with Bischoff, who made his appearance to declare that, the two of them would "flip the company upside down" and everyone would have to earn their spot. Hogan also encountered TNA Founder, Jeff Jarrett on the broadcast, appearing via video wall and interrupting Jarrett's company success speech, stating that Carter was instrumental to the company's survival, and that just like the rest, Jarrett would have to (kayfabe) earn his spot in TNA.[141]
At TNA Genesis on January 17, Hogan and Bischoff revealed a newly renovated TNA Impact! Zone, and reintroduced the traditional four sided ring, opposing the six sided ring TNA had in use.[142] On the February 18 edition of Impact! Hogan took Abyss under his wing, and during this sequence, gave him his Hall of Fame ring and claimed it would make him a "god of wrestling".[143] The following week Hogan announced that he would be making his in-ring TNA debut on the March 8 live Monday night edition of Impact! teaming with Abyss to face A.J. Styles and Ric Flair.[144] That night, Hogan and Abyss defeated Styles and Flair, when Abyss scored a pinfall over Styles.[145] Afterwards, the returning Jeff Hardy saved Hogan and Abyss from a beat down at the hands of Styles, Flair and Desmond Wolfe.[145] This proceeded in later weeks to become a Team Flair versus Team Hogan situation, whereas Jarrett and the debuting Rob Van Dam joined Team Hogan and Beer Money and Sting, who rekindled his feud with Hogan with an attack, joined Team Flair. At Lockdown Team Hogan (Abyss, Jeff Jarrett, Jeff Hardy and Rob Van Dam) defeated Team Flair (Sting, Desmond Wolfe, Robert Roode and James Storm) in a Lethal Lockdown match.[146]
Immortal (2010–2011)[link]
Main article: Immortal (professional wrestling)
On the June 17 edition of Impact! Hogan's alliance with Abyss came to an abrupt end, when Abyss turned heel.[147] Abyss later claimed that he was controlled by some entity, that was coming to TNA.[148] The next months Hogan worked with Bischoff, Jeff Jarrett and Samoa Joe against Sting and Kevin Nash, who claimed that they knew that Hogan and Bischoff were up to something.[149] During this time Abyss went on a rampage, attacking Rob Van Dam to the point that he was forced to vacate the TNA World Heavyweight Championship and eventually put his hands on TNA president Dixie Carter, which led to her signing the paperwork, presented by Bischoff, that would have Abyss fired from TNA following his match with Van Dam at Bound for Glory.[150][151][152] Hogan was set to wrestle with Jarrett and Joe against Sting, Nash and D'Angelo Dinero at Bound for Glory, but was forced to miss the event due to a back surgery. However, he would make a surprise appearance at the end of the event, turning heel, helping Jeff Hardy win the vacant TNA World Heavyweight Championship and aligning himself with Hardy, Bischoff, Abyss and Jarrett. This is also Hogan's first working as a heel since he reunited with the NWO in the WWE.[153] On the following edition of Impact! it was revealed that Bischoff had tricked Carter and the paperwork she had signed a week earlier, were not to release Abyss, but to turn the company over to him and Hogan. Meanwhile, Bischoff's and Hogan's new stable, now known as Immortal, formed an alliance with Ric Flair's Fortune.[154] Dixie Carter returned on the November 25 edition of Reaction, informing Hogan and Bischoff that a judge had filed an injunction against the two on her behalf over not having signatory authority, indefinitely suspending Hogan from TNA.[155] During his absence, Hogan underwent a potentially career–ending spinal fusion surgery on December 21, 2010.[156][157]
Hogan returned to TNA on the March 3, 2011, edition of Impact!, declaring himself as the new owner of TNA, having won the court battle against Dixie Carter.[158] In April, he began hinting at a possible return to the ring to face the TNA World Heavyweight Champion, Sting.[159] On the May 12 edition of the newly renamed Impact Wrestling, Hogan lost control of the program to Mick Foley, who revealed himself as the Network consultant, who had been causing problems for Immortal ever since Hogan and Bischoff took over the company; however, this angle was aborted just three weeks later, when Foley left the promotion.[160][161] During the following months, Hogan continued to interfere in Sting's matches, costing him the TNA World Heavyweight Championship first at Hardcore Justice, recruiting Kurt Angle to Immortal in the process, then on the September 1 edition of Impact Wrestling and finally at No Surrender.[162][163][164] On the September 15 edition of Impact Wrestling, Sting defeated Immortal member Ric Flair to earn the right to face Hogan at Bound for Glory.[165][166] On October 4, it was reported that Hogan had signed a contract extension with TNA.[167] After feigning retirement from professional wrestling, Hogan accepted the match at Bound for Glory on the October 6 edition of Impact Wrestling, while also agreeing to hand TNA back to Dixie Carter, should Sting manage to win the match.[168]
Face turn and General Manager (2011–present)[link]
On October 16 at Bound For Glory, Hogan was defeated by Sting, ending his run as the storyline president of TNA. After the match, Immortal attacked Sting. Hogan then "Hulked up", tore his shirt, and helped Sting chase the stable out of the ring, turning face once again in the process.[169] The following Impact Wrestling, Hogan, wearing his trademark yellow and red again, admitted to his mistakes, and put over Sting for winning, who ended up helping Hogan this time chase Immortal from the ring.[170] After that, Hogan took a hiatus from TNA. On January 26, 2012, Hogan returned to the ring at a house show in Nottingham, England, where he, James Storm and Sting defeated Bobby Roode, Bully Ray and Kurt Angle in a six man tag team main event.[171] Hogan returned to Impact Wrestling on February 2, when he was revealed as Garett Bischoff's trainer.[172] On the March 29 edition of Impact Wrestling, Hogan returned and accepted Sting's offer to replace him as the new General Manager.[173]
Endorsements and business ventures[link]
Food industry[link]
Hulk Hogan's Pastamania was a restaurant in the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota.[174] It was created and financed by Hogan. It opened on the Labor Day weekend of 1995 and was later heavily hyped on World Championship Wrestling's live flagship show WCW Monday Nitro, which actually premiered that September from the mall. The restaurant, which remained in operation for less than a year, featured such dishes as "Hulk-U's" and "Hulk-A-Roos".[174]
In an interview on both the The Tonight Show and Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Bollea claimed that the George Foreman Grill was originally offered to him, but he failed to respond in time. George Foreman was called and he chose to endorse the grill instead of a blender which became the Hulk Hogan Thunder Mixer. This claim was validated on an episode of Hogan Knows Best, in which his wife Linda and the family are worried about Hogan's wrestling career and plead with him to take up a career in marketing.[175] Hulk explains about turning down the Foreman grill, and his choice to invest in the shake-mixer instead, saying that whenever he thinks about investing in something "big," he thinks about what happened with the grill and the shake-mixer. However, he has since endorsed a similar product known as "The Hulk Hogan Ultimate Grill."
In 2006, Bollea unveiled his own energy drink, Hogan Energy, distributed by Socko Energy.[176] It was featured in an episode of Hogan Knows Best. His name and likeness are also applied to a line of microwavable hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and chicken sandwiches sold at Wal-Mart called "Hulkster Burgers".[177] On November 1, 2011 Bollea launched a new website called Hogan Nutrition www.hogannutrition.com which features many nutritional and dietary products.
In September 2008, Bollea's net worth was revealed to be over $30 million.[178][179][180] In September 2011, Bollea revealed that his lavish lifestyle, and recent divorce had cost him hundreds of millions of dollars and nearly bankrupted him.[181]
Other[link]
During an interview with The Sun in 2007, Bollea claimed to be planning his own federation to compete against Vince McMahon.[182] Bollea says he has raised $40 million of the $80–$100 million goal and his venture is something that will eventually revolutionize the sport of professional wrestling.[182]
In October 2007, Bollea transferred all trademarks referring to himself to his liability company named "Hogan Holdings Limited". The trademarks include Hulk Hogan, "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan, Hulkster, Hogan Knows Grillin, Hulkamania.com, and Hulkapedia.com.[183]
In April 2008, Bollea announced that he would be lending his license to video game developer Gameloft to create "Hulkamania Wrestling" for mobile phones. Hogan stated in a press release that the game would be "true to [his] experiences in wrestling" and use his classic wrestling moves like the Doublehand Choke Lift and Strong Clothesline.[184] As of 2010, Hogan stars alongside Troy Aikman in commercials for Rent-A-Center.[185] On March 24, 2011, Hogan made a special appearance on American Idol, giving a big surprise to wrestling fans Paul McDonald and James Durbin.
On 15 October 2010, Endemol Games UK (a subsidiary of media production group Endemol UK) announced a partnership with Bischoff Hervey Entertainment to produce "Hulk Hogan's Hulkamania", an online gambling game featuring video footage of Hogan.[186][187]
Other media[link]
Acting[link]
File:Hogan.JPG
The handprints of Hulk Hogan in front of The Great Movie Ride at Walt Disney World's Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park
Hulk Hogan's crossover popularity led to several television and movie roles. Early in his career Bollea played the part of Thunderlips in Rocky III (1982). He also appeared in No Holds Barred (1989), before starring in the family films Suburban Commando (1991), Mr. Nanny (1993), Santa with Muscles (1996), and 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain (1998).[188] He starred in his own television series, Thunder in Paradise, in 1994. He is the star of The Ultimate Weapon (1997), in which Brutus Beefcake also appears in a cameo.[189]
Bollea also starred in a pair of television movies, originally intended as a pilot for an ongoing series for TNT, produced by Eric Bischoff. The movies, Shadow Warriors: Assault on Devil's Island and Shadow Warriors: Hunt for The Death Merchant, starred Hogan alongside Carl Weathers and Shannon Tweed as a freelance mercenary team. In 1995, he appeared on TBN's Kids Against Crime.
Bollea made cameo appearances in Muppets from Space, Gremlins 2: The New Batch (the theatrical cut) and Spy Hard as himself. Hogan was offered the role of Zeus in Little Hercules in 3D on an episode of Hogan Knows Best and was shown during the filming of the movie. He also had a cameo at the end of the movie Little Monsters. Hogan also made two appearances on The A-Team (in 1985 and 1986), and along with Roddy Piper. Nick's favorite animated show, Captain Planet, was another popular stop for Hogan's recognizable voice. He was the voice of BP, Sly Sludge's evil sidekick. His famous catchphrase was "You're gonna pay at the pump, brother!" He also had a vital role in the two-part episode of Suddenly Susan in 1999. In 2001, Hogan guest-starred on an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger, playing a reformed criminal now operating a Christian Community Center and helping Walker steer teenagers away from gangs. Hogan also appeared in 1992 commercials for Right Guard deodorant dressed in fine clothing and painting and his line "anything less would be uncivilized".
Hogan has become a busy voice actor in recent years making guest voice spots on Robot Chicken and American Dad! and as a main actor in the Cartoon Network/Adult Swim series China, IL.
Reality television[link]
On July 10, 2005, VH1 premiered a new reality show titled Hogan Knows Best which centered around Hulk Hogan, his then-wife Linda, and their children Brooke and Nick. Set in their home in Clearwater, Florida, the show followed the family in their efforts to fulfill the dreams of their children while still maintaining their sense of closeness. At the show's onset, 16-year-old Brooke was trying to break into the music industry while younger brother Nick (age 14) went through a series of career aspirations including his failure to become a professional race car driver and following in his dad's footsteps as a pro wrestler.[190]
As of July 2008, Hogan Knows Best transferred its focus into a new show called Brooke Knows Best which focuses on his daughter's move into a new apartment to continue her pursuit of a music career.[191]
Bollea hosted the comeback series of American Gladiators on NBC in 2008.[192] He also hosted and judged the short-lived reality show, Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling.[193] Hogan had a special titled Finding Hulk Hogan on A&E on November 17, 2010.[194]
Music and radio[link]
Bollea released a music CD, Hulk Rules, as Hulk Hogan and The Wrestling Boot Band. Also, Green Jellÿ released a single, a duet with Hogan, performing Gary Glitter's classic song "I'm the Leader of the Gang (I Am)". He has also made cameos in several music videos. From her self-named show, Dolly the music video for Dolly Parton's wrestling-themed love song "Headlock on my Heart" features Hogan as "Starlight Starbright". On the show, Parton mentioned that the tabloid Weekly World News had "reported" that she had written a song about her love for a wrestler, and said "if you read in the Weekly World News, it must be true!" In the music video "Pressure" by Belly ft. Ginuwine, Bollea and his daughter Brooke both made brief cameo appearances.
Bollea is a regular guest on Bubba the Love Sponge's radio show. He also served as the best man at Bubba's January 2007 wedding.[195] On March 12, 2010, Bollea hosted his own radio show, titled Hogan Uncensored, on Sirius Satellite Radio's Howard 101.[196]
Video games[link]
Bollea did a video game voice acting on Saints Row: The Third as Angel De la Muerte a member of the Saints.[197] In October 2011, Bollea released a video game called Hulk Hogan's Main Event.[198]
Personal life[link]
On December 18, 1983, Bollea married Linda Claridge (born August 24, 1959). They have a daughter Brooke (born May 5, 1988) and a son Nick (born July 27, 1990). Bollea made his personal life the centerpiece of the television show Hogan Knows Best, which includes his wife and two children.
Bollea's 17 year old son Nick was indicted as an adult on November 7, 2007 on four criminal charges. The charges stemmed from an August car accident that seriously injured the passenger in Nick's car, John Graziano. Nick pleaded no contest and was sentenced to eight months in prison on May 9, 2008.[199]
According to an interview in The National Enquirer, Christiane Plante claimed that she had an affair with Hogan in 2007 while the Hogan family was shooting Hogan Knows Best.[200] Plante was 33 years old at the time and had worked with Brooke Hogan on her 2006 album.[201] On November 20, 2007, Linda filed for divorce in Pinellas County, Florida.[202] Hulk told St. Petersburg Times that he was unaware of the filing when the paper called for a comment. The Graziano family's lawyer believed the divorce might have been an attempt to divide the family's assets from a planned civil suit against the Bolleas regarding their son, Nick.[203] After filing for divorce, Linda (48 at the time) began dating Charlie Hill (19 at the time). Hill was a student at Brooke and Nick's high school, one grade above Nick and one grade below Brooke.[204][205] In November 2008, Linda claimed to the public that she made the decision to end her marriage after finding out about Hulk Hogan's affair.[206][207] Hogan admitted at the time that he had considered committing suicide; however, he moved on and married his current wife Jennifer McDaniel.[208] In his 2009 autobiography, however, Hogan acknowledged that Linda on numerous occasions suspected he was having infidelities whenever he developed friendships with other women,[209] but denied allegations that he ever cheated on Linda.[209]
Bollea lived with his daughter, Brooke, who starred in the now-cancelled VH1 reality series, Brooke Knows Best.[210] Bollea has suffered numerous health problems, particularly with his back since retiring as a wrestler following the years of heavyweight training and jolting as a wrestler.[211]
On October 27, 2009, St. Martin's Press released Bollea's autobiography, My Life Outside the Ring. Bollea has continued to stay in the news, due to his revelation that he considered suicide in 2007, shortly after his wife filed for divorce. Hogan credits Laila Ali, co-star on American Gladiators, with preventing him from committing suicide.[212]
Bollea has been in a relationship with Jennifer McDaniel since early 2008.[213] The two were engaged in November 2009 and married on December 14, 2010, in Clearwater, Florida.[213][214][215]
Hogan became a distributor for multi-level marketing company ViSalus Sciences after looking for business opportunities outside of wrestling.[216]
Hogan supports the American Diabetes Association.[217]
Honors[link]
Bollea was honored as the 2008 King of the Krewe of Bacchus, a New Orleans carnival organization.[218][219] Hogan visited the Children's Hospital of New Orleans and rode in the parade where he threw doubloons with his likeness. Hogan received the honor in part because meeting Hogan is one of the most requested "wishes" of the terminally ill children benefited by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.[219]
Whenever Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin scores a goal at Consol Energy Center Hulk Hogan would appear on the Jumbotron and say "Whatcha gonna do when Malkamania runs wild on you" as well as Hulk Hogan impersonators.
Filmography[link]
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Rocky III | Thunderlips | |
| 1989 | No Holds Barred | Rip | |
| 1990 | Gremlins 2: The New Batch | Himself | |
| 1991 | Suburban Commando | Shep Ramsey | |
| 1993 | Mr. Nanny | Sean Armstrong | |
| Thunder in Paradise | Randolph J. Hurricane Spencer | ||
| 1994 | Thunder in Paradise II | ||
| Thunder in Paradise (TV) | |||
| 1995 | Thunder in Paradise III | ||
| 1996 | The Secret Agent Club | Ray Chase | |
| Spy Hard | Steele's other Tag-Team Member | (cameo) | |
| Santa with Muscles | Blake | ||
| 1997 | The Ultimate Weapon | Cutter | |
| Assault on Devil's Island | Mike McBride | ||
| 1998 | McCinsey's Island | Joe McGrai | |
| 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain | Dave Dragon | ||
| 1999 | Assault on Death Mountain | Mike McBride | |
| Muppets from Space | Himself | ||
| 2001 | Walker, Texas Ranger | Boomer Knight | TV episode: Division Street |
| 2009 | Little Hercules | Zeus | |
| 2011 | Gnomeo and Juliet | Terrafirminator V.O. | Voice |
| Black River | Marcus Demchak | Pre-production | |
| China, IL | The Dean |
Other media[link]
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Saints Row: The Third (video game) | Angel |
In wrestling[link]
- Finishing moves
- Atomic Leg Drop (Running leg drop)[1][3]
- Axe Bomber[1] (Crooked arm lariat)[220]
- Signature moves
- Atomic drop[221]
- Big boot[1]
- Body slam[1]
- Clothesline[1]
- Multiple punches, sometimes with theatrics[1]
- Raking the opponent's eyes or back[1]
- Entrance themes
- American Wrestling Association
- "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor
- World Championship Wrestling
- "American Made" by The Wrestling Boot Band (1994–1996, 1999–2000)
- "Rockhouse" by Frank Shelley (used while a part of the New World Order; 1996–1999)
- "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1997–1999)
- "Kevin Nash/Wolfpac Theme" (used while a part of the nWo wolfpac elite; 1999)
- Xcitement Wrestling Federation
- "American Made" by The Wrestling Boot Band (2001)
- World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
- "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor (January 7, 1984–November 22, 1986)
- "Hulk Hogan's Theme" by Jim Steinman (1985)
- "Stars and Stripes Forever" by John Philip Sousa (1985)
- "Real American" by Rick Derringer (November 29, 1986–June 13, 1993, July 4, 2002, May 22, 2003–July 3, 2003, March 21, 2005–December 10, 2007)
- "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (March 18, 2002–February 23, 2003)
- Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
- "nWo Original Theme" (Rockhouse Remix) by Frank Shelly (2010–present)
- "Immortal Theme" by Dale Oliver (used while a part of Immortal; 2010–2011)[224]
- "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor (used at house shows)[171]
- American Wrestling Association
Championships and accomplishments[link]
- New Japan Pro Wrestling
- IWGP League Tournament (1983)[1][29]
- MSG Tag League Tournament (1982, 1983) – with Antonio Inoki
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- PWI Comeback of the Year (1994, 2002)
- PWI Feud of the Year (1986) vs. Paul Orndorff
- PWI Match of the Year (1985) with Mr. T vs. Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff at WrestleMania
- PWI Match of the Year (1988) vs. André the Giant at The Main Event
- PWI Match of the Year (1990) vs. The Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania VI
- PWI Match of the Year (2002) vs. The Rock at WrestleMania X8
- PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (1996, 1998)
- PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (1983, 1999)[225]
- PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (1985, 1989, 1990)
- PWI Wrestler of the Year (1987, 1991, 1994)
- PWI ranked him #1 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1991[226]
- PWI ranked him #1 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003[227]
- PWI ranked him #57 of the Top 100 Tag Teams of the "PWI Years" with Randy Savage in 2003[228]
- Tokyo Sports Grand Prix
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
- Feud of the Year (1986) vs. Paul Orndorff
- Most Charismatic (1985–1987, 1989–1991)
- Most Overrated (1985–1987, 1994–1998)
- Worst Worked Match of the Year (1987) vs. André the Giant at WrestleMania III
- Worst Worked Match of the Year (1996) with Randy Savage vs. Arn Anderson, Meng, The Barbarian, Ric Flair, Kevin Sullivan, Z-Gangsta, and The Ultimate Solution in a Towers of Doom match at Uncensored
- Worst Worked Match of the Year (1997) vs. Roddy Piper at SuperBrawl VII
- Worst Worked Match of the Year (1998) vs. The Warrior at Halloween Havoc
- Worst Feud of the Year (1991) vs. Sgt. Slaughter
- Worst Feud of the Year (1995) vs. The Dungeon of Doom
- Worst Feud of the Year (1998) vs. The Warrior
- Worst Feud of the Year (2000) vs. Billy Kidman
- Best Babyface (1982–1991)
- Least Favorite Wrestler (1985, 1986, 1991, 1994–1999)
- Worst Wrestler (1997)
- Most Embarrassing Wrestler (1995, 1996, 1998–2000)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)[234]
1 ^ Hogan's last reign was as Undisputed WWF Champion. The title was renamed the WWE Undisputed Championship on May 6, 2002 after World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. settled a lawsuit with the World Wide Fund for Nature, and became simply World Wrestling Entertainment.
References[link]
- Bischoff, Eric (2006). Eric Bischoff: Controversy Creates Cash. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 1-4165-2729-X.
- Hogan, Hulk (2002). Hollywood Hulk Hogan. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 0-7434-7556-9.
- Loverro, Thom (2006). The Rise & Fall of ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 1-4165-1058-3.
- Shields, Brian (2006). Main Event: WWE in the Raging 80s. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 1-4165-3257-9.
- Hogan, Hulk and Dagostino, Mark (2009). My Life Outside the Ring. St. Martin's. ISBN 0-312-58889-5. http://books.google.com/books?id=-r8gB_j8a-UC&printsec=frontcover.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an "Hulk Hogan's Profile". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/h/hulk-hogan.html. Retrieved 2007-12-10.
- ^ a b c d e f g Patrick Jones (2002). "Hulk Hogan". St. James Encyclopedia of Pop Culture. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g1epc/is_bio/ai_2419200552. Retrieved 2007-10-25.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Hulk Hogan's Bio". World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/inductees/Hulkhogan/. Retrieved 2011-03-29.
- ^ Judgment Day 2003 (DVD). WWE Home Video. 2003.
- ^ "$40,000 a month not enough for Hogan wife". UPI.com. November 23, 2008. http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2008/11/23/40000-a-month-not-enough-for-Hogan-wife/UPI-16501227471351/. Retrieved 2009-06-26.
- ^ a b "Hulk Hogan Joins TNA Wrestling!". Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. October 27, 2009. http://www.tnawrestling.com/content/view/1770/84/. Retrieved 2009-10-27. [dead link]
- ^ Hollywood Hulk Hogan By Hulk Hogan
- ^ Hulk Hogan (2009). My Life Outside the Ring. St. Martin's Press. p. 11. ISBN 9870312588892.
- ^ a b c d e f g Hulk Hogan (2009). My Life Outside the Ring. St. Martin's Press. p. 45. ISBN [[Special:BookSources/9870312588892|9870312588892]].
- ^ Hulk Hogan (2009). My Life Outside the Ring. St. Martin's Press. p. 41. ISBN [[Special:BookSources/9870312588892|9870312588892]].
- ^ a b Hulk Hogan (2009). My Life Outside the Ring. St. Martin's Press. p. 44. ISBN [[Special:BookSources/9870312588892|9870312588892]].
- ^ Hulk Hogan (2009). My Life Outside the Ring. St. Martin's Press. p. 42. ISBN [[Special:BookSources/9870312588892|9870312588892]].
- ^ WWE – Superstars – Hall of Fame Inductees – Gerald Briscoe[dead link]
- ^ Hulk Hogan (2009). My Life Outside the Ring. St. Martin's Press. p. 47. ISBN [[Special:BookSources/9870312588892|9870312588892]].
- ^ a b c Hulk Hogan (2009). My Life Outside the Ring. St. Martin's Press. p. 51. ISBN [[Special:BookSources/9870312588892|9870312588892]].
- ^ a b c Hulk Hogan (2009). My Life Outside the Ring. St. Martin's Press. p. 56. ISBN [[Special:BookSources/9870312588892|9870312588892]].
- ^ "Old School Wrestling – Florida results 1977 (August 10)". http://www.oldschool-wrestling.com/geeklog/article.php/20061017223545426.
- ^ Hulk Hogan (2009). My Life Outside the Ring. St. Martin's Press. p. 57. ISBN [[Special:BookSources/9870312588892|9870312588892]].
- ^ a b Hulk Hogan (2009). My Life Outside the Ring. St. Martin's Press. p. 61. ISBN [[Special:BookSources/9870312588892|9870312588892]].
- ^ a b c d e f g h Hulk Hogan (2009). My Life Outside the Ring. St. Martin's Press. p. 62. ISBN [[Special:BookSources/9870312588892|9870312588892]].
- ^ a b c d e f g Hulk Hogan (2009). My Life Outside the Ring. St. Martin's Press. p. 67. ISBN [[Special:BookSources/9870312588892|9870312588892]].
- ^ a b Hulk Hogan (2009). My Life Outside the Ring. St. Martin's Press. p. 73. ISBN [[Special:BookSources/9870312588892|9870312588892]].
- ^ a b c d Hulk Hogan (2009). My Life Outside the Ring. St. Martin's Press. p. 75. ISBN [[Special:BookSources/9870312588892|9870312588892]].
- ^ Hulk Hogan (2009). My Life Outside the Ring. St. Martin's Press. p. 76. ISBN [[Special:BookSources/9870312588892|9870312588892]].
- ^ a b Hulk Hogan (2009). My Life Outside the Ring. St. Martin's Press. p. 77. ISBN [[Special:BookSources/9870312588892|9870312588892]].
- ^ Fifteen Greatest Superstars of the '80s DVD
- ^ "WWF Show Results 1980". Angelfire. 1980. Archived from the original on December 22, 2006. http://web.archive.org/web/20061222064125/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/80.htm. Retrieved 2007-02-27.
- ^ "WWF Show Results 1980". Angelfire. August 9, 1980. Archived from the original on February 20, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080220173429/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/80.htm. Retrieved 2008-02-27.
- ^ a b "The 1st International Wrestling Grand Prix Championship Tournament". Wrestling-Titles.com. http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/newjapan/iwgp1.html. Retrieved 2007-10-21.
- ^ awastars.com. AWA World Champion: HOLLYWOOD HULK HOGAN!! By Sean Bush
- ^ "WWF Show Results 1983". Angelfire. December 27, 1983. Archived from the original on December 3, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20071203141804/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/83.htm. Retrieved 2008-02-27.
- ^ "WWF Show Results 1984". Angelfire. January 7, 1984. Archived from the original on December 4, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20071204183532/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/84.htm. Retrieved 2008-02-27.
- ^ "Hulk Hogan's first WWE Championship reign". World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454120. Retrieved 2008-04-12.
- ^ "WWF Show Results 1984". Angelfire. January 23, 1984. Archived from the original on December 4, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20071204183532/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/84.htm. Retrieved 2008-02-27.
- ^ ""Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff & "Rowdy" Roddy Piper w/ Cowboy Bob Orton vs. Hulk Hogan & Mr. T w/ "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka". World Wrestling Entertainment. March 31, 1985. http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm1/mainevent1/. Retrieved 2008-02-27.
- ^ "Saturday Night's Main Event I results". World Wrestling Entertainment. May 11, 1985. http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/may111985. Retrieved 2008-04-12.
- ^ "Hulk Hogan Divorce Papers". TMZ.com. http://www.reference.com/search?q=900%20number. Retrieved 2007-12-10.
- ^ "Saturday Night's Main Event II results". World Wrestling Entertainment. October 5, 1985. http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/oct051985. Retrieved 2008-04-12.
- ^ "WWF Show Results 1985". Angelfire. November 7, 1985. Archived from the original on March 4, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080304205639/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/85.htm. Retrieved 2008-04-12.
- ^ "Saturday Night's Main Event IV results". World Wrestling Entertainment. January 4, 1986. http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/jan041986. Retrieved 2008-04-12.
- ^ "Saturday Night's Main Event V results". World Wrestling Entertainment. March 1, 1986. http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/march011986. Retrieved 2008-04-12.
- ^ "King Kong Bundy vs. Hulk Hogan – WWE Championship Steel Cage Match". World Wrestling Entertainment. April 2, 1986. http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm2/mainevent/. Retrieved 2008-04-12.
- ^ "Saturday Night's Main Event VII results". World Wrestling Entertainment. October 4, 1986. http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/oct041986. Retrieved 2008-04-12.
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- ^ {{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/118/1182800p1.html
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- ^ Nick Bollea Gets Eight Months Jail for Injury Accident
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External links[link]
 |
Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Hulk Hogan |
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Hulk Hogan |
- Official website
- Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame profile
- WWE Hall of Fame profile
- TNA Impact Wrestling profile
- Hulk Hogan at the Internet Movie Database
| Persondata | |
|---|---|
| Name | Hogan, Hulk |
| Alternative names | Bollea, Terry Gene (real name) |
| Short description | American professional wrestler |
| Date of birth | August 11, 1953 |
| Place of birth | Augusta, Georgia, United States |
| Date of death | |
| Place of death | |
http://wn.com/Hulk_Hogan
Related pages:
http://itwn.com/Hulk Hogan
http://cswn.com/Hulk Hogan
http://eswn.com/Hulk Hogan
http://ruwn.com/Халк Хоган
http://nlwn.com/Hulk Hogan
http://ptwn.com/Hulk Hogan
http://plwn.com/Hulk Hogan
http://frwn.com/Hulk Hogan
http://dewn.com/Hulk Hogan
http://hiwn.com/हल्क होगन
This page contains text from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hulk_Hogan
This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License, which means that you can copy and modify it as long as the entire work (including additions) remains under this license.
This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License, which means that you can copy and modify it as long as the entire work (including additions) remains under this license.
| Brock Lesnar | |
|---|---|
 Lesnar at a WWE Raw show in 2012. |
|
| Ring name(s) | Brock Lesnar |
| Billed height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Billed weight | 266 lb (121 kg) |
| Born | (1977-07-12) July 12, 1977 (age 34)[1] Webster, South Dakota, United States[2] |
| Resides | Alexandria, Minnesota, United States |
| Billed from | Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States |
| Trained by | Ohio Valley Wrestling |
| Debut | October 2000 |
Brock Edward Lesnar[1] (/ˈlɛznər/; born July 12, 1977) is an American professional wrestler, actor, former mixed martial artist and amateur wrestler,[3] signed with WWE and appearing on its Raw brand.[4] He is also a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and former #1 ranked mixed martial arts (MMA) Heavyweight by Sherdog; he was ranked #5 before he announced his retirement at the end of 2011.[5] Lesnar is an accomplished amateur wrestler, winning the 2000 NCAA heavyweight wrestling championship and placing second in 1999, losing in the finals to 1999 world freestyle wrestling champion and future New England Patriots offensive lineman Stephen Neal.[6]
He gained prominence in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) from 2002 to 2004, where he is a former three-time WWE Champion, becoming the youngest WWE Champion at age 25 with his first reign. Lesnar was the 2002 King of the Ring and the winner of the 2003 Royal Rumble.[7][8] After leaving WWE, Lesnar pursued a career in the NFL.[9] He played during the preseason for the Minnesota Vikings, but ended up being a late cut.[10] Lesnar returned to professional wrestling at the end of 2005, and joined New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), where he won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in his first match.[11] He was officially stripped of the title by NJPW in July 2006, and took the physical belt with him to Inoki Genome Federation (IGF), where he was still recognized as IWGP Champion until June 2007.[12]
Lesnar started a career in MMA and won his first fight in June 2007.[13] He then signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in October 2007. He lost his UFC debut against Frank Mir, but defeated Heath Herring in his sophomore fight. He subsequently captured the UFC Heavyweight Championship from Randy Couture on November 15, 2008, then avenged his loss to Mir at UFC 100 to become the Undisputed Champion. After being sidelined from fighting in late 2009 due to diverticulitis, Lesnar returned to defeat the Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Shane Carwin at UFC 116. Lesnar lost the Heavyweight belt against Cain Velasquez at UFC 121. He was once again stricken with a bout of diverticulitis in May 2011 and had surgery to try to cope with the ailment.[14] Lesnar returned at UFC 141 in December 2011, where he lost to Alistair Overeem and promptly retired from the UFC.[15] In April 2012, Lesnar returned to WWE.
Contents |
Early life[link]
Brock Lesnar was born in Webster, South Dakota. He attended Webster High School in Webster, where he had a wrestling record of 33–0–0 in his senior year.[16] Lesnar admits he graduated last of 54 students in his class.[17] Lesnar later attended the University of Minnesota on a full wrestling scholarship for his junior and senior years of college; his roommate was fellow professional wrestler Shelton Benjamin who served as Lesnar's assistant coach.[18] Lesnar won the 2000 NCAA wrestling championship as a heavyweight after placing second in 1999.
Prior to joining the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Lesnar wrestled at Bismarck State College in Bismarck, North Dakota.[2] Lesnar finished his amateur career as a two-time NJCAA All-American, 1998 NJCAA Heavyweight Champion, two-time NCAA All-American, two-time Big Ten Conference Champion, and the 2000 NCAA heavyweight champion with a record of 106–5 overall in four years of college.[19]
Professional wrestling career[link]
World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment (2000–2004)[link]
Training and debut (2000–2002)[link]
In 2000, after leaving college, Lesnar signed up with the World Wrestling Federation. He was sent to its developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling. There, he formed a tag team known as "The Minnesota Stretching Crew" with his former college roommate, Shelton Benjamin. Lesnar and Benjamin won the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship on three occasions.[20] He wrestled several dark matches in 2001 and 2002 before being called up to the main roster.[11]
Lesnar debuted on WWF television on the March 18, 2002 episode of Raw, the night after WrestleMania X8, coming through the crowd and attacking Al Snow, Maven, and Spike Dudley during the course of a match. He was accompanied by Paul Heyman, who was seen giving instructions to Lesnar.[21] When the brand extension was introduced in the WWF, Lesnar was drafted to the Raw brand.[22] Later, Heyman was confirmed to be Lesnar's agent and gave Lesnar the nickname "The Next Big Thing".[23] Brock's first feud was with the Hardy Boyz. Lesnar and Jeff Hardy squared off at Backlash in Lesnar's first official televised match.[11] He won the match by knockout.[24] The next night on Raw Lesnar faced off against Matt Hardy, defeating him in the same fashion.[25] At Judgment Day, Lesnar once again gained the upper hand on the Hardy Boyz before tagging his partner, Heyman, in to make the pin.[26]
Main event status (2002–2003)[link]
In June 2002, Lesnar won the King of the Ring tournament, defeating Rob Van Dam in the final round.[7] This victory earned him a shot at the WWE Undisputed Championship at SummerSlam.[26] On July 22, Lesnar joined the SmackDown! brand.[27] After a quick feud with Hollywood Hulk Hogan in August 2002, Lesnar began feuding with the Undisputed Champion The Rock.[28] At the main event of SummerSlam, Lesnar defeated The Rock to become the WWE Undisputed Champion.[26] With his victory at age 25, Lesnar became the youngest WWE Champion in history (a record that was previously held by The Rock and stands to date).[26] With the WWE Undisputed Championship being defended on both brands, Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff expected Lesnar to be able to return to Raw the following night. However, SmackDown General Manager Stephanie McMahon announced that Lesnar's contract only required him to defend the title on SmackDown!, forcing Bischoff to establish a new world championship for his brand. With the new World Heavyweight Championship on the Raw brand, the now disputed WWE Undisputed Championship simply became known as the WWE Championship.[29]
Lesnar's rapid rise to the top of WWE in 2002 led to a feud with The Undertaker, which involved a match at Unforgiven.[26] It ended in a double disqualification leading to Lesnar retaining the title. The next month, at No Mercy, he faced The Undertaker again, this time in a Hell in a Cell match. Leading up to the match, Lesnar broke the Undertaker's hand with a propane tank.[30] Despite Heyman begging McMahon not to let The Undertaker use his cast as a weapon, the request was denied and the match went on as planned.[31] In a match that saw both wrestlers and even Heyman covered in blood, it ended when Lesnar reversed an attempted Tombstone piledriver into his finishing F-5 maneuver for the win.[26] Six days after his Hell in a Cell match with The Undertaker, Lesnar successfully retained his WWE title in a Handicap match with Heyman at the Rebellion pay-per-view against Edge.[32]
Lesnar's next opponent was The Big Show. Heyman was convinced more than anyone that Lesnar could not win, trying to talk him out of defending the title.[33] Lesnar refused and lost the championship in Madison Square Garden at the Survivor Series pay-per-view to Big Show, Lesnar's first pinfall loss in WWE. When the champion tried to pin the 500-pounder following an F-5, he was betrayed by Heyman who pulled the referee out of the ring allowing Big Show to capitalize by chokeslamming Lesnar on a steel chair. Show went on to pin Lesnar and win the title. As a result, Lesnar became a fan favorite.[34] Following Survivor Series, Heyman made it clear that Lesnar would not get a rematch, even going so far as to sneak a special clause in his contract.[35] In order to gain his revenge on Big Show and Heyman, Lesnar interfered in his first title defense, which came against Kurt Angle the next month at Armageddon. Lesnar hit the F-5 on the champion, which enabled Angle to pin him and win the title. On the next edition of SmackDown, however, Angle introduced Heyman as his manager and, despite promising Lesnar a match for his title earlier in the evening, declared that Lesnar still would not get a title shot. Lesnar was then beaten down by Big Show and Angle following the main event, but the former champion got his revenge after the show went off the air. While getting attacked again and berated by Heyman, Lesnar recovered and began to fight off both men. He eventually clotheslined Big Show out of the ring and then knocked him out with a steel chair when he returned, leaving Angle alone with Lesnar. Lesnar then chased the champion, who had escaped to the outside, and resumed his assault that culminated when Lesnar used the F-5 to propel Angle's right knee into the steel ringpost. As paramedics tended to a screaming Angle, Lesnar finished off the assault with a kneebreaker on the ringside barricade, (kayfabe) breaking the champion's leg.
With Angle temporarily put out of action, Lesnar's rivalry with Heyman and the Big Show resumed, which culminated in a match at the Royal Rumble in January 2003. A spot in the Royal Rumble match was on the line, and winning the match would be Lesnar's only hope for a potential title shot. Lesnar defeated Big Show to gain entry into the match and entered at #29, the second to last competitor to enter the match. He eliminated Matt Hardy and Team Angle, which was composed of the debuting (at the time) Charlie Haas and his former OVW teammate, Shelton Benjamin who were mentored by the WWE champion. Lesnar made it to the final two, with the only remaining entry being a returning Undertaker who entered the match last. Lesnar went on to win the match by eliminating Undertaker, which now guaranteed him a title match which he would receive at WrestleMania XIX.[34]
After the Royal Rumble, Lesnar's feud with Angle, Heyman, and their allies continued as Angle retained the title at the Rumble by defeating Chris Benoit. Lesnar and Benoit faced off against Angle, Haas, and Benjamin at No Way Out the following month and Lesnar's team won the match. This helped to forward the feud leading into the main event at WrestleMania.[34] During the match, Lesnar attempted and botched a shooting star press, a move typically done by cruiserweights but a move Lesnar knew how to perform, having done so in developmental matches. However, Lesnar overestimated the distance he could jump to execute the move. As a result, he did not get enough rotation on his leap and instead of landing with his body on top of Angle's, Lesnar jammed his head and neck by hitting Angle's side and ribcage. This stunned Lesnar and forced Angle to improvise the finish of the match. Lesnar suffered a severe concussion from the botched move, but still managed to pin Angle after an F-5 to win his second WWE Championship.[34] The rivalry ended after this, as Angle was forced to undergo neck surgery and missed several months.
After WrestleMania Lesnar turned his attention to John Cena, who had returned from injury in February 2003 and who had been F-5'd into a ringpost in the same manner Angle had been. Cena claimed Lesnar nearly ended his career and even named his new finishing move the "FU" as a jab at the new champion.[36] The feud ended relatively quickly in a match at Backlash when Lesnar defeated Cena. On the following SmackDown, Lesnar returned to his rivalry with Big Show after he injured Rey Mysterio badly during their match at Backlash. Show's attack resulted in Mysterio being carried out on a stretcher and back board and Big Show took Mysterio off the stretcher and swung the back board into the ringpost, compounding the injury.[34] Lesnar called out the Big Show, who demanded that Lesnar put his title on the line against him. This led to a Stretcher match at Judgment Day for the title. Lesnar successfully retained his title with help from Rey Mysterio and a forklift.[37] During the scripted rivalry, on SmackDown!, Lesnar lifted Big Show over in a Superplex, which caused the ring to collapse on impact.[38]
As Lesnar and Big Show continued their rivalry, Kurt Angle returned from his neck surgery and he and Lesnar began to form a more friendly rivalry, as the two were allies yet contenders for the title. At the first ever SmackDown brand-exclusive pay-per-view in July, Vengeance, Lesnar took on Angle and Big Show in a No Disqualification Triple Threat match for his title, which ended after Angle hit his Angle Slam on both Big Show and Lesnar, pinning the champion to become WWE Champion for a fourth time.[34]
Lesnar continued to chase Angle's title, however, despite their friendship. Vince McMahon found his way into the angle, at first berating Lesnar, who had involved himself in McMahon's rivalry with Zach Gowen, for losing to Angle. This all turned out to be a huge swerve that came into focus on the August 7, 2003 SmackDown in Kelowna, British Columbia. That night, Lesnar and McMahon were to face each other in a steel cage match with Angle as the special guest referee as per McMahon's orders on the previous week's program. During the course of the match, Lesnar had passed out due to a staged backstage incident and McMahon was set to pin him but Angle refused to allow McMahon to win that way. As the two men began to argue, Lesnar rose to his feet, revealing the ruse to the crowd, and F-5'd Angle. He then brutally beat Angle in the cage while McMahon watched, and celebrated with the owner of the company afterward, turning heel in the process.
At SummerSlam, [39] Lesnar lost to Angle when Angle made Lesnar tap out to the ankle lock.[40] After that, Lesnar began brutalizing smaller wrestlers and attacking his rivals on a more consistent basis. He returned to using the F-5 to propel his opponents' legs into the ringpost, as he did to Spanky and Gowen, and interfered in Angle's matches on two separate occasion.
On September 18, 2003, Lesnar received his third shot at Angle in as many months when he faced the champion in a sixty-minute Iron Man match for the title in what went down as one of the greatest matches in the history of SmackDown.[41] Lesnar employed an early strategy where he assaulted the champion with a steel chair early in the match, getting himself disqualified to lose the first fall but allowing himself a chance to do a fair amount of damage. Lesnar won the next three falls by hitting Angle with the F-5 and pinning him, putting Angle's own ankle lock on him and forcing him to submit, and then getting Angle counted out after hitting a second F-5 on the floor. Angle recovered to pin the champion after an Angle Slam, but Lesnar won two additional falls by first leveling him with the championship belt while the referee's back was turned and then hitting a superplex from the top. That made it five falls to two in favor of the challenger with the match more than halfway over. In the final ten minutes of the match, Angle moved to within one fall after a pin and a submission with the ankle lock. For the final two minutes of the match, Lesnar tried to dodge Angle by leaving the ring on several occasions. Angle finally caught the champions with 1:12 left and hit a series of German suplexes, keeping Lesnar locked up for nearly 45 seconds. Lesnar, however, was able to hold on to the referee and kicked Angle below the belt with :35 left. However, since Lesnar was still holding the official he was not disqualified, and with nineteen seconds remaining Angle appeared to be out of it. However, Lesnar fell into a trap set by the champion and Angle locked in the ankle lock again. This time, Angle applied a grapevine hold to the lock, wrenching hard on Lesnar's ankle for the final fifteen seconds of the bout. However, Lesnar was able to withstand the hold for the remaining time and as a result, by a final count of five falls to four, won the match and his third WWE Championship.[42]
With Angle finally out of his hair for the first time in nearly a year, Lesnar returned to feuding with The Undertaker. Lesnar had previously cost Undertaker the title in a match against then-champion Kurt Angle, which granted him a shot at Lesnar's title.[43] At No Mercy, Lesnar defeated Undertaker in a Biker Chain match.[44] However, the rivalry came to an end when Undertaker instead chose to focus on McMahon.
After Paul Heyman returned to WWE as general manager of SmackDown, Lesnar aligned himself with his former manager. Since he had also since been aligning himself with his former rival The Big Show for several weeks after his betrayal of Angle, this brought Lesnar almost full circle from the year prior, where Heyman and Big Show had conspired with each other to rid Lesnar of his title. With Survivor Series coming up, Lesnar decided to challenge Angle to a traditional Survivor Series elimination tag team match, with Lesnar picking four additional wrestlers and Angle doing the same. Lesnar chose Big Show as his first pick, with Heyman adding a returning Nathan Jones and a debuting Matt Morgan to bring the team number to four. Angle, in the meantime, chose Chris Benoit and The APA to join his team. However, Faarooq was injured during a match with Lesnar and Big Show and Angle's team was forced to not only find a replacement for him, but to fill the fifth spot. Lesnar's team picked A-Train to fill that spot for them after he attacked John Cena, who refused to accept an invitation to join Lesnar's team. Cena instead joined Angle's team, and Angle added Hardcore Holly as the fifth member; Lesnar had injured Holly the year before and he hadn't wrestled since.[45] In the climax of the match, Chris Benoit became the second person to make Lesnar tap out.[44]
Lesnar faced Benoit in a singles bout two weeks later for the WWE Championship on SmackDown!, where Lesnar won after Benoit passed out to Lesnar's debuting Brock Lock submission hold.[46] He then began a brief feud with Hardcore Holly, defeating him at the Royal Rumble in January 2004 to retain his title.
Feuding with Goldberg and departure (2003–2004)[link]
The Survivor Series event marked the first time Lesnar met Goldberg from the Raw brand, a man to whom Lesnar had been compared due to their similar physiques and undefeated streaks in wrestling. Lesnar claimed in a backstage interview that he could beat anybody in the world, leading to Goldberg interrupting the interview and introducing himself to Lesnar, shaking hands with him before leaving with a staredown.[44] Lesnar followed this rivalry with a feud involving Hardcore Holly.[47] In the storyline, Holly wanted revenge on Lesnar for legitimately injuring his neck during a previous match between the two in 2002 which left Holly in need of neck surgery and out of action for a year. At the Royal Rumble in 2004, Lesnar defeated Holly to retain the WWE Championship.[48] Later in the Royal Rumble match, Lesnar attacked Goldberg and delivered an F-5, enabling Kurt Angle to eliminate him.[44]
In February, Lesnar faced Eddie Guerrero for the title at No Way Out. Goldberg interfered in the match and was able to help Guerrero turn the tide in the match. Lesnar still had his chance to win by nailing an F-5 onto his title belt that Lesnar brought into the ring, but Guerrero countered with a DDT to drive the champion into the belt. After a frog splash, Guerrero pinned Lesnar to win the WWE Championship. An angry Lesnar then began feuding with Goldberg, blaming him for losing his title, and a match was set up between the two at WrestleMania XX.[49] During the feud with Goldberg, Lesnar was at odds with Stone Cold Steve Austin, who was shown suggesting to Goldberg that he attack Lesnar at No Way Out.[50] When Lesnar attacked Austin on Raw and stole his four-wheeler, Austin was inserted as the special guest referee for the Wrestlemania match.[51] Behind the scenes, it was widely known that the match would be Goldberg's last in WWE.[citation needed] Only a week before Wrestlemania, however, rumors surfaced that Lesnar, too, was leaving in order to pursue a career in the National Football League.[citation needed] As a result, Lesnar's match with Goldberg became a fiasco as the fans at Madison Square Garden jeered and heckled both wrestlers vociferously.[52] Goldberg gained victory after delivering a Jackhammer to Lesnar and both men subsequently received Stone Cold Stunners from Austin.[52]
New Japan Pro Wrestling (2005–2007)[link]
On October 8, 2005, Lesnar won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in a three-way match at a New Japan Pro Wrestling show in the Tokyo Dome, which included the then-champion Kazuyuki Fujita and Masahiro Chono.[53] He won the match by pinning Masahiro Chono after an F-5, which he had renamed the Verdict, since WWE owns the trademark on the F-5 name.[11] After the match, he stated that this name was referring to his lawsuit against WWE. The match was his first pro wrestling match since leaving WWE.[11] Lesnar is one of the few American wrestlers to have held this title.[53]
On December 6, WWE filed a motion for a temporary restraining order to prevent Lesnar from continuing to work with NJPW, but the court did not grant it, and thus Lesnar had two non-title victories against Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata.[54][55] Lesnar successfully defended his championship on January 4, 2006, against former champion Shinsuke Nakamura.[54] On January 13, WWE once again filed an injunction against Lesnar to stop him from defending the IWGP Heavyweight Championship on March 19. Evidently this was not enforced (nor granted), as he went on to have a tag team match with Shinsuke Nakamura against Akebono and Riki Chōshū at the Sumo Hall on February 19, which was won after a Verdict to Chōshū.[54][56] On March 19, at the Sumo Hall, Lesnar retained his championship against former Sumo Wrestling Grand Champion Akebono when Lesnar hit him with the championship belt and a DDT.[57] Lesnar went on to successfully defend his title against the winner of the New Japan Cup, Giant Bernard, on May 3, 2006, in Fukuoka. This was the first American vs. American title match in NJPW since Vader vs. Stan Hansen in 1990.[58]
On July 15, 2006, New Japan Pro Wrestling announced that Brock Lesnar had been stripped of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship as he would no longer be returning to defend the title due to "visa issues." A tournament was held on July 16 to determine the new champion, which was won by Hiroshi Tanahashi, the man Lesnar was originally scheduled to face. Lesnar continued to possess the physical IWGP Championship belt until late June 2007.[12]
Approximately one year later on June 29, 2007, Lesnar defended his IWGP Heavyweight Championship (IGF promoter Antonio Inoki had stated he still viewed Lesnar as the "proper" IWGP Champion, as he was not defeated for the title) against TNA World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle in a champion versus champion match. Angle defeated Lesnar with the Ankle lock to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship as recognized by IGF and TNA.[12] and challenged him to an MMA fight.[59] This was Lesnar's last match as a professional wrestler until 2012 when he re-signed with WWE.
Lawsuit[link]
Lesnar had previously signed a no-compete clause in order to be released from his contract with WWE, which prohibited him from working for any other sports entertainment or mixed martial arts companies before June 2010. Lesnar had anticipated leaving wrestling entirely, but his inability to secure a career in professional football led to him challenging this ruling in court.[60] WWE responded by demanding damages as a result of Lesnar allegedly breaching the agreement by appearing at a New Japan Pro Wrestling show in 2004.[61] In July 2005, the two sides dropped their claims and entered negotiations to renew their relationship.[62] WWE had offered Lesnar a contract, but on August 2, 2005, WWE's official website reported that Lesnar had withdrawn from any involvement with the company.[63] The lawsuit was then entered into settlement on September 21, but talks broke down.[64][65]
On January 14, 2006, Judge Christopher Droney stated that unless WWE gave him a good argument between then and January 25, he would rule in favor of Brock Lesnar, giving him a summary judgment. This would have enabled Lesnar to work anywhere he wanted immediately.[66] WWE was later granted a deadline postponement.[67] On April 24, World Wrestling Entertainment announced on their official website, WWE.com, that both parties had mutually come to a settlement and on June 12, a federal judge dismissed Lesnar's lawsuit against WWE after both parties requested for the case to be dismissed.[68]
Return to WWE (2012)[link]
On April 2, 2012, Lesnar returned to the WWE at the end of Monday Night Raw, attacking John Cena.[69] The following week, general manager John Laurinaitis introduced Lesnar as the new face of the WWE, he then announced Lesnar would face Cena at the Extreme Rules PPV. Cena then interrupted and slapped Lesnar in the face, the two then brawled which resulted in Cena getting a busted lip. On April 16, it was announced, via the official WWE website, that Lesnar would face Cena in an Extreme Rules match.[70] At the pay-per-view, Lesnar bloodied Cena with MMA-style strikes, but would ultimately lose the match.[71]
The following night on Raw, Chief Operating Officer Triple H returned to confront Lesnar over his new contract demands, saying wouldn't be authorizing any of them. Lesnar would then attack Triple H, apply a Kimura lock and break his arm.[72] On the May 7 episode of Raw, Paul Heyman, serving as legal representative for Lesnar, announced that Lesnar had quit the WWE.[73]
National Football League (2004–2005)[link]
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Personal information
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| Date of birth: (1977-07-12) July 12, 1977 (age 34) | |||||||
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Career information
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| High school: Webster High School | |||||||
| College: Minnesota | |||||||
| Undrafted in 2004 | |||||||
| No regular season or postseason appearances | |||||||
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Career history
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Career NFL statistics as of Week 17, 2004
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After his final match at WrestleMania XX, Lesnar sidelined his career in WWE to pursue a career in the National Football League.[9] This move upset many in WWE, as the company felt they had invested heavily in Lesnar. World Wrestling Entertainment confirmed Lesnar's departure on their official website WWE.com by the statement
Brock Lesnar has made a personal decision to put his WWE career on hold to prepare to tryout for the National Football League this season. Brock has wrestled his entire professional career in the WWE and we are proud of his accomplishments and wish him the best in his new endeavor.[74]
Lesnar later told a Minnesota radio show that he had three wonderful years in WWE, but had grown unhappy and had always wanted to play pro football, adding that he did not want to be 40 years old and wondering if he could have made it in football. In an interview about starting with the NFL, Lesnar made the statement
This is no load of bull; it's no WWE stunt. I am dead serious about this... I ain't afraid of anything, and I ain't afraid of anybody. I've been an underdog in athletics since I was 5. I got zero college offers for wrestling. Now people say I can't play football, that it's a joke. I say I can. I'm as good an athlete as a lot of guys in the NFL, if not better... I've always had to fight for everything. I wasn't the best technician in amateur wrestling. But I was strong, had great conditioning, and a hard head. Nobody could break me. As long as I have that, I don't give a damn what anybody else thinks.[75]
Lesnar played for the Minnesota Vikings, where he created controversy in some games by starting minor fights and got heat from the Kansas City Chiefs for a sack on quarterback Damon Huard, which drew a big response from the crowd.[76] Huard was hit hard and had to go to the sidelines and sit out a few plays.[76] After playing in the preseason, Lesnar ended up being a late cut.[10] He declined an invitation to play as a representative of the Vikings in NFL Europa because he wanted to be closer to home with his family.[10]
Mixed martial arts[link]
| Brock Lesnar | |
|---|---|
| Born | Brock Edward Lesnar (1977-07-12) July 12, 1977 (age 34)[2] Webster, South Dakota, United States[2] |
| Residence | Alexandria, Minnesota, United States |
| Nationality | American[2] |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)[77] |
| Weight | 265 lb (120 kg; 18 st 13 lb) |
| Division | Heavyweight |
| Reach | 81 in (206 cm) |
| Style | Wrestling |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Fighting out of | Alexandria, Minnesota, United States |
| Team | DeathClutch Gym |
| Trainer | Head Trainer: Marty Morgan[78] Coach: Erik Paulson[79] Boxing: Peter Welch[80] Jiu-Jitsu: Rodrigo Medeiros[81] |
| Wrestling | NCAA Division I Wrestling |
| Years active | 2007 – 2011 (MMA) |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 8 |
| Wins | 5 |
| By knockout | 2 |
| By submission | 2 |
| By decision | 1 |
| Losses | 3 |
| By knockout | 2 |
| By submission | 1 |
| Other information | |
| University | University of Minnesota |
| Spouse | Rena Mero |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
|
|
|
Hero's (2007)[link]
On April 28, 2006, Lesnar appeared inside the ring after the final match of K-1 Hero's Las Vegas and announced his intent to join the MMA promotion. He trained with Minnesota Martial Arts Academy under Greg Nelson, and University of Minnesota Assistant Head wrestling coach Marty Morgan.[82] Brock Lesnar announced on August 12 in Las Vegas that he had signed a deal with the K-1 promotion.[83] His first fight was scheduled for June 2, 2007, on the K-1 Dynamite!! USA show against Choi Hong-man of Korea.[84][85] However, prior to the match, Choi Hong-Man was replaced by Min Soo Kim. Lesnar submitted Min Soo Kim due to strikes in 1 minute 9 seconds of the first round to win his first official MMA match.[13]
Ultimate Fighting Championship (2008–2011)[link]
During UFC 77, it was announced that Brock Lesnar had reached a deal to fight with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).[3] On February 2, 2008, Lesnar made his debut with the promotion in an event titled UFC 81:Breaking Point against former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Frank Mir.[86] Lesnar secured an early takedown, but was deducted a point for hitting Mir on the back of the head. Following another takedown by Lesnar, Mir managed to secure a kneebar and force a submission at 1:30 of the first round.[86] Due to the large size of his hands,[87] Lesnar was wearing 4XL gloves for the fight, making him the second man in Nevada's combat sports history to wear such gloves after Choi Hong-man.[88] At UFC 82, it was announced that former UFC Heavyweight Champion and UFC Hall of Fame inductee Mark Coleman would fight Lesnar at UFC 87:Seek and Destroy.[89] Coleman was forced to withdraw from the fight due to a training injury, and Lesnar's opponent was changed to Heath Herring.[90] In the early seconds of the first round, Lesnar dropped Herring with a straight right. For the rest of the fight, Lesnar kept the fight on the ground and went on to win by unanimous decision.[91]
Lesnar's next opponent was Randy Couture for the UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 91:Couture vs Lesnar on November 15.[92] Lesnar beat Couture via a technical knockout in Round 2, becoming the UFC Heavyweight Champion.[93]
On December 27, 2008, at UFC 92, Frank Mir defeated Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira for the Interim Heavyweight title and was to face Lesnar for the Undisputed UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 98. Immediately after winning the Interim Heavyweight title, Mir found Lesnar in the crowd and shouted at him "You've got my belt."
However, due to a knee injury to Mir, the title unification match with Lesnar that was originally slated to be the UFC 98 main event was postponed. The news broke during the broadcast of UFC 96 that the bout had been cancelled and was replaced by Rashad Evans vs. Lyoto Machida for the UFC Light-Heavyweight Championship."[94] Lesnar won the postponed rematch with Mir at UFC 100 on July 11, 2009, via Knockout after dominating his opponent for the duration of the bout. The win earned Lesnar Beatdown of the Year honors from Sherdog for 2009. It's an award he shares with Anderson Silva after his win over Forrest Griffin.[95] During his post-match celebration, Lesnar flipped off the crowd who had been booing him. He made a disparaging comment about the PPV's primary sponsor Bud Light, claiming they "won't pay me nothin'", promoting Coors Light instead. He then stated he might even "get on top of [his] wife" after the show. He would later apologize for his actions in his post-fight press conference, where he held a bottle of Bud Light.[96]
In January 2009, Brock Lesnar signed a supplement endorsement deal with Dymatize Nutrition. A CD containing training footage of Lesnar was included with boxes of Dymatize Xpand and Energized Xpand.[97]
On July 1, 2009, it was reported that the winner of the Shane Carwin vs. Cain Velasquez fight at UFC 104 would face Brock Lesnar in his second title defense on a date yet to be determined; however, the UFC then reconsidered the contendership bout and Lesnar was scheduled to defend his belt against Shane Carwin at UFC 106 on November 21.[98]
On October 26, 2009, it was announced that Lesnar had pulled out of the UFC 106 card in which he was set to face Shane Carwin for the UFC Heavyweight Championship due to an illness. UFC President Dana White said that Brock had been ill for three weeks, claiming he had never been this sick in his life and that it would take him a while to recover; his fight with Carwin was rescheduled for UFC 108 in early 2010.[99] Lesnar initially sought treatment in Canada, but later told reporters that he had received "Third World treatment" from malfunctioning equipment at a hospital in Brandon, Manitoba, and that seeking better medical treatment in the United States saved his life. Lesnar, who describes himself as a conservative and a supporter of the US Republican Party, went on to criticize Canadian-style health care further and said that he shared his experience in an effort to speak "on the behalf of the doctors in the United States that don't want health care reform to happen and neither do I."[100]
On November 4, it was confirmed that Lesnar was suffering from mononucleosis and that his bout with Carwin would have to wait a bit longer, thus the fight for UFC 108 was cancelled.[101] On November 14 at the UFC 105 post-fight conference, Dana stated, "He's not well and he's not going to be getting well anytime soon." and that an interim title match might need to be set up.[102] In addition to mononucleosis, it was revealed that Lesnar was suffering from a serious case of diverticulitis, an intestinal disorder, which would require surgery.[103] After further diagnosis, on November 16 Lesnar underwent surgery to close a perforation in his intestine that had been leaking fecal matter into his abdomen, causing pain, abscesses, and overtaxing his immune system to the point that he contracted mononucleosis. From the level of damage to Lesnar's system, the surgeon estimated that the intestinal condition had been ongoing for around a year.[104]
In January 2010, Lesnar announced on ESPN SportsCenter that he was scheduled to make a return to the UFC in the summer of 2010.[105] A match between Frank Mir and Shane Carwin took place on March 27 at UFC 111 to determine the UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion, and Brock's next opponent.[106] Shane Carwin defeated Frank Mir by KO in the first round, becoming the new Interim Champion. After the fight, Brock came into the ring and stated "It was a good fight, but he's wearing a belt that's a make believe belt, I've got the real championship belt."[107]
Lesnar faced Shane Carwin at UFC 116 to unify the heavyweight titles.[108] After Carwin knocked him down early in the first round, Lesnar survived a ground and pound attack. Early in the second round, Lesnar was able to take Carwin down, attain a full mount, then move into side-control and finish the fight with an arm triangle choke. With the victory, Lesnar again became the Undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion, earning his first UFC Submission Of The Night and giving Carwin his first loss.
Lesnar's next defense was against undefeated top contender Cain Velasquez on October 23, 2010, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California at UFC 121.[109] Dana White announced via SportsNation that the UFC would be bringing back UFC Primetime to hype up Lesnar vs. Velasquez at UFC 121.[110] Lesnar was defeated by Velasquez for the UFC Heavyweight Championship via TKO in the first round at UFC 121 on October 23, 2010.[111]
On January 11, 2011, it was revealed that Lesnar would be one of the coaches of The Ultimate Fighter Season 13, opposite to Junior dos Santos,[112] with the two expected to face each other on June 11, 2011 at UFC 131.[113] Lesnar, however, was struck with another bout of diverticulitis and had to withdraw from the bout on May 12, 2011.[114] He was replaced by Shane Carwin who lost against dos Santos at UFC 131.[115]
Lesnar underwent surgery on May 27, 2011, to help battle his problems with diverticulitis. UFC president Dana White said that Lesnar had a 12-inch piece of his colon removed.[14]
ESPN The Magazine, in its May 2011 issue, did a story listing the highest paid athlete based on base salary and earnings for the most recent calendar year or most recent season in 30 sports. Brock Lesnar topped the list for mixed martial artists at $5.3 million, which included his reported bout salaries and estimated pay-per-view bonuses.[116]
In the summer of 2011 Lesnar announced that he was ready to get back into the Octagon, stating that "I feel like a new man, healthy, strong, I feel like I used to feel."[117]
His return match was scheduled to be at UFC 141 on December 30 in Las Vegas against former Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem.[118] Lesnar had to cut weight for the fight in order to meet the 265lb weight limit and entered the Octagon with a potential title shot at the new champion Junior dos Santos for the match victor.[119] During the match, Overeem targeted his opponent's midsection and was able to land several strikes before delivering a powerful kick that dropped Lesnar to his knee and left him prey to a barrage of punches resulting in the referee stopping the fight and declaring Overeem the winner via TKO at 2:26 of the first round.[120][121] After the defeat, Lesnar announced his retirement from mixed martial arts, mentioning his struggles with diverticulitis and saying "tonight was the last time you'll see me in the octagon".[120][121] UFC President Dana White commented that while he wasn't aware of the decision, Lesnar's decision to retire was not a surprise to him.[121]
Other media[link]
Lesnar makes an appearance in the video game WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain, which is named after the quote that former WWE commentator Tazz attributed to Lesnar, "here comes the pain."[122] Other video games in which Lesnar has appeared include WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth, WWE WrestleMania XIX, WWE Crush Hour,, WWE Raw 2 Madden NFL 06, UFC 2009 Undisputed, UFC Undisputed 2010, PlayStation 2 version of Wrestle Kingdom and most recently, WWE '12. as a Legend.[123][124][125][126] With the release of UFC Undisputed 2010 Lesnar became the first man to appear on the cover of a WWE and UFC video game as he was the cover star on Here Comes the Pain.
Lesnar was on the cover of Flex Magazine.[127] Lesnar was featured in Minneapolis' City Pages in February 2008.[128] In February 2008 Lesnar was featured on the cover of Muscle & Fitness magazine.[129]
WWE Home Video released a DVD in 2003 titled Brock Lesnar: Here Comes the Pain. The DVD covered Lesnar's career up to 2003 which featured some of his biggest matches. Lesnar owns an MMA clothing line called "DeathClutch".[130]
Personal life[link]
Lesnar grew up on a farm in South Dakota, and later joined the National Guard at the age of seventeen.[16] In January 2001, Lesnar was arrested for receiving large amounts of what was alleged to be steroids. The charges were later dropped when it was discovered the substances were in fact a legal growth hormone. His lawyer later described the growth hormone as a "vitamin type of thing."[131]
Lesnar has one daughter, Mya Lynn who was born on April 10, 2002, with his ex-fiancée, Nicole.[132] He left Nicole in 2003 in order to begin a relationship with Rena "Sable" Mero who had been recently divorced from Marc Mero. Lesnar and Mero were engaged in 2004, separated in 2005, then reconciled later that year and married on May 6, 2006.[133] Lesnar has one stepchild with Mero: Mariah, a stepdaughter born to Mero and her late husband, Wayne Richardson.[134] The couple had their first child together, a son named Turk in June 2009.[135] The couple had their second child, a son named Duke in July 2010.[136]
Lesnar has numerous tattoos, with the most prominent being a stylized skull in the center of his back and a large sword on his chest.[128]
He is known to be very conservative of his private life and avoids discussing it in interviews:
| “ | It's very basic for me. When I go home, I don't buy into any of the b.s. Like I said, it's pretty basic: Train, sleep, family, fight. It's my life. I like it. I've been in front of the cameras for 10, 12 years. I was a star at the University of Minnesota. I went on to World Wrestling Entertainment. Wannabe NFL player. And here I am, the UFC heavyweight champion. I just don't put myself out there to the fans and prostitute my private life to everybody. In today's day and age, with the Internet and cameras and cell phones, I just like being old school and living in the woods and living my life. I came from nothing and at any moment, you can go back to having nothing.[137] | ” |
On December 15, 2011, Lesnar was charged with hunting infractions of a trip to Alberta on November 19, 2010. On a court appearance in Medicine Hat in December 20, two charges were dropped but pleaded guilty to the charge of improper tagging of an animal. Lesnar was fined $1,725 and given a six-month hunting suspension.[138][139]
Mixed martial arts record[link]
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 8 matches | 5 wins | 3 losses |
| By knockout | 2 | 2 |
| By submission | 2 | 1 |
| By decision | 1 | 0 |
| Result | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 5–3 | Alistair Overeem | TKO (kick to the body & punches) | UFC 141 | 02011-12-30December 30, 2011 | 1 | 2:26 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Announced retirement after fight |
| Loss | 5–2 | Cain Velasquez | TKO (punches) | UFC 121 | 02010-10-23October 23, 2010 | 1 | 4:12 | Anaheim, California, United States | Lost UFC Heavyweight Championship |
| Win | 5–1 | Shane Carwin | Submission (arm triangle choke) | UFC 116 | 02010-07-03July 3, 2010 | 2 | 2:19 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Defended UFC Heavyweight Championship. Unified UFC Interim Heavyweight Championship; Submission of the Night |
| Win | 4–1 | Frank Mir | TKO (punches) | UFC 100 | 02009-07-11July 11, 2009 | 2 | 1:48 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Defended UFC Heavyweight Championship. Unified UFC Interim Heavyweight Championship |
| Win | 3–1 | Randy Couture | TKO (punches) | UFC 91 | 02008-11-15November 15, 2008 | 2 | 3:07 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Won UFC Heavyweight Championship. |
| Win | 2–1 | Heath Herring | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 87 | 02008-08-09August 9, 2008 | 3 | 5:00 | Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States | |
| Loss | 1–1 | Frank Mir | Submission (kneebar) | UFC 81 | 02008-02-02February 2, 2008 | 1 | 1:30 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 1–0 | Min-Soo Kim | Submission (punches) | Dynamite!! USA | 02007-06-02June 2, 2007 | 1 | 1:09 | Los Angeles, United States |
In wrestling[link]
- Finishing moves
- Brock Lock (Over the shoulder single leg Boston crab – WWE or a side bearhug – OVW)[11]
- F-5 (WWE) / Verdict[11] (NJPW) (Spin-out fireman's carry facebuster)[11]
- Shooting star press UVW
- Signature moves
- Backbreaker[11]
- Double or a triple powerbomb[11]
- Kimura lock[140]
- Knee lift to the opponent's midsection[11]
- Multiple suplex variations
- Multiple turnbuckle thrusts[11]
- Managers
- Nicknames
- "The Next Big Thing"[11]
- "War Machine"
- "The Beast"
- "The Freak"
- "The Anomaly"
- Entrance themes
- World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
- "Unknown Title" by Jim Johnston (April 8, 2002 - June 3, 2002)
- "Next Big Thing" by Jim Johnston (June 10, 2002 – March 14, 2004; April 2, 2012 - May 7, 2012)
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- "Shout at the Devil" by Mötley Crüe
- "Enter Sandman" by Metallica
- World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
Championships and accomplishments[link]
Collegiate wrestling[link]
- Big Ten Conference
- Big Ten Conference Champion (1999, 2000)
- Ranked the #1 Heavyweight in the Big Ten Conference (2000)
- National Collegiate Athletic Association
- NCAA Division I Runner-up (1999)
- NCAA Division I Champion (2000)
- North Dakota State University's annual Bison tournament
- Heavyweight Champion (1997–1999)[141]
- National Junior College Athletic Association
- NJCAA All-American (1997, 1998)
- Junior College National Champion (1998)
Mixed martial arts[link]
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- UFC Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Submission of the Night (1 time)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
- Best Box Office Draw (2008–2010)[142]
- MMA Most Valuable Fighter (2008–2010)[142]
- Sherdog Awards
- Beatdown of the Year (2009)[143]
- Fighter's Only World MMA Awards
- Breakthrough fighter of the year (2009)[144]
Professional wrestling[link]
- New Japan Pro Wrestling
- Inoki Genome Federation
- Ohio Valley Wrestling
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- PWI Feud of the Year (2003) vs. Kurt Angle[145]
- PWI Match of the Year (2003) vs. Kurt Angle – a 60 minute Iron Man match on SmackDown!, September 16[146]
- PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (2002)[147]
- PWI Wrestler of the Year (2002)[148]
- PWI ranked him #1 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2003[149]
- World Wrestling Entertainment
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
- Best Brawler (2003)[151]
- Best Wrestling Maneuver (2002) F-5
- Feud of the Year (2003) vs. Kurt Angle[152]
- Most Improved Wrestler (2002, 2003)[153]
1Lesnar's first reign was as WWE Undisputed Champion.
See also[link]
References[link]
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- ^ Michael McAvennie (2003). "WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition". Pocket Books. p. 200.
- ^ Michael McAvennie (2003). "WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition". Pocket Books. pp. 220–222.
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- ^ PWI Staff (2007). "Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts". "Wrestling's historical cards" (Kappa Publishing): pp. 111–112.
- ^ Michael McAvennie (2003). "WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition". Pocket Books. p. 290.
- ^ a b c d e f PWI Staff (2007). "Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts". "Wrestling's historical cards" (Kappa Publishing): pp. 112–113.
- ^ Michael McAvennie (2003). "WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition". Pocket Books. pp. 341–342.
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- ^ PWI Staff (2007). "Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts". "Wrestling's historical cards" (Kappa Publishing): pp. 113–114.
- ^ "WWE: Inside WWE > title History > WWE championship > 20030918 – Brock Lesnar". WWE. http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/3044541405. Retrieved April 21, 2008.
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- ^ "SmackDown! results – September 25, 2003". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030925.html. Retrieved April 21, 2007.
- ^ a b c d PWI Staff (2007). "Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts". "Wrestling's historical cards" (Kappa Publishing): p. 114.
- ^ "SmackDown! results – October 30, 2003". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/031030.html. Retrieved April 21, 2007.
- ^ McAvennie, Mike (April 27, 2007). "Bringin' Down The House". World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/inside/listthis/mostmemorablesdmoments/sdmoments2. Retrieved December 8, 2008.
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- ^ "Royal Rumble 2004". Full Event Results. WWE. http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/1988118/results. Retrieved March 7, 2012.
- ^ PWI Staff (2007). "Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts". "Wrestling's historical cards" (Kappa Publishing): p. 115.
- ^ "RAW results – February 2, 2004". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040202.html. Retrieved April 21, 2007.
- ^ "RAW results – March 4, 2004". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040304.html. Retrieved April 21, 2007.
- ^ a b Powell, John (March 15, 2004). "WrestleMania XX bombs". Canadian Online Explorer. http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/03/15/382634.html. Retrieved March 7, 2012.
- ^ a b c Duncan, Royal; Will, Gary. "I.W.G.P. HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE HISTORY". Soli'e Title Histories. http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/htiwgp.html. Retrieved March 21, 2008.
- ^ a b c "New Japan Pro Wrestling news – (December 25, 2005 – January 20, 2006)". Strong Style Sprit. Archived from the original on February 9, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080209134350/http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1137877436&subaction=list-archive&. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
- ^ "New Japan Pro Wrestling news – (December 6, 2005 – December 23, 2005)". Strong Style Sprit. Archived from the original on February 9, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080209143514/http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1135582068&subaction=list-archive&. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
- ^ "New Japan Pro Wrestling news – (February 9, 2006 – March 7, 2006)". Strong Style Sprit. Archived from the original on February 9, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080209134350/http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1137877436&subaction=list-archive&. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
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- ^ "New Japan Pro Wrestling news – (April 10, 2006 – May 5, 2006)". Strong Style Sprit. Archived from the original on February 9, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080209143527/http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1147261899&subaction=list-archive&. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
- ^ "Kurt Angle Beats Brock Lesnar In Japan". June 29, 2007. http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/56486/Kurt-Angle-Beats-Brock-Lesnar-In-Japan.htm. Retrieved July 27, 2007.
- ^ "Brock taking WWE to court". SLAM! Sports. http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/02/12/929079.html. Retrieved April 27, 2007.
- ^ "WWE Responds To Brock Lesnar's Lawsuit". 411Mania. http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/24184/WWE-Responds-To-Brock-Lesnars-Lawsuit.htm. Retrieved April 27, 2007.
- ^ "WWE cuts more while negotiating with Lesnar". SLAM! Sports. http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/07/06/1119803.html. Retrieved April 27, 2007.
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- ^ "Brock Lesnar Declares He is Healthy, Ready to Reclaim UFC Title". MMAWeekly.com. August 18, 2011. http://mmaweekly.com/brock-lesnar-declares-he-is-health-ready-to-reclaim-ufc-title.
- ^ Martin, Damon (September 6, 2011). "Brock Lesnar Faces Alistair Overeem on Dec 30 in Las Vegas". MMAWeekly.com. http://mmaweekly.com/brock-lesnar-faces-alistair-overeem-on-dec-30-in-las-vegas. Retrieved March 7, 2012.
- ^ Wagenheim, Jeff (December 28, 2011). "Viewers' guide to UFC 141". Sports Illustrated. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jeff_wagenheim/12/28/ufc.141.viewers.guide/index.html. Retrieved March 7, 2012.
- ^ a b Wagenheim, Jeff (December 31, 2011). "Lesnar's career-ending UFC 141 uncharacteristic of MMA legend". Sports Illustrated. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jeff_wagenheim/12/31/ufc.141.lesnar/index.html. Retrieved March 7, 2012.
- ^ a b c "Brock Lesnar retires after UFC 141 loss". ESPN Mixed Martial Arts. Associated Press. December 31, 2011. http://espn.go.com/mma/story/_/id/7406718/brock-lesnar-retires-first-round-loss-alistair-overeem-ufc-141. Retrieved March 7, 2012.
- ^ "Brock Lesnar profile". Wrestling 101. http://www.wrestling101.com/101/article/USProfiles/114/. Retrieved April 21, 2007. "The champion is now meaner and stronger than ever, and no matter who is on the other side of the ring, they better be careful, because in the words of Tazz... "Here comes the Pain.""
- ^ "SmackDown Countdown: Brock Lesnar". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/376/376647p1.html. Retrieved May 6, 2007.
- ^ "WWE Crush Hour cheats". Game Winners. http://www.gamewinners.com/gamecube/WWECrushHour.htm. Retrieved May 6, 2007.
- ^ "Madden NFL 06 cheats". GamesRadar. http://www.gamesradar.com/pc/madden-nfl-06/cheats-guides-faqs/g-2005120715584427496337. Retrieved May 6, 2007.
- ^ "Wrestle Kingdom". National Console Support. http://www.ncsxshop.com/cgi-bin/shop/SLPM-66401.html. Retrieved May 6, 2007.
- ^ "Flex Magazine summary (February 2004)". GetBig.com. http://www.getbig.com/magazine/flex/flex0402.htm. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
- ^ a b Snyder, Matt (February 6, 2008). "The Real Brock Lesnar". City Pages. http://www.citypages.com/2008-02-06/news/the-real-brock-lesnar/. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
- ^ "On Newsstands Now". Muscle and Fitness online. http://www.muscleandfitness.com/newsstand/55. Retrieved March 21, 2008.
- ^ "MMA Clothing by UFC HW champion, Brock Lesnar". Mmaoverload.com. http://www.mmaoverload.com/death-clutch.html. Retrieved October 31, 2011.
- ^ "Brock Lesnar arrested in January 2001". The Smoking Gun. http://www.thesmokinggun.com/mugshots/celebrity/sports/brock-lesnar. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
- ^ "Grappling with his future". ESPN. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1830855. Retrieved May 7, 2007.
- ^ "Sable and Brock Lesnar's Wedding". Love Tripper. http://www.lovetripper.com/newswire/61153-sable.html. Retrieved May 7, 2007.
- ^ Cohen, Eric. "Sable". About.com. http://prowrestling.about.com/od/wrestlerprofiles/p/sableprofile.htm. Retrieved March 21, 2008.
- ^ "Brock Lesnar Craves Ultimate Vengeance". CRAVEONLINE. July 10, 2009. http://heymanhustle.craveonline.com/blogs/21006-brock-lesnar-craves-ultimate-vengeance. Retrieved July 13, 2009.
- ^ "Reclusive Lesnar is alive and well". Yahoo! sports. January 25, 2011. http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ki-lesnar012511. Retrieved January 31, 2011.
- ^ Kevin Iole. "Lesnar separates public from private". http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ki-lesnar102210.
- ^ Stephane Massinon (December 15, 2011). "Ultimate fighter Brock Lesnar charged with illegal hunting practices". Calgary Herald. http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/alberta/Ultimate+fighter+Brock+Lesnar+charged+with+illegal+hunting+practices/5867344/story.html. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
- ^ "UFC fighter Brock Lesnar pleads guilty to Alberta hunting charge". Globe and Mail. Canada. December 20, 2011. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/more-sports/ufc-fighter-brock-lesnar-pleads-guilty-to-alberta-hunting-charge/article2278118/. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
- ^ Martin, Adam (29 April 2012). "Extreme Rules PPV Results - 4/29/12". Wrestleview. http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1335754751. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
- ^ "Bison Open Champions – H eavyweight". Bison Wrestling. November 15, 2007. https://admin.xosn.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=19756&SPID=701&DB_OEM_ID=2400&ATCLID=87983. Retrieved March 22, 2008.
- ^ a b Meltzer, Dave (January 26, 2011). "Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue". Wrestling Observer Newsletter (Campbell, CA): 1–40. ISSN 10839593.
- ^ "Beatdown of the Year – Sherdog’s 2009 Misc. Awards". Sherdog.com. January 11, 2010. http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/3/Sherdogs-2009-Misc-Awards-22093. Retrieved October 31, 2011.
- ^ http://www.fightersonlymagazine.co.uk/news/viewarticle.php?id=3695
- ^ "PWI Feud of the Year" (in German). Cagematch.de. http://www.genickbruch.com/index.php?befehl=weitereawards&award=10&sort=1&kategorie=80&jahrzehnt=200. Retrieved March 22, 2008.
- ^ "PWI Match of the Year" (in German). Cagematch.de. http://www.genickbruch.com/index.php?befehl=weitereawards&award=10&sort=1&kategorie=80&jahrzehnt=200. Retrieved March 22, 2008.
- ^ "PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year" (in German). Cagematch.de. http://www.genickbruch.com/index.php?befehl=weitereawards&award=10&sort=1&kategorie=86&jahrzehnt=200. Retrieved March 22, 2008.
- ^ "PWI Wrestler of the Year" (in German). Cagematch.de. http://www.genickbruch.com/index.php?befehl=weitereawards&award=10&sort=1&kategorie=80&jahrzehnt=200. Retrieved March 22, 2008.
- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 – 2003". Wrestling Information Archive. Archived from the original on April 15, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080415151626/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50003.htm. Retrieved May 4, 2008.
- ^ "History Of The WWE Championship". WWE. http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/. Retrieved March 22, 2008.
- ^ "Observer: Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler)" (in German). Cagematch.de. http://www.genickbruch.com/index.php?befehl=observer&award=11. Retrieved March 22, 2008.
- ^ "Observer: Best Feud Of The Year" (in German). Cagematch.de. http://www.genickbruch.com/index.php?befehl=observer&award=5. Retrieved March 22, 2008.
- ^ "Observer: Most Improved Wrestler" (in German). Cagematch.de. http://www.genickbruch.com/index.php?befehl=observer&award=7. Retrieved March 22, 2008.
External links[link]
|
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Brock Lesnar |
- Brock Lesnar's official Deathclutch website
- Professional MMA record for Brock Lesnar from Sherdog
- UFC profile
- Brock Lesnar Profile at National (Amateur) Wrestling Hall of Fame
| Achievements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Randy Couture |
14th UFC Heavyweight Champion November 15, 2008 – October 23, 2010 |
Succeeded by Cain Velasquez |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Persondata | |
|---|---|
| Name | Lesnar, Brock Edward |
| Alternative names | Lesnar, Brock |
| Short description | Professional wrestler |
| Date of birth | July 12, 1977 |
| Place of birth | Webster, South Dakota |
| Date of death | |
| Place of death | |
http://wn.com/Brock_Lesnar
Related pages:
http://itwn.com/Brock Lesnar
http://cswn.com/Brock Lesnar
http://idwn.com/Brock Lesnar
http://eswn.com/Brock Lesnar
http://ruwn.com/Леснар, Брок
http://nlwn.com/Brock Lesnar
http://ptwn.com/Brock Lesnar
http://plwn.com/Brock Lesnar
http://frwn.com/Brock Lesnar
http://dewn.com/Brock Lesnar
http://hiwn.com/ब्रॉक लेसनर
This page contains text from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brock_Lesnar
This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License, which means that you can copy and modify it as long as the entire work (including additions) remains under this license.
This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License, which means that you can copy and modify it as long as the entire work (including additions) remains under this license.
"The Ultimate Warrior" redirects here. For Warrior, see The Ultimate Warrior (disambiguation).
| Warrior | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Ring name(s) | Warrior[1] The Ultimate Warrior[1] Dingo Warrior[1] The Dingo Blade Runner Rock[1] Jim "Justice" Hellwig[1] |
| Billed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[1] |
| Billed weight | 275 lb (125 kg)[1] |
| Born | (1959-06-16) June 16, 1959 (age 53) Crawfordsville, Indiana |
| Billed from | Parts Unknown[1] Queens, New York (as The Dingo Warrior) |
| Trained by | Bill Anderson Rick Bassman Red Bastien[1] |
| Debut | November 28, 1985 |
| Retired | June 25, 2008 |
Warrior (born James Brian Hellwig on June 16, 1959)[2] is an American retired professional wrestler who notably performed under the ring names The Ultimate Warrior and Warrior. He is best known for his appearances in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) from 1987 to 1991 and again in 1992 and 1996, and in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1998.
He won the WWF World Championship when he pinned Hulk Hogan in the main event of WrestleMania VI.[3] Hellwig legally changed his name to Warrior in 1993. Warrior retired from professional wrestling in 1999 and embarked on a public speaking career. On June 25, 2008 he returned to wrestle Orlando Jordan in Barcelona, Spain defeating him in a match booked by the Italian Nu-Wrestling Evolution promotion. Warrior was described by World Wrestling Entertainment as having been "the ultimate archetype of strength and intensity",[4] as well as having been "one of the most intense and physically impressive competitors to ever appear in the WWE".[5]
Contents |
Early life[link]
Warrior was born as James Brian Hellwig. He was the eldest of five children and was raised by his mother (along with, later, his stepfather) after his father left his family when young James was 12. He spent a year at Indiana State University. It was also during this time he began to compete in amateur bodybuilding.[6]
Bodybuilding career[link]
Prior to his career in professional wrestling Hellwig was an amateur bodybuilder,[7] competing in a number of NPC contests and winning the 1984 NPC Mr. Georgia crown.[8] Hellwig started training with weights when he was 11 years old and has described himself as "the small, insecure kid who wasn't into any sports".[7] He moved to California where, after seeing bodybuilder Robby Robinson, decided to take up the sport. His first contest took place in Florida where he placed 5th. Later, while he was attending Life University in Marietta, Georgia, he won the Junior Atlanta contest and placed 5th at the 1981 AAU Collegiate Mr. America. In 1983, he won the AAU Coastal USA, before taking the Mr. Georgia title the following year. His last bodybuilding contest was 1985's Junior USA's, which was won by future IFBB Pro, Ron Love. Hellwig finished 5th.
In 1985, after spending six weeks in California training for a bodybuilding contest, he was invited to join a group of bodybuilders – Garland Donoho, Mark Miller, and Steve "Flash" Borden – who were attempting to make the transition into professional wrestlers. Warrior accepted the invitation and abandoned his bodybuilding career and his plans to become a chiropractor.[9]
Professional wrestling career[link]
Early career (1985–1986)[link]
Main articles: Powerteam USA and Blade Runners
Hellwig began his professional wrestling career as Jim "Justice" Hellwig of Powerteam USA, the group of bodybuilders trained by Red Bastien and Rick Bassman.
Hellwig and Steve Borden, who would later go on to success as "Sting", formed a tag team known as the Blade Runners, with Hellwig changing his ring name to "Blade Runner Rock" and Borden changing his name to "Blade Runner Flash". Debuting in the Memphis, Tennessee-based Continental Wrestling Association (CWA) promotion, run by Jerry Jarrett, the team played baby faces at first, but fans were actually slow to take to the hulking duo in a territory that had featured sympathetic "good guy tag teams" like the Rock 'n' Roll Express and The Fabulous Ones. They were quickly turned heel as The Blade Runners. The Blade Runners went on to wrestle for the Mid-South Wrestling promotion, which became the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF) in 1986. They were part of Eddie Gilbert's Hotstuff International group, before disbanding in 1986 when Hellwig left the UWF.[10] Years later in a TNA interview when Steve Borden was asked about teaming with Hellwig, Borden referred to the relationship with Hellwig as being a "Tense year and when we parted ways it wasn't a friendly part".
World Class Championship Wrestling (1986–1987)[link]
In 1986, Warrior debuted in the Dallas, Texas-based World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) promotion, where he wrestled for $50 a night. He has stated that he adopted the ring name "Dingo Warrior" after a member of the WCCW locker room remarked that he looked like "a warrior".[9] Warrior formed a tag team with Lance Von Erich, and the duo began competing for the WCWA World Tag Team Championship. On November 17, 1986, Warrior and Von Erich defeated Master Gee (substituting for champion Buzz Sawyer) and Matt Borne to win the title. They held the Championship until December 1 of that year, when they lost to Al Madril and Brian Adias.[11]
In 1987, Warrior began competing for the WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship, losing to Bob Bradley in a tournament final on January 12. He won the title from Bradley on February 2 of that year. The title was held up in April 1987 after Warrior left the WCCW. He was reinstated as champion upon returning, but vacated it once more upon resigning from WCCW to join the World Wrestling Federation, where he adopted the ring name Ultimate Warrior.[12] Warrior began appearing on house shows in June and was initially billed as The Dingo Warrior in house card promos by Gene Okerlund, but soon had his name modified. There is dispute over who created the Ultimate Warrior name. Bruce Prichard stated that Vince McMahon did not know what a "Dingo" Warrior would be, but because there was the "Modern Day Warrior" Kerry von Erich and the Road Warriors there should not be one more simple warrior, but The Ultimate Warrior.[13] However, Warrior claims after one of his first matches, McMahon had him do a pretaped promo. It was there Vince said we want you to do Warrior, but we don't want Dingo. The Warrior then proceeded to cut the promo and stated that he was not this warrior or that warrior, he was The Ultimate Warrior.[14]
In the late 1980s, while Warrior was still wrestling in Texas, he appeared in several TV ads for Westway Ford, a car dealership in Irving, Texas. Warrior interacted in full wrestling costume with Westway's wacky character, "Mean Joe Greed."[15][16]
World Wrestling Federation (1987–1991)[link]
As a World Wrestling Federation (WWF) performer, the Ultimate Warrior was known for his high-energy ring entrances, which featured him racing into the arena at full speed, bursting into the ring, and violently shaking the ropes up and down. He was also known for his distinctive pattern of face paint. His first feud was with Hercules Hernandez, who he defeated at WrestleMania IV. Warrior enjoyed two stints as WWF Intercontinental Champion, defeating The Honky Tonk Man (in 13 seconds at the first ever SummerSlam in 1988) and Rick Rude at SummerSlam 1989. The Warrior was heralded as the wrestler to become the biggest star of the 1990s, and the successor to Hulk Hogan, who had remained wrestling's biggest star throughout the 1980s. Following a few confrontations with Hogan, most notably at the 1990 Royal Rumble, the Warrior was written in as Hogan's opponent in the main event for WrestleMania VI at the SkyDome in Toronto, Ontario. The match was billed as "The Ultimate Challenge", as both Hogan's WWF World Championship and Warrior's WWF Intercontinental Championship were on the line. Warrior pinned Hogan after a Warrior Splash to become the first wrestler to hold the WWF World Championship and WWF Intercontinental Championship simultaneously. Warrior vacated the Intercontinental title, as WWF rules prohibited a wrestler from holding both singles titles.
After WrestleMania VI, Warrior continued to build his popularity with successful defenses against the likes of Haku, Mr. Perfect, Rick Rude and Ted DiBiase.[17] "Macho King" Randy Savage was also introduced as a potential rival after interfering in a Saturday Night's Main Event title match at the behest of DiBiase. In January 1991, Warrior faced Sgt. Slaughter at the Royal Rumble. Slaughter's gimmick at the time was a traitor who had betrayed America by aligning himself with an (kayfabe) Iraqi military general, General Adnan. In the context of the Gulf War, this made Slaughter one of the most hated heels at the time. After rejecting an earlier request to grant a title shot to Savage, Sensational Sherri interjected herself in the Warrior's championship match to distract him. Her interference eventually led to a Savage sneak attack where he eventually struck Warrior over the head with a metal scepter, and Slaughter pinned Warrior to win the WWF World Championship.[10][18][19] Warrior would go on to feud with Savage, and the rivalry culminated in a 'Career Ending' match at WrestleMania VII with the Warrior victorious, forcing Savage to retire.
The next chapter of Warrior's career was an encounter with The Undertaker, after Undertaker and his manager, Paul Bearer, locked Warrior in a coffin on the set of Bearer's Funeral Parlor. WWF officials worked feverishly to break the casket open, finally revealing Warrior's seemingly lifeless body, and the torn fabric inside of the coffin indicating Warrior's desperate struggle to get out. Warrior was finally revived by the officials performing CPR. This led to Jake "The Snake" Roberts offering to give Warrior "the knowledge of the dark side" in order to prepare Warrior to take his revenge on the Undertaker. This involved Roberts giving Warrior three "tests" shown on WWF TV in consecutive weeks. For the first test, Roberts locked Warrior inside of a coffin for a second time.[20]
For the second test, Warrior was "buried alive" by Roberts. For the third test, the Warrior entered a room full of snakes, to find "the answer" in a chest in the middle of the room. However, waiting inside the chest was a King Cobra, which (kayfabe) bit Warrior in the face. As Warrior weakened from the effects of the cobra's strike, Roberts was joined by the Undertaker and Paul Bearer, revealing the three were working together all along. Roberts then uttered, "Never trust a snake."[20] The stage was now set for a feud between the Warrior and Roberts. However, the feud would never take place, as Warrior was involved in an alleged pay dispute with WWF owner Vince McMahon over the SummerSlam main event, where Warrior was teamed with Hulk Hogan in a handicap match against Sgt. Slaughter, Colonel Mustafa, and General Adnan. The WWF alleged that Warrior threatened to no show the event unless he was paid for his previous WrestleMania appearance. According to Vince McMahon, Warrior was paid that amount then fired immediately after SummerSlam.
Return to the WWF (1992)[link]
With Hulk Hogan about to leave WWF in mid-1992, McMahon contacted Warrior about returning. He made his comeback at WrestleMania VIII (to rescue Hulk Hogan from a beat down at the hands of Sid Justice and Papa Shango). When he made his return, he looked smaller and his hair was shorter, leading to a rumor that Hellwig had died and it was a different person (hinting it was Kerry Von Erich) performing the character.[citation needed]
Upon his return, he received a degree of creative control over his bookings. One storyline involved Papa Shango, a "witch doctor," cast a spell over Warrior, causing him to convulse and vomit in very odd colors, though Warrior says he hated that story and had no control over it.[10] The Warrior was booked for a WWF Championship match against then-champion, "Macho Man" Randy Savage at SummerSlam in August 1992. The Warrior would win the match by count-out but not the title.
In November 1992 Warrior was scheduled to be the tag team partner of Randy "Macho Man" Savage, to be known as the Ultimate Maniacs to face Ric Flair and Razor Ramon at Survivor Series. However, weeks before the event, Warrior was released for disputed reasons.
Semi-retirement (1992–1996)[link]
Between November 1992 and July 1995, Warrior was semi-retired. During his time away from the WWF, Warrior opened the short-lived "Warrior University", a professional wrestling school based in Scottsdale, Arizona.
In December 1992, he wrestled as the Dingo Warrior against Hercules Hernandez in Billerica, Massachusetts, for Killer Kowalski's International Wrestling Federation.
In 1993, Jim Hellwig played the role of "the swordsman" in the action movie Firepower.
In March 1995, World Championship Wrestling (WCW) introduced The Renegade as Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage's "ultimate weapon", using ring attire and mannerisms that closely resembled Warrior's and many people believe The Renegade either was the Warrior or that WCW pretended he was, neither of which is true. In July 1995, he returned to the ring for the National Wrestling Conference (NWC) promotion in Las Vegas, defeating The Honky Tonk Man. He had also wrestled a tour of Europe for Otto Wanz's Catch Wrestling Association (CWA) promotion.
Return to the WWF (1996)[link]
After three and a half years spent mostly outside the wrestling limelight, Warrior returned to the WWF in March 1996, squashing Hunter Hearst Helmsley at WrestleMania XII. He made his first appearance on Monday Night Raw on April 8, where he gave an in-ring interview and credited the "voices" of the "warriors" (his name for members of the WWF audience) for his return; he was then interrupted by Goldust. Warrior challenged for Goldust's WWF Intercontinental Championship at In Your House 7; Warrior won the match by countout, but did not win the title. The following night on Monday Night Raw, Warrior defeated Isaac Yankem. A rematch with Intercontinental Champion Goldust, on the May 27 edition of the show, ended in a double countout. Warrior defeated Jerry Lawler at the King of the Ring, and defeated Owen Hart by disqualification on the July 8 edition of Monday Night Raw. Warrior was scheduled to team with Shawn Michaels and Ahmed Johnson to face Owen Hart, Davey Boy Smith, and Vader at In Your House 9 later that month, but the WWF terminated Warrior's contract when he took time off allegedly to grieve the death of his father. WWF owner Vince McMahon claimed that Warrior had not seen his father in ten years and did not care much for him; therefore, he did not take Warrior's excuse for missing bookings at face value. Warrior disputes McMahon's explanation, claiming that the real reason why he no showed those events was a breach of contract by McMahon, in which WWF sold Warrior's merchandise without giving him a percentage. He was replaced by Sycho Sid at In Your House 9.
World Championship Wrestling (1998)[link]
WCW signed Warrior in 1998 and gave him a degree of creative control over his matches,[21] He created a storyline where he formed a stable opposing Hogan's (now going under his heelish "Hollywood" gimmick) New World Order: the "One Warrior Nation." The acronym oWn (One Warrior Nation) was a play on the name nWo. Highlights of the storyline included Warrior kidnapping and "converting" The Disciple and frequent instances of "magic smoke" knocking out all of the nWo members except for Hollywood Hogan (and covering Warrior's movement through a trapdoor in the ring).
Warrior only participated in three matches in WCW. The first was the War Games main event, where he and eight other wrestlers including Bret Hart, DDP and Stevie Ray competed for the #1 contender spot to the WCW World Heavyweight Championship at Fall Brawl, which Diamond Dallas Page won. On WCW Monday Nitro, he teamed with Sting to defeat Hogan and Bret Hart by disqualification, a match in which he had little participation; he was tagged in for a short exchange with Hart, then singlehandedly chased several nWo members down the entry way, whipping them with Hogan's belt. The third was his loss to Hogan at Halloween Havoc, in what is considered by Eric Bischoff to be one of the worst Main Event pay-per-view wrestling matches ever.[22] In the Halloween Havoc match, the timing of the maneuvers and hits was poor; an arm injury that Warrior received at WarGames further slowed the action. An attempt to "blind" Warrior with a fireball backfired when Hogan faced complications igniting a piece of flash paper, causing the fire to go up in Hogan's face instead. The match came to an end when Horace Hogan hit Warrior in the back with a chair while Eric Bischoff had referee Nick Patrick distracted. Hogan then scored the pinfall.
WCW claimed that attempts were made to save the storyline though Warrior has claimed in interviews and convention appearances that the only reason he was brought back was so Hogan could get a win over Warrior in return for Hogan's WrestleMania job. Warrior's last appearance in WCW was on the November 9, 1998 edition of Nitro, when he came to the rescue of The Disciple who was being attacked by members of nWo. Warrior announced his retirement the following year.
Nu-Wrestling Evolution (2008)[link]
During an April 19, 2008 Nu-Wrestling Evolution (NWE) event in Madrid, Spain, Warrior was presented with an award celebrating his professional wrestling career in front of over 15,000 attendees. During the presentation, NWE Heavyweight Champion Orlando Jordan mocked a fan of Warrior's, resulting in a heated argument between Warrior and Jordan. As a result of the exchange, a match between Warrior and Jordan was scheduled for June 25, 2008 in the Palau Municipal d'Esports de Badalona in Barcelona, marking Warrior's first match in nearly 10 years. After much hype, On June 25, he finally made his much anticipated return to pro wrestling when he faced Jordan for the NWE Heavyweight Championship. Warrior promoted the show on his website and trained with Rob Van Dam during the summer. Notably, the match lasted over 12 minutes - the Warrior did a top rope flying body press and a top rope superplex and defeated Jordan with his clothesline/shoulder tackle finish. After winning the match and the NWE Championship, Warrior spoke the crowd for a moment and immediately vacated the title.
Personal life[link]
Warrior married Shari Lynn Tyree on October 2, 1982. The couple met in Dallas, Texas at the famous Million Dollar Saloon strip club where Shari was working at the time.[23] They remained together for the majority of Warriors' WWF career before divorcing on March 22, 1991, two days before WrestleMania VII.[24] Warrior married for the second time in 2000 to Dana. Together they have two daughters: Indiana Marin "Indy" Warrior (born 2000) and Mattigan Twain Warrior (born December 16, 2002)
Trademark and libel litigation[link]
In 1993, Hellwig legally changed his name to Warrior. This one-word name appears on all legal documents pertaining to Warrior, and his children carry the Warrior name as their legal surname.
Warrior and the WWF engaged in a series of lawsuits and legal actions in 1996 and 1998,[25] where both parties sought a declaration that they owned the characters, Warrior and Ultimate Warrior, under both contract and copyright law. The court ruled that Warrior was legally entitled to use the gimmick, costuming, face paint designs, and mannerisms of the "Warrior" character.[3][26]
On September 27, 2005, WWE (formerly the WWF) released a DVD documentary focusing on Warrior's retrospective wrestling career, entitled The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior. The DVD featured clips of his more notable feuds and matches along with commentary from WWE stars past and present (most of which are unflattering), with Triple H (by this point one of WWE's top main eventers and the husband of Vince McMahon's daughter Stephanie McMahon) adding that his WrestleMania debut loss against Warrior at WrestleMania XII left him with mixed emotions, saying that Warrior "ruined the experience" for him and was "one of the most unprofessional guys" he's ever fought.[27] The DVD has provoked some controversy due to Warrior's own allegations of libel by WWE against him. Originally, Warrior was asked to help with the production of the DVD, but as he refused to work with WWE (citing he did not want to be associated with their promotion), there has been some resulting animosity between Warrior and WWE over the Warrior claiming bias on the part of WWE.[28] In January 2006, Warrior filed another lawsuit against WWE in an Arizona court over the depiction of his wrestling career in The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior DVD.[29] On September 18, 2009, Warrior's lawsuit in Arizona was dismissed.[30]
Motivational speaking[link]
Warrior formally retired from wrestling in 1999 and had a short-lived career as a conservative speaker and commentator, partnering with conservative spokesman Daniel Pinheiro, denouncing left-wing politics. In one instance, he mentioned that "queering doesn't make the world work" during a speech at the University of Connecticut.[31] Warrior explained those comments on his website as meaning that the human race would die out if everyone were a homosexual.[3][32]
Writing[link]
In May 1996, Warrior began publishing a comic book, titled Warrior, featuring himself as the main character. The series was co-written with Jim Callahan and illustrated by the Sharp Brothers. The title sold well for the first two months, before sales slowed down. The comic was canceled in early 1997.
Warrior maintains a blog on his personal website titled "Warrior's Machete", where he discusses his personal life, his personal views on politics, sexuality, patriotism, and his legacy as a wrestler, amongst other topics. There have been numerous instances where Warrior has used his blog to address his viewpoint on members of his wrestling past (Vince McMahon, Road Warrior Animal, The British Bulldog, Owen Hart, Hulk Hogan, Lex Luger);[33] historical (Martin Luther King, George Washington) or religious figures (Jesus).[34] Warrior depicts celebrities who were newsworthy at the time of his blog (Heath Ledger and Paris Hilton). Warrior occasionally references his respect for the Founding Fathers of the United States, and also enjoys books like Homer's "Odyssey" and James Allen "As A Man Thinketh". [35][36] He recently started selling off "Weapons of Wisdom", inspirational 6×9 pieces of watercolor paper with drawings, quotes and doodles on them by the Warrior himself.[37] He has also used the blog to post replies to letters from fans.[38]
Legacy[link]
Although Warrior's relationship with the WWE has been strained at times, the WWE, in more recent times, has recognized him as one of the Legends of the company.[39] WWE described him as being "As devastating and intense as any Superstar who stepped through the ropes...", further saying that "The Ultimate Warrior may be the most enigmatic man to ever hold the WWE Championship."[40] In a recent review of a fantasy match between John Cena and Warrior, the WWE described him as having been "One of the most recognizable Superstars in WWE history", and further spoke of his impact, describing how "The Ultimate Warrior brought Hulkamania to its knees on The Grandest Stage of Them All at WrestleMania VI, retired the Madness at WrestleMania VII and press slammed a slew of the greatest legends of his era."[41] In WWE All Stars, in which Ultimate Warrior appears as one of the Legends, WWE stated that he was the "ultimate archetype of strength and intensity," and further stated that "without question, the Ultimate Warrior has etched his name in the pantheon of WWE greats".[42]
Warrior appears in the Mattel Legends figures line in both Series 4 and Series 6. He was also chosen as one of six legends to be included in the Defining Moments series of action figures. Warrior further appears as a playable legend in WWE All Stars and WWE Legends of Wrestlemania.
In wrestling[link]
- Finishing moves
- Running splash,[1] sometimes to a face down opponent, and usually preceded by a gorilla press drop[1]
- Signature moves
- Entrance themes
- World Class Championship Wrestling
- "The Warrior" by Scandal (1986–1987)
- World Wrestling Federation
- "Unstable" by Jim Johnston (1987–1991, 1992, 1996)
- World Championship Wrestling
- "One Warrior Nation" (1998)
- World Class Championship Wrestling
Championships and accomplishments[link]
- Nu-Wrestling Evolution
- NWE World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- PWI Comeback of the Year (1992)
- PWI Feud of the Year (1991) vs. The Undertaker
- PWI Match of the Year (1990) vs. Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI
- PWI ranked him #101 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003[43]
- World Wrestling Superstars
- WWS Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
- Most Overrated (1989–1991)
- Readers' Least Favorite Wrestler (1989, 1990)
- Worst Feud of the Year (1989) vs. André the Giant
- Worst Feud of the Year (1992) vs. Papa Shango
- Worst Feud of the Year (1998) vs. Hulk Hogan
- Worst Worked Match of the Year (1989) vs. André the Giant on October 31
- Worst Worked Match of the Year (1998) vs. Hulk Hogan at Halloween Havoc
- Worst Wrestler (1988, 1998)
References[link]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Ultimate Warrior's OWoW Profile". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/u/ultimate-warrior.html. Retrieved 2008-01-04.
- ^ Warriors Texas Divorce Certificate
- ^ a b c The Lilsboys (2004-06-21). "The Ultimate interview". The Sun. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/article208532.ece. Retrieved 2008-05-17.
- ^ This is a quote from the '"Greatest Warrior match, in Fantasy Warfare, featuring Ultimate Warrior and Sheamus, in WWE All Stars
- ^ This is from the profile of Ultimate Warrior, in the Alumni section, on WWE.com
- ^ Flynn, Daniel (2004-06-28). "Interview with the Ultimate Warrior – Part 1 of 4". FlynnFiles.com. http://flynnfiles.com/blog/warrior/warrior1.htm. Retrieved 2008-05-17.
- ^ a b NPC News On-Line
- ^ Doc's Sports – Georgia Bodybuilding Contest Information and More. Georgia Bodybuilding. Retrieved on 2012-01-05.
- ^ a b Robinson, Jon (2004-02-14). "Ultimate Warrior Interview". IGN. http://sports.ign.com/articles/493/493533p1.html. Retrieved 2008-05-17.
- ^ a b c Flynn, Daniel (2004-06-28). "Interview with the Ultimate Warrior – Part 2 of 4". FlynnFiles.com. http://flynnfiles.com/blog/warrior/warrior2.htm. Retrieved 2008-05-18.
- ^ a b Duncan, R. and Will, G. (1998). "WCCW World Tag Team Title History". Solie.org. http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttwccw.html. Retrieved 2008-05-17.
- ^ a b Duncan, R. and Will, G. (1998). "WCCW Texas Heavyweight Title History". Solie.org. http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/thtwccw.html. Retrieved 2008-05-17.
- ^ Prichard, Bruce (2005). The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior. WWE Home Video.
- ^ Warrior (2005). Ringside Collectibles Shoot Interview with the Ultimate Warrior. Ringside Collectibles.
- ^ Warrior, Mean Joe Greed (1989 (retrieved 2010-06-15)). 1989 Westway Ford Commercial with Dingo (Ultimate) Warrior. "ntnwebpro". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaSsMLD2XyY.
- ^ Warrior, Mean Joe Greed (1988 (retrieved 2010-06-15)). 1988 Westway Ford Commercial with Dingo (Ultimate) Warrior. "ntnwebpro". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_qoRfmcZY8.
- ^ [1][dead link]
- ^ a b Duncan, R. and Will, G. (2008). "WWF/WWE Intercontinental Heavyweight Title History". Solie.org. http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ichtwwf.html. Retrieved 2008-05-18.
- ^ a b Duncan, R. and Will, G. (2009). "WWWF/WWF/WWE Heavyweight Title History". Solie.org. http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/tiwwf.html. Retrieved 2008-05-18.
- ^ a b Sammond, Nicholas (2005). Steel Chair to the Head. Duke University Press. pp. 47–48. ISBN 978-0-8223-3438-5.
- ^ "Ultimate Warrior FAQ". WrestleView. http://www.wrestleview.com/faq/?article=ultimatewarrior. Retrieved 2009-05-23. "When Warrior entered the WCW in 1998 he was given creative control much like in the WWF."
- ^ Monday Night Wars. WWE Home Video. 2004.
- ^ IMDB bio
- ^ Texas Divorces.[dead link]
- ^ WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC – WWE Quarterly Report (10-Q) NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited). Sec.edgar-online.com (1999-12-13). Retrieved on 2012-01-05.
- ^ Flynn, Daniel (2004-06-28). "Interview with the Ultimate Warrior – Part 3 of 4". FlynnFiles.com. http://flynnfiles.com/blog/warrior/warrior3.htm. Retrieved 2008-05-18.
- ^ The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior DVD
- ^ Sokol, Chris (2005-07-05). "Warrior speaks his mind in new shoot". Canadian Online Explorer. http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/07/05/1127823.html. Retrieved 2008-05-18.
- ^ WWE: Ultimate Warrior files lawsuit against World Wrestling Entertainment. Wrestlemag.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-05.
- ^ [2][dead link]
- ^ (44:20–46:50 of the video). Video.google.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-05.
- ^ Flynn, Daniel (2004-06-28). "Interview with the Ultimate Warrior – Part 4 of 4". FlynnFiles.com. http://flynnfiles.com/blog/warrior/warrior4.htm. Retrieved 2008-05-18.
- ^ Warrior's Machete: Myspace?. Ultimatewarrior.com (2006-12-14). Retrieved on 2012-01-05.
- ^ Warrior's Machete: Sluts or a Saint?. Ultimatewarrior.com (2007-02-21). Retrieved on 2012-01-05.
- ^ Warrior's Machete: Dead long before 28. Ultimatewarrior.com. (2008-01-23). Retrieved on 2012-01-05.
- ^ Warrior's Machete: Before the House of Hilton Bred Whores…. Ultimatewarrior.com. (2007-06-13). Retrieved on 2012-01-05.
- ^ http://www.ultimatewarrior.com/blog/?page_id=710
- ^ Warrior's Machete: Warrior wins. Warrior haters lose –again. Ultimatewarrior.com. (2007-05-30). Retrieved on 2012-01-05.
- ^ http://www.wwe.com/superstars/ultimatewarrior
- ^ Profile description on WWE. com
- ^ http://www.wwe.com/inside/mattel/clash-cena-ultimate-warrior
- ^ Commentary in the Fantasy Warfare package in WWE All Stars
- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Top 500 Wrestlers of the PWI Years". Wrestling Information Archive. http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi500yr.htm. Retrieved 2010-09-15.
External links[link]
| Find more about Warrior on Wikipedia's sister projects: | |
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Images and media from Commons |
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- UltimateWarrior TV's channel on YouTube made in 2008 to promote his Barcelona match against Orlando Jordan.
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- Warrior on Myspace
- Warrior at the Internet Movie Database
- Warrior on Facebook
- Warrior on Twitter
- Ultimate Warrior's WWE Alumni Profile
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| Persondata | |
|---|---|
| Name | James Brian Hellwig |
| Alternative names | Warrior; Ultimate Warrior; Dingo Warrior |
| Short description | Professional wrestler; bodybuilder; motivational speaker |
| Date of birth | (1959-06-16) June 16, 1959 (age 53) |
| Place of birth | Crawfordsville, Lom, United States |
| Date of death | |
| Place of death | |
http://wn.com/Warrior_(wrestler)
Related pages:
http://frwn.com/Warrior (catcheur)
http://nlwn.com/James Hellwig
http://ptwn.com/Warrior (lutador)
http://dewn.com/Warrior (Wrestler)
http://itwn.com/Ultimate Warrior
http://hiwn.com/वॉरिअर (रेस्लर)
http://plwn.com/Warrior (wrestler)
http://eswn.com/Warrior
This page contains text from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrior_(wrestler)
This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License, which means that you can copy and modify it as long as the entire work (including additions) remains under this license.
This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License, which means that you can copy and modify it as long as the entire work (including additions) remains under this license.
"The Nature Boy" redirects here. For other uses, see Nature Boy (disambiguation).
| Ric Flair | |
|---|---|
 Ric Flair in 2008. |
|
| Ring name(s) | Ric Flair[1] The Black Scorpion[1] "Ramblin" Ricky Rhodes[1] |
| Billed height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[2] |
| Billed weight | 243 lb (110 kg)[2] |
| Born | (1949-02-25) February 25, 1949 (age 63)[3] Memphis, Tennessee[4] |
| Resides | Charlotte, North Carolina[2] |
| Billed from | Charlotte, North Carolina[2] |
| Trained by | Verne Gagne[2][5] |
| Debut | December 10, 1972 |
Richard Morgan Fliehr[3] (born February 25, 1949)[3] is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Ric Flair.[6] Also known as "The Nature Boy", Flair is considered to be one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time with a professional career that spans 40 years. [7] He is currently working for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), and is noted for his lengthy and highly decorated tenures with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and the World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (now known as WWE). Flair is officially recognized by WWE, TNA and PWI as a 16-time World Heavyweight Champion (seven-time NWA Champion, seven-time WCW Champion and two-time WWF Champion) although his actual tally of World Championship reigns varies by source—Flair considers himself a 21-time world champion.[8]
In World Championship Wrestling (WCW), he also had two stints as a booker—in 1989–1990 and 1994.[9] Flair also became the first and only man to have won the WWF Championship in a Royal Rumble match, when he accomplished this in the 1992 edition of the event. In 2012, Flair became the first ever double inductee in the WWE Hall of Fame, first inducted in 2008 for his individual career, and for a second time in 2012 as a member of the Four Horsemen. He is also an NWA Hall of Famer (class of 2008). Flair's hair styles and mannerisms are based on those of Buddy Rogers, who previously and famously used the "Nature Boy" gimmick in the 1950s and '60s. Coincidentally, Flair also followed Rogers in becoming the second man to win both the WWF and the NWA World Heavyweight Championships.
Flair was the first WCW World Champion, having been awarded the title following WCW's secession from the NWA in 1991. With that, he also became the first WCW Triple Crown Champion upon being awarded the title, having already held the United States and World Tag Team titles. In 2005, he completed WWE's version of the Triple Crown when he won the Intercontinental Championship, after already holding the WWF (now WWE) Championship, as well as the World Tag Team Championship, becoming the third man to win both the WCW and WWE Triple Crown (after Bret Hart and Chris Benoit). Using the officially recognized totals (by WWE, TNA and PWI) of 16 World Championships and a record-tying five U.S. Championship reigns, Flair has won a total of 30 different major championships between the NWA, WCW, and WWE, with numerous regional titles also to his credit.
Contents
|
Early life[link]
Richard Fleihr (Ric Flair) was born on February 25, 1949. In the opening chapter of his autobiography To Be the Man, he notes that his birth name is given on different documents as Fred. At the time of his adoption (arranged by the notorious Tennessee Children's Home Society, later shut down for adoption fraud), his father was completing a residency in Detroit. Shortly afterward, the family settled in Edina, Minnesota, where the young Richard Fliehr lived throughout his childhood. After grade 9, he attended Wayland Academy, a coeducational boarding school in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, for four years (five years total in high school) during which time he participated in interscholastic wrestling, football and track.[10]
As a teen, Flair took a summer job as a lifeguard at a local pool in Minnesota, where he received his first exposure to the wrestling business when he met the legendary Vachon brothers. In both 1966 and 1968, Flair won the state private school wrestling championship and was recruited to the University of Minnesota on a football scholarship, where he played alongside Greg Gagne, the son of Verne Gagne. Flair dropped out of college before receiving his degree, and he then worked as a bouncer at a nearby club, where he met Olympic weightlifter Ken Patera, who was preparing for a ring career at Verne Gagne's wrestling school. Patera introduced Flair to Verne Gagne, who agreed to take him on as a member of his training class.
Professional wrestling career[link]
American Wrestling Association (1972–1974)[link]
Under the tutelage of Josh Klemme[5] and Billy Robinson, Flair attended Gagne's first Wrestling camp with Greg Gagne, Jim Brunzell, Iron Sheik, and Ken Patera at Gagne's barn outside of Minneapolis in the winter of 1971. Flair met Ken Patera when he was working as a bouncer after dropping out of school at the U of M after completing his freshman year there in 1968-69. They lived together for a while in South Minneapolis. Flair made fast progress, and in December 1972, he made his debut in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, battling George "Scrap Iron" Gadaski to a 10-minute draw while adopting the ring name "Ric Flair."[5] Then weighing nearly 300 pounds with short brown hair, Flair scarcely resembled his future "Nature Boy" image. But he drew attention with his charismatic personality and ring endurance. During his time in the American Wrestling Association, Flair had matches with Dusty Rhodes, André the Giant, Larry Hennig, and Wahoo McDaniel.[11]
National Wrestling Alliance[link]
Becoming the Nature Boy (1974–1981)[link]
In 1974, Flair left the AWA for Jim Crockett's Mid-Atlantic region in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA);[11] and he soon captured his first singles title when, on February 8, 1975, he beat Paul Jones for the Mid-Atlantic TV Championship. On October 4, 1975, however, Flair's career nearly ended when he was in a serious plane crash in Wilmington, North Carolina that took the life of the pilot and paralyzed Johnny Valentine (also on board were "Mr. Wrestling I" Tim Woods, Bob Bruggers, and promoter David Crockett).[12] Flair broke his back in three places and, at age 26, was told by doctors that he would never wrestle again.[12] Flair conducted a rigorous physical therapy schedule, however, and he returned to the ring just six months later, where he resumed his feud with Wahoo McDaniel in February 1976.[12] The crash did force Flair to change his wrestling technique away from the power brawling style he had used early on, which led him to adopt the "Nature Boy" style he would use throughout his career.
Groomed by Jim Crockett Jr. as his future top star, Flair won the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship when he defeated Bobo Brazil on July 29, 1977; and during the next three years, he held five reigns as U.S. Champion while feuding with Ricky Steamboat, Roddy Piper, Mr. Wrestling II, Jimmy Snuka, and Greg Valentine (with whom he also formed a championship tag team). Flair, however, reached elite status when he began referring to himself as "The Nature Boy" in order to incite a 1978 feud with the original "Nature Boy", Buddy Rogers, who put Flair over in one encounter.
NWA World Heavyweight Champion (1981–1986)[link]
On September 17, 1981, Flair reached the top of the mountain when he beat Dusty Rhodes for his first NWA World Heavyweight Championship. In the following years, Flair eventually established himself as the promotion's main franchise in the midst of emerging competition from Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Federation. With his outlandish wit and entertaining interview style, Flair embodied the role of the World Champion—sporting bleached blond hair, elegant jewelry, designer suits, and elaborate custom robes while dishing out his trademark chops and figure four leglock. All the while, Flair taunted his opponents with his "Wooo!" shout while boasting that "To be 'The Man,' you gotta beat the man!".
In 1982, Jack Veneno and Flair had a series of matches. Veneno defeated Flair for the World Title, but the NWA did not recognize this change. Flair also wrestled matches with Ricky Steamboat throughout the year. Harley Race won the title from Flair in 1983, but Flair regained the title at Starrcade in Greensboro, North Carolina in a steel cage match; afterward, Race and Flair fought in many different matches in early 1984. Flair won the NWA title, officially, eight more times. As the NWA champion, he defended his belt around the world. Flair lost the title to Race and won it back in the span of three days in New Zealand in March 1984. At the first David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions at Texas Stadium, Flair was pinned by Kerry Von Erich. Flair regained the title eighteen days later in Japan.
He then reigned for two years, two months, and two days, losing his title to Dusty Rhodes on July 26, 1986 at The Great American Bash; Rhodes had been an ever-present foe in Flair's career after Flair helped break Rhodes's ankle on September 29, 1985. Flair regained the title two weeks later. Flair defended his titles against opponents like Harley Race, Ricky Steamboat, Roddy Piper, Kerry Von Erich, Jay Youngblood, Sting, Ronnie Garvin, Magnum T.A., and Rhodes throughout his career, as well.
The Four Horsemen[link]
Main article: Four Horsemen
In the spring of 1985, the tag team of Ole Anderson and Arn Anderson began aiding Ric Flair (whom they claimed as a "cousin") in attacks against Dusty Rhodes, Magnum T.A., and Sam Houston. A few weeks later, the Andersons interrupted Houston's match against Tully Blanchard, and the three villains combined to rough up the youngster while sending a message to the rest of the NWA. Shortly thereafter, Flair, Blanchard, and the Andersons formalized their alliance, calling themselves the Four Horsemen, with Blanchard's manager J.J. Dillon also coming on board. Upon the group's inception, it was clear that the Horsemen were unlike any villainous alliance that had ever existed. The four rule breakers immediately used their strength in numbers to decimate the NWA's top fan favorites while controlling the majority of the championship titles. Over the years, there would be various incarnations of the group, with Flair and Arn Anderson as the two permanent members, while a number of different wrestlers, including Lex Luger, Barry Windham, Sting, Sid Vicious, Paul Roma, Brian Pillman, Chris Benoit, Jeff Jarrett, Steve McMichael, Curt Hennig, and Dean Malenko, have held the other two spots in the Horsemen.
World Championship Wrestling (1986–1991)[link]
By 1986, wrestling promoter Jim Crockett had consolidated the various NWA member promotions he owned into a single entity, running under the banner of the National Wrestling Alliance. Controlling much of the traditional NWA territories in the southeast and Midwestern United States, Crockett looked to expand nationally and built his promotion around Flair as champion. During this time, Flair's bookings as champion were tightly controlled by Crockett, and a custom championship belt was created for Flair. In 1987, Flair and Barry Windham had a series of matches for the NWA World Championship. Flair defeated Windham at the Crockett Cup tournament and they fought to a time limit draw in January. Flair lost the NWA World Championship due to his flamboyant ways in Detroit to Ron Garvin on September 25, 1987. Garvin held the title for two months before losing to Flair on November 26, 1987 at WCW's first pay-per-view event, Starrcade, in Chicago.
In early 1988, rising star Sting had challenged Flair to a match at the first ever Clash of the Champions. Flair accepted and fought Sting to a 45 minute time-limit draw. In late 1988, booker Dusty Rhodes proposed that Flair lose the NWA World Heavyweight Championship to Rick Steiner in a short match at Starrcade when no agreement could be met regarding the finish to the scheduled main event between him and Lex Luger. Rhodes was fired for various issues within the company, and former JCP booker George Scott was given his role as a booker. Scott immediately negotiated to bring in Ricky Steamboat for a series of matches. On February 20, 1989, at Chi-Town Rumble in Chicago, Steamboat pinned Flair to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. This prompted a series of rematches, where Steamboat was presented as a "family man" (often accompanied by his wife and young son), while Flair opposed him as an immoral, fast-living "ladies man".
Following a best-of-three falls match with Steamboat that lasted just short of the 60-minute time limit (and ended with a disputed finish where Steamboat retained the title) at Clash of the Champions VI: Ragin' Cajun on April 2, Flair regained the title from Steamboat on May 7, 1989 at WrestleWar. This match was voted 1989's "Match of the Year" by Pro Wrestling Illustrated, and is widely considered among the greatest matches of all time. Flair was attacked by Terry Funk (serving as a judge for the match, as per its stipulations) after the match when Flair refused to grant Funk a title match, telling Funk that he had spent too much time in Hollywood and out of wrestling, and was not a listed title contender. The attack reached its conclusion when Funk gave Flair a piledriver onto the judges' table.
Months later, a "recovered" Flair returned to competition in an emotional match against Funk at The Great American Bash. The two continued feuding through the summer and eventually Flair reformed the Four Horsemen, with the surprise addition of longtime rival Sting, to combat Funk's J-Tex Corporation. This led to an "I Quit" match at Clash of the Champions IX: New York Knockout. Before the match, Funk stated that he would shake Flair's hand if he lost, a promise he kept when he shouted, "Yes, I quit!" after being in Flair's figure four leglock. Flair then kicked Sting out of the Horsemen upon his challenge for the NWA Championship, resulting in a revived feud between the two which had to be delayed due to Sting injuring his knee, forcing WCW to slot Lex Luger as Flair's main challenger until Sting returned. On July 7, 1990, Flair dropped the title to Sting at The Great American Bash. After being unmasked as the Black Scorpion at Starrcade in 1990, Flair regained the title from Sting on January 11, 1991, in front of a near empty house due to the blizzard conditions in the New York City area. Prior to this reign, WCW split their recognition of a World Heavyweight Champion from the NWA, and Flair was subsequently recognized as the first WCW World Heavyweight Champion, while still being recognized as NWA World Champion.
At the Clash of the Champions XIV: Dixie Dynamite on January 30, he wrestled Scott Steiner to a draw. On March 21, 1991, Tatsumi Fujinami defeated Flair in a controversial match in Tokyo at the WCW/New Japan Supershow. While the NWA recognized Fujinami as their new champion, WCW did not because Fujinami had backdropped Flair over the top rope in a violation of WCW rules. On May 19, 1991, Flair defeated Fujinami at SuperBrawl I in St. Petersburg, Florida to reclaim the NWA title and retain the WCW Title. In doing so, he became a nine time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, breaking Harley Race's record of eight reigns. On June 12, at the Clash of the Champions XV: Knocksville USA, he defeated Bobby Eaton in a two out of three falls match.
In the spring of 1991, Flair had a contract dispute with WCW president Jim Herd, who wanted him to take a substantial pay cut. Herd had removed Flair as head booker in February 1990 and wanted to reduce Flair's role in the promotion even further, despite the fact that Flair was still a top draw. According to Flair, Herd also proposed changes in his appearance (i.e. by shaving his hair, wearing a diamond earring and going by the name "Spartacus") as well as his in-ring name in order to "change with the times".[13] Flair disagreed with the proposals, and two weeks before The Great American Bash, Herd fired him and vacated the WCW Championship. While Flair had left for the WWF he was still recognized as the NWA World Champion until September 8, when the title was officially vacated.
World Wrestling Federation[link]
The Real World Heavyweight Champion (1991)[link]
Flair signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in August 1991 and began appearing on television as one of the most hated heels the next month. Initially, he appeared on WWF shows with the "Big Gold Belt," calling himself "The Real World Heavyweight Champion." Led by his "financial advisor" Bobby Heenan and his "executive consultant" Mr. Perfect, Flair repeatedly issued challenges to WWF wrestlers like Roddy Piper and Hulk Hogan, wrestling a team led by Piper at Survivor Series in 1991 and helping The Undertaker defeat Hogan for the WWF Championship that same night.[14] WCW sued Flair in an attempt to reclaim the belt,[15] but Flair claimed that he owned the belt in lieu of the $25,000 deposit paid by NWA champions upon winning the title, which had not been returned to him when he was fired from WCW. In the 2008 DVD Nature Boy Ric Flair: The Definitive Collection, Flair claimed that to this day he has never been paid $25,000 deposit, plus interest.[16] Later in the DVD Triple H said that Flair gave him the actual WCW title belt as a gift.
WWF Champion and feud with Randy Savage (1992–1993)[link]
At the Royal Rumble in 1992, he won the Rumble match to claim the vacant WWF Championship. Flair drew number three in the Rumble match and lasted a then-record nearly 60 minutes, last eliminating Sid Justice with help from Hulk Hogan, who had been eliminated by Justice seconds earlier.[14] In so doing, Flair joined Buddy Rogers as the only men to win the WWF and NWA World Championships in their careers.
After a planned program with Hogan was scrapped due to Hogan's hiatus following the WWF's steroid scandal, Randy Savage challenged Flair for the WWF title as part of the double main event at WrestleMania VIII. In the storyline, Flair taunted Savage by claiming that he had a prior relationship with Savage's wife, Elizabeth, and that he had the pictures to prove it (which were later revealed to be doctored photos). Savage defeated Flair for the title at WrestleMania.[14] In July 1992, as Savage prepared to defend the title against The Ultimate Warrior at SummerSlam,[14] Flair and Mr. Perfect sowed distrust between the two by suggesting that they would back one or the other during their match. They actually attacked both Savage and Warrior and injured Savage's knee, an injury that Flair exploited to regain the title in a match with Savage on September 1. His second reign was short-lived, however, as he lost the title to Bret Hart on October 12, 1992.
Flair teamed with Razor Ramon to take on Savage and Perfect at the Survivor Series 1992.[17] After losing a Loser Leaves the WWF match to Mr. Perfect on the January 18, 1993 edition of Monday Night Raw,[18] Flair appeared in the Royal Rumble in 1993 (although the match with Perfect had been taped six days prior, it did not air until the following night) and then fulfilled his remaining house show commitments, making his last appearance on February 10, 1993, before returning to WCW.[19] On The Ultimate Ric Flair Collection DVD, Flair described his first stint with the WWF as "the greatest year and a half of my career, outside the time I spent with Arn Anderson and The Four Horsemen."
Return to World Championship Wrestling[link]
Retirement teases (1993–1996)[link]
Flair returned to WCW as a face in February 1993 and, as a result of a "no-compete" clause, hosted a short-lived talk show in WCW called A Flair for the Gold as he was unable to appear wrestling. Arn Anderson usually appeared at the bar on the show's set, and Flair's maid, Fifi (portrayed by Wendy Barlow),[20] cleaned or bore gifts. Once he returned to action, Flair briefly held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship for a tenth time after defeating Barry Windham at Beach Blast before WCW finally left the NWA in September 1993. At Starrcade in 1993, Flair was placed in a match, which was billed that if Flair lost, he would retire from wrestling. The match ended with Flair using a chop block and roll-up on the gigantic Vader to win the title for the second time.
In June 1994, Flair defeated Sting in a unification match, merging the WCW International World Heavyweight Championship with the WCW World Championship. This concluded a slow heel turn for Flair that started when he defeated Ricky Steamboat in a controversial manner some months earlier. Flair later feuded with Hulk Hogan upon Hogan's arrival in WCW in June 1994, losing the WCW World Championship to him in July at Bash at the Beach. Flair lost a retirement match to Hogan at Halloween Havoc and took a few months off before returning as a wrestler and part-time manager in 1995 (explained on-air by having Flair nag Hogan for months until Hogan agreed to let Flair come back). He and Randy Savage renewed hostilities when Savage arrived in WCW late in 1994, and their feud continued off and on for almost two years with each wrestler winning the WCW World Championship from each other at different times. Flair defeated Savage in a steel cage match at SuperBrawl VI to win the WCW World title, which saw Savage betrayed by Elizabeth in favor of Flair. The Nature Boy also defeated Konnan on July 7 at Bash at the Beach to win the United States Championship. He vacated it in November of that year due to an arm injury he suffered in Japan, during a match with Kensuke Sasaki.
Feud with nWo (1996–1997)[link]
Once again as a top babyface, Flair played a major role in the New World Order storyline in late 1996 and throughout 1997. He and the other Horsemen often took the lead in the war against Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and Hulk Hogan. Flair also feuded with Roddy Piper, Syxx, and his old nemesis, Curt Hennig, in 1997 after Hennig was offered a spot in the Four Horsemen only to turn on Flair and the Horsemen at Fall Brawl in 1997. Hennig punctuated the act by slamming the cage door onto Flair's head. After Fall Brawl. Flair would return a month later to feud with Curt Hennig over the US title (which Hennig won from Steve McMichael). Flair would challenge for the title at Halloween Havoc and World War 3, losing both times.
Return from hiatus and various feuds (1998–2001)[link]
In April 1998, Flair disappeared from WCW television, due to a lawsuit filed by Eric Bischoff for no-showing a WCW Thunder TV taping. After the case was settled, Flair made a surprise return on September 14, 1998 to ceremoniously reform the Four Horsemen (along with Steve McMichael, Dean Malenko, and Chris Benoit). Flair feuded with Bischoff for several months afterward. This culminated in a match at Starrcade 1998 between Eric Bischoff and Ric Flair. Bischoff was victorious after interference from Curt Hennig, a former member of the Four Horsemen. The following night in Baltimore on Nitro, Flair returned with a crazy streak angle in what became one his most notable interview promos reviving the "custom made from head to toe" catchphrase. He began by stripping to his boxers and threatening to leave WCW, demanding a match against Bischoff for the presidency of the company, and later handcuffing himself to the ring. The match was made, and despite the nWo interfering on Bischoff's behalf Flair won and was granted the position of president of WCW. This resulted in a match at Superbrawl between Flair and Hollywood Hogan for the WCW Championship, which Flair lost after being betrayed by his own son David Flair. In spite of this betrayal, Flair signed a rematch at Uncensored 1999 which was billed as a First Blood Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match against Hogan where Flair's presidency and Hogan's WCW World Heavyweight Championship were on the line. Despite being the first to bleed, Flair won the match by submission thanks to the bias of the referee Charles Robinson, who counted Hogan out. This match was a double turn for Flair (who turned heel) and Hogan (who turned face). Robinson would be nicknamed "Lil' Naitch", idolizing Flair and officiating all of Flair's matches in his favor.[citation needed]
As on-air President, Flair began abusing his power much like Bischoff had, favoring villains over fan favorites and even awarding the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship to his son David and resorting to whatever means necessary to keep David U.S. Champion. This also led to many more notable promos with Flair proclaiming, "I am the President". Flair eventually formed a stable of followers which included Roddy Piper, Arn Anderson, and the Jersey Triad to keep things in order. Flair's reign as president came to an end on the July 19 episode of Nitro, facing Sting for the WCW presidency. During the course of the match, Sting had Flair in his Scorpion Death Lock, but with the referee knocked unconscious, no decision could be reached. A returning Eric Bischoff came to the ring and began ordering the timekeeper to ring the bell, which he eventually did, awarding the match and the presidency to Sting (who promptly gave it up upon receiving it).
Flair won the WCW World Championship twice during 2000, the company's last full year of operation. When WCW was purchased by the WWF in March 2001, Flair was the leader of the villainous group called the Magnificent Seven. During the final episode of Nitro on March 26, 2001, he gave an emotional speech regarding the company's greatness and his best matches and opponents in WCW throughout the years, including Sting. Later in the night, Flair lost the final match of Nitro to Sting, recreating the first main event of Nitro in 1995. Nevertheless, Flair has repeatedly stated in various interviews how happy he was when WCW finally closed down; although, at the same time, the fact that many people would lose their jobs saddened him.[21]
Return to World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment[link]
WWF/E co-owner (2001–2002)[link]
After hiatus from wrestling, Flair made a popular return to the WWF in November 2001 as the on-camera co-owner of the company and as a face in Charlotte on RAW in November 2001.[22] Flair reappeared on Raw following the end of the "WCW/ECW Invasion" that culminated in a "Winner Take All" match at Survivor Series won by the WWF.[23] Flair's new on-screen role was that of the co-owner of the WWF, with the explanation that Shane and Stephanie McMahon had sold their stock in the company to a consortium (namely Flair) prior to purchasing World Championship Wrestling and Extreme Championship Wrestling.[24] Flair's feud with Vince McMahon led them to a match at the Royal Rumble in 2002 in a Street Fight, where Flair defeated McMahon.[23] Flair also wrestled The Undertaker at WrestleMania X8 in 2002 where Flair lost after a hard fought battle and interference by Arn Anderson.[25] From then, the "co-owner" angle culminated in early 2002, when Flair controlled Raw, and McMahon controlled SmackDown!.[26] After Steve Austin abruptly left WWE while in a program with Flair, a match was hotshotted between Flair and Vince for sole ownership of WWE, which McMahon won, thanks to interference by Brock Lesnar.[27]
Evolution (2003–2005)[link]
Main article: Evolution
Flair later became a villain by joining Triple H's "Evolution" stable.[28] Flair won the World Tag Team Championship with Batista twice in 2003 and 2004.[29][30] After HHH took time off following Vengeance and for the rest of the summer, Flair would become a fan favorite again by beginning a short feud with Kurt Angle. Later, at Unforgiven in 2005, Flair defeated Carlito for the Intercontinental Championship.[31]
On the October 3 edition of Raw, Flair was attacked by his Evolution tag team partner Triple H, after Triple H threw him into a limousine and smashing into limousine window for using sledge hammer. On November 1, 2005 at Taboo Tuesday, Flair defeated Triple H in a steel cage match. Flair continued his feud with Triple H until Survivor Series, when Triple H defeated him in a Last Man Standing match to end the feud.
Various rivalries and retirement (2006–2008)[link]
At the end of 2005 Flair had a feud with Edge, culminating in a WWE championship TLC match on the RAW in early 2006. On the February 20 edition of Raw he lost to Shelton Benjamin.[32] Flair then took some time off in mid-2006 to rest and marry for the third time; he returned in June to work a program with his real life rival Mick Foley that played off their legitimate past animosity.[33] Flair defeated Foley at SummerSlam in an "I Quit" match.[34]
Subsequently, he was involved in a rivalry with the Spirit Squad on Raw. On November 5, 2006 at Cyber Sunday, he captured the World Tag Team Championship from the Squad with Roddy Piper.[34] On the November 13 edition of Raw, Flair and Piper lost the Tag Titles to Rated-RKO,[35] due to a disc problem with Piper and had to be flown immediately back to the USA as soon as Raw was off the air. On November 26, 2006 at Survivor Series, Flair was the sole survivor of a match that featured himself, Ron Simmons (replacing an injured Piper), Dusty Rhodes and Sgt. Slaughter versus the Spirit Squad.[34] Flair then left television due to his divorce hearings. On the December 11, 2006 edition of Raw, Flair returned to team up with DX again. They defeated Rated-RKO and Kenny Dykstra.[36]
Flair then began teaming with Carlito after Flair said that Carlito had no heart.[37] Flair defeated Carlito in a match after which Carlito realized that Flair was right.[38] Flair and Carlito faced off against Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch in a number one contender's match for the World Tag Team Championship but were defeated. The two teamed up at Wrestlemania 23, and defeated the team of Chavo Guerrero and Gregory Helms. After weeks of conflict between Flair and Carlito,[39][40] the team split up when Carlito attacked Flair during a match.[41] At Judgment Day, Flair defeated Carlito with the figure four leglock.[42] His career was put at risk following a match with Randy Orton on June 4, 2007.[43]
On the June 11 edition of Raw, Flair was drafted from Raw to SmackDown! as part of the 2007 WWE Draft.[44] He briefly feuded against Montel Vontavious Porter[45][46] and rejoined forces with Batista to feud with The Great Khali; the alliance was short-lived, however, as Flair was "injured" during a match with Khali.[47][48]
After three month hiatus, Flair returned to WWE programming on the November 26 edition of Raw to announce "I will never retire".[49][50] Vince McMahon retaliated by announcing that the next match Flair lost would result in a forced retirement.[49] Later in the night, Flair defeated Orton after a distraction by Chris Jericho.[49][50] It was revealed on the 15th anniversary of Raw that the win or retire ultimatum only applied in singles matches. Flair won several "career threatening" matches against the opponents such as Triple H, Umaga, William Regal, Mr. Kennedy, and Vince McMahon himself among others.[51][52][53] On March 29, 2008, Flair was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as a part of the Class of 2008 by Triple H. Flair became the first active wrestler to be inducted into the Hall Of Fame. The day after, Flair wrestled at WrestleMania XXIV in Orlando, Florida, losing to Shawn Michaels.[54] This match was voted the 2008 PWI Match of the Year. Flair's fight to keep his career going garnered him the 2008 PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year award.
Part time appearances (2008–2009, 2012)[link]
On the March 31, 2008 edition of Raw, Flair delivered his farewell address. Afterward, Triple H brought out many current and retired superstars to thank Flair for all he has done, including Shawn Michaels, some of the Four Horsemen, Harley Race, and Chris Jericho, followed by The Undertaker and then Vince McMahon. Along with the wrestlers, the fans gave Ric a standing ovation. This event represented a rare moment in WWE as both the heels and the faces broke character and came out to the ring together. The Undertaker's and McMahon's entrances, however, were not shown on the TV taping of Raw for the week in order to preserve their characters, more in the case of the Undertaker as it involved him hugging Ric Flair and then raising his arm in victory, but were included in Nature Boy Ric Flair: The Definitive Collection DVD as extras.
Flair made his first post retirement appearance on the June 16, 2008 edition of Raw to confront Chris Jericho about his actions during a rivalry with Shawn Michaels. He challenged Jericho to a fight in the parking lot, rather than an official match, but was ejected from the building by Vince McMahon.[55] The following year on February 9 Flair once again confronted Chris Jericho on Raw. Jericho was attacking Hall of Fame members and Flair demanded he respect them, before punching Jericho.[56] Flair appeared a month later to distract him during a Money in the Bank. Jericho then challenged Flair to come out of retirement for WrestleMania XXV; instead Flair managed Roddy Piper, Jimmy Snuka and Ricky Steamboat in a three-on-one handicap match at WrestleMania in a losing effort.[57][58][59]
On May 17 Flair returned to WWE during the Judgment Day pay-per-view, coming to the aid of Batista, who was being attacked by The Legacy (Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase). On his last appearance in WWE, on the June 1 episode of Raw, Flair challenged Randy Orton in a parking lot brawl match, after an interference from the rest of The Legacy, the fight ended with Flair was trapped inside a steel cage and was punted by Orton. After Raw, Flair left WWE when his contract expired on June 2, 2009. On March 31, 2012 Flair became the first person to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice, the second time as part of the Four Horsemen.
Ring of Honor and Hulkamania Tour (2009)[link]
Flair signed with Ring of Honor (ROH) and appeared at the aptly titled Stylin' And Profilin' event in March 2009, clearing the ring after an ROH World Championship match ended with a run-in.[60] He soon served as the company's ambassador, in an on-screen authority role, and appeared on the television show Ring of Honor Wrestling in May to cement his role.[61] After a number one contender's match ended in a time-limit draw, and the following week a double count out, Flair announced Ring of Honor Wrestling's first ROH World Title match as a four-way contest.[62]
On November 21, 2009, Flair returned to the ring as a heel on the "Hulkamania: Let the Battle Begin" tour of Australia, losing to Hulk Hogan in the main event of the first show by brassknuckles.[1] Flair lost to Hogan again on November 24 in Perth, Australia. Both men bled and Flair was pinned after being hit with a megaphone by Hogan.[1] Flair also lost to Hogan on the two remaining matches on the tour, both times after being struck by a megaphone.[1][63]
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling[link]
Fortune (2010–2011)[link]
Main article: Fortune (professional wrestling)
On the January 4, 2010, live, three-hour edition of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's Impact! television show, Flair as a face made his debut appearance for the company arriving via limo and later observing the main event between A.J. Styles and longtime rival Kurt Angle.[64] It was later reported that Flair had signed a one-year deal with the company.[65] In the past, Flair has openly stated that he was loyal to the McMahons and wanted to end his career in WWE, however he had not had contact from WWE since June 2009 and decided to sign with TNA Wrestling after waiting for the call from WWE for six months.[66]
On January 17 at Genesis, Flair helped A.J. Styles cheat to pin Kurt Angle and retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship thus once again becoming a heel.[67] On the following episode of TNA Impact!, Flair announced that he was going to make A.J. Styles the next Nature Boy.[68] In addition to Styles, Flair began informally managing Beer Money, Inc. (Robert Roode and James Storm) and Desmond Wolfe as a loose heel alliance. Flair has also confirmed that he will return to wrestling in TNA.[6] On the February 25 edition of Impact!, Hulk Hogan announced that both he and Flair will make their in-ring TNA debuts on the March 8 Monday night edition of Impact!, when Hogan and Abyss face Flair and Styles in a tag team match.[69] On the March 8 Monday night edition of Impact! Hogan and Abyss defeated Flair and Styles, when Abyss pinned Styles.[70] Afterwards, the returning Jeff Hardy saved Abyss and Hogan from a beatdown at the hands of Flair, Styles and Beer Money, Inc.[70] At Lockdown Team Flair (Sting, Desmond Wolfe, Robert Roode and James Storm) was defeated by Team Hogan (Abyss, Jeff Jarrett, Jeff Hardy and Rob Van Dam) in a Lethal Lockdown match.[71] On the April 26 edition of Impact! Flair was defeated by Abyss in a match, where Flair's and Hogan's WWE Hall of Fame rings were at stake and as a result Flair lost possession of his ring to Hogan.[72] The following week Hogan gave the ring to Jay Lethal, who returned it to Flair out of respect. This, however, was not enough for Flair, who attacked Lethal along with the members of Team Flair.[73] After Styles dropped the World Heavyweight Championship to Rob Van Dam, then failed to regain it in a rematch and later was pinned by Jay Lethal, Flair adopted Kazarian as his newest protégé, seemingly replacing Styles as his number one wrestler.[74][75]
On the June 17 edition of Impact! Flair announced that he would reform the Four Horsemen under the new name Fourtune, comparing A.J. Styles to Arn Anderson, Kazarian to Barry Windham, Robert Roode and James Storm to Ole Anderson and Tully Blanchard and Desmond Wolfe to Lex Luger, while also stating that each of them would have to earn their spots in the group.[76][77] Flair made a return to the ring on July 11 at Victory Road, losing to Jay Lethal.[78] On the July 15 edition of Impact! Flair announced A.J. Styles and Kazarian as the first two official members of Fourtune and two weeks later added Robert Roode and James Storm as the final two members of the group.[79][80] On the August 5 edition of Impact! Flair faced Lethal in a rematch, this time contested under Street Fight rules, with the members of Fourtune banned from ringside. Flair managed to win the match, after an interference from Douglas Williams. The following week Williams and Matt Morgan were added to the renamed Fourtune, as the stable attacked EV 2.0, a stable consisting of former Extreme Championship Wrestling performers.[81][82] On September 23, Flair headlined a live event in Oklahoma City titled Lord of the Ring in his honor. Competing in his first TNA house show match, Flair lost to Kurt Angle in the main event.[83] In the weeks leading to Bound for Glory, Flair's stable's name was tweaked to Fortune to represent the expansion in the number of members in the group.[84][85] On the October 7 live edition of Impact! Flair was defeated by Mick Foley in a Last Man Standing match.[86] At Bound for Glory Flair was in Fortune's corner, when Styles, Kazarian, Morgan, Roode and Storm were defeated in a Lethal Lockdown match by EV 2.0 members Tommy Dreamer, Raven, Rhino, Sabu and Stevie Richards.[87]
On the following edition of Impact! Fortune formed an alliance with Hulk Hogan's and Eric Bischoff's new stable, Immortal.[88] On the November 18 edition of Impact! Flair returned to the ring, competing in a match, where he faced Matt Morgan, who had been kicked out of Fortune the previous month. Morgan won the match, after Douglas Williams turned on the rest of Fortune, when they interfered in the match.[89] On January 25, 2011, it was reported that Flair had pulled out of TNA's Maximum Wooo! tour of Europe mid–tour, after monetary disputes.[90] After missing a show in Berlin, Germany, Flair returned to the tour on January 27 in Glasgow, Scotland, reportedly apologizing to the locker room prior to the show.[91][92][93] On January 29 Flair wrestled his only match of the tour, defeating Douglas Williams in London, tearing his rotator cuff in the process.[94][95]
Immortal (2011–present)[link]
See also: Immortal (professional wrestling)
During Flair's time away from TNA, Fortune turned on Immortal, becoming a face group.[96] Flair returned at the February 14 tapings of the February 17 edition of Impact!, turning on Fortune during a match between A.J. Styles and Matt Hardy and jumping to Immortal.[97][98] On the March 10 edition of Impact!, Flair defeated Styles and Hardy in a three–way street fight, contested as more of a two–on–one handicap match.[99] On April 17 at Lockdown, Immortal, represented by Flair, Abyss, Bully Ray and Matt Hardy, 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, when Flair tapped out to Roode.[100] The match was used to write Flair off television, as the following week he was scheduled to undergo surgery for his torn rotator cuff, however, Flair ultimately chose not to have the surgery as it would have required six months of rehab.[101][102] Flair returned to television in a non–wrestling role on the May 12 edition of Impact!.[103] Flair would not appear again for three months, until making his return on August 9 at the tapings of the August 18 edition of Impact Wrestling, confronting old rival Sting and challenging him to one more match. In exchange for Sting agreeing to put his career on the line, Flair promised to deliver him his match with Hogan if he was victorious.[104][105] The match, which Flair lost, took place on the September 15 episode of Impact Wrestling.[106][107] During the match Flair tore his left triceps on a superplex spot, sidelining him indefinitely from in-ring action.[108] Since the match, Flair has mostly been accompanying Immortal member Gunner to ringside and helping him injure superstars by hitting them onto the concrete floor.[109]
Legacy[link]
Flair was often popular with the crowd due to his in-ring antics, including rulebreaking (earning him the distinction of being "the dirtiest player in the game"), strutting and his shouting of "Woooooo!" (Flair got the inspiration from Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls of Fire") Flair's moveset became limited in the last ten years of his career due mainly to his age and years of competition taking a toll on his body, but remained a visible character. The "Woooooo!" yell has since become a tribute to Flair, and is often shouted by the crowd whenever a wrestler performs a knife-edge chop, one of Flair's signature moves.[2] From the late 1970s, Flair wore ornate fur-lined robes of many colors with sequins during in-ring appearances,[2] and since the early 1980s, his approach to the ring was usually heralded by the playing of the "Dawn" section of Richard Strauss' "Also sprach Zarathustra" (famous for being used in the motion picture 2001: A Space Odyssey).
On May 19, 2003 in Greenville, South Carolina, Triple H defended the World Heavyweight Championship in a match against Flair.[110] After Raw went off the air, most of the people who were backstage came out to honor Flair, including Vince McMahon, the Undertaker, Shane, and Stephanie McMahon.[110] Triple H then appeared, and after a stare down, he placed the World Heavyweight Championship belt on Flair's shoulder and embraced him. Flair then gave a speech thanking everyone for the tribute.[110]
Flair released his autobiography, To Be the Man, in July 2004.[111] The title is taken from one of his catchphrases, "To be the man, you gotta beat the man!"
Over the years, Flair has personally trained Stan Lane, Scott McGhee, and, David Flair, his son, to be professional wrestlers.
On the February 18, 2008 edition of Raw, Shawn Michaels announced Flair as the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2008. The induction ceremony took place on March 29, 2008, with Triple H inducting him. This made him the first, and, as of 2009, only, person to be inducted while still an active competitor.[112] On March 24, 2008, Mayor Bob Coble, of Columbia, South Carolina, declared March 24 to be Ric Flair Day in Columbia. Flair also received the key to the city.[113] Flair was later inducted into the NWA Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia, his second straight Hall of Fame induction in four months, but he did not participate in the event. He received the key to the city of Greensboro, North Carolina on December 5, 2008, to commemorate Flair's victory in a steel cage match against Harley Race at the inaugural Starrcade event.[114] April 18, 2009 was declared "Ric Flair Day" in Charleston, West Virginia and he was presented with the key to the city by the mayor.[115] Also, on June 12, 2009, Flair was presented with the key to the city of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina[116] and, in September, he received the key to the city in Marion County, South Carolina.[117] On July 17, 2010, Flair made a special appearance at Scotland Motors in Laurinburg, North Carolina and received the key to that city, as well.[118]
On October 19, 1998, it was declared "Ric Flair Day" in Minneapolis, Minnesota by Mayor Sharon Belton[119] and on November 15, 2008, it was declared "Ric Flair Day" in Norfolk, Virginia.[120]
On April 15, 2008 Flair was honored in Congress by a representative from North Carolina, Republican Sue Myrick, who praised his career and what he means to the state.[121] On September 29, 2008, it was announced that Flair's signature sequin covered robe that he wore at WrestleMania XXIV, in what was to be his last match, would be placed in the pop culture section of the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.[122]
Flair also lends his voice and image to the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team. During home games, he appears on the monitor giving his trademark "Wooooo" whenever the Hurricanes score a goal.
In 2002, Flair was named the greatest pro wrestler of all time in the book The Top 100 Wrestlers of All Time by John Molinaro, edited by Dave Meltzer and Jeff Marek.[123]
On January 9, 2012 it was announced that the Four Horsemen would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame making Flair the first person to have been induced into the Hall of Fame twice.[124]
Personal life[link]
Family[link]
Flair's son David is a semi-retired professional wrestler. Flair's youngest son Reid, who signed a developmental contract with WWE near the end of 2007,[125] is an accomplished high school wrestler and made several appearances on WCW television along with his sister Ashley and half-sister Megan.[126] In 2004, Flair became a grandfather at the age of 55, when his oldest daughter, Megan Fliehr-Ketzner, gave birth to her first child, a daughter named Morgan Lee Ketzner on May 9.[126][127] On May 17, 2012, it was reported that Flair's daughter Ashley has signed with WWE.[128]
On May 27, 2006, Ric married his third wife, fitness competitor Tiffany VanDemark.[129] On August 7, 2008, Tiffany announced that she had filed for divorce from Flair.[130] On November 11, 2009, Flair married his fourth wife, Jackie Beems, in Charlotte, North Carolina.[citation needed]
Family arrests[link]
Flair's daughter Ashley was arrested on September 5, 2008 for assaulting a police officer.[131] The incident occurred after police were called to a fight involving Flair, Ashley, and her boyfriend.[131] On February 23, 2010, Flair and his fourth wife had an "unfortunate disagreement" in which his wife Jackie Beems was arrested for misdemeanor assault, causing very slight injuries to Flair.[citation needed]
Legal issues[link]
In December 2005, a magistrate issued arrest warrants for Flair after a road rage incident that took place in Charlotte, NC in which Flair allegedly got out of his car, grabbed a motorist by the neck, and kicked the door of the motorist's sport utility vehicle.[132] Flair was charged with injury to personal property and simple assault and battery, both misdemeanors. This incident was ridiculed on WWE programming, most notably by the wrestler Edge.[133]
In September 2007, Flair opened a financial business called Ric Flair Finance. In July 2008, Ric Flair Finance filed for bankruptcy.[134]
Following Flair's debut in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling his former employer, Ring of Honor, filed a lawsuit in 2010, alleging that Flair owed them over $40,000 and that he had not appeared at several events that he was contractually obligated to appear at.[135] Due to ROH's purchase by Sinclair Broadcasting Group it is uncertain if they will continue to seek legal action against Flair.[citation needed]
In August 2010, Highspots Inc. filed a lawsuit against Flair alleging that Flair had never repaid $35,000 that they had loaned him. Highspots also claimed that Flair had given them the NWA World Heavyweight Championship belt as collateral.[136][137]
A warrant for Flair's arrest was issued in May 2011 for being held in contempt of court for violating the terms of his settlement with Highspots. If Flair had failed to comply he could have potentially faced 90 days in jail.[138][139] On June 25 Highspots released a statement over their official Facebook page stating that somebody had paid Flair's debts.[140]
Politics[link]
Flair has long supported Republican political candidates in North Carolina politics.[141] In 2000, Flair explored the possibility of running for governor of North Carolina,[141] but he never filed the papers.[142]
In the 2008 presidential race, Ric Flair declared his support for the Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. He said of Huckabee, "[Huckabee] is a quality person, self-made, a great family man and he has a great vision for our country. And I'm here to excite the crowd."[143]
Real life feuds[link]
Bret Hart[link]
Flair engaged in an off-screen rivalry with Bret Hart. In Flair's autobiography,Flair criticizes Hart for over-exploiting the death of his brother, Owen Hart, and the controversy surrounding the Montreal Screwjob.[144] Flair also claimed in his autobiography that, despite Hart's popularity in Canada, he was not a formidable money-making draw in the United States, a claim which Hart dismissed as "plain ridiculous" in a column written for the Calgary Sun.[145] Hart claimed that he drew greater revenue than Flair, citing his headlining performances on consistently sold out tours throughout his WWF career, while Flair wrestled to allegedly near-empty arenas. He also criticized Flair on what he perceived as insults to fellow wrestlers Mick Foley and Randy Savage, both personal friends of Hart. Hart acknowledged a decline in the WWF's popularity during the mid 1990s, but he and others felt that this was largely attributed to the WWF's well publicized sex and steroid scandals, as well as WCW's acquisition of former top WWF stars.[145][146][147] In contrast to Flair's claims, prominent industry historian Dave Meltzer, of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, said of Hart, "there is no denying he was a major draw in the United States";[148] WWE owner Vince McMahon has asserted that whichever company hired Hart could "have built the entire franchise around [him]", describing him as an "extraordinary star who you know is going to give you the best match of the night every time he goes out there." McMahon added that it was "fortunate for me, in terms of my company", that his chief competitor, WCW, did not utilize Hart to his full potential.[149] WCW described Hart as "an incredible international draw, attracting standing room only crowds in every corner of the globe."[150]
Shane Douglas[link]
Flair also had a long running feud with Shane Douglas, who would refer to him as "Dick Flair" and accuse him of sabotaging his push in the NWA/WCW after getting a solid push and a rub from his tag partner Ricky Steamboat.[151] Flair, in turn, responded that Douglas was always the guy that would blame his shortcomings on others. He called Douglas out as well as accused him of steroid abuse during a broadcast of the Internet radio show WCW Live! in which he said that he would meet him anytime and anywhere if he "took the needle out of his ass." They were able to come to a working relationship during Douglas' last stint with WCW.[citation needed]
Mick Foley[link]
Flair has also had issues with Mick Foley. In his 1999 autobiography Have a Nice Day!, Foley said, "Flair was every bit as bad on the booking side of things as he was great on the wrestling side of it."[152] This was in reference to how poorly Foley thought he was booked during his WCW career when Flair was on the booking committee. Flair responded in his autobiography, writing, "I do not care how many thumbtacks Mick Foley has fallen on, how many ladders he's fallen off, how many continents he's supposedly bled on, he will always be known as a glorified stuntman."[153] They have reconciled and are now friends.[citation needed]
Backstage problems[link]
Altercation with Eric Bischoff[link]
Flair described in his autobiography how he attacked Eric Bischoff backstage at a WWE house show, saying it was due to hating how Bischoff treated him in WCW. Flair stated that Arn Anderson kept watch while he tried to get Bischoff to fight him, but that the confrontation was interrupted by Sgt. Slaughter, who promptly informed Vince McMahon of the incident. McMahon then scolded Flair, telling him that his actions were unprofessional and that it could not happen again.[citation needed]
Tension with Hulk Hogan[link]
In his book, Flair also touched on some real-life tension between himself and Hulk Hogan which largely stemmed from an incident that followed the conclusion of a tag match between Flair and his son, David, and the team of Curt Hennig and Barry Windham at WCW's Souled Out pay-per-view on January 17, 1999, in Charleston, WV.[154] Flair described Hogan and members of the New World Order coming out to attack them, as well as Hogan whipping an incapacitated David with a leather belt as Flair was forced to look on. "What no one had told me was that Hogan would try to be cute and whip David over and over again. ... there was Hogan—with all his experience, and all his celebrity—trying to be cute. He whipped David like a dog. It was sickening, and I'll never forgive him for it", Flair wrote of the incident. Flair also noted that, following a backstage altercation with Eric Bischoff at a WWE house show, he was asked by Vince McMahon if he planned to do the same to anyone else, to which he replied "Yeah, Hogan" in what he claimed to be only a half-joking manner. Despite this, the two have managed to maintain a working relationship, both in Hogan's promotion and in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling currently.
Disagreement with Bruno Sammartino[link]
Flair and wrestler Bruno Sammartino have a real-life disagreement over what reports call "the infamous backstage 'snub' where Flair claims that Sammartino refused to shake his hand at a live event."[155] While Flair claims Sammartino ignored him due to comments made in his book stating Sammartino was "a Northeast star who couldn’t draw fans outside New York,"[155] Sammartino disagrees. Sammartino referred to Flair as a "liar," stating, "No, I don’t respect Ric Flair. I don’t respect him at all."[156] Sammartino contends that Flair disrespected him, and not vice versa.[citation needed]
In wrestling[link]
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- Finishing moves
- Diving knee drop[1] – early career
- Figure-four leglock[1] – adopted from "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers
- Signature moves
- Chop block, usually as a setup for the figure-four leglock[1]
- Elbow drop[1]
- Knife-edged chop[1]
- Low blow[1]
- Multiple suplex variations
- Poking[157] or raking the opponent eyes[1]
- Running jumping knee drop[1]
- Shin breaker, usually as a setup for the figure-four leglock[1]
- Snapmare[1]
- Nicknames
- "Ramblin'" Ricky Rhodes[1]
- "(The) Nature Boy"
- "Naitch (Short for "Nature Boy")"
- "The Dirtiest Player in the Game"
- "Stylin' and Profilin'"
- "The Man"
- "The Alimony Pony"
- "The Limousine Ridin', Jet Flying, Kiss Stealin', Wheelin' Dealin', Son of a Gun"
- "Space Mountain"
- "The Sixty-Minute Man"
- "Slick Ric"
- "The Master of the Figure-Four"[158]
- "The Golden Stallion"[159]
- "Wrestling God"
- Managers and valets
- Wrestlers managed
- Evolution (Triple H, Batista and Randy Orton)
- Stone Cold Steve Austin
- The Big Show
- Carlito
- David Flair[1]
- Reid Flair[1]
- Ricky Morton[1]
- Fortune (A.J. Styles, Kazarian, Beer Money, Inc. (Robert Roode and James Storm), Douglas Williams and Matt Morgan)[1]
- Desmond Wolfe[1]
- Rob Terry[161]
- Matt Hardy[162]
- Gunner[163]
- Entrance themes
- "Dawn" section of the tone poem Also sprach Zarathustra by Richard Strauss[164]
- "Galaxy Express" (AJPW)
- "The Wanderer" by Dion[165]
- "Dawn" section of the tone poem Also sprach Zarathustra (remix) by Dale Oliver (TNA) 2010–present
- "Line in the Sand" (with Evolution) by Motorhead
- "Fortune 4"(V1) by Dale Oliver[166]
- "Immortal Theme" by Dale Oliver[167]
Championships and accomplishments[link]
- All Star Pro Wrestling
- Central States Wrestling
- Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling / Jim Crockett Promotions / World Championship Wrestling
- NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship (3 times)[169]
- NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship (3 times)—with Rip Hawk (1), Greg Valentine (1) and Big John Studd (1)[170]
- NWA (Mid Atlantic)/NWA Television Championship (2 times)[171]
- NWA (Mid Atlantic)/WCW United States Heavyweight Championship (6 times)1[172]
- NWA World Heavyweight Championship (7 times)2[168]
- NWA World Tag Team Championship (Mid-Atlantic version) (3 times)—with Greg Valentine (2) and Blackjack Mulligan (1)[173]
- WCW International World Heavyweight Championship (2 times)3[174]
- WCW World Heavyweight Championship (7 times)[175]
- First WCW Triple Crown Champion
- National Wrestling Alliance
- NWA Hall of Fame (Class of 2008)
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- PWI ranked him #2 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the PWI Years in 2003[176]
- PWI ranked him #3 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1991, 1992, and 1994[177][178][179]
- Feud of the Year (1987) Four Horsemen vs. Super Powers and Road Warriors[180]
- Feud of the Year (1988, 1990) vs. Lex Luger[180]
- Feud of the Year (1989) vs. Terry Funk[180]
- Match of the Year (1983) vs. Harley Race (June 10)[180]
- Match of the Year (1984) vs. Kerry Von Erich at Parade of Champions 1[181]
- Match of the Year (1986) vs. Dusty Rhodes at The Great American Bash in a steel cage match[181]
- Match of the Year (1989) vs. Ricky Steamboat at WrestleWar[181]
- Match of the Year (2008) vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXIV
- Match of the Decade (2000–2009) vs. Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania XXIV
- Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (1978, 1987)[182]
- Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (2008)
- Rookie of the Year (1975)[183]
- Stanley Weston Award (2008)
- Wrestler of the Year (1981, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1992)[184]
- Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum
- World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment
- WWF Championship (2 times)[187]
- World Tag Team Championship (3 times)—with Batista (2) and Roddy Piper (1)[187]
- WWE Intercontinental Championship (1 time)[187]
- Royal Rumble (1992)[187]
- WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2008)
- WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2012) - with Four Horsemen
- Thirteenth Triple Crown Champion
- Slammy Award for Match of the Year (2008) vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXIV
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- Best Heel (1990)
- Best Interviews (1991, 1992, 1994)
- Feud of the Year (1989) vs. Terry Funk
- Match of the Year (1983) vs. Harley Race in a steel cage match at Starrcade
- Match of the Year (1986) vs. Barry Windham at Battle of the Belts II on February 14
- Match of the Year (1988) vs. Sting at Clash of the Champions I
- Match of the Year (1989) vs. Ricky Steamboat at Clash of the Champions VI: Rajin' Cajun
- Most Charismatic (1980, 1982–1984, 1993)
- Most Outstanding (1986, 1987, 1989)
- Readers' Favorite Wrestler (1984–1993, 1996)
- Worst Feud of the Year (1990) vs. The Junkyard Dog
- Worst Worked Match of the Year (1996) with Arn Anderson, Meng, The Barbarian, Lex Luger, Kevin Sullivan, Z-Gangsta and The Ultimate Solution vs. Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage in a Towers of Doom match at Uncensored
- Wrestler of the Year (1982–1986, 1989, 1990, 1992)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)
1Flair did win the Mid-Atlantic version of the NWA United States Championships five times and the five reigns were recognized even after World Championship Wrestling took control over the championship and renamed it the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship in 1991. After WCW's purchase by WWE, the lineage of the championships were kept and used to give the WWE United States Championship a prestigious history. However, WWE does not recognize some of the reigns of some wrestlers when the title was still the Mid-Atlantic NWA United States Championship. As of now, only four of Flair's five reigns with the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (Mid-Atlantic version) are officially recognized by WWE.
2His last four reigns with the championship were after Jim Crockett, Jr. sold his promotion to Ted Turner in November 1988, which became World Championship Wrestling. The NWA World Heavyweight Championship was defended exclusively in WCW until WCW's withdrawal from the National Wrestling Alliance in 1993.
3Title reigns are not recognized by World Wrestling Entertainment.
4He won the title for the third time in Kallang, Singapore. Records are unclear as to which promotion hosted the event.
Notes[link]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z "OWOW profile". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/r/ric-flair.html. Retrieved 2008-08-29.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Ric Flair profile". World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/inductees/ricflair/. Retrieved 2011-03-31.
- ^ a b c "Power Slam". This Month in History: February (SW Publishing): p. 28. January 1999. 55.
- ^ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0282310/bio
- ^ a b c "Ric Flair". SLAM! Wrestling. http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/flair.html. Retrieved 2007-11-13.
- ^ a b Allely, Phil (2010-02-11). "Flair to wrestle for TNA". The Sun (London). http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/2849776/Ric-Flair-has-revealed-he-will-be-back-in-the-ring-for-TNA-sooner-than-later.html. Retrieved 2010-02-15.
- ^ "Ric Flair Pro Wrestling Living Legend Media Man Australia". Mediaman.com.au. http://www.mediaman.com.au/profiles/flair.html. Retrieved 2011-09-19.
- ^ "Ric Flair Return". Hulkamania: Let The Tour Begin. YouTube. 2009-11-01. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qgcYjV5o1w. Retrieved 2010-02-04.
- ^ Foley, Mick. Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks (p.160)
- ^ [|Flair, Ric] (June 2004). "Chapter One: Black Market Baby". In [|Madden, Mark]; [Keith Elliot]. Ric Flair: To Be The Man (Hardcover, 352pp ed.). [Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group]. p. 8. ISBN 978-0-7434-5691-3. http://books.simonandschuster.com/Ric-Flair-To-Be-The-Man/Ric-Flair/9780743491815/excerpt_with_id/10729. Retrieved 2010-01-15. "After the ninth grade, I left Minnesota to go to Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin... ...I lettered in three sports. I played middle linebacker and fullback on the football team, threw the shot put, and wrestled..."
- ^ a b "Ric Flair". Acclerator3359.com. http://www.accelerator3359.com/Wrestling/bios/flair.html#nwama. Retrieved 2008-03-06.
- ^ a b c Molinaro, John (2000-12-28). "The plane crash that changed wrestling". SLAM! Wrestling. http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingFlair/planecrash-can.html. Retrieved 2007-11-13.
- ^ Baines, Tim (2004-06-27). "Flair rips Mick Foley". Ottawa Sun. http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2004/06/27/516827.html. Retrieved 2007-05-14.
- ^ a b c d "2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts". Wrestling's Historical Cards (Kappa Publishing): pp. 89–90. 2007.
- ^ Reynolds, R.D.; Alvarez, Bryan (2004). The Death of WCW. ECW Press. p. 38. ISBN 978-1-55022-661-4.
- ^ , 2008
- ^ "2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts". Wrestling's Historical Cards (Kappa Publishing): pp. 90–91. 2007.
- ^ Online World of Wrestling. "RAW 1993 Results". http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/_1993/. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
- ^ [1][dead link]
- ^ a b "Wrestlers Real Names". Geocities. Archived from the original on 2009-07-31. http://web.archive.org/web/20090731113259/http://geocities.com/Colosseum/Track/5097/names.html. Retrieved 2009-09-06.
- ^ WWE: The Monday Night Wars DVD
- ^ "Raw - November 19, 2001 Results". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/011119.html. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
- ^ a b "2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts". Wrestling's Historical Cards (Kappa Publishing): pp. 109–110. 2007.
- ^ "RAW - November 19, 2001 Results". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/011119.html. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
- ^ "WrestleMania X-8 Results". Online World of Wrestling. Archived from the original on 2008-02-11. http://web.archive.org/web/20080211001803/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wrestlemania18.html. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
- ^ "RAW - March 25, 2002 Results". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020325.html. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
- ^ "RAW - June 10, 2002 Results". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020610.html. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
- ^ "RAW - January 24, 2003 Results". Online World of Wrestling. Archived from the original on 2008-02-11. http://web.archive.org/web/20080211001758/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/030124.html. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
- ^ "2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts". Wrestling's Historical Cards (Kappa Publishing): p. 114. 2007.
- ^ "RAW - March 22, 2004 Results". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040322.html. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
- ^ "2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts". Wrestling's historical cards (Kappa Publishing): p. 118. 2007.
- ^ "RAW - February 20, 2006 Results". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/060220.html. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
- ^ "RAW - June 12, 2006 Results". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/060612.html. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
- ^ a b c "2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts". Wrestling's historical cards (Kappa Publishing): pp. 121–122. 2007.
- ^ "RAW - November 13, 2006 Results". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/061113.html. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
- ^ "RAW - December 11, 2006 Results". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/061211.html. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated, May 2007". Arena Reports (Kappa Publishing): p. 130. May 2007.
- ^ "RAW - February 12, 2007 Results". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070212.html. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
- ^ Starr, Noah (2007-04-16). "Italian Intercontinental surprise". World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/04162007/. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
- ^ Starr, Noah (2007-04-23). "A sign of things to come?". World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/04232007/. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
- ^ Starr, Noah (2007-04-30). "Khali's claim". World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/04302007/. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
- ^ Starr, Noah (2007-05-20). "Schooled". World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/2007/matches/4124402211/results/. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
- ^ Clayton, Corey (2007-06-04). "Crazy like a fox?". World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06042007/. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
- ^ McAvennie, Mike (2008-06-11). "One wild night". World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06112007/. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
- ^ Rote, Andrew (2007-06-22). "A taste of vengeance". World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06222007/. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
- ^ Clayton, Corey (2007-06-24). "MVP puts on legendary show with win over Flair". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on February 21, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080221200715/http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/matches/4842036/resultsflairMVP06242007/. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
- ^ Fuhrman, Alissa (2007-08-03). "Handing notice". World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/08032007/. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
- ^ Fuhrman, Alissa (2007-08-10). "Answer to the challenge?". World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/08102007/. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
- ^ a b c Robinson, Bryan (2007-11-26). "Win or go home - for good". World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/11262007/articles/spacemountainopen. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
- ^ a b Adkins, Greg (2008-11-26). "Legend of the Fall". World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/11262007/. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
- ^ Adkins, Greg (2007-12-31). "Life Goes On". World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12312007/. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
- ^ DiFino, Lennie (2008-01-27). "A Flair for greatness". World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2008/matches/6141204/results/. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
- ^ Adkins, Greg (2008-02-17). "Never Say Die". World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2008/matches/6323434/results/. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
- ^ "WrestleMania XXIV results: Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels". World Wrestling Entertainment. March 30, 2008. http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/2008/matches/6464438/results/. Retrieved 2007-03-30.
- ^ "WWE "Plight of Champions"". Wwe.com. http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06162008/. Retrieved 2011-09-19.
- ^ "WWE "Coast busted!"". Wwe.com. http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02092009/. Retrieved 2011-09-19.
- ^ "WWE "In your house"". Wwe.com. 2011-08-22. http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/03092009/. Retrieved 2011-09-19.
- ^ "WWE "Texas Hold 'Em"". Wwe.com. http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/03162009/. Retrieved 2011-09-19.
- ^ "WWE "Kiss of death"". Wwe.com. http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/03232009/. Retrieved 2011-09-19.
- ^ "ROH Past Results". Ring of Honor. Archived from the original on August 22, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080822123049/http://www.rohwrestling.com/pastresults/. Retrieved 2009-06-06.
- ^ "Ring of Honor HDNet Program 05/02/2009 Part 1/6". Ring of Honor. YouTube. 2009-05-06. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzB99xNQO4M. Retrieved 2009-06-06.
- ^ "Ring of Honor HDNet Program 05/16/2009 part 4/7". Ring of Honor. YouTube. 2009-05-18. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWwPZ_PM6Ps. Retrieved 2009-06-06.
- ^ Pilone, Antonio (2009-11-21). "11/21 Hulkamania Tour in Melbourne: Very detailed report on Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair's first matches back, Hogan and Flair bleed heavily, Undercard matches re-create Attitude Era". PWTorch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_36909.shtml. Retrieved 2009-11-21.
- ^ Keller, Wade (2010-01-04). "Keller's TNA Impact Live Report 1/4: Jeff Hardy, NWO reunion, Hulk Hogan, TNA Knockout Title match, more surprises - ongoing coverage". PWTorch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_37861.shtml. Retrieved 2010-01-05.
- ^ Martin, Adam (2010-01-06). "More details on Ric Flair in TNA". WrestleView. http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1262807843.php. Retrieved 2010-01-07.
- ^ "Ric Flair Speaks on Sting, Signing with TNA and More". http://www.prowrestling.com/article/news/14662.
- ^ Caldwell, James (2010-01-17). "Caldwell's TNA Genesis PPV Report 1/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of A.J. Styles vs. Kurt Angle, Hulk Hogan's TNA PPV debut". PWTorch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_38198.shtml. Retrieved 2010-01-18.
- ^ Wilkenfeld, Daniel (2010-01-21). "Wilkenfeld'S TNA Impact Report 1/21: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast". PWTorch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_38325.shtml. Retrieved 2010-02-07.
- ^ Wilkenfeld, Daniel (2010-02-25). "Wilkenfeld'S TNA Impact Report 2/25: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast". PWTorch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39384.shtml. Retrieved 2010-02-26.
- ^ a b Keller, Wade (2010-03-08). "TNA Impact Results 3/8: Keller's live ongoing report covering the historic beginning of Monday Night War II". PWTorch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39660.shtml. Retrieved 2010-03-09.
- ^ Caldwell, James (2010-04-18). "Caldwell's TNA Lockdown Results 4/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of PPV - Styles vs. The Pope, Team Hogan vs. Team Flair, Angle vs. Anderson". Pro Wrestling Torch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_40725.shtml. Retrieved 2010-04-18.
- ^ Wade, Keller (2010-04-27). "KELLER'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 4/26: Flair comes out of retirement against Abyss with Hall of Fame rings on the line, RVD celebrates". Pro Wrestling Torch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_40954.shtml. Retrieved 2010-04-28.
- ^ Keller, Wade (2010-05-03). "TNA Impact Results 5/3: Keller's ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live show from Orlando". Pro Wrestling Torch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_41070.shtml. Retrieved 2010-05-04.
- ^ Keller, Wade (2010-05-27). "Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 5/27: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast [updated"]. Pro Wrestling Torch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_41609.shtml. Retrieved 2010-06-04.
- ^ Wilkenfeld, Daniel (2010-06-03). "Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 6/3: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast [updated"]. Pro Wrestling Torch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_41729.shtml. Retrieved 2010-06-04.
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- ^ Martin, Adam (2010-07-15). "Impact Results - 7/15/10". WrestleView. http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279252015. Retrieved 2010-07-27.
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- ^ Caldwell, James (2010-08-12). "Caldwell's TNA Impact report 8/12: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV "Whole F'n Show" (updated)". Pro Wrestling Torch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_43075.shtml. Retrieved 2010-08-13.
- ^ Gerweck, Steve (2010-09-24). "9/23 TNA Results: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma". WrestleView. http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1285327798. Retrieved 2010-09-24.
- ^ "Lethal Lockdown". Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. http://www.tnawrestling.com/images/stories/galleries/bfg2010/bfg6.jpg. Retrieved 2010-10-13.
- ^ Gray, Richard (2010-10-12). "TNA Makes Change To Faction". Wrestling News World. http://www.wrestlingnewsworld.com/tna-news/tna-makes-change-to-faction.php. Retrieved 2010-10-13.
- ^ Caldwell, James (2010-10-07). "Caldwell's TNA Impact report 10/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live Spike TV show - Foley vs. Flair, battle royal, Bound for Glory hype". Pro Wrestling Torch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_44353.shtml. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
- ^ Caldwell, James (2010-10-10). "Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV results 10-10-10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Angle vs. Anderson vs. Hardy, "they" reveal". Pro Wrestling Torch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_44417.shtml. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
- ^ Wilkenfeld, Daniel (2010-10-14). "Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 10/14: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV's live broadcast". Pro Wrestling Torch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_44521.shtml. Retrieved 2010-10-15.
- ^ Wilkenfeld, Daniel (2010-11-18). "Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 11/18: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast". Pro Wrestling Torch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_45386.shtml. Retrieved 2010-11-18.
- ^ Caldwell, James (2011-01-25). "TNA News: Ric Flair reportedly pulls out of TNA's European Tour, sources say dispute is over money". Pro Wrestling Torch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_47065.shtml. Retrieved 2011-01-26.
- ^ "Flair not at TNA show today in Germany". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. 2011-01-26. http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/19198/. Retrieved 2011-01-28.
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- ^ Gerweck, Steve (2011-02-01). "Ric Flair suffers injury on the TNA European tour". WrestleView. http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1296536810. Retrieved 2011-02-01.
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- ^ Martin, Adam (2011-02-15). "Spoilers: TNA Impact tapings for February 17". WrestleView. http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1297755371. Retrieved 2011-02-15.
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- ^ Bishop, Matt (2011-03-11). "Impact: Sting teams with RVD to face Hardy, Anderson". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/11/17576141.html. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
- ^ Caldwell, James (2011-04-17). "Caldwell's TNA Lockdown PPV results 4/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live all-cage match PPV - Sting vs. Anderson vs. RVD, Angle vs. Jarrett". Pro Wrestling Torch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_49368.shtml. Retrieved 2011-04-17.
- ^ Caldwell, James (2011-04-22). "TNA News: Ric Flair has surgery to repair torn rotator cuff, background on original injury". Pro Wrestling Torch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_49514.shtml. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
- ^ Gerweck, Steve (2011-05-07). "News and notes on Ric Flair including Roddy Piper". WrestleView. http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1304781251. Retrieved 2011-05-12.
- ^ Caldwell, James (2011-05-12). "Caldwell's TNA Impact report 5/12: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of big reveals, final PPV hype, battle royal main event". Pro Wrestling Torch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_50020.shtml.
- ^ Tedesco, Mike (2011-08-09). "Spoilers: Impact Wrestling for August 18". WrestleView. http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1312947300. Retrieved 2011-08-12.
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- ^ Molinaro, John (2003). The Top 100 Wrestlers of All Time. ISBN 1-55366-305-5
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- ^ "WWE has signed Reid Fliehr of Charlotte, N.C., 19, the youngest son of Ric Flair, to a developmental contract. He will be starting in Florida Championship Wrestling in January". Greensborosports.com. 2011-12-31. http://www.greensborosports.com/index.php. Retrieved 2012-01-06.
- ^ a b "Alex Marvez's weekly look at professional wrestling". Scripps Howard News Service. 2003-03-04. http://www.shns.com/index.php?action=detail&pk=PROWRESTLING04-03-04-04. Retrieved 2007-09-15. "Not only is Flair's daughter Megan set to give birth to her first child on May 9, two of his other children are also excelling in high school athletics. Ashley Fliehr is one of the top volleyball players in North Carolina, while Reid Fliehr posted a 34-10 amateur wrestling record as a freshman."
- ^ Baines, Tim (2005-04-02). "Going toe to toe with Ric Flair". Ottawa Sun. http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/04/02/980288-sun.html. Retrieved 2007-09-15.
- ^ Alvarez, Bryan (2012-05-18). "Friday update: More on three-hour Raw move, more on live Impacts, Brooke Hogan, huge weekend schedule of shows, Ashley Flair signs, NXT tapings, tons more". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/3-news/25694-friday-update-more-on-three-hour-raw-move-more-on-live-impacts-brooke-hogan-huge-weekend-schedule-of-shows-ashley-flair-signs-nxt-tapings-tons-more. Retrieved 2012-05-18.
- ^ "Ric Flair Wedding Pics". A tribute to "Nature Boy" Ric Flair. http://www.rfgolds.com/ricflairweddingpics.htm. Retrieved 2007-09-15.
- ^ "Ric Flair Breaks Up With Third Wife Tiffany". PWMania.com. http://www.pwmania.com/newsarticle.php?page=220130964. Retrieved 2012-01-06.
- ^ a b "Wrestler's daughter arrested after tussle with police". abc11.com. 2008-09-09. http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=6377701. Retrieved 2008-09-09.
- ^ "Wrestler Ric Flair Accused Of Road Rage". WSOC Charlotte. November 28, 2005. http://www.wsoctv.com/news/5420940/detail.html.
- ^ "RAW - December 5, 2005 Results". http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/051205.html. Retrieved 2007-04-30 publisher=Online World of Wrestling.
- ^ "Ring Posts: Ric Flair’s departure from WWE". Baltimore Sun. http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2008/08/ric_flairs_departure_from_wwe.html.
- ^ Martin, Adam (2010-01-31). "ROH files lawsuit against Ric Flair". Wrestleview. http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1264921058. Retrieved 2011-06-26.
- ^ Johnson, Mike (2010-08-03). "HIGHSPOTS.COM FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST RIC FLAIR, FLAIR'S VERSION OF EVENTS DIFFERS GREATLY FROM THEIRS". PWInsider. http://www.pwinsider.com/article/49677/highspotscom-files-lawsuit-against-ric-flair-flairs-version-of-events-differs-greatly-from-theirs.html?p=1. Retrieved 2011-06-02.
- ^ Dixenspan, David (2010-07-03). "Highspots sues Ric Flair over lack of repayment of loans". Cageside Seats. http://www.cagesideseats.com/2010/8/3/1603875/highspots-sues-ric-flair-over-lack. Retrieved 2011-06-02.
- ^ Caldwell, James (2011-05-26). "Flair News: Warrant issued for Ric Flair's arrest Thursday, related to failure to comply with legal settlement". ProWrestlingTorch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_50379.shtml. Retrieved 2011-06-02.
- ^ Ryan, Shane (2011-05-27). "Ric Flair held in contempt over loans". CharlotteObserver. http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/05/27/2331708/ric-flair-held-in-contempt-over.html#storylink=misearch. Retrieved 2011-06-02.
- ^ Adam, Martin (2011-06-26). "Highspots reveals Ric Flair pays up owed money". Wrestleview. http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1309106948. Retrieved 2011-06-26.
- ^ a b "Flair aims to be N.C governor". SLAM! Wrestling. 2000-02-08. http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingFlair/jan18_gov.html. Retrieved 2008-03-11.
- ^ "Flair doesn't file to be N.C. governor - yet". SLAM! Wrestling. 2000-02-08. http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingFlair/feb8_gov.html. Retrieved 2008-03-11.
- ^ "Huckabee tailgates and welcomes wrestler support". Politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com. http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/11/25/huckabee-tailgates-and-welcomes-wrestler-support/. Retrieved 2012-01-06.
- ^ Mike Mooneyham (2004-07-04). "Flair Pulls No Punches In Book". Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070927224923/http://www.mikemooneyham.com/pages/viewfull.cfm?ObjectID=887C21B7-3048-52EA-1E34C39B8C6042BE. Retrieved 2007-05-14.
- ^ a b "Bret Hart On Flair". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/columns/news/brethartonflair.html.
- ^ Wwf Aims Low, Shoots High Wrestling Comes To The Garden On A Roll[dead link]
- ^ "World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. - Company History". Fundinguniverse.com. http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/World-Wrestling-Federation-Entertainment-Inc-Company-History.html. Retrieved 2012-01-06.
- ^ Meltzer, Dave. Wrestling Observer. November 17, 1997. Archived version.
- ^ Bret "Hit Man" Hart: The Best There Is, The Best There Was, The Best There Ever Will Be (aka "The Bret Hart Story"), WWE Home Video (2005)
- ^ WCW: The Ultimate Guide. DK Books. 2000. (p.104)
- ^ John F. Molinaro (2000-04-23). "The Franchise on Flair & Russo". SLAM! Wrestling. http://www.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingBiosD/douglas_00aug23.html. Retrieved 2007-05-14.
- ^ Foley, Mick. Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweat socks (p.2)
- ^ Flair, Ric (2004). Ric Flair: to Be the Man. p. 211. ISBN 0-7434-9181-5
- ^ "Goldberg beat himself". SLAM! Sports. http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingBretHart9799/hart_99jan16.html.
- ^ a b "The Leading Combat Hooligans Site on the Net". combat-hooligans.com. http://combat-hooligans.com/2008/02/11/bruno-sammartino-shoots-hard-on-ric-flair-and-explains-why-he-has-no-respect-for-him-at-all/. Retrieved 2012-01-06.
- ^ "The Leading Combat Hooligans Site on the Net". combat-hooligans.com. http://combat-hooligans.com/2008/02/17/bruno-sammartino-reveals-how-wwe-asked-him-to-join-the-hall-of-fame-why-he-refused-and-how-the-hall-itself-is-a-scam/. Retrieved 2012-01-06.
- ^ World Championship Wrestling (1999-01-17). "Ric & David Flair /w Arn Anderson Vs. Barry Windham & Curt Hennig". WCW Souled Out.
- ^ "Dailymotion - Hogan v. Flair Superbrawl 99". Dailymotion. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2okq8_hogan-v-flair-superbrawl-99_sport. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
- ^ Riddick, Robert (1988). Ric Flair's Back Where He Belongs
- ^ "Jimmy Hart profile". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/j/jimmy-hart.html. Retrieved 2009-09-04.
- ^ Wilkenfeld, Daniel (2011-01-20). "Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact alt. perspective report 1/20: Jarrett--Angle drama sinks the ship". Pro Wrestling Torch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_46941.shtml. Retrieved 2011-01-21.
- ^ Caldwell, James (2011-03-13). "Caldwell's TNA Victory Road PPV results 3/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Sting vs. Hardy TNA Title match". Pro Wrestling Torch. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_48441.shtml. Retrieved 2011-03-13.
- ^ Meltzer, Dave (2011-12-28). "Wed. update: Punk, ROH surgery, Tokyo Dome; Raw rating, Dixie Carter, Madden, ROH, UFC fights". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/23552-wed-update-punk-roh-surgery-tokyo-dome-raw-rating-dixie-carter-madden-roh-ufc-fights. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
- ^ "Wrestler Entrance Music". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/information/music/enter/. Retrieved 2009-12-28.
- ^ "Superstars of the Superstation 2/86". The Powerdriver Review. http://wcwrules4lyf.wordpress.com/2007/06/14/superstars-of-the-superstation-286/. Retrieved 2009-10-31. [dead link]
- ^ "Fortune Theme". Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. http://shoptna.com/fortune-theme.aspx. Retrieved 2011-05-12.
- ^ "Immortal Theme". Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. http://shoptna.com/immortal---theme.aspx. Retrieved 2011-05-12.
- ^ a b c d NWA World Heavyweight Title history[2] At wrestling-titles.com
- ^ NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title history At wrestling-titles.com
- ^ NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Title history At wrestling-titles.com
- ^ NWA Mid-Atlantic Television Title history At wrestling-titles.com
- ^ NWA/WCW United States Heavyweight Title history At wrestling-titles.com
- ^ NWA World Tag Team Title (Mid-Atlantic/WCW) history At wrestling-titles.com
- ^ WCW International World Heavyweight Title history At wrestling-titles.com
- ^ WCW World Heavyweight Title history At wrestling-titles.com
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- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 1991". Wrestling Information Archive. http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50091.htm. Retrieved 2009-03-22.
- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 1992". Wrestling Information Archive. http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50092.htm. Retrieved 2009-03-22.
- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 1994". Wrestling Information Archive. http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50094.htm. Retrieved 2009-03-22.
- ^ a b c d "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners - Feud of the Year". Wrestling Information Archive. http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwifoty.htm. Retrieved 2008-08-05.
- ^ a b c "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners - Match of the Year". Wrestling Information Archive. http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwimoty.htm. Retrieved 2008-08-05.
- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners - Most Hated Wrestler of the Year". Wrestling Information Archive. http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwimhoty.htm. Retrieved 2008-08-05.
- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners - Rookie of the Year". Wrestling Information Archive. http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwiroty.htm. Retrieved 2008-08-05.
- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners - Wrestler of the Year". Wrestling Information Archive. http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwiwoty.htm. Retrieved 2008-08-05.
- ^ a b "Pro Wrestling Reports 2008 Honors". Pro Wrestling Report. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpWdxy9ClmU. Retrieved 2009-10-31.
- ^ NWA Missouri Heavyweight Title history At wrestling-titles.com
- ^ a b c d "Title history: Ric Flair". WWE. Archived from the original on April 11, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080411093424/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/ricflair/titlehistory. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
References[link]
- Flair, Ric; Keith Elliot Greenberg, Mark Madden (ed.) (2005). Ric Flair: To Be the Man. New York: Pocket Books. ISBN 0-7434-9181-5. OCLC 60523429.
- Mick Foley (2000). Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks. HarperCollins. ISBN 0-06-103101-1.
- Ric Flair & The Four Horsemen. Stamford, Connecticut: WWE Home Video. 2007. OCLC 144971907.
- Where Flair got the "Nature Boy" name
- Ric Flair at TheSmokingGun.com
- Ric Flair career bio at Wrestleinfo.com
External links[link]
|
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Ric Flair |
- RicFlair.com (Official Website)
- Professional wrestling record for Ric Flair from The Internet Wrestling Database
- Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame Profile
- WWE Hall of Fame Profile
- TNA Impact Wrestling Profile
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| Persondata | |
|---|---|
| Name | Flair, Ric |
| Alternative names | |
| Short description | Professional wrestler |
| Date of birth | 1820-2-5 |
| Place of birth | Memphis, Tennessee |
| Date of death | 2011-7-9 |
| Place of death | Washington D.C |
http://wn.com/Ric_Flair
Related pages:
http://itwn.com/Richard Fliehr
http://eswn.com/Ric Flair
http://ruwn.com/Рик Флэр
http://nlwn.com/Ric Flair
http://ptwn.com/Ric Flair
http://plwn.com/Ric Flair
http://frwn.com/Ric Flair
http://dewn.com/Ric Flair
This page contains text from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ric_Flair
This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License, which means that you can copy and modify it as long as the entire work (including additions) remains under this license.
This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License, which means that you can copy and modify it as long as the entire work (including additions) remains under this license.
 |
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2008) |
| Bruno Sammartino | |
|---|---|
 Sammartino (left) with Adrian Street and Bill Watts in 2005. |
|
| Ring name(s) | Bruno Sammartino |
| Billed height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Billed weight | 265 lb (120 kg) |
| Born | (1935-10-06) October 6, 1935 (age 76) Pizzoferrato, Italy |
| Resides | Ross Township, Pennsylvania |
| Billed from | Abruzzi, Italy Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Debut | 1959 |
| Retired | 1987 |
Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino (born October 6, 1935) is an Italian-American former professional wrestler, best known for being the longest-running champion of the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), holding the title across two reigns for over 11 years in total, as well as the longest single WWE Championship reign in professional wrestling history.
Sammartino's wrestling style was more mat-oriented which was typical of wrestlers from his era. His brawling, power moves, and personal charisma helped him become the most popular American wrestler in the 1960s and 1970s.
Contents
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Early life[link]
Born in Pizzoferrato, Abruzzo, Italy on October 6, 1935, Sammartino was the youngest of seven brothers and sisters. Four older siblings died during his time in Italy. During his childhood, Sammartino's family hid from German soldiers in a mountain called Valla Rocca, during the latter stages of World War II.[1] During this time, Sammartino's mother, Emilia, would sneak into their German-occupied town for food and supplies.[1] She once was captured and another time shot in the shoulder during such trips. Eventually, Sammartino caught rheumatic fever but was nursed back to health by his mother with hot blankets and leeches. In 1950, he moved to the United States and settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where his father had already lived for several years.[1]
When Sammartino first came to America, he was sickly from his experiences of surviving during the war years.[1] His slight frame, along with his tenuous grasp of English, made him an easy target for bullies in school. Sammartino wanted to build himself up physically and became devoted to weight training.
Bruno's devotion to weightlifting nearly resulted in a berth on the 1956 U.S. Olympic team. He was edged out by legendary strongman Paul Anderson - who outweighed Sammartino by 70 pounds. In the early years of Sammartino's career, he was measured at 6'1" and weighed around 280 pounds.
Bruno set a world record in the bench press with a lift of 565 pounds in 1959.
Sammartino also competed in bodybuilding and won "Mr. Allegheny" in the late 50s.
His high school, Schenley High School, didn't have a wrestling program, but he worked out with the University of Pittsburgh wrestling team under storied coach Rex Peary. Sammartino became known for performing strongman stunts in the Pittsburgh area, and sportscaster Bob Prince put him on his television show. It was there that he was spotted by local wrestling promoter Rudy Miller, who recruited Sammartino for professional wrestling. Miller knew that Sammartino could easily be marketed as an ethnic strongman, and that he would appeal to Italian immigrants who supported wrestling.
While working in construction in 1956, Sammartino wrestled an orangutan at a carnival. After taking much punishment, Sammartino punched the orangutan in the stomach and was disqualified by the animal's owner. Sammartino left the cage with swollen eyes and shredded clothes. Because of the disqualification, the owner refused to pay Sammartino the $50 he was promised for the match.
Professional wrestling career[link]
Studio Wrestling–Pittsburgh Promotion (1959–1974)[link]
Sammartino made his professional debut in Pittsburgh on December 17, 1959, pinning Dmitri Grabowski in 19 seconds.[2] On December 23, he defeated Miguel Torres, for the local Spectator Sports promotion, in Pittsburgh. He soon became extremely popular. The name of the local TV wrestling program was Studio Wrestling and it was broadcast on WIIC-TV Channel 11. The host was Pittsburgh personality "Chilly" Bill Cardille.
In 1966, Sammartino bought the Pittsburgh-based Spectator Sports promotion. The promotion was a stopping point for national stars such as Gorilla Monsoon, The Crusher, Bill Watts, George Steele, and Bobo Brazil, as well as featuring local talent like Johnny De Fazio, Frank "Carnegie Cop" Holtz, Hurricane Hunt, Tony "The Battman" Marino, and John L. Sullivan (who later gained fame as Johnny Valiant). Unlike many promoters, Bruno was said to be a good pay-off man & very fair to his fellow wrestlers. Many men, including George "The Animal" Steele, have stated that Bruno has always shown concern for how much all of the wrestlers earn on a card - not just himself. Sammartino sold the promotion in 1971. He was later asked by the new Buffalo-based owners to help with the booking of Pittsburgh area shows. The local TV show was canceled in 1974, and the promotion shut down. The Pittsburgh area then became part of the WWWF territory.
World Wide Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Federation (1959–1988)[link]
Early headlines (1959–1962)[link]
Sammartino's first match in Madison Square Garden in New York City was January 2, 1960 against Bull Curry (who was substituting for Killer Kowalski). Within six months of his debut in wrestling, Sammartino was headlining at Madison Square Garden (starting in tag matches, teaming with Antonino Rocca).
On February 18, 1961, Sammartino faced Chick Garibaldi in an afternoon match at the Sunnyside Gardens in New York. During the match, Sammartino bodyslammed Garibaldi and immediately noticed his opponent's eyes roll up inside his head. By the time the ref checked on the fallen wrestler, he was dead in the ring. It was later determined that Garibaldi had died from a heart attack. In the movie Legends Never Die, Sammartino stated that it took him many years to get over that incident.
Sammartino made major headlines when he became the first (and only) man to lift the 640 lb (290 kg) Haystacks Calhoun in a match. He did not slam him as much as lift him shoulder-height...and drop him.
After tiring of low payoffs and broken promises, Sammartino left Vincent McMahon Sr.'s Capitol Wrestling Corporation to join a rival New York promoter and former McMahon Sr. partner Kola Kwariani. Kwariani's hold on New York soon weakened because of low attendance and athletic commission pressure to curb violence. In an effort to increase attendance, Kwariani had Sammartino wrestle his tag partner Antonino Rocca twice during this time. Sammartino was then told by Rudy Miller to jump back to McMahon.
Sammartino found himself with even fewer dates and payoffs than the first time he wrestled for McMahon. He gave notice to McMahon that he was going to San Francisco, and its large Italian population, to wrestle for promoter Roy Shire. Very soon after arriving, Sammartino was informed by the local athletic commission that he was suspended. Unable to find work across the country (because every state athletic commission honors suspensions given by other state athletic commissions), Bruno headed back to Pittsburgh to work as a laborer. Sammartino found out that his suspension was due to his skipping a match he was booked for in Baltimore. He was also booked to wrestle in Chicago that same night. In his autobiography, Sammartino states that he believed McMahon set him up, by double-booking him and not informing him of his match in Baltimore, as a way of punishment for working for Kwariani.
On the advice of wrestler Yukon Eric, Bruno contacted Toronto promoter Frank Tunney hoping to take advantage of Toronto's large Italian population. Despite McMahon trying to blackball him there as well, Tunney decided to take a chance. Bruno made his Toronto debut in March 1962 and very quickly, with the help of self-promotion in local newspapers and radio programs, became an attraction. His ability to speak Italian also ingratiated himself with that immigrant population. With Canadian legend Whipper Billy Watson, Bruno won his first championship in September 1962, the local version of the International tag team title. Soon, he was in demand by other promoters in different Canadian territories.
During his tenure in Toronto, Bruno wrestled and beat the (then) National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Champion Buddy Rogers for the title. Rogers was unable to continue after being accidentally butted in the groin while attempting a leap frog. Sammartino refused to accept the title under the circumstances.
Sammartino also wrestled NWA Champ Lou Thesz twice in Canada. One match ended in a draw and the other with Thesz scoring a fluke pin after a collision despite Sammartino controlling the 20 minute match from the beginning. Thesz recounted the matches as nothing special. Bruno has said in interviews that noted "shooter" Thesz did not try to take any advantage of him (as he often did in matches against wrestlers he did not like), but that he was prepared to respond in the event he did.
Meanwhile, McMahon Sr. was having a tough time drawing fans with newly created World Wide Wrestling Federation Champion Buddy Rogers in New York. McMahon named Rogers as the winner of a tournament in Rio De Janeiro that never actually happened because Thesz never drew well in the northeast.
Eventually, promoters Toots Mondt and McMahon Sr. cleared up Sammartino's suspension by paying his $500 fine (Bruno says they took it out of his future purses). After many weeks of phone calls with McMahon trying to lure Bruno back, Sammartino demanded a title run.
To show his gratitude to Tunney, Sammartino still wrestled every other Sunday on the big shows - regardless of how hectic his schedule became.
Longest reigning WWWF Champion (1963–1971)[link]
He won the WWWF World Championship title on May 17, 1963, defeating "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers in just 48 seconds. Bruno has said in interviews that Rogers had to be tricked into the MSG main event. Supposedly, Rogers was to win on some sort of disqualification. It was Sammartino himself that broke the news to him in the ring. He simply said, "We can do this the easy way...or the hard way." Rogers could not cope with the power of Sammartino from the very beginning. Whilst the crowd at Madison Square Garden had expected a tough contest they were shocked at the manner in which Sammartino was able to completely dominate the champion. It took just 48 seconds to crown Sammartino the WWWF Champion. Distraught and surprised Rogers quickly left the ring.
Rogers claimed until his dying day that he had suffered a heart attack a week before the match and was dragged out of a hospital to have the match. Bruno has said (and other wrestlers on the card verify) that all wrestlers were examined and passed by the State Athletic Commission doctor that night as was customary in those days. Bruno has also pointed out that if Rogers was sick, he never took time off from his schedule after he lost the belt. Others have pointed out that Rogers worked mainly in short tag matches until his first retirement one year later (he would later return for two brief comebacks, and much later as a manager)[3]
Rogers and Sammartino did face each other two months later at Madison Square Garden in a tagteam match, with Rogers & Handsome Johnny Barend defeating Bruno & Bobo Brazil 2 falls to 1. Sammartino did not trust Rogers (who had a reputation for taking cheap shots) and the two did not work together very much during the match.
However, Rogers retired prior to their scheduled title rematch on October 4, 1963, in Jersey City, NJ's Roosevelt Stadium. Sammartino instead that night had his first match against new #1 contender, Gorilla Monsoon (Monsoon won on disqualification, starting a monumentally successful feud).
Sammartino kept this title for seven years, eight months, and one day; it still stands as the longest continuous world title reign in men's wrestling history.
Sammartino was so popular that in 1965 he was picked by the National Wrestling Alliance board to wrestle against the legendary Lou Thesz in a match for both the NWA and WWWF titles. Sammartino, already working an extremely busy schedule, refused the title match opportunity for fear that winning the title would make his schedule even more hectic. NWA officials then selected Gene Kiniski as Thesz's opponent and he went on to become the new NWA champion.
On September 28, 1965, after a match with Tarzan Tyler in Madison Square Garden, Sammartino went to a restaurant in Times Square. When he returned, he found that a car window was shattered and his $10,000 championship belt was stolen.
Sammartino headlined cards that filled Madison Square Garden on a monthly basis. He battled the top bad guys of his time, including Killer Kowalski, Giant Baba, Gene Kiniski, Dr. Bill Miller, Dr. Jerry Graham, Bull Ramos, Hans Mortier, Waldo Von Erich, "Crusher" Reginald Lisowski, Johnny Valentine, The Sheik, Freddie Blassie, Curtis Iaukea, Tarzan Tyler, Bill Watts, Gorilla Monsoon, Professor Toru Tanaka, Handsome Johnny Barend, The Kentucky Butcher (John Quinn) and George "The Animal" Steele.
During this time, Bruno was involved in a shoot with Dr. Bill Miller. In a tag match with Tony Parisi against Miller and Baron Sicluna, Miller (who had a long amateur wrestling background) decided he would shoot on both Parisi and Bruno. After taking a beating in the ring, Parisi tagged out to Bruno. When Miller attempted to shoot on him, Bruno immediately snapped on a front facelock until Miller bled from his nose and passed out in the middle of the ring. Afterwards, Miller approached Bruno in the dressing room, shook his hand and profusely apologized.
Sammartino defended the belt all over the world, including Australia, Spain, Mexico and Japan.
Bruno was honored with a private audience with the Pope in the Vatican during this period.
On January 18, 1971, Sammartino lost the championship at Madison Square Garden to Ivan Koloff. The crowd was so stunned into silence that Sammartino thought his hearing had been damaged. After the pin, Koloff slowly walked across the ring while the ref raised his hand three times. The announcer came into the ring with the belt but, fearful of a riot, did not present it to Koloff. Koloff left the ring while Sammartino stayed inside to keep the crowd's attention off Koloff. As Sammartino left the ring, people started crying.
Sammartino has said that the crowd's reaction disturbed him while he sat in the dressing room after the match. Three weeks later, Pedro Morales beat Koloff to win the title; Sammartino congratulated Morales as the new champion was announced. While Morales drew well in New York, the crowds declined in other cities.
Meanwhile, on January 14, 1972, Sammartino returned to Los Angeles, California for the first time in five years to participate in the highlight of promoter Mike LeBelle's year: a 22-man battle royal. The battle royal included competitors such as Rocky Johnson, Mil Máscaras, John Tolos, Haystacks Calhoun, and Ripper Collins. The final two men left in the ring were Collins and Sammartino. After brawling for about five minutes, they noticed that they were the only ones left. After Sammartino bodyslammed Collins several times, he then applied the bearhug. Collins submitted and Bruno was the champion, and the $11,000 winner, of the third annual Olympic Battle Royal. This battle royal marked the first time that The Wrestler, an "Apter Mag" had fans vote on Match of the Year. It went on to become the Match of the Year for 1972.
Later in 1972, Sammartino was asked back by McMahon Sr. to regain the title. After refusing McMahon's initial offer, Sammartino was offered a percentage of all the gates when he wrestled and a decreased work schedule.
Soon after, Bruno and champion Morales teamed up for a series of tag matches. In a televised match, Professor Tanaka blinded both men with salt and they were maneuvered into fighting each other. When their eyes cleared, to the surprise of the crowd, they kept fighting each other.
2 weeks later, all syndicated wrestling shows in the WWWF showed a clip of Morales and Sammartino signing a contract for a title match at Shea Stadium. When McMahon gestured for them to shake hands, both wordlessly turned and walked away.
On September 1, 1972, they wrestled to a 75-minute draw at Shea Stadium in New York.[4] Despite miserable weather (cold & rainy), the gate narrowly missed becoming the largest take for an outdoor wrestling show at that time.
The match was a scientific trading of holds and mat wrestling that was not particularly exciting. McMahon did not film the proceedings, so all that exists are still photographs. The only real excitement was provided by George "The Animal" Steele, who tried to interfere in the match - but was restrained by an army of police before he could enter the ring.
Second WWWF Championship reign (1973–1977)[link]
Eventually, on December 10, 1973, Sammartino regained the WWWF Championship by defeating Stan Stasiak who had won the title from Pedro Morales nine days earlier in Philadelphia. Philly was chosen because of the passionate nature of Morales' following at Madison Square Garden. WWWF officials felt a riot might ensue if Pedro was beaten at the Garden.
In his second reign, Bruno defeated contenders such as John Tolos, Bruiser Brody, Spiros Arion, Ken Patera, Bugsy McGraw, Freddie Blassie, Baron Von Raschke, Waldo Von Erich, Ivan Koloff, "Superstar" Billy Graham, Don Leo Jonathan, Angelo Mosca, Ernie Ladd, Big Bob Duncum and Nikolai Volkoff. He also encountered old foes Killer Kowalski & George Steele. His second title run lasted three years, four months, and twenty days.
While in Japan, Bruno had a confrontation with an up and coming Antonio Inoki in an Osaka tag match. At the urging of noted "shooter" Karl Gotch, Inoki attempted to slap a real submission hold on the World Champion and make him quit. Bruno immediately powered out of the hold, pounded Inoki unmercifully and pitched him out of the ring. Inoki ducked Bruno for the rest of the match.
Years later, when Inoki broke away and formed New Japan Pro Wrestling, the WWWF signed a deal with them in Japan. Bruno refused to work for Inoki, preferring to stay loyal to his old friend Giant Baba, the owner of All Japan. They had several marathon matches in the '60s, usually ending in hour-long draws.
During this time, on April 26, 1976, Sammartino suffered a neck fracture in a match against Stan Hansen at Madison Square Garden, when Hansen improperly executed a body slam and dropped Sammartino on his head. Despite doctors' orders, Bruno insisted on flying home to Pittsburgh that night. Sammartino was concerned that his elderly parents would find out he was in a NY hospital with a broken neck and would die from the shock.
After two months, Sammartino famously returned, and faced Hansen in a rematch on June 25, 1976 at Shea Stadium, which was on the closed circuit TV undercard of the famous Ali vs. Antonio Inoki match for WWWF cities.
Sammartino was rushed back into action by Vince McMahon Sr. when the advance gate for the show was a disaster. McMahon claims that the entire WWWF was in peril of folding because of his investment in this card.
Bruno was in no shape to wrestle but nonetheless entered the ring to score a decisive count-out win when Hansen ran away. More importantly, Sammartino drew a large live audience, and big closed circuit TV receipts (the Ali/Inoki match, without the Sammartino/Hansen match, drew very poorly in most of America.) Bruno contends that he was never paid the percentage of the closed circuit gate that he was promised.
The match was rated 1976 Match of the Year by a number of wrestling magazines. Subsequently, after a chance to recover and train, Sammartino scored decisive cage match wins over Hansen around the WWWF circuit.
His second title reign was only supposed to last a year but each year Bruno received bigger payoffs to stay on. Around this time, Bruno's yearly pay equaled that of the highest paid athletes in any professional sport. With only having to appear in the biggest arenas and with an increase of the gate percentages, Bruno had, up to this point, the greatest financial deal in wrestling history.
In early 1977, after suffering the broken neck and many other ailments, Bruno informed McMahon Sr. that he was done with his second title reign. It ended in Baltimore on April 30, 1977, when he was defeated by "Superstar" Billy Graham. In a controversial ending, Graham had both feet braced on the ropes (which is illegal in pro wrestling) while successfully pinning Sammartino.
Later WWWF/WWF Career & Initial Retirement (1978–1981)[link]
Despite a very long and financially successful series of re-matches against Billy Graham, Sammartino was unable/unwilling to regain the title. His final attempt was in Philadelphia, just a few days before Graham was scheduled to lose the title to Bob Backlund. The Philly match was the only documented instance of Sammartino losing a Steel Cage Match. He lost by accidentally knocking a bloody & battered Graham through the cage door.
After his second reign ended, Sammartino leisurely toured the U.S. and the world. He wrestled then NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race to a one hour draw in St. Louis. He also wrestled and defeated, Blackjack Mulligan, Lord Alfred Hayes, Dick Murdoch, Kenji Shibuya, and "Crippler" Ray Stevens.
During this time period, Sammartino did a rare "clean job" for Killer Kowalski in Canada. At the time, Kowalski was the Grand Prix World Champion and recounted in an interview that "he was touched" his old friend & rival would do that for him.
One of the most emotional feuds of Sammartino's career started on January 22, 1980, when his former student Larry Zbyszko violently turned against him during a scientific wrestling exhibition, broadcast on the World Wrestling Federation's Championship Wrestling show. Sammartino, shocked and hurt by Zbyszko's betrayal, vowed to make Zbyszko (whom Bruno described as a "Judas") pay dearly. Their feud culminated on August 9, 1980, in front of 36,295 fans at Shea Stadium. As the main event of 1980's Showdown at Shea, Sammartino defeated Zbyszko inside a steel cage. This feud is considered by many wrestling historians and journalists to be the biggest feud in the history of wrestling in the northeast.
In his autobiography, Hulk Hogan claimed that his match with Andre the Giant was the real reason for the huge draw at Shea Stadium, however the feud between Sammartino and Zbyszko sold out everywhere in the build-up to the show. In contrast Hogan and André headlined exactly one card in White Plains, New York before they wrestled at Shea. They drew a paltry 1,200 in a building that held 3,500.
In February 1980 headlining a card at Wheeling,West Virginia, Bruno was scheduled to wrestle Hulk Hogan. Hogan no-showed due to an injury and was replaced by Sgt. Slaughter.
Sammartino retired from North American wrestling full-time in 1981, in a match that opened the Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Sammartino pinned George "The Animal" Steele in his match. Sammartino then finished up his full-time career by touring Japan.
Return to WWF (1984–1988)[link]
In 1984, Bruno made an appearance at an Italian Festival in Wheeling, WV to do a weightlifting exhibition. While there, he was interviewed by a local TV station and when asked if he still watched TV wrestling he said it made him sick and that he would never watch it. He didn't like the direction that it was taking.
It was during this time Sammartino found out through Angelo Savoldi, a recently fired office employee of Capitol Wrestling Corporation, that he had been cheated by Vince McMahon on the promised gate percentages for his entire second title run. Bruno filed suit against McMahon and his Capitol Wrestling Corporation.[5] The suit was eventually settled out of court by McMahon's son, Vince McMahon after his father had died. Part of the settlement included Sammartino returning to do color commentary on WWF television in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars for what amounted to nineteen days of work.
The primary reason Sammartino returned was an attempt to promote the wrestling career of his son David Sammartino, who became a wrestler against his father's wishes. Despite lingering effects from previous injuries, Sammartino agreed to come out of retirement to help his son launch his career. Bruno says that this time period was his least favorite of his career.
At the inaugural WrestleMania at a sold out Madison Square Garden in 1985, Sammartino was in his son's corner, for his match against Brutus Beefcake. The match ended in a double-disqualification after the Sammartinos began brawling with Beefcake and his manager Johnny Valiant. He returned to in ring action soon after with his son, as they wrestled against Beefcake & Valiant at Madison Square Garden. The Sammartinos also teamed against Paul Orndorff and Bobby Heenan in various arenas. Despite being in his mid-50's, Sammartino proved to be in much better physical shape than his opponents, often leaving them "blown up" by the middle of the match.
David Sammartino eventually realized he was being used by McMahon to get his famous father to wrestle, Sammartino still drew huge crowds in the northeast. Disenchanted, the younger Sammartino quit the WWF several times. This forced his father to continue to wrestle, in hopes that he could get his son back in McMahon's good graces.
Sammartino's most notable feud during this run was with "Macho Man" Randy Savage. An irate Sammartino attacked Savage during a TV interview, after Savage bragged about injuring Ricky Steamboat, by driving the timekeeper's bell into Steamboat's throat during a televised match.
Sammartino defeated Savage in a lumberjack match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship via disqualification at the Boston Garden. This allowed Savage to keep the belt, as titles cannot change hands via count out or disqualification.
Sammartino would often teamed with Tito Santana and his old enemy George "The Animal" Steele (who was a face at this point in his career) to wrestle Savage and "Adorable" Adrian Adonis. The climax of the their feud came was a victory for Sammartino & Santana in a steel cage match in Madison Square Garden.
Sammartino also engaged in a feud with Rowdy Roddy Piper after Piper insulted his heritage on a segment of Piper's Pit at Madison Square Garden. Sammartino faced Piper in both singles & tag matches. Sammartino teamed with Paul Orndorff in his matches against Piper, while Piper would tag with his "bodyguard", Ace "Cowboy" Bob Orton. Sammartino would eventually get the upper hand in the feud, by defeating Piper in a steel cage match at the Boston Garden.
In 1986 Sammartino competed in a 20 man battle royal at WrestleMania 2 in at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago. The battle royal featured not only professional wrestlers but also professional football players. Sammartino was eliminated by Killer Kowalski protege Big John Studd. André the Giant would go on to win the battle royal.
Later on in 1986 Sammartino would team with Jake "The Snake" Roberts, and Santana in a 6 man Elimination Tag Team Match against The Hart Foundation & The Honky Tonk Man. Sammartino was the sole survivor of the match pinning the Honky Tonk Man for the win.
Sammartino's last major feud came in the summer of 1987 against The Honky Tonk Man for the WWF Intercontinental Championship. Although he dominated the matches against the champion, Sammartino never won the title, winning most of his matches by count out or disqualification.
Sammartino also feuded with Hercules Hernandez during this time. Sammartino had his last singles match in the WWF against on August 28, 1987 as he defeated Hercules via count out at the Paul Boesch Retirement Show in Houston, Texas.
Sammartino's final WWF match saw him team with Hulk Hogan to defeat King Kong Bundy and One Man Gang. Sammartino continued doing commentary on the WWF Superstars of Wrestling until March 1988.
Post WWF Career[link]
After leaving the WWF, Sammartino began doing commentary for Herb Abrams' upstart Universal Wrestling Federation as it attempted to go national and compete with the WWF, the NWA, and WCCW.
On October 28, 1989, Sammartino made a special appearance at the NWA PPV Halloween Havoc, where he was the special guest referee in a "Thunderdome" cage match which featured Ric Flair and Sting taking on Terry Funk and The Great Muta. Sammartino ended up exchanging blows with Muta at the end of the match and ran him off.
Sammartino would appear at several WCW events in a minor analysis role in the early 1990s.
2000–present[link]
Over the years, Bruno has become an outspoken critic of the path McMahon has taken pro wrestling, particularly in the use of steroids, other illicit drugs and borderline obscene wrestling angles. In the last stage of his career, he refused to travel with the younger wrestlers for fear of being stopped in a vehicle containing drugs. McMahon provided wrestler-turned-road-agent Chief Jay Strongbow (Joe Scarpa) as a travel partner.
He has often appeared in the media in opposition to the WWE on shows like Phil Donahue, Geraldo, CNN News, etc.
On July 26, 2004, Sammartino met in Pittsburgh with Vince and WWE officials about doing a DVD release and providing commentary for WWE 24/7 Classics, but Sammartino would not agree to be a part of the current product.
He was invited to stay for the Raw show that night, but declined because he did not want to be seen endorsing the product. He was told the main event was Chris Benoit vs. Triple H. He reportedly told them he would've stayed if Benoit was wrestling Kurt Angle; one of the people he said this to was Triple H, who he didn't know. This was also the same night of an incident with Ric Flair (see below). Contract talks stalled.
Aside from 'feuding' with wrestling, Bruno also has a strained relationship with his son, David, after "a series of things happened."[6]
In 2006, he signed an independent deal with Jakks Pacific to produce an action figure, which is part of the WWE Classic Superstars line, Series 10.[7]
Sammartino has appeared for independent wrestling promotion Ring of Honor, and was featured on Total Nonstop Action's Kurt Angle biographical DVD. In it, he praises Angle and says that he generally doesn't watch wrestling unless he finds out that Angle's going to wrestle.
On March 25, 2010, Sammartino was honored at the 74th annual Dapper Dan Dinner, a popular awards and charity fundraising event in Pittsburgh, with a lifetime achievement award, for which fellow former Studio Wrestling personalities Bill Cardille, "Jumping" Johnny De Fazio, Dom DeNucci, Frank Durso, and referee Andy "Kid" DePaul were all present.[8]
On October 8, 2011 Sammartino briefly returned to the Pro Wrestling scene as a special guest when he joined a wrestling show held in his honor by Adriatic Wrestling League, an Italian pro-wrestling promotion. "Through The Eyes Of The Legend", was held in his country of his birth, Pizzoferrato, Abruzzi, Italy.
Criticism of pro wrestling today[link]
In his retirement, Sammartino has publicly criticized the direction professional wrestling has taken, making reference to lurid storylines, over-the-top theatrics, and drug and steroid abuse. In particular he has been critical of Vince McMahon, saying that McMahon has been detrimental to his father's creation. Sammartino has refused to provide commentary on WWE-produced retrospectives of his career, instead participating in a series of independently-produced documentaries, including Bruno Sammartino's Legends Never Die, La Roccia, The Passing of the Belt, and The Boys are Back. Despite being the biggest drawing card in wrestling during the 1960s and 1970s, Bruno was not mentioned in the A&E wrestling documentary The Unreal History of Professional Wrestling. He attributes this to McMahon, who provided much of the footage to the production.
Backstage incidents[link]
- In the late 1960s, Sammartino was involved in a fight with former PA Athletic Commissioner Joe Cimino. Cimino was new to his post and intervened in a match finish involving Bruno. Bruno took a shot at Cimino in the ring and the argument continued backstage. Bruno ended up in a screaming match with Cimino on Pittsburgh's local Studio Wrestling program. Cimino suspended Bruno for a month. Sam Muchnick mentions the incident in his book, Wrestling Babylon.[9]
- In his autobiography, The Cowboy and the Cross: The Bill Watts Story: Rebellion, Wrestling and Redemption|book,[10] tells of witnessing a backstage incident between Sammartino and Gorilla Monsoon. Watts wrote that Monsoon "soon found himself in deep water" when messing with Sammartino. He did not go into further detail on the incident out of respect for Monsoon.
- When Bruno was about 51 years old, he was involved in an infamous backstage fight with a former football player. Six men were backstage at a wrestling show in an area that was restricted. When Sammartino spotted the men, he told them that if security saw them in this area, they might get in trouble. Dave "Rooster" Fleming, a former CFL player with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, stuck his hand out to Sammartino. When Sammartino went to shake his hand, Fleming began to squeeze hard. Sammartino asked him what he was doing to which Fleming replied "You're nothing but a washed up old man." Sammartino responded "Not too washed up to take care of you." Upon hearing that, Fleming took a swing at Sammartino but it was blocked. Sammartino then punched him and knocked him down. Sammartino soon found himself fighting the other five men at once. At this time, the Iron Sheik was in the showers after his match and heard the commotion. He immediately jumped in next to Bruno and the two wrestlers proceeded to "clean house" according to Bruno.[11]
- July 26, 2004 at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh was the site of the infamous "who snubbed who?" non-confrontation with Ric Flair. Flair denigrated Sammartino's wrestling ability in his book.[12] Flair claims Sammartino refused to shake his hand at the event; Sammartino says Flair saw him coming down the hall, turned, and rushed away.
Personal life[link]
Bruno has been married to his wife Carol since 1959 and has three sons, David, and twins Danny and Darryl. He and his wife have lived in Ross Township, Allegheny County near Pittsburgh since 1965.[1]
In wrestling[link]
- Finishing moves
- Signature moves
- Abdominal stretch
- Armbar
- Arm drag
- Belly to back suplex
- Body slam
- Dropkick
- Full nelson
- Hip toss
- Multiple jabs to the opponent's midsection
- Running big boot
- Running high knee
- Shoulder block
- Airplane spin
- Nicknames
- "The Living Legend"
- "The Italian Superman"
Championships and accomplishments[link]
- Grand Prix Wrestling
- GPW Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Édouard Carpentier
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- PWI Match of the Year (1972) Battle royal on January 14, Los Angeles, CA
- PWI Match of the Year (1975) vs. Spiros Arion on March 17, New York, NY
- PWI Match of the Year (1976) vs. Stan Hansen on June 25, Queens, NY
- PWI Match of the Year (1977) vs. Billy Graham on April 30, Baltimore, MD
- PWI Match of the Year (1980) vs. Larry Zbyszko at Showdown at Shea in a steel cage match
- PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (1976)[14]
- PWI Stanley Weston Award (1981)
- PWI Wrestler of the Year (1974)
- World Wide Wrestling Alliance
- Hall of Fame (Class of 2008)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
- Feud of the Year (1980) vs. Larry Zbyszko
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)
- Other titles
- Madison Square Garden walk of fame
- Received the Key to the City in Franklin, Pennsylvania as part of IWC's Night of Legends 3 on March 24, 2007
DVDs[link]
- Bruno Returns to Italy With Bruno Sammartino 2006
- Bruno Sammartino Behind the Championship Belt 2006
Note: Both were only released in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Notes[link]
- ^ a b c d e Togneri, Chris (December 24, 2010). "Bruno Sammartino: Mountain of strength". Pittsburh Tribune-Review. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_715155.html. Retrieved December 24, 2010.
- ^ Ross Davies, Bruno Sammartino (Rosen, 2001), p23
- ^ Wrestling Observer Newsletter. July 6, 1992.
- ^ Davies, Ross (2001). Bruno Sammartino. New York: Rosen. p. 77. ISBN 0-8239-3432-2
- ^ http://wrestlingperspective.com/legal/sammartino.html
- ^ Rouvalis, Cristina (October 28, 1998). "Wrestling with fame: Bruno Sammartino still a hero to fans". Post-gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/magazine/19981028bruno1.asp.
- ^ "Where legends are displayed". Classicfigs.com. http://www.classicfigs.com/CS10/sing-10-BS.html.
- ^ Dvorchak, Robert (March 26, 2010). "Dapper Dan: Malkin, Sammartino, Penn State volleyball claim awards". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10085/1045805-61.stm. Retrieved March 26, 2010.
- ^ Muchnick, Sam (2011). Wrestling Babylon. New York: ECW Press. pp. 55. ISBN 1-55022-761-0
- ^ Watts, Bill (2006). The Cowboy and the Cross:The Bill Watts Story: Rebellion, Wrestling and Redemption. New York: ECW Press. pp. 72. ISBN 1-55022-708-4
- ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oLtJIx9ghM
- ^ Flair, Ric (2005). Ric Flair: to Be the Man. New York: Pocket Books. pp. 63–64. ISBN 0-7434-9181-5
- ^ "Finishing Moves List". Other Arena. http://www.otherarena.com/nCo/finish/finish.html. Retrieved 2009-11-03.
- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners Inspirational Wrestler of the Year". Wrestling Information Archive. http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwiinsp.htm. Retrieved 2008-07-27.
- ^ "W.W.A. World Tag Team Title (Indianapolis)". Puroresu Dojo. 2003. http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/in/wwa/in-wwa-t.html.
External links[link]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Bruno Sammartino |
- Online World of Wrestling profile
- Video: Beginning of the Sammartino-Zbyzsko feud
- Bruno's Re-released self-titled Autobiography
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| Persondata | |
|---|---|
| Name | Sammartino, Bruno |
| Alternative names | Sammartino, Bruno Leopoldo Francesco |
| Short description | Professional wrestler |
| Date of birth | October 6, 1935 |
| Place of birth | Pizzoferrato, Italy |
| Date of death | |
| Place of death | |
http://wn.com/Bruno_Sammartino
Related pages:
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http://nlwn.com/Bruno Sammartino
http://ptwn.com/Bruno Sammartino
http://ruwn.com/Саммартино, Бруно
http://dewn.com/Bruno Sammartino
http://itwn.com/Bruno Sammartino
http://hiwn.com/ब्रूनो सेम्मेर्तिनो
http://plwn.com/Bruno Sammartino
http://eswn.com/Bruno Sammartino
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This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License, which means that you can copy and modify it as long as the entire work (including additions) remains under this license.
