Muhammad Hassan (wrestler)

Mark Copani (born November 7, 1981) is an American retired professional wrestler. He is best known for his appearances with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) from 2004 to 2005, where he portrayed an Arab American under the ring name Muhammad Hassan. His career came to an abrupt end when a controversial "terrorism" storyline coincided with the 7 July 2005 London bombings, leading the television network UPN to pressure WWE to remove Copani's character from television. Copani was later hired as Vice Principal at G. Ray Bodley High School in Fulton, New York.

Early life

Copani was born in Syracuse, New York. He graduated from Cicero – North Syracuse High School in 1998. He enrolled in the SUNY Buffalo, studying for a degree in history. In 2002, he left university to pursue a career in professional wrestling.

Professional wrestling career

Ohio Valley Wrestling (2002–2004)

Copani joined the Louisville, Kentucky-based promotion Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) in 2002. He debuted in the same year under the ring name Mark Magnus.