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Alberta
Alberta /ælˈbɜrtə/ is a province of Canada. It had a population of 3,645,257 in 2011, making it the most populous of Canada's three prairie provinces. Alberta and its neighbour, Saskatchewan, were established as provinces on September 1, 1905.
Alberta is located in western Canada, bounded by the provinces of British Columbia to the west and Saskatchewan to the east, the Northwest Territories to the north, and the US state of Montana to the south. Alberta is one of three Canadian provinces and territories to border only a single U.S. state and is also one of only two provinces that are landlocked.
Edmonton, the capital city of Alberta, is located near the geographic centre of the province and is the primary supply and service hub for Canada's oil sands and other northern resource industries. Approximately 300 kilometres (190 mi) south of the capital is Calgary, Alberta's largest city and a major distribution and transportation hub. Calgary and Edmonton centre Alberta's two census metropolitan areas, both of which have populations exceeding 1 million.Census agglomerations in the province include Lethbridge, Red Deer, Medicine Hat, Wood Buffalo (includes Fort McMurray), Grande Prairie, Lloydminster, Okotoks, Brooks, Camrose, Cold Lake, High River, Sylvan Lake, Wetaskiwin, Strathmore, Canmore, and Lacombe. Notable tourist destinations in the province include Canmore, Sylvan Lake, Drumheller, Banff, and Jasper.
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Medicine Hat
Medicine Hat is a city of 61,097 people located in the southeastern part of the province of Alberta, Canada. It is enclaved within Cypress County along with the nearby Town of Redcliff, although neither is part of the county.
It is situated on the Trans-Canada Highway, the eastern terminus of the Crowsnest Highway, and the South Saskatchewan River. Nearby communities considered part of the Medicine Hat area include the Town of Redcliff (located immediately adjacent to the city's northwest boundary) and the hamlets of Desert Blume, Dunmore, Irvine, Seven Persons, and Veinerville. The Cypress Hills (including Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park) is a relatively short distance (by car) to the southeast of the city.
Historically, Medicine Hat has been known for its large natural gas fields, being immortalised by Rudyard Kipling as having "all hell for a basement". Because of these reserves, the city is known as The Gas City. It is Alberta's sixth largest city. In October 2008, Medicine Hat was named one of Alberta's Top Employers by Mediacorp Canada Inc., which was announced by the Calgary Herald and the Edmonton Journal.
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Minneapolis
Minneapolis (pronunciation:
i/ˌmɪniːˈæpəlɪs/), nicknamed "City of Lakes" and the "Mill City", is the county seat of Hennepin County, the largest city in the state of Minnesota, and the 48th largest in the United States. Its name is attributed to the city's first schoolteacher, who combined mni, the Dakota word for water, and polis, the Greek word for city.
As of the 2010 Census, the population of the city of Minneapolis is 382,578. Minneapolis lies on both banks of the Mississippi River, just north of the river's confluence with the Minnesota River, and adjoins Saint Paul, the state's capital. Known as the Twin Cities, Minneapolis-Saint Paul is the 16th-largest metropolitan area in the U.S., with approximately 3.3 million residents. The city is abundantly rich in water, with over twenty lakes and wetlands, the Mississippi river, creeks and waterfalls, many connected by parkways in the Chain of Lakes and the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. Among cities of similar densities, Minneapolis has the most dedicated parkland. It was once the world's flour milling capital and a hub for timber, and today is the primary business center between Chicago and Seattle, with Minneapolis proper containing the fifth highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies. It has cultural organizations that draw creative people and audiences to the city for theater, visual art, writing, and music. The community's diverse population has a long tradition of charitable support through progressive public social programs and VOLAGs, as well as private and corporate philanthropy.
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South Dakota
South Dakota (
i/ˌsaʊθ dəˈkoʊtə/) is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is named after the Lakota and Dakota Sioux American Indian tribes. South Dakota is the 17th most extensive, but the 5th least populous and the 5th least densely populated of the 50 United States. Once the southern portion of the Dakota Territory, South Dakota became a state on November 2, 1889. Pierre is the state capital and Sioux Falls, with a population of nearly 160,000, is South Dakota's largest city.
South Dakota is bordered by the states of North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana. The state is bisected by the Missouri River, dividing South Dakota into two geographically and socially distinct halves, known to residents as "East River" and "West River". Eastern South Dakota is home to most of the state's population, and fertile soil in this area is used to grow a variety of crops. West of the Missouri, ranching is the predominant agricultural activity, and the economy is more dependent on tourism and defense spending.
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Adam Birch
Adam Birch (born July 18, 1979) is a semi-retired American professional wrestler, also known by the ring names Joey Mercury and Joey Matthews. He is signed to WWE, and works as a trainer in WWE's developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling.
Birch was trained by fellow wrestler Jimmy Cicero and made his wrestling debut in October 1996, using the name Joey Matthews. The following year, he began competing for Mid-Eastern Wrestling Federation (MEWF), in which he began competing in tag team competition, where he captured the MEWF Tag Team Championship, alongside Christian York. Throughout the mid-1990s, Birch competed in various independent promotions, where he and York continued to work as a team. It was also during that time that he won various championships in singles and tag team competition.
In 2004, Birch signed with the WWE and was assigned to their developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) in Louisville, Kentucky. While situated at OVW, he was placed in tag team competition, alongside Johnny Nitro, in which they won the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship on one occasion. It was also during this time that he and Nitro, alongside their manager Melina, were known as the stable MNM.
wn.com/Adam_Birch -
AJ Lee
April Jeanette Mendez (born March 19, 1987) is an American professional wrestler. She is signed to WWE, where she wrestles as part of the SmackDown brand under the ring name AJ.
Mendez enrolled in a wrestling school in March 2007, and debuted six months later. In the following years, she performed for several Northeast-based independent promotions including Women Superstars Uncensored (WSU) as Miss April. In WSU, she was part of the AC Express alongside Brooke Carter and the duo held the WSU Tag Team Championship once. In May 2009, she signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), WWE's developmental promotion, using the ring name AJ Lee. In FCW, she was Queen of FCW and FCW Divas Champion, and was the first person to have held both titles. In 2010, she was part of the third season of NXT, having dropped her last name, and became part of WWE's SmackDown brand in May 2011, forming a tag team with Kaitlyn known as The Chickbusters.
wn.com/AJ_Lee -
Akebono Tarō
Akebono Taro (曙 太郎, Akebono Tarō?, born May 8, 1969 as Chad Haaheo Rowan) is a retired American born-Japanese sumo wrestler from Waimānalo, Hawaiʻi. Joining the professional sport in Japan in 1988, he was trained by pioneering Hawaiian sumo wrestler Takamiyama and rose swiftly up the rankings, reaching the top division in 1990. After two consecutive yusho or tournament championships in November 1992 and January 1993 he made history by becoming the first foreign born wrestler ever to reach yokozuna, the highest rank in sumo.
One of the tallest and heaviest wrestlers ever, Akebono's rivalry with the young Japanese hopefuls, Takanohana and Wakanohana, was a big factor in the increased popularity of sumo at tournament venues and on TV in the early 1990s. During his eight years at the yokozuna rank, Akebono won a further eight tournament championships, for a career total of eleven, and was a runner-up on thirteen other occasions, despite suffering several serious injury problems. Although his rival yokozuna Takanohana won more tournaments in this period, their individual head-to-heads remained very close.
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Al Snow
Allen Ray Sarven (born July 18, 1963) is an American 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. Since 2010, Snow has worked as a road agent for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and with its developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling, as a trainer and show producer.
Sarven attended a professional wrestling tryout camp held by Ole and Gene Anderson. There he met Jim Lancaster, promoter of Ohio's Midwest Championship Wrestling, who agreed to train him. Lancaster later described Sarven as "a leader in the ring" who "had drive and natural ability". He made his debut on May 22, 1982. Sarven defeated Lancaster on May 5, 1985 for the Midwest Championship Wrestling title.
Sarven wrestled in various independent promotions throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, capturing both tag team and singles titles, but failed to make any big breaks. He gained a reputation as "the best-kept secret in wrestling". Sarven helped train future Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Hall of Fame member and NWA World Heavyweight Champion Dan Severn. During this time he would sometimes wrestle as Shinobi, a ninja-style masked gimmick. He wrestled in the November 19, 1994 tournament for the vacant NWA World Heavyweight Championship, but he lost to Chris Candido, the eventual winner of the tournament.
wn.com/Al_Snow -
Alberto Del Rio
Alberto Rodríguez (born May 25, 1977) is a Mexican professional wrestler signed to WWE, performing under the ring name Alberto Del Rio and appearing on the SmackDown brand. He is a former two-time WWE Champion, while also being the 2011 Royal Rumble winner, outlasting 39 other participants to win the largest Royal Rumble match ever, and 2011 Mr. Money in the Bank (Raw). Before working for WWE, Rodriguez used the name Dos Caras, Jr. as both a mixed martial artist and luchador in mostly Mexico and Japan. He worked in both of Mexico's main wrestling promotions and achieved success in Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), where he is a former CMLL World Heavyweight Champion.
Son of noted luchador Dos Caras, nephew of Mil Máscaras and Sicodelico, and cousin to Sicodelico, Jr. and Hijo de Sicodelico, Rodríguez is part of one of the most well known Mexican wrestling families. The name Dos Caras translates to Two Faces, referring to the symbol of a double headed eagle on his mask.
Born in San Luis Potosí as the son of luchador Dos Caras. Rodríguez graduated from Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosí where he earned a degree in architecture. Growing up in a family of wrestlers Rodríguez decided to take up Greco-Roman wrestling, training under Leonel Kolesni and Juan Fernández. He earned a place on the Mexican national team in Greco-Roman wrestling and while competing on the national team obtained several accomplishments.[unreliable source?] In 1997, he placed third at the World Junior Championships, in the Czech Republic.[unreliable source?] He also won the Central American and Caribbean Games in his weight division three times and won a medal at the Pan American Games. Rodríguez was on track to compete at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, but due to a lack of funding and support, Mexico did not send a wrestling team that year.
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Alex Riley
Kevin Robert Kiley, Jr. (born April 28, 1981) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Alex Riley. He is signed to WWE and he was a part of the second season of NXT.
In 2007, Kiley signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and was assigned to their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). On October 30, 2007, he debuted in a losing effort to Shawn Osbourne under his real name Kevin Kiley, and later faced off with wrestlers like Sebastian Slater and Jack Gabriel.
In September 2008, he changed his ring name to Carson Oakley. As Oakley he began teaming with Scotty Goldman, and the pairing unsuccessfully challenged TJ Wilson and David Hart Smith for the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship in November. In early, he underwent another name change, calling himself Alex Riley and developing the gimmick of a university jock, wearing a Letterman's jacket to the ring. He gained Beverly Mullins as a manager, and to fit with his jock gimmick, Mullins adopted the gimmick of a prom queen.
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Alicia Fox
Victoria Elizabeth Crawford (born June 30, 1986) is an American model and professional wrestler best known by her ring name Alicia Fox. She is signed to WWE where she performs on the SmackDown brand.
Prior to becoming a professional wrestler, Crawford was a model. She signed a contract with WWE in 2006, and debuted in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), a WWE developmental territory in July. That same year, on October 20, she won the OVW Women's Championship, but lost it the following day. Her reign is not officially recognized by OVW. The following year, she moved to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), another WWE developmental territory, where she competed regularly until 2009.
Crawford debuted on SmackDown in June 2008, using the name 'Alicia Fox' and the gimmick of a wedding planner. In November, she moved to the ECW brand, where she managed DJ Gabriel. As part of the Supplemental Draft, she moved back to SmackDown in April 2009, before being traded to the Raw brand two months later. Throughout the rest of 2009, Fox began unsuccessfully challenging for the WWE Divas Championship. She briefly managed Zack Ryder in May 2010, and the following month she won the Divas Championship for the first time. Fox held the championship until August 15. In late 2010, Fox appeared as a 'Pro' on the third season of NXT. She returned to the SmackDown brand in April 2011, as part of the 2011 supplemental draft.
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Alistair Overeem
Alistair Cees Overeem (born May 17, 1980) is a British born Dutch mixed martial artist and kickboxer, signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is the former Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion, Dream Heavyweight Champion, K-1 World Grand Prix Champion, and made history by being the only fighter in combat sports to hold a world title in both MMA and K-1 kickboxing at the same time. Alistair Overeem is ranked #3 in the heavyweight division.
Overeem was born on (1980-05-17)May 17, 1980, to a Dutch mother and Jamaican father. His parents divorced when he was six years old. His mother, Clair, then moved Alistair and his brother Valentijn to the Netherlands, where Alistair has lived ever since.
As a child, Overeem competed in sports like judo, athletics and basketball. At 15 years of age, his brother Valentijn took him to Chris Dolman's gym to teach him how to defend himself. At first he didn't like to train, but after training with Bas Rutten, Joop Kasteel and others, he eventually learned to enjoy it.
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Anderson Silva
Anderson da Silva (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈɐ̃deʁsõ ˈsiwvɐ]; born April 14, 1975) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist. He is the current UFC Middleweight Champion and the promotion's longest reigning champion. With 14 consecutive wins and 9 title defenses, Silva holds the longest winning streak and title defense streak in UFC history.
Silva is ranked as the number one Middleweight in the world by multiple publications, and is the consensus No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world according to ESPN, Sherdog, Yahoo! Sports, MMAFighting.com and other publications. UFC president Dana White has proclaimed Silva as "the greatest mixed martial artist ever."[undue weight? – discuss] Silva is also the last Cage Rage Middleweight Champion and a former Shooto Middleweight Champion. Besides the UFC and Cage Rage, Silva has fought for a number of other MMA promotions including the Pride Fighting Championships, Shooto and Rumble on the Rock.
Although known primarily for his mastery of Muay Thai striking, Silva is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blackbelt, a rank he earned in 2006 from Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira who follows Gracie Lineage through Carlson Gracie, like Murilo Bustamante and the Brazilian Top Team. He began martial arts training at the age of 14, training Tae kwon do and earning a black belt by the age of 18. He is also a black belt in Judo and a yellow rope in Capoeira.
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André the Giant
André René Roussimoff (19 May 1946 – 27 January 1993), best known as André the Giant, was a French professional wrestler and actor. His best remembered acting role was that of Fezzik, the giant in the film The Princess Bride. His size was a result of acromegaly, and led to him being called "The Eighth Wonder of the World".
In the World Wrestling Federation (now known as WWE), Roussimoff was a one-time WWF Champion and a one-time WWF World Tag Team Champion. In 1993, he was the first inductee into the WWF Hall of Fame.
André Roussimoff was born in Grenoble, France to parents of Bulgarian and Polish ancestry. As a child, he very early displayed symptoms of his gigantism, reaching a height of 6'3" (190.5 cm) and weight of 240 pounds (110 kg) by age 12. Unable to fit on the school bus, he was driven to school by playwright Samuel Beckett, a friend of his father. Roussimoff was a good student, but he dropped out after the 8th grade since he did not think having a high school education was necessary for a farm laborer. He then worked on a farm, completed an apprenticeship in woodworking, and next worked in a factory that manufactured engines for hay balers. None of these brought him any satisfaction.
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Antonio Inoki
Antonio Inoki (アントニオ猪木?) (born Kanji Inoki (猪木寛至, Inoki Kanji?) 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. He fashioned his name after the wrestler Antonino Rocca as an homage to him.
Inoki was born in an affluent family in Yokohama in 1943. He was the sixth son and the second youngest of the seven boys and four girls. His father, Sajiro Inoki, a businessman and politician, died when Kanji was five years old. Inoki entered the Higashidai Grade School. Inoki was taught karate by an older brother while in 6th grade. By the time he was in 7th grade at Terao Junior High School, he was 180 centimeters tall and joined the basketball team. He later quit and joined a track and field club as a shot putter. He eventually won the championship at the Yokohama Junior High School track and field competition.
wn.com/Antonio_Inoki -
Ariane Andrew
Ariane Nicole Andrew (born November 3, 1987) is an American professional wrestler and manager currently working for WWE performing on their Raw brand, under the ring name Cameron and competes in their developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), under the ring name Cameron Lynn. In 2011, she was a contestant on Tough Enough.
Andrew graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in business marketing and a Bachelor of Science in psychology from California State University. She moved to North Hollywood, California, where she worked as a behavior therapist for autistic children.
In March 2011, Andrew was announced as one of the fourteen contestants for the revival of WWE Tough Enough as Ariane was the 1st contestant to be eliminated from the show because of her lack of passion for the wrestling industry.
Immediately after being eliminated on the revival season of Tough Enough, Andrew confirmed on her official Twitter account that WWE had signed her to a developmental contract as she would then make her debut in July 7, 2011 as a ring announcer at a FCW House Show. It was not until July 9 that she made her in-ring debut, under the new ring name Cameron Lynn, in a divas battle royal, which consisted of Audrey Marie, Caylee Turner, Kaitlyn, Maxine, Raquel Diaz, Sonia and Aksana, in which she was eliminated first.
wn.com/Ariane_Andrew -
Beth Phoenix
Elizabeth Kocianski Carolan (born November 24, 1980) is a Polish-American professional wrestler, better known by her ring name Beth Phoenix. She is signed to WWE, where she performs on the Raw brand and is a former WWE Divas Champion.
Carolan had a successful amateur wrestling career in high school, before being trained by the All Knighters. After her debut in May 2001, she wrestled for numerous independent promotions, and was the inaugural GLORY Champion. She also appeared at the inaugural Shimmer shows. In 2004, she began working for Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), and signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in October 2005. She first debuted on WWE's Raw brand in May 2006, but suffered a legitimate broken jaw the following month. As a result, she had numerous surgeries and returned to OVW for further training. While there, she twice won the OVW Women's Championship, although her second reign is not officially recognized.
She returned to the Raw brand in July 2008, and was heavily pushed, dominating the other WWE Divas and gaining the nickname, "The Glamazon". She won her first WWE Women's Championship at the No Mercy pay-per-view in October, and held it for six months. She then developed an on-screen relationship with Santino Marella, dubbed "Glamarella", and won the Women's Championship for a second time in August 2008, although she lost it in January 2009. In January 2010, at the Royal Rumble she became the second woman in history to enter the Royal Rumble match, and went on to win the Women's Championship for the third time in April, holding it for a month. In October 2011, Phoenix won the WWE Divas Championship for the first time.
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Big John Studd
John William Minton (February 19, 1948 – March 20, 1995) was an American professional wrestler and actor who was born and raised in Butler, Pennsylvania, better known by his ring name, Big John Studd.
Big John Studd stood 6'6" and weighed around 295 - 300 pounds. He was trained by wrestling legend Killer Kowalski. Together, Studd and Kowalski won the WWF Tag Team Championship in 1976 as the Masked Executioners.
After leaving the WWF, Studd became known as Chuck O'Connor, Captain USA, and The Masked Superstar II at certain points in the Mid-Atlantic territory. In 1978, Studd teamed with Ken Patera to win the Mid-Atlantic Tag Team titles. Studd was actually in the WWWF before his stint as Executioner #2 in 1976. He was then known as Chuck O'Connor and he feuded with El Olympico.
Studd also made occasional trips to Canada to wrestle in Emile Duprée's Atlantic Grand Prix Wrestling.
On May 25, 1980, Masked Superstar II was unmasked after a match with Blackjack Mulligan in Toronto. After this, Studd was brought into Florida by J.J. Dillon and feuded with Dusty Rhodes, Barry Windham (the son of Blackjack Mulligan), and Sweet Brown Sugar.
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Big Show
{{Infobox professional wrestler | name = Captain Insano | names = Captain Insano
The Giant
Paul Wight | image = Big-Show-T4.jpg | caption = | height = 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) | weight = 441 lb (200 kg) | birth_date = (1972-02-08) February 8, 1972 (age 40) | birth_place = Aiken, South Carolina | resides = Tampa, Florida | trainer = Larry Sharpe
Jim Duggan
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Wight made his first appearance at Slamboree in 1995 as an unknown giant at three foot seven man during the main event of Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage versus Ric Flair and Vader. Wight debuted in WCW at The Great American Bash on June 18, 1995 as a plant during the match between Arn Anderson and The Renegade, who was accompanied by manager Jimmy Hart. Nearly a month later at a Main Event show, prior to Bash at the Beach, Wight interfered in an interview between Hulk Hogan and "Mean" Gene Okerlund. Wight introduced himself as The Giant, and claimed in the storyline to be the son of André the Giant and blaming Hulk Hogan for the death of his "father". The Giant joined the Dungeon of Doom, who were at war with Hogan and his allies, and immediately began a heated feud with Hogan. At Fall Brawl, after his team won a WarGames match, Hogan earned five minutes fighting the leader of the Dungeon of Doom, "The Taskmaster" Kevin Sullivan, in the cage alone – at this point, Giant attacked Hogan, saving Sullivan.
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Big Van Vader
Leon Allen White (born May 14, 1955) better known by his ring names Big Van Vader or Vader, is an American semi-retired professional wrestler. White is perhaps best known for his time with New Japan Pro Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling, World Wrestling Federation and All Japan Pro Wrestling in the 1990s. A super-heavyweight wrestler capable of significant aerial maneuvers as well as power moves, he was both a face and a heel in several professional wrestling promotions. During his career, he became an eight time world champion (three times in World Championship Wrestling, three times in New Japan Pro Wrestling and two times in All Japan Pro Wrestling).
While working out at a gym, White was spotted by a man who remembered him from his college football days who suggested he look into professional wrestling. Trained by Brad Rheingans, White got his first national exposure in the American Wrestling Association. He went by the moniker "Baby Bull", which was later changed to "Bull Power". White honed his skills during this time, and his ring work improved significantly, so much so that he was given a match with Stan Hansen for the AWA World Heavyweight Championship.
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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 his lengthy undefeated streak in singles competition) The official count is listed as 173-0, although some have disputed the legitimacy of that total.
Goldberg is recognized by WWE as a two-time world champion: a one-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion and one-time World Heavyweight Champion, with both reigns represented by the Big Gold Belt. He was the first of four men to hold a version of the Big Gold Belt in both WCW and WWE, later followed by Chris Benoit, Booker T and Big Show. He is also recognized by WWE as a two-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion and one-time WCW World Tag Team Champion (with Bret Hart).
Before he was a professional wrestler, Goldberg was a football player. After retiring from wrestling, he began working as a commentator for the mixed martial arts promotion EliteXC until its closure. He is currently hosting the television show Garage Mahal on the DIY Network.
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Bob Backlund
Robert Lee "Bob" Backlund (born August 14, 1949) is an American professional wrestler with an in-ring career that spanned over 30 years. Over that time, he was a two-time WWWF/WWF Champion. Backlund holds the records for the second longest reign as WWE Champion in history, behind Bruno Sammartino.
Backlund was also an accomplished amateur wrestler wrestling for the North Dakota State University Bison in the late 1960s to early 1970s. Backlund continues to work in the pro wrestling business in various capacities. In 2000, Backlund unsuccessfully ran for a Connecticut seat in Congress on a Republican ticket.
In 1969 during his freshman year, Backlund was an All American in both football and wrestling (191 lbs finishing 3rd) while at Waldorf Junior College in Forest City, IA. During his sophomore campaign, Backlund focused on wrestling and once again earned All American Honors (190 lbs and National Runner Up). Backlund was an amateur wrestler at North Dakota State University, winning the Division II NCAA Championship at 190 pounds in 1971. In 1972 Backlund moved up to the Heavyweight class and finished 5th at the NCAA DII Nationals. Graduate of Princeton, MN High School where he was a state finalist in wrestling. He graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in physical education.
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Bob Holly
Robert "Bob" Howard (born January 29, 1963) better known by his ring name Bob "Hardcore" Holly, is an American professional wrestler. He is best known for his 15-year stint with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
After debuting in 1990, Holly worked for Smoky Mountain Wrestling and other independent promotions, before joining WWE full-time in 1994. Initially portraying the character of a NASCAR driver, Thurman "Sparky" Plugg, his name was soon changed to Bob "Spark Plug" Holly, before forming a team with "Bodacious Bart", known as The New Midnight Express in 1998. After becoming known simply as "Hardcore Holly" in 1999, he was joined by on-screen cousins, Crash and Molly. In 2002, he suffered a broken neck, which sidelined him for over a year. Upon his return, he engaged in minor feuds with wrestlers such as Mr. Kennedy and Rob Van Dam, before forming a tag team with Cody Rhodes in 2007. Holly was released from WWE in 2009.
During his career, Holly has held the WWF/E Hardcore Championship seven times, the WWF/E Tag Team Championship three times (with 1-2-3 Kid, Crash Holly and Cody Rhodes), and the NWA World Tag Team Championship once with Bart Gunn.
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Bob Sapp
Robert Malcolm "Bob" Sapp (Japanese: [Bobbu Sappu]; born September 22, 1974) is an American kickboxer, mixed martial artist, professional wrestler, actor, comedian and former professional American football player. Sapp currently has a combined fight record of 22–28–1, mostly fighting in Japan. He is well known in Japan, where he has appeared in countless commercials, television programs, and various other media, and has released a music CD, It's Sapp Time. He also appeared in an episode of the HBO program Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. He is currently working sporadically for various MMA promotions in the U.S., Japan, and Europe. In MMA, Sapp holds a win over Kiyoshi Tamura and in K-1, he holds wins over K-1 legend Ernesto Hoost (2x) and Cyril Abidi.
Bob Sapp began his athletic career in high school playing football at Mitchell High School in Colorado Springs, CO. He received a football scholarship to the University of Washington, where he won the Morris Award. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears 69th overall in the 1997 NFL Draft. Sapp's career took a hit after he was suspended by the NFL for alleged steroid abuse. Sapp signed with the Minnesota Vikings after being released by the Bears. He spent two seasons with the Vikings and only played in one game.
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Brad Maddox
Brent Wellington is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE and works in Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), WWE's developmental territory, as Brad Maddox. Alongside Briley Pierce he held the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship once. He is a former OVW Heavyweight Champion and OVW Television Champion
He dubuted on April 2, 2008 on the OVW tapings teaming up with Galvin Garrison against Dewey and Adam Revolver, which they lost, he used the name Brent Wellington. He won his first match at October 1, 2008 in an 8-Man Tag Team match, alongside Galvin Garrison and Moose, they called themselves Theta Lambda Psi. On December 24, 2008 Wellington had a title match for the OVW Heavyweight Championship against Aaron "The Idol" Stevens, which he lost.
After he was defeated he renamed himself to "Brent Beef Wellington" and changed his attitude, he had his first match under his new name at "OVW" Tapings January 14, 2009 winning with his Theta Lambda Psi team against Ted McNalerand Adam revolver which they won. The Theta Lambda Psi Tag team was split in April 2009 where Wellington first won a match against Moose then lost one where he was hit with a paddle. On July 26, 2009 he competed for the OVW Television Championship against Jamin Olivencia, he won the match to win his first Championship. His reign lasted 45 days when he was defeated by his former Theta Lambda Psi mate Moose at the "OVW" Tapings on September 9, 2009. On 27 February 2010 Wellington won the vacant OVW Heavyweight Championship by winning a Battle Royal. His reign lasted 90 days when he lost the title on 29 May 2010 to Mike Mondo.
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Bret Hart
Bret Hart (born July 2, 1957) is a Canadian American writer, actor and retired professional wrestler currently signed with WWE under a Legends contract. Like others in the Hart wrestling family, Hart has an amateur wrestling background, including wrestling at Ernest Manning High School and Mount Royal College. Along with his famed "Hit Man" nickname, Hart was known by the monikers "The Excellence of Execution", "The Best There Is, The Best There Was, and The Best There Ever Will Be" and "The Pink and Black Attack"—the latter being in reference to his ring attire, as well as his signature mirrored sunglasses, which he routinely gave away to a young audience member before matches.
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Brian Kendrick
Brian David Kendrick (born May 29, 1979) is an American professional wrestler known for his work in World Wrestling Entertainment, where he wrestled under his name, as Spanky, and finally as "The" Brian Kendrick. He has also worked for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling under his real name.
Kendrick has wrestled for numerous promotions in his career. While situated in these promotions, he has won various championships, both in tag team and singles competition. He was the last ever MCW Southern Light Heavyweight Champion, a title he held three times, and also won the MCW Southern Tag Team Championship with American Dragon. In addition, Kendrick was the first NWA International Junior Heavyweight Champion.
During his time in WWE, Kendrick and his tag team partner Paul London became the longest reigning WWE Tag Team Champions since the title's inception. Together they also held the World Tag Team Championship for a brief period.
Kendrick was born in Fairfax, Virginia, and is the son of Barbara Kendrick and the oldest of three children—a brother named Neal and a sister named Shannon. He later moved to Olympia, Washington where he attended North Thurston High School in Lacey, Washington. During his senior year, he worked as a dishwasher in a pizza parlor while saving money to attend wrestling school.
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Britani Knight
Saraya-Jade Bevis is an English professional wrestler better known by her ring name Britani Knight. She is signed to WWE, working in its developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) under the ring name Paige.
Bevis is part of a professional wrestling family. Both her father and mother, known as Ricky Knight and Sweet Saraya respectively, are professional wrestlers, as is her older brother Zak.
Bevis was trained at the WAW Academy by her family and Jason Cross, and has also trained with Johnny Saint, Danny Boy Collins, Steve Grey, and Brian Maxine. She made her debut in 2005, and has wrestled throughout the United Kingdom and Europe.
Bevis, using the ring name Britani Knight, made her debut for the European all-female promotion on 8 May 2010, along with her mother Saraya Knight. She did not start well for the promotion; although she appeared in the main event at the first taping, she lost to Greek wrestler Blue Nikita. She also lost to Jetta in what was purportedly her opponent's last tour of wrestling. On 16 October 2010 she had her first win against Shanna. On 8 April 2011 she participated in a two-night tournament to crown the first ever Pro-Wrestling: EVE Champion. In the first night, she won a Last Chance Battle Royal, then defeated Jenny Sjödin in the quarter final match. The next day, she defeated Jetta in the semi-final match, and later in the finals defeated Nikki Storm to win the Pro Wrestling EVE Championship. On 4 June 2011 at the XWA War On The Shore 7 show, she lost the Pro Wrestling EVE Championship to Sjödin.
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Brock Lesnar
Brock Edward Lesnar (/ˈlɛznər/; born July 12, 1977) is an American professional wrestler, actor, former mixed martial artist and amateur wrestler, signed with WWE and appearing on its Raw brand. 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. 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.
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. After leaving WWE, Lesnar pursued a career in the NFL. He played during the preseason for the Minnesota Vikings, but ended up being a late cut. 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. 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.
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Brodie Lee
Jon Huber (born 1979) is an American professional wrestler, better known by the ring name Brodie Lee. He is currently signed to WWE, working in its developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) under the ring name Luke Harper. He is best known for his work on the North American independent circuit, working for promotions such as Alpha-1 Wrestling, Chikara, Combat Zone Wrestling, Dragon Gate USA, Jersey All Pro Wrestling and Ring of Honor.
After being trained by Kirby Marcos and Rik Matrix in Rochester, New York, and Tony Mamaluke in Schenectady, New York, Huber made his professional wrestling debut for NWA Upstate on October 7, 2003, adopting the ring name Brodie Lee, which he got from the movie Mallrats by combining the names of actor Jason Lee and his character Brodie Bruce. Huber names Rick Rude, Jake Roberts and Big Show as his influences. He would go on to win multiple championships with NWA Upstate, including the Heavyweight Championship on two separate occasions and the No Limits Television Championship, which he would go on to unify with the Kayfabe Dojo Championship.
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Brodus Clay
George Murdoch (born February 21, 1980) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, Brodus Clay. He is signed to WWE and its Raw brand. He was the runner-up on the fourth season of NXT.
Prior to becoming a professional wrestler, Murdoch worked as a bodyguard for Snoop Dogg.
After signing a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Murdoch was assigned to Deep South Wrestling (DSW), a WWE developmental territory. He debuted in September 2006, and began using the ring name G-Rilla along with adopting the gimmick of a gangsta thug. In his first match for the promotion, he defeated Big Bully Douglas in a dark match on September 7. The following month, he became the enforcer for Urban Assault, a tag team composed of Eric Pérez and Sonny Siaki. On December 14, Urban Assault was joined by Afa Jr., and the following week, Perez, Siaki, and Afa Jr. attacked Murdoch, throwing him out of the group. The same month, Murdoch wrestled in two dark matches against Scotty 2 Hotty at SmackDown! house shows while using his real name, winning the first but losing the second. In early January 2007, G-Rilla feuded with Urban Assault, attacking the members during matches. He then formed a tag team with the Freakin' Deacon, with the pair defeating Urban Assault in their first match together. They went on to defeat teams including Frankie Coverdale and Bob Hoskins, the Samoan Fight Club of Siaki and Afa Jr., Shawn Osborne and Jon Bolen, and Robert Anthony and Johnny Curtis. In March, they faced and defeated the DSW Tag Team Champions, Team Elite (Mike Knox and Derrick Neikirk) in two successive non-title matches.
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Bruno Sammartino
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.
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. During this time, Sammartino's mother, Emilia, would sneak into their German-occupied town for food and supplies. 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.
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Byron Saxton
Bryan Jesus Kelly (born August 20, 1981) is an American professional wrestler, manager, color commentator and former journalist. He is currently signed to WWE, working in their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) under the ring name Byron Saxton. He was a competitor in the fourth season of NXT, and was competing in the show's fifth season, NXT Redemption. until his elimination on May 31, 2011.
Kelly was raised in Burke, Virginia and Orlando, Florida. He studied at the University of Florida, where he worked as a producer and a reporter for WRUF-AM, WUFT-FM and WUFT-TV. He graduated in 2003. Kelly worked for WJXT Channel 4 News in Jacksonville, Florida as an associate producer and was then promoted to work on camera as a traffic reporter.
He signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment and was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). Kelly, at first using his real name, made his FCW debut on October 13, 2007, losing to Hade Vansen. His next appearance was just over a week later on October 23, when he lost to "The Carnival Freak" Sinn Bowdee. Kelly competed sporadically in FCW over the next few months, winning a six-man tag team match against Vansen, Sheamus O'Shaunessy and Bowdee with Rycklon Stephens and Chet Douglas as his partners, but losing a singles match to Afa Jr. a few weeks later. He finished off 2007 with a win against Tommy Taylor on December 18.
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Cain Velasquez
Cain Velasquez Ramirez (born July 28, 1982) is a Mexican American mixed martial artist fighting in the Ultimate Fighting Championship where he is a former UFC Heavyweight Champion. He is a two-time All-American collegiate wrestler from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, and a Junior College National Champ at Iowa Central Community College. He is a two-time 5A state champion in Arizona, compiling a record of 110–10 for Kofa High School in Yuma, Arizona. Cain Velasquez is ranked #2 in the heavyweight division.
Velasquez, a Mexican American, was born on July 28, 1982 in Salinas, California to Efrain and Isabel Velasquez. Velasquez's father, Efrain, came from Mexico to the United States illegally. Efrain met his wife Isabel, married her, and gained US citizenship. Velasquez has two siblings, Efrain, Jr., and Adela. He was raised in Yuma, Arizona. He graduated from Kofa High School, where he compiled a record of 110–10 in four years of wrestling, including winning the 5A Arizona Wrestling Championship twice. Velasquez also played football for three years. As a senior, he served as Captain of both his wrestling and football teams.
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Carlos Cabrera
Carlos Rodrigo Cabrera (born October 18, 1959) is a former newsman and currently employed with WWE, where he is one half of the company's Spanish announce team in which he is the play-by-play announcer. His longtime broadcast partner was the former Ecuadorian professional wrestler Hugo Savinovich, who was the color commentator on the announce team until October 2011. Currently, his partner is Marcelo Rodríguez.
Cabrera was born in Bogota, Colombia. During his career as a newsman and radio personality, Cabrera has obtained many coveted awards, including the ACE Awards both in Radio and TV categories. Cabrera has one of the most recognizable voices in both Spanish radio and TV in the United States and is constantly used as a voiceover announcer for many important corporations and brand names that wish to advertise their products nationally.
Cabrera has worked for WWE since 1993 and, alongside Hugo Savinovich and presently Marcelo Rodríguez, has been the Spanish announcer on Spanish language versions of Raw, SmackDown, Superstars, NXT, and pay-per-view (PPV) events. Their audio can be accessed in the United States via the SAP feature on most TV sets. Cabrera and Savinovich have a show on WWE.com called WWE En Español (WWE in Spanish), a thirty-minute program that serves as a recap of RAW, SmackDown, NXT, and pay-per-view events. The duo taped their one-hundredth episode in April 2006. Rodríguez was a frequent substitute host of the program until October 2011, when he became permanent co-host following the departure of Savinovich from the company. For a brief period, Cabrera and Savinovich starred in a Spanglish mini-show called 28 Segundos.
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Charlie Haas
Charles Doyle "Charlie" Haas II (born March 27, 1972) is an American professional wrestler and former collegiate amateur wrestler. He competes on the independent circuit, and is signed to Ring of Honor (ROH). He is best known for his time in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
Haas was an amateur wrestler in high school, and attended Seton Hall University on a wrestling scholarship, before becoming a stockbroker. He became a professional wrestler in 1996, and teamed regularly with his brother, Russ, with the two winning numerous championships on the independent circuit, including the CZW World Tag Team Championship and the JAPW Tag Team Championship. After signing contracts with WWE, The Haas Brothers were assigned to WWE's developmental territories, where they won the MCW Southern Tag Team Championship on three occasions. After Russ' death in 2001 due to a heart attack, Haas began wrestling in singles competition, winning the HWA Heavyweight Championship once.
Haas formed a team with Shelton Benjamin and the two debuted on SmackDown in December 2002. They won the WWE Tag Team Championship twice, and dubbed themselves The World's Greatest Tag Team before they split in 2004. Haas won the WWE Tag Team Championship once more with Rico, and gained Miss Jackie as a valet. Haas then transferred into singles competition before being released from WWE in 2005. After a short stint in Jersey All Pro Wrestling (JAPW) and other independent promotions, Haas was re-signed to WWE in April 2006. He formed a short-lived team with Viscera, before reforming the World's Greatest Tag Team with Benjamin. After Benjamin transferred to the ECW brand, Haas began wrestling with a comical luchador persona, before developing a character where he imitated other wrestlers and WWE Hall of Famers.
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Chris Benoit
Christopher Michael "Chris" Benoit (French pronunciation: [bəˈnwɑ]) (May 21, 1967 – June 24, 2007) was a Canadian professional wrestler whose career and life ended in a murder–suicide. During his professional wrestling career, Benoit worked for such major promotions as Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and the World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment (WWF/WWE).
Among other accolades, Benoit is a two-time world champion: a one-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, one-time World Heavyweight Champion (tied for third longest reign in history). Both of his world title reigns were represented by the Big Gold Belt: Benoit is one of four men to have held the Big Gold Belt in both WCW and WWE, alongside Bill Goldberg, Booker T and Big Show. He is also a record-tying five-time WCW/WWE United States Champion, having held the championship twice in WCW, and three times in WWE. The twelfth WWE Triple Crown Champion and seventh WCW Triple Crown Champion, he is the second of four men in history to achieve both the WWF and WCW Triple Crown Championships.
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Chris Hero
Chris Spradlin (born December 24, 1979) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Chris Hero. He is signed to WWE, working in its developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) under the ring name Kassius Ohno. Hero was previously a mainstay of many independent wrestling promotions, including Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and Ring of Honor as well as Pro Wrestling Noah in Japan. He is also known from his time in Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South, Combat Zone Wrestling and Chikara, where he was the co-head trainer of the Chikara Wrestle Factory. Hero is also a former three-time world champion having held the CZW World Heavyweight Championship, the PWG World Championship and the wXw World Heavyweight Championship.
After graduating from Northmont High School in Clayton, Ohio, Spradlin decided to train as a professional wrestler in the summer of 1998. After undergoing some initial training in Middletown, Ohio, Spradlin debuted on September 12, 1998 in Xenia, Ohio wrestling Shawn "HeartThrob" Halsey in the Unified Championship Wrestling promotion. Spradlin's initial training in Middletown was under the supervision of a small time promoter named Gary Goffinet. Spradlin trained for a little while alongside his friend, Adam Ghazee, under a wrestler by the name of Bo Dacious. Bo had trained previously under Charlie Fulton at the Monster Factory. At the suggestion of Matt Stryker, Spradlin underwent further training at Les Thatcher's Cincinnati-based HWA Main Event Wrestling Camp between May 1999 and November 1999. In December 1999, he traveled to Ocala, Florida to train under Dory Funk, Jr. at the Funkin' Conservatory professional wrestling school.
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Chris Jericho
Christopher Keith Irvine (born November 9, 1970), known professionally as Chris Jericho, is an American-born Canadian professional wrestler, musician, media personality, actor, author and businessman. He is signed to WWE, appearing on its Raw brand in addition to being the lead singer of heavy metal band Fozzy. He is also well known for his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), and internationally in Canadian, Mexican and Japanese promotions.
Jericho has won 30 championships between WWF/E, WCW, and ECW - the three most prominent American promotions in the 1990s and early 2000s. He is credited as being the first Undisputed WWF Champion, having unified the WWE Championship and World Championship (formerly the WCW Championship) in 2001.
In WWE Jericho is a six-time world champion, having won the Undisputed WWF Championship once, the WCW/World Championship twice and the World Heavyweight Championship thrice. He is also a record nine-time Intercontinental Champion, and the fourth WWE Grand Slam Champion.
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Claudio Castagnoli
Claudio Castagnoli (born December 27, 1980) is a Swiss professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE, working in its SmackDown brand under the ring name Antonio Cesaro. He is best known for his work, under his real name, on the American independent circuit in promotions such as Chikara, Ring of Honor, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and in Japan for Pro Wrestling Noah.
Castagnoli is an accomplished tag team wrestler, having won many championships with his partner Chris Hero as the Kings of Wrestling, as well as with his compatriot Ares as Swiss Money Holding. He has held Chikara's Campeonatos de Parejas with each partner once. With Ares, he is an eight-time Tag Team Champion having held the titles of Chikara, German Stampede Wrestling, International Pro Wrestling: UK, the Swiss Wrestling Federation and Westside Xtreme Wrestling. With Hero he is a six-time Tag Team Champion, having held the titles of Chikara, Combat Zone Wrestling, Juggalo Championship Wrestling and Ring of Honor, where their 364-day reign is the longest. They were also voted as the 2010 Tag Team of the Year by Wrestling Observer Newsletter readers.
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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 signed to WWE and appearing on its Raw brand as the reigning WWE Champion.
In professional wrestling, Brooks is a seven time World Champion, having held the ROH World Championship and ECW Championship once, the World Heavyweight Championship three times and the WWE Championship twice.
In addition to these championships Punk has also won the World Tag Team Championship (with Kofi Kingston), and the WWE Intercontinental Championship making him the nineteenth WWE Triple Crown Champion and the man to achieve this honor fastest at 203 days. Between WWE and Ring of Honor (where he is also a two-time World Tag Team Champion), Punk has won a total of eleven championships. He was also the winner of the 2008 and 2009 Money in the Bank ladder matches (the only wrestler to win the match twice in a row), and was the 2011 Superstar of the Year Slammy Award winner.
Punk initially came to prominence through his career on the professional wrestling independent circuit, primarily as a member of the ROH roster, where he was the first head trainer of the ROH wrestling school as well as winning both of their championships. In 2005, Punk signed a contract with WWE and was sent to its developmental promotion, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), where he won every championship available in the promotion. Throughout his career, Punk has consistently used the gimmick of being straight edge, a lifestyle he follows in his actual day-to-day life. Depending on Punk's alignment as a crowd favorite or villain, he emphasizes different aspects of the culture to encourage the desired audience reaction.
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Cody Rhodes
Cody Runnels (born June 30, 1985) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Cody Rhodes. Runnels is signed to WWE where he wrestles on its SmackDown brand.
Runnels is the half-brother of Goldust as well as the son of Dusty Rhodes, and worked as a referee in his father's promotion during high school. Runnels started wrestling professionally in 2006, using his real name, wrestling for Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). While situated at OVW, he won various championships, both in tag team and singles competition, including the OVW Heavyweight Championship. He made his WWE television debut on July 16, 2007, under the ring name Cody Rhodes. In December 2007, Rhodes captured his first title with the company, the World Tag Team Championship with Hardcore Holly, and the two held it for six months.
Rhodes formed a secret alliance with Ted DiBiase during 2008. In the course of a match held on June 29 he turned on Holly by switching sides to join DiBiase, with whom he became World Tag Team champion. The new champions dropped their titles in August, only to win them back a week later. Rhodes and DiBiase were joined by Manu shortly afterwards, forming a faction of multi-generation wrestlers, although this alliance was to be short-lived. In January 2009, Rhodes and DiBiase formed a new alliance, The Legacy, with Randy Orton. Rhodes was moved to the SmackDown brand in April 2010, as part of the Supplemental Draft, and won the WWE Tag Team Championship with Drew McIntyre in September of the same year. In August 2011, Rhodes won the WWE Intercontinental Championship, his first singles championship in WWE, holding it for over seven months until he lost it at WrestleMania 28. He won the title back one month later at Extreme Rules (2012).
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Consequences Creed
Austin Watson (born September 4, 1986) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Consequences Creed. He is signed to WWE, and works in its developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling as Xavier Woods. He was formerly one-half of the FCW Florida Tag Team Champions with Wes Brisco.
He previously worked for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, where he was a two-time World Tag Team Champion--once with Adam "Pacman" Jones and Ron "The Truth" Killings as Team Pacman, and once with Jay Lethal as Lethal Consequences. He has also worked for NWA Anarchy and other independent promotions under the ring name Austin Creed. His wrestling persona is based on Apollo Creed from the Rocky movie series.
Watson was born in Columbus, Georgia in 1986 and graduated from Sprayberry High School in Marietta, Georgia in 2004. That same year he began studying psychology and philosophy at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. Watson graduated from Furman University with two degrees a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and philosophy on May 29, 2008. At his time at Furman University, Watson had a brief stint as an accomplished cheerleader.
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Curt Hawkins
Brandon Dennis Myers (born April 20, 1985) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Curt Hawkins. He is currently signed to WWE working on its Raw brand and on NXT as the tag team partner of Tyler Reks. For the majority of his career, Hawkins teamed with Zack Ryder, and they won several tag team championships together, including the WWE Tag Team Championship.
After being trained by Mikey Whipwreck, Myers made his debut in 2004, using his real name. He wrestled for the New York Wrestling Connection (NYWC) promotion. By 2005 he began regularly teaming with Brett Matthews and the duo of Myers and Matthews went on to defeat the NYWC Tag Team Champions Dickie Rodz and Mason Raige by disqualification, for which titles do not change hands. At the next event on June 4 they won a rematch decisively to become Tag Team Champions. Later that month they were attacked by The Dead Presidents (Lo Lincoln and Boog Washington) to set up a feud where they eventually lost their titles against them in July. on August 27. On September 23 they were entered into a three way match with the champions but Team Tremendous (Dan Barry and Ken Scampi) ended up with the belts. After continuing to win matches they re-earned a match against Team Tremendous and won the titles for the second time on January 25, 2006. They held the titles until they faced the B.S. Xpress (Tony Burma & Mike Spinelli), who defeated them for the gold on March 26.
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Damon Huard
Damon Paul Huard (born July 9, 1973 in Yakima, Washington) is a former American football quarterback. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 1996. Huard also played for the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs. Huard played college football at Washington. Huard won two Super Bowl rings with the Patriots.
Huard attended Puyallup High School in Puyallup, Washington, and was a letterman in football and basketball. In football, as a senior, he was named the Powerade State Player of the Year and won All-America honors.
After graduating from high school, Huard attended the University of Washington, where he redshirted as a freshman in 1991. He started for the first time in 1993, and continued as a starter through his senior season in 1995. That season, he passed for 2,415 yards and 11 touchdowns. He finished his career as the Huskies' all-time passing leader with 5,692 yards. During his 1994 season he threw an interception against the University of Oregon that led to a touchdown costing them the game. This sent Oregon to the Rose Bowl and is the most famous play in Oregon football history. It is referred to as "the pick."
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Dana White
Dana White (born July 28, 1969) is the current President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a mixed martial arts organization based in the United States.
Born in Manchester, Connecticut on July 28, 1969, White grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ware, Massachusetts and Levant, Maine. White is a passionate Boston Red Sox fan. During his youth, he bounced back and forth between Boston and Maine. He attended the University of Massachusetts Boston but did not finish; however, while there he did launch a boxing program for inner-city youth.
White has a background as an aerobics instructor. In 1992, White established Dana White Enterprises in Las Vegas. He conducted aerobics classes at three gyms in the Las Vegas area and began managing MMA fighters Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell.
While working as a manager, White learned that Semaphore Entertainment Group, the parent company of the UFC, was looking for a buyer for the UFC. White contacted childhood friend Lorenzo Fertitta, an executive at Station Casinos, and a former commissioner of the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Within a month, Lorenzo and his older brother Frank bought the UFC, with White installed as its president. White currently owns about 9% of Zuffa, LLC, the entity the Fertitta brothers created to own and manage the UFC.
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Daniel Bryan
Bryan Danielson (born May 22, 1981) is an American professional wrestler signed to WWE and appearing on its SmackDown brand. Danielson works with WWE under the name Daniel Bryan. He has also been known by the ring name, and later nickname, the American Dragon.
In professional wrestling, Danielson is former Ring of Honor World champion, a two-time Pro Wrestling Guerrilla World champion, a one-time Westside Xtreme Wrestling Heavyweight champion, a one-time FIP Heavyweight Champion and a one-time World Heavyweight Champion in WWE.
As well as these World Championships, Danielson also won the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship once in Pro Wrestling Noah and is officially recognized as the final ROH Pure Champion, as he unified the Pure Title with the ROH World title in 2006. He also won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship in New Japan Pro Wrestling with Curry Man.
Until 2009, Danielson primarily competed on the independent circuit. ROH was generally regarded as his home promotion[citation needed], but he also worked in FIP, PWG, and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). He has also worked internationally, most notably in Pro Wrestling Noah through ROH's involvement in the Global Professional Wrestling Alliance, a global organization of cooperative promotions that allow their competitors to travel abroad to other companies. He also competed in a handful of matches in WWE before signing an actual contract with the company in 2009.
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Danielle Moinet
Danielle Moinet (born November 28, 1983) is a model and former American football player who played with the Chicago Bliss of the Lingerie Football League. She also is a professional wrestler, currently working for WWE in their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) performing under the ring name Summer Rae.
Moinet played with the Chicago Bliss of the Lingerie Football League from 2008 to 2011. She played as a cornerback and was the team's captain. She was also one of the faces of the company in America and "the" face internationally. On June 30, 2011, Moinet played in the LFL All-Star Game at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario. It was her final game in the LFL. She was one of two players in the game from the Chicago Bliss.
Moinet made her debut on the November 17, 2011 for FCW house show as the valet for Abraham Washington. Moinet would then make her debut in a ringside promo with Washington on the December 18th edition of FCW. On the March 11 episode of FCW, Moinet became the FCW General Manager under the name Summer Rae, replacing the former general manager Maxine.
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Dave Batista
David Michael Bautista, Jr. (born 18 January 1969), is a former American professional wrestler, bodybuilder and actor best known for his time in World Wrestling Entertainment. In WWE, he became a six-time world champion, winning the World Heavyweight Championship four times, and the WWE Championship two times. He is the longest-reigning World Heavyweight Champion in WWE history. In addition to these championships, Batista has won the World Tag Team Championship three times (twice with Ric Flair and once with John Cena) and the WWE Tag Team Championship once (with Rey Mysterio). Batista was also the winner of the 2005 Royal Rumble match.
After trying out at World Championship Wrestling's Power Plant, Batista signed a contract with the WWF in 2000 and was sent to its developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), where he won the OVW Heavyweight Championship.
Batista was born to David Michael Bautista, the son of Filipino immigrants to America and Donna Raye Bautista, who is Greek. His parents separated (and eventually divorced). His paternal grandparents were from the Philippines as his grandfather served in the military, worked as a taxicab driver, barber, and other jobs to feed the family. Batista says he is not ashamed to admit he lived in poverty.
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Dave Meltzer
David Allen Meltzer (born October 24, 1959) is an American journalist covering professional wrestling and mixed martial arts. Since 1983, he has been the publisher/editor of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (WON). Meltzer has also written for the Oakland Tribune, the Los Angeles Times, Yahoo! Sports, and The National. He has extensively covered mixed martial arts since UFC 1 in 1993.
Meltzer was born in New York City, lived in upstate New York until he was ten, before his family settled in San Jose, California. Meltzer earned a journalism degree from San Jose State University and started out as a sports writer for the Turlock Journal. He demonstrated an interest in professional wrestling and a journalistic approach to it early in life. Meltzer wrote several wrestling-related publications that predate WON, dating back to 1971. The most notable of these was the California Wrestling Report, ca. 1973–1974, which reported on the still-extant National Wrestling Alliance territories operating out of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
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David Otunga
David Daniel Otunga, Sr. (born April 7, 1980) is an American lawyer, professional wrestler, and former reality television actor. He is signed to WWE, appearing on the Raw brand under his real name. He's a two-time WWE Tag Team Champion, having one reign each with Michael McGillicutty and John Cena. He was the runner-up on the first season of NXT. Otunga was also the last original member of The Nexus and The New Nexus.
David Otunga is the son of a Kenyan father, Moses, and white American mother, Billie, both of whom were educators. He is the youngest of three children. Otunga graduated from Larkin High School in 1998, with mostly A-grades. Otunga holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Illinois. Following his graduation, he moved to New York City, where he worked at Columbia University as a lab manager in a cognitive neuroscience center. He later attended Harvard Law School, and passed the bar exam in Illinois . Following his graduation, he worked for the Sidley Austin LLP law firm.
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Diamond Dallas Page
Dallas Page (born Page Joseph Falkinburg, Jr.; April 5, 1956), better known by his ring name "Diamond" Dallas Page (DDP), is an American retired professional wrestler, fitness instructor and actor, signed to WWE in a Legends contract[citation needed]. In the course of his wrestling career, which spanned two decades, Page has wrestled for mainstream wrestling promotions World Championship Wrestling (WCW), the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).
Page first broke into the wrestling business in 1988, as a manager in the American Wrestling Association, where he worked for nine months before signing with WCW in 1991. There, he continued as a manager until late 1991, when he became a wrestler. Over a decade in WCW, Page became a three-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, two-time WCW United States Heavyweight Champion, four-time WCW World Tag Team Champion and one-time WCW World Television Champion. He is the fourth WCW Triple Crown Champion.
After WCW was sold in 2001, Page signed with the WWF, where he became a one-time WWF European Champion and one-time WWF World Tag Team Champion. Due to a series of injuries, he allowed his contract with the company to expire in 2002. He worked for TNA from 2004 to 2005. Page is now an actor in small-budget films, as well as a fitness guru and motivational speaker.
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Dolph Ziggler
Nicholas Theodore "Nick" Nemeth (born July 27, 1980) is an American professional wrestler, who is contracted to WWE. He wrestles on the Raw brand under the name Dolph Ziggler. He is also known for his performances with WWE as Spirit Squad member Nicky in 2006.
Nemeth signed a development contract with WWE in 2004, and was sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). He was brought up to the Raw brand in 2005 as Kerwin White's sidekick. He was, however, sent back to OVW shortly afterwards, where he joined the Spirit Squad. They debuted on Raw in January 2006, and won the World Tag Team Championship once before returning to OVW that November.
In September 2007, Nemeth was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), where he formed a tag team with Brad Allen. The pair won the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship once, and Nemeth later won the championship for the second time with Gavin Spears as his partner. He returned to Raw as Ziggler in September 2008, and was drafted to the SmackDown brand in April 2009. At the SmackDown tapings on July 28, Ziggler won the WWE Intercontinental Championship for the first time. He held the championship for five months, until January 2011. He was awarded, and lost, his first World Heavyweight Championship on February 15, 2011. That March he returned to the Raw roster, and won the WWE United States Championship for the first time three months later.
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Don Muraco
Donald Muraco (born September 10, 1949), better known by his ring names "The Magnificent Muraco" and "The Rock" Don Muraco, is a retired American professional wrestler. Wrestling from the 1970s to the 1990s, Muraco is a former two time WWF Intercontinental Champion, a former two time ECW Heavyweight Champion, one Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship, and was the 1985 King of the Ring, the first-ever in WWF/WWE history.
A former state champion in amateur wrestling in Hawaii in 1967, Muraco chose professional wrestling over football and spent the first year of his career learning the ropes in Vancouver, Portland, Florida and Los Angeles before he got his first break, accepting an offer from Verne Gagne to work in the American Wrestling Association (AWA). A fan favorite at this early stage of his career, Muraco formed a tag team with Jimmy Snuka and squared off many times with the likes of Larry Hennig, Ivan Koloff and Dusty Rhodes. In 1973 Muraco left the AWA for the San Francisco territory, having become tired of life in Minneapolis.
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Drew McIntyre
Andrew "Drew" Galloway (born June 6, 1985) is a Scottish professional wrestler signed with WWE, where he wrestles on the SmackDown brand under the ring name Drew McIntyre.
He began training from the age of 15 in England, before moving back to Scotland to begin his career. Before long he became a regular in British Championship Wrestling (BCW) using the gimmick "Thee" Drew Galloway, winning their Heavyweight Championship twice along with the Heavyweight Championship of Insane Championship Wrestling. He also found success abroad in Irish Whip Wrestling, winning their top title. During this time he completed an undergraduate degree in criminology.
After touring the independent circuit around the British Isles, Galloway moved to the United States in 2007 to sign with WWE. Along with a brief stint on the SmackDown brand, he spent time in developmental territories Ohio Valley Wrestling and Florida Championship Wrestling, winning the Heavyweight and Tag Team Championships later, before returning to SmackDown and quickly winning the WWE Intercontinental Championship. In 2010, he held the WWE Tag Team Championship with Cody Rhodes.
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Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Douglas Johnson (born May 2, 1972), also known by his ring name The Rock, is an American actor and professional wrestler who is signed to WWE, appearing on the Raw brand. He is often credited as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
Johnson was a college football player. In 1991, he was part of the University of Miami's national championship team. He later played for the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League, and was cut two months into the 1995 season. This led to his decision to become a professional wrestler like his grandfather, Peter Maivia, and his father, Rocky Johnson. He gained mainstream fame as a wrestler in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) from 1996 to 2004, and was the first third-generation superstar in the company's history. Johnson was quickly given a push as a heroic character in the WWF, originally billed as "Rocky Maivia", and then as "The Rock". He would subsequently turn into a villain as a member of the Nation of Domination in 1997. Two years after he joined the WWF, Johnson won the WWF Championship, and became one of the most popular wrestlers within the company's history for his engaging interviews and promos. Johnson is regarded by many as one of the greatest talkers in professional wrestling history, Rock was voted third by the fans for his microphone ability behind Roddy Piper and Stone Cold Steve Austin who were second and first respectively.
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Eddie Colón
Edwin "Eddie" Carlos Colón (born December 21, 1982) is a Puerto Rican professional wrestler. He is currently signed by WWE wrestling on its Raw brand as Primo. He is the son of Carlos Colón, Sr. and the younger brother of wrestlers Stacy and Carly Colón, better known as Carlito in WWE. He began wrestling in the World Wrestling Council, where he won the WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship five times, as well as numerous secondary and tertiary titles.
In 2007, Colón signed a developmental contract with WWE, being assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling. In this promotion he was teamed with Eric Pérez, forming a tag team known as The Puerto Rican Nightmares. On February 23, 2008, they became the first wrestlers to hold the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship. Upon being promoted to the main brand, he was teamed with his brother. Subsequently, The Colóns became the first team to hold the WWE Tag Team Championship and World Tag Team Championship at the same time, making them the first Unified WWE Tag Team Champions.
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Eddie Guerrero
Eduardo Gory "Eddie" Guerrero Llanes (October 9, 1967 – November 13, 2005) was a Mexican-American professional wrestler born into the Guerrero wrestling family. He wrestled in Mexico and Japan for several major professional wrestling promotions. In the United States, Guerrero wrestled in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Guerrero's gimmick was that of "Latino Heat", a crafty, resourceful wrestler who would do anything to win a match. His catchphrase became "I Lie! I Cheat! I Steal!," which was used in one of his entrance themes. Guerrero partly used this phrase in his autobiography Cheating Death, Stealing Life.
Despite being a villain for most of his career, he got over in and outside the ring being the youngest, yet most popular and successful of the Guerrero brothers. Guerrero was widely regarded as one of the most respected and gifted technical wrestlers in history. Throughout his career, Guerrero encountered various substance abuse problems outside of wrestling, including alcoholism and an addiction to painkillers. His real-life problems were sometimes integrated into his storylines. Notwithstanding these issues, Guerrero won 23 titles during his career, including the WWE Grand Slam Championship.
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Eli Cottonwood
Kipp Christianson (born September 30, 1974) is an American professional wrestler and former basketball player. He is currently signed to WWE, where he works in their developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) and was part of the second season of NXT under his ring name Eli Cottonwood. The Soup awarded him for the "Best Description of a Mustache By Somebody Who Really, Really Wants To Be a WWE Superstar" award in 2011 which he accepted in-person.
Christianson attended River Falls High School and later St. John's University in Minnesota. While attending St. John's, he averaged 20 points and eight rebounds, and in his junior season there, he led the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in field goal percentage. During his basketball career, Christianson played in several countries, including Lithuania and China. He played in the International Basketball Association and Continental Basketball Association, for both Quad City Thunder, Yakama Sun Kings, and Sioux Falls Skyforce. He attended a camp for the Milwaukee Bucks in 1998, and played for the Dallas Mavericks team in the NBA Summer League. On March 16, 2004, he signed a contract with the Charleston Lowgators.
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Eric Bischoff
Eric Aaron Bischoff (born May 27, 1955) is an American entrepreneur, professional wrestling booker and on-screen personality who is currently signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. 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.
With an amateur background in Tae Kwon Do, Bischoff also sporadically performed as an in-ring competitor, and is a former WCW Hardcore Champion. He wrote an autobiography, titled Controversy Creates Cash, that was released in 2006 under WWE Books.
Bischoff started in wrestling working for the American Wrestling Association under owner Verne Gagne and would eventually become an on-air interviewer and host until the AWA folded in 1991. Bischoff at first worked in the sales department on the AWA's syndicated programming, and became an on-air personality virtually by accident and at the last minute. Larry Nelson, whom at the time was employed by the AWA as an announcer, was arrested under suspicion of a DUI. Because of Nelson's sudden unavailability, Verne Gagne and his son, Greg, opted to recruit Bischoff (who initially had no desire to be in front of the camera) to fill-in on the interviews. Bischoff believed that the Gagnes thought that he would be a good replacement due to his immediate availability in the television studio, and the fact that he was already wearing a suit and tie.
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Erik Paulson
Erik Paulson (born 1966) is an American mixed martial artist raised in Minnesota and currently residing in California. He is the first American to win the World Light-Heavy Weight Shooto Title in Japan.
Starting with Judo in 1974, Paulson has trained in many disciplines including Freestyle and Greco-Roman Wrestling, Tae Kwon Do, Boxing, Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Kali/Eskrima, Sambo (martial art), Catch Wrestling, Shoot wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, studying first with Rorion Gracie, Royce Gracie, Rickson Gracie in his garage in 1989. He has studied with 40 different teachers over his 30 years of training including Rick Faye, Greg Nelson, Yorinaga Nakamura, Larry Hartsell, Tim Tackett, Ajarn Chai Sirisute, Nicolas Saignac, Rob Kaman, Rigan Machado, Rico Chipparelli, and the legendary Dan Inosanto, who claims Erik is one of the world's most dynamic grapplers.
He currently runs the CSW Training Center in Fullerton, California where he trains MMA fighters such as Josh Barnett, Ken Shamrock, Renato Sobral, Cub Swanson, Ben Jones, Craig Wilkerson, James Wilks and Ginelle Marquez. He is closely affiliated with Sean Sherk and Brock Lesnar of the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy.
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Ettore Ewen
Ettore Ewen (born March 1, 1986) is an American professional wrestler, currently signed to WWE where he is working in their developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) under the name Big E Langston. He is also an accomplished competitive powerlifter.
Ewen was born in Tampa, Florida to Afro-Caribbean immigrants. He graduated from Wharton High School and attended the University of Iowa, where he played football as a defensive lineman.
In 2009, Ewen signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment and was assigned to its developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) as Big E Langston. On December 17, 2009 he made his FCW debut teaming with Justin Gabriel, Skip Sheffield & Titus O'Neill to defeat Dawson Alexander, Donny Marlow, Jimmy Uso & Lennox McEnroe. On May 12, 2011, Langston and Calvin Raines defeated Richie Steamboat and Seth Rollins to win the Florida Tag Team Championship. On July 21, Langston and Raines lost the Florida Tag Team Title to C.J. Parker and Donny Marlow. He participated in Super Eight Tournament but was knocked out in the first round by Husky Harris. Langston would team up Nick Rogers to beat the debuting Jiro and Sakamoto, this would lead into a shot at the Florida Tag Team Champions Brad Maddox and Briley Pierce which the team lost. In February Langston participated in FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship number one contendership battle royal which was won by Seth Rollins.
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Evan Bourne
Matthew Joseph Korklan (born March 19, 1983) is an American professional wrestler, also known as Matt Sydal and Evan Bourne. He is signed with WWE and wrestles on its Raw brand under the ring name Evan Bourne.
Before signing with WWE, Korklan wrestled on the independent circuit for promotions such as IWA-Mid South, Ring of Honor and the Japanese promotion Dragon Gate under the ring name Matt Sydal. Korklan also had a tenure in the short-lived Wrestling Society X promotion and was featured on Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's early pay-per-view events. Korklan is known for his high flying, lucha libre-inspired style of wrestling.
Korklan was on his high school's wrestling team. While he was a senior in high school, Korklan began training with the St. Louis, Missouri-based Gateway Championship Wrestling (GCW) promotion. After three months of training, Korklan began wrestling for GCW on October 20, 2000, becoming the first person under the age of 18 to receive a wrestler's license in Missouri. Prior to this, Korklan had briefly performed under the ring name Lance Sydal in the Saint Peters Wrestling Organization.
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Eve Torres
Eve Marie Torres (born August 21, 1984) is an American dancer, model, and professional wrestler. She works for WWE on its Raw brand as Eve Torres, or simply Eve.
Torres began her career as a model and dancer. She danced for The Southern California Summer Pro League and went on to become a member of the National Basketball Association's Los Angeles Clippers Spirit Dance Team for the 2006–2007 season. She has also appeared on several television shows, including Show Me the Money, Sunset Tan, and Deal or No Deal.
In 2007, she won the 2007 Diva Search, earning a contract with WWE. She first appeared on WWE programming as a backstage interviewer in 2008, and also appeared in non-wrestling contests such as bikini contests and dance competitions. She later became a full-time wrestler in 2009, and was involved in feuds with Michelle McCool, Layla and Natalya. She also managed the tag team of Cryme Tyme. After being traded to the Raw brand in late 2009, she managed Chris Masters before winning the WWE Divas Championship in April 2010. She held the championship for 69 days, before losing it in June. After acting as the valet for R-Truth in late 2010, she won the Divas Championship for the second time at the 2011 Royal Rumble in January. Her second reign lasted until April 2011. In April 2012, she was appointed as Executive Administrator of Raw and SmackDown by General Manager John Laurinaitis.
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Ezekiel Jackson
Rycklon Stephens (born April 22, 1978) is an American bodybuilder and professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, working on its SmackDown brand under the ring name Ezekiel Jackson. He is a former WWE Intercontinental Champion. He is also a former one-time world champion, having won the ECW Championship in February 2010, and is recognized by WWE as the final ECW Champion.
Stephens signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment in March 2007 and debuted in Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) in late June. In his debut match on June 27, he teamed with Keith Walker to defeat Kofi Kingston and Eric Pérez. He continued to compete in the promotion in both tag team and singles matches. On February 8, 2008 he competed in a match with tag partner Bryan Kelly in a losing effort against Steve Lewington and Heath Miller in a mini-tournament to face WWE Tag Team Champions John Morrison and The Miz. On May 6, 2008, Stephens wrestled his final match in FCW before being called up to WWE's main roster.
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Forrest Griffin
Forrest Griffin (born July 1, 1979) is an American mixed martial artist. Since 2005, he has been signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship where he is a former UFC light heavyweight champion.
Griffin, a former Georgia police officer, first rose to prominence after winning the first season of The Ultimate Fighter. In the tournament finals, he fought and defeated Stephan Bonnar in an exciting brawl that is widely credited as sparking the current success of the UFC. He went on to serve as a coach on the 7th season of the reality series opposite Quinton Jackson, whom he later defeated at UFC 86 to become the Undisputed UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. He and Rashad Evans are the only fighters to go from winning The Ultimate Fighter to winning the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
Griffin graduated from Evans High School in Evans, Georgia, a suburb of Augusta. He then graduated with an A.B. in Political Science from the University of Georgia. While attending school, Griffin served as a law enforcement officer for the Richmond County Sheriff's Office in Augusta, Georgia. He also served as a patrol officer with the University of Georgia Police.
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Frank Mir
Francisco Santos Miranda, III (born May 24, 1979), better known as Frank Mir, is an American mixed martial artist, as well as a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Kenpō Karate.
Mir, one of the most accomplished heavyweights in MMA history, is a two time UFC Heavyweight Champion . He currently holds the record for most victories in the heavyweight division of the UFC with 14 and most wins by submission in UFC Heavyweight division history with 8. He is also the only man in UFC history to win a bout by toe hold. As of January 2012 he is ranked the #4 In the ESPN MMA Power Rankings.He holds the distinction of being the first and only man to both knock out and submit MMA legend Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira. Mir is the only person to submit former UFC Heavyweight Champion and NCAA Division I wrestler Brock Lesnar and highly regarded striker Cheick Kongo. Frank Mir has had more fights in the UFC than anyone else currently competing in the heavyweight division.
His father convinced him to begin wrestling, on the basis that it could help him avoid submissions. Mir then began wrestling at Bonanza High School in Las Vegas, Nevada where during his junior year he lost his first nine matches. During his senior year (1998) he went 44–1 and won the state championship. He was also on the school's football team that reached the Southern Zone semifinals in 1997 and where he played as fullback and defensive end. He also took up track and field in 1998 where his discus throw of 177 feet, 10 inches is still a Sunset Regional record.
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Gene Okerlund
Eugene "Mean Gene" Okerlund (born November 29, 1942) is a semi-retired American professional wrestling interviewer and announcer. He is best known for his work in the World Wrestling Federation and World Championship Wrestling. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006 by Hulk Hogan. He is currently signed to lifetime employment with WWE and works for promotional programs mostly for television shows on WWE Classics On Demand and occasionally makes special appearances and also the host of WWE Vintage Collection.
He left the radio industry for a position at the American Wrestling Association (AWA) in the early 1970s, where he occasionally filled in for ailing ring announcer and interviewer Marty O'Neill, eventually becoming O'Neill's permanent replacement by the end of the decade.
He would stay with the AWA until the end of 1983, when he was one of many AWA personnel to join the expanding World Wrestling Federation (WWF). He would stay with the WWF for nine years as their top interviewer, and was host of such WWF shows as All-American Wrestling and Tuesday Night Titans.
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Genichiro Tenryu
Genichiro Tenryu (天龍源一郎 Tenryū Gen'ichirō), real name Genichiro Shimada (嶋田源一郎 Shimada Gen'ichirō, born February 2, 1950), is a Japanese professional wrestler. At age 13, he entered sumo wrestling and stayed there for 13 years, after which he turned to Western-style professional wrestling. "Tenryu" was his shikona.
As a sumo wrestler, Tenryu was ranked as a sekitori for 27 tournaments, 16 of them in the top makuuchi division. His highest rank was Maegashira 1. He retired from sumo in September 1976 at the early age of 26 after a dispute with the Japan Sumo Association over his transfer to a newly created training stable.
Scouted by Giant Baba, the All Japan Pro Wrestling owner, Tenryu was sent to the Amarillo territory to get trained by Dory Funk, Jr. and Terry Funk, and debuted in Texas in 1976, against Ted DiBiase. After returning to Japan, he stayed in the undercard until about 1982 when he began to get a slight push in that year's Champion's Carnival tournament. In 1983, following a brief stint in Jim Crockett Promotions, his push began in earnest when Jumbo Tsuruta pursued the NWA International heavyweight title, now the main title in the Triple Crown.
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Harley Race
Harley Leland Race (born April 11, 1943) is a retired American professional wrestler and is a current promoter and trainer. During his career as a wrestler, he held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship 8 times. He worked for all of the major wrestling promotions, including the National Wrestling Alliance (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.
Race was an early fan of professional wrestling, watching programming from the nearby Chicago territory on the DuMont Network. After overcoming polio as a child, he began training as a professional wrestler as a teen under former world champions Stanislaus and Wladek Zbyszko, who operated a farm in his native Missouri. While in high school, an altercation with another classmate led to the principal kneeing Race in the back of the head as he tried to break up the fight. Enraged, Race attacked him, resulting in his expulsion. Already 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) and 225 lb (102 kg), Race decided to get his start in professional wrestling.
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Heath Herring
Heath Herring (born March 2, 1978 in Waco, Texas, raised in Amarillo, Texas) is a retired American Heavyweight professional mixed martial artist who attained popularity fighting for PRIDE FC in Japan and most recently fought in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is primarily known for fighting the world's top heavyweight talent, such as Fedor Emelianenko, Mirko Filipović, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, and Brock Lesnar.
Herring was an MMA fighter who practices sambo and Muay Thai. He currently lives in Las Vegas.
Herring was known for unique hairstyles and colors as well as wearing a cowboy hat and duster coat to the ring. His appearance was very popular among the Japanese crowd.
Herring is a long time veteran in PRIDE, where he participated in 17 fights. He took part in the first Heavyweight title fight against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira where he lost by unanimous decision. Despite his earlier championship loss to Rodrigo Nogueira he was widely considered the number one contender until his first round loss to Fedor Emelianenko. His most notable wins are over Evan Tanner, Igor Vovchanchyn, Mark Kerr, and Cheick Kongo.
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Heath Slater
THE CHICK FROM WENDY'S (born July 15, 1983) is an American professional wrestler working for WWE. He performs on the SmackDown brand under the name Heath Slater. He was a contestant in the first season of WWE NXT, where he finished fourth. He is a former FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion and three-time WWE Tag Team Champion, with Justin Gabriel.
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Hillbilly Jim
Jim Morris (born July 5, 1952), best known to fans as Hillbilly Jim, is an American professional wrestler and disc jockey. He was one of the World Wrestling Federation's most popular wrestlers of the mid-to-late 1980s.
Before appearing in the WWF (now WWE) as Hillbilly Jim, Morris wrestled with the Continental Wrestling Association in the Memphis area under the name Harley Davidson, a biker gimmick. While there, Morris formed a popular tag team with Roger Smith, who went by the ring name "Dirty Rhodes" because of his resemblance to Dusty Rhodes.
In late-1984, Morris first appeared in the WWF as a wrestling fan who routinely sat in the front row of live events and who eventually decided to try his hand at wrestling himself. A series of vignettes were aired on WWF's TV programming in the early weeks of 1985, showing Hulk Hogan training Jim and providing him with his first set of wrestling boots. This introduced the character of Hillbilly Jim; a simple-minded, shaggy-bearded Appalachian hillbilly clad in bib overalls, and hailing from Mudlick, Kentucky. Hillbilly Jim appeared in a few tag team matches with friend Hulk Hogan, and had his first high-profile singles match at The War to Settle the Score event on February 18, 1985 in which he defeated Rene Goulet. Unfortunately, Morris was sidelined by an injury a few days later. At a show in San Diego, he appeared in Hogan's corner in a match between Hogan and Brutus Beefcake. While chasing Beefcake's manager Johnny V around ringside, Morris slipped on a wet spot and (legitimately) broke his leg. To help fill in the seven months during his recovery, similarly-dressed "family" members Uncle Elmer, Cousin Luke, and Cousin Junior were introduced for Morris to accompany to ringside as a manager.
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Hiroshi Tanahashi
Hiroshi Tanahashi (棚橋 弘至, Tanahashi Hiroshi?, born November 13, 1976) is a Japanese professional wrestler who works primarily for New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he is a former five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, with his fifth reign holding the record for most successful defenses, with eleven.
Before entering the world of professional wrestling, Hiroshi Tanahashi was a baseball player in high school. He started wrestling while attending Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto and was fairly successful. During this time he was noticed by New Japan Pro Wrestling talent scouts and was invited to try out for the New Japan Dojo. His try out was successful and he was accepted as a trainee.
After graduating from the New Japan Dojo, Tanahashi made his debut in October, 1999 in a match against Shinya Makabe. He became viewed as a big prospect and was given big wins over lucha libre legend Negro Casas in July, 2000 and American Scott Hall in September 2001. His star continued to rise and in the 2002 G-1 Climax (one of New Japan Pro Wrestling's most important annual tournaments) Tanahashi pinned Kensuke Sasaki in under two minutes. After this Tanahashi was paired with Kenzo Suzuki in a tag team named the Kings of the Hills. This pairing was popular but came to an end after a real life incident. In November, 2002 Tanahashi was stabbed in the back by Hitomi Hara (a TV Asahi news reporter he had dated for a brief amount of time). Tanahashi was hospitalized, but would recover. Ironically this incident may have been the best thing to happen to his career. The stabbing was widely reported across Japan and a strong interest to see Tanahashi return was created. On February 16, 2003 Tanahshi returned as a singles wrestler to a sold out crowd in Tokyo in a match against Manabu Nakanishi.
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Hiroyoshi Tenzan
Hiroyoshi Yamamoto (山本 広吉, Yamamoto Hiroyoshi?, born March 23, 1971) is a Japanese professional wrestler who currently works for New Japan Pro Wrestling, and is better known by his ring name Hiroyoshi Tenzan (天山 広吉, Tenzan Hiroyoshi?). With Satoshi Kojima, in 2008, they won the Real World Tag League in All Japan Pro Wrestling and the G1 Climax Tag League in NJPW becoming in the only tag team which has done it.
Hiroyoshi Yamamoto first worked for New Japan Pro Wrestling. He debuted in January 1991, wrestling Osamu Matsuda. In 1993, after winning the Young Lions Cup, NJPW sent Yamamoto on a European excursion; one of his stops was in the Catch Wrestling Association in Germany, where in July 1993, he defeated Lance Storm to become the first CWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion. A few weeks later, he lost the title to Storm. Three months later, he would regain and lost the title back to Storm.
After spending nearly two years in Europe, Yamamoto would finally make his return to NJPW on January 4, 1995, at the Tokyo Dome, this time under a new name: Hiroyoshi Tenzan. A month later, he received his very first shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in a losing effort against Shinya Hashimoto. Tenzan then began teaming with Masahiro Chono as Team Wolf. In June 1995, Tenzan and Chono won the IWGP Tag Team Championship in a tournament, which they held for a month until the title was vacated due to Chono missing a match when his father died.
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Hornswoggle
Dylan Postl (born May 29, 1986) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Hornswoggle. He is employed by WWE, appearing on its SmackDown brand. In WWE, he was the last Cruiserweight Champion before the belt was retired.
Prior to joining World Wrestling Entertainment, Dylan appeared with NWA Wisconsin in 2005 as "The World's Sexiest Midget" $hortstack, where he won the NWA Wisconsin X Division Championship.
He also would go on to capture the SSW Tag Team Championship with Devin Diamond from "The Pretty Hott Thangs" Ryan Kross and Josh Maxim on May 19, 2006 in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, but relinquished the belt due to having signed a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment.
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Howard Finkel
Howard Finkel (born June 7, 1950) is a professional wrestling ring announcer working with WWE 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 WWE's first and longest lasting employee.
Finkel, a native of Newark, New Jersey, began announcing wrestling shows at Madison Square Garden in 1977. By 1979, he was hired as the first employee of WWE (formerly WWF), and he was made lead ring announcer for the WWF's biggest events. Across three decades, Finkel's distinctive voice was one of the trademarks of WWF programming, and was sometimes used in the packaged intros for the company's weekly programming. Finkel's signature call was his announcement of a new champion following a change in titles, in which he would place increased emphasis while stretching out the word "New" in order to draw the greatest reaction from the crowd. Finkel also suggested the well-known pay-per-view name "WrestleMania," (he got it from The Beatles' theme in the 1960s BeatleMania) which owner Vince McMahon immediately accepted. Finkel also came up with Ricky Steamboat's "Dragon" nickname.
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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 signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).
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.
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Hunico
Jorge Arias (born August 5, 1977) is a Mexican American professional wrestler, who is currently signed by WWE wrestling on its SmackDown brand under the ring name Hunico. Prior to signing with WWE, Arias was better known under the ring name Incognito, under which he mainly worked for the professional wrestling promotion Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA) in Mexico and Chikara in the US as well as working for various independent promoters along the US/Mexico border. Arias originally wrestled under the name "Místico", making his debut under that name around the same time as the much more well known Místico of Mexico City. At times he is billed as either "Mystico" or "Mistico de Juarez".
Born to Mexican immigrant parents in El Paso, Texas, Arias began wrestling in Burges High School where he was an accomplished state champion multiple times. He then embarked onto a professional career, as he managed to continue working for his family's funeral home and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico in the early 2000s under the ring name "Mistico". This masked ring persona may or may not have preceded the debut of Místico (Luis Urive) in Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) around the same time period, but CMLL won the legal rights to the name "Místico" some time in 2005, forcing Arias to change his name to "Mystico" or "Mistico de Juarez". On February 2, 2004 he defeated Nicho El Millonario to win the WWA Middleweight Championship but was stripped of the title in March when he had to stop wrestling in the Tijuana, Baja California area where the World Wrestling Association was based.
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Iron Sheik
Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri (Persian:حسین خسرو علی وزیری) (born March 15, 1943) is a semi-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.
A heel throughout the 1980s, he later gained popularity on Opie and Anthony, Kidd Chris, The Howard Stern Show, and on the internet due to his shoot interviews and outbursts on the wrestling industry and the hatred he expressed for various wrestlers.
Khosrow was born in Tehran, Iran. He made a name for himself as an amateur wrestler, and also worked as a bodyguard for Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and his family for several years.
Khosrow competed to become part of the Iranian Olympic Greco Roman team for the 1968 Summer Olympics held in Mexico.
After this, he moved to the United States and became the assistant coach of two US Olympic squads in the 1970s. In 1971, he was the Amateur Athletic Union Greco-Roman wrestling champion at 183.5 pounds. He was assistant coach to the USA team for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.
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Ivan Koloff
"The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff (born Oreal Perras on August 25, 1942, Montreal, Quebec, Canada) is a former Canadian professional wrestler who once held the WWF World Heavyweight Championship.
Perras was raised on a dairy farm in rural Ontario along with his six brothers and three sisters.
Since first watching professional wrestling on TV at the age of eight, he wanted to become a wrestler, and would often wrestle with his brothers growing up. At age 18, he left high school and joined Jack Wentworth's wrestling school in Hamilton, Ontario, where he would lift weights and learn wrestling holds. Ivan stood 5' 7 1/2" tall, and weighed approximately 270 pounds. Towards the end of his career he dropped a considerable amount of weight and was tipping the scale at 205 pounds.
Perras debuted as an Irish rogue heel character named Red McNulty, billed from Dublin, Ireland and wrestling with an eyepatch. For the next three years, he wrestled around the Toronto area, eventually quitting his regular job to wrestle in the north-western area of Canada. There, Perras acquired much wrestling experience, and from there he made his first trip to Japan.
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Jack Doan
John Michael "Jack" Doan (born June 12, 1972) is a veteran professional wrestling referee currently signed with WWE.
Doan joined WWE in October 1991 as a truck driver. From there, he took robes from Superstars at ringside, played music at shows, worked as part of the ring crew, and continued to drive the company's trucks from town to town. After a while, he became a part time referee, immediately taking advantage of several opportunities to fill in whenever he could. Shortly after, Doan's referee status changed to full time.
One of the more notable incidents in Doan's career came when he participated in an angle on the January 22, 1996 episode of Raw, where Vader made his World Wrestling Federation (WWF) television debut following his debut at the Royal Rumble the prior night. Vader punched Doan twice in the face, picked him up and power-bombed him to the mat. When on-screen WWF president Gorilla Monsoon intervened, Monsoon picked Doan up off the mat and placed him in the corner. While Monsoon tended to the wounded official, Vader avalanched both of them, kayfabe knocking Doan into unconsciousness. He was out of action for several weeks, selling the injuries he received at the hands of Vader, but, eventually reappeared at WrestleMania XII, in, coincidentally enough, a Vader match.
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Jack Swagger
Jacob "Jake" Hager, Jr.is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Jack Swagger. He is signed to WWE where he works on the Raw brand.
Hager attended the University of Oklahoma as a two-sport athlete, participating in both football and wrestling. He switched to wrestling full-time in his sophomore year, and in 2006, set the record for most pins in a season with 30 as an All-American. Following a try-out, Hager signed a WWE contract in mid-2006. He made his debut for the WWE developmental territory Deep South Wrestling in September, and was moved to the Ohio Valley Wrestling territory in January 2007. A few months later, Hager debuted for Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), where he was the final FCW Southern Heavyweight Champion and the inaugural FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion.
In late 2008, he debuted for the ECW brand under the name Jack Swagger, and in January 2009, he won his first world championship, the ECW World Championship defeating Matt Hardy. In March 2010, while a member of the Raw brand, he won the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania XXVI, and cashed it in later that week on SmackDown, defeating Chris Jericho to become the World Heavyweight Champion. In January 2012, he won the United States Championship, defeating Zack Ryder.
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Jeff Hardy
Jeffrey Nero "Jeff" Hardy (born August 31, 1977) is an American professional wrestler, painter, poet, singer-songwriter and musician who is currently signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). He is also known for his stint with the World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWE).
Before gaining prominence in WWE, Hardy performed for the Organization of Modern Extreme Grappling Arts (OMEGA), a promotion he ran with his brother Matt. After being signed by WWE, the brothers worked as jobbers, before gaining notoriety in the tag team division, partly due to their participation in Tables, Ladders, and Chairs matches. With the addition of Lita, the team became known as Team Xtreme and continued to rise in popularity. As a tag team wrestler, Hardy is a six-time World Tag Team Champion and a one-time WCW Tag Team Champion. Noted for his seemingly fearless airborne moves, Hardy's offensive toolbox more resembles a stunt man's than a pro wrestler's.
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Jerry Lawler
Jerry O'Neil Lawler (born November 29, 1949) is an American semi-retired 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 WWE, working on its Raw brand as the color commentator and occasional wrestler. He also wrestles and occasionally commentates for the Memphis Wrestling promotion.
Lawler has held 168 championships throughout his career. Overall, Lawler has held more championships than any other current WWE performer, though he has never won any WWE championships since joining the company.
While working in Memphis, Tennessee as a disc jockey, Lawler's artistic ability attracted the attention of local wrestling promoter Aubrey Griffith. The two made an agreement in which Lawler would give Griffith free publicity in exchange for free wrestling training. Lawler debuted as a wrestler in 1970 and won his first championship in September 1971 by winning a battle royal. He soon won the NWA Southern Tag Team Championship under the managerial service of Sam Bass with partner Jim White. In 1974, Lawler began feuding with Jackie Fargo, who had been his trainer and mentor. This led to a match for the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship. On July 24, 1974, Lawler was booked to win the belt and the title of "King of Wrestling." While Lawler began his career as a heel, he became a face after splitting from Bass at the end of 1974. On November 12, 1979, while working in the Continental Wrestling Association (CWA), Lawler defeated Billy Graham to become the CWA World Champion. In 1980, his career was put on hold due to a broken leg, but he returned to the ring after several months.
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Jim Duggan
James Edward 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.
Duggan is a survivor of kidney cancer, an illness he was diagnosed with during his time with WCW. Duggan has claimed to have wrestled in all 50 States in America as well as in the countries/territories of Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, France, Germany, Guam, the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Scotland, England and Wales (In The United Kingdom.)
In the WWF, Duggan was the winner of the first-ever Royal Rumble match in 1988 and in WCW, he was a one time United States Heavyweight Champion and a one time (and the final) World Television Champion.
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Jim Ross
James William "Jim" Ross (born January 3, 1952) is a professional wrestling commentator, referee, restaurateur, occasional wrestler, and former company executive of WWE, where he currently works as a talent relations consultant and on WWE NXT as a Play-by-Play announcer. Ross was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest commentators in wrestling history. He is known affectionately by wrestling fans as Good Ol' JR. In recent years, he has developed his own brand of barbecue sauces and cookbooks.
While attending Westville High School, Ross was the first baseman on the Westville baseball team. Ross was a two-time all-conference football player for the Westville Yellowjackets in 1968–69. His maternal grandparents owned a general store in Westville, Oklahoma and his paternal grandfather Dee Ross owned an off-sale beer store and was a carpenter. Ross was also President of the Student Body, a 4 year letterman in basketball, and State Vice President of the Future Farmers of America where he was State Speech Champion in 1968. Ross was also named Honorable Mention on the 1969 High School All State Football team by the Tulsa World as a center.
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Jimmy Hart
James "Jimmy" Ray Hart (born January 1, 1944) is a professional wrestling manager, executive, composer, and musician currently signed with WWE. He is 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 a one-time AWA Southern Heavyweight Champion.
Before becoming involved with professional wrestling, Hart was a member of rock band The Gentrys, best known for their 1965 top five Billboard Hot 100 hit, "Keep on Dancing".
Jimmy Hart was brought into wrestling by Jerry "The King" Lawler, with whom he had attended Memphis Treadwell High School. Having been asked to sing back-up with Lawler, Hart later became Lawler's manager.
After splitting from Lawler, Hart created a stable known as Hart's First Family of Wrestling to attack Lawler, which among others included King Kong Bundy, "Ravishing" Rick Rude, Lanny Poffo, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Ox Baker, Kamala, Randy Savage, "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert, The Iron Sheik and Kevin Sullivan.
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Jinder Mahal
Yuvraj "Raj" Dhesi (born July 19, 1986), better known by his ring name Tiger Raj Singh, is an Indian-Canadian professional wrestler signed to WWE, competing on their SmackDown brand under the ring name Jinder Mahal.
While most Calgary wrestlers train at the infamous Dungeon, Dhesi began his wrestling career at the Martial Arts Fitness Center in Calgary, Alberta training with former WWE superstar "Razor" Rick Titan and Premier Martial Arts Wrestling (PMW) working as Raj "The Future" Dhesi. He then went on to train with "Champagne" Jerry Morrow and Bad News Allen at the New Japan Pro Wrestling dojo. In Canada's Stampede Wrestling, After working for a time with Hybrid Wrestling Coalition (HWC), Dhesi teamed with his cousin Gama Singh, Jr., as The Karachi Vice, and Sikh n' Destroy. In March 2005, the team won the Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Championship, holding it for eight months. They won the title for a second time in December of that year, holding it until November of the following year. He also worked for the Prairie Wrestling Alliance, where he was the PWA Champion from 2008 until January 2010, and also a three time tag team champion. Dhesi also competed for Great North Wrestling (GNW), where he feuded with such wrestlers as Samoa Joe and Hannibal. Dhesi wrestled his final match for GNW, a victory over McCully, on February 27.
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Joey Styles
Joseph Carmine Bonsignore (born July 14, 1971) better known by his ring name Joey Styles, is an American professional wrestling play-by-play commentator and former professional in the field of advertising sales. He currently works for WWE as the Vice President of Digital Media Content for WWE.com.
Styles is best known for his work in Extreme Championship Wrestling during most of its entire run, from 1993 to its 2001 bankruptcy. He debuted at the Super Summer Sizzler Spectacular show in Philadelphia, PA on June 19, 1993. Styles was the sole host of ECW Hardcore TV and spent the early portion of the run as the promotion's only announcer. Providing both play-by-play and color commentary during television and pay-per-view broadcasts, Styles added his wrestling knowledge, enthusiasm, and comedy timing to the program. At Barely Legal, he became the first and only wrestling announcer in history to call a live pay-per-view event solo. Later on in the promotion, he was joined on commentary by Rick Rude on Hardcore TV, Joel Gertner for ECW on TNN, and later Cyrus for pay-per-views.
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John Cena
John Felix Anthony Cena (/ˈsiːnə/; born April 23, 1977) is an American professional wrestler and actor. He is currently signed to WWE as a member of its Raw brand.
In WWE, Cena has won 19 championships in total, including 12 world titles (having won the WWE Championship a record 10 times and the World Heavyweight Championship twice). In addition, Cena has also won the WWE United States Championship three times, and is a four-time Tag Team Champion, having held the World Tag Team Championship twice (once each with Shawn Michaels and Batista), and the WWE Tag Team Championship twice (once each with David Otunga and The Miz). Cena also won the 2008 Royal Rumble match, and is a two-time Superstar of the Year Slammy Award winner (2009 and 2010). He also has the fourth highest number of combined days as WWE Champion behind Bob Backlund, Hulk Hogan and Bruno Sammartino.
Cena started his professional wrestling career in 2000, wrestling for Ultimate Pro Wrestling, where he held the UPW Heavyweight Championship. In 2001, Cena signed a contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and was sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) where he held the OVW Heavyweight Championship and the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship (with Rico Constantino).
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John Cone
John Cone is an American professional wrestling referee currently working for WWE.
Cone started refereeing independent wrestling matches in August 1995. He worked for Harley Race World League Wrestling from 1999 to 2006 and got his big break when a WWE official attended a match he refereed. Cone tried out for WWE and was quickly signed. He was sent to WWE developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling and later Deep South Wrestling. John was one of the first referees to work for all three WWE brands ECW, SmackDown, and Raw. Since signing with WWE, John has refereed in 15 countries and on 5 continents.
He is also the official referee for smartwrestlingfan.com.
John has said he is most proud of his performance in the boxing match between Matt Hardy and Evander Holyfield, which took place in August, 2007 in front of a sold out crowd at Madison Square Garden. Other notable moments include:
In 2009 Cone was featured in the documentary, KC on the Mat: The History of Professional Wrestling in Kansas City.
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John Laurinaitis
John Joseph Laurinaitis (born July 31, 1965), also known as Johnny Ace, is an American professional wrestler and executive, currently employed by WWE. He performs in the on-screen role of General Manager of both the Raw and SmackDown brands. He formerly served as Executive Vice President of Talent Relations.
He has wrestled for such promotions as World Championship Wrestling (WCW), All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) and WWE, and is credited as the inventor of the "Cutter" maneuver, dubbed by Laurinaitis as the "Ace Crusher". He is also the younger brother of Joe Laurinaitis (Road Warrior Animal; one half of the wrestling tag team The Road Warriors), and the uncle of James Laurinaitis, former Ohio State standout and current linebacker for the St. Louis Rams. Prior to joining WWE, Laurinaitis worked as an executive for WCW.
John Laurinaitis started wrestling in 1986 as Johnny Ace. At first, while wrestling in Florida Championship Wrestling Ace frequently teamed with his brother The Terminator. Later, when he wrestled for NWA's Jim Crockett Promotions he formed a tag team with Shane Douglas called "The Dynamic Dudes". They were managed by Jim Cornette until Cornette turned on them for Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane's version of The Midnight Express. Prior to entering the competition as one of The Dynamic Dudes at the NWA, he appeared as a flagbearer for the team of The Sheepherders. In his last televised WCW match, Ace lost to Mean Mark Callous, later known as The Undertaker, at Capital Combat on May 19, 1990.
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John Layfield
John Charles Layfield (born November 29, 1966) is an American professional wrestler, a former commentator/host for mixed martial arts promotion Vyper Fight League and financial analyst for Fox News. Layfield is best known by his ring names, Bradshaw, John "Bradshaw" Layfield or JBL while working for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where he was the longest reigning WWE Champion in SmackDown history with a reign lasting 280 days.
Layfield's main gimmick as John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) – a wealthy, gladhanding, big-mouthed, fiery-tempered businessman – was based on Layfield's real-life accomplishments as a stock market investor. Layfield is a regular panelist on Fox News Channel's The Cost of Freedom, has appeared on CNBC, and has written a best-selling book on financial planning called Have More Money Now. (ISBN 0-7434-6633-0). Layfield also hosts a weekend talk radio program, syndicated nationally by Talk Radio Network, in which he discusses his conservative political views. Layfield is also employed by Northeast Securities as its Senior Vice President.
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Johnny Curtis
Curtis James Hussey (born July 22, 1983) is an American professional wrestler. He works for WWE on its SmackDown brand, and also competes on NXT Redemption under his ring name Johnny Curtis.
Hussey began his professional wrestling career in 1999, and worked for several promotions beginning in September 1999. He competed in several Independent promotions in New England winning the PLW New England Championship, PWF Northeast Tag Team Championship with Kenn Phoenix on more than one occasion, NCW New England Championship and Tag Team Championship with Damian Houston, and the SCCW Lightweight Championship.
In 2006, Hussey signed a development contract with World Wrestling Entertainment, and was assigned to Deep South Wrestling (DSW), WWE's developmental territory. He was then moved to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) in June 2008, where he won the Florida Tag Team Championship on more than one occasion with Tyler Reks and Derrick Bateman. In December 2010, he competed in the fourth season of NXT, later winning the competition and becoming WWE's next Breakout Superstar.
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Jon Moxley
Jonathan Good (born December 7, 1985) is an American professional wrestler known by his ring name Jon Moxley. He is signed to WWE, wrestling in their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), under the ring name Dean Ambrose. Moxley is best known for his work in Heartland Wrestling Association, CHIKARA, International Wrestling Association, Combat Zone Wrestling, EVOLVE, Dragon Gate USA, and Insanity Pro Wrestling. Moxley is also a five time World Champion as he has held the CZW World Heavyweight Championship twice, the IPW World Heavyweight Championship twice, and has held the FIP World Heavyweight Championship once. In April 2011, Moxley signed with WWE.
Moxley got his start in Heartland Wrestling Association (HWA) in 2004. He started training under the tutelage of Cody Hawk and Les Thatcher. In June 2004, Moxley made his debut. Not even a year into his career, Moxley teamed up with Jimmy Turner as Necessary Roughness, and on May 11, 2005, they defeated the team of Mike Desire and Tack to win the HWA Tag Team Championship. After Quinten Lee and Ala Hussein, who made up the team Foreign Intelligence, beat Necessary Roughness for the HWA Tag Team Championship, Moxley started teaming with Ric Byrne in a team known as Heartland Foundation. They beat Foreign Intelligence for the title on August 19, 2005. On the same day, Heartland Foundation was stripped of the title for unknown reasons. Brock Guffman awarded the title back to Foreign Intelligence, and this was Moxley last stint in the tag team division for a period of time.
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Josh Mathews
Josh Matthew Lomberger (born November 25, 1980) is an American presenter, announcer, and former pro wrestler, better known by the ring name Josh Mathews. He is currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment as a commentator/interviewer on all major programming (Raw, SmackDown, WWE Superstars, and PPV).
Lomberger was a runner-up to Maven and Nidia in the first WWE Tough Enough in 2001. After Tough Enough, Lomberger gained some in-ring experience on the independent circuit and in the X Wrestling Federation, which was run by WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart.
Lomberger was eventually hired by World Wrestling Entertainment, and began using the name "Josh Mathews". In December 2002, he began appearing as the backstage interviewer for the SmackDown! brand and as an announcer on WWE Velocity. He also hosted the WWE webcast Byte This! after Kevin Kelly was released. He later hosted several shows on WWE's official website including Weekly Top 5, The WWE Experience, and WWE After Burn, the latter two of which are televised internationally.
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JTG
Jayson Anthony Paul (born December 10, 1984) is an American professional wrestler better known by the ring name JTG (Just That Gangsta). He is currently signed to WWE wrestling on its Raw brand.
Paul began his career in 2006, working in the WWE developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) under the ring name "The Neighborhoodie". While there he was placed into a tag team with Shad Gaspard, and, calling themselves "The Gang Stars", they held the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship on two occasions.
In 2006 the team was promoted from OVW to the Raw brand under the name "Cryme Tyme", with Paul changing his name to JTG (Jayson That Gangster). On September 4, 2006, a series of vignettes start airing on Raw, hyping the debut of Cryme Tyme. On the October 16, 2006 edition of Raw, Cryme Tyme debuted and defeated two members of the then World Tag Team Champions, the Spirit Squad (Mikey and Johnny), in a non-title match. In November 2006, at Cyber Sunday, Cryme Tyme defeated Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch, Charlie Haas and Viscera and The Highlanders in a Texas Tornado match (as voted by the fans). As part of their gimmick, Cryme Tyme regularly stole items belonging to other wrestlers and on-air personalities, and sold them to fans. and sold false entry numbers at the Royal Rumble. A few months later at the New Year's Revolution pay-per-view, Cryme Tyme won a Tag Team Turmoil Match against The Highlanders, The World's Greatest Tag Team, Cade and Murdoch, and "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan and Super Crazy, earning them a shot at the World Tag Team Championships. They then competed mainly on Heat for the next few months, although they made a backstage appearance at WrestleMania 23. They also took part in the tag team battle royal on April 2.
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Junior dos Santos
Junior dos Santos Almeida (Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈʒũnjoʁ dus ˈsɐ̃tus]), also known as Junior Cigano ("Gipsy"; born September 12, 1984), is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and the current UFC Heavyweight Champion. He is ranked as the number one heavyweight fighter in the world by numerous media outlets.
Dos Santos started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Yuri Carlton for fitness reasons. After some time he was invited to join an MMA practice, where he met his boxing coach Luiz Carlos Dórea, and after roughly a year he made his debut fight.
Dos Santos became professional in 2006 at the age of 21. He fought in small promotions in Brazil, such as Demo Fight, Extreme Fighting Championship, Minotauro Fights and Mo Team League. He won 6 out of his first 7 bouts, suffering his only loss to Joaquim Ferreira, a fighter he'd previously beaten.
Dos Santos debuted for the UFC on October 25, 2008 at UFC 90. Considered a major underdog, dos Santos knocked out top contender Fabricio Werdum at a minute and twenty-one seconds of the first round with a strong uppercut, earning himself a "Knockout of the Night" award.
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Justin Gabriel
Paul Lloyd, Jr. (born March 3, 1981) is a second-generation South African professional wrestler. He is signed with WWE, and performs on the SmackDown brand under the name Justin Gabriel. He was a contestant in the first season of WWE NXT, where he finished third, before joining The Nexus stable on Raw. He has held the WWE Tag Team Championship alongside Heath Slater on three occasions. He is also a former FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion.
Lloyd made his professional wrestling debut at the age of 16 and was originally trained by his father Paul Lloyd, Sr., a promoter and wrestler in South Africa who also went by the ring name "The Pink Panther". His grandfather was a professional boxer and amateur wrestler. Lloyd grew up watching his father wrestle and in the early part of his training he used to practice in the backyard of his home, in which two rings were positioned. Lloyd went by the ring name PJ Black. He formed a regular tag team with Ray Leppan (who went by the name Presley Jackson, now known as Dameon Duke) called Pure Juice. During Lloyd's final year in high school, his father died, and a year later, he moved to the United Kingdom for five years.
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Justin Roberts
Justin Jason Roberts (born December 29, 1979) is an American professional wrestling ring announcer, currently working for WWE appearing on its Raw brand.
Roberts began watching wrestling, after he saw an episode of Saturday Night's Main Event and met Kerry Von Erich and The Ultimate Warrior at a hotel in Wisconsin. The combined events inspired Roberts to become a fan of professional wrestling. He also briefly trained as a referee so he could be in the same ring as Curt Hennig, of whom he was a big fan.
Roberts began ring announcing at age 16 for local professional wrestling promotion Pro Wrestling International, and announced his first match in November 1996. While studying Media Arts and Communications at the University of Arizona from 1998 to 2002, Roberts worked for other independent promotions such as the American Wrestling Alliance, All Pro Wrestling, and Impact Zone Wrestling. During this time, he also announced for the Toughman Contest.
In 2002, Roberts was hired by World Wrestling Entertainment as a backup announcer for SmackDown, followed later by a move to the Raw brand. He also worked on Velocity and Heat shows while touring as the full time Raw live event announcer. In 2005, he announced part of Vengeance 2005, including the main event. Most notably, Roberts announced the ECW show each week on the Sci Fi Network until September 2007, before swapping with SmackDown's Tony Chimel. Roberts reached the peak of his profession when he announced the main event of WrestleMania XXIV between Edge and The Undertaker on March 30, 2008. In addition to announcing SmackDown and pay-per-view matches, Roberts would also announce on WWE Superstars, including its inaugural episode on April 16, 2009.
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Kazuchika Okada
Kazuchika Okada (岡田かずちか, Okada Kazuchika?) (born November 8, 1987) is a Japanese professional wrestler, currently signed to New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he is the reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion. From February 2010 until October 2011, he was on a developmental tour, working for American promotion Total Nonstop Action Wrestling under the ring names Okada and Okato.
Trained by Último Dragón at his Toryumon professional wrestling school, Kazuchika Okada made his debut on August 29, 2004, and would spend the next couple of years wrestling primarily in Toryumon Mexico. On December 11, 2004, Okada participated in 2004 Young Dragons Cup. After defeating Hajime Ohara in the first round, he was eliminated from the tournament in the semifinals by Rocky Romero. In the following year's tournament, Okada defeated Toshiya Matsuzaki and Fujita Hayato en route to the finals, where he defeated Hajime Ohara to win the 2005 Young Dragons Cup. In March 2006, Okada also participated in the Yamaha Cup, teaming with Hiromi Horiguchi, but the team was eliminated in the first round by Chuck Palumbo and Johnny Stamboli.
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Kazuyuki Fujita
Kazuyuki Fujita (藤田 和之, Fujita Kazuyuki?) (born October 16, 1970) is a Japanese professional wrestler, mixed martial artist and a former amateur wrestler. He has fought in mixed martial arts promotions including PRIDE, K-1 and currently fighting in Sengoku.
He is known as the last one to keep the tradition of Antonio Inoki's fighting spirit. Fujita's theme song is "Honno No Fighter" (炎のファイター, Honō No Faitā?, Burning Fighter) Orchestra Version, originally the song for Inoki. During his prime, Fujita was also famous for having one of the strongest chins and strongest necks in mixed martial arts. In MMA, he holds wins over Ken Shamrock, Gilbert Yvel, Mark Kerr, James Thompson and Bob Sapp.
Fujita practiced freestyle wrestling in high school. He participated in the FILA World Championships as a junior in 1988, placing sixth, and in the Espoir division in 1989, placing eleventh. In 1993, Fujita placed fifth at the Asian Championships at the senior level, and in 1993 and 1994, he represented Japan as a senior in the World Cup, a dual meet tournament. He was also a national champion in Japan in Greco-Roman wrestling. He was such a great amateur wrestler, "Iron Head" missed making the Japanese Olympic team by 1 point in the Olympic qualifiers.
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Keiji Mutoh
Keiji Mutoh (武藤 敬司, Mutō Keiji?, born December 23, 1962) 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 United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Taiwan. He is a former President of All Japan Pro Wrestling, as well as being a full-time wrestler for the promotion since 2002. Mutoh is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all-time, both in Japan and America.[citation needed]
Mutoh is credited as one of the first Japanese wrestlers to achieve a fan base outside of his native Japan in the United States. The Great Muta gimmick is one of the most influential gimmicks in puroresu, having been emulated by many wrestlers including Satoshi Kojima (The Great Koji), Kazushi Miyamoto (The Great Kazushi) and Atsushi Onita (The Great Nita). In addition, countless independent wrestlers have paid tribute to Muta through emulation and imitation.
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Kelly Kelly
Barbara Jean "Barbie" Blank (born January 15, 1987) is an American model, professional wrestler, and professional wrestling valet better known by her ring name Kelly Kelly. She is working for WWE on its Raw brand.
Blank has a background in gymnastics and cheerleading. She studied broadcast journalism, hoping to become a television anchor, and worked as a model for Venus Swimwear and Hawaiian Tropic. In 2006, Blank was signed to a contract by WWE and sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling, a WWE developmental territory. She debuted on the ECW brand in June 2006 as 'Kelly Kelly', with the character of an exhibitionist and performing a striptease. She continued her stripteases, in a segment known as Kelly's Exposé, weekly on ECW, and also became the valet of her on-screen boyfriend Mike Knox. The following year, she formed Extreme Exposé with Layla and Brooke Adams, and the trio performed a regular dance segment on ECW. They later became involved in a storyline with The Miz, which led to the dissolution of the group.
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Ken Shamrock
Kenneth Wayne Shamrock (born Kenneth Wayne Kilpatrick; February 11, 1964) is an American mixed martial artist, UFC Hall of Famer and 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. Shamrock was named The World's Most Dangerous Man by ABC News in a special entitled "The World's Most Dangerous Things" in the early part of his UFC career, a moniker which has become synonymous as his nickname.
Shamrock became known early on in the UFC for his rivalry with Royce Gracie. After fighting to a draw with Gracie in the inaugural Superfight, he became the first UFC Superfight Champion after defeating Dan Severn at UFC 6; the title was eventually renamed the UFC Heavyweight Championship when weight categories were introduced to the UFC. He was also the first foreign MMA Champion in Japan, winning the title of King of Pancrase. During his reign as the UFC Superfight Champion, he was widely considered the #1 mixed martial artist in the world. Shamrock was also ranked by Inside MMA as one of the top 10 greatest mixed martial arts fighters of all time.
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Kensuke Sasaki
Kensuke Sasaki (佐々木 健介, Sasaki Kensuke?, born August 4, 1966) is a Japanese professional wrestler who currently wrestles for various promotions through his own agency, Diamond Ring. He is the first of two men ever to hold all 3 of puroresu's major heavyweight titles (the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, the AJPW Triple Crown Championship, and the GHC Heavyweight Championship), the other being Yoshihiro Takayama.
Kensuke Sasaki debuted in Riki Chōshū's Japan Pro Wrestling (a satellite of All Japan Pro Wrestling) in February 1986. Sasaki follow Chōshū as he returned to New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1987. During that time, he teamed up with the likes of Osamu Matsuda and Kenichi Oya.
In 1988, Sasaki embarked on an excursion to North America, where he first started wrestling in Puerto Rico in World Wrestling Council, where he held his very first championship, the WWC Caribbean Tag Team Championship, with Mr. Pogo twice between January 14, 1989 and April 1, 1989.
In January 1989, he started splitting his time wrestling in the WWC in Puerto Rico, with Stu Hart's Stampede Wrestling promotion in Canada, where he wrestled under the name Benkei Sasaki. He would also be trained in the Dungeon by Hart. During his time in Calgary, he won the Stampede International Tag Team Championship in August 1989, with All Japan loyalist Sumo Hara (Tatsumi "Koki" Kitahara).
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Kevin Nash
Kevin Scott Nash (born July 9, 1959) is an American professional wrestler and actor. As of 2011, Nash is signed to a five year contract with WWE under their WWE Legends program. Nash has wrestled under several ring names, but is most notably known by his real name in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), and in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF)/World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE, where he has also been billed as Diesel.
Between WWE, WCW, and TNA, Nash has won a total of 21 championships. He is a six-time world champion: a five-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, and one-time WWF Champion. He was the longest-reigning WWF Champion of the 1990s, having held the title for 358 days. He has achieved notable success in the tag team division as well, being a twelve-time world tag team champion: a nine-time WCW World Tag Team Champion, two-time WWF World Tag Team Champion and one-time TNA World Tag Team Champion. He is also a one-time WWF Intercontinental Champion and a two-time TNA Legends Champion. In addition to championships, he won the 1998 WCW World War 3. Nash was a member of The Kliq, a group which included Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Scott Hall and Sean Waltman. 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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Kia Stevens
Kia Michelle Stevens (born September 4, 1977), better known by her ring names Amazing Kong, Awesome Kong and Kharma, is an American professional wrestler who is signed with WWE. She is a five time World Champion, having won the WWWA World Championship, NWA World Women's Championship and AWA Superstars of Wrestling World Women's Championship and a two-time TNA Knockout Champion. Her success is not limited to singles wrestling, as she frequently teamed with Aja Kong to form the tag team Double Kong who held tag team championships in four different promotions, along with winning the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship with Hamada. She was also ranked first in the inaugural list of Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Top 50 Females.
She began her professional wrestling career in 2002 after appearing on a reality television show. She primarily wrestled in Japan for the first five years of her career, holding numerous championships there. In 2006 she began wrestling in her native United States again, appearing on the independent circuit before appearing on national television with TNA Wrestling where she was a driving force in the foundation of their Knockout division.
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Kofi Kingston
Kofi Nahaje Sarkodie-Mensah (born August 14, 1981), is a Ghanaian American professional wrestler signed to WWE and appearing on its Raw brand under the ring name, Kofi Kingston. He and R-Truth are the current WWE Tag Team Champions. Since debuting with WWE, he has won the Intercontinental Championship three times, the United States Championship twice, the World Tag Team Championship once with CM Punk and the WWE Tag Team Championship twice, once with Evan Bourne and once with R-Truth.
He made his official wrestling debut in 2006, when he faced Tony Omega at Chaotic Wrestling on February 24th. He faced Evan Siks on June 4 for the PWF Mayhem Heavyweight Championship. He competed primarily in the New England area, including stints in National Wrestling Alliance – New England, Millennium Wrestling Federation, New England Championship Wrestling, the Eastern Wrestling Alliance, and Chaotic Wrestling.
In September 2006, he signed a developmental contract with WWE and was assigned to Deep South Wrestling (DSW), a Georgia based developmental federation. He debuted in the new company, as Kofi Nahaje Kingston, in a dark match loss to Montel Vontavious Porter on September 21. For the rest of 2006 and the beginning of 2007, he appeared in DSW, as well as its Kentucky based sister promotion Ohio Valley Wrestling, where he was in a tag team dubbed the "Commonwealth Connection" with Harry Smith. In 2007, under the ring name "Kofi Nahaje Kingson", he had his first exposure to the main WWE roster, when he worked dark matches on March 5 and 26 before episodes of Raw against Charlie Haas and Trevor Murdoch, respectively. When he returned to the developmental federations, he shortened his original ring name to "Kofi Kingston" and continued to use both ring names throughout his duration there. He also worked live events, defeating Shelton Benjamin on May 5, and Val Venis on May 6.
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Kurt Angle
Kurt Steven Angle (born December 9, 1968 in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania) is an American professional wrestler, amateur wrestler and actor. He is currently under contract with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, where he is a former five-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion. He is also known for his time in the World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment (WWF/E), and for being the only Olympic gold medalist in the history of professional wrestling.
Angle was involved in amateur wrestling during both high school and college. In college at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, he won numerous accolades, including being a two-time National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I champion. After graduating, he won a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 1995 World Wrestling Championships. Angle then competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, where he won a gold medal in heavyweight freestyle wrestling. Kurt Angle is also one of only four people to complete a Grand Slam in amateur wrestling which is the junior nationals, the NCAAs, the World Championships and the Olympics. He was named the greatest shoot wrestler and one of the top 15 college wrestlers of all time by USA Wrestling.
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Layla El
Layla El (born 25 June 1978) is an English dancer, model and professional wrestler of Moroccan descent. She is signed to WWE as a WWE Diva and appears on the SmackDown brand as Layla. She is the reigning WWE Divas Champion.
After attending a performing arts college, El was a dancer for Carnival Cruise Lines, the Miami Heat franchise of the National Basketball Association, and also danced for Kanye West at the MTV Video Music Awards. In 2006, she was a contestant in the 2006 WWE Diva Search, which she won to earn a contract with the company.
Initially appearing on the SmackDown brand, she was moved to the ECW brand in January 2007, where she formed the Extreme Exposé dance troupe with Kelly Kelly and Brooke Adams. In 2008, she was drafted to the Raw brand, where she began managing William Regal. The following year she returned to the SmackDown brand, where she formed an alliance with Michelle McCool known as Team Lay-Cool. In May 2010, Layla won the WWE Women's Championship for the first time, making her the first British woman to hold the championship. She is also the first Diva Search winner to have won the championship, and the final recognized WWE Women's Champion as the title was retired in 2010. In April 2012, Layla won the WWE Divas Championship upon her return from a year-long absence due to injury.
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Leo Kruger
Ray Leppan (born 20 July 1979) is a South African professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Leo Kruger. He is signed to WWE, and wrestles in Florida Championship Wrestling, WWE's developmental territory, where he is a former two-time FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion.
Leppan debuted as a professional wrestler at the age of 16. He worked in South Africa with Paul Lloyd Jr., known as the tag team Pure Juice. He also wrestled as "Dameon Duke" in World Wrestling Professionals. While there, Duke won the WWP World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Tornado in 2007 and lost it to Fury the following year.
After Leppan's United States work visa cleared, he was able to debut in Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) in 2010.
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Lex Luger
Lawrence Wendell "Larry" Pfohl (born June 2, 1958), better known by his ring name Lex Luger, is an American former professional wrestler and football player currently working with WWE on their wellness policy. He is best known for his work with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
Among other accolades in professional wrestling, Luger is a three-time world champion, having held the WCW World Heavyweight Championship twice and the WWA World Heavyweight Championship once; a record-tying five-time NWA/WCW United States Heavyweight Champion who owns the record for consecutive days and most total days spent as champion; and the 1994 WWF Royal Rumble winner (with Bret Hart). Readers of Pro Wrestling Illustrated voted Luger the Most Popular Wrestler of the Year 1993.
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Lilian Garcia
Lilian Annette García (born August 19, 1966), is a Spanish-American singer and ring announcer. She is signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) where she performs on the SmackDown brand as ring announcer. During her first stint in WWE, she became the first WWE Diva to remain with the promotion for ten years.
García was born on August 19, 1966, in Madrid, Spain. She spent the first eight years of her life in the country due to her father's employment with the American Embassy, and was educated on an American military base, leading her to describe herself as a "military brat". Upon returning to the United States, Garcia graduated from Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. She went on to attend the University of South Carolina, graduating cum laude. Lilian's family comes from Spain and Puerto Rico.
García was a top ten finalist in the Miss South Carolina beauty pageant. Garcia was also one half of a popular morning show on radio station WYYS,"YES 97" in Columbia with Chuck Finley in the early '90s. She was a VJ in Atlanta, Georgia, where she also had a drive-time afternoon radio show. She also served as karaoke host at the Nitelites nightclub in the Embassy Suites Hotel in Columbia, South Carolina, and later at the West Columbia Ramada.
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Mae Young
Johnnie Mae Young (born March 12, 1923) is an American semi-retired professional wrestler and currently WWE Ambassador.
Young was an influential pioneer in women's wrestling, helping to increase its popularity during World War II and training many generations of wrestlers. She wrestled throughout the United States and Canada, and won multiple titles in the National Wrestling Alliance.
Beginning in 1999, Young had a high-profile "second career" in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Young was part of a recurring comedic duo with best friend The Fabulous Moolah in appearances on WWE televised events. She is a member of the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and the WWE Hall of Fame. Young holds the distinction of being the only professional wrestler to wrestle documented matches in nine different decades, having her first in 1939 and her latest match in 2010.
Johnnie Mae Young was an amateur wrestler on her high school's boys' wrestling team at the age of fifteen. Her brothers Fred, Eugen, Lawarence, and Everett taught her to wrestle and helped her join the team. She was the youngest of eight children (one died at birth). Her mother Lilly Mae Young was a single mother (her partner left to find work and never returned) living during the Great Depression. Young's oldest sister Inie was severely disabled by whooping cough at a very young age. Young also played softball with Tulsa's national championship team. While still in high school, Young went to a professional wrestling show and challenged then-champion Mildred Burke when she visited Tulsa to wrestle Gladys Gillem. Because the promoters told her she could not wrestle the champion, she wrestled Gillem in a shoot fight, beating her within seconds. After the fight, promoter Billy Wolfe wanted Young to become a professional wrestler. She left home two years later to wrestle professionally.
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Manabu Nakanishi
Manabu Nakanishi (中西 学, Nakanishi Manabu?, born January 22, 1967) is a Japanese professional wrestler and former amateur wrestler who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. He currently works for New Japan Pro Wrestling. He is a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
Nakanishi participated in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, representing Japan in Greco-Roman wrestling. He did not place in the tournament.
Nakanishi debuted for New Japan Pro Wrestling in October 1992. His in-ring style was very basic early in his career. After winning the Young Lions Cup in 1995, in order to hone his skills and bulk up, he went on an excursion to North America and joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW), under the name Kurasawa.
As Kurasawa in WCW, he was a member of the Stud Stable led by Colonel Robert Parker. He frequently teamed with Meng, with whom he feuded against Sting and Road Warrior Hawk. He broke the arm of Hawk using a seated armbar after their tag team match at Clash of the Champions XXXI, in which they lost. He was also known there for nearly defeating "Macho Man" Randy Savage. It was here that Nakanishi learned the infamous "Road Warrior Workout" from Hawk and Animal, who also taught this routine to Kenta Kobashi and Kensuke Sasaki.
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Marc Mero
Marc Mero (born July 9, 1963) is an American retired amateur boxer and professional wrestler. He is best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation as Marc Mero and with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and World Championship Wrestling under the ring name Johnny B. Badd. In 2007 he founded the non-profit organization Champion of Choices.
Mero was born in Buffalo, New York. His parents divorced when he was eight years old, with his mother supporting him and his three siblings by working two jobs. At the age of 12, Mero began playing hockey, eventually becoming his league's Most Valuable Player. In 1973, Mero's family relocated to Liverpool, New York, where Mero played for the Mid State Youth Hockey League. At age 15, Mero began playing for the Syracuse Stars Junior Hockey Team.
Mero began playing football in his senior year, with his high school team winning the New York State Title under the tutelage of future University of Central Florida coach George O'Leary. In the same year, Mero began training as a boxer under Golden Gloves coach Ray Rinaldi. Mero went on to win four New York State titles, including the New York Golden Gloves tournament. Mero intended to become a professional boxer, but his career was sidelined after his nose was broken in an accident. He briefly pursued a bodybuilding career, placing third in the Mr. New York State bodybuilding contest.
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Marcelo Rodríguez
Marcelo Antonio Rodríguez Laprea is a Venezuelan actor and professional wrestling announcer currently working for the international Spanish versions of WWE shows Raw, SmackDown, NXT, Superstars, and pay-per-view (PPV) events alongside Carlos Cabrera as color commentator.[1] .Rodríguez started working for WWE by the end of 2000 and appeared only occasionally at that time, filling in for Cabrera or former color commentator Hugo Savinovich. He commentated in every international version of RAW and SmackDown, while both Cabrera and Savinovich alternately broadcasted alongside him. In October 2011, Savinovich left WWE and Rodríguez became a full-time Spanish commentator for all programs and PPV events. In October 2011, Rodríguez and Cabrera were at ringside for the tapings of Raw and SmackDown in Mexico City, Mexico.
Rodríguez was also frequent substitute co-host of WWE en Español until October 2011, when he became permanent co-host with Carlos Cabrera following the departure of Hugo Savinovich from the company. He had not made any appearance on PPV since working for WWE until SummerSlam 2011. Rodríguez hosts The WWE Experience for Latin America introducing clips and recaps from the previous week's episodes of Raw, SmackDown and NXT.
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Mark Coleman
Mark Coleman (born December 20, 1964) is an American mixed martial artist, professional wrestler, former NCAA collegiate wrestler and former Olympic amateur wrestler. In MMA, he was the UFC 10 and UFC 11 tournament champion, the first Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight champion, and the Pride Fighting Championships 2000 Open Weight Grand Prix champion. At UFC 82 Coleman was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. His most notable victories came against Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua, Igor Vovchanchyn, Don Frye (2x) and Dan Severn.
Coleman is credited with proving the ability of wrestlers to dominate in the developing sport of mixed martial arts, and with being one of the first in American MMA to successfully use the strategy that came to be known as ground-and-pound, earning him the distinction as "The Godfather of Ground & Pound".
Coleman was born in Fremont, Ohio, U.S. in 1964. He began freestyle wrestling as a teenager, and wrestled for Miami University, in Ohio, where he was a two time Mid-American Conference wrestling champion. In his senior year, he transferred to Ohio State University and won an NCAA championship. Out of college, he was awarded a spot on the US Wrestling team, placing second (100 kg) at the 1991 FILA Wrestling World Championships in Varna, Bulgaria, and placing seventh overall in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.
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Mark Henry
Mark Jerrold Henry (born June 12, 1971) is an American powerlifter, Olympic weightlifter, strongman, and a professional wrestler with WWE, where he performs on its SmackDown brand. He is a 1992 Olympian, and winner of the 2002 Arnold Strongman Classic. Since joining the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in 1996, he has become a one-time WWF European Champion and a two-time world champion, having held the ECW Championship in 2008, and the World Heavyweight Championship in 2011.
Henry was a weightlifter, and competed at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, where he placed tenth in the super heavyweight division. Three years later, at the 1995 Pan American Games, Henry won a silver medal in the super heavyweight division. The following year, he became a North America, Central America, Caribbean Islands (NACACI) champion. In 1996, Henry signed a ten-year contract with the WWF. Henry was trained by former Canadian professional wrestlers Stu and Bret Hart and Leo Burke. He made his television wrestling debut in September 1996. In January 1998, Henry joined the stable Nation of Domination. After the disbanding of the group, he acquired the moniker "Sexual Chocolate", which led him to participate in controversial angles.
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Masahiro Chono
Masahiro Chono (蝶野 正洋, Chōno Masahiro?), (born September 17, 1963) is a Japanese professional wrestler. He primarily wrestles for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), but has also made appearances for the now defunct World Championship Wrestling, as a member of the New World Order. Chono was also known as Mister Black Jack when he first started as a villain. He is a former NWA World Champion and IWGP Heavyweight Champion. For those less familiar with wrestling, he has become well known for his appearances on the news year's specials of Downtown's Gaki no Tsukai No-Laughing batsu games. His ritual appearance always involves slapping Hosei Yamasaki in the face.
Chōno debuted in 1984 against Keiji Mutoh at a New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) event in Saitama, Japan. In 1987, he defeated Shinya Hashimoto to win the Young Lions Cup. After winning the tournament, he went on an excursion that started in Germany.
After a while in Germany, Chono went on an excursion to North America, starting in the United States, where he wrestled in NWA territories in the Kansas City and Alabama areas. He would also later wrestle in the Canadian Maritimes and in Puerto Rico, where he, Hashimoto, and Mutoh formed The Three Musketeers.
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Mason Ryan
Barri Griffiths (born 13 January 1982) is a Welsh professional wrestler and former Gladiators competitor, also known as Goliath and by his ring name Mason Ryan. He is signed to WWE, where he wrestles on the Raw brand.
Griffiths studied construction management at Cardiff University, before working as a trainee carpenter and in his family's funeral home. He also played as a centre-back for Porthmadog F.C., but a knee injury curtailed his career. Griffiths appeared as "Goliath" on Gladiators in 2009.
Griffiths began training to be a professional wrestler in 2006, and competed around Europe for the next three years. In 2009, he signed a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and debuted in Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), WWE's developmental territory, in January 2010 using the name 'Mason Ryan'. In July, he won the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship and held the championship until February 2011. Griffiths debuted as Mason Ryan on the Raw brand in January 2011, where he aligned himself with The New Nexus.
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Matt Bloom
Matthew Jason "Matt" Bloom (born November 14, 1972) is an American professional wrestler signed to WWE and working on its Raw brand under the ring name Tensai. Between 1997 and 2004, Bloom wrestled for World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment under the ring names Prince Albert, Albert, and A-Train. During his time in the promotion, he became a one time Intercontinental Champion. After leaving WWE, Bloom, adopting the ring name Giant Bernard, began working for New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he became a two time IWGP Tag Team Champion, holding the record for both the longest reign and the most title defenses alongside Karl Anderson as Bad Intentions. Bernard and Anderson are also one time GHC Tag Team Champions in Pro Wrestling Noah. He holds notable wins over current WWE Champion CM Punk and 12 time World Champion John Cena.
Bloom attended Peabody High School, where he earned three letters in football and basketball, two in track and field, and one in baseball. He went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh, where he played American football as an offensive tackle and an offensive guard.
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Matt Hardy
Matthew Moore "Matt" Hardy (born September 23, 1974) is a semi-retired American professional wrestler. He is best known for his stints in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).
Before signing with WWE, Hardy, with his brother Jeff, founded a wrestling organization called Organization of Modern Extreme Grappling Arts (OMEGA). While there, Hardy held many championships including the Heavyweight and Tag Team Championship, which he held with Jeff. The promotion folded in October 1999 when they signed contracts with WWE. The Hardys gained notoriety in WWE's tag team division due to their participation in Tables, Ladders, and Chairs matches. As a tag team wrestler, Hardy is a six-time World Tag Team Champion, a one-time WWE Tag Team Champion, and a one-time WCW Tag Team Champion.
Apart from his success as a tag team wrestler, Hardy is a one-time world heavyweight champion, having won the ECW Championship in 2008. He also has won other singles championships, having held the Hardcore, European, Cruiserweight, and United States Championship on one occasion each. All totaled, Hardy has won 13 championships in WWE.
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Matt Hyson
Matthew "Matt" Hyson (born August 13, 1970) is a retired American professional wrestler, best known for his performances in Extreme Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment under the ring name Spike Dudley and in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling under the ring name Brother Runt.
In ECW, he was a two-time Tag Team Champion. In WWE, he was a one-time Cruiserweight Champion, a one-time Tag Team Champion with Tazz, a one-time European Champion and a seven-time Hardcore Champion.
Prior to his wrestling career, Hyson received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, and was a third grade English teacher. During the documentary Beyond the Mat, a heavily bleeding Hyson delivers the line "I shall, I do" (Henry IV of England's response to a request by Sir John Falstaff in the Shakespearean play Henry IV, Part 1).
In May 1993, Hyson entered All Pro Wrestling's "Boot Camp" in Hayward, California to train as a referee and manager. He quickly began training to be a wrestler as well, and spent the next three years wrestling on the California independent promotions.
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Matt Striker
Matthew Kaye (born June 26, 1974) is an American actor, wrestling commentator and semi-retired professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Matt Striker. He is signed to WWE, where he serves as the Host of WWE NXT.
After obtaining a Master's degree in educational psychology, Kaye began working as a high-school teacher. He also began a career in professional wrestling, and made his debut in 2000 after being trained by Johnny Rodz. In his first year as a wrestler he won 10 different championships, and went on to become a mainstay on the independent circuit in the New York region. He toured Japan with the Pro Wrestling Zero1 promotion in late 2004 and early 2005. In early 2005, Kaye quit his full-time teaching job at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School, when the school board found out that he had been using sick days as a way to pursue his wrestling career.
Kaye signed a contract with WWE in mid-2005, calling himself Matt Striker, and quickly developed a persona of a heel (villainous) teacher. He started out on the Raw brand, where he hosted a segment known as Matt Striker's Classroom, before moving to the ECW brand in 2006. There he joined the New Breed alliance and was involved in a scripted rivalry with the ECW Originals. After this, he began managing wrestler Big Daddy V until 2008. In August 2008, Striker began working as the color commentator on ECW and, alongside his commentary partner Todd Grisham, won the 2008 Slammy Award for Announce Team of the Year. Striker was then moved to the SmackDown brand where he commentated from October 2009 to January 2011.
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Maven Huffman
Maven Klint Huffman (born November 26, 1976) is an American professional wrestler, best known for his appearances with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) between October 2001 and July 5, 2005 under the name Maven. In 2008 he became a guest expert on the Home Shopping Network.
Maven was born to an African-American father and an caucasian mother. After his mother died he was adopted by his mother's brother and his wife. Maven graduated from Eastern Mennonite University of Harrisonburg, Virginia in 1998. Before becoming a professional wrestler, Maven was a middle school teacher, teaching Grade 6, at Twality Middle School in Tigard, Oregon.
Maven's Aunt whom he called Mom, died on February 12, 2004, after a long battle with cancer.
Maven won a year's contract with the company after he won the first series of Tough Enough, a reality television show used to find new WWE stars, in 2001. Soon after, Maven would receive further training at Heartland Wrestling Association.
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Michael Cole
Michael Sean Coulthard (born December 8, 1968) better known by his ring name Michael Cole, is an American professional wrestling commentator and occasional wrestler currently signed to WWE where he serves as a commentator. He is also a former news journalist.
Coulthard began his career in the media as a journalist, working for CBS Radio. His first high-profile assignment was to cover the failed 1988 US presidential campaign of Democratic Party nominee Michael Dukakis. In 1992, he reported on the presidential campaign of Bill Clinton. Coulthard covered the 51-day siege at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, in 1993. The following year, he spent nine months covering the Yugoslavian civil war. In 1995 he was also selected to cover the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing. He returned to the presidential campaign trail in 1996 to cover the failed campaigns of Steve Forbes and Sen. Bob Dole.
Cole came to the World Wrestling Federation in mid-1997 and started using the stage name "Michael Cole." He provided voice-overs for promotional videos and later became the host of LiveWire show alongside Jim Cornette. Coulthard first appeared on screen at SummerSlam, and replaced Todd Pettengill as a backstage interviewer, who left the WWF after the event. In late 1997, Cole became one of the three announcers for the first hour of Monday Night Raw, alongside Jim Ross and Kevin Kelly. Eventually Cole was permanently replaced by Jerry Lawler later in the year. In 1999, Cole became the regular play-by-play announcer for Monday Night Raw subbing for Jim Ross when Ross was devastated by Bell's palsy.
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Michael Hutter
Michael Hutter (born March 18, 1983) is an American professional wrestler and actor. He works for WWE, on its SmackDown brand, and also competes on NXT Redemption under the ring name Derrick Bateman.
Hutter began his professional wrestling career in 2002, and worked for several promotions beginning in October 2006. In July 2006, Hutter signed a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment, and made his first appearance on the July 24 episode of Raw. In March 2007, he was assigned to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), WWE's developemental territory. Although he was signed to WWE, Hutter competed in several Independent promotions winning the AIW Absolute Championship, BCCW Euro-Canadian Championship, and the Firestorm Pro Heavywight Championship. In February 2009, Hutter was assigned by WWE to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), another developemental territory, where he won the FCW Tag Team Championship with Johnny Curtis. In December 2010, he competed in the fourth season of NXT to become the next WWE Breakout Superstar, and made it to the final three before being eliminated from the competition. He returned in June 2011, competing in the fifth season of NXT, known as NXT Redemption.
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Michael McGillicutty
Joseph Hambert "Joe" Hennig (born October 1, 1979) is an American professional wrestler. He is currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment and working on the Raw brand, under the ring name Michael McGillicutty. He previously wrestled at their developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). He was part of the second season of WWE NXT.
Hennig made his professional debut on July 13, 2007 in Waterloo, Iowa for World League Wrestling (WLW), teaming with Ted DiBiase, Jr. to defeat Dinn T. Moore and Branden Tatum by disqualification. Hennig later went on a nine-month winning streak in WLW before suffering his first singles loss to "Wild" Wade Chism.
On March 31, 2007, Hennig along with his mother, siblings, and his grandfather represented his father "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig at the 2007 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony by accepting the award on his behalf. On the October 26, 2007 episode of SmackDown, Hennig teamed with Steve Fender in a loss to Jesse and Festus.
Hennig signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment and was assigned to its developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). On September 11, 2008, Hennig and Sebastian Slater defeated Nic Nemeth and Gavin Spears to win the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship. On October 30, Hennig and Slater lost the Tag Team Championship to The New Hart Foundation (DH Smith and TJ Wilson).
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Mick Foley
Michael Francis "Mick" Foley, Sr. (born June 7, 1965) is a American semi-retired professional wrestler, author, comedian, actor, voice actor and former color commentator. He has worked for many wrestling promotions, including WWE, WCW, ECW and TNA. He is often referred to as "The Hardcore Legend", a nickname he shares with Terry Funk. He is currently signed to a Legends contract with WWE, where he makes special guest appearances and serves as an ambassador.
Throughout his wrestling career, Foley has wrestled both under his real name and under various personas (most notably Dude Love, Cactus Jack and Mankind). He is a four-time World Champion (three WWF Championships, and one TNA World Heavyweight Championship). He is an 11-time Tag Team Champion (eight WWF Tag Team Titles, two ECW World Tag Team Titles, and one WCW World Tag Team Championship). He was also the first WWF Hardcore Champion, and held the TNA Legends Championship (now known as the Television Championship) once. Following his retirement from wrestling full-time, Foley appeared occasionally with WWE as a special guest referee and later as a color commentator for the SmackDown brand. Upon his departure from WWE in 2008, he signed with TNA, where he was a storyline stock holder of the company. All totaled, Foley has won 17 championships between WCW, ECW, WWF/E, and TNA.
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Mike Chioda
Michael Joseph "Mike" Chioda (born August 1, 1964) is a senior referee who is currently signed to WWE. While not refereeing, Chioda, as well as the other referees in WWE, help set up the arena before shows, constructing the ring and stage areas.[citation needed]
As a young man, Chioda lived close to the Marellas (Gorilla Monsoon and his son Joey), who helped him break into the wrestling business. Being trained as a referee, Chioda first began to appear in WWE in 1989, when it was known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), most notably at Survivor Series 1989. After taking a hiatus from refereeing following WrestleMania VII, he began to reappear on camera around 1993.
Chioda has also competed in an actual wrestling match, teaming with Chris Jericho and The Rock to take on the team of The Dudley Boyz and referee Nick Patrick on an episode of SmackDown! in 2001. Chioda actually scored the pinfall victory after delivering his version of "The People's Elbow" to Nick Patrick.
During the WWF tenure, he officiated matches such as Shawn Michaels vs. Steve Austin at WrestleMania XIV, Triple H vs. Vince McMahon at Armageddon 1999, The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania X8.
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Monty Sopp
Monty Kip Sopp (born November 11, 1963) is an American professional wrestler. He is best known under the ring name Billy Gunn and for his eleven year long tenure in the World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment. He has also worked for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling under the ring name Kip James. In WWE, Sopp was a one time Intercontinental Champion, a two time Hardcore Champion, and the 1999 King of the Ring, but found his greatest success as a tag team wrestler, becoming a ten time World Tag Team Champion.
When Sopp first arrived in the World Wrestling Federation, he used the name Billy Gunn and teamed with his on-screen brother, Bart Gunn, as The Smoking Gunns. In early 1995, they won their first Tag Team Championship by defeating the makeshift team of Bob Holly and The 1-2-3 Kid. They held the titles until WrestleMania XI when they were defeated by the team of Owen Hart and Yokozuna. They won the titles again in September 1995.
On February 15, 1996, the Gunns vacated the title because Billy was in need of neck surgery. After Billy returned from hiatus, The Smoking Gunns won the Tag Title for the third time by defeating The Godwinns in May. After the match, The Godwinns' manager Sunny turned on her team in favor of the Gunns. On September 22 at In Your House: Mind Games, the Gunns lost the Tag Team Title to Owen Hart and The British Bulldog. After the match, Sunny abandoned The Gunns, saying that she would only manage title holders. Billy, frustrated with losing both the championship and Sunny, walked out on Bart, breaking up The Smoking Gunns.
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Místico
Luis Ignascio Urive Alvirde (born December 22, 1982) is a Mexican luchador enmascarado, or masked professional wrestler, currently signed to WWE, working on its SmackDown brand under the name Sin Cara (Spanish for "Faceless"). He is best known for his time in the lucha libre promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) under the ringname Místico, where since 2006 he was the main técnico (face/storyline hero) in CMLL and the biggest box office draw in all of Mexico. Místico is Spanish for "Mystic", a religious ring character who is the storyline protégé of the wrestling priest Fray Tormenta. Upon signing with WWE in January 2011, Urive was repackaged as Sin Cara.
Urive is the son of Manuel Almanza, who wrestled under the ring name "Dr. Karonte", the brother of wrestlers Astro Boy, Argos, Argenis and an unspecified member of Los Mini Psycho Circus, the cousin of wrestler Magnus and the nephew of CMLL booker Tony Salazar.
Urive was trained for his professional wrestling debut by his father and his uncle Tony Salazar who is a retired wrestler that works as a booker for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, Mexico's oldest and largest wrestling promotion. Místico made his debut on April 30, 1998 working as "Dr. Karonte, Jr." at the age of 15. In 2000 he changed his ring name to "Astro Boy" in honor of his older brother who had died months earlier, who had worked as the original Astro Boy. Later on he was joined by another brother who worked as "Astro Boy II" to form a tag team. In 2003 Místico travelled to Japan to work for Michinoku Pro where he was billed as "Komachi", a ring persona he took over from fellow luchador Volador, Jr. who had played the part for about a year.
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Naomi Knight
Trinity McCray (born November 30, 1987) is an American dancer, model and professional wrestler who is currently working for WWE performing on their Raw brand and competes in their developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). She is better known by her ring name Naomi. In 2010, she was part of the third season of NXT, where she came second to Kaitlyn. She is a former FCW Divas Champion and was the inaugural champion.
McCray was born and raised in Sanford, Florida. Ever since she was 10 years old, she knew she wanted to be both a performer and entertainer. She first became a cheerleader for the Orlando Magic basketball team. She has also starred as a background dancer for American rapper Flo Rida.
In August 2009, WWE signed McCray to a developmental contract and would report to their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling. She would make her FCW debut as a face at the September 3, 2009 FCW TV taping as a Lumberjill for the Queen of FCW match between then-reigning queen Angela and Serena Mancini. She later became a heel, teaming with Rosa Mendes, Alicia Fox, Maxine, and Courtney Taylor against the likes of Angela, AJ and Aksana. However due to her persona, fans would often cheer for her despite the fact she was a heel. She soon turned face again by defeating Maxine and Savannah in tournament qualifying matches to eventually defeat Serena in the finals on June 20, 2010 to become the first ever Florida Divas Championship.
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Nobuhiko Takada
Nobuhiko Takada (Japanese: 髙田延彦, born April 12, 1962) is a Japanese mixed martial arts fighter and professional wrestler. He is best known for helping to popularize shoot-style professional wrestling, as one of the biggest stars of the Universal Wrestling Federation and Union of Wrestling Force International in the '80s and '90s. He has also competed for PRIDE Fighting Championships and New Japan Pro Wrestling. Presently, he is the owner of the HUSTLE Wrestling Organization.
Nobuhiko Takada made his professional wrestling debut in 1981 against Norio Honaga, for New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he started his career as a Junior Heavyweight. He left NJPW in 1984, along with Rusher Kimura, Akira Maeda, Ryuma Go, Mach Hayato, and Gran Hamada, to form the original Universal Wrestling Federation.
The original UWF dissolved in 1986. Takada and Akira Maeda returned to NJPW and formed a UWF stable. Only a few months later, Takada defeated Shiro Koshinaka to capture the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, which he held for four months. In 1987, Takada moved to the Heavyweight ranks. Along with Akira Maeda, he won the IWGP Tag Team Championship from rival, Koshinaka & Keiji Mutoh. He left NJPW in 1988 to form the second incarnation of the Universal Wrestling Federation called Newborn UWF, becoming one of its top stars.
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Norman Smiley
Norman Anthony Smiley (born February 28, 1965) is a British-born professional wrestler best known for his appearances in World Championship Wrestling. As of 2007, Smiley has been employed by WWE as a trainer and an on–air authority figure for Florida Championship Wrestling.
Norman Smiley trained under Rusty Brooks and Boris and Dean Malenko before making his debut in 1985 on the Floridian independent circuit, originally known as Black Magic, then as the hated Lord Henry Norman. Smiley wrestled in the Japanese shootstyle group UWF International (UWFi) in 1988 and 1989. In 1990 Smiley competed at the National Wrestling Alliance/World Championship Wrestling Starrcade 1990 event teaming with Chris Adams against the team of Konnan and Rey Misterio, Sr. In 1992, he began wrestling for CMLL in Mexico as Black Magic, winning the CMLL World Heavyweight Championship and holding it until losing to Silver King in 1994. In 1995 and 1996, he briefly competed in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania based Extreme Championship Wrestling promotion.
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Owen Hart
Owen James Hart (May 7, 1965 – May 23, 1999) was a Canadian professional and amateur wrestler who worked for several promotions including Stampede Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and most notably, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where he wrestled under both his own name, and ring name The Blue Blazer. A member of the Hart wrestling family, Hart was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada the youngest of 12 children to Stampede Wrestling promoter and WWE Hall of Famer Stu Hart and Helen Hart.
Among other accolades, Hart was a one-time world champion: a one-time USWA Unified World Heavyweight Champion; a two-time WWF Intercontinental Champion; one-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion; one-time WWF European Champion and four-time WWF World Tag Team Champion. He was also the winner of the 1994 WWF King of the Ring. Hart has been cited by a number of peers as one of the WWF's greatest professional wrestlers.
Hart died on May 23, 1999 when an equipment malfunction occurred during his entrance from the rafters of Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri, U.S., at the WWF's Over the Edge pay-per-view event.
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Paul Heyman
Paul Heyman (born September 11, 1965) is an American entertainment producer, best known for his career in professional wrestling as a promoter, manager, commentator and journalist. He is also an occasional actor in film. He is currently signed to WWE appearing on its WWE Raw brand under his ring name Paul Heyman.
Heyman was the creative force behind Extreme Championship Wrestling in the 1990s. He has also briefly worked in World Championship Wrestling, the American Wrestling Association and World Wrestling Entertainment, including WWE's ECW brand where he was recognized as the ECW Representative.
Paul Heyman was born in Scarsdale, New York. By age 11, he was running a mail order business selling celebrity and sports memorabilia from his home.
While still a teenager, Heyman fast-talked his way backstage at a World Wide Wrestling Federation event at Madison Square Garden as a photojournalist. He was paid by the company for several of his photographs.
Heyman attended Westchester Community College, where he worked at the radio station, and later became a promoter for the New York City nightclub Studio 54 in the mid 1980s.
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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 WWF World Heavyweight Championship, the Intercontinental Championship and the WWF World Tag Team Championship. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1995. Morales was also the first Latin American and Hispanic wrestler to win the WWWF Championship and the WWF Intercontinental Championship and to enter the WWF Hall of Fame.
Morales debuted in 1959 at the Sunnyside Gardens, beating Buddy Gilbert. He wrestled on the West Coast during the 1960s, taking on regional stars of the day such as Fred Blassie and The Destroyer, the latter from whom he took the World Wrestling Association's World Heavyweight Championship on March 12, 1965. Morales lost the title on July 23 to "Crazy" Luke Graham, but took it back from him on October 17. He held the title for nine months before being defeated by Buddy Austin on August 5, 1966. Morales then concentrated on tag team wrestling, co-holding the WWA tag belts four times during 1966-68, with four different partners: Luis Hernandez, Mark Lewin, Victor Rivera, and Ricky Romero. During a stint in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), Morales held the Hawaiian U.S. title for two months in 1969.
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Percy Watson
Nick McNeil (born August 19, 1981) is an American professional wrestler and former professional football player. He works for WWE on its SmackDown brand, and also competes NXT Redemption under the ring name Percy Watson.
Nick McNeil graduated from Western Carolina University with a bachelor's degree in computer information systems. He was a 3 time All-Southern Conference selection at left end for the Catamounts. As a sophomore, he led the Southern Conference in sacks with 10. As a junior, he led the conference in fumble recoveries. He finished his career tied for 4th all time on the WCU tackles-for-loss list with 45. He finished 6th on the WCU all-time sack list with 18.5. McNeil had experience in professional football, playing in the National Football League for the Green Bay Packers and the Washington Redskins.
McNeil signed a developmental deal with World Wrestling Entertainment in 2009 and began training with their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). He made his FCW debut in September 2009 under his real name Nick McNeil, however shortly after that he tweaked his name to Chris McNeil. On October 1, 2009, he re-introduced himself as Percy Watson along with his tag team partner Darren Young and they called themselves the South Beach Party Boys.
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Randy Couture
Randy Duane Couture (pronounced /koʊˈtʊər/; born June 22, 1963) is an actor, retired American mixed martial artist, collegiate and Greco-Roman wrestler. During his tenures in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Couture became a three-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, an Interim UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, and was the UFC 13 Heavyweight Tournament Winner. Couture is the first fighter to hold two UFC championship titles in two different divisions (heavyweight and light heavyweight). Couture has competed in a record 15 title fights. He holds the most title reigns in the UFC with five. His last fight with Lyoto Machida marked his 24th fight in the UFC, the third most amount of fights in the UFC (Tito Ortiz is first with 26 and Matt Hughes is second with 25). Couture is one of the first members of the UFC Hall of Fame. He is the only person over the age of 40 to have won a UFC championship fight, having done so four times.[citation needed]
Couture was an Olympic wrestling alternate and has lived in Corvallis, Oregon, throughout much of his career, where he served as an assistant wrestling coach and a strength and conditioning coach for Oregon State University. He established Team Quest with Matt Lindland and Dan Henderson, a training camp for fighters, based out of Gresham, Oregon, and headed by coach Robert Folis. In 2005, Couture moved to Las Vegas, where he opened his own extensive chain of gyms under the name Xtreme Couture. He currently trains at his Las Vegas-based gym. Couture partnered with Bas Rutten in the opening of Legends Gym in Hollywood, California.
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Randy Orton
Randal Keith "Randy" Orton (born April 1, 1980) is an American professional wrestler and actor. He is signed to WWE wrestling on its SmackDown brand. Orton is a third-generation professional wrestler; his grandfather Bob Orton, Sr., father "Cowboy" Bob Orton, and uncle Barry O all competed in the professional wrestling industry.
Before being promoted to the main World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) roster, Orton trained in and wrestled for Mid-Missouri Wrestling Association-Southern Illinois Conference Wrestling for a month. He was then sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), where Orton held the OVW Hardcore Championship on two separate occasions.
After signing with WWF, Orton became a member of the stable Evolution, which quickly led to a WWE Intercontinental Championship reign, his first title with the company. Orton also acquired the moniker "The Legend Killer" during a storyline where he began disrespecting Hall of Famers and physically attacking veterans of the industry outside of appropriate restrictions. At age 24, Orton became the youngest person ever to hold the World Heavyweight Championship. With this win, Orton departed from Evolution and a feud with his former stablemates began. In 2006, Orton joined forces with Edge in a tag team known as Rated-RKO. Together, Orton and Edge held the World Tag Team Championship. After the team disbanded, during mid-2007, Orton gained two WWE Championship reigns in one night. Orton formed the group The Legacy with Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase in 2008, however, they would disband in 2010 with Orton returning to singles competition. Overall, Orton has won eleven total championships in WWE, including being a nine-time world champion, having won the World Heavyweight Championship three times and the WWE Championship six times. He is also the winner of the 2009 Royal Rumble match.
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Randy Savage
Randy Mario Poffo (November 15, 1952 – May 20, 2011), better known by his ring name "Macho Man" Randy Savage, was an American professional wrestler, best known for his time in World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
Savage held twenty championships during his professional wrestling career. He held six world heavyweight championships between the WWF and WCW, having won the WWF Championship twice and the WCW World Heavyweight Championship four times. In addition, he won the ICW World Heavyweight Championship three times and the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship once. Also a one-time WWF Intercontinental Champion, WWE has mentioned Savage as the greatest Intercontinental champion and credited him for bringing "a higher level of credibility to the title through his amazing in-ring performances." Aside from championships, Savage was the 1987 WWF King of the Ring and the 1995 WCW World War 3 winner. For much of his tenures in the WWF and WCW, he was managed by his real life wife, "Miss Elizabeth" Hulette.
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Raquel Diaz
Shaul Marie Guerrero (born October 14, 1990) is a Mexican-American singer, model, professional wrestling valet, and professional wrestler contracted to WWE. She competes in Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), WWE's developmental territory under the ring name Raquel Diaz and she is the current longest reigning FCW Divas Champion.
On March 15, 2012, FCW General Manager Summer Rae deactivated the Queen of FCW crown, leaving Raquel Diaz as the last champion with her reign ending at 119 days. Guerrero is part of the Guerrero family, and is the daughter of Eddie and Vickie Guerrero.
On May 17 2012, Diaz debuted for WWE NXT at the inaugural tapings at Full Sail University.
In October 26, 2010, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) signed Guerrero to a developmental contract, and she reported to Florida Championship Wrestling, WWE's developmental territory. She made her debut in December 2010 in an appearance ringside for a FCW Divas Championship match between AJ Lee and Naomi Night. She made her in-ring debut at the February 11, 2011 in Gainesville, Florida FCW television under the ring name "Raquel Diaz", teaming with Naomi losing to AJ and Aksana after the match Diaz mother Vickie Guerrero came out and helped Diaz and Noami aganist General Manager Maxine. She acted as the manager for wrestler Alexander Rusev, before joining The Ascension faction, with Conor O'Brian, Kenneth Cameron, and Tito Colon, all of whom she began managing. On November 11 episode of FCW Televison, Diaz teamed up with Caylee Turner and Leah West in losing effort to Cameron Lynn, Sofia Cortez and Audrey Marie after Lynn pinned West.
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Rey Mysterio
Rey Gutierrez Mysterio Jr. (born December 11, 1974) is a Mexican American professional wrestler in World Wrestling Entertainment currently wrestling on the RAW Brand. In WWE, Gutierrez was trained by his uncle Rey Misterio, Sr. and wrestled early on in Mexico where he learned the Lucha Libre high flying style that has been his trademark.
Gutierrez originally worked for Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA) in Mexico, from 1992 to 1995. He wrestled in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) from 1995 to 1996 and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) from 1996 to 2001, as Rey Misterio, Jr./Rey Mysterio, Jr. but dropped the "Junior" from his name when he began working for WWE in 2002.
Mysterio is known for having a high flying style, which helped kick-start the cruiserweight wrestling revolution in the United States in the late 1990s during his time in WCW. In WCW he won the WCW World Tag Team Championship three times, and the WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship once with Billy Kidman as part of the Filthy Animals. In WWE, Mysterio is a three time world champion having held the World Heavyweight Championship twice, the WWE Championship once and is currently listed as the lightest world champion in WWE history. He has also held the WWE Tag Team Championship a record-tying four times, and the WWE Intercontinental Championship twice. He also held the WCW/WWE Cruiserweight Championship a record eight times (five times in WCW, three in WWE). All totaled, he has won 21 titles between WWE and WCW. Mysterio was the 21st person to win the WWE Triple Crown Championship, and was the winner of the 2006 Royal Rumble.
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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 considered to be one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time with a professional career that spans 40 years. 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.
In World Championship Wrestling (WCW), he also had two stints as a booker—in 1989–1990 and 1994. 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.
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Ricky Steamboat
Richard Henry Blood (born February 28, 1953), better known by his ring name Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, is a retired American professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE working as a road agent. He was one of the few wrestlers who stayed a babyface throughout his career.[citation needed] 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).
In the NWA and WCW, he was a one-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, a four-time United States Heavyweight Champion, a four-time World Television Champion, a twelve-time World Tag Team Champion (eight-time under the WCW banner,one-time (though unofficial) under the NWA banner, and three-time under the Mid-Atlantic banner), and a two-time Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Champion. In the WWF/E, Steamboat was a one-time Intercontinental Champion and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.
While little is known about Steamboat's personal life, it is a known fact that he went to high school in New York. He was a two time New York State Wrestling qualifier.
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Riki Chōshū
Mitsuo Yoshida (Japanese: 吉田光雄; hangul: 곽광웅 , hanja: 郭光雄 , Kwak Gwang-ung) (born December 3, 1951), better known by his stage name Riki Chōshū (長州力 Chōshū Riki), is a Korean-Japanese professional wrestler who is most known for his longtime work in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) as a wrestler and a booker. He is considered one of the most influential wrestlers in Japan in the 1980s and 1990s and known as the first wrestler to popularize the Sasori-Gatame, better known in English as Scorpion Deathlock or Sharpshooter. After Chōshū left New Japan Pro Wrestling in 2002, he formed Fighting World of Japan Pro Wrestling (WJ), which was later known as Riki Pro as he was the main promoter of the promotion. In October 2005, he returned to New Japan as a site foreman, a booker, and a part-time wrestler.
Kwak Gwang-ung represented South Korea in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, as a wrestler. He didn't place in the tournament.
He debuted in New Japan Pro Wrestling in August 1974. In the mid-1970s, Chōshū was sent to North America to gain experience. Wrestling under his real name, he appeared in George Cannon's "Superstars of Wrestling" promotion as a heel, managed by Superstar (or Supermouth) Dave Drasen. Chōshū had a brief feud with the top fan favorite of Cannon's promotion, Luis Martinez.
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Rob Van Dam
Robert Alexander Szatowski (born December 18, 1970), better known by his ring name Rob Van Dam (RVD), is an American professional wrestler and actor. He is currently under contract with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. He is best known for his time with World Wrestling Entertainment, and Extreme Championship Wrestling.
Szatkowski has held 22 championships between ECW, WWE and TNA, as well as several regional titles in various promotions during his career. He is a former WWE champion, ECW champion and the TNA World Heavyweight champion once each. On the independent scene he has also won the World Heavyweight Championships for both American Wrestling Rampage and World Stars of Wrestling once each. He is the only man to achieve both WWE and ECW's version of the Triple Crown. Part of ECW's Triple Crown included the ECW World Television Championship, of which RVD's 700 day reign was the longest.
Szatkowski grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan and graduated from Pennfield High School. Rob made his first appearance on WWF television in 1987 in a skit with "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. At the time, DiBiase was selecting plants from the audience and offering to pay them to perform degrading acts and offered the 16 year old Szatkowski $100 to enter the ring and kiss his foot, which he did. This early appearance was later included as a bonus feature on WWE's Before They Were Superstars DVD and on WWE's Rob Van Dam: One of a Kind DVD.
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Roddy Piper
Roderick "Roddy" George Toombs (born April 17, 1954), better known by his ring name "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, is a Canadian semi-retired professional wrestler and film actor who is currently signed to WWE. In professional wrestling, he is best known for his work with WWE. Although he is Canadian, due to his Scottish heritage, he was billed as coming from Glasgow in 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. Despite being a crowd favorite for his rockstar-like persona, he often played the villain. He was also nicknamed "Hot Rod". Never a world champion, he accumulated 34 championships in various promotions during his career. Piper was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
Toombs was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He attended Windsor Park Collegiate. His father was an officer with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police while they lived in The Pas, Manitoba. After being expelled from junior high[citation needed] and having a falling out with his father, Piper hit the road and stayed in youth hostels wherever he could find them.
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Rodrigo Medeiros
Rodrigo "Comprido" Medeiros (born January 11, 1977 in Brasilia, Brazil) is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. His nickname, Comprido, is Portuguese for "long". Rodrigo began BJJ at the age of sixteen. He received his black belt from Rolls Gracie student, Romero "Jacaré" Cavalcanti and is one of a select group of jiu jitsu competitors to have won the prestigious World Jiu-Jitsu Championship openweight titles twice.
Comprido is one of the founding members of Team Brasa.[citation needed] Comprido appeared on the instructional DVD The Science of Jiu-Jitsu II with Demian Maia.
Comprido is often confused with the Carlson Gracie Sr Black Belt and leader of the BJJ Revolution team Rodrigo Medeiros.[citation needed]
He currently resides in the Chicago area, having recently ended a stint at FLO MMA in Palatine. Comprido has intentions of opening his own academy in the near future.
Comprido founded the Brasa Jiu Jitsu camp in Buzios, RDJ along with friend and student Felipe Costa.
Comprido has been one of the first elite Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitors to speak out against the widespread use of steroids at the top level of the sport. \
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Ron Killings
Ronnie Aaron "Ron" Killings (born January 19, 1972) is an American professional wrestler and rapper. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs on its Raw brand and is one half of the Tag Team Champions alongside Kofi Kingston. Since working for the company, he has also been a one time United States Champion under the ring name R-Truth and a two time Hardcore Champion under the ring name K-Kwik. Killings has also worked for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling as K-Krush and later as Ron "The Truth" Killings, where he became the first African-American NWA World Heavyweight Champion, a title he held on two occasions, in addition to becoming a two time NWA World Tag Team Champion and a one time TNA World Tag Team Champion.
Jackie Crockett of the National Wrestling Alliance first tried to convince Killings to become a professional wrestler, but he was determined to focus on his music career. Killings spent two years working on his music career and then contacted Crockett once more and expressed an interest in becoming a wrestler. Crockett, by now the senior cameraman for World Championship Wrestling, took Killings to several WCW and Pro Wrestling Federation events, introducing him to wrestling personalities.
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Ron Simmons
Ronald "Ron" Simmons (born May 15, 1958) is an American former professional wrestler and American Football player. He performed for World Championship Wrestling under his real name and in the World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment (WWF/E) under both his real name and the ring names Faarooq Asaad (sometimes spelled Asad) and Faarooq (sometimes spelled Farooq).
In WCW, he was a one time World Heavyweight Champion; as the first of two African Americans to win the title, he is recognized by WWE as the first Black world champion in professional wrestling history, followed by Booker T. He was also a one time World Tag Team Champion with Butch Reed and a one time United States Tag Team Champion with Big Josh. In the WWF, he was a three time Tag Team Champion with Bradshaw as one half of the Acolytes Protection Agency. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012.
Prior to becoming a professional wrestler, Simmons was an American college and professional football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL), Canadian Football League (CFL) and United States Football League (USFL) for four seasons during the 1980s. He played college football for Florida State University, and was recognized as an All-American. He played professionally for the NFL's Cleveland Browns, the CFL's Ottawa Rough Riders and the USFL's Tampa Bay Bandits.
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Rosa Mendes
Milena Leticia Roucka (born October 25, 1979) is a Canadian professional wrestler, valet, and former model of Czech and Costa Rican descent. She is signed to WWE, and works as Rosa Mendes on the SmackDown brand. Her last name is pronounced roh-tskah.
Roucka studied business at the University of British Columbia, but left to pursue a modeling career. She won several competitions, including the 2004 Piel Dorada, and also acted in commercials.
In mid-2006, Roucka participated in the 2006 edition WWE Diva Search. Despite finishing fourth, she was hired by WWE, and assigned to train in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) using the ring name 'Roucka'. On September 19, 2007, Roucka won the OVW Women's Championship, which she held for five months until February 20, 2008. The following month, Roucka transferred to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), WWE's new developmental territory.
In November 2008, Roucka began appearing on Raw, where she became associated with Beth Phoenix and Santino Marella. The following October, she was moved to the ECW brand and started an on-screen relationship with Zack Ryder, who she began to manage. The pair returned to the Raw brand in February 2010, and Mendes was drafted to SmackDown in April. In November, Mendes won the Queen of FCW title in FCW, and held it until February 2011.
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Ryan Nemeth
Ryan Phillip Nemeth (born November 4, 1984) is an American professional wrestler and writer, currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and working in their developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) under the name Briley Pierce.
Nemeth won the promotion's first ever Breakout competition and received a one year paid scholarship with Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). In 2010, Nemeth made his professional debut for OVW as "Ryan Nemeth". On January 8, 2011, Nemeth and Christopher Silvio defeated The Elite (Ted McNaler and Adam Revolver) to win the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship in Louisville, Kentucky.
On February 2, 2011, After Nemeth was attacked by Fighting Spirit (Christopher Silvio and Raphael Constantine), Jim Cornette vacated the titles. On the same night, Nemeth and Paredyse defeated Fighting Spirit (Christopher Silvio and Raphael Constantine) in a tag team elimination match to win the vacated Tag Team Championship. On March 5, 2011, Nemeth and Paredyse lost the Tag Team Championship to Fighting Spirit (Christopher Silvio and Raphael Constantine).
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Salman Hashimikov
Salman Hashimikov, also spelled Hasimikov (Russian: Салман Хасимиков), is a prominent Soviet heavyweight wrestler. A Chechen from Russia, he holds two European and four World Championship gold medals in freestyle wrestling (1979, 1981, 1982, 1983). He had also won European and World gold as a Junior in 1970-71.
After an unsuccessful business career, Salman spent five years as a professional wrestler in Japan. There he won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship from Big Van Vader in May 1989 when Steve Williams refused to lose the title to him.
Hashimikov was the first actual Russian to win a professional wrestling title in the capitalist countries before the Cold War was over (most "Russians" or "Soviets" in North America were in fact gimmicks). He was brought to Japan by Antonio Inoki and stayed at the dojo to train as a professional.
Hashimikov later competed in UWF International but did not challenge for titles again.
Hashimikov's one major North America professional wrestling appearance was as part of the International Tag Team Tournament held at Starrcade 1990 with partner, Victor Zangiev.
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Santino Marella
Anthony Carelli (born March 14, 1979) is an Italian-Canadian professional wrestler,mixed martial artist and judoka, better known by his ring name Santino Marella. He is currently signed to WWE, competing on its Raw Brand, where he is the reigning United States Champion. He is a two-time Intercontinental Champion and former Tag Team Champion with Vladimir Kozlov.
In the United States, Carelli took wrestling classes at and worked for the Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) a developmental territory for the national World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Upon joining OVW, Carelli was given the ring name Johnny Geo Basco. While there, he was involved in an infamous incident with Jim Cornette, the company's head booker and part-owner. After a storyline where he was supposed to act afraid of the Boogeyman but instead laughed, Cornette yelled at and slapped Carelli, leading to Cornette being removed from his position as booker of OVW by WWE.
Paul Heyman was appointed OVW booker to replace Cornette and changed Carelli's ring name from Johnny Geo Basco to Boris Alexiev, giving him a Russian shoot fighter gimmick. As Alexiev he made his debut on April 12, 2006 along with his manager and "comrade", Mr. Strongko. With his new gimmick he was booked to dominate opponents with stiff strikes and submission style wrestling, including a 10-second win over a wrestler named Dewey. He signed a developmental deal with WWE on August 11, 2006, and continued working in OVW.
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Sarona Reiher
Sarona Reiher (born January 10, 1978) is a professional wrestler who is currently signed to WWE, where she is performing on the SmackDown brand, using the ring name Tamina Snuka. She is the daughter of WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka and the younger sister of former WWE performer, Sim Snuka.
Sarona first began in wrestling after she received the first Lia Maivia Scholarship to train in professional wrestling career at the Wild Samoan Training Center.
On December 26, 2009 it was reported through WXW's official twitter account that WWE signed Reiher to a developmental contract and would report to their farm territory Florida Championship Wrestling for further training. Reiher would then report to FCW on March 19th competing in a six diva tag team match at a house show. Reiher would then transition to managing the Uso brothers even competed in the tournament to determine the new FCW Divas Champion.
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Satoshi Kojima
Satoshi Kojima (小島 聡, Kojima Satoshi?) is a Japanese professional wrestler, currently signed to New Japan Pro Wrestling. He is currently in his fourth reign as one half of the IWGP Tag Team Champions. As a singles wrestler, he was the first wrestler to hold NJPW's IWGP Heavyweight Championship and All Japan Pro Wrestling'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.
Like many Japanese wrestlers, Kojima has a background in Judo, but he chose not to continue the sport when he went to college. He got his start loading trucks for New Japan Pro Wrestling & after some months of persuasion finally convinced head trainer Animal Hamaguchi to accept him into the dojo.
Kojima entered the New Japan Pro Wrestling dojo in February 1991. He debuted as a wrestler on September 14 in a match against Hiroyoshi Yamamoto, who would later adopt the stage name of Hiroyoshi Tenzan. In 1994 he defeated Manabu Nakanishi in the Young Lions Cup finals, winning the tournament. In the end of that year he went to Europe, and returned to NJPW in January 1996. When he returned, he formed The Bull Powers with Nakanishi, who had returned from WCW. In May 1997 he defeated Riki Chōshū and Kensuke Sasaki with Nakanishi to become an IWGP Tag Team Champion for the first time. At the end of 1998 he joined nWo Japan, by Keiji Mutoh's leadership. Kojima and Tenzan (known together as Ten-Koji, a portmanteau of their last names) formed a tag team and ended up holding the IWGP Tag Team titles together twice.
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Scott Norton
Scott Michael Norton (born June 15, 1961) is an American semi-retired professional wrestler. He is best known for his tenures in World Championship Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Scott Norton started out as a professional arm wrestler. He won over 30 championships during his days as an arm wrestler, including four U.S. National championships. His status in the arm wrestling world earned him a role in Sylvester Stallone's arm wrestling movie, Over the Top. While touring the arm wrestling circuit in Japan, Norton was approached by New Japan Pro Wrestling about becoming a professional wrestler, but he turned it down initially. Norton also toured with Prince in 1983 as his bodyguard.
After finally deciding to go the pro wrestling route, Norton was trained to wrestle by former Olympic wrestler Brad Rheingans. Verne Gagne decided to debut Norton before he was totally finished with his training, putting him on TV as a regular performer for the American Wrestling Association in 1989. He sometimes teamed with John Nord as the "Yukon Lumberjacks". Norton soon earned the nickname "Flash" for his quick arm wrestling victories. By the end of 1989, Norton left the AWA and went to the Pacific Northwest territory to further his career. In PNW, he started out as a fan favorite lumberjack known as "Flapjack" Scott Norton, and would team up with John Nord once more to reprise their lumberjack characters from the AWA. Norton became a heel in 1990 and broke away from Nord to become a singles competitor. He won the Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship from Brian Adams on May 12, 1990, but was stripped of the title two weeks later after attacking several wrestlers.
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Scott Stanford
Scott Stanford is a sports anchor and commentator. He is the weekend sports anchor at New York City's NBC affiliate, WNBC-TV. He is a play-by-play commentator for the Monday Night Raw portion of WWE's internationally syndicated program, WWE Superstars, an interviewer for Monday Night Raw, and host for various WWE programming.
At WCBS Newsradio 880, Stanford received the 2002 and 2003 "AIR Award," which recognized him as the best radio sports anchor in the New York City market. Stanford is also four-time New York Emmy Award-winning sportscaster for "On-Camera Achievement." In 2003, he joined the WWOR-TV My9 News Team, and for the following 6 years was an anchor/reporter, which included hosting duties for the popular Geico Sunday Sports Rap. In 2008, he also started working for WNYW-TV, where he was the post-game reporter for the New York Yankees baseball team, along with hosting/reporting duties for the New York Giants Football pre-game kickoff shows. Scott's "Know Your Foe" Giants quiz segment has also received an award from the Associated Press. He also acts as a play-by-play announcer for college basketball and arena football.
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Shane Carwin
Shane Bannister Carwin (born January 4, 1975) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he was previously the UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion. He won his first 12 MMA fights in the first round which led to his Heavyweight Championship shot at UFC 116 against then-champion Brock Lesnar, which became his first career loss. As of March 21, 2011, he was ranked as the #5 heavyweight fighter in the world by Sherdog and was ranked as the #8 heavyweight fighter in the world by MMAWeekly as of August 2011.
Carwin and his two brothers were raised by his mother, who had the goal of getting all her sons college educations. He received a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines as well as a bachelor's degree in Environmental Technology from Western State College.
Carwin wrestled in college, becoming a two-time NCAA Division II Wrestling National Runner-Up Heavyweight in 1996–97 and the NCAA II Wrestling Heavyweight National Champion in 1999. He was also a two-time All-American in football for Western State and was chosen to participate in the Senior Bowl.
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Shawn Michaels
Michael Shawn Hickenbottom (born July 22, 1965), better known by his ring name Shawn Michaels, is a retired professional wrestler, and an American television host. He is currently signed to WWE, where he has served as an ambassador for the company since December 2010. Hickenbottom consistently wrestled for WWE, formerly the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), from 1988 until his first retirement in 1998, due to injury. He appeared in non-wrestling roles from 1998 to 2000, and resumed his in-ring career in 2002, retiring in 2010. He also hosts the show MacMillan River Adventures, airing on the Outdoor Channel.
Hickenbottom began his wrestling career with Mid-South Wrestling, now known as Universal Wrestling Federation, and American Wrestling Association (AWA). During his time with AWA, he performed in partnership with Marty Jannetty, as The Midnight Rockers; winning the AWA World Tag Team Championship twice. Hickenbottom and Jannetty briefly signed with World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1987, while in contract with AWA. They returned to AWA, only to go back to the WWF in 1988.
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Sheamus
Stephen Farrelly (Irish: Stíofán Ó Fearghaile) (born 28 January 1978) is an Irish professional wrestler and actor, best known by his ring name Sheamus. He is signed with WWE and competes on the SmackDown brand as the reigning World Heavyweight Champion.
Prior to joining WWE, Farrelly was also a two-time International Heavyweight Champion during his tenure in Irish Whip Wrestling. He is a three-time World Champion, having held the WWE Championship on two occasions and is the current World Heavyweight Champion in his first reign. He also won the King of the Ring in 2010 and the Royal Rumble in 2012, as well as the WWE United States Championship once.
Farrelly was born in Cabra, Dublin and was raised within the city. His father, Martin, was an amateur bodybuilder. Farrelly speaks fluent Irish, having attended Scoil Caoimhin Primary and Secondary School, a Gaelscoil During his school years he sang in the Palestrina Choir until the age of thirteen, as part of which he appeared on the Late Late Show and Live at Three television programmes. He played Gaelic football for the Erin's Isle team where he was declared sports star of the month. He also played rugby for the National College of Ireland, where he gained a National Diploma.
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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 tenure in World Wrestling Entertainment. 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 won the Intercontinental Championship three times, the United States Championship once, and the WWE Tag Team Championship twice with Haas. He currently wrestles for Ring of Honor (ROH), where he is one half of the World Tag Team Champions with Charlie Haas.
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Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura (中邑 真輔, Nakamura Shinsuke?, born February 24, 1980) is a Japanese professional wrestler and mixed martial artist currently working for New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he is a former three-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
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Shinya Hashimoto
Shinya Hashimoto (橋本 真也, Hashimoto Shin'ya?, July 3, 1965 - July 11, 2005), was a Japanese professional wrestler. Along with Masahiro Chono and Keiji Mutoh, Hashimoto was dubbed one of the "Three Musketeers" that began competing in New Japan Pro Wrestling in the mid 1980s and dominated the promotion in the 1990s.
He is one (the other being Keiji Mutoh) of two wrestlers that have held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, the AJPW Triple Crown Championship and the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. He is often compared to All Japan Pro Wrestling's Toshiaki Kawada, as both are widely known for their stiff kicks and violent matches. As of 2010, he has the longest IWGP Heavyweight Championship reign in history, lasting 489 days.
Hashimoto grew up in Toki City in Gifu, and began training in judo in his late teens. His training helped him in his transition to professional wrestling, as he joined the New Japan Pro Wrestling Dojo in April 1984. He made his debut for NJPW in September 1984 at the age of 19, wrestling against Tatsutoshi Goto. Hashimoto worked on becoming a skilled wrestler over the next few years, travelling whenever necessary to gain more seasoning, such as over in the United States (Continental Wrestling Association), Canada (Stampede Wrestling), and Puerto Rico (World Wrestling Council). During his excursion in the United States, he visited the Elvis Presley museum in Memphis. Instantly, Hashimoto became a huge fan and because of this, his dressing up in Elvis costumes, and his sideburns, many of his peers commonly refer to him as "Fat Japanese Elvis."
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Stan Hansen
John Stanley Hansen, Jr. (born August 29, 1949) is an American former professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Stan Hansen. As a wrestler, Hansen was well known for his stiff wrestling style, which he attributes to poor eyesight, as he is nearly blind without glasses. Hansen is also considered to be among the most successful and popular gaijins in history, becoming more well known in Japan than in the United States.
Hansen began his wrestling career in 1973 for his hometown promotion in Amarillo, Texas. He had initially taken up wrestling as a part-time job while trying out for the Detroit Wheels, but he began wrestling full-time with the team's folding. Hansen first teamed with future partner Frank Goodish (who later became Bruiser Brody) in 1975 while in Leroy McGuirk's Tri-State territory. He wrestled in the World Wide Wrestling Federation in the late 1970s, where he broke Bruno Sammartino's neck; it was from this incident that both Hansen and promoters claimed enormous power for his lariat move, although a botched body slam is what actually caused Sammartino's injury.
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Stan Stasiak
George Stipich (April 13, 1937 - June 19, 1997), better known by his ring name Stan Stasiak, was a Canadian professional wrestler and fifth World Wide Wrestling Federation Champion. He is the father of professional wrestler Shawn Stasiak.
Born George Stipich, Stasiak made his wrestling debut in Quebec, Canada. He used the nickname "Crusher" early in his career and used a bear hug as a finisher. Later on in his career, he adopted the heart punch as his finishing move.
During his third stay with World Wide Wrestling Federation, he would get one of the biggest opportunities of his career. Stan "The Man" Stasiak won the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship on December 1, 1973, defeating Pedro Morales. Unlike wrestlers today, Stasiak was given little notice about winning the title before it took place. According to him, he was sitting in the dressing room in Philadelphia and the road agent came to discuss the match. Stan considered this a formality as he had been having the same discussion, nearly verbatim, in every major city on the Eastern seaboard for the last two months. However this time, it was different. The agent told Stasiak that Morales was to give him a belly to back suplex and as the ref makes the count, Stan raises his shoulder up after two, while Morales' shoulder stays down, thus the title changes hands. According to friend and fellow wrestler Frank Dusek, the company wanted to make Bruno Sammartino its champion again but did not want Sammartino to defeat current champion Pedro Morales in the process. Stasiak was used as a transition champion, defeating Morales for the belt and holding it for just nine days before losing it to Sammartino on December 10, 1973.
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Stephanie McMahon
Stephanie McMahon Levesque (née Stephanie Marie McMahon; born September 24, 1976) better known by her maiden name Stephanie McMahon, is an American corporate executive who is currently the Executive Vice President, Creative, for World Wrestling Entertainment,. She is also a former professional wrestling valet and occasional wrestler. She is the daughter of WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon and Linda McMahon, the younger sister of Shane McMahon, and wife of WWE wrestler and executive Paul "Triple H" Levesque.
McMahon began appearing regularly on WWE in 1999 as a part of a storyline with The Undertaker. After a brief on-screen relationship with Test, she was engaged to Triple H—who she married both on-screen and later in real life—which resulted in the McMahon-Helmsley Faction storyline. She has held the WWF Women's Championship once. In 2001, she was the on-screen owner of Extreme Championship Wrestling during The Invasion. The following year, she was the SmackDown General Manager, but stopped appearing regularly on television after an "I Quit" match with her father Vince. After making part time appearances for several years, she began appearing regularly on Raw in 2008 as the Raw brand General Manager.
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Stephen Neal
Stephen Matthew Neal (born October 9, 1976) is a former American football guard who played his entire career for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. He is a former national champion amateur and collegiate wrestler at Cal State-Bakersfield. He was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2001, and won three Super Bowl rings with the team.
Neal attended San Diego High School in San Diego, California and was a letterman in football, wrestling, swimming, tennis, and track and field. In wrestling, as a senior, he posted a 45–2 record and placed fourth at the California State Wrestling Tournament in the 189-pound weight class. In 1998, he wrestled and defeated future NFL running back Ricky Williams.
Neal attended California State University, Bakersfield and became one of the top wrestlers in the nation, compiling a 151–10 record with four All-American seasons. He placed fourth in NCAA Division I as a freshman and second as a sophomore before winning titles his junior and senior year. His final title in 1999 came via a win over future NCAA wrestling champion, WWE Champion, and UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar. In 1999, Neal won the Dan Hodge Award following a year in which he won the U.S. Freestyle Championship, the Pan-American Games title and the World Championship. at 286 pounds. In 1999, he won the FILA outstanding wrestler award, an honor given to the best wrestler in the world. His 1999 season led up to the 2000 Summer Olympics trials where Kerry McCoy edged him for the trip to Sydney, Australia. After the trials, Neal retired from wrestling.
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Steve Keirn
Stephen "Steve" Paul Keirn (born September 10, 1951) is an American retired professional wrestler. He is best known for being part of the tag team The Fabulous Ones, with Stan Lane, and later for a run in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) as Skinner, a gimmick that portrayed him as a tobacco spitting alligator hunter from the Everglades. During his time in WWF, Steve was also one of a number of wrestlers to play the role of the masked Doink the Clown. He is currently signed with WWE, and works as President of Florida Championship Wrestling, WWE's developmental territory.
Much of Keirn's early career was spent wrestling as part of a tag team. While wrestling in Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF), he held the NWA Florida Tag Team Championship twelve times; once each with Bob Backlund, Jimmy Garvin, and Brian Blair, and nine times with Mike Graham. In addition, the team of Keirn and Graham won the NWA Florida United States Tag Team Championship three times.
In 1980 and 1981, Keirn focused on his career as a singles wrestler. He won many titles in Florida and Georgia, including the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title by defeating Chavo Guerrero Sr.. This title reign was recognized by New Japan Pro Wrestling, as well as the Los Angeles and Florida NWA territories, but not by the NWA as a whole, which considered the title vacant and held a tournament to crown a new champion. The title Keirn held was later renamed the NWA International Junior Heavyweight Title. Keirn also won the NWA National Television Championship twice, defeating Terry Funk and Kevin Sullivan.
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Tatsumi Fujinami
Tatsumi Fujinami (藤波 辰爾, Fujinami Tatsumi?) (born Tatsumi Fujinami (藤波 辰巳, Fujinami Tatsumi?)) 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.
Fujinami started in the old Japanese Wrestling Association under Antonio Inoki's wing at the age of 17. When Inoki was fired from JWA in 1971, Fujinami and a few others followed him in forming a new promotion, New Japan Pro Wrestling. Inoki, Fujinami, Osamu Kido and Kotetsu Yamamoto are recognized as NJPW's founding fathers.
In those early days, he served as opponent for debuting rookies, such as Mr. Pogo, Yoshiaki Fujiwara and Gran Hamada. Fujinami, Fujiwara, Hamada and three other rookies competed in the 1974 Karl Gotch Cup (a tournament for rookies, forerunner to the later Young Lions Cup).
In the late 1970s, Fujinami was sent abroad, to Mexico's Universal Wrestling Association and to Jim Crockett Promotions in the U.S. In the late 1970s he went to the WWWF where he first made a name for himself. He won the WWWF Junior Heavyweight Championship on January 23, 1978. and brought it back to Japan, establishing it as the premier junior heavyweight title in Japan. In October 1981, he graduated to the heavyweight division. Fujinami would be the first wrestler to be successful in both the junior heavyweight and heavyweight divisions.
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Taylor Rotunda
Taylor Michael Rotunda (born May 25, 1990) is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE and wrestles in their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), as Bo Rotundo. He is a former two-time FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion and former two-time FCW Florida Tag Team Champion with his older brother Husky Harris.
In 2008, Rotunda signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), where he debuted in December by defeating Caleb O'Neal. On December 16, 2008, Rotunda, wrestling under his real name teamed with Kris Logan to defeat Ryback and Jon Cutler in a tag team match. Throughout early 2009, Rotunda continued wrestling in tag team matches, and changed his name to 'Tank Rotunda' in February. In June, he began wrestling as 'Bo Rotunda' and later 'Bo Rotundo', and the following month he began teaming with his brother, Duke Rotundo. At the FCW television tapings on June 23, The Rotundo Brothers defeated The Dude Busters (Caylen Croft and Trent Barretta) to become the number one contenders to the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship. That same night, they defeated Justin Angel and Kris Logan for the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship. They went on to successfully defend the championship against Dylan Klein and Vance Archer and the team of Curt Hawkins and Heath Slater. At the FCW television tapings on November 19, the Rotundos lost the championship to The Dude Busters (Hawkins and Croft).
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Tazz
Peter Senerchia (born October 11, 1967) is a retired American professional wrestler and color commentator best known by his ring name Tazz, originally Tazmaniac and later shortened to simply Taz. Tazz is signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling where he works as a color commentator.
He is best known from his tenure in Extreme Championship Wrestling, where he was a two time World Heavyweight Champion, a two time World Television Champion, a three time World Tag Team Champion, a two time (and the first ever) FTW Heavyweight Champion, and the fourth ECW Triple Crown winner (the final in the original ECW).
His World Wrestling Entertainment career as an in-ring performer came to an early halt in 2002 when mounting injuries forced him to retire and become a color commentator, which he continued to do until his contract with WWE expired in April 2009. Two months later, Senerchia debuted in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling at their Victory Road pay-per-view under the ring name Taz and eventually reprised his role as a color commentator for TNA's broadcasts, replacing Don West.
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Ted DiBiase
Theodore Marvin "Ted" DiBiase, Sr. (born January 18, 1954) is a retired professional wrestler, manager, ordained minister and color commentator. DiBiase achieved championship success in a number of wrestling promotions, holding thirty titles during his professional wrestling career. He is best recalled by mainstream audiences for his time in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where he wrestled as "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase.
Among other accolades in the WWF, DiBiase was the first WWF North American Heavyweight Champion, a three-time WWF Tag Team Champion (with Irwin R. Schyster) and the 1988 King of the Ring. DiBiase also created his own championship, the Million Dollar Championship. He was well known for his cutting-edge heel promos, which were often concluded with his trademark evil laugh; DiBiase has been described by WWE as the organization's "most despised villain" during the late 1980s. He held the WWF Championship belt in 1988 after purchasing it from André the Giant, but this period is not recognized by WWE as an official title reign. Nonetheless, DiBiase frequently performed in main event matches and has been cited as one of the finest in-ring technicians in history.
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Tenille Dashwood
Tenille Dashwood is an Australian professional wrestler , better known by her ring name, Tenille Tayla, currently signed to WWE.
Tenille was introduced into wrestling by her older brother Jake, when she was about 8 years old. She involved herself in the Australian wrestling scene and did some training from the ages of 13 to 15. In 2005, Tenille made some appearances for the Australian wrestling promotion PWA under the name Valentine. However, from the age of 16 to 18, Tenille was limited to setting up the ring at events and helping out after she suffered a shoulder injury. In 2007, she moved to Calgary, Alberta, Canada for a few months to train with Lance Storm at the Storm Wrestling Academy. In the fall of 2008, Tenille returned to Australia. She wrestled for several promotions, with one of her most notable appearances being at Nightmare Wrestling, where she teamed up with Christy Hemme, Kellie Skater and Sara Jay to defeat the team of Traci Brooks, Vixsin, Sway and Aurora. On 22 February 2009 Tenille also won PWA Queensland's first-ever "Queen of the Warriors" tournament, after defeating Shazza McKenzie, Jessie McKay and Kellie Skater.
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The Great Khali
Dalip Singh Rana (born 27 August 1972), better known by his ring name The Great Khali, is an Indian professional wrestler, actor, and powerlifter. He is currently working for WWE as a member of the SmackDown roster.
He debuted alongside Daivari and had alliances with Ranjin Singh and Jinder Mahal. However he spent most of his career as a singles superstar and in 2007 he became the World Heavyweight Champion.
Before embarking on his professional wrestling career, he was a police officer in the Punjab state police. He has appeared in four Hollywood films as well as two Bollywood films.
Singh was born in Himachal Pradesh, India to Jwala Ram (father) and Tandi Devi (mother); he is one of seven siblings. He is a Hindu Rajput. Although his parents are of normal stature, his grandfather was well over 6 ft 6 inches.
Under the ring name Giant Singh, Dalip Singh first became a professional wrestler for All Pro Wrestling (APW) in the United States, making his first appearance in October 2000, when teaming with Tony Jones against the West Side Playaz.
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The Miz
Michael "Mike" Gregory Mizanin (born October 8, 1980) is an American professional wrestler, reality television star, media personality, and actor better known by his nickname and ring name The Miz. He is currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment on its Raw brand. Mizanin first gained fame as a cast member on MTV's The Real World: Back to New York, which first aired in 2001, and its spinoff series, Real World/Road Rules Challenge. He later entered the fourth season of Tough Enough, a televised competition that would award the winner a WWE contract, and became the first runner-up. Mizanin has also made appearances on television shows including Battle of the Network Reality Stars, Fear Factor, Identity, Ghost Hunters, Dinner Impossible, Psych and Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?.
Mizanin trained and wrestled with Ultimate Pro Wrestling and Deep South Wrestling, where he became the first Deep South Heavyweight Champion. Mizanin was sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), working in tag team matches and winning the tag team title, the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship, on one occasion.
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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 WWE and is the company's most tenured competitor. Calaway began his wrestling career with World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) in 1984. He joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as "Mean" Mark Callous in 1989. When WCW did not renew Calaway's contract in 1990, he signed with the World Wrestling Federation in October and, after shortening his name from Kane the Undertaker to simply The Undertaker, has remained with the company since.
The Undertaker has two contrasting personas. The first is the role of The Deadman, an undead, occult-like figure, which has consisted of many different styles. He debuted his original Deadman persona during his own on-camera debut at Survivor Series (1990). At this event, the Undertaker was clad as a Western mortician. Next, in October of 1998, the Undertaker appeared as the leader of the Ministry of Darkness (with similar apparel). Since WrestleMania XX, the Undertaker has appeared as a hybrid version of the Deadman character, using elements of the previous Deadman incarnations.
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The Usos
The Usos (also known as The Uso Brothers) are an American professional wrestling tag team consisting of identical twin brothers Jimmy and Jey Uso (born August 22, 1985) from San Francisco, California. The Usos appear in WWE, competing on the SmackDown brand. The pair were previously managed by Tamina. The Usos are former FCW Florida Tag Team Champions.
Jimmy (real name Jonathan Solofa Fatu Jr.) and Jey (real name Joshua Samuel Fatu) are the twin sons of Solofa Fatu, better known as Rikishi, and are part of the Anoa'i family. Tamina (real name Sarona Reiher) is the daughter of Jimmy Snuka and sister of Jimmy Reiher, Jr.
Appearing under their real names, Jonathan and Joshua Fatu debuted as a tag team at a World Xtreme Wrestling (WXW) show in Milton, Florida on June 8, 2007.
Jimmy Uso (Jonathan Fatu) appeared at the Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) television tapings on November 5, accompanying Donny Marlow to the ring. Jimmy also appeared in a dark match prior to the FCW television tapings on November 19, defeating Titus O'Neill.
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Theodore Long
Theodore Rufus "Teddy" Long (born September 15, 1947) is an American professional wrestling manager and former referee who is currently signed to WWE, performing as a servant for John Laurinaitis. He is best known for being a two-time general manager of WWE SmackDown.
Long started out as an errand boy for wrestlers Tommy Rich and Abdullah the Butcher. He eventually became a member of the ringcrew and was promoted to referee in the NWA's Jim Crockett Promotions in 1985 as Teddy Long. In 1989, at the Chi-Town Rumble event, Long ran in and counted three, making Ricky Steamboat the NWA World Champion. Shortly thereafter, Long began to turn into a villainous character when he started to bend the rules for the villains. On April 2, 1989 at the Clash of Champions in New Orleans, Long blatantly made a fast count allowing Mike Rotunda and "Dr. Death" Steve Williams to defeat the Road Warriors for the NWA World Tag Team Championship. After this match, the National Wrestling Alliance relieved Long of his refereeing duties. This was actually a story lifted from Championship Wrestling from Florida, where Long had been a referee and did several heel-decisions in the ring, including one for Ron Simmons over Skip Young. While riding with Kevin Sullivan and Eddie Gilbert, Long would DJ for them. After hearing Long talk, the two convinced Jim Ross to give Long a managerial role, managing "Norman The Lunatic". Long became the manager of Doom (Ron Simmons and Butch Reed) and led them to the World Tag Team Titles. He also managed Johnny B. Badd, One Man Gang, Norman the Lunatic, The Skyscrapers (Sid Vicious, Dan Spivey and Mark Calaway), Marcus Bagwell, 2 Cold Scorpio, Joey Maggs, Craig Pittman, Jim Powers, Bobby Walker, Ice Train and Bobby Eaton while in Jim Crockett Promotions and WCW.
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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 first match in WrestleMania history.
Solis played tight end for West Texas A&M University, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. The team was quarterbacked by future professional wrestler Tully Blanchard, who would introduce him into the world of professional wrestling. After graduation, Solis was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs during training camp. He played one season for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League, appearing in 13 regular-season games.
He pro debuted in Championship Wrestling From Florida in 1977, also worked in Georgia Championship Wrestling in 1977-78, until he joined the World Wrestling Federation in 1979. After a near 3 year run in the American Wrestling Association form 1980-1982 he returned to World Wrestling Federation in 1983.
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Togi Makabe
Shinya Makabe (真壁 伸也, Makabe Shin'ya?, born September 29, 1972), better known by his ring name Togi Makabe (真壁 刀義, Makabe Togi?) is a Japanese professional wrestler, trained by and currently performing for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), where he is a former IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Tag Team Champion.
Debuting in 1997, Makabe originally wrestled under his birthname as a junior heavyweight (100 kilograms (220 lb)), before gaining several kilograms during a global excursion in 2001 and 2002. He changed his given name to "Togi" during the 2004 G1 Climax tournament. His status in New Japan rose significantly in 2007, making it to the finals of the New Japan Cup and the semifinals of the G1 Climax, and challenging Yuji Nagata for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. After a number of unsuccessful challenges at the title, Makabe finally won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship on May 3, 2010, by defeating Shinsuke Nakamura.
Makabe's wrestling style and character is heavily influenced by the late Bruiser Brody. Known as the "Unchained Gorilla", Makabe is known for his violent, bloody style, often illegally employing steel chairs and chains into his offense, including a lariat with a chain wrapped around his arm (like Brody). He also uses Brody's All Japan Pro Wrestling theme "Immigrant Song" (albeit a cover made by Tomoyasu Hotei) as his own.
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Tom Prichard
Thomas Prichard (born August 18, 1959) is an American professional wrestler better known as Tom Prichard. He is the brother of Chris and Bruce Prichard.
Tom Prichard began his career in Los Angeles, around 1979, working for Gene and Mike LeBell's Los Angeles Olympic Auditorium wrestling promotion, where he held several championships in that organization, including the Americas tag team title with Chris Adams. After LeBell closed the L.A. promotion down in 1982, Prichard competed in various NWA territories for the next four years before settling in the southeast, where he had his greatest success of his career.
Prichard joined the Continental Wrestling Federation in the late 1980s, and feuded with "The Dirty White Boy" Tony Anthony. Their feud included a very controversial angle where Anthony's valet came out with a black eye and begged Prichard to help her, only for Anthony to attack him from behind, cuff his hands behind his back, and hang him. On October 3, 1988 in Birmingham, Alabama, he defeated Anthony in the finals of a tournament to win the vacant CWF Heavyweight Championship. Prichard lost the title to Wendell Cooley on April 7, 1989 in Knoxville, Tennessee, but regained the belt on June 23 of that year. He lost the title to Dennis Condrey a month later on July 22 in Dothan, Alabama, before once again regaining it after defeating Condrey on December 6 of that same year. Prichard held the title until the CWF closed later that month.
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Tony Atlas
Anthony White (born April 23, 1954) better known by his ring name "Tony Atlas" is an American 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 WWE, appearing on its now-defunct ECW brand.
Atlas started wrestling in 1975 for the National Wrestling Alliance World Wide/Mid Atlantic area. His debut, on July 10, was a tag team match with Bob Bruggers against Art Neilson and The Blue Scorpion. The match finished with Atlas winning the fall for his team with a sleeper hold on the Blue Scorpion.
Throughout his career he worked for World Championship Wrestling (WCW), the NWA's Jim Crockett Promotions, the World Wrestling Council (WWC), World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), the American Wrestling Association (AWA), and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Among his regular partners were Tommy Rich (as "TNT"), Dick Murdoch, and Rocky Johnson. He was also the very first man to press slam and pin Hulk Hogan though Hogan's foot was on the rope and the referee didn't see it.[citation needed]
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Tony Chimel
Anthony "Tony" Chimel (born October 11, 1961) is an American professional wrestling ring announcer, employed by WWE for WWE Superstars and Pay-Per-View pre-shows.
Before Chimel was ring announcer, he and Joey Marella (referee and son of legendary grappler Gorilla Monsoon) were the main ring technicians for the World Wrestling Federation. Chimel then began announcing duties for the company in 1991, working mostly non-televised house shows and filling in for Howard Finkel whenever necessary.[citation needed]
Chimel was the SmackDown ring announcer since its inception in 1999. He had also been ring announcing at SmackDown brand pay-per-views during this period of time. He defeated Howard Finkel for the rights to be SmackDown announcer in 1999 in a tuxedo match.
From 2005 to 2007 Chimel was involved in a mini-feud with former superstar Mr. Kennedy, who claimed that Chimel was not announcing his name with the proper respect that it deserved. This feud included Chimel being body punched, being "told to take a bow" (hit in the groin), and having a doughnut shoved in his mouth by Mr. Kennedy.
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Trent Barreta
Gregory "Greg" Marasciulo (born March 30, 1987) is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, working on its SmackDown brand under the ring name Trent Barreta. He was one half of the Dude Busters tag team with Caylen Croft before Croft was released from his WWE contract. Marasciulo also wrestled for the New York Wrestling Connection as Plazma, and competed in Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) in drag as a masked wrestler, The Girl from Mexico.
Marasciulo made his professional debut for New York Wrestling Connection on July 10, 2004, under the ring name Plazma in a losing effort to Dan Barry. After wrestling primarily in singles and tag team matches, Plazma defeated Matt Maverick on January 28, 2006 to become the promotion's first ever Hi-Fi Champion, which was also the first championship of his career. On February 25, Plazma retained the title against Maverick in his first title defense. On March 18, Plazma lost the title to Mike Spinelli. Plazma would defeat Spinelli in a rematch for the title on May 20. After successfully retaining the title against the likes of Jamie Van Lemer, Spyder, Javi-Air, and Jerry Lynn throughout the next few months, Plazma lost the Hi-Fi Championship to Dickie Rodz on October 21. After two unsuccessful attempts to regain the title in February and March 2007, respectively, Plazma teamed with Maverick to defeat The Angus Brothers (Danny and Billy) and Dan Dynasty and Jamie Van Lemer in a three-way match to win the Tag Team Championship. The team would retain the title on several occasions before losing them to MEGA and Prince Nana on December 15. That same night, Plazma defeated Quiet Storm to win the Heavyweight Championship, although the title was vacated shortly afterwards due to Marasciulo announcing his signing to World Wrestling Entertainment.
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Triple H
Paul Michael Levesque (born July 27, 1969) is an American professional wrestler, wrestling executive, and actor better known by his ring name Triple H, an abbreviation of the ring name, Hunter Hearst Helmsley. Currently, Levesque works in the front office of WWE as the Executive Vice President of Talent and Live Events, and as Triple H appears on television as the (storyline) Chief Operating Officer, and part-time wrestler.
Levesque began his wrestling career in the International Wrestling Federation as Terra Ryzing before joining World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1994. After briefly using the Ryzing name, he changed his character to Jean-Paul Lévesque, a French-Canadian aristocrat which would be similar to his character Hunter Hearst Helmsley, that he used in his early years with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) from 1995 onward. He later abbreviated his name to Triple H and adopted an alternative image in the D-Generation X (DX) stable. After the dissolution of DX, Triple H was pushed as a main event wrestler, winning several singles championships. As part of a storyline Triple H married Stephanie McMahon, who later became his real-life spouse. In 2003, Triple H formed another stable known as Evolution, and reformed DX with Shawn Michaels in 2006 and 2009. He is heavily involved in the writing process of WWE programming, and holds complete creative control over his television character's storylines, win/loss record, and championship reigns.
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Tyler Black
Colby Lopez (born May 28, 1986) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Tyler Black. He is signed to a contract with WWE, where he competes in their developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling as Seth Rollins, where he is the reigning FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion. He is a former FCW 15 Champion and FCW Florida Tag Team Champion with Richie Steamboat. He is best known for his time in Ring of Honor (ROH), where he is a former ROH World Champion.
He has competed in Scott County Wrestling, AAW: Professional Wrestling Redefined, Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South, the National Wrestling Alliance, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, and Wrestling Society X. In several promotions, Black was the tag team partner of Jimmy Jacobs, with the team known as Doin' It For Her. He was once a member of The Age of the Fall along with Jacobs, and several other wrestlers. Black is also a three-time world champion having won the MCPW World Heavyweight Championship once, the FIP World Heavyweight Championship on one occasion, and the ROH World Championship once.
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Tyler Reks
Gabriel Allan Tuft (born November 1, 1978) is an American professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs on its Raw brand under the ring name Tyler Reks. He also competes in WWE's developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling, where he held the Florida Tag Team Championship once with Johnny Curtis and held the Florida Heavyweight Championship once.
Tuft was trained by Mike Bell. He made his professional debut in February 2007 for Ultimate Pro Wrestling.
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Tyson Kidd
Theodore James "TJ" Wilson, sometimes stylized as T.J. Wilson, (born July 11, 1980) is a Canadian professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, and wrestles on the SmackDown brand as Tyson Kidd.
The final graduate of the Hart Dungeon, Wilson wrestled internationally, winning various championships, before signing with WWE in 2006. Forming the Hart Dynasty with David Hart Smith and Natalya, Kidd won the Unified Tag Team Championship in April 2010 when the Hart Dynasty defeated ShoMiz.
Wilson trained at Stu Hart's Dungeon in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Wilson furthered his wrestling training under the watch of Tokyo Joe, who later helped him get booked in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) as well as in England. He wrestled his first match in Stampede Wrestling in Calgary at the age of fifteen in 1995. At age sixteen, he wrestled in the opening match of a World Wrestling Federation house show in Calgary, teaming with Andrew Picarnic against Teddy Hart and Harry Smith. The following year, Wilson started training with Bret Hart.
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Vickie Guerrero
Vickie Lynn Guerrero (née Lara, born April 16, 1968) is an American professional wrestling personality, manager, shifting authority figure and occasional wrestler, currently signed to WWE on its Raw brand. She is also the wife of the late professional wrestler Eddie Guerrero.
In 2005, Vickie Guerrero began to make cameo appearances during the feud between her husband Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio, which had escalated when Eddie promised to reveal a secret concerning Mysterio's son, Dominick. Vickie was on the July 14 episode of SmackDown! with two of Eddie's three daughters to stop Eddie from revealing Mysterio's secret. Eddie promised not to reveal the secret should he lose to Mysterio at The Great American Bash, though that turned out to be another one of his character's trademark lies, as Eddie revealed that Dominick was really his biological son. Vickie later reappeared at SummerSlam to convince Eddie to put a stop to his war with Mysterio and not to go through with the "Custody of Dominick" ladder match that night. When that failed, she cost him the match by pushing over the ladder he was on as he was about to win. On November 13, 2005, Eddie Guerrero died of heart failure in his Minneapolis hotel room and was found by his nephew Chavo. On-screen, this led to Rey Mysterio, Eddie's real-life friend, getting more screen time and higher profile matches, including defeating Kurt Angle and Randy Orton at WrestleMania 22 for the World Heavyweight Championship.
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Vince McMahon
Vincent Kennedy "Vince" McMahon (born August 24, 1945) is an American professional wrestling promoter, announcer, commentator, film producer, actor and former occasional professional wrestler. McMahon is the Chairman, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Committee of professional wrestling promotion WWE. Upon acquiring World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), 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).
As an on-camera character, he can appear on all WWE brands (though the majority of the time, he appears on Raw). McMahon plays a character known by the ring name Mr. McMahon, based on his real life persona. In the world of WWE, he is a two-time world champion, having won the WWF Championship and ECW World Championship. He was also the winner of the 1999 Royal Rumble.
Vince is the husband of Linda McMahon, with whom he ran WWE from its establishment in 1980 until she resigned as the CEO in September 2009.
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Wade Barrett
Stuart Alexander "Stu" Bennett (born August 10, 1980) is an English professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE where he performs on its SmackDown brand under the ring name Wade Barrett. He won the first season of NXT in 2010 and made his Raw debut in June of that year, rising to prominence as the leader of the Nexus, a villainous stable composed of the NXT contestants. Barrett headlined five WWE pay-per-view events during the remainder of 2010, challenging for the WWE Championship in three of those.
After moving to SmackDown in January 2011, Barrett formed a new stable known as The Corre, which included former Nexus members. He challenged for the World Heavyweight Championship at the 2011 WWE Elimination Chamber and won his first singles championship, the WWE Intercontinental Championship, in March. Prior to his WWE debut, Barrett competed in various independent promotions under his own name, and the ring names of Stu Sanders and Lawrence Knight.
Bennett was born in Penwortham and lived in Preston, Lancashire until the age of six, when he moved to Wales with his family. He has an older brother named Martin. As a child, Bennett was a fan of "The British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith. Before becoming a professional wrestler, Bennett was a bareknuckle boxer while living in Liverpool. Bennett has a degree in marine biology from University of Liverpool. He worked in a science laboratory and later as a Recruitment Consultant at Venn Group's London Office, whilst training to become a wrestler.
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Wikipedia Persondata
wn.com/Wikipedia_Persondata -
William Regal
Darren Kenneth Matthews (born 10 May 1968) is an English professional wrestler, author and color commentator currently signed to WWE and competing on the SmackDown brand under the ring name William Regal. He is also known for his time in World Championship Wrestling under the ring name Steven Regal. Having started his career wrestling on the carnival circuit in England, Matthews moved on to wrestle around the world in countries such as Germany and South Africa, before being called up to World Championship Wrestling in 1993. In 2000, after leaving WCW, Matthews joined the World Wrestling Federation (later World Wrestling Entertainment and now just WWE), where he became commissioner. More recently he has been General Manager of Raw, the 2008 King of the Ring and is currently the Official Match Coordinator for NXT Redemption.
Never a world champion, Matthews has, nonetheless, achieved considerable championship success in professional wrestling. Throughout his career, he has won more than 60 titles worldwide, including four in WCW and 13 in WWE. He has overcome multiple drug problems as well as a major heart defect during his career, and he has written an autobiography, Walking a Golden Mile.
wn.com/William_Regal -
Yoshi Tatsu
Naofumi Yamamoto (山本 尚史, Yamamoto Naofumi?, born August 1, 1977) is a Japanese professional wrestler and former boxer, who is currently signed to WWE, performing on its SmackDown brand under the ring name Yoshi Tatsu.
Yamamoto trained for his professional wrestling career in the New Japan Pro Wrestling Dojo before making his professional wrestling debut on October 12, 2002.
wn.com/Yoshi_Tatsu -
Yoshihiro Takayama
Yoshihiro Takayama (高山 善廣, Takayama Yoshihiro?, born September 19, 1966) is a Japanese professional wrestler and mixed martial artist. Takayama is well known for his ability to endure massive amounts of punishment, especially after his fight at PRIDE 21 against Don Frye. He is the second of two men to hold all 3 of puroresu's major heavyweight titles (the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, the AJPW Triple Crown Championship, and the GHC Heavyweight Championship), the other being Kensuke Sasaki.
Takayama started in UWF International, but due to the focus of the promotion on star Nobuhiko Takada, he wasn't able to go past the mid-card level. In 1995-96, with the interpromotional feuds with New Japan Pro Wrestling and WAR, he formed the "Golden Cups" stable with Yoji Anjo and Kenichi Yamamoto to compete in tag team and six-man matches. In New Japan he and Anjo assumed masks as the "200% Machines" to mock "Super Strong Machine" Junji Hirata. In WAR, they feuded with Gedo, Jado and Hiromichi Fuyuki.
wn.com/Yoshihiro_Takayama -
Yuji Nagata
Yuji Nagata (永田 裕志, Nagata Yūji?, born April 24, 1968) is a Japanese professional wrestler. He was known for his perennial tweener status, currently a solid fan favorite, and his stiff, shoot style wrestling technique.
A two time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and Zero1 World Heavyweight Champion, Nagata is the fourth longest-reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion with a reign of 392 days. He held the record for most successful title defenses with 10, until Hiroshi Tanahashi broke the record at Wrestle Kingdom VI.
Before turning professional, Nagata was a successful amateur wrestler. Competing in the Greco-Roman style, Nagata represented Japan in the Asian Championships twice, placing fifth in 1993 and placing fourth in 1994, in one World Cup at the Espoir level in 1988, and in the 1991 World Championships, placing twenty-first.
Nagata joined New Japan Pro Wrestling in April 1992 and trained in the New Japan Dojo. He debuted on September 14 of that year, facing Hiroyoshi Yamamoto. Nagata increased in stature during the 1995 inter-promotional angle pitting NJPW loyalists against UWF International wrestlers. Taught the shoot-style by Kazuo Yamazaki, who had returned to NJPW after leaving UWFI, Nagata learned the style that has been his trademark ever since.
wn.com/Yuji_Nagata -
Zach Gowen
Zachary "Zach" Gowen (born March 30, 1983) is an American professional wrestler. Gowen has competed for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).
Gowen's left leg was amputated when he was eight years old, and as a result he is the only one-legged competitor in professional wrestling.
Gowen was diagnosed with cancer as a child, and as a result lost his left leg due to amputation at the age of eight. He was a fan of professional wrestling from a young age, and cites Shawn Michaels and Rey Mysterio as two of his favourite wrestlers.
After being trained by Truth Martini, Gowen made his professional wrestling debut on March 16, 2002, in a loss to Martini. While training Gowen made the decision to wrestle without his prostethetic leg as he found it difficult to wrestle with the "dead weight".
Gowen first gained national exposure wrestling for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling during early 2003 under the name Tenacious Z, but soon left TNA, after signing a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
wn.com/Zach_Gowen -
Zack Ryder
Matt Cardona (born May 14, 1985), better known by his ring name Zack Ryder, is an American professional wrestler signed to WWE and appearing on its Raw brand.
Cardona wrestled mostly with his tag team partner Brian Myers/Curt Hawkins on the independent circuit and initially in WWE, where they won the WWE Tag Team Championship. After the team split in 2009, Cardona was featured sparingly on WWE television. In 2011, Cardona used YouTube and Twitter to establish a niche fan following, which translated to a rise in status in WWE.
Cardona debuted with New York Wrestling Connection (NYWC) in 2004, using the name Brett Matthews. By 2005 he began regularly teaming with Bryan Myers and the duo of Myers and Matthews went on to defeat the NYWC Tag Team Champions Dickie Rodz and Mason Raige by disqualification, for which titles do not change hands. At the next event on June 4 they won a rematch decisively to become Tag Team Champions. Later that month they were attacked by The Dead Presidents (Lo Lincoln and Boog Washington) to set up a feud where they eventually lost their titles against them in July. on August 27. On September 23 they were entered into a three way match with the champions but Team Tremendous (Dan Barry and Ken Scampi) ended up with the belts. After continuing to win matches they re-earned a match against Team Tremendous and won the titles for the second time on January 25, 2006. They held the titles until they faced the B.S. Xpress (Tony Burma & Mike Spinelli), who defeated them for the gold on March 26.
wn.com/Zack_Ryder
Lesnar, Brock Filmography
- WWE: 50 Greatest Finishing Moves in WWE History (2012)
- The Epic Journey of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson (2012)
- Extreme Rules (2012)
- Summerslam (2012)
- Raw the Best of 2010 (2011)
- WWE: OMG! - The Top 50 Incidents in WWE History (2011)
- Spring Broke (2011)
- Big Show: A Giants World (2011)
- The True Story of WrestleMania (2011)
- WWE: Greatest Stars of the New Millenium (2011)
- UFC Primetime: Lesnar vs. Velasquez (2010)
- UFC 116: Lesnar vs. Carwin (2010)
- UFC 120: Bisping vs. Akiyama (2010)
- UFC 121: Lesnar vs. Velasquez (2010)
- WWE: The Best of SmackDown - 10th Anniversary 1999-2009 (2009)
- UFC 100: Lesnar vs. Mir (2009)
- WWE Summerslam: The Complete Anthology, Vol. 3 (2009)
- WWE: History of the World Heavyweight Championship (2009)
- WWE: Batista - I Walk Alone (2009)
- WWE: Hell in a Cell (2008)
- WWE Summerslam: The Complete Anthology, Vol. 4 (2008)
- UFC 81: Breaking Point (2008)
- UFC 87: Seek and Destroy (2008)
- Viva la Raza: The Legacy of Eddie Guerrero (2008)
- The Most Powerful Families in Wrestling (2007)
- WWE: McMahon (2006)
- WWE: The History of the WWE Championship (2006)
- The Worlds Greatest Wrestling Managers (2006)
- Tombstone: The History of the Undertaker (2005)
- WWE WrestleMania: The Complete Anthology, Vol. 4 (2005)
- Royal Rumble (2004)
- Hard Knocks: The Chris Benoit Story (2004)
- WrestleMania XX (2004)
- John Cena: Word Life (2004)
- Cheating Death, Stealing Life: The Eddie Guerrero Story (2004)
- WWE No Way Out (2004)
- Survivor Series (2003)
- WWE Vengeance (2003)
- WWE Judgment Day (2003)
- Summerslam (2003)
- WWE No Mercy (2003)
- WWE No Way Out (2003)
- Before They Were WWE Superstars 2 (2003)
- Royal Rumble (2003)
- WWE: Brock Lesnar: Here Comes the Pain (2003)
- WWE Backlash (2003)
- WrestleMania XIX (2003)
- WWE Vengeance (2002)
- King of the Ring (2002)
- OVW: Wrestling's Future Stars (2002)
- Summerslam (2002)
- Survivor Series (2002)
- WWE Armageddon (2002)
- WWE Global Warning Tour: Melbourne (2002)
- WWE Insurrextion (2002)
- WWE Judgment Day (2002)
- WWE No Mercy (2002)
- WWE Rebellion (2002)
- WWE Unforgiven (2002)
- WWF Backlash (2002)
- WWE Velocity (2002)
- OVW: Christmas Chaos (2001)
- WWF Jakked (1999)
- WWF Metal (1998)
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Brock Lesnar - Inspirational Workout
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 4:52
- Updated: 03 Jan 2013
GET RIPPED, EARN RESPECT, GET WOMEN: www.SMUSCLEMAXIMIZER.com Brock Lesnar - Inspirational Workout Music: 1. Ennio Morricone - The ecstasy of gold 2. 300 Violin Orchestra - Jorge Quintero
http://wn.com/Brock_Lesnar_Inspirational_Workout
GET RIPPED, EARN RESPECT, GET WOMEN: www.SMUSCLEMAXIMIZER.com Brock Lesnar - Inspirational Workout Music: 1. Ennio Morricone - The ecstasy of gold 2. 300 Violin Orchestra - Jorge Quintero
Brock Lesnar UFC Beast 2012 Mix
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 14:54
- Updated: 02 Jan 2013
Absolutely no copyright infringement is intended. All audio and video clips are the sole property of their respective owners. This is only clipped for entertainment .
http://wn.com/Brock_Lesnar_UFC_Beast_2012_Mix
Absolutely no copyright infringement is intended. All audio and video clips are the sole property of their respective owners. This is only clipped for entertainment .
- published: 28 Jul 2012
- views: 409197
- author: Johann Schiavon
John Cena vs Brock Lesnar (Extreme Rules 2012) [HQ] - YouTube
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 33:02
- Updated: 03 Jan 2013
The textual, photographic, video, audio, and combined audiovisual programs and products resulting from the WWE, Inc.'s events and television programs, including the material contained in this web site, are protected under US and international laws as copyrighted works. Anyone who displays, reproduces, copies, creates derivative works, or sells our textual, photographic, video or audiovisual programs for commercial or non-commercial purposes without our permission violates the copyright laws and is liable for copyright infringement. All rights Reserved by WWE No copyright infringement intended. All pictures and videos are copyright of the WWE and / or their respective owners. WWE Entertainment TM (c) 2012 All Rights Reserved World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
http://wn.com/John_Cena_vs_Brock_Lesnar_Extreme_Rules_2012_HQ_YouTube
The textual, photographic, video, audio, and combined audiovisual programs and products resulting from the WWE, Inc.'s events and television programs, including the material contained in this web site, are protected under US and international laws as copyrighted works. Anyone who displays, reproduces, copies, creates derivative works, or sells our textual, photographic, video or audiovisual programs for commercial or non-commercial purposes without our permission violates the copyright laws and is liable for copyright infringement. All rights Reserved by WWE No copyright infringement intended. All pictures and videos are copyright of the WWE and / or their respective owners. WWE Entertainment TM (c) 2012 All Rights Reserved World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
- published: 22 Aug 2012
- views: 549402
- author: Sudhir Shinde
WWE Wrestlemania 20: Goldberg vs Brock Lesnar w/Stone Cold as Guest Ref Full Match + Promo HQ
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 25:05
- Updated: 03 Jan 2013
WWE Wrestlemania 20 XX 2004 1 on 1 Full Match + Promo HQ Goldberg vs Brock Lesnar (w/ Stone Cold Steve Austin as Guest Referee) (c) WWE 2004 Inc.
http://wn.com/WWE_Wrestlemania_20_Goldberg_vs_Brock_Lesnar_w_Stone_Cold_as_Guest_Ref_Full_Match_+_Promo_HQ
WWE Wrestlemania 20 XX 2004 1 on 1 Full Match + Promo HQ Goldberg vs Brock Lesnar (w/ Stone Cold Steve Austin as Guest Referee) (c) WWE 2004 Inc.
- published: 08 Apr 2012
- views: 3033529
- author: tomolartv2
Brock Lesnar's strength- Then and now
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 4:36
- Updated: 02 Jan 2013
The pure strength of the animal Brock Lesnar!
http://wn.com/Brock_Lesnar's_strength_Then_and_now
The pure strength of the animal Brock Lesnar!
- published: 18 Nov 2012
- views: 20791
- author: Brock Lesnar
WWE Raw 4/2/12 Brock Lesnar Returns to WWE
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 3:52
- Updated: 02 Jan 2013
"Brock Lesnar Returns" "Brock Lesnar Returns" "Brock Lesnar Returns" "Brock Lesnar Returns 2012" "Brock Lesnar Returns 2012" "Brock Lesnar Returns 2012" "Brock Lesnar Returns WWE" "Brock Lesnar Returns WWE" "Brock Lesnar Returns WWE"
http://wn.com/WWE_Raw_4_2_12_Brock_Lesnar_Returns_to_WWE
"Brock Lesnar Returns" "Brock Lesnar Returns" "Brock Lesnar Returns" "Brock Lesnar Returns 2012" "Brock Lesnar Returns 2012" "Brock Lesnar Returns 2012" "Brock Lesnar Returns WWE" "Brock Lesnar Returns WWE" "Brock Lesnar Returns WWE"
- published: 03 Apr 2012
- views: 2225939
- author: fishersvlogs
WWE FunNy - Kurt Angle fools Brock Lesnar
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 2:33
- Updated: 03 Jan 2013
WWE FunNY segment featuring WWE superstars namely Brock Lesnar and Kurt Angle where the latter fools the former. ALL RIGHTS AND CREDITS OF THIS VIDEO BELONG TO WWE ENTERTAINMENT.
http://wn.com/WWE_FunNy_Kurt_Angle_fools_Brock_Lesnar
WWE FunNY segment featuring WWE superstars namely Brock Lesnar and Kurt Angle where the latter fools the former. ALL RIGHTS AND CREDITS OF THIS VIDEO BELONG TO WWE ENTERTAINMENT.
- published: 29 Jul 2012
- views: 254876
- author: FunNyBunNyMrX
The Hardy Boyz vs. Brock Lesnar & Shawn Stasiak: Insurrextion 2002
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 2:31
- Updated: 03 Jan 2013
Brock Lesnar makes a major statement following that tag team match against The Hardy Boyz at Insurrextion 2002.
http://wn.com/The_Hardy_Boyz_vs_Brock_Lesnar_Shawn_Stasiak_Insurrextion_2002
Brock Lesnar makes a major statement following that tag team match against The Hardy Boyz at Insurrextion 2002.
- published: 27 Dec 2012
- views: 33182
- author: WWEFanNation
John Cena and Brock Lesnar sign the contract for their Extreme Rules Match
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 9:49
- Updated: 02 Jan 2013
John Cena and Brock Lesnar make their Extreme Rules Match official with the signing of the contract.
http://wn.com/John_Cena_and_Brock_Lesnar_sign_the_contract_for_their_Extreme_Rules_Match
John Cena and Brock Lesnar make their Extreme Rules Match official with the signing of the contract.
- published: 24 Apr 2012
- views: 1672329
- author: WWEFanNation
Brock Lesnar isn't playing games at SummerSlam
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 0:56
- Updated: 02 Jan 2013
Brock Lesnar sends a stern message to his SummerSlam opponent, Triple H. Get the Summer Slam PPV now! www.wwe.com Subscribe to WWEFanNation: www.youtube.com
http://wn.com/Brock_Lesnar_isn't_playing_games_at_SummerSlam
Brock Lesnar sends a stern message to his SummerSlam opponent, Triple H. Get the Summer Slam PPV now! www.wwe.com Subscribe to WWEFanNation: www.youtube.com
- published: 16 Aug 2012
- views: 308751
- author: WWEFanNation
Brock Lesnar Returns to the WWE 2012 - WWE RAW 4/2/12
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 4:15
- Updated: 03 Jan 2013
Brock Lesnar Returns to the WWE - WWE RAW 4/2/12 Brock Lesnar Returns to the WWE - WWE RAW 4/2/12 Brock Lesnar Returns to the WWE - WWE RAW 4/2/12 Brock Lesnar Returns to the WWE 2012 - WWE RAW 4/2/12 Brock Lesnar Returns to the WWE 2012 WWE RAW 4/2/12 Brock Lesnar Returns to the WWE 2012...
http://wn.com/Brock_Lesnar_Returns_to_the_WWE_2012_WWE_RAW_4_2_12
Brock Lesnar Returns to the WWE - WWE RAW 4/2/12 Brock Lesnar Returns to the WWE - WWE RAW 4/2/12 Brock Lesnar Returns to the WWE - WWE RAW 4/2/12 Brock Lesnar Returns to the WWE 2012 - WWE RAW 4/2/12 Brock Lesnar Returns to the WWE 2012 WWE RAW 4/2/12 Brock Lesnar Returns to the WWE 2012...
- published: 03 Apr 2012
- views: 1733845
- author: Rawpload
Brock Lesnar vs The Rock Summer Slam 2002.AVI
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 18:08
- Updated: 03 Jan 2013
Premier match de Brock Lesnar en tant que challenger pour le championnat du monde , si ya un gaillard qui pourrait gagner contre l undertaker a wrestlemania 27 c et bien lui .
http://wn.com/Brock_Lesnar_vs_The_Rock_Summer_Slam_2002AVI
Premier match de Brock Lesnar en tant que challenger pour le championnat du monde , si ya un gaillard qui pourrait gagner contre l undertaker a wrestlemania 27 c et bien lui .
- published: 26 Feb 2011
- views: 1550199
- author: hellvampiro
WWE 13 | Ryback vs Brock Lesnar | Hell In A Cell
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 14:00
- Updated: 03 Jan 2013
Epic final finisher ! Ryberg takes on Bork LaZeR !!!!
http://wn.com/WWE_13_|_Ryback_vs_Brock_Lesnar_|_Hell_In_A_Cell
Epic final finisher ! Ryberg takes on Bork LaZeR !!!!
- published: 07 Dec 2012
- views: 46806
- author: GoreAndPerkins
WWE'13 Universe Mode w/Brock Lesnar - Week 1 - Getting Everything Ready
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 9:57
- Updated: 26 Dec 2012
Universe Mode w/ Brock Lesnar ! In today's episode, we did not start anything new but just editing the shows and showing you the basic stuff Subscribe for more WWE'13 Gameplay : bit.ly Check out Machinima Sports : bit.ly Follow me on Twitter : bit.ly Like me on Facebook : on.fb.me
http://wn.com/WWE'13_Universe_Mode_w_Brock_Lesnar_Week_1_Getting_Everything_Ready
Universe Mode w/ Brock Lesnar ! In today's episode, we did not start anything new but just editing the shows and showing you the basic stuff Subscribe for more WWE'13 Gameplay : bit.ly Check out Machinima Sports : bit.ly Follow me on Twitter : bit.ly Like me on Facebook : on.fb.me
- published: 30 Oct 2012
- views: 14450
- author: xSimplySkiLLeD
Brock Lesnar Vs John Cena WWE Extreme Rules 2012 Highlights HD
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 7:32
- Updated: 03 Jan 2013
http://wn.com/Brock_Lesnar_Vs_John_Cena_WWE_Extreme_Rules_2012_Highlights_HD
CM Punk Talks Chael Sonnen, Brock Lesnar, WWE vs. UFC
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 29:26
- Updated: 02 Jan 2013
Download our iPhone app here www.mmafighting.com For more check out www.mmafighting.com
http://wn.com/CM_Punk_Talks_Chael_Sonnen,_Brock_Lesnar,_WWE_vs_UFC
Download our iPhone app here www.mmafighting.com For more check out www.mmafighting.com
- published: 27 Jan 2012
- views: 66602
- author: Ariel Helwani
Triple H VS Brock Lesnar & Stephanie mcmahon Return - Raw 1000
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 12:40
- Updated: 02 Jan 2013
Triple H VS Brock Lesnar & Stephanie mcmahon Return - Raw 1000 www.facebook.com
http://wn.com/Triple_H_VS_Brock_Lesnar_Stephanie_mcmahon_Return_Raw_1000
Triple H VS Brock Lesnar & Stephanie mcmahon Return - Raw 1000 www.facebook.com
- published: 21 Aug 2012
- views: 54737
- author: TripleHArabFans
20th Anniversary WWE RAW Brock Lesnar Stone Cold The Rock MAJOR Details
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 3:37
- Updated: 03 Jan 2013
Watch Sean'z View Talk About 20th Anniversary WWE RAW Stone Cold Brock Lesnar The Rock MAJOR Details
http://wn.com/20th_Anniversary_WWE_RAW_Brock_Lesnar_Stone_Cold_The_Rock_MAJOR_Details
Watch Sean'z View Talk About 20th Anniversary WWE RAW Stone Cold Brock Lesnar The Rock MAJOR Details
- published: 01 Jan 2013
- views: 1178
- author: SeanzViewEnt
WWE Summerslam 2012 - Triple H vs Brock Lesnar. Full Mach.
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 20:00
- Updated: 03 Jan 2013
19th August 2012 : WWE Summer Slam
http://wn.com/WWE_Summerslam_2012_Triple_H_vs_Brock_Lesnar_Full_Mach
WWE '13 - Brock Lesnar with Kelly Kelly's Entrance!
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 0:57
- Updated: 27 Dec 2012
What if Brock Lesnar had Kelly Kelly's Entrance? Brock Lesnar attempting Kelly Kelly's entrance in WWE '13! Machinimapalooza Forum: www.machinimapalooza.com Tout www.tout.com Facebook: www.facebook.com Twitter: www.twitter.com Google+: www.plus.ly
http://wn.com/WWE_'13_Brock_Lesnar_with_Kelly_Kelly's_Entrance!
What if Brock Lesnar had Kelly Kelly's Entrance? Brock Lesnar attempting Kelly Kelly's entrance in WWE '13! Machinimapalooza Forum: www.machinimapalooza.com Tout www.tout.com Facebook: www.facebook.com Twitter: www.twitter.com Google+: www.plus.ly
- published: 01 Nov 2012
- views: 19399
- author: CMPuLs3
WWE'13 Universe Mode w/Brock Lesnar - Week 1 - Steel Cage Match Main Event !
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 12:37
- Updated: 02 Jan 2013
Brock Lesnar kicking ass like always ! Going for that title at Extreme Rules Subscribe for more WWE'13 Gameplay : bit.ly Check out Machinima Sports : bit.ly Follow me on Twitter : bit.ly Like me on Facebook : on.fb.me
http://wn.com/WWE'13_Universe_Mode_w_Brock_Lesnar_Week_1_Steel_Cage_Match_Main_Event_!
Brock Lesnar kicking ass like always ! Going for that title at Extreme Rules Subscribe for more WWE'13 Gameplay : bit.ly Check out Machinima Sports : bit.ly Follow me on Twitter : bit.ly Like me on Facebook : on.fb.me
- published: 30 Oct 2012
- views: 13097
- author: xSimplySkiLLeD
![NEW:Brock Lesnar Theme Song - Here Comes The Pain [720p HD] + [Download Link]](http://web.archive.org./web/20130103112215im_/http://i.ytimg.com/vi/oAI67gxVhew/default.jpg "NEW:Brock Lesnar Theme Song - Here Comes The Pain [720p HD] + [Download Link]")
NEW:Brock Lesnar Theme Song - Here Comes The Pain [720p HD] + [Download Link]
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 3:05
- Updated: 03 Jan 2013
Brock lesnar theme song (720p HD) Brock Lesnar 5th WWE Theme Song Theme: Here Comes The Pain Artist: Jim Johnston Copyright: WWE wallpaper: thewwe1000.weebly.com website: thewwe1000.weebly.com Download MP3 dc527.4shared.com rs480p5.rapidshare.com ibukimasta.com ibukimasta.com dc527.4shared.com *Credits to WWE and Jim Johnston for making this theme* I DO NOT OWN THIS SONG IN THE VIDEO IT IS ONLY FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES! NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. I AM IN NO WAY TRYING TO PROFIT ON THIS SONG OR COMPETING WITH THE ARTIST, JIM JOHNSTON OR WWE! WWE Copyright, All Rights Reserved.
http://wn.com/NEWBrock_Lesnar_Theme_Song_Here_Comes_The_Pain_720p_HD_+_Download_Link_
Brock lesnar theme song (720p HD) Brock Lesnar 5th WWE Theme Song Theme: Here Comes The Pain Artist: Jim Johnston Copyright: WWE wallpaper: thewwe1000.weebly.com website: thewwe1000.weebly.com Download MP3 dc527.4shared.com rs480p5.rapidshare.com ibukimasta.com ibukimasta.com dc527.4shared.com *Credits to WWE and Jim Johnston for making this theme* I DO NOT OWN THIS SONG IN THE VIDEO IT IS ONLY FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES! NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. I AM IN NO WAY TRYING TO PROFIT ON THIS SONG OR COMPETING WITH THE ARTIST, JIM JOHNSTON OR WWE! WWE Copyright, All Rights Reserved.
- published: 02 Oct 2012
- views: 8467
- author: THEYAS1000
WWE'13 - Brock Lesnar's ENTRANCE & FINISHER !
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 0:41
- Updated: 01 Jan 2013
Here Comes the PAIN ! Follow me on twitter for daily news : twitter.com Like me on facebook for daily news : www.facebook.com
http://wn.com/WWE'13_Brock_Lesnar's_ENTRANCE_FINISHER_!
Here Comes the PAIN ! Follow me on twitter for daily news : twitter.com Like me on facebook for daily news : www.facebook.com
- published: 18 Aug 2012
- views: 72968
- author: xSimplySkiLLeD
photo: AP / Ng Han Guan
02 Jan 2013
SEOUL -- In a domestically televised New Year's Day speech, North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Un said he wanted to "remove confrontation" on this divided peninsula and called on "anti-reunification forces" in South Korea to cease their hostility toward the North. The lengthy address, which laid out the national goals for 2013, marked Mr ... Mr. Kim on Tuesday asked for a detente -- but with prerequisites that the conservative Ms ... ....(size: 3.2Kb)
photo: AP / Emanuel Ekra
01 Jan 2013
INZA BAKAYOKO. Associated Press= ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) — A crowd stampeded after leaving a New Year's fireworks show early Tuesday in Ivory Coast's commercial center, killing 61 people — many of them youths — and injuring more than 200, rescue workers said. The death toll was expected to rise, the officials said ... Issa Sako of the fire department rescue team.....(size: 8.1Kb)
photo: AP / Felicia Fonseca
01 Jan 2013
Article by WN.com Correspondent Dallas Darling. For good reason Mark Charles, a member of the Navajo Nation, is deeply offended that buried on page 45 of the 2010 Defense Appropriation Act (after pages on the maintenance and operation of the United States Military) is an "official" apology to Native American People ... political leaders and officials find it extremely difficult in expressing remorse for past mistakes ... Escorted by the U.S....(size: 5.6Kb)
photo: AP / Mohammad Hannon
02 Jan 2013
The United Nations has estimated that more than 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's 21-month-old uprising against authoritarian rule, a toll one-third higher than what anti-regime activists had counted. The UN human rights chief called the toll "truly shocking". Opposition activist groups had been estimating the death toll at more than 45,000 and this was the first time that the UN estimate was higher ... 30, 2012 ... - AP. ....(size: 6.3Kb)
photo: AP / Abdullah Al-Yasin
01 Jan 2013
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrians woke on New Year's Day to countrywide aerial bombardment, while President Bashar al-Assad's forces and rebels fighting to topple him clashed on the outskirts of the capital. Free Syrian Army fighters and civilians search for bodies under rubble after an air strike by a fighter jet loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo's al-Marja district December 31, 2012. REUTERS/Muzaffar Salman (SYRIA - Tags ... ....(size: 4.9Kb)
The Examiner
02 Jan 2013
This Examiner predicts former WWE and UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar will face the Undertaker at Wrestlemania 29 ... Now my tune may change in a few months as things change in WWE, but it feels like a very workable situation for both Brock Lesnar and Undertaker who are working very limited schedules and need some built-in value to the few matches we will see them perform....(size: 2.7Kb)
The Examiner
02 Jan 2013
He won the WWE title, the biggest wrestling belt in the world, at “TLC” in 2011. He held it throughout 2012 and in to 2013, a feat nearly unprecedented in modern wrestling. No other man can come close to the accomplishments of CM Punk in 2012, and that is why he easily ranks as the top wrestler of the year ... He aligned with Brock Lesnar’s manager Paul Heyman and the two quickly turned to nefarious tactics to avoid multiple rematches ... 10 ... ....(size: 2.4Kb)
The Examiner
02 Jan 2013
In two weeks, one of the most recognizable faces in WWE history returns to the Toyota Center for the huge "Monday Night Raw" 20th Anniversary special. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson will make a rare appearance on January 14 in Houston, for one of the first times since the post-9/11 event in 2001 ... The Rock has certainly had his share of moments ... His last title reign ended in 2002, when he lost the title to Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam ... ....(size: 2.6Kb)
The Examiner
01 Jan 2013
The following matches are confirmed for the biggest Pro Wrestling show in Japan, New Japan Pro Wrestling's Wrestle Kingdom VII at Tokyo Dome on January 4th ... Special 8 Man Tag Match ... NEVER Openweight Championship Match ... Brock Lesnar's potential match-ups with 3 WWE legendsWWE TLC 2012 Pay Per View Results. ....(size: 1.8Kb)
The Examiner
01 Jan 2013
“Feed me more.”. Those words became synonymous with Ryback, number four in our list. The former Skip Sheffield has came far since his days as a goofy cowboy and enforcer of NXT ... With John Cena’s work limited by injury, the still-undefeated Ryback challenged Punk at “Hell in a Cell” ... Expect the up-and-comer to win his first major title in 2013, even as an opponent like Undertaker or Brock Lesnar seems likely in his Wrestlemania future ... ....(size: 2.3Kb)
The Examiner
31 Dec 2012
BROCK LESNAR ... Airlines Arena when Brock Lesnar made his not-so-secret surprise return was the stuff of legend ... The game was changed with Lesnar coming back and laying out John Cena on the RAW after Wrestlemania. Lesnar vs.Cena may have had a controversial ending but it delivered as one of the best fights of the year. Lesnar’s appearances on RAW may have been sporadic, but they were special ... You get that ‘thing’ with Lesnar....(size: 14.3Kb)
Sun Star
31 Dec 2012
IF YOU follow mixed martial arts and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), then last Sunday was a Christmas special. Cain Velasquez, embarrassed in November last year when it took only 64 seconds for Junior Dos Santos to knock him out, avenged that defeat two days ago. From the opening bell, he was Mr. Aggressor. He charged. He moved forward. The man made famous of his demolition of Brock Lesnar, Cain decimated JDS ... Dos Santos survived....(size: 4.1Kb)
The Examiner
30 Dec 2012
Yet the biggest ovation of the night and one of the biggest of the year was prompted by the not-so-secret return of Brock Lesnar ... In one of the best WWE bouts of the year, Brock Lesnar returned to the world of Pro Wrestling for the first time since 2004 to challenge John Cena in an Extreme Rules Match ... Brock Lesnar's potential match-ups with 3 WWE legendsWWE TLC 2012 Pay Per View Results....(size: 9.3Kb)
The Examiner
30 Dec 2012
The Wrestling Observer is reporting this weekend that wrestling legend and TNA IMPACT official Hulk Hogan was offered a big money deal to wrestle one match by Multimedios in Mexico ... Suggested by the author. ... Brock Lesnar's potential match-ups with 3 WWE legends. ....(size: 1.4Kb)
The Los Angeles Times
30 Dec 2012
The return of Cain Velasquez to Ultimate Fighting Championship prominence is a good thing for the return of UFC to America’s consciousness ... “You’ve got to come back better.” ... Saturday night’s title fight produced a live gate of $3.286 million, greater than popular former World Wrestling Entertainment star Brock Lesnar’s farewell loss to Alistair Overeem a year earlier ... So I did what I trained to do ... 0....(size: 38.5Kb)
Yahoo Daily News
30 Dec 2012
LAS VEGAS – Cain Velasquez put on a dominant performance reminiscent of his title-winning effort in 2010 over Brock Lesnar, routing Junior dos Santos Saturday to regain the UFC heavyweight title before a raucous crowd in the MGM Grand Garden. Cain Velasquez kicks Junior dos Santos in the face. (Courtesy. Tracy Lee for Y! Sports). Dos Santos won the title 13 months ago by knocking out Velasquez in just 64 seconds ... (Credit ... (Courtesy ... ....(size: 11.6Kb)
The Miami Herald
29 Dec 2012
When Cain Velasquez faced Junior Dos Santos in November 2011, the then-UFC heavyweight champion came in as the favorite with all the pomp and circumstance of having beaten the most feared man in the sport — Brock Lesnar ... Another big contrast to that fateful night 13 months ago is the fact Velasquez will again be playing the role of underdog, just like he did when he faced Lesnar for the championship in 2010 ... ....(size: 3.2Kb)
The Examiner
29 Dec 2012
| 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 | |||||||
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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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- ^ a b c d e "Brock Lesnar profile". SLAM! Sports. http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/lesnar.html. Retrieved April 13, 2007.
- ^ a b "UFC signs former WWE star Brock Lesnar". 411mania.com. http://www.411mania.com/MMA/news/61900/UFC-signs-former-WWE-star-Brock-Lesnar.htm. Retrieved October 20, 2007.
- ^ http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1176683-wwe-news-paul-heyman-will-keep-brock-lesnar-relevant-while-hes-off-television
- ^ "Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings: Heavyweight". SHERDOG.com. October 27, 2010. http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/2/Sherdog-Official-Mixed-Martial-Arts-Rankings-27767. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
- ^ "Grappling with his future". ESPN. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1830855. Retrieved October 27, 2008.
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- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Brock Lesnar profile". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/b/brock-lesnar.html. Retrieved April 22, 2007.
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- ^ Michael McAvennie (2003). "WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition". Pocket Books. p. 102.
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- ^ PWI Staff (2007). "Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts". "Wrestling's historical cards" (Kappa Publishing): p. 125.
- ^ Michael McAvennie (2003). "WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition". Pocket Books. p. 32.
- ^ 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. 110–111.
- ^ Michael McAvennie (2003). "WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition". Pocket Books. pp. 198–199.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Michael McAvennie (2003). "WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition". Pocket Books. p. 281.
- ^ Michael McAvennie (2003). "WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition". Pocket Books. p. 285.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "John Cena profile". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/j/john-cena.html. Retrieved April 21, 2007. "Brock Lesnar defeated John Cena, then gave Cena an F5 into the ringpost, injuring his knee!"
- ^ "Judgment Day 2003 results". PWWEW.net. http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/may/2003.htm. Retrieved April 21, 2007.
- ^ "SmackDown! results – June 12, 2003". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030612.html. Retrieved April 21, 2007.
- ^ "SmackDown! results – August 7, 2003". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030807.html. Retrieved April 21, 2007.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "SmackDown! results – September 18, 2003". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030918.html. Retrieved April 21, 2007.
- ^ "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.
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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.
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- ^ 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.
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- ^ 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.
- ^ "New Japan Pro Wrestling news – (March 9, 2006 – April 8, 2006)". Strong Style Sprit. Archived from the original on February 9, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080209143520/http://puroresufan.com/script/show_archives.php?archive=1145025962&subaction=list-archive&. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Brock says no to contract". SLAM! Sports. http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/08/02/1156700.html. Retrieved April 27, 2007.
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- ^ "WWE Files Restraining Order Against Brock Lesnar". 411Mania. http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/25835/WWE-Files-Restraining-Order-Against-Brock-Lesnar.htm. Retrieved April 27, 2007.
- ^ "WWE News: Brock, Tenta, Oleg, More". 411Mania. http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/36937/WWE-News:-Brock,-Tenta,-Oleg,-More.htm. Retrieved April 27, 2007.
- ^ "WWE's Lawsuit Against Lesnar Delayed". Wrestling Observer (via ProWrestling.com). http://www.prowrestling.com/news.php?id=16880/articles/news. Retrieved April 27, 2007.
- ^ "Brock Lesnar and WWE settle lawsuit". WWE.com. http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/lesnarwwesettle. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
- ^ Mitch Passero (2.4.2012). "Brock is back". WWE. http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-04-02/results. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
- ^ Tom Herrera (16.4.2012). "Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena - Extreme Rules Match". WWE. http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2012/lesnar-cena. Retrieved 16 April 2012.
- ^ Tom Herrera (9 April 2012). "Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena - Extreme Rules Match". WWE. http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2012/lesnar-cena. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
- ^ Tom Herrera (30.4.2012). "Raw SuperShow results: Brock Lesnar, General Manager John Laurinaitis fly off the handle". WWE. http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-04-30/wwe-raw-supershow-results/page-1a. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
- ^ http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1176683-wwe-news-paul-heyman-will-keep-brock-lesnar-relevant-while-hes-off-television
- ^ "Brock Lesnar opts to put WWE career on hold". WWE (via the Internet Archive. Archived from the original on April 17, 2004. http://web.archive.org/web/20040417010511/http://www.wwe.com/news/headlines/1257104. Retrieved April 21, 2007.
- ^ "Brock Lesnar Makes Name for Himself in MMA". gambling911.com. http://www.gambling911.com/Bruce-Lesnar-MMA-060307.html. Retrieved April 4, 2008.
- ^ a b "Brock Watch: Lesnar gets a sack in scrimmage with Chiefs". ESPN. August 9, 2004. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=1853828. Retrieved April 4, 2008.
- ^ "Brock Lesnar". Official UFC Fighter Profiles. UFC. http://www.ufc.com/fighter/Brock-Lesnar. Retrieved March 7, 2012.
- ^ Wetzel, Dan (October 8, 2009). "Enigmatic Lesnar defies definition". sports.yahoo.com. http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news;_ylt=ArGvbAykYTgiXrh_Sj9_BFE9Eo14?slug=dw-lesnar100709&prov=yhoo&type=lgns. Retrieved October 8, 2009.
- ^ "ERIK PAULSON: BROCK LESNAR WILL BE 150% READY FOR CAIN VELASQUEZ". ChicagosMMA.com. October 10, 2010. http://chicagosmma.com/2010/10/erik-paulson-brock-lesnar-will-be-150-ready-for-cain-velasquez/. Retrieved October 14, 2010.
- ^ Gross, Josh (July 2, 2010). "No bout bigger than Lesnar-Carwin". Sports Illustrated. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/josh_gross/07/02/lesnar.carwin/index.html. Retrieved July 3, 2010.
- ^ Ozório, Carlos (July 6, 2010). "Comprido and his work with Brock: "I'll bet my job on him!"". graciemag.com. http://www.graciemag.com/en/2010/07/comprido-and-his-work-with-brock-“ill-bet-my-job-on-him”/. Retrieved July 6, 2010.
- ^ "Brock Lesnar profile". Sherdog. http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Brock-Lesnar-17522. Retrieved March 21, 2008.
- ^ "Brock Lesnar joins K-1". MMAWeekly.com. August 13, 2006. http://mmaweekly.com/brock-lesnar-joins-k-1. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
- ^ "Gracie & Lesnar at L.A. Coliseum Official". MMAWeekly.com. http://mmaweekly.com/gracie-lesnar-at-l-a-coliseum-official-2. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
- ^ "Brock Lesnar Good to Go With Hero's". MMA Ring Report. http://www.mmaringreport.com/other-event-news/other-event-news/rumble-in-the-cage-16-at-the-roadhouse-nite-club-3.html. Retrieved April 26, 2007.
- ^ a b Mike Sloan (February 3, 2008). "Nogueira Becomes First to Hold UFC, PRIDE Belts". sherdog.com. http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/nogueira-becomes-first-to-hold-ufc-pride-belts-11138. Retrieved February 3, 2008.
- ^ Dave Meltzer (February 2, 2008). "Notes from the UFC weigh-ins" (PDF). WWE Holland, Non-WWE Forums: UFC 81 – Spoilers. http://www.wweholland.nl/modules/newbb/makepdf.php?type=post&pageid=0&scale=0.66&post_id=340749. Retrieved July 17, 2009. "Lesnar's hands are the largest for any combat sports athlete in the history of the state of Nevada. He needed 4XL gloves, and even they were slightly on the small size. The only fighter ever to wear 4XL gloves was South Korean giant Choi Hong-man, who is 7 ft 3 in and 367 pounds." [dead link]
- ^ Dave Meltzer (February 1, 2008). "Lesnar, Mir ready to go". yahoo.com. http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=dm-ufcweighin020108&prov=yhoo&type=lgns. Retrieved November 4, 2008.
- ^ Dave Meltzer (February 28, 2008). "UFC lines up blue-chip sponsor". yahoo.com. http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news;_ylt=AjqDKujdafUNpjAWv905ZHs9Eo14?slug=dm-ufcbud022808&prov=yhoo&type=lgns. Retrieved February 29, 2008.
- ^ Pishna, Ken (May 24, 2008). "HEATH HERRING TO FACE BROCK LESNAR AT UFC 87". MMAWeekly. http://mmaweekly.com/heath-herring-to-face-brock-lesnar-at-ufc-87-2. Retrieved May 27, 2008.
- ^ Gerbasi, Thomas (August 10, 2008). "Brock Star – Lesnar Dominates Herring; Florian Decisions Huerta". UFC. http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=13945. Retrieved September 2, 2008.
- ^ Spade, Bobby (September 2, 2008). "Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Couture". NoDQ.com. http://nodq.com/ufc/222389802.shtml. Retrieved September 2, 2008.
- ^ Hall, Joe (November 16, 2008). "Lesnar Takes Couture's Title". Sherdog.com. http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/lesnar-takes-coutures-title-15178. Retrieved February 10, 2009.
- ^ Smith, Michael David (December 27, 2008). "UFC 92 Live Blog: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Frank Mir Round-by-Round Updates". MMAFanHouse.com. http://mma.fanhouse.com/2008/12/27/ufc-92-live-blog-antonio-rodrigo-nogueira-vs-frank-mir-round-b/. Retrieved February 10, 2009.
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- ^ "Lesnar-Carwin to Headline UFC 106". Sherdog.com. http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/lesnar-carwin-to-headline-ufc-106-19217. Retrieved October 31, 2011.
- ^ "Brock Lesnar CANCELS his UFC 106 fight with Shane Carwin". MIDDLEEASY.com. October 26, 2009. http://middleeasy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=879:brock-lesnar-cancels-his-ufc-106-fight-with-shane-carwin&catid=35:events&Itemid=1. Retrieved July 5, 2010.
- ^ "Brock Lesnar's next fight: Obamacare and Canadian health care". STARTRIBUNE.com. January 21, 2010. Archived from the original on January 24, 2010. http://web.archive.org/web/20100124100809/http://www.startribune.com/yourvoices/82274582.html. Retrieved July 5, 2010.
- ^ "Brock Lesnar has the kissing disease, out of UFC 108". MIDDLEEASY.com. November 4, 2009. http://middleeasy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=938:brock-lesnar-has-the-kissing-disease-out-of-ufc-108&catid=35:events&Itemid=1. Retrieved July 5, 2010.
- ^ Savage, Greg (November 14, 2009). "White: No Return in Sight for Ill Lesnar". sherdog.com. http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/White-No-Return-in-Sight-for-Ill-Lesnar-20949. Retrieved November 15, 2009.
- ^ Kelly, Cathal (November 16, 2009). "Lesnar needs surgery, UFC boss says". Toronto: torontostar.com. http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/726440--lesnar-needs-surgery-ufc-boss-says. Retrieved November 16, 2009.
- ^ "UFC boss faces biggest promotional test". SPORTS.YAHOO.com. November 18, 2009. http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=dw-white111809. Retrieved July 5, 2010.
- ^ "After medical "miracle," champ Brock Lesnar plans summer return to UFC action". MMAKJUNKIE.com. January 20, 2010. http://mmajunkie.com/news/17623/after-medical-miracle-champ-brock-lesnar-plans-summer-return-to-ufc-action.mma. Retrieved July 5, 2010.
- ^ "White says Lesnar could return for UFC 114; champ welcomes fight with "stalker" Mir". MMAJUNKIE.com. January 20, 2010. http://mmajunkie.com/news/17624/white-says-lesnar-could-return-for-ufc-114-champ-welcomes-fight-with-stalker-mir.mma. Retrieved July 5, 2010.
- ^ "Main Card: Carwin Crushes Mir, Wins Interim Heavy Title". UFC.com. March 28, 2010. http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=79761. Retrieved July 5, 2010.
- ^ "Lesnar-Carwin Targeted for July". SHERDOG.com. March 28, 2010. http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Lesnar-Carwin-Targeted-for-July-23507. Retrieved July 5, 2010.
- ^ "Brock Lesnar, Cain Velasquez Agree to Fight at UFC 121". MMAFighting.com. July 9, 2010. http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/07/09/brock-lesnar-vs-cain-velasquez-signed-for-ufc-121/.
- ^ "Brock Lesnar, Cain Velasquez UFC Primtime". MMAFighting.com. August 26, 2010. http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2010/8/25/1650475/via-sportsnation-chat-w-dana.
- ^ "UFC 121 Results & Live Play-by-Play". SHERDOG.com. October 23, 2010. http://www.cdn.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-121-Results-amp-Live-Play-by-Play-27640. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
- ^ "Brock Lesnar and Junior Dos Santos named "The Ultimate Fighter 13" coaches". http://mmajunkie.com/news/22057/brock-lesnar-and-junior-dos-santos-named-the-ultimate-fighter-13-coaches.mma. Retrieved January 12, 2011.
- ^ "Brock Lesnar vs. Junior Dos Santos At June UFC PPV; No Interim Title on the Line". mmaweekly.com. January 11, 2011. http://mmaweekly.com/brock-lesnar-vs-junior-dos-santos-at-june-ufc-ppv-no-interim-title-on-the-line.
- ^ "Brock Lesnar Fighting Diverticulitus Again; Shane Carwin Steps Up". MMAWeekly.com. May 12, 2011. http://mmaweekly.com/brock-lesnar-fighting-diverticulitus-again-shane-carwin-steps-up.
- ^ "Shane Carwin Quickly Accepts Opportunity to Put Himself Back in Title Contention". MMAWeekly.com. May 12, 2011. http://mmaweekly.com/shane-carwin-quickly-accepts-opportunity-to-put-himself-back-in-title-contention.
- ^ "Former UFC Champ Brock Lesnar is MMA’s Top Dog on ESPN 30 Highest Paid Athletes List". MMAWeekly.com. April 20, 2011. http://mmaweekly.com/former-ufc-champ-brock-lesnar-is-mmas-top-dog-on-espn-30-highest-paid-athletes-list.
- ^ "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.
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- ^ "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.
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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:
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http://ru.wn.com/Леснар, Брок
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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.
| John Cena | |
|---|---|
 John Cena, 2008 |
|
| Ring name(s) | John Cena[1] |
| Billed height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[2] |
| Billed weight | 251 lb (114 kg)[2] |
| Born | (1977-04-23) April 23, 1977 (age 35)[3] West Newbury, Massachusetts[2] |
| Resides | Tampa, Florida[4] |
| Billed from | Classified (UPW)[5] West Newbury, Massachusetts (WWE)[2] |
| Trained by | Ultimate Pro Wrestling[5] Ohio Valley Wrestling[6] |
| Debut | 2001[6] |
John Felix Anthony Cena[7] (/ˈsiːnə/; born April 23, 1977)[3] is an American professional wrestler and actor. He is currently signed to WWE as a member of its Raw brand.[8]
In WWE, Cena has won 19 championships in total, including 12 world titles (having won the WWE Championship a record 10 times[9] and the World Heavyweight Championship twice). In addition, Cena has also won the WWE United States Championship three times,[10] and is a four-time Tag Team Champion, having held the World Tag Team Championship twice (once each with Shawn Michaels and Batista),[11] and the WWE Tag Team Championship twice (once each with David Otunga and The Miz). Cena also won the 2008 Royal Rumble match, and is a two-time Superstar of the Year Slammy Award winner (2009 and 2010).[12] He also has the fourth highest number of combined days as WWE Champion behind Bob Backlund, Hulk Hogan and Bruno Sammartino.
Cena started his professional wrestling career in 2000, wrestling for Ultimate Pro Wrestling, where he held the UPW Heavyweight Championship. In 2001, Cena signed a contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and was sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) where he held the OVW Heavyweight Championship and the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship (with Rico Constantino).
Outside of wrestling, Cena has released the rap album You Can't See Me, which debuted at No.15 on the US Billboard 200 chart, and starred in the feature films The Marine (2006), 12 Rounds (2009), and Legendary (2010).[13] Cena has also made appearances on television shows including Manhunt, Deal or No Deal, MADtv, Saturday Night Live, Punk'd, and Psych. Cena was also a contestant on Fast Cars and Superstars: The Gillette Young Guns Celebrity Race, where he made it to the final round before being eliminated, placing third in the overall competition.
Contents |
Early life[link]
John Cena was born April 23, 1977, in West Newbury, Massachusetts,[3] the son of Carol and John Cena, Sr.[14] He is the second eldest of five brothers – Dan, Matt, Steve, and Sean.[15] After graduating from Cushing Academy, Cena attended Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts.[16] In college he was a Division III All-American center on the college football team,[17] wearing the number 54,[16] which is still used on some of his WWE merchandise.[18][19] He graduated from Springfield in 1998 with a degree in exercise physiology,[20] after which he pursued a career in bodybuilding,[21][22] and also worked as a chauffeur for a limousine company.[23]
Professional wrestling career[link]
Training (2000–2001)[link]
UPW[link]
Cena started training to become a professional wrestler in 2000 at the California-based "Ultimate University" operated by Ultimate Pro Wrestling. Once he was placed into an in-ring role, Cena began using a semi-robotic character known as The Prototype.[24][25] Some of this period of his career was documented in the Discovery Channel program Inside Pro Wrestling School.[26] While in UPW, Cena held the UPW Heavyweight Championship for just shy of a month in April 2000.[27]
OVW[link]
In 2001, he signed a developmental contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and was assigned to its developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW).[28] During his time there, Cena wrestled as both The Prototype and Mr. P, and held the OVW Heavyweight Championship for three months and the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship (with Rico Constantino) for two months.[29][30][31]
World Wrestling Entertainment[link]
Debut (2002–2004)[link]
Cena made his television debut answering an open challenge by Kurt Angle on June 27, 2002.[32] Inspired by a speech given by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon to the rising stars of the company, exhorting them to show "ruthless aggression" to earn a place among the legends, Cena took advantage of the opportunity to face Angle. Cena managed to counter the Angle Slam and the ankle lock submission hold,[33] but ultimately lost to a hard amateur wrestling-style pin.[33] Following the near-win, Cena became a fan favorite and started feuding with Chris Jericho, defeating Jericho at Vengeance.[32] In October, Cena and Billy Kidman took part in a tag team tournament to crown the first WWE Tag Team Champions of the SmackDown! brand, losing in the first round.[34] The next week, Cena turned on and attacked Kidman, blaming him for their loss, becoming a villain.[32]
Shortly after the Kidman attack, on a Halloween themed episode of SmackDown, Cena dressed as Vanilla Ice performing a freestyle rap.[32] The next week, Cena received a new character: a rapper who cut promos while rhyming.[32] As the gimmick grew, Cena began adopting a variant of the 1980s WWF logo – dropping the "F" – as his "signature symbol", along with the slogan "Word Life".[35] Moreover, he was joined by an enforcer, Bull Buchanan, who was rechristened B-2 (also written B² and pronounced "B-Squared").[32] Buchanan was later replaced by Red Dogg,[32] until he was sent to the Raw brand in February.
For the first half of 2003, Cena sought the WWE Championship and chased the reigning champion, Brock Lesnar, performing weekly "freestyles" challenging him to matches.[36][37][38] During the feud, Cena unveiled a new finishing maneuver: the FU, a Fireman's carry powerslam, named to Brock Lesnar's F-5, with his first victim being Rikishi.[39] Cena won a number one contenders tournament against Lesnar at Backlash. However, Cena was defeated by Lesnar. At Vengeance Cena lost a singles match against The Undertaker.[32][40] At the end of the year, Cena became a fan favorite again when he joined Kurt Angle as a member of his team at Survivor Series.[41][42]
United States and WWE Champion (2004–2005)[link]
In early 2004, Cena participated in the Royal Rumble match at the 2004 Royal Rumble,[43] making it to the final six before being eliminated by Big Show and the Match being won by Chris Benoit.[44] The Royal Rumble elimination led to a feud with Big Show,[45][46] which Cena won the United States Championship from Big Show at WrestleMania XX.[47] During his reign, Cena came into contention with SmackDown General Manager Kurt Angle over issues arising with René Duprée and Torrie Wilson.[48] The reign ended almost four months later, when he was stripped of the belt on July 8 by Angle after he accidentally knocked him over, thus attacking an official.[49] Cena won the championship back defeating Booker T in a best of five series that culminated at No Mercy,[50] only to lose it to the debuting Carlito Caribbean Cool the next week.[51] After the loss to Carlito, the duo began a feud, which Cena was stabbed in the kidney while at a Boston-area nightclub by Carlito's bodyguard, Jesús.[52][53] This worked injury was used to keep Cena out of action for a month, while Cena was filming The Marine.[30] Immediately on his return in November, Cena won the United States Championship back from Carlito debuting a "custom made" spinner-style championship belt.[54][55]
Cena took part in the 2005 Royal Rumble match, making it to the final two. Cena and Raw brand wrestler Batista went over the top rope at the same time, ostensibly ending the match. Vince McMahon, however, appeared on stage and re-started the match in sudden death rules, with Batista eventually eliminating Cena.[56] The next month, Cena defeated Kurt Angle to earn a spot in the SmackDown brand's WrestleMania 21 main event match,[57] beginning a feud with WWE Champion John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) and his Cabinet in the process. In the early stages of the feud, Cena lost his US belt to Cabinet member Orlando Jordan,[58] who proceeded to "blow up" the spinner championship with JBL and returning a more traditional style belt.[59] Cena defeated JBL at WrestleMania winning the WWE Championship, giving Cena his first world championship.[60] Cena then had a spinner WWE Championship belt made,[61] while JBL took the original belt and claimed to still be WWE Champion,[61] until Cena reclaimed the original belt in an "I Quit" match at Judgment Day.[62]
Cena was drafted to the Raw brand on the June 6, 2005, becoming the first wrestler selected by General Manager Eric Bischoff in the annual draft lottery.[63] Cena immediately entered a feud with Bischoff, after refusing to participate in the "war" against the Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) roster at One Night Stand.[64] With Bischoff vowing to make Cena's stint on Raw difficult, he hand picked Jericho to take Cena's championship from him.[65] During their feud, even though Cena was portrayed as the fan favorite and Jericho as the villain, a vocal section of live crowds, nonetheless, were booing Cena during their matches.[66] More crowds followed suit during Cena's next feud with Kurt Angle,[67] who took over as Bischoff's hand-picked number-one contender after Cena defeated Jericho in a You're Fired match on the August 22 Raw.[68] As the feud continued and the dissenters grew more vocal, sometimes seeming to outnumber fans by wide margins,[69] the announce team was forced to acknowledge the booing on television and began calling Cena a "controversial champion", claiming some people disliking him on account of his "in-ring style" and his chosen fashion.[70] Despite the mixed and negative reactions, Cena held on to his championship through his feud with Angle, losing to him by disqualification[71] – which titles do not change hands in WWE – at Unforgiven and pinning him at Survivor Series.[72] The feud with Angle also saw Cena add a secondary, submission based, finishing maneuver – the STFU (a Stepover Toehold Sleeper, though named for a Stepover Toehold Facelock) – when he was put into a Triple Threat Submissions Only match on the November 28 Raw.[73]
WWE Championship feuds and injury (2006–2007)[link]
Cena lost the WWE Championship at New Year's Revolution, but not in the Elimination Chamber match that he had been advertised to participate in beforehand. Instead, immediately after winning the Elimination Chamber, he was forced into a match against Edge, who cashed in his Money in the Bank contract – a "guaranteed title match for the WWE Champion at a time and place of the owners choosing." After two quick spears pinned Cena, winning the championship.[74] Three weeks later, Cena won the championship back at the Royal Rumble.[74] After winning the championship, Cena began feuding with Triple H, which the crowd began booing Cena and cheering the intended villain, Triple H.[75][76] Cena beat Triple H at Wrestlemania 22 to retain his WWE Title.[6] The negative reaction towards Cena intensified when facing Rob Van Dam at One Night Stand. Taking place in front of a crowd of mostly "old school" ECW fans at the Hammerstein Ballroom, Cena was met with raucous jeering and chants of "Fuck you, Cena", "You can't wrestle", and "Same old shit". When he began performing different moves into the match, the fans began chanting "You still suck". Cena lost the WWE Championship at One Night Stand, with Van Dam pinning Cena after interference from Edge.[77]
In July, after Edge won the championship from Van Dam in a Triple Threat match that also involved Cena,[78] re-ignited the feud between him and Cena from earlier in the year. After Edge went about retaining the title by dubious means – getting himself disqualified[79] (for which Championships do not change hands) and using brass knuckles[77] – he introduced his own version of Cena's "custom" belt, this one with his logo placed on the spinner.[80] Cena eventually won the championship back in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match at Unforgiven. The match had an added stipulation that had Cena lost he would leave the Raw brand and go to SmackDown.[81][82] Cena returned his version of the spinner belt on the next night's Raw.[83]
On the heels of his feud with Edge, Cena was placed in an inter-brand angle to determine the "Champion of Champions" – or which was the most dominant champion in WWE's three brands. Cena, the World Heavyweight Champion King Booker, and the ECW World Champion The Big Show engaged in a mini-feud leading to a Triple Threat match at Cyber Sunday, with the viewers voting on which of the three championships would be placed on the line.[84] At the same time, Cena became involved in a storyline with non-wrestler Kevin Federline, when he began appearing on Raw with Johnny Nitro and Melina. After getting into a worked physical altercation with Federline on Raw,[84] Federline appeared at Cyber Sunday to hit Cena with the World Heavyweight Championship during the match, helping King Booker retain his championship.[77] 2006 ended with Cena beginning a feud with the undefeated Umaga over the WWE Championship,[85] while 2007 began with the end of his storyline with Kevin Federline. On the first Raw of the new year, Cena was pinned by Federline with an assist from Umaga, although later in the night he was able to get his hands on Federline performing an FU on him.[86]
One night after the Royal Rumble, an impromptu team of Cena and Shawn Michaels defeated Rated-RKO (Edge and Randy Orton) for the World Tag Team Championship, making Cena a double champion.[87] On the April 2 episode of Raw, after losing a WWE Championship match to Cena at WrestleMania 23,[88] Michaels turned on Cena, costing them the championship in the second of two 10 team battles royals, by throwing Cena over the top rope and eliminating the team. The Hardys (Matt and Jeff) eventually won the match and the championship.[89] For the rest of the month, Cena feuded with Michaels, Orton, and Edge until The Great Khali declared his intentions to challenge for Cena's championship attacking and "laying out" all three of the top contenders[90] before assaulting Cena himself and stealing the physical belt.[91] For the next two months, Cena feuded with Khali over the championship, eventually becoming the first person in WWE to defeat him by submission at Judgment Day[92][93] and then by pinfall at One Night Stand.[94][95] Later that summer, Randy Orton was named the number one contender for the WWE championship,[96] starting a feud between the two. Leading up to SummerSlam, Orton delivered a number of sneak-attacks, performing three RKOs to Cena, but in the actual match, Cena retained the championship.[97] A rematch between the two occurred at Unforgiven, with Orton winning by disqualification after Cena ignored the referee's instructions and continued to beat on him in the corner.[98]
During a match with Mr. Kennedy on the October 1, 2007 episode of Raw, Cena suffered a legitimate torn pectoral muscle while executing a hip toss.[99] Though finishing the match and taking part in the scripted attack by Randy Orton after the match, surgery the following day found that his pectoralis major muscle was torn completely from the bone, estimating at the time to require seven months to a year of rehabilitation.[100][101] As a result, Cena was stripped of the title in an announcement by Vince McMahon on the next night's episode of ECW,[102] ending what was the longest WWE Championship reign in over 19 years.[103] Cena's surgery was performed by orthopedic surgeon James Andrews at St. Vincent's Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama.[99] Two weeks later, in a video update on WWE.com, Dr. Andrews and Cena's physical trainer both said that he was several weeks ahead of where he was expected to be in his rehabilitation at that time.[104] Despite his injury, Cena attended the annual WWE Tribute to the Troops show filmed at Camp Speicher in Tikrit, Iraq on December 7, and aired on December 24.[105]
Return and various feuds (2008–2010)[link]
Cena made an unannounced return as the final participant of the Royal Rumble match, winning the match, and the traditional WrestleMania title shot, by last eliminating Triple H.[12] Instead of waiting until WrestleMania, the title shot was cashed in against WWE Champion Randy Orton at February's No Way Out pay-per-view[106] in a match where Cena won by disqualification, resulting in him not getting the championship.[107] The night after No Way Out, Cena was placed back into WrestleMania XXIV's WWE Championship match, making it a Triple Threat match also involving Triple H,[108] during which he was pinned by Orton.[109] At Backlash, Cena failed to regain the title in a Fatal Four-Way elimination match, in which he was pinned by Orton.[110] Triple H won the title during that match. During the match, Cena eliminated JBL,[110] renewing their feud from 2005. Cena defeated JBL at Judgment Day and then at One Night Stand in a First Blood match.[111][112] JBL, however, defeated him in a New York City Parking Lot Brawl at The Great American Bash in July.[113]
On the August 4 episode of Raw, Cena became a World Tag Team Champion for a second time, teaming with Batista to defeat Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase,[114] but failed to retain the titles the following week against the former champions.[115] Batista defeated Cena at SummerSlam;[116] shortly after, he was named one of four contenders for CM Punk's World Heavyweight Championship in the Championship scramble match at Unforgiven. He was replaced by Rey Mysterio, however, after announcing Cena had suffered a herniated disc in his neck, which would require surgery.[117] Cena underwent successful surgery to repair the injury.[118][119]
Cena made his in-ring return at the November pay-per-view event, Survivor Series, defeating Chris Jericho to win his first World Heavyweight Championship.[120] The two continued their rivalry up to Armageddon, where Cena retained his championship.[121] Cena lost the championship at No Way Out, to Edge after Kofi Kingston was attacked by Edge, who took his place in the Elimination Chamber match.[122] Cena was given an opportunity to regain the title at WrestleMania XXV in a Triple Threat match also involving Big Show, which Cena won.[123]
Cena lost the championship back to Edge in a Last Man Standing match at Backlash after interference from Big Show, who chokeslammed Cena through a big spotlight.[124] This angle resulted in Cena beginning a feud with Big Show. Cena defeated Big Show at Judgment Day[125] and at Extreme Rules in a Submission match by applying the STFU.[126]
At the July pay-per-view, Night of Champions, he participated in a Triple Threat match for the WWE Championship, which also involved Triple H and WWE Champion Randy Orton. Cena, however, did not win the match.[127] Two months later, at Breaking Point, Cena defeated Randy Orton for the WWE Championship in an "I Quit" match to win his fourth WWE Championship.[128] At Hell in a Cell, Cena dropped the title to Orton in a Hell in a Cell match.[129] Three weeks later, at WWE Bragging Rights, Cena defeated Orton in a 60-minute Iron Man match.[130]
Two months later, Cena would lose the title to Sheamus at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs in a Tables match.[131]
In February 2010, Cena regained the WWE title at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view in an Elimination Chamber match after last eliminating Triple H. However, immediately after the match Mr. McMahon declared that he would immediately defend his title against Batista, who had been involved with Cena in Vince McMahon and Bret Hart's rivalry. Cena lost that match to Batista, and the WWE Championship and marking one of the shortest WWE Championship reigns in history.[132] The following night after the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, Cena asked for a rematch for the title at WrestleMania, which McMahon gave him the opportunity to as long as he defeated Batista that night. Later that night, Batista intentionally got himself disqualified by kicking Cena in the groin to set up their match at WrestleMania XXVI.[133] At the event, Cena defeated Batista to win back the WWE title.[134] At the April pay-per-view, Extreme Rules, Cena defeated Batista in a rematch for the WWE title in a Last Man Standing match.[135] He faced Batista one more time in an I Quit match at Over the Limit which he won.[136]
Feuding and joining The Nexus (2010–2011)[link]
See also: The Nexus
On the June 7, 2010 episode of Raw, Cena was suddenly thrust into a new storyline when during his main event match against CM Punk, he was attacked by all eight former contestants of WWE NXT Season 1, with Wade Barrett as their leader. Punk, his follower Luke Gallows, and other personnel around the ring were attacked as well, but Cena took the worst of the attack and was carried out on a stretcher. This group would later refer to themselves as The Nexus.[137]
At June's Fatal 4-Way event, Cena lost the WWE title to Sheamus in a fatal four-way match that also involved Edge and Randy Orton due to interference by Nexus.[138] The following month, in a WWE title rematch against Sheamus in a steel cage match at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view, the group interfered, thus costing Cena the chance of regaining the championship.[139] Cena later formed an alliance with Edge, Chris Jericho, John Morrison, R-Truth, The Great Khali and Bret Hart to face the Nexus at SummerSlam, where Cena's team defeated Nexus with the returning Daniel Bryan, a former member of Nexus, who replaced Khali after getting injured.[140]
Nexus's actions, however, did not stop after SummerSlam. Hoping to end Nexus for good, Cena challenged Wade Barrett to a match at Hell in a Cell only to lose due to interference by two fans, later identified as Husky Harris and Michael McGillicutty. Due to the stipulations in place, Cena was forced to join Nexus.[141] Cena had originally planned to destroy Nexus from within as a member of the group, but the Raw general manager ordered him to follow orders from Barrett, or else he would be fired. At Bragging Rights, Cena and Nexus member David Otunga defeated "Dashing" Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre to win the Tag Team Championship.[142]
Later in the show Cena was forced to help Barrett to win his WWE Championship match against Randy Orton. If Barrett didn't win the match Cena would be fired. Cena twisted his words around and attacked Barrett, giving Barrett the win via disqualification but not Orton's title.[142] The following day, Cena and Otunga lost the Tag Team Championship to fellow Nexus members Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel, when Barrett ordered Otunga to lay down and lose the title.[143] At Survivor Series, Cena officiated a match for the WWE Championship between Wade Barrett and Randy Orton. As a part of a pre-match stipulation, if Barrett didn't win the championship, Cena would be fired from the WWE.
Orton defeated Barrett to retain the title, thus ending Cena's career in the WWE.[144] The following day on Raw, Cena gave a farewell speech, before costing Wade Barrett the WWE Championship by interfering in his rematch with Randy Orton.[145] A week later, Cena invaded Raw, first as a spectator, but he then attacked members of Nexus, explaining that he would still take down Nexus one by one, despite not having a job in the WWE anymore.[146] On the December 13 episode of Raw, Cena was rehired by Barrett, in exchange that he would face him at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs in a Chairs Match.[147] Prior to TLC, Cena teamed up with Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio to defeat Wade Barrett, The Miz and Alberto Del Rio at The WWE Tribute to the Troops. On December 19 at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, John Cena was victorious against Wade Barrett in a Chairs match in the main event of the evening.
On the December 27 episode of Raw, The Nexus, minus Wade Barrett, announced they were under new management and offered to bury the hatchet with John Cena, to which Cena refused. The Nexus attacked Cena, leaving a Nexus armband in the ring during the process. As the group retreated, CM Punk, who had attacked Cena with a steel chair twice the week before, came to the ring to, what looked like attack John Cena, but instead put on the armband left behind to symbolically announce his allegiance with The Nexus.[148] The next week, Wade Barrett returned to Raw and confronted CM Punk over the issue of who the leader of The Nexus was and who was responsible for Cena's attack the week before. Barrett was placed into a Triple Threat Steel Cage Match that night that would determine the No. 1 contender for the WWE Championship. CM Punk added his own stipulation to the match saying if Barrett lost, he would be banished from the group, but if he won he would remain leader. Wade Barrett would lose the match after CM Punk interfered by ripping of Barrett's armband.[149]
On the January 17 episode of Raw, Cena returned and faced Punk in a match. During the match, a man, who would later be revealed to be Mason Ryan, attacked Cena. During the 2011 Royal Rumble match, Cena would eliminate most of the Nexus, ending his feud with them.
Record-breaking WWE Champion; various feuds (2011–present)[link]
Cena competed in the 2011 Royal Rumble match at the pay-per-view, making it to the final five before being eliminated by The Miz, the current WWE Champion at the time, who wasn't an official participant in the match. At the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, Cena won the Elimination Chamber match to face The Miz at WrestleMania XXVII for the WWE Championship.[150] On the February 21 episode of Raw, Cena replied to The Rock's comments about him from the previous week, as The Rock returned as the announced guest host of WrestleMania, where he made a rap about Rock. That same night, Cena was placed into a WWE Tag Team Championship match, with him teaming with The Miz, where they defeated Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater to become WWE Tag Team Champions. After the match, Wade Barrett invoked Gabriel and Slater's rematch clause straight away, where they won their titles back, after Miz attacked Cena.[151] After weeks of insults to each other, Cena met Rock face-to-face on the March 28 episode of Raw, where Cena would hit his Attitude Adjustment finishing move on Rock.[152] At WrestleMania, Cena and Miz would fight to a double count-out, but guest host Rock would restart the match, only for him to hit his Rock Bottom finishing move on Cena, allowing Miz to retain his title.[153] The next night on Raw, Cena and Rock agreed to face each other at WrestleMania XXVIII, making it the first match to be set up at WrestleMania one year in advance. At Extreme Rules, Cena would defeat Miz and Morrison to become WWE Champion.[153] Cena went on to defend the title against The Miz at Over the Limit in an "I Quit" match[154] and R-Truth at Capitol Punishment[155]
At Money in the Bank, CM Punk defeated Cena to win the WWE Championship, and left the company with the title.[156][157][158] A tournament was then conducted to determine the new WWE Champion for the "vacant" WWE title, which was won by Rey Mysterio on the July 25 episode of Raw. That same night, Cena challenged and defeated Mysterio to become WWE Champion for a record breaking ninth time.[159] Following the match, CM Punk returned to the company, with the WWE Championship he won at Money in the Bank, leading to a title unification match at SummerSlam, where Punk defeated Cena to become "undisputed" WWE Champion. Punk would lose the championship following the match to Mr. Money in the Bank Alberto Del Rio.[160] On the August 22 episode of Raw, Cena defeated Punk to become number one contender for the WWE Championship, and would defeat Del Rio at Night of Champions to become WWE Champion.[161] Cena would then lose the title back to Del Rio two weeks later at Hell in a Cell, in a Triple Threat Hell in a Cell match also involving Punk, after Ricardo Rodriguez and Del Rio locked Cena outside of the Cell.[162] Cena lost his rematch at Vengeance in a Last Man Standing match, due to interference by The Miz and R-Truth.[163] After a few weeks of Miz and Truth attacking Cena and other employees, Cena was allowed to choose his partner to challenge Miz and Truth at Survivor Series. Cena would announce that he had chosen The Rock to be his partner. At the pay-per-view, after Cena and Rock defeated Miz and Truth, Rock gave Cena another Rock Bottom.[164]
On the December 12 episode of Raw, during his match with Mark Henry, Cena was attacked by the returning Kane.[165] The following week on Raw, Cena would call out Kane for his actions last week, but Henry would come out instead. Kane would then come out soon after, and once again attacked Cena.[166] The following week, Kane would explain to Cena that the reason he had attacked him was in disgust of Cena's "Rise Above Hate" t-shirt slogan, stating that hate is a "natural impulse" and shouldn't be contained. He then led the fans in attendance who were not fond of Cena into chanting "Cena Sucks!" as Raw went off the air.[167] Kane would then attack Cena's friend Zack Ryder, which led him to lose his United States Championship.[168][169] At the Royal Rumble, Kane and Cena would fight each other to a double countout only for Kane to get the upper hand on Cena and Ryder, who was watching in a private room in a wheelchair, after the match.[170] At Elimination Chamber, Cena defeated Kane in an Ambulance match to end the feud.[171]
After Elimination Chamber, Cena and The Rock would start verbally attacking each other. At WrestleMania XXVIII, Cena faced the Rock in the main event match which had been building for a year and that was billed as "once in a lifetime" and as the biggest and most important match in John Cena's career. The climax of the match came when Cena let his arrogance get in the way of victory causing him to make the mistake of attempting the People's Elbow on the Rock, as the Rock countered with a Rock Bottom to seal the victory.[172]
The following night on Raw, Cena would address the Rock, with the crowd chanting "Your a Loser". Stating that though he lost his career's most important match, he would own up and accept his loss. Cena would call out the Rock to congratulate him only to be interrupted by Brock Lesnar, who proceeded to hit Cena with an F5.[173] On the April 9 episode of Raw Cena attacked Lesnar at the opening,[174] after John Laurinaitis announced that Cena would face Lesnar at the main event of Extreme Rules.[175] John defeated David Otunga later in the main event only to get hit with another F5 by Lesnar.[176] On April 16, it was announced on WWE.com that Lesnar versus Cena would be an Extreme Rules match.[177] On the next episode of Raw, Cena was confronted by Edge who would acknowledge Cena's loss to the Rock causing him to have a lack of focus, Edge would go on to tell Cena to wake up from his loss to the Rock and beat Brock Lesnar for all the superstars that supported the WWE is Lesnar's absence.[178] Later that night, Cena showed his lack of confidence by bringing a chain to the contract signing and refusing to fight Lesnar.[179] Cena received a Kimura lock and lacerations to the head during the match, but managed a victory against Lesnar,[180] though he strained the muscles in his arm.[181] This dovetailed into a rivalry with John Laurinaitis, who was angered at Cena because of his victory against Lesnar and his mockery and declared himself as Cena's opponent at Over the Limit.[182] Cena would go on to lose the match against Lauranitis due to interference from Big Show. [183] The following night on Raw, Lauranitis would announce that Cena would be facing Show at No Way Out.[184]
Other media[link]
Film[link]
WWE Studios, a division of WWE which produces and finances motion pictures, produced Cena's first movie — The Marine, which was distributed theatrically by 20th Century Fox America beginning on October 13, 2006. In its first week, the film made approximately US$7 million at the United States box office.[185] After ten weeks in theaters, the film grossed $18.7 million.[185] Once the film was released on DVD, it fared better, making $30 million in rentals in the first twelve weeks.[185]
His second film, also produced by WWE Studios, was 12 Rounds.[186] Filming began on February 25, 2008 in New Orleans;[186][187] the film was released on March 27, 2009.
Cena co-starred in his third film produced by WWE Studios, titled Legendary, which was played in selected theaters starting on September 10, 2010, for a limited time,[188] then it was released on DVD on September 28, 2010.[189]
That same year, Cena starred in the children's film Fred: The Movie, a film based on Lucas Cruikshank's YouTube videos of the same name, where he plays Fred's father.[190] The movie was released on the Nickelodeon channel in September 2010.[191]
Guest appearances[link]
Before his WWE debut, Cena made an appearance on the Internet stream show Go Sick as Bruebaker, an angry, cursing wrestler in 2001.[192]
During his WWE career, Cena has appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! three times. Cena has also appeared on morning radio shows; including the CBS and XM versions of Opie and Anthony as part of their "walkover" on October 10, 2006. Other appearances have included Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Fuse's Celebrity Playlist, Fox Sports Net's The Best Damn Sports Show Period, MADtv, G4's Training Camp (with Shelton Benjamin), and two appearances on MTV's Punk'd (August 2006 and May 2007), as the victim of a practical joke. He also served as a co-presenter, with Hulk Hogan, at the 2005 Teen Choice Awards, as a guest judge during the third week of the 2006 season of Nashville Star, and appeared at the 2007 Nickelodeon UK Kids Choice Awards.[193]
In January 2007, Cena, Batista, and Ashley Massaro appeared representing WWE on an episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,[194] giving the children of the family whose house was being renovated WWE merchandise and eight tickets to WrestleMania 23.[195] Two months later, he and Bobby Lashley appeared on the NBC game show Deal or No Deal as "moral support" to long time WWE fan and front row staple, Rick "Sign Guy" Achberger. Edge and Randy Orton also appeared, but as antagonists.[196] On April 9, 2008, Cena, along with fellow wrestlers Triple H and Chris Jericho, appeared on the Idol Gives Back fund-raising special.[197] In March 2009, Cena made an appearance on Saturday Night Live during the show's cold opening sequence.[198] On March 7, 2009, he was a guest on NPR's quiz show Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! in a Not My Job sequence titled "Sure, pro wrestling is a good gig, but when you win, do they throw teddy bears into the ring?"[199]
Television[link]
In 2001, between his training in Ultimate Pro Wrestling and Ohio Valley Wrestling,[21] Cena was involved in the UPN produced reality show Manhunt. Cena portrayed Big Tim Kingman, leader of the group of bounty hunters who chased down the contestants who acted as fugitives. The show, however, was mired in controversy when it was alleged that the portions of the show were rigged to eliminate certain players, scenes were re-shot or staged to enhance drama and contestants read from scripts.[200][201][202]
Cena was also featured on the ABC reality series Fast Cars and Superstars: The Gillette Young Guns Celebrity Race, which aired in June 2007,[203] making it to the final round before being eliminated on June 24, placing third in the competition overall.[204]
In 2007 Cena was also interviewed for the CNN Special Investigations Unit documentary, "Death Grip: Inside Pro Wrestling", which focused on steroid and drug use in professional wrestling. When asked if he had taken steroids he was heard to reply, "I can't tell you that I haven't, but you'll never prove that I have."[205] The day after the documentary aired WWE accused CNN of taking Cena's comments out of context to present a biased point of view, backing up their claim by posting an unedited video of his answering the same question—filmed by WWE cameras from another angle—in which he is heard beginning the same statement with "Absolutely not".[206] A text interview on the website with Cena later had him saying the news outlet should apologize for misrepresenting him,[207] which CNN refused in a statement, saying they felt the true answer to the question began with the phrase "My answer to that question".[208] They did, however, edit the documentary on subsequent airings to include the "Absolutely not".[208]
Cena hosted the Australian Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards with Natalie Bassingthwaighte on October 11, 2008 in Melbourne, Australia.[209]
He guest starred as Ewan O'Hara in an episode of the fourth season of the comedy drama Psych, as the brother of Juliet O'Hara, played by Maggie Lawson.[210]
He also guest starred in the seventh episode of Disney Channel's Hannah Montana Forever as himself.
Make-A-Wish Foundation[link]
John Cena has granted over 250 wishes for Arizona children with life-threatening illnesses through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and is the biggest wish granter in Make-A-Wish history.[211][212] In 2009, Cena received the Chris Greicius Celebrity Award.[213]
Endorsements[link]
Before his professional wrestling career, Cena appeared in an advertisement for Gold's Gym.[214] As a wrestler he has endorsed the energy drink YJ Stinger,[215] appearing in commercials beginning in October 2003, and Subway,[216] for whom he filmed advertisements with their spokesperson Jared Fogle in November 2006 that began airing the next January. For a time in 2007 he also endorsed two "signature collections" of energy drinks and energy bars sold by American Body Builders.[217] In 2008, Cena filmed a commercial as part of Gillette's "Young Guns" NASCAR campaign.[218]
In 2009, Cena expanded his relationship with Gillette by introducing a new online campaign called "Be A Superstar" featuring himself alongside WWE Superstars Chris Jericho and Cody Rhodes. The campaign features motivational videos.[219]
Fashion[link]
For the extent of his WWE career, Cena's attire has attempted to reflect the most current thug fashions and stylings within the hip hop culture that his character represents. Cena started out wearing "throwback jerseys" until WWE produced specific Cena merchandise which he began wearing.[220] While Cena was a member of the SmackDown! brand, one of his WWE produced t-shirts bore the suggestive spoonerism "Ruck Fules". Whenever it appeared on television the image was censored, not by the network, but by WWE to sell more shirts under the premise that it was "too hot for TV."[221] He also wore a chain with a large padlock, occasionally using it as a weapon,[222] until WrestleMania 21, when it was replaced with a chromed and diamond studded "Chain Gang" spinner medallion—reminiscent of the ones worn by members of G-Unit—matching his spinner title belt.
Around the time The Marine was released, Cena began wearing attire more military related, including camouflage shorts, dog tags, a Marine soldier cap and a WWE produced shirt with the legend "Chain Gang Assault Battalion."[223] Shortly after WrestleMania 23, when promotion for The Marine ended, the military attire diminished and was replaced with apparel bearing his new slogan "American Made Muscle" along with denim shorts, not seen since he was a member of the SmackDown roster.[224] He then wore shirts that promoted Cenation and his trademark line "You Can't See Me." From late 2011 until Wrestlemania XXVIII, Cena again switched to camo shorts (honoring the U.S. Armed Forces), to coinincide with his black "Rise Above Hate" T-shirt promoting WWE's "Be a Star" anti-bullying campaign.
Music[link]
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Sample from "The Time Is Now" by John Cena & Tha Trademarc.
|
| Problems listening to this file? See media help. | |
In addition to his wrestling career, Cena is a rapper and a hip hop musician. Cena performed his fifth WWE theme song, "Basic Thugonomics," himself, and it was featured on the WWE soundtrack album WWE Originals. He also recorded a song,"Untouchables", for the company's next soundtrack album WWE ThemeAddict: The Music, Vol. 6. He collaborated on the song H-U-S-T-L-E remix along with Murs, E-40, and Chingo Bling.[225]
Cena's debut album, You Can't See Me, was recorded with his cousin Tha Trademarc. It features, amongst other songs, his entrance theme, "The Time is Now", and the single "Bad, Bad Man", for which a music video was made that parodied 1980s culture, including the television show The A-Team. A video was also made for the second single, "Right Now," and premiered on the August 8 Raw. Cena and Tha Trademarc were later featured on a track by The Perceptionists named "Champion Scratch." Cena will appear on Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins' upcoming album Still Cool featuring other guests.[226]
- Albums
- You Can't See Me
- Released: May 10, 2005
- Chart positions:[227][228] 15 U.S. Billboard 200, 10 U.S. Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, 3 U.S. Rap, 103 UK Albums Chart
- Singles: "The Time Is Now", "Bad Bad Man" (featuring Bumpy Knuckles), "Right Now"
Filmography[link]
Film[link]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Ready to Rumble | Gym Trainer | Uncredited extra |
| 2006 | The Marine | John Triton | |
| 2009 | 12 Rounds | Danny Fisher | |
| 2010 | Legendary | Mike Chetley | |
| Fred: The Movie | Fred's Imaginary Dad | ||
| 2011 | The Reunion | Sam Cleary | |
| Fred 2: Night of the Living Fred | Fred's Imaginary Dad |
Television[link]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Manhunt | Big Tim Kingman | |
| 2007 | Fast Cars and Superstars: The Gillette Young Guns Celebrity Race | Himself | |
| 2009 | Saturday Night Live | Himself | Tracy Morgan/Kelly Clarkson (season 34: episode 18) |
| 2010 | Psych | Ewan O'Hara | "You Can't Handle This Episode" (season 4: episode 10) |
| True Jackson, VP | Himself | "Pajama Party" (season 2: episode 12) | |
| Hannah Montana | Himself | "Love That Lets Go" (season 4: episode 7) | |
| Generator Rex | Hunter Cain | Voice role "The Hunter" (season 1: episode 13) |
Personal life[link]
Cena writes left-handed.[229] He is a fan of Japanese anime and has mentioned that his favorite anime movie is Fist of the North Star.[230] He has also said he is a fan of the video game series Command & Conquer and noted that it was his favorite game.[231] Cena is also a fan of the Boston Red Sox,[230] Tampa Bay Rays,[232] New England Patriots,[233] Boston Celtics[230] and English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.[234] Cena collects muscle cars and has over 20, some of which are one-of-a-kind.[235]
While promoting his 2009 film, 12 Rounds, Cena announced his engagement[236][237] to his girlfriend Elizabeth Huberdeau. They were married on July 11, 2009. On May 10, 2012, Cena filed for a divorce.[238]
In wrestling[link]
- Finishing moves
- Killswitch / Protobomb (Twisting belly to belly side slam) (OVW / UPW)
- AA - Attitude Adjustment (formerly FU)[233][239] (Fireman's carry transitioned into a takeover or a powerslam, sometimes from an elevated position) - 2003-present
- STF (formerly STFU)[239] - 2005-present
- Signature moves
- Diving leg drop bulldog[240]
- Dropkick, sometimes from the top rope[6]
- Emerald Flowsion
- Five Knuckle Shuffle[241] (Running delayed fist drop, with theatrics, sometimes diving from the top rope)
- Fisherman suplex[6][240]
- Gutwrench suplex
- Spin-out powerbomb
- Running leaping shoulder block[6]
- Running one–handed bulldog[240]
- Sitout hip toss[6]
- Spinebuster[6] – 2002–2005; used rarely thereafter
- Throwback[6][240] (Running neck snap to a bent–over opponent) - used the last time in 2011
- Twisting belly to belly suplex[240]
- Nicknames
- "The Doctor of Thuganomics"[242]
- "The Champ" (as either the WWE Champion or the World Heavyweight Champion)[243] – 2005–present
- "The Chain Gang Soldier"[209]
- "The Cenation Leader"[2] – 2011–present
- Entrance themes
- "Slam Smack" by R. Hardy (FirstCom Production Music) (June 27, 2002 – November 7, 2002)[244]
- "Insert Bass Here" by DJ Case (FirstCom Production Music) (November 14, 2002 – February 13, 2003)[245]
- "Basic Thuganomics" by John Cena (March 27, 2003 – March 10, 2005; April 5, 2009 for his entrance at WrestleMania XXV; March 12, 2012 for his "Cena Rap" against The Rock)
- "We Are One" by 12 Stones (WWE; October 3, 2010 – November 21, 2010; Used While a part of Nexus)
- "The Time is Now" by John Cena and Tha Trademarc (March 17, 2005–present)
Championships and accomplishments[link]
- Ohio Valley Wrestling
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- PWI Feud of the Year (2006) vs. Edge[246]
- PWI Feud of the Year (2011) vs. CM Punk[247]
- PWI Match of the Year (2007) vs. Shawn Michaels on Raw on April 23[248]
- PWI Match of the Year (2011) vs. CM Punk at Money in the Bank[249]
- PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (2003)[250]
- PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (2004, 2005, 2007)[251]
- PWI Wrestler of the Year (2006, 2007)[252]
- PWI ranked #1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2006 and 2007[253][254]
- Pro Wrestling Report
- Match of the Year (2006) vs. Rob Van Dam at ECW One Night Stand 2006
- Ultimate Pro Wrestling
- UPW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[27]
- World Wrestling Entertainment
- World Heavyweight Championship (2 times)[255]
- World Tag Team Championship (2 times)[11] – with Shawn Michaels (1) and Batista (1)
- WWE Championship (10 times)[256]
- WWE Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with David Otunga (1), and The Miz (1)[142]
- WWE United States Championship (3 times)[10]
- Royal Rumble (2008)
- Slammy Award winner – 2009 and 2010 Superstar of the Year
- Slammy Award for Holy $#!+ Move of the Year (2010) Sends Batista through the stage with an Attitude Adjustment.
- Slammy Award for Game Changer of the Year (2011) – with The Rock
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- Wrestler of the Year (2007, 2010)[257]
- Best Box Office Draw (2007)[257]
- Best on Interviews (2007)[257]
- Feud of the Year (2011)[258] vs. CM Punk
- Match of the Year (2011)[258] vs. CM Punk at WWE Money in the Bank
- Most Charismatic (2006–2010)[257]
- Most Charismatic of the Decade (2000–2009)[259]
- Best Gimmick (2003)[257]
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- ^ a b Gray, Andy (February 4, 2009). "John Cena talks Red Sox-Rays, future WWE stars and his top diva". Sports Illustrated. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/extramustard/02/04/john-cena-interview/. Retrieved March 24, 2009.
- ^ "dailymail.co.uk". Daily Mail (London). January 23, 2008. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-509897/Wrestling-superstar-big-fan-Spurs.html.
- ^ John Cena: My Life (DVD). World Wrestling Entertainment. 2007.
- ^ Moore, Jim (February 16, 2009). "Cena works hard on his rags to riches story". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. http://www.seattlepi.com/moore/400249_moore16.html. Retrieved February 16, 2009.
- ^ Varsallone, Jim (March 23, 2009). "Cena, WWE score knockout in 12 Rounds". The Miami Herald: 3.
- ^ Abravanel, Lesley (May 10, 2012). "WWE superstar John Cena files for divorce; wife hires Miami attorney". MiamiHerald.com. http://blogs.herald.com/scene_in_the_tropics/2012/05/wwe-superstar-jon-cena-files-for-divorce-wife-hires-miami-attorney.html.
- ^ a b "Home > Superstars > Raw > John Cena > Bio". WWE.com. World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/johncena/bio/. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
- ^ a b c d e Golden, Hunter (January 13, 2009). "Raw Results – 1/12/09 – Sioux City, IA". WrestleView.com. http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1231831212.php. Retrieved March 25, 2009.
- ^ "Five Knuckle Shuffle". John Cena > Photos. WWE. Archived from the original on March 31, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080331204925/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/johncena/photos2/fiveknucklephotos/. Retrieved February 20, 2008.
- ^ "John Cena And Method Man: Thuganomics 101". MTV News. March 12, 2004. http://www.mtv.com/bands/w/wwe/news_feature_040312/. Retrieved March 26, 2009.
- ^ Dunham, Jeremy (October 23, 2006). "IGN: SmackDown Countdown 2006: John Cena". IGN. http://ps2.ign.com/articles/741/741171p1.html. Retrieved March 26, 2009.
- ^ Hardy, R. "Slam Smack". FirstCom Production Music (FirstCom Music Library). [2]
- ^ DJ Case. "Insert Bass Here". FirstCom Production Music (OneMusic Library). [3]
- ^ "Feud of the Year". Wrestling Information Archive. Archived from the original on April 3, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070403015617/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwifoty.htm. Retrieved April 12, 2007.
- ^ Pro Wrestling Illustrated 33 (3): 74–75. 2012.
- ^ "Match of the Year". Wrestling Information Archive. Archived from the original on April 15, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080415152012/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwimoty.htm. Retrieved April 17, 2008.
- ^ Pro Wrestling Illustrated 33 (3): 80–81. 2012.
- ^ "Most Improved Wrestler of the Year". Wrestling Information Archive. Archived from the original on February 10, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070210194911/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwiimp.htm. Retrieved April 12, 2007.
- ^ "Most Popular Wrestler of the Year". Wrestling Information Archive. Archived from the original on February 10, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070210195543/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwimpoty.htm. Retrieved April 12, 2007.
- ^ "Wrestler of the Year". Wrestling Information Archive. Archived from the original on February 10, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070210195351/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwiwoty.htm. Retrieved April 12, 2007.
- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 – 2006". Wrestling Information Archive. Archived from the original on March 12, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070312171359/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50006.htm. Retrieved April 12, 2007.
- ^ "2007 PWI 500 edition of Pro Wrestling Illustrated – cover". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Archived from the original on October 5, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20071005172548/http://pwi-online.com/art/PWD9107S.jpg. Retrieved September 3, 2007.
- ^ "World Heavyweight Championship title history". World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/20081103JohnCena. Retrieved December 12, 2008.
- ^ "WWWF/WWF/WWE World Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles. http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwf/wwf-h.html. Retrieved May 17, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e 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.
- ^ a b Meltzer, Dave (January 30, 2012). "January 30 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Gigantic year-end awards issue, best and worst in all categories plus UFC on FX 1, death of Savannah Jack, ratings, tons and tons of news". Wrestling Observer Newsletter (Campbell, CA). ISSN 10839593.
- ^ Beltrán, William (August 3, 2010). "Según el Wrestling Observer... ¿Quiénes son los mejores los mejores de la década?" (in Spanish). SuperLuchas Magazine. http://superluchas.net/2010/08/03/segun-el-wrestling-observer%E2%80%A6-%C2%BFquienes-son-los-mejores-los-mejores-de-la-decada/. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
Further reading[link]
- Ian Hamilton (2006). Wrestling's Sinking Ship: What Happens to an Industry Without Competition. Lulu.com. ISBN 1-4116-1210-8.
External links[link]
|
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: John Cena |
- John Cena on Twitter
- John Cena at WWE.com
- Professional wrestling record for John Cena from The Internet Wrestling Database
- John Cena at Online World of Wrestling
- John Cena at the Internet Movie Database
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| Persondata | |
|---|---|
| Name | Cena, John Felix Anthony, Jr |
| Alternative names | The Prototype; Mr. P; Cena, Juan |
| Short description | Professional wrestler, an amateur hip hop musician and actor |
| Date of birth | April 23, 1977 |
| Place of birth | West Newbury, Massachusetts |
| Date of death | |
| Place of death | |
http://wn.com/John_Cena
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This page contains text from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cena
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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.
| Kurt Angle | |
|---|---|
 Angle at a WWE Q&A in August 2005. |
|
| Ring name(s) | Kurt Angle |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)[1] |
| Billed height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)[2] |
| Billed weight | 240 lb (110 kg)[2] |
| Born | (1968-12-09) December 9, 1968 (age 43)[3] Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Resides | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Billed from | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States[2] |
| Trained by | Dave Schultz Dory Funk, Jr.[4] Tom Prichard[4] |
| Debut | October 15, 1998 |
Kurt Steven Angle (born December 9, 1968 in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania) is an American professional wrestler, amateur wrestler and actor. He is currently under contract with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, where he is a former five-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion. He is also known for his time in the World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment (WWF/E), and for being the only Olympic gold medalist in the history of professional wrestling.
Angle was involved in amateur wrestling during both high school and college. In college at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, he won numerous accolades, including being a two-time National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I champion. After graduating, he won a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 1995 World Wrestling Championships. Angle then competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, where he won a gold medal in heavyweight freestyle wrestling. Kurt Angle is also one of only four people to complete a Grand Slam in amateur wrestling which is the junior nationals, the NCAAs, the World Championships and the Olympics. He was named the greatest shoot wrestler and one of the top 15 college wrestlers of all time by USA Wrestling.
Initially turning down an offer to join the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), Angle signed a multi-year contract with the company in 1998. His first big push in the company was in February 2000, when he held both the European Championship and the Intercontinental Championship at the same time. A few months later he won the King of the Ring tournament. Not long after, Angle began pursuing the WWF Championship, which he went on to win later in the year, capping off a rookie year which the company has referred to as the greatest in WWE history.[5] He continued to be a part of main event matches until August 2006, when Angle was granted a release from his contract. Throughout his tenure in the company, he was a six-time world champion (four-time WWF/E Champion, World Heavyweight Champion and WCW Champion), he also held the United States Championship, Intercontinental Championship, European Championship, Hardcore Championship and WWE Tag Team Champion once each. In addition, he was the winner of the King of the Ring tournament in 2000, the tenth Triple Crown Champion, and the fifth Grand Slam Champion. In addition, he is one of three wrestlers (Edge and Big Show being the others) to have held every currently active male championship in the WWE.
After leaving WWE, Angle joined Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he became the second wrestler in TNA to win TNA's Triple Crown and the first man to hold all three TNA championships simultaneously. While in TNA, his real-life wife Karen began accompanying him to the ring and playing a part in his on-screen storylines. Angle has also made appearances for New Japan Pro Wrestling as well as Inoki Genome Federation, where he held their version of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. In addition, he is a five-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion, the second Triple Crown winner in TNA history—being the only one to hold all the required titles at once (while also holding the IWGP Title, making him a quadruple champion for a brief time).
Angle is the only wrestler in history to be a Triple Crown winner in both WWE and TNA. He is the first man to have held the WWE, WCW, TNA, IWGP, and World Heavyweight Championships in his career. Angle is also a two time King of the Mountain winner, winning at the 2007 and 2009 Slammiversary PPV event, making him the only wrestler to have been both King of the Ring (WWE) and King of the Mountain (TNA). Between WWE, TNA, and Japan, Angle has won 12 World Championships and 19 total championships. In 2010 the Wrestling Observer Newsletter named Angle the Wrestler of the Decade of the 2000s.[6]
Contents
|
Amateur wrestling career[link]
| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men's freestyle wrestling | ||
Competitor for the  United States |
||
| Olympic Games | ||
| Gold | 1996 Atlanta | 100 kg |
| World Championships | ||
| Gold | 1995 Atlanta | 100 kg |
| World Cup | ||
| Bronze | 1992 Moscow, Russia | 100 kg |
| Silver | 1995 Chattanooga, US | 100 kg |
Angle started amateur wrestling at the age of six.[7] He attended Mt. Lebanon High School,[8] where he won varsity letters in football and wrestling and was an All-State linebacker.[8][9][10] He went undefeated on the freshman wrestling team at Mt. Lebanon High and qualified for the state wrestling tournament his sophomore year.[8] Angle also placed third in the state wrestling tournament as a junior and was the 1987 Pennsylvania State Wrestling Champion as a senior.
Upon graduating from high school, Angle attended the Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where he continued to wrestle at an amateur level.[11] He was a two-time National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I champion,[12] national runner-up in 1991, and a three-time NCAA Division I All-American. In addition, Angle was the 1987 USA Junior Freestyle champion, a two-time USA Senior Freestyle champion, and the 1988 USA International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles Junior World Freestyle champion.[13]
After graduating from college, Angle continued to wrestle. In 1995, he won a gold medal at the World Championships in Atlanta, Georgia.[12] Following this victory, Angle began preparing for the 1996 Summer Olympics under Dave Schultz at the Pennsylvanian Foxcatcher Club,[14] training between eight and ten hours a day.[15] In January 1996, not long after Angle began training at the club, Schultz was murdered by John Eleuthère du Pont, the sponsor of Schultz's team of Olympic prospectives.[16][17][18] As a result, Angle quit Eleuthère du Pont's team, searched for new sponsors, and joined the Dave Schultz Wrestling Club in Schultz's memory.[19]
Angle faced further hardships while taking part in the 1996 Olympic Trials, when he suffered a severe neck injury, fracturing two of his cervical vertebrae,[20] herniating two discs, and pulling four muscles. Nonetheless, Angle won the trials and then spent the subsequent five months resting and rehabilitating. By the Olympics, Angle was able to compete, albeit with several pain-reducing injections in his neck.[12] In the fall of 2006, Angle stated that he temporarily became addicted to the analgesic Vicodin after injuring his neck.[21] He won his gold medal in the heavyweight (90–100 kg; 198–220 lb) weight class despite his injury,[13] defeating the Iranian Abbas Jadidi by officials' decision after the competitors wrestled to an eight minute, one-one draw. The bout saw Jadidi earn a point after two minutes and 46 seconds by turning Angle, and Angle earning a point of his own with a takedown after three minutes and eleven seconds. The officials' decision was protested by Jadidi.[22]
Shortly after his victory, Angle turned down a contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).[13][23] In the same year, he became a marketing representative for Protos Foods, the manufacturers of OSTRIM, an ostrich meat based foodstuff.[16][23]
In April 2011, Angle revealed that he was planning a comeback to amateur wrestling for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.[24][25][26] It was announced in April 2012 that he would be unable to make the trials for the US team due to a knee injury.[27]
Professional wrestling career[link]
Extreme Championship Wrestling (1996)[link]
On October 26, 1996, Angle was convinced by fellow Pittsburgh native Shane Douglas to attend the taping of an Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) event named High Incident.[13] He provided guest commentary during a match between Taz and Little Guido, but left the building after Raven "crucified" The Sandman by attaching him to a cross using barbed wire.[28] Angle, shocked by the controversial imagery and afraid that his career prospects would be damaged if he was associated with the incident, threatened to sue ECW owner Paul Heyman if he was shown on television in the same broadcast as the stunt.[13]
In 1997, following the incident, Angle worked for a year as a sportscaster on Pittsburgh's local Fox affiliate WPGH-TV.[29][30] He also did a commercial for Pittsburgh-based pizza chain Pizza Outlet.
World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment[link]
Debut and various rivalries (1998–2000)[link]
In October 1998, Angle began a career in professional wrestling and signed an eight-year contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). He was assigned to the Power Pro Wrestling developmental territory in Memphis, Tennessee, where he began training. Angle's first appearance on WWF television was on the March 7, 1999 episode of Sunday Night Heat, where he took part in an angle with Tiger Ali Singh. This angle involved Singh paying him money to blow his nose on the American flag. Angle instead blew his nose on Singh's flag and fought him off. His first official WWF match was a dark match victory over Brian Christopher on April 11, 1999. In the following months, he wrestled in house shows and other dark matches in preparation for his televised debut.
After several weeks of vignettes, Angle made his in-ring debut on November 14, 1999 at the Survivor Series, defeating Shawn Stasiak.[31] In his initial push, he remained undefeated for several weeks, eventually losing to the debuting Tazz at the Royal Rumble.[32] Angle's television character was an "American hero" gimmick based on his gold medal win at the 1996 Summer Olympics. In his promos, Angle presented himself as a role model and stressed the need to work hard to realize one's dreams, stressing the 3 Is, "Intensity, Integrity, and Intelligence". In his promos and ring entrances, Angle would always wear replicas of his gold medals around his neck. Despite standing for many principles that are associated with "good guy" wrestlers, Angle's character was arrogant, talked down to the audience, and behaved as if he thought he was better than the fans, leading to him quickly becoming a villain. Angle won both the European Championship and the Intercontinental Championship in February 2000,[32] billing himself as the "Eurocontinental Champion". He dropped both of his titles without ever conceding a fall in a two falls Triple Threat match with Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho at WrestleMania 2000. The match had been agreed to on Angle's behalf by his mentor, Bob Backlund.
Pursuit of the WWF Championship (2000–2001)[link]
Throughout mid-2000, Angle and Edge and Christian ("Team ECK") feuded with Too Cool and Rikishi, with Angle defeating Rikishi in the finals of the King of the Ring tournament.[33] He went on to feud with Triple H after a love triangle between Angle, Triple H, and Triple H's wife Stephanie McMahon developed.[34] As a change to the intended storyline of Stephanie turning on her husband and going with Angle, he lost to Triple H at Unforgiven.[33] Following his feud with Triple H, Angle received another push and began pursuing the WWF Championship, defeating The Rock at No Mercy, after interference from Rikishi.[33] With his victory over the Rock, Angle became the first wrestler to have won both an Olympic Gold medal and the World title. Angle retained the WWF Championship for the rest of the year in matches with The Undertaker at Survivor Series and in a six way Hell in a Cell match at Armageddon.[35]
After beating Triple H at the Royal Rumble, Angle eventually lost the title to The Rock at No Way Out, after holding the WWF Championship for four months. He then feuded with Chris Benoit, whom he defeated at WrestleMania X-Seven but lost to him at Backlash in an Ultimate Submission match; Benoit defeated Angle four falls to three in sudden-death overtime. Continuing the feud, Angle again defeated Benoit in a two out of three falls match at Judgment Day. Benoit pinned Angle after an Angle Slam in a "Pinfalls Only" fall, and then Angle made Benoit submit with the ankle lock in the "Submissions Only" fall. Angle won the third fall, a Ladder match, with the help of Edge and Christian.
The Invasion; Team Angle (2001–2002)[link]
When World Championship Wrestling and ECW formed The Alliance and invaded the WWF in mid-2001 (dubbed as "The Invasion"), Angle became a face character and began a storyline where he joined forces with WWF Champion Steve Austin to repel them. At Invasion, Angle and Austin captained a team of five WWF superstars against five handpicked members of the Alliance. As part of the angle, Team WWF lost to Team Alliance when Austin turned on his team to join The Alliance. At the close of the match, Austin nailed Angle with a Stone Cold Stunner, causing him to get pinned by the other team.[36] After winning and losing the WCW Championship,[37][38] WCW United States Championship,[39][40] and the WWF Hardcore Championship in matches with Alliance members,[41] Angle was booked to defeat Austin in a SummerSlam rematch for his second WWF Championship at Unforgiven.[42] He dropped the title back to Austin on the October 8, 2001 episode of Raw when WWF Commissioner William Regal joined The Alliance and cost Angle the match.[43] As part of the storyline, Angle subsequently turned into a villain again and joined the Alliance himself; during a WrestleMania X-Seven rematch between Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon, he interfered seemingly to aid Vince but instead struck the members of team WWF with a steel chair.[44] Angle, however, ultimately returned to the WWF side by enabling The Rock to defeat Austin in a "Winner Takes All" match between the WWF and The Alliance at Survivor Series. He remained a villain by claiming sole responsibility for the destruction of The Alliance.[42]
After dropping the WCW United States Championship to Edge, the duo were booked into a lengthy feud. During this feud, Edge helped the fans with the already started "you suck" chants every time Angle entered a WWE ring, usually in tune with Angle's entrance music.[45] The chants followed Angle throughout the rest of his WWE career. In the course of the feud, the naturally balding Angle lost a "hair versus hair" match to Edge at Judgment Day, and his head was shaved bald.[46] Angle has retained the shaved head since. Following the loss of his hair, Angle's storyline called for him to wear a wig and insult bald people,[47] leading to a feud with Hollywood Hogan, who stripped Angle of his wig.[48] Angle later scored a submission victory over Hogan at King of the Ring.[49]
In October 2002, Angle became the fifth WWE Grand Slam Championship winner when he won the WWE Tag Team Championship with Chris Benoit at No Mercy 2002. Their team was successful but problematic, as the two bickered constantly, with Benoit often fed up with Angle's over-the-top antics.[50] After dropping the title to Edge and Rey Mysterio on an episode of SmackDown!,[51] Angle won his third WWE Championship at Armageddon, defeating The Big Show, with the help of Brock Lesnar.[52] While still in his third reign, Angle began a new storyline when he gained the services of manager Paul Heyman and "Team Angle".[53]
Feuding with Lesnar and Guerrero (2003–2004)[link]
He then began feuding with Brock Lesnar, who had won the 2003 Royal Rumble match,[54] after Lesnar claimed to be the new top superstar on SmackDown!. Angle dropped the WWE Championship in the main event of WrestleMania XIX to Lesnar.[55]
On April 11, 2003, Angle underwent neck surgery performed by Dr. Hae-Dong Jho to repair nerve and spinal damage, calcium buildup, bone spurs, and intervertebral disc problems. Rather than have Dr. Jho remove the afflicted discs and fuse his vertebrae together, Angle opted for a less conventional surgery where Jho removed only the spurs and selected portions of the discs. The alternative surgery reduced Angle's rehabilitation time from one year to three months.[56] He returned as a face character in June. Shortly after returning, Angle defeated Lesnar and Big Show in a Triple Threat match at Vengeance to regain the WWE Championship. During this time, Lesnar seemed to become an ally to Angle. Lesnar, however, secretly worked with Vince McMahon on a plot against Angle, turning on him during a steel cage match between himself and McMahon in which Angle was the special guest referee, and stated that he never tolerated losing the belt to him at Vengeance.[57] After retaining the title in a singles bout at SummerSlam by making Brock Lesnar tap out to the ankle lock, he dropped the title to Lesnar in an Iron Man match on an episode of SmackDown!.[58][59] Angle then formed a five-man team to rival Lesnar's team at the Survivor Series, with Angle's team coming out victorious.[60]
Angle then got involved in a feud with Eddie Guerrero. Initially being a firm friend and ally to Eddie during the latter's feud with his nephew Chavo, Angle turned on him when it was announced that Guerrero, not Angle, was the number one contender for the WWE Championship, thus becoming a villain once again. At No Way Out, Guerrero defeated Lesnar to win the WWE Championship, and Angle won a match to become new number one contender. After losing to Guerrero at WrestleMania XX, Angle began to once again suffer from legitimate neck problems.[61] As a response, he was made the on-screen General Manager of SmackDown!,[62] with his absence from the ring attributed to injuries suffered after Big Show chokeslammed him off a ledge.[63] Angle continued his feud with Guerrero throughout 2004. He cost Guerrero the WWE championship against John "Bradshaw" Layfield in a Texas Bull Rope match at The Great American Bash by participating in the worked finish; Angle came down to the ring and showed a replay where JBL's shoulder hit the corner pad before Guerrero's hand.[64] Angle was later fired by Vince McMahon as General Manager in July 2004, after discovering that he was faking his handicapped status.[65]
In November 2004, Angle initiated the Kurt Angle Invitational, a worked weekly segment where "hometown heroes" (plants), challenged him to a match, with Angle promising to give his Olympic gold medal to the first person to last more than three minutes in the ring with him.[66] The Invitational was won by Eugene in July 2005 starting a new angle for both men.[67] As a result, Angle faced Eugene at SummerSlam, defeating him by making him tap out to the ankle lock.
On November 4, 2004, episode of SmackDown!, taped in St. Louis, Missouri, during an unscripted segment of Tough Enough, Angle challenged the finalists through a squat thrust competition.[68][69] Chris Nawrocki won the competition, and the prize Nawrocki won was a match against Angle.[70] Angle quickly took Nawrocki down, breaking his ribs, then made him tap out with a neck crank.[70] After Angle defeated Nawrocki, Angle challenged the other finalists.[70] Daniel Puder, an American professional mixed martial artist, accepted Angle's challenge.[70] Angle and Puder wrestled for position, with Angle taking Puder down, however, in the process, Puder locked Angle in a kimura lock.[69][70][71] With Puder on his back and Angle's arm locked in the kimura, Angle attempted a pin, one of two referees in the ring, Jim Korderas, quickly counted three to end the bout, despite the fact that Puder's shoulders weren't fully down on the mat, bridging up at two.[69][70][71] Puder later claimed he would have snapped Angle's arm, thus making Angle tap out on national television, if Korderas had not ended the match.[70] Dave Meltzer and Dave Scherer gave these following comments:
"It was real. If you don't follow fighting, Puder had Angle locked in the Kimura, or keylock as Tazz called it, although Tazz didn't let on the move was fully executed. Not only was Angle not getting out of the move, but most MMA fighters would have tapped already. Angle couldn't tap for obvious reasons. The ref counted a three even though Puder's shoulders weren't fully down, trying to end the thing, because the reality was Angle would have been in surgery had it gone a few seconds longer or had Puder not given up the hold." ― Dave Meltzer[69][71]
"As you would expect, Kurt Angle was less than happy backstage at Smackdown after almost being forced to tap out to Tough Enough contestant Daniel Puder. Downright ticked off would probably be the best way to describe his mood. The unscripted nature of the contest was the main reason that Angle was made to look so bad since Puder just reacted to the situation and could have forced Angle to submit had the referees not thought quickly and counted a pin that wasn’t there on Puder." ― Dave Scherer[69]
The Wrestling Machine (2005–2006)[link]
In January 2005, Angle took part in the Royal Rumble, but was eliminated by Shawn Michaels, who had returned to the ring to eliminate in retaliation.[72] After mocking Michaels by defeating his former tag team partner, Marty Jannetty,[73] and attacking former manager, Sherri Martel,[74] Angle defeated Michaels in an interpromotional match at WrestleMania 21, which won Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) Match of the Year Award.[72] He continued to feud with Michaels upon being drafted from SmackDown! to Raw in the 2005 WWE Draft Lottery,[75] losing to Michaels at Vengeance.[76] Angle later challenged John Cena for the WWE Championship at Unforgiven, where Angle won the match by disqualification, thus not winning the title. Angle also challenged Cena again in a Triple Threat match along with Michaels at Taboo Tuesday, in a losing effort.
Angle returned to the SmackDown! brand in January 2006, where he was pushed to gain the vacant World Heavyweight Championship in a twenty man battle royal, turning face in the process for the first time since 2004.[77][78] He retained the title against Mark Henry at the Royal Rumble. Shortly after the match, The Undertaker made his return and challenged Angle for the title. Angle retained the title in a match with Undertaker at No Way Out[79] before dropping it to Rey Mysterio in a Triple Threat match, which also included Randy Orton, at WrestleMania 22.[80]
At Judgment Day, Angle was defeated by Mark Henry via countout. On May 29, 2006, Angle was drafted to the newly created ECW brand. It was during this time that he acquired the nickname "The Wrestling Machine,"[81] wearing a mouth guard and quickly squashing opponents. Upon coming to ECW, he issued an open challenge for One Night Stand, which was accepted by Orton.[82] Angle defeated Orton at One Night Stand,[83] later losing to him in a rematch at Vengeance. Angle appeared sporadically on WWE television throughout mid 2006. On August 25, 2006, Angle was granted an early release from his WWE contract because of health reasons.[84][85] Angle stated in the Kurt Angle: Champion documentary DVD that he asked for his release from WWE because Angle couldn't take time off and he was working hurt, severely on some occasions. He also states that when he quit, WWE lost their very top talent, as he was at the very top of the payroll.[86]
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling[link]
Debut and World Championships (2006–2007)[link]
A few weeks after his WWE contract expired, Angle signed a contract with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). The new signing was viewed by some as a promotion not having concern for the health of a wrestler.[87] On September 24, 2006, during the closing segment of No Surrender, TNA President Dixie Carter announced that TNA Wrestling had signed Angle to a contract, with Jim Cornette introducing video footage of Angle training in a six-sided TNA ring.[88] On the December 28, 2006 episode of TNA Impact!, this was announced as the "Moment of the Year" for TNA.[89]
Angle made his TNA debut on October 19, confronting Samoa Joe after Joe refused to relinquish the NWA World Heavyweight Championship belt that, according to the storyline, he had stolen from Jeff Jarrett.[90] The two men ended up fighting while Jarrett took the title back.[90] Angle was then the special enforcer for the Title vs. Career match between Jarrett and Sting at Bound for Glory, but, as part of the worked finish, he took out referee Rudy Charles and assumed the referee's role for the rest of the match-up.[91] Angle's first match in TNA took place on the November 16 airing of Impact!, where he was booked to defeat Abyss with the ankle lock and be attacked after the match by Samoa Joe.[92] At Genesis, Angle defeated Samoa Joe, ending Joe's undefeated push.[91]
At Final Resolution, Angle was booked to defeat Samoa Joe in a thirty minute Iron Man match 3–2 to earn a shot at the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at Against All Odds,[93] which he lost to Christian Cage after interference from Tomko and Scott Steiner.[94] This led to a feud between Angle and Steiner, with Angle pinning Steiner at Destination X.[95] After Angle defeated Steiner, he was picked to lead a team of four other wrestlers against a team of Christian Cage's choice in a Lethal Lockdown match at April's Lockdown. Angle chose Samoa Joe, Rhino, Sting, and Jeff Jarrett for Team Angle, while Cage chose A.J. Styles, Scott Steiner, Tomko, and Abyss. The man who gained the winning pinfall would become the number one contender to Christian Cage's NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Team Angle was victorious after Jeff Jarrett hit Abyss with a gimmicked guitar full of thumbtacks and allowed Sting to score the pin.[96] Cage was set to defend the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Sting and Angle in a triple threat match at Sacrifice.[97] The day of the PPV, the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), the owners of the NWA World Heavyweight and the NWA World Tag Team Championships, stripped Cage of the title and Team 3D of the tag team title.[98] NWA Executive Director Robert K. Trobich stated the reason was that Cage refused to defend the NWA Title at NWA live events.[98] At the PPV event, Cage, still holding the physical NWA Championship belt, defended what was billed as the "World Heavyweight Championship" against Angle and Sting. Angle was the victor of said contest by making Sting submit, who had technically just pinned Cage, and was announced as the new "World Heavyweight Champion".[99] The Impact! following the event, Angle came to the ring with a new championship belt, and announced he was the new "TNA World Heavyweight Champion".[100] Afterward, Cage and Sting came to the ring and the three began to argue over who was the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion. Due to the controversial finish to their match at Sacrifice, the title was declared vacant by Cornette. A tournament was held for the title which culminated in a King of the Mountain match at Slammiversary on June 17, 2007.[100] At the event, Angle became the TNA World Heavyweight Champion by defeating Cage, Samoa Joe, A.J. Styles, and Chris Harris.[101] He then attacked Joe after denying a request for a handshake, reigniting their feud.
At Victory Road, newly-crowned X Division Champion Samoa Joe teamed with Kurt Angle to face TNA Tag Team Champions Team 3D, with the stipulation that if a wrestler pinned the other opponent, he won his championship.[102] As part of the planned outcome of the match, Joe pinned Brother Ray of Team 3D to win both tag team belts, which he held by himself.[102] On the following episode of Impact!, Joe (now holding the X Division and Tag Team Championships, with Angle holding the TNA and (IGF recognized) IWGP Heavyweight Championships) challenged Angle to a match at Hard Justice where it was winner take all.[103] While illustrating how he would take away everything important in Angle's life, Joe brought Angle's wife Karen into the fray, as she demanded a divorce.[104] During the match, however, Karen turned on Joe and aided her husband.[105] As part of his next push, Angle won, gaining all the championships and becoming the second Triple Crown champion in TNA and the first to hold all three titles at the same time. Including the IWGP Title, this made Angle a quadruple champion.[105] Angle, however, dropped both the X Division and Tag Team Titles to Jay Lethal and Team Pacman, respectively, at No Surrender. At Bound for Glory, Angle lost the TNA World Title to Sting, but won it back on the October 25 episode of Impact!.
The Angle Alliance (2007–2008)[link]
Main article: The Angle Alliance
Angle then joined forces with A.J. Styles and Tomko as The Angle Alliance at Turning Point against Samoa Joe, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall. Styles had planned for Christian's Coalition and The Angle Alliance to team up together, but Christian Cage demanded to be the leader of The Angle Alliance after Cage denied Angle's request of being his "lackey". At Final Resolution, Angle successfully defended the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Cage due to interference from Styles and again at Against All Odds with help from Tomko. At Lockdown, Angle lost the TNA World Heavyweight Championship to Samoa Joe after being pinned.
The Main Event Mafia (2008–2009)[link]
Main article: The Main Event Mafia
After suffering a neck injury, Angle was out of action. In the storyline, he returned to Impact! to ask his estranged wife Karen to reunite with him, but she declined his offer. Later that night, after Styles suffered a beating at the hands of Team 3D, Booker T, and Tomko, Angle added to the mugging by hitting Styles with a steel chair. At Slammiversery, Angle lost to Styles, being pinned after interference from Karen. At Victory Road, Angle and Team 3D won a six-man tag team Full Metal Mayhem match defeating the team of Christian Cage, Rhino, and Styles. At Hard Justice, Angle once again lost to Styles – this time in a Last Man Standing match. The feud continued on the next episode of Impact!, with Styles winning Angle's gold medal in a mock amateur wrestling match. The next week Angle challenged Styles to a ladder match for the Olympic Gold Medal. As they both stood on the top of the ladder, the arena went dark and Jeff Jarrett's music played. When the lights turned on, Styles had a guitar and performed an Acoustic Equalizer on Angle to win the match.
Angle began a feud with Jarrett after No Surrender when Jarrett hit Angle with his guitar, a match that involved him, Christian Cage and Samoa Joe for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. On the October 2 episode of Impact, Mick Foley announced that he would be the special enforcer for Angle's match with Jarrett at Bound for Glory IV. Angle lost to Jarrett in this match, being pinned after taking the mandible claw from Foley and a guitar shot and Stroke from Jarrett. He started attacking other superstars backstage in order to get a rematch against Jarrett. On the first HD Impact!, Angle, Booker T, Kevin Nash, and Sting started a new stable of legends called The Main Event Mafia. Scott Steiner joined the group the following week. Angle then defeated Abyss at Turning Point in a Falls Count Anywhere match. After weeks of torturing Jeff Jarrett to give him a rematch, Jarrett said that if Angle could defeat Rhino at the second Final Resolution of 2008, with Mick Foley as the Special Enforcer, he would grant it. Angle defeated Rhino to earn a rematch with Jarrett at Genesis after Al Snow made a surprise appearance and distracted Foley for Angle to cheat. At Sacrifice, Angle lost his leadership of the Mafia to Sting because of their match's stipulation. On June 21 at Slammiversary, Angle won (so he wouldn't leave TNA) the TNA World Heavyweight Championship for the third time in a King of the Mountain match with help from Samoa Joe. On the following episode of Impact!, Angle regained leadership of the Main Event Mafia after he and the rest of the Mafia, attacked Sting while introducing Joe as their newest member. At No Surrender Angle lost his championship to A.J. Styles in a five-way match which also included Matt Morgan, Sting, and Hernandez.[106]
Various feuds (2009–2010)[link]
After defeating Morgan at Bound for Glory,[107] Angle came out on the following episode of Impact! and put over the younger talent of the company. Afterward, he was assaulted by the debuting Desmond Wolfe,[108] who defeated him via knockout in a street fight the following week.[109] At Turning Point Angle defeated Wolfe in a rematch.[110] The following month at Final Resolution Angle faced Wolfe in a "Three Degrees of Pain" two out of three falls match. Wolfe managed to gain the first fall by pinning Angle following the Tower of London, but Angle forced him to tap out with the ankle lock to win the second fall. In the final fall, which could only be won by escaping the Six Sides of Steel, Angle managed to escape first and won the match.[111] On the January 4, 2010, live, three hour, Monday night edition of Impact! Angle received a shot at A.J. Styles' World Heavyweight Championship, but was defeated in the main event of the show.[112] Two weeks later at Genesis Angle received one last shot at the World Heavyweight Title, but was once again defeated by Styles, who turned heel with the help of Ric Flair and nailed him with the title belt. As a result, Angle was barred from challenging for the belt as long as Styles is the title holder.[113] Due to the circumstances surrounding the loss, Hulk Hogan gave Angle another shot at Styles and the TNA World Heavyweight Championship on the January 21 episode of Impact!, but this time he lost the match after referee Earl Hebner, who was later revealed to have been paid off by Flair, called for the bell in an incident similar to the Montreal Screwjob. Angle responded to the incident by spitting in Hogan's face, threatening to quit TNA and go back to WWE.[114] Angle apologized to Hogan, after being saved by him from Scott Hall and Syxx-Pac.[115] At Against All Odds Angle took part in the 8 Card Stud Tournament to crown a new number one contender, but was defeated in the first round by Mr. Anderson, after Anderson used Angle's dog tags to bust him open.[115] On the following episode of Impact! Angle promised to make Anderson suffer for disrespecting the U.S. soldiers, but was in the end once again laid out by him, effectively starting a feud between the two.[116] At Destination X Angle defeated Anderson in a rematch.[117] Angle and Anderson were booked in a rubber match inside a steel cage at Lockdown.[118] On the April 5 episode of Impact! Anderson defeated Angle in a ladder match to win possession of the key to the cage door.[119] At Lockdown, Angle defeated Anderson in a steel cage match and afterwards announced that he would now be taking some time off from wrestling.[120]
Rankings climb (2010)[link]
Angle returned on the May 20 episode of Impact! and was ranked number two by the Championship Committee in the inaugural top 10 rankings for a World Heavyweight title shot. Angle, however, decided to take his name out of the running for a title shot and vowed to fight his way through the top 10 and earn his spot at the top of the company.[121] At Slammiversary VIII Angle started his climb back to the top by defeating Kazarian, who was ranked number ten.[122] Angle continued his climb, defeating Desmond Wolfe, who was ranked number nine prior to the match, on the June 24 episode of Impact!, and D'Angelo Dinero, ranked number eight, at Victory Road.[123][124] Prior to his match with Dinero, Angle announced that should he lose on his way to the top of the rankings, he would retire from professional wrestling[125] On the July 22 episode of Impact! Angle defeated number seven ranked Hernandez and followed that up three weeks later by defeating number six ranked A.J. Styles.[126][127] On the August 19 episode of Impact! the TNA World Heavyweight Championship was vacated and instead of continuing his climb, Angle was entered into an eight man tournament for the title, defeating X Division Champion Douglas Williams in his first round match.[128] At No Surrender Angle first wrestled Jeff Hardy to a twenty minute time limit draw, after which Eric Bischoff ordered a five minute extra time. After that and a second five minute extra time also ended in draws, it was ruled that, due to a cut, Angle wouldn't be allowed to continue the match, ending the match in a no contest.[129] After wrestling a draw on the September 16 episode of Impact!, it was announced that both Angle and Hardy would advance to the finals at Bound for Glory, where they would compete with Mr. Anderson in a three–way match.[130]
Feud with Jeff Jarrett (2010–2011)[link]
At Bound for Glory Angle was defeated by Hardy, when he turned heel and pinned Anderson, after an interference from Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, who then went on to form an alliance named Immortal, with Hardy, Abyss and Jeff Jarrett.[131] On the following episode of Impact! Angle came out to make his retirement speech, after his failed attempt to win the World Heavyweight Champion, but was interrupted by Jarrett, who announced that he had made a deal with Hogan and Bischoff in order to end Angle's career at Bound for Glory, before attacking him, when he was restrained by TNA's security officers Gunner and Murphy.[132] The following week Angle returned, trying to get his hands on Bischoff and Ric Flair, before being stopped by TNA's security officers.[133] Angle returned three weeks later on the November 11 episode of Impact!, saving Samoa Joe from Jeff Jarrett, Gunner and Murphy.[134] After not appearing again for two weeks, Angle made another return on the December 2 episode of Impact!, saving Samoa Joe from Jeff Jarrett and Abyss.[135] On the January 6, 2011, episode of Impact! Angle interrupted Jarrett's $100,000 Mixed Martial Arts Challenge and signed a contract to face him at Genesis in an MMA exhibition match, since he had promised not to wrestle again.[136] The match was thrown out in the third round after Jarrett blinded Angle. After the match Jarrett bloodied Angle, before announcing that he was ending his mixed martial arts career and promised that his wife, Karen Jarrett (formerly Karen Angle), would be joining the retirement party.[137] On the January 13 episode of Impact! Karen made her return and stopped Angle just as he was about to attack Jeff, telling him that she would not allow him to ruin their personal lives and promised to tell all about their divorce the following week.[138] The following week Karen slapped Kurt, providing a distraction which allowed Jeff to beat him down. At the end of the show Crimson saved Angle from a beating at the hands of Immortal and Fortune.[139] The following week Ric Flair reinstated Angle in order to place him and Crimson in a seven–on–two handicap match against Jarrett, James Storm, Robert Roode, Kazarian, Rob Terry, Gunner and Murphy. The match ended with Jarrett pinning Angle for the win. Afterwards, Angle was saved from another beatdown by the returning Scott Steiner.[140] The following week Fortune turned on Immortal and aligned themselves with Angle, Crimson and Steiner.[141] On February 13 at Against All Odds Jarrett defeated Angle in a singles match and as a result Angle was forced to walk Karen down the aisle, when she and Jarrett renewed their wedding vows on the March 3 episode of Impact!. After the match Angle hinted at a possible retirement by leaving his wrestling boots in the ring.[142] On March 3 Angle proceeded to destroy the wedding set with an axe and forced wedding guest, New York Jet Bart Scott to tap out with the ankle lock.[143] On April 17 at Lockdown, Jarrett defeated Angle in an "Ultra Male Rules" Two out of Three Falls steel cage match, with help from Karen.[144] On the May 12 episode of Impact!, Angle revealed Chyna as his backup in taking care of the Jarretts.[145] At Sacrifice, Angle and Chyna defeated the Jarretts in a mixed tag team match.[146] Later that same month, Angle signed a new three-year contract with TNA.[147] With Karen out of the picture, Angle defeated Jarrett on June 12 at Slammiversary IX in what was billed as the "final battle" between the two to retain his Olympic gold medal and become the number one contender for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.[148] However, on the following episode of Impact Wrestling, Jarrett challenged Angle to a Parking Lot Brawl and agreed to sign a contract that would force him to move to Mexico without Angle's children, should he lose the match. Angle ended up winning the fight after choking Jarrett with a shirt, forcing him to say "adiós".[149]
Regaining the World Heavyweight Championship (2011–present)[link]
With his feud with Jarrett behind him, Angle aligned himself with Sting to feud with the rest of Immortal, including the group's newest member, TNA World Heavyweight Champion Mr. Anderson.[150] On the July 14 episode of Impact Wrestling, Angle helped Sting regain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship from Anderson.[151] On August 7 at Hardcore Justice, Angle defeated Sting, after hitting him with a chair he snatched away from Hulk Hogan, to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship for the record-breaking fifth time.[152] On the following episode of Impact Wrestling, Angle explained that he did not agree with Sting, who, using the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, wanted to hand the promotion back to Dixie Carter, as he had found out that she had lied to him about not knowing of the relationship between Karen and Jeff Jarrett. When Sting confronted Angle, he was attacked by Hogan, which led to Angle revealing that Hogan had been the one who had exposed Carter's lie to him. Angle also revealed that his goal was now to ruin Carter's youth movement in TNA by eliminating the younger wrestlers one-by-one and started by attacking Bound for Glory Series leader Crimson after the main event.[153] Angle made his first televised title defense on the September 1 episode of Impact Wrestling, defeating Sting in a rematch, following interference from special enforcer Hulk Hogan and the rest of Immortal.[154] The following week, Angle's title match with Mr. Anderson ended in a disqualification, following interference from Immortal, which led to a three-way match between Angle, Anderson and Sting on September 11 at No Surrender, where Angle managed to retain the title, following interference from Hogan.[155][156] On October 16 at Bound for Glory, Angle successfully defended the title against Bobby Roode.[157]
On the following episode of Impact Wrestling, Angle lost the TNA World Heavyweight Championship to Roode's tag team partner, James Storm.[158][159] Angle returned on the November 17 episode of Impact Wrestling, attacking James Storm and revealing himself as the man who had attacked and bloodied him also the previous week, costing him his match with Bobby Roode for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.[160] On December 11 at Final Resolution, Angle was defeated by Storm in a singles match.[161] On January 8, 2012, at Genesis, Angle defeated Storm in a rematch.[162] On the following episode of Impact Wrestling, Storm defeated Angle in a number one contender's match.[163] Angle returned on the February 16 episode of Impact Wrestling, costing Jeff Hardy his shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.[164] On March 18 at Victory Road, Angle defeated Hardy in a singles match, pinning him while grabbing a hold of the ring ropes.[165] On April 15 at Lockdown, Hardy defeated Angle in a rematch, contested inside a steel cage.[166] On the following episode of Impact Wrestling, Angle defeated A.J. Styles, following interference from Styles' rivals Christopher Daniels and Kazarian.[167] The following week, Angle warned the two Immortal associates never to interfere in one of his matches again.[168] On May 13 at Sacrifice, Angle defeated Styles in a rematch, following another interference from Daniels and Kazarian. After the match, Angle made the save for Styles, chasing Daniels and Kazarian out of the ring.[169]
Japanese promotions (2007–2009)[link]
On February 18, 2007, Angle made his debut in New Japan Pro Wrestling, teaming with former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Yuji Nagata to defeat fellow TNA wrestler Travis Tomko and fellow WWE alumnus Giant Bernard.[4]
Angle was booked to face Brock Lesnar in a champion versus champion match for the Inoki Genome Federation on June 29, 2007, and defeated him by submission for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship,[170] and he challenged him to an MMA fight.[171] On December 19, 2007, Angle defended the IWGP World Title successfully against Kendo Kashin.[172]
On January 4, 2008, Angle made his third successful IWGP World Championship defense when he defeated Yuji Nagata at the New Japan Pro Wrestling supershow Wrestle Kingdom II in Tokyo Dome by forcing Nagata to tap out to the ankle lock.[173] On February 17, 2008, Angle lost the IWGP title to Shinsuke Nakamura in a unification match, thus ending the IWGP championship controversy.[174] Kurt Angle is not recognized as an IWGP Heavyweight Champion by New Japan. He returned in August during the G1 Climax in two special tag matches A.J. Styles as his opponent with Shinsuke Nakamura and Masahiro Chono as Angle's partners and Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinjiro Otani as Styles' partners. Angle's team won both matches.[175]
He returned on January 4, 2009, at Wrestle Kingdom III in Tokyo Dome in a special eight man tag match, where he, Kevin Nash, Chono, and Riki Chōshū faced G.B.H. (Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson, Takashi Iizuka and Tomohiro Ishii), with Angle getting the win for his team.[176] Angle then went on to defeat Bernard in a singles match at New Japan's ISM tour on February 15.[177] After Hiroshi Tanahashi retained the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Nakamura in the main event, Angle challenged him for the title, which Tanahashi accepted.[177] Tanahashi defeated Angle on April 5 at New Japan's Resolution '09 to retain the title.[178]
Acting career[link]
In regards to his future, Angle has expressed interest on several occasions in pursuing an acting career after retirement from professional wrestling.[22] In the spring of 2008, Angle made his film debut in the short film Chains. He played a racist prison deputy, credited as The Deputy.[179]
In the fall of 2008, Angle played the role of maniacal serial killer Brad Mayfield in the movie End Game. In addition, on an episode of Pros vs. Joes season three, he was teamed up with Jimmy Smith and Kendall Gill against the Joes.
Angle made an appearance on Criss Angel Mindfreak, during the segment "Car Wreck Vanish." He also made an appearance in the 2011 film Warrior as the Russian mixed-martial arts champion, Koba. Kurt stars alongside Kevin Nash, Sam Nicotero, Bill Laing, Mary Rutledge, and Bill Hinzman in the movie River of Darkness, directed by Bruce Koehler.[180] In the movie, he portrayed the town sheriff, Will Logan.[181] On the Right After Wrestling program on Sirius Satellite Radio channel 98, Angle told hosts Arda Ocal and Jimmy Korderas that he would become a part time wrestler after his contract expires in 2011 to focus on Angle Foods and his acting career.[182]
Filmography[link]
- 2009: End Game – as Brad Mayfield
- 2009: Chain's – as The Deputy (Short Film)
- 2010: Death from Above – as Thule [183]
- 2010: Devil Dogs – as Steve Stagger (pre-Production)
- 2010: Dylan Dog: Dead of Night – as Wolfgang (2010)
- 2010: River of Darkness – as Sheriff Will Logan (2010)
- 2010: Beyond the Mat – as Coach Kamen[184]
- 2011: Warrior – as Koba (2011)
Television[link]
- 2011:Extreme Makeover: Home Edition – Himself (1 episode)
- 2009:Howard Stern On Demand – Himself (2 episodes, Eric the Midget Visits the Studio, Kurt Angle Wants Robin)
- 2009:Criss Angel Mindfreak – Himself (1 episode, Car Wreck Vanish)
- 2008:Pros vs. Joes – Himself (1 episode)
- 2007:Inside MMA – Himself (2 episodes)
- 2006:2006 Scream Awards – Himself
- 2005:MTV's Made – Himself (1 episode)
- 2002:Late Night with Conan O'Brien – Himself (1 episode)
- 2001:The Weakest Link – Himself (1 episode)
- 2001:The Tonight Show with Jay Leno – Himself (1 episode)
- 2000:The Big Breakfast – Himself (1 episode)
Personal life[link]
Angle attended Clarion University of Pennsylvania, graduating with a degree in education in 1993.[185] In his later life, Angle got a Clarion University Golden Eagle, wearing a singlet, tattooed on his upper back.[citation needed]
Angle has four older brothers (one of whom, Eric, is also a wrestler) and a sister, Le'Anne, who died in 2003. His father, Dave, a crane operator,[186] was killed in a construction accident when Angle was sixteen, and Angle dedicated both his career and his autobiography It's True, It's True to him as a result. Angle claimed in an interview that, following the death of his father, he regarded his wrestling coach, David Schultz, as a paternal figure. While training Angle, Schultz was murdered in January 1996 by John Eleuthère du Pont, the sponsor of Schultz's team of Olympic prospectives.[16][17][18]
He married Karen Smedley[187] on December 19, 1998,[188] and the couple have a daughter, Kyra, who was born on December 2, 2002.[citation needed] They also have a son, Kody, who was born on October 26, 2006.[citation needed]In August 2007, Karen debuted in TNA as Angle's regular valet.[citation needed]In September 2008, it was reported that Karen had filed for divorce from Kurt.[189]
In 2008, Angle was selected to be featured on the cover for metal band Emmure's second album The Respect Issue where he is depicted on the front and back covers for the record as well as in the inlay. Angle also further promoted the album by wearing an Emmure shirt during fights broadcasted on TNA Impact!.[190]
In 2009, It was reported that TNA co-founder Jeff Jarrett was romantically linked to Karen Angle, beginning while Karen and Angle were separated.[191] This resulted in TNA president Dixie Carter, placing Jeff Jarrett on leave of absence.[192][193][194][195] The situation was revealed in July 2009 when a caller claiming to be a former TNA employee called in on The Bubba the Love Sponge Show.[196][197] Dixie Carter commented on the situation on Impact, stating "a personal situation that affected the company and it put all of us in a very difficult position." She said Jeff was placed "on leave as both a talent and in his capacity with the company and I'd like to leave it at that." In December 2009, Jarrett returned to TNA and he would marry Karen on August 21, 2010.[198]
In 2010, It was reported that Angle was engaged to actress Giovanna Yannotti.[199] On September 30, 2010, Yannotti announced that the couple was expecting their first child.[200] On January 22, 2011, Yannotti gave birth to a daughter named Giuliana Marie Angle.[201]
Angle is a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.[202]
Substance abuse allegations[link]
Wellness Policy violation[link]
On March 6, 2007, Sports Illustrated reported that Angle's name was found in the client database of a Florida wellness center suspected of being a front for distributing performance-enhancing drugs.[203] The magazine alleged Angle had received prescriptions for trenbolone (which is not approved for human use by the FDA) and nandrolone, both anabolic steroids. Angle responded on his official website: "I did not improperly receive prescriptions. It is well documented that in my career I have broken vertebrae in my neck on five occasions and each time the course of treatment was under the care and supervision of my doctors. Any attempt to link me to the athletes in the current news accounts who may have improperly sought performance-enhancing drugs is without foundation."[204]
Approximately two weeks later on March 19, 2007, Sports Illustrated posted on its website another article in its continuing series investigating a steroid and HGH ring used by a number of professional athletes in several sports. That article mentioned that 10 other professional wrestlers were implicated to have received performance-enhancing drugs from the same drug ring including four WWE wrestlers and Eddie Guerrero.[205] Kurt never failed a drug test for pain pills. He did, however, fail a steroid test under WWE's Wellness Policy because his prescription for Deca-Durabolin had expired.[206]
Legal troubles[link]
Angle was arrested at his home by Moon Township, Pennsylvania police on September 28, 2007, on a charge of driving under the influence after being reported by a woman who claimed that he almost hit her while leaving a local restaurant. Officials said Angle failed a field sobriety test but refused a blood test. Angle was charged with driving under the influence and careless driving,[207] but he denies the charges.[208] On September 9, 2008, Angle was cleared of all charges pertaining to his DUI arrest.[209]
On August 15, 2009, Pittsburgh-based NBC affiliate WPXI reported that Angle had been arrested. His girlfriend stated that she had filed a protection from abuse (PFA) order and that he was stalking her in the Robinson Township area. Angle was charged with "driving while operating privilege is suspended, prohibited acts-possession, harassment and prohibited acts". Hygetropin, a human growth hormone, was found in his car; Angle maintained that he had a prescription for the drug.[210] On September 15, a District Court Judge dropped the harassment, suspended license, and drug charges against Angle. On November 9, 2009, the PFA charges were dropped after he and former girlfriend Trenesha Biggers reached an agreement to avoid contact with each other.[211]
On March 25, 2011, Angle was arrested in Grand Forks, North Dakota and charged with "being in control of a motor vehicle while intoxicated" after failing a field sobriety test.[212][213][214] Angle later pled guilty to the charges and was sentenced on April 20 to one year of unsupervised probation, a chemical dependency evaluation, a $250 fine, $225 in court fees, and a ten day suspended jail sentence.[215][216]
Angle was arrested on September 4, 2011, by Virginia State Troopers for allegedly driving under the influence. Angle was placed in Warren County Jail, before posting $2,000 bail and being released in the early morning.[217][218] State police revealed that Angle's initial breath test at the scene, where he was stopped by police showed a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.091 percent, which was above the legal limit of 0.08 percent.[219] The test was later ruled not admissible and when a second test, taken at the police station, showed a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.06, the DUI charge was dropped. Angle was still charged with reckless driving.[220] On November 8, 2011, Angle entered a plea of no contest and was fined $1,500.[221]
In wrestling[link]
.jpg)
- Finishing moves
- Angle Slam / Olympic Slam, sometimes from the top rope or an elevated position[4]
- Ankle lock, sometimes followed by grapevining the opponent's leg[4]
- Crossface chickenwing[222] – 2000; adopted from Bob Backlund
- Signature moves
- Bodyscissors[223]
- Double leg takedown, often transitioned into a pin or a suplex[224]
- European uppercut[4]
- Frog splash[110] – TNA
- Headbutt[225]
- Moonsault, sometimes from the top of a cage[4]
- Multiple suplex variations[4]
- Rear naked choke[226]
- Triangle choke[110]
- Nicknames
- "The American Hero" (WWF / NJPW)
- "The Most Celebrated Real Athlete in WWF History" (WWF)
- "The Olympic Gold Medalist" (WWF/E / TNA)
- "The Olympic Hero" (WWF)
- "Your Olympic Hero" (WWF)[3]
- "The Wrestling Machine" (WWE)
- "The Godfather of The Main Event Mafia" (TNA)
- Entrance themes
- World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment
- "Medal" by Jim Johnston (November 14, 1999–January 2, 2006)
- "I Don't Suck" by Jim Johnston
- "Medal (Remix)" by Jim Johnston (January 29, 2006–July 11, 2006)
- "Medal (Revisited)" by Jim Johnston (July 11, 2006-August 8, 2006)
- Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
- "My Quest" by Dale Oliver (September 24, 2006–November 8, 2007)
- "Gold Medal" by Tha Trademarc (November 11, 2007–present)
- "Main Event Mafia" by Dale Oliver[229] (used while a member of The Main Event Mafia; October 2, 2008–June 21, 2009)
- "Immortal Theme" by Dale Oliver[230] (used while a member of Immortal; 2011–2012)
- World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment
Championships and accomplishments[link]
Amateur wrestling[link]
|
Professional wrestling[link]
1 ^ Angle's first reign is no longer recognized by TNA.[254] |
Lucha de Apuesta record[link]
See also: Luchas de Apuestas
| Wager | Winner | Loser | Location | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hair | Edge | Kurt Angle | Nashville, Tennessee | 02002-05-19May 19, 2002 | Hair vs. Hair match at Judgment Day[46] |
Notes[link]
- ^ "Sports Reference Olympic biography". Sports-Reference.com. http://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/an/kurt-angle-1.html. Retrieved September 20, 2011.
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- ^ Angle, Kurt (2001-09-18). It's true, it's true (Hardcover ed.). HarperEntertainment. pp. 13. ISBN 0-06-039327-0.
- ^ a b c Angle, Kurt (2001-09-18). It's true, it's true (Hardcover ed.). HarperEntertainment. pp. 53. ISBN 0-06-039327-0.
- ^ Angle, Kurt (2001-09-18). It's true, it's true (Hardcover ed.). HarperEntertainment. pp. 27. ISBN 0-06-039327-0.
- ^ Angle, Kurt (2001-09-18). It's true, it's true (Hardcover ed.). HarperEntertainment. pp. 62. ISBN 0-06-039327-0.
- ^ Angle, Kurt (2001-09-18). It's true, it's true (Hardcover ed.). HarperEntertainment. pp. 48. ISBN 0-06-039327-0.
- ^ a b c Angle, Kurt (2001-09-18). It's true, it's true (Hardcover ed.). HarperEntertainment. pp. 4. ISBN 0-06-039327-0.
- ^ a b c d e Loverro, Thom. The Rise & Fall of ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling (p.173)
- ^ Angle, Kurt (2001-09-18). It's true, it's true (Hardcover ed.). HarperEntertainment. pp. 123. ISBN 0-06-039327-0.
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- ^ Angle, Kurt (2001-09-18). It's true, it's true (Hardcover ed.). HarperEntertainment. pp. 139. ISBN 0-06-039327-0.
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- ^ 2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Dacts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (pp. 113–114)
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- ^ a b PWI Staff. 2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p. 127)
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- ^ "Slammiversary 2007 Results". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tnappv/slammiversary07.html. Retrieved July 14, 2007.
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- ^ "Intercontinental Championship History". WWE. http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/. Retrieved August 28, 2007.
- ^ "WWE Tag Team Championship History". WWE. http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/. Retrieved August 28, 2007.
- ^ "Angle Stripped of the TNA World Title". TNA Wrestling. Archived from the original on May 20, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070520052432/http://www.tnawrestling.com/news/fullnews2.php?all=1353. Retrieved May 17, 2009.
References[link]
- "2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts". Wrestling's Historical Cards (Kappa Publishing). 2007.
- "Pro Wrestling Illustrated, May 2006". Arena Reports (Kappa Publishing). May 2006.
- Angle, Kurt (2002). It's True! It's True!. HarperEntertainment. ISBN 0-06-109893-0.
- Loverro, Thom (2006). The Rise & Fall of ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling. WWE Books. ISBN 1-4165-1058-3.
External links[link]
|
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Kurt Angle |
- KurtAngleTNA.net (Official Website)
- TNA Impact Wrestling Profile
- Angle Foods
- Kurt Angle on Twitter
- Kurt Angle on Facebook
- Kurt Angle at The National Wrestling Hall of Fame website
- Kurt Angle at the Internet Movie Database
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| Persondata | |
|---|---|
| Name | Angle, Kurt |
| Alternative names | Angle, Kurt Steven |
| Short description | An American professional wrestler, amateur wrestler, and 1996 Olympic gold medalist |
| Date of birth | December 9, 1968 |
| Place of birth | Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Date of death | |
| Place of death | |
http://wn.com/Kurt_Angle
Related pages:
http://it.wn.com/Kurt Angle
http://id.wn.com/Kurt Angle
http://es.wn.com/Kurt Angle
http://ru.wn.com/Энгл, Курт
http://nl.wn.com/Kurt Angle
http://pt.wn.com/Kurt Angle
http://pl.wn.com/Kurt Angle
http://fr.wn.com/Kurt Angle
http://de.wn.com/Kurt Angle
This page contains text from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurt_Angle
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.
| Shawn Stasiak | |
|---|---|
| Ring name(s) | Meat[1][2] Shawn Stasiak[1][2] Planet Stasiak |
| Billed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[3] |
| Billed weight | 242 lb (110 kg)[3] |
| Born | (1970-07-21) July 21, 1970 (age 41)[1][2][4] Hayward, California[1][2][5] |
| Resides | Dallas, Texas |
| Billed from | Hayward, California[1] "Planet Stasiak"[1] |
| Trained by | Dory Funk, Jr.[1][2] Tom Prichard[1][2] WCW Power Plant[6][7] Paul Orndorff[6][7] |
| Debut | 1996[1][2][8] |
| Retired | 2002[3] |
Dr. Shawn Emile Stipich, DC,[4][9] (born July 21, 1970)[4] is an American chiropractor[10][11] and former professional wrestler. He is best known under the ring name Shawn Stasiak and for his stints with World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment, where he is a fifteen time Hardcore Champion, and World Championship Wrestling, where he was a three time World Tag Team Champion. He is also the son of former WWF Champion Stan "The Man" Stasiak.[1][8]
Contents |
Early life[link]
Stipich was raised in Oakville, Ontario,[3] and attended White Oaks Secondary School, where he wrestled at a high school level.[5][6] After graduating, he attended Boise State University.[3] While at BSU, Stipich made it to second place in the Pacific-10 Conference two years in a row before graduating with a bachelor's degree in communications.[5][6][10]
Professional wrestling career[link]
After graduating from BSU, he later trained as a professional wrestler under Dory Funk, Jr. and debuted in 1996 as Shawn Stasiak in the Pacific Coast Championship Wrestling promotion.
World Wrestling Federation (1999–2000)[link]
In 1996, Stipich sent a tape consisting of vignettes to the World Wrestling Federation, with one of segments seeing him dressed up as a Halloween character named Phobia and instructing kids on how to trick-or-treat safely.[5][10] After reviewing the tape, the WWF allowed him to have a tryout match in October 1997.[5] Stipich was then signed to a developmental deal in January 1998, and he began training with Tom Prichard in the Memphis, Tennessee-based Power Pro Wrestling, where he stayed until he was called up to the WWF in 1999.[5] He made his WWF debut on the April 13, 1999 episode of Sunday Night Heat as "Meat", attacking Tiger Ali Singh. He soon became the storyline "boy-toy" of the Pretty Mean Sisters (Terri Runnels, Jacqueline, and Ryan Shamrock), although Shamrock left the company a few months later.[5][6] Meat picked up many victories for a few months over the likes of Droz, Brian Christopher, and the Blue Meanie. However, he would soon be relegated to that of an enhancement talent ("jobber"), with the on-air explanation for this was that he would tire himself out before matches by sexually pleasuring PMS. This led to Jacqueline leaving Meat and Terri by themselves.[6]
The character only lasted a few months before he split from Terri after Terri saw Meat kissing Marianna, Terri's nemesis, on the Titantron. This led to her and Chaz attacking Meat. In the next couple of weeks, Stipich dropped the Meat name and began to compete under his Shawn Stasiak name.[6] He had a brief feud with Kurt Angle until early fall of 1999.[6] It was at Survivor Series that Angle defeated Stasiak in his in-ring debut.[6]
Stasiak was later suspended in December 1999 after he recorded a heated conversation between Davey Boy Smith and Steve Blackman without their permission.[6][7] Although Stasiak stated that this was done as a joke, he was nonetheless fired.[6][7]
World Championship Wrestling (2000–2001)[link]
After working on the independent circuit, Stasiak was signed by World Championship Wrestling in early 2000.[6][7] After training in the company's Power Plant wrestling school with Paul Orndorff, he made his WCW debut on the April 10, 2000 episode of Nitro by attacking Curt Hennig.[6] He later joined the New Blood and began feuding with Hennig.[6][8] He was soon given nicknames such as "The Perfect One" and later "PerfectShawn" Stasiak, the latter of which was a parody of Hennig's "Mr. Perfect" character. Stasiak picked up two victories over Hennig, one of which was Stasiak's WCW pay-per-view debut on May 7, 2000 at Slamboree.[8] Hennig soon became impressed with Stasiak and briefly coached him before Hennig's WCW contract expired in June 2000.[8]
In late-May, Stasiak formed the tag team called the Perfect Event with Chuck Palumbo, and they soon won the World Tag Team Championship after defeating KroniK (Brian Adams and Bryan Clark).[6][8] After winning the title, they began feuding with KroniK over the title.[6] In August, the Perfect Event helped form the Natural Born Thrillers alongside Mike Sanders, Sean O'Haire, Mark Jindrak, Johnny the Bull and Reno, while they were briefly "coached" by Kevin Nash.[6]
Stasiak and Palumbo would later win the World Tag Team Title two more times before splitting in early January 2001 when Stasiak and Palumbo won a tag team battle royal with O'Haire and Jindrak. Sanders declared both teams victorious and that one member from each team would start teaming together and get a tag team title shot against The Insiders (Diamond Dallas Page and Kevin Nash). Palumbo began teaming with O'Haire and they defeated the Insiders and became the World Tag Team Champions while Stasiak and Jindrak began teaming together.[6] In February 2001, the Natural Born Thrillers broke up when Stasiak and Jindrak became jealous of Palumbo and O'Haire. The two teams faced off at SuperBrawl Revenge on February 18, 2001 for the World Tag Team Title, but Palumbo and O'Haire retained.[6]
In March 2001, Stasiak acquired the services of Miss Hancock as his valet, gaining the nickname "The Mecca of Manhood" in the process.[6] He was also, in storyline, hinted as the alleged father of Hancock's baby, which later turned out to be a stack of 8x10 cameras in a stroller. The cameras were later used to take pictures of Stasiak, who would then throw the pictures to fans as a villainous way to show off his physique. While with Miss Hancock, he also started a brief feud with Bam Bam Bigelow. The feud culminated on the very last episode of Nitro on March 26, 2001, as Stasiak defeated Bigelow in a tattoo match.[6] WCW was already purchased by the World Wrestling Federation and most of the talent contracts, including Stasiak's, were picked up.
Return to WWF/E (2001–2002)[link]
Stasiak returned to the WWF in July 2001 as part of The Alliance after WCW was bought by the WWF. Stasiak won at InVasion where he, Kanyon, and Hugh Morrus defeated The Big Show, Billy Gunn, and Albert.[6] Throughout August, he was given the character of being clumsy while trying to impress the Alliance's leader, Stone Cold Steve Austin. Every time he tried attacking major WWF stars such as The Rock or Kurt Angle, he would run into a wall, statue, milk truck, or just completely miss and trip over his boots. In late August, Stasiak was also briefly paired with Stacy Keibler again, but she stopped being his valet in late September to manage the Dudley Boyz. He was injured soon after and was out of action until late October.
On November 18 at Survivor Series, Stasiak, in storyline, lost his job along with all of the Alliance members when Team WWF defeated Team Alliance. The Alliance members still worked house shows and dark matches for a while, however, until being ready to be called up to the main active roster. However, Stasiak was injured in late November and required surgery on his knee to remove his damaged bursa sac. He was later cleared to wrestle on January 1, 2002. In February 2002, Stasiak was sent to the Heartland Wrestling Association for training and to work off ring rust.
Stasiak was later called up to the Raw brand in late-March 2002 and had his return televised match on the April 7, 2002 edition of Sunday Night Heat, defeating Tommy Dreamer and the following week on Sunday Night Heat Stasiak was defeated by Goldust.
Stasiak made his return on the April 15, 2002 episode of Raw with a new character that saw him claim that he was from Planet Stasiak, heard voices in his head, talked to himself with rhymes, and acted comically insane. On this same night, Stasiak was defeated by Big Show. Stasiak traded the Hardcore Championship several times with the likes Steven Richards, Justin Credible, Bradshaw, and Tommy Dreamer until he requested his early release on September 27, 2002 to pursue other business ventures.
Retirement[link]
After his release, Stipich retired from wrestling and became a chiropractor.[3] He currently works for the Advanced Comprehensive Medical team based out of Texas as a chiropractor.[10] In 2007, he received a certificate in manipulation under anesthesia from the Academy of Physical and Manual Medicine in New York.[10]
In wrestling[link]
- Finishing moves
- As Shawn Stasiak
- Bridging cradle suplex[1][2][8] – 2000–2001; parodied from Curt Hennig
- Perfect Plant (Death Valley driver)[8][12] – 2000
- As Meat
- Meat Grinder (Inverted DDT)[1][2]
- As Shawn Stasiak
- Signature moves
Championships and accomplishments[link]
Amateur wrestling[link]
- National Collegiate Athletic Association
- Ranked in the Top Twelve in Division I (1996)[5][25]
Professional wrestling[link]
References[link]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "OWOW profile". OWOW. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/s/shawn-stasiak.html.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Cagematch profile". http://www.cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=365.
- ^ a b c d e f McNamara, Andy (April 30, 2010). "The Doctor is in: Stasiak 'back' in the ring". SLAM! Wrestling. http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/20/13650711.html. Retrieved 2010-05-02.
- ^ a b c "California Births, 1905 - 1995". Family Tree Legends. http://www.familytreelegends.com/records/calbirths?c=search&first=Shawn&last=Stipich&spelling=Exact&4_year=&4_month=0&4_day=0&5=&7=&SubmitSearch.x=0&SubmitSearch.y=0&SubmitSearch=Submit. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "SLAM! profile". http://www.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingBios/stasiak_shawn.html.
- ^ 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 "Accelerator profile". http://www.accelerator3359.com/Wrestling/bios/stasiak.html.
- ^ a b c d e "Stasiak explains taping conversations". http://www.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingBios/stasiak_00may17.html.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "WCW profile". Archived from the original on August 17, 2000. http://web.archive.org/web/20000817233344/http://www.wcw.com/2000/superstars/stasiak/.
- ^ Intelius search
- ^ a b c d e f "Stasiak's chiropractic profile". http://www.drshawnstipich.com/about/.
- ^ "Shawn Stasiak Determined DVD review". http://prowrestling.about.com/od/reviews/gr/shawnstasiakdvd.htm.
- ^ a b "WCW Nitro report on April 17, 2000". http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/2000043m.htm.
- ^ a b c "WCW Thunder report on March 14, 2001". http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/2001032t.htm.
- ^ "WCW Thunder report on May 10, 2000". http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/2000051t.htm.
- ^ a b "Slamboree report on May 7, 2000". http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/2000051p.htm.
- ^ a b "WCW Thunder report on June 7, 2000". http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/2000061t.htm.
- ^ a b "WCW Nitro report on June 5, 2000". http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/2000061m.htm.
- ^ a b "WCW Thunder report on April 26, 2000". http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/2000044t.htm.
- ^ a b "WCW Thunder report on May 24, 2000". http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/2000053t.htm.
- ^ "WCW Thunder report on February 21, 2001". http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/2001023t.htm.
- ^ "WCW Thunder report on February 28, 2001". http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/2001024t.htm.
- ^ "WCW Greed report on March 18, 2001". http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/2001033p.htm.
- ^ "The Great American Bash report on June 11, 2000". http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/2000062p.htm.
- ^ "Natural Born Thrillers' OWOW profile". http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/n/natural-born-thrillers.html.
- ^ "College wrestling results on March 23, 1996". http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=LC&p_theme=lc&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EEE78F003377A21&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM.
- ^ "WCW World Tag Team Championship history". http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttwcw.html.
- ^ "WWE Hardcore Championship history". http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/hard/.
External links[link]
|
|||||
| Persondata | |
|---|---|
| Name | Stasiak, Shawn |
| Alternative names | |
| Short description | Canadian professional wrestler |
| Date of birth | year=1970 |
| Place of birth | Hayward, California |
| Date of death | |
| Place of death | |
http://wn.com/Shawn_Stasiak
Related pages:
http://fr.wn.com/Shawn Stasiak
http://pt.wn.com/Shawn Stasiak
http://de.wn.com/Shawn Stasiak
http://it.wn.com/Shawn Stasiak
This page contains text from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shawn_Stasiak
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.
| CM Punk | |
|---|---|
 Punk at the 2011 Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards |
|
| Ring name(s) | CM Punk[1] |
| Billed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[1] |
| Billed weight | 218 lb (99 kg)[1] |
| Born | (1978-10-26) October 26, 1978 (age 33) Chicago, Illinois[2] |
| Resides | Lockport, Illinois |
| Billed from | Chicago, Illinois[1] |
| Trained by | Ace Steel[3] Danny Dominion[4] Kevin Quinn[4] Dave Taylor[5] Fit Finlay[5] William Regal[5] Steel Dominion Wrestling School[5] |
| Debut | 1999[6] |
| Website | CMPunk.com |
Phillip Jack Brooks[7] (born October 26, 1978),[2] better known by his ring name CM Punk, is an American professional wrestler signed to WWE and appearing on its Raw brand as the reigning WWE Champion.
In professional wrestling, Brooks is a seven time World Champion, having held the ROH World Championship and ECW Championship once, the World Heavyweight Championship three times and the WWE Championship twice.
In addition to these championships Punk has also won the World Tag Team Championship (with Kofi Kingston), and the WWE Intercontinental Championship making him the nineteenth WWE Triple Crown Champion and the man to achieve this honor fastest at 203 days.[8] Between WWE and Ring of Honor (where he is also a two-time World Tag Team Champion), Punk has won a total of eleven championships. He was also the winner of the 2008 and 2009 Money in the Bank ladder matches (the only wrestler to win the match twice in a row),[9] and was the 2011 Superstar of the Year Slammy Award winner.[10]
Punk initially came to prominence through his career on the professional wrestling independent circuit, primarily as a member of the ROH roster, where he was the first head trainer of the ROH wrestling school as well as winning both of their championships. In 2005, Punk signed a contract with WWE and was sent to its developmental promotion, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), where he won every championship available in the promotion. Throughout his career, Punk has consistently used the gimmick of being straight edge, a lifestyle he follows in his actual day-to-day life.[4] Depending on Punk's alignment as a crowd favorite or villain, he emphasizes different aspects of the culture to encourage the desired audience reaction.[4]
Contents
|
Professional wrestling career[link]
Early career[link]
Punk's first venture into wrestling was a stint in a backyard wrestling federation called the Lunatic Wrestling Federation with his friends and brother Mike Brooks in the mid-late 1990s. He first started using the ring name CM Punk when he was put into a tag team named the Chick Magnets with CM Venom after another performer skipped out on the card.[4][11][12] Unlike his friends, Punk genuinely wanted to be a wrestler and saw it as more than simple fun.[4] When the promotion started taking off, doing spot shows out of a warehouse in Mokena, Illinois, Punk found out that his brother Mike had embezzled thousands of dollars from the small company, causing them to become estranged. They have not spoken since.[13]
He soon left the federation and enrolled as a student at the "Steel Dominion" wrestling school in Chicago, where he was trained by Ace Steel,[3] Danny Dominion and Kevin Quinn to become a professional wrestler. As part of the training, he wrestled at Steel Domain Wrestling in St. Paul, Minnesota.[4][5] It was in the Steel Domain that he met Scott Colton,[14][15] who soon adopted the stage name Colt Cabana. Punk and Cabana became best friends and spent most of their early career together working in the same independent circuit promotions, as opponents or allies.[14] In the independents, Punk, along with fellow Steel Domain graduates Colt Cabana, Chuckee Smooth, Adam Pearce and manager Dave Prazak, formed an alliance named the Gold Bond Mafia.[4]
Independent Wrestling Association: Mid-South (2000–2005)[link]
Punk's home promotion for his early career is usually considered to be Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South (IWA:Mid-South).[4] During Punk's time in IWA:Mid-South, he had high profile feuds with Colt Cabana and Chris Hero while also rising to the top of the roster winning the IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Championship twice and the IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship on five separate occasions, beating stars like A.J. Styles, Cabana and even Eddie Guerrero for that Championship. Punk's feud with Hero included a 55-minute TLC match,[4] a 93-minute two out of three falls match,[5] and several 60-minute time limit draws.[15]
Punk's matches with Cabana led him to being hired by the Ring of Honor promotion.[5] From February 2003 until May 2004, Punk refused to wrestle for IWA:Mid-South, because he claims that this was in protest to Ian Rotten's mistreatment of Chris Hero in the company.[4] Hero, however, has stated he believes there were other reasons, and Rotten's treatment of him was just an excuse by Punk to stop working for the company.[16] Eventually Punk returned to IWA:Mid-South and continued to perform as a wrestler and commentator for them until 2005 when he was signed to World Wrestling Entertainment. His last appearance in IWA:Mid-South was on July 2, 2005 in which he competed in a 60-minute time limit draw against Delirious.[17]
Ring of Honor and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling[link]
Storylines with Raven (2002–2004)[link]
See also: Second City Saints and The Gathering
Initially, Punk joined Ring of Honor (ROH) as a crowd favorite,[4] but quickly became a villain in a feud with Raven that featured numerous variants of no disqualification matches.[18] Their rivalry lasted most of 2003 and was considered one of ROH's top feuds of the year,[19] and was based around Punk's straight-edge lifestyle, with him likening Raven to his alcoholic father.[20] Their rivalry was settled at The Conclusion in November 2003, where Punk defeated Raven in a Steel Cage match.[18] At the same time, Punk joined the wrestling promotion NWA Total Nonstop Action (TNA), in which he was paired with Julio Dinero as members of Raven's TNA alliance The Gathering.[4]
Punk started climbing the ranks of ROH, including coming in second at the Second Anniversary Show during the tournament to crown the first ROH Pure Champion, losing to A.J. Styles in the finals[18] and winning the ROH Tag Team Championship twice with Colt Cabana as the Second City Saints. Both times Punk and Cabana defeated the Briscoe Brothers to win the championship.[21] Circa October 2003, Punk was hired as the first head trainer of the Ring of Honor wrestling school,[4][22] having previously been a trainer for the Steel Domain[4] and Primetime Wrestling.[23]
Shortly before a TNA show on February 25, 2004, Punk had a physical scuffle with Teddy Hart outside of a restaurant that was broken up by Sabu. The scuffle reportedly stemmed from an ROH show in which Hart performed three unplanned spots putting several other wrestlers in danger of injury.[24][25] Around the time of the scuffle, Punk and Dinero stopped appearing on TNA shows, leading to speculation he was fired for the incident.[26] Punk, however, has stated that the scuffle had no bearing on his TNA career.[26] He said the reason he and Dinero stopped appearing on TNA pay-per-views was that TNA officials believed that he and Dinero had not connected with the fans as villains, having turned against the popular Raven and instead formed a villainous tag team managed by James Mitchell.[26] The officials decided that as the teams as villains was not working decided to put the storyline on hold indefinitely, and thus had no work for Punk or Dinero.[26] Punk officially quit TNA in March 2004 during the Rob Feinstein controversy, after having a dispute with the TNA offices over his ability to compete in ROH following a TNA order that their contracted wrestlers were to no longer wrestle in ROH.[27]
Pursuit of the World Championship (2004–2005)[link]
In ROH, Punk faced off against ROH World Champion Samoa Joe for the championship in a three match series. The first match, on June 12, 2004 at World Title Classic in Dayton, Ohio, resulted in a 60-minute time limit draw when neither Punk nor Joe could pin or cause the other to submit in the 60 minutes. The second match between Punk and Joe was planned for December 4, 2004; however, due to Steve Corino being pulled from a match with Joe by Pro Wrestling ZERO-ONE, the second match was hastily rescheduled on October 11, 2004 for October 16 in Punk's hometown of Chicago.[15] At Joe vs. Punk II on October 16, they wrestled to a second 60-minute draw.[18] In addition to Joe vs. Punk II becoming Ring of Honor's best-selling DVD at the time, the match received a five-star rating by Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter. It was the first match in North America to receive a five-star rating in seven years—the last one being the Hell in a Cell match between Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker at Badd Blood: In Your House in 1997.[15] Joe ended the series by defeating Punk in the third and final match on December 4, 2004 at All-Star Extravaganza 2 in which there was a no time limit stipulation.[18]
In June 2005, Punk accepted a deal with World Wrestling Entertainment, after a try-out match against Val Venis on its Sunday Night Heat show. Even though he had accepted the deal, Punk went on to defeat Austin Aries with his Pepsi Plunge move, winning the ROH World Championship on June 18, 2005 at Death Before Dishonor III.[21] Immediately after the match, Punk proceeded to become a villain and started a storyline where he threatened to bring the ROH World Championship to WWE with him. For weeks, Punk teased the ROH locker room and the ROH fans as well as mocking the championship he possessed, going so far as to sign his WWE contract on it. During the storyline, Mick Foley made several ROH appearances, attempting to convince Punk to do the right thing and defend the title on his way out. On August 12, 2005 in Dayton, Ohio, Punk lost the ROH World Championship to James Gibson in a four corner elimination match consisting of himself, Gibson, Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels, who re-debuted after a year-and-half absence.[21] Punk's final scheduled match in Ring of Honor took place at Punk: The Final Chapter on August 13, 2005 against long-time friend Colt Cabana in a two out of three falls match, which he lost.[18] In his last match, Punk was visibly crying and was showered with streamers when he posed in the middle of the ring.
Punk made a special appearance at the ROH show Unscripted II on February 11, 2006, when the original card had to be scrapped due to Low Ki leaving ROH the week prior.[18] In addition, most of the ROH roster contracted to TNA were pulled from the show because of a snowstorm that TNA officials thought might prevent performers from reaching a pay-per-view scheduled the next day.[28][29] In the main event, Punk teamed with Bryan Danielson to wrestle and ultimately defeat Jimmy Rave and Adam Pearce in a tag team match.[29]
World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE[link]
Ohio Valley Wrestling (2005–2006)[link]
In September 2005, Punk was assigned to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), a WWE developmental territory. He made his debut on September 8, 2005, in a dark match, where he, Nigel McGuinness and Paul Burchill were defeated by Deuce Shade, Elijah Burke and Seth Skyfire.[30] On September 26, 2005 in his OVW television debut, Punk suffered a ruptured eardrum and broken nose after Danny Inferno hit him with an overly stiff right hand. Despite the injury, Punk finished the match and quickly recovered.[31][32]
On November 9, 2005, Punk became the OVW Television Champion after defeating Ken Doane,[31] which immediately led to a feud between Punk and Brent Albright, who had previously been feuding with Doane for the Television Championship and had lost his chance to wrestle Doane after Punk hit him with a chair so he himself could wrestle Doane. They wrestled in series of matches, including one that ended in overtime with Albright having Punk submit to Albright's finisher, the Crowbar, but Punk was able to keep the championship, as he had not agreed to the extra time.[31] On January 4, 2006, Punk lost the OVW Television Championship during a three way dance among himself, Albright and Doane. Doane was injured halfway through the match and was replaced by Aaron "The Idol" Stevens. Punk submitted to Albright's Crowbar and was eliminated, but he returned later in the match to distract Albright allowing Stevens to pin Albright and become the new OVW Television Champion.[33] The feud continued after a short period in which Albright and Punk were a tag team, but they became opponents again after Albright wanted the respect of Punk, who would never give it to him, and instead proceeded to "punk out" (get the better of) Albright repeatedly. This feud continued for weeks with Punk always getting the better of Albright until a double turn occurred on February 1, 2006 when Albright became a villain during a tag match, allowing the Spirit Squad to beat Punk and, in doing so, making Punk a crowd favorite.[33] During this time, Punk had a minor appearance at WrestleMania 22 on April 2, 2006 as one of the gangsters who rode a 1930s era car to the ring before John Cena's entrance.[34]
After Matt Cappotelli vacated the OVW Heavyweight Championship because of a brain tumor in February 2006, a tournament was held to crown a new champion. The finals were Brent Albright vs. CM Punk with Albright defeating Punk to become the new champion.[33] Punk and Albright continued their feud, with Albright becoming more unstable and paranoid about maintaining his championship after several close call matches against Punk, resulting in acts such as threatening Maria. On May 3, 2006, Punk finally defeated Albright in a strap match to win the OVW Heavyweight Championship.[33] As champion, Punk retained the title in matches against opponents such as Shad Gaspard,[33] Ken Kennedy,[33] Johnny Jeter[33] and Mike "The Miz" Mizanin.[35]
On July 28, 2006, Punk and Seth Skyfire defeated Shad Gaspard and the Neighborhoodie to win the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship at a house show.[36] They lost the Tag Team Championship on August 2, 2006 to Deuce Shade and "Domino" Cliff Compton after an injured Skyfire tagged in an already injured Punk.[33] This altercation led to a feud between Punk and Skyfire after a rematch for the Tag Team Championship on August 7, 2006 in which a healthy Punk purposefully tagged in an injured Skyfire to be beaten by Shade and Compton.[33] On August 30, 2006, a match was scheduled to take place between Punk and Skyfire for the OVW Heavyweight Championship. Prior to the match, however, Skyfire was attacked by Charles "The Hammer" Evans, with whom Skyfire had also been feuding, and was replaced in the match by Chet Jablonski (Chet the Jet) who pinned Punk to win the OVW Heavyweight Championship.[33] As Punk no longer possessed the championship, OVW no longer required him. He was removed from the roster and brought up to the WWE roster full-time. He continued to make sporadic appearances for the company, such as at the 400th episode of OVW on television,[33] up until WWE announced it was ending its developmental territory agreement with OVW on February 7, 2008.[37]
ECW (2006–2008)[link]
On June 24, 2006, Punk made his ECW debut during a house show at the former ECW Arena, defeating Stevie Richards.[38] He made his TV debut on the July 4 episode of ECW on Sci Fi, cutting a brief pre-taped promo about his straight edge lifestyle emphasizing the disciplinary aspects of being drug and alcohol free.[39] Although he had retained the straight edge gimmick, he now had a Muay Thai training background. Punk made his TV wrestling debut on August 1, 2006 at the Hammerstein Ballroom, defeating Justin Credible.[40] CM Punk established himself in ECW by going undefeated, defeating opponents such as Christopher W. Anderson,[41] Stevie Richards[42] and Shannon Moore.[43]
Soon after, Punk began feuding with Mike Knox after Knox's girlfriend, Kelly Kelly, was seen to have feelings for Punk.[43] Punk defeated Knox in their first singles match (qualifying for the Extreme Elimination Chamber at December to Dismember in the process)[44] as well as the rematch, after which Kelly Kelly celebrated CM Punk's victory over her boyfriend.[45] Punk then teamed with D-Generation X and the Hardy Boyz in their Survivor Series match against Rated-RKO, Knox, Johnny Nitro and Gregory Helms, a match in which all the participants on DX's side survived elimination.[46] At December to Dismember, Punk participated in the Elimination Chamber for the ECW World Championship; however, he was the first person eliminated by Rob Van Dam.[47]
Following the pay-per-view, Punk entered into a feud with Hardcore Holly, who ended Punk's six-month unbeaten streak in singles competition on January 9, 2007.[48] Punk went on to feud with Matt Striker, who gave him his second singles loss since being in ECW on January 30.[49] Punk then qualified for the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 23 by defeating Johnny Nitro.[50] In the final week leading up to WrestleMania 23, Punk made appearances on both Raw and Friday Night SmackDown!, defeating Kenny Dykstra[51] and former World Heavyweight Champion King Booker,[52] respectively. At WrestleMania 23, Punk competed in, but did not win, the Money in the Bank ladder match, being knocked off the ladder just seconds before the winner, Mr. Kennedy, claimed the briefcase.[53]
On the April 10, 2007 episode of ECW on Sci Fi, Punk briefly became a villain by officially joining the New Breed alliance,[54] after several weeks in which both the New Breed and the ECW Originals had attempted to recruit him.[55][56] Two weeks later, however, Punk betrayed the New Breed during a four on four elimination match between the New Breed and ECW Originals by kicking New Breed leader Elijah Burke in the back of the head and costing them the match. After the match, Punk proceeded to deliver his finisher, the Go To Sleep, on Burke and sarcastically apologized before leaving the ring alone, becoming a fan favorite again. WWE.com later confirmed that Punk was no longer a member of the New Breed.[57] At Judgment Day, Punk wrestled and defeated Burke in his first singles match on a pay-per-view.[58] Punk then went on to One Night Stand and teamed up with Tommy Dreamer and The Sandman in a tables match to defeat the New Breed.[59]
When ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley was drafted to Raw and stripped of the ECW World Championship, a mini-tournament was announced to declare a new champion among Punk, Elijah Burke, Marcus Cor Von and Chris Benoit. Punk defeated Marcus Cor Von on the June 19, 2007 episode of ECW on Sci Fi. By doing so, CM Punk was meant to face Chris Benoit at Vengeance: Night of Champions for the vacant ECW World Championship.[60] Benoit, however, was hastily replaced by Johnny Nitro when Benoit no-showed the event due to what was described on-air as "personal reasons". Nitro subsequently defeated Punk at Vengeance for the vacant championship.[61] Punk won another shot at the title at The Great American Bash against Nitro, who had changed his moniker to John Morrison by this point; however, Punk was defeated again by Morrison.[62] The next week, Punk challenged Elijah Burke and Tommy Dreamer in a triple threat match to determine the next competitor in Morrison's 15 Minutes of Fame Challenge, in which Punk came out victorious.[63] A week later, Punk defeated Morrison with the Go To Sleep to earn an ECW Championship title match at SummerSlam. At SummerSlam, however, Punk lost the match when Morrison used the ropes for leverage.[64]
At the September 1, 2007 (aired September 4) ECW taping, in a "last chance" title match, Punk defeated Morrison for the ECW Championship.[65] Punk then went on to have successful title defenses against the likes of Elijah Burke (at Unforgiven),[66] Big Daddy V via disqualification (at No Mercy)[67] and The Miz (at Cyber Sunday).[68] On the November 6, 2007 episode of ECW, Punk retained the ECW Championship in a match against Morrison following The Miz's interference.[69] At Survivor Series, Punk retained his title in a Triple Threat match, beating The Miz and John Morrison.[70] On the January 22, 2008 episode of ECW, Chavo Guerrero defeated CM Punk in a No Disqualification match to win the ECW Championship after Edge, (acting as a guest commentator at ringside) ran in and speared Punk.[71]
Money in the Bank and World Heavyweight Champion (2008–2009)[link]
At WrestleMania XXIV, Punk won the Money in the Bank ladder match, after defeating Chris Jericho, Montel Vontavious Porter, Shelton Benjamin, John Morrison, Mr. Kennedy and Carlito.[72]
On the June 23, 2008 episode of Raw, CM Punk was drafted to the Raw brand during the 2008 WWE Draft.[73] His first night on Raw came the following week, and he made an immediate impact. After Batista beat down World Heavyweight Champion Edge and left him lying in the ring, Punk and referee Mike Chioda ran to the ring with Punk carrying his Money in the Bank contract. Moments later, as Edge was struggling to get up, Punk hit him with the Go to Sleep and pinned him to win the World Heavyweight Championship. Later that night, Punk won his first defense of the title against JBL, who challenged him shortly after his win.[74] His win over Edge would eventually also earn Punk the Slammy Award for the "Oh my God" Moment of the Year.[75] Punk continued to hold and defend the title until Unforgiven on September 7, 2008. Before the Championship Scramble match, Punk was attacked by an early version of The Legacy (Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase with Manu). Orton finished the assault by punting Punk in the head.[76] It was announced that Punk could not participate in the match due to the attack and, as a result, he involuntarily forfeited the title. However, Punk was replaced by Chris Jericho, who went on to win the match and the title.[77] He received a rematch eight days later on the September 15 episode of Raw, where he failed to regain the title in a steel cage match against Jericho.[78]
On the October 27, 2008 episode of Raw, Punk and Kofi Kingston defeated Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase to win the World Tag Team Championship.[79] The duo were members of Team Batista at Survivor Series, where their team lost to Team Orton.[80] Punk was then entered in an Intercontinental Championship Tournament, in which the winner would get to challenge for the championship in the future. He would defeat Snitsky and John Morrison in the first two rounds.[81] Punk and Kingston lost the World Tag Team Championship to John Morrison and The Miz at a live event on December 13, 2008.[82] The next day Punk defeated Rey Mysterio at Armageddon to win the tournament.[81] On the January 5 episode of Raw, Punk received his title match against William Regal, which ended in a disqualification, when Regal grabbed the referee's jersey.[83] Due to this, Stephanie McMahon awarded Punk a rematch the following week, but this time it was himself that was disqualified.[84] McMahon awarded him another rematch, this time a No Disqualification match on January 19 episode of Raw, Punk won the match and the title.[85] With this win, he became the nineteenth Triple Crown Champion. Also, the victory made him the man to accomplish the Triple Crown in the fastest amount of time, shattering Kevin Nash's old record.[86] Punk lost the title on the March 9 episode of Raw to John "Bradshaw" Layfield.[87] At WrestleMania XXV, Punk won the Money in the Bank ladder match and became the first person to win the match twice.[88]
On April 13, 2009 during the 2009 WWE Draft, Punk was drafted from Raw to SmackDown.[89] In the period after the draft, Punk feuded with Umaga over Umaga's repeated surprise attacks while Punk was attempting to cash in his Money in the Bank Contract. This ultimately resulted in a Samoan strap match at Extreme Rules, which was won by Punk.[90]
At the end of the pay-per-view, Punk cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to defeat Jeff Hardy for the World Heavyweight Championship.[91] Punk retained his title in a Triple Threat match against both Edge and Hardy eight days later on the June 15 episode of Raw.[92] At The Bash in Sacramento, California, Punk lost to Hardy by disqualification after kicking the referee after being afflicted with a storyline eye injury, claiming he could not see the referee, but because titles do not change hands on a disqualification, Punk retained the championship. Hardy called Punk into question about his eye injury, believing he had been feigning it, leading Punk to turn heel, claiming to be the moral superior of those who support Hardy due to his drug-free lifestyle.[93] At Night of Champions, Punk lost the championship to Hardy.[94] Their feud continued through SummerSlam, where Punk regained the title in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match; afterward, Punk was attacked by The Undertaker.[95] On the August 28 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Punk concluded his program with Hardy and achieved his booked goal of excising him from the WWE, defeating Hardy in a steel cage match wherein the loser agreed to leave the company.[96] This act would earn Punk a second Slammy that December as he was named winner for 2009's "Shocker of the Year".[97]
At Breaking Point Punk defeated The Undertaker in a submission match to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. Undertaker originally won the match with his Hell's Gate submission hold. SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long re-started the match after stating that the ban that former General Manager Vickie Guerrero had placed on the move was still in effect. Punk would win the match with his Anaconda Vise when referee Scott Armstrong called for the bell despite Undertaker never submitting (reminiscent to the Montreal Screwjob, which took place in the same venue in 1997).[98] The feud between the two continued and at the Hell in a Cell PPV, Punk lost the World Heavyweight Championship to The Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match.[99] He lost two subsequent rematches against The Undertaker on Smackdown and in a Fatal Four Way match at Bragging Rights also involving Batista and Rey Mysterio.[100][101]
Straight Edge Society and New Nexus (2009–2011)[link]
Main articles: Straight Edge Society and Nexus
His character took on a more sinister demeanor on the November 27 episode of SmackDown when he revealed that he had converted Luke Gallows, who had previously been portrayed as the mentally incompetent wrestler Festus, to the straight-edge lifestyle which had rid him of his mental troubles.[102] Continuing to espouse his straight-edge philosophy, Punk began to present himself as a cult-like savior to the crowd, growing the hair on his head, face and chest in an allusion to Jesus.[103] Through January 2010, Punk began to convert planted members of the audience to a straight-edge lifestyle, making them take a pledge of allegiance to him and shaving their head as a sign of renewal and devotion.[104][105][106] After converting many people who were not seen again, convert Serena began accompanying Punk and Gallows to form the Straight Edge Society.[106][107] As well as leading this alliance, Punk was also the mentor of WWE NXT rookie Darren Young who flirted with the idea of becoming straight-edge before refusing just before his head was to be shaved.[108]
Punk continued to show messianic traits, frequently giving sermons including during the annual Royal Rumble match as well as during an Elimination Chamber match at both of the eponymous pay-per-views.[109][110] In the Chamber match, he was eliminated by Rey Mysterio, whom he had feuding with leading into the PPV. Tensions escalated as Mysterio prevented him from winning a Money in the Bank qualifying match, causing Punk to interrupt Mysterio's celebration of his daughter's ninth birthday.[111] Mysterio challenged Punk to a Street Fight at WrestleMania XXVI but lost to Gallows, meaning Punk picked the stipulation that if Rey lost he would have to join the Society.[112] At WrestleMania, Punk lost to Mysterio[113] sparking a rematch at Extreme Rules where Punk would have to shave his head, like his disciples, if he lost. Punk won this match after interference from a fourth member of the Society who kept his face covered.[114] At Over The Limit, a third and final match was booked with both stipulations reactivated. In the match Punk lost and was subsequently shaved bald.[115]
Embarrassed by being shaved bald as he considered himself always pure unlike his followers, Punk appeared on the following episode of SmackDown, May 29, wearing a mask to hide his baldness.[116] At Fatal 4 Way, Punk challenged for the World Heavyweight Championship against Mysterio, The Big Show and the champion Jack Swagger, but was unsuccessful when he was attacked by Kane, who was accusing various people of attacking The Undertaker.[117] On July 16's SmackDown, Punk was finally unmasked by Big Show while healing from an arm injury.[118] The following week Show also unmasked the anonymous member of the Straight Edge Society who was revealed to be Joey Mercury.[119] This led to a handicap match at SummerSlam where Show defeated the entire Society after Punk abandoned his teammates.[120] Show also beat Punk in a singles match at Night of Champions.[121] Following this Serena was released from WWE[122] while Mercury became injured,[123] severely thinning the Society. Gallows began showing signs of dissension too, and Punk defeated him on SmackDown, airing September 24, ending the group.[124]
Punk was traded back to the Raw brand on October 11 after being swapped with Edge. He took part in the interbrand tag team match at Bragging Rights after injuring Evan Bourne to win a place,[125] but the team lost. It was reported later that he was suffering with a hip injury that would stop him from competing.[126] To keep a presence on television, he began commentating on Raw from November 22,[127] having already commentated one episode of NXT. During his commentary, he criticized John Cena for his actions against The Nexus. Sometimes he favored heel wrestlers over face wrestlers. At the end of December, Punk left the commentary team after assaulting John Cena on Raw[128] and SmackDown[129] with a chair. Punk later revealed that his motives for the attacks were that he had joined and assumed control of The Nexus.[130] He would then use the group to attack Randy Orton, blaming him for prematurely ending Punk's first World Heavyweight Championship reign in 2008; this led to a WrestleMania XXVII match[131] and a Last Man Standing match at Extreme Rules both of which Punk lost.[132]
WWE Champion (2011–present)[link]
In June, after pinning WWE Champion John Cena on Raw,[133] Rey Mysterio at Capitol Punishment[134] and finally Alberto Del Rio again in a contendership match (which included Mysterio) all within one week, Punk revealed his contract would expire at Money in the Bank and vowed to leave the company with the WWE Championship; some of his speeches and mannerisms echoed his final months with Ring of Honor. After making a scathing on-air speech concerning the way in which WWE is run and its owner Vince McMahon, he was given a storyline suspension from televised WWE events[135] but was reinstated the following week on Cena's insistence.[136] Upon his return Punk ceased to appear with the remaining members of Nexus and the group would quietly dissolve the same month.[137] This helped transition him from a villainous character back to being a fan-favorite. Two weeks later, at Money in the Bank, CM Punk defeated John Cena to become the WWE Champion on his final night under contract with WWE.[136]
On July 21, CM Punk made an unannounced appearance at a joint WWE and Mattel panel at the San Diego Comic Con to mock new Chief operating officer Triple H and offer WWE Championship tournament finalist Rey Mysterio a match for Punk's own WWE Championship, as long as it was in Punk's hometown, Chicago.[138][139] Punk appeared at July 23's All American Wrestling show, showing respect to Gregory Iron, a wrestler with cerebral palsy.[140] Mysterio won the WWE Championship tournament on the July 25 episode of Raw, only to lose it to Cena later that night. After Cena's victory, Punk returned to Raw and upstaged the new WWE Champion's victory celebration while also entering into a title dispute. Triple H would later uphold both Punk and Cena's claims to the WWE Championship as legitimate and schedule the two to a match at SummerSlam to decide the undisputed WWE Champion.[141] Punk prevailed but immediately lost the title to Alberto Del Rio, who had cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, after being attacked by Kevin Nash.[142]
The night after SummerSlam Punk accused Nash of conspiring with Triple H to keep Punk away from the WWE Championship.[143] After repeated confrontations Nash and Punk demanded to face each other at Night of Champions, to which Triple H acquiesced. However, after CM Punk's repeated verbal attacks towards him and his wife Stephanie McMahon, Triple H booked himself to replace Nash.[144] At Night of Champions Punk lost a No Disqualification match after Nash, The Miz, and R-Truth attacked both men.[145] Miz and Truth also attacked Punk at Hell in a Cell after he lost a WWE Championship Triple Threat match.[146] He attempted to avenge this by teaming with Triple H against Miz and Truth at Vengeance, but lost again due to Nash attacking Triple H.[147] This helped transition Punk's anti-establishment voice from Triple H to John Laurinaitis who became the interim Raw General Manager.[148] CM Punk balked at Laurinaitis' promotion and verbally attacked him as a dull yes man.[149][150]
On October 31, CM Punk strong-armed his way into a match with Del Rio at Survivor Series,[151] where he regained the WWE Championship by way of submission with the Anaconda Vise.[152] He went on to defend the title through the end of the year, retaining in a rematch with Del Rio on the November 28 episode of Raw[153] and against both Del Rio and The Miz in a Triple Threat TLC match at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs.[154] On the December 26 episode of Raw, CM Punk was defeated by Dolph Ziggler in a gauntlet match; as a result Ziggler became #1 contender to the WWE championship. Had he been successful Punk would have earned the right to face Laurinaitis in a match.[155] The following Raw, Punk was defeated by Ziggler via countout following interference from Laurinaitis; retaining the championship as a result.[156] Intermeddling from Laurinaitis caused Punk to lose to Ziggler throughout January[157][158] which ultimately led to Punk attacking Laurinaitis in retaliation.[158] At the Royal Rumble event, CM Punk successfully defended his title against Ziggler, despite Laurinaitis acting as the outside enforcer.[159]
On the January 30 episode of Raw SuperShow, Chris Jericho attacked Punk and Daniel Bryan during their Champion vs. Champion match, giving Bryan the win.[160] The following week, Jericho explained his actions by dismissing the WWE roster as imitations of himself and singling out Punk for claiming he was the best in the world, a moniker Jericho used the last time he was in WWE.[161][162] Their rivalry continued through Elimination Chamber where Punk retained the WWE Championship in the namesake structure; while four competitors were eliminated, Jericho was unable to continue the match after being kicked out of the chamber by Punk, causing temporary injury.[163] The following night on Raw, Jericho earned a match against Punk at WrestleMania XXVIII,[164] and in a bid to psychologically unsettle him, he revealed Punk's father was an alcoholic and alleged that his sister was a drug addict, asserting that Punk's straight edge philosophy was paranoia to avoid the same vices and vowing to make Punk turn to alcohol by winning the title from him.[165] John Laurinaitis added the stipulation that the WWE Championship could change hands via disqualification, which led to Jericho inciting Punk into using a weapon, but Punk resisted and retained the title.[166] On the April 2 and 9 episodes of Raw SuperShow, Punk retained the WWE Championship against Mark Henry after losing to him via count-out and disqualification. Following both matches, Jericho attacked Punk and doused him with alcohol.[167][168] On the April 16 episode of Raw SuperShow, Punk pinned Henry in a no disqualification, no countout match to retain his title.[169] After repeated altercations, the feud between Jericho and Punk would culminate in a Chicago Street Fight at Extreme Rules where Punk defeated Jericho to retain the WWE Championship.[170]
Punk renewed an old rivalry with Daniel Bryan at the May event Over the Limit, retaining the title after reversing Bryan's submission hold the "Yes!" Lock into a pinning combination, however, replays would show Punk visibly tapping out moments after the finish of the match.[171]
Gimmick[link]
Punk has adopted his real-life following of the straight edge movement as his professional wrestling gimmick, but the gimmick uses different elements of Punk's personality and the beliefs of the straight edge movement depending on his alignment. While portraying a crowd favorite, the gimmick tends to be that of Punk's normal personality,[4] largely indifferent to others who drink alcohol, smoke tobacco, partake in recreational drug use or have promiscuous sexual behavior, but emphasizing the social discipline involved with abstinence. Conversely, his villainous personality tends to be that of one who is hardline or militant straight edge, exemplifying the elitist attitudes and superiority complexes—defined by Punk's common mantra during villainous-themed promos that, because he is straight edge, he is "better than you".[4] Punk performs the straight edge symbol of crossing his arms in an X formation while having the letter X written on the back of his hands, usually drawn on his wrist tape.
Originally, the initials CM in his ring name represented the phrase "Chick Magnet", the name of the tag team he was in as a backyard wrestler.[4][12] Punk, however, later changed CM into an orphan initialism, declaring that it has no meaning,[5] though when asked since he has taken to making up meanings that fit the initials, going so far as to make up long stories to explain the origins that do not match the actual origin story at all.[5] Since beginning this practice, Punk has stated CM stands for "Cookie Monster",[172] "Cookie Master",[173] "Crooked Moonsault",[174] "Chuck Mosley",[174] "Charles Montgomery",[12] "Charles Manson",[12] "Crazy Mariachi", "Chicago Made",[175] among others.
An integral part of Punk's gimmick are the numerous tattoos that adorn his body, some of which have come to become symbols associated with Punk, as well as mantras and declarations that have been integrated into his gimmick. The tattoos as a whole, due to their large quantity and variety, have also become an attribute identifiable to Punk.[176] The most important of the individual tattoos in Punk's character, whether through association, symbol, or mantra, are:
- A Pepsi Globe logo on his left shoulder that inspired the names of two of his signature moves. It also became a symbol of Punk himself, who wore the logo on his ring gear in the independent circuit, as well as a slightly modified Pepsi logo being used as part of his TitanTron entrance video.[177] Punk, a keen Pepsi drinker, chose to receive a Pepsi tattoo to emphasize his straight edge beliefs.[5] The tattoo is also a reference to former Minor Threat guitarist Brian Baker, who had a Coca-Cola tattoo and explained this by saying "I like Coca-Cola". When people inquire about Punk's Pepsi tattoo, he often replies "I like Pepsi" in a similar fashion.[4]
- The words "Straight Edge" are spelled out on Punk's stomach. This is one of his oldest tattoos;[176] he has referred to it as his identity.[178]
- A sleeve tattoo on his left arm that reads "luck is for losers" and features numerous good luck symbols, including a rabbit's foot, four-leaf clover and a horseshoe.[179] The tattoo also features four ace playing cards as a tribute to trainer Ace Steel.[179]
- A tattoo on the back of his left hand reading "No gimmicks needed", a tribute to deceased wrestler Chris Candido.[180]
- A tattoo across his knuckles with the words "DRUG FREE" ("DRUG" on his right knuckles and "FREE" on his left).[181]
- A tattoo of his little sister's jersey number (31) behind his left ear surrounded by stars, each of which also representing his siblings as a way to bond away from home.[182][183]
- A tattoo on his right shoulder of the Cobra Command logo, G.I. Joe's enemy. Punk is well-known for his love of comic books, considering them along with jazz and professional wrestling as three of the original arts that America has given to the world.[182]
- A tattoo of a rose on his left wrist.[184]
Punk's character and gimmick have been parodied by the wrestling federation Chikara who used a mascot character CP Munk, the straight edge chipmunk. The character includes references to Punk, such as X-marked wrist tape, a Pepsi logo on the costume's left shoulder, and a high-pitch version of Punk's best-known independent circuit theme song "Miseria Cantare – The Beginning", by the band AFI.[185] On his website, Punk has said about the character CP Munk, and the people behind it:
| “ | I'm split 50/50 on it. Some days I get real pissed about it, because it's disrespectful. I'm sure it's no secret that the dorks that run Chikara and I don't get along, so they're [sic] judgement on trying to "mock" me is a little off. Most other days I just laugh it off because nobody from Chikara will ever be over enough anywhere for anybody else to parody them'.[186] | ” |
Punk's entrance was emulated by British darts player Paul Nicholson during the 2011 World Matchplay and the 2011 PDC World Darts Championship.[187]
Other media[link]
Punk made an appearance on the February 16, 2004 episode of Monster Garage, "Box Truck Wrestling Car", performing a short match with Samoa Joe.[188] On October 31, 2006, Punk joined The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) to shoot the Sci Fi Channel special Ghost Hunters Live, which was a six-hour show broadcast live Halloween night from the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. Initially skeptical about what he might find, Punk claimed to have heard children giggling and footsteps when there were not any children booked into the hotel.[189]
In 2008, Punk appeared as the Sports Grand Marshal of the nationally-televised McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade in downtown Chicago.[190][191]
On April 30, 2012 it was announced Punk would be featured in the WWE Studios and Kare Production Project "Les reines du ring" (English: Queens of the ring) alongside fellow wrestlers Eve Torres and The Miz.[192]
Personal life[link]
While working for Ring of Honor, Punk was romantically linked to professional wrestlers Shannon Spruill[193] and Tracy Brookshaw.[15] After joining Ohio Valley Wrestling Punk began dating Maria Kanellis, who was working there as an interviewer,[194][195] however they broke up sometime after Punk was moved to World Wrestling Entertainment and started working on the ECW brand.[196] Punk was dating Amy Dumas,[197] however Matt Hardy confirmed in March 2010 that Punk and Dumas were no longer dating.[198] Punk confirmed in an November 2011 Maxim Magazine interview that he was in a relationship with WWE wrestler Beth Phoenix[199] but revealed in December that he was single again.[200] Punk is also one of many figures in entertainment supporting the gender reassignment surgery of Against Me! frontman/frontwoman Tom Gabel, who changed her name to Laura Jane Grace in mid-2012.
In wrestling[link]
File:Punk's Savage Elbow.jpg
Punk pays homage to Randy Savage before a diving elbow drop on Alberto Del Rio.
- WWE
- Finishing moves
- Anaconda Vise (Arm-trap triangle choke)[1][201] - 2006–present
- GTS - Go To Sleep (Fireman's carry dropped into a knee lift)[1] - 2007–present
- Signature moves
- Arm trap swinging neckbreaker[202]
- Arm wrench followed by stepping a leg over the wrenched arm and performing a mule kick with the leg below the opponent's face[17]
- Bulldog[86][203][204]
- Diving crossbody[6]
- Diving elbow drop[205][206] – adopted from and used in tribute to Randy Savage[182]
- Double underhook backbreaker[17]
- Hammerlock twisted into a short-range lariat[17]
- Koji clutch[1]
- Leg lariat[207]
- Mongolian chop[208]
- Repeated elbow strikes to an opponent's chest[209]
- Rope hung arm trap can opener[204]
- Roundhouse kick[210][211][212]
- Sitout suplex slam[213]
- Slingshot somersault senton[6][17][204]
- Snap scoop powerslam[214]
- Springboard clothesline[6][204][215]
- Step-up enzuigiri[17]
- Step-up high knee to a cornered opponent[203][204] followed by a bulldog[86][203]
- Suicide dive[6]
- Super frankensteiner[216][217]
- Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker[6][17]
- Nicknames
- Entrance themes
- "This Fire Burns" by Killswitch Engage[225] (August 1, 2006–July 17, 2011)
- "Cult of Personality" by Living Colour[226] (July 25, 2011–present)
- Finishing moves
- Independent circuit
- Finishing moves
- Anaconda vise or an arm triangle choke[17]
- Pepsi Plunge[6] (Diving double underhook facebuster)[17]
- Shining wizard[17]
- Signature moves
- Arm wrench followed by stepping a leg over the wrenched arm and performing a mule kick with the leg below the opponent's face[17]
- Corkscrew dive transitioned into a diving neckbreaker[6]
- Crooked Moonsault[227] (Split-legged moonsault)[17]
- Delayed vertical suplex[6][17]
- Devil Lock DDT[6] (Hammerlock legsweep DDT)[17]
- Facewash[6]
- Inverted facelock backbreaker[17]
- Inverted frankensteiner[17]
- Jackie Chan[6][17] (While sitting in a corner, grasps the top rope with one hand on each side of the turnbuckle and when the opponent attempts to pull him off the ropes by his legs, he performs a back tuck, landing on his feet)
- Pepsi Twist[6][17] (Jumping hammerlock twisted into a short-range lariat)[17]
- Punk-Handle Piledriver[6][17] (Pumphandle reverse piledriver)
- Rolling fireman's carry slam[6]
- Slingshot somersault senton[6][17]
- Springboard corkscrew crossbody[17]
- Suicide dive[6]
- Welcome to Chicago, Motherfucker[6] (Double underhook backbreaker)[17]
- With Julio Dinero
- Double superkick[228]
- Near Death Experience (Diving neckbreaker (Punk) / Powerbomb (Dinero) combination)[228]
- Managers
- Milo Beasley[17]
- Tracy Brooks[17]
- Bobby Heenan[17]
- Alexis Laree / Vicki Adams[17]
- Lucy[229]
- Joshua Masters[17]
- James Mitchell[17]
- Dave Prazak[230]
- Entrance themes
- "Shitlist" by L7
- "South of Heaven" by Slayer[231]
- "A Call for Blood" by Hatebreed[232]
- "Miseria Cantare (The Beginning)" by AFI[232]
- "Cult of Personality" by Living Colour[233]
- "Night Train" by The Bouncing Souls[234]
- "¡Olé!" by The Bouncing Souls[4]
- Finishing moves
Championships and accomplishments[link]
- Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South
- International Wrestling Cartel
- IWC Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[237]
- Mid-American Wrestling
- MAW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[238]
- NWA Cyberspace
- NWA Cyberspace Tag Team Championship (1 time)[239] – with Julio Dinero
- NWA Revolution
- NWA Revolution Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[17]
- Ohio Valley Wrestling
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Feud of the Year (2011)[243] vs. John Cena
- Match of the Year (2011)[244] vs. John Cena at Money in the Bank
- Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (2011)[245]
- Wrestler of the Year (2011)[246]
- PWI ranked him #3 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2010[247]
- Revolver
- Golden Gods Award for "Most Metal Athlete" (2012)[248]
- Ring of Honor
- St. Paul Championship Wrestling
- World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
- ECW Championship (1 time)[249]
- World Heavyweight Championship (3 times)[250][251][252]
- WWE Championship (2 times, current)1[253][254]
- World Tag Team Championship (1 time)[255] – with Kofi Kingston
- WWE Intercontinental Championship (1 time)[256]
- Money in the Bank (2008, 2009)[72][88]
- Nineteenth Triple Crown Champion[86]
- Slammy Award for "OMG" Moment of the Year (2008)[75] Cashing in Money in the Bank to win the World Heavyweight Championship
- Slammy Award for Shocker of the Year (2009)[97] Forcing Jeff Hardy out of the WWE after Steel Cage match victory
- Slammy Award for Despicable Me (2010)[257] Harassing Rey Mysterio and his family
- Slammy Award for Superstar of the Year (2011)[10]
- Slammy Award for "Pipe Bomb" of the Year (2011)[10]
- Slammy Award for T-Shirt of the Year (2011)[258] "Best in the World"
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- Best Gimmick (2009, 2011)[259][260]
- Best on Interviews (2011)[260]
- Feud of the Year (2009)[259] vs. Jeff Hardy
- Feud of the Year (2011)[260] vs. John Cena
- Match of the Year (2011)[260] vs. John Cena at WWE Money in the Bank
1 ^ Punk held the title concurrently with John Cena during his first reign. After defeating him Punk became undisputed champion but was not recognized by WWE as having won the title a second time.[261]
Luchas de Apuestas record[link]
See also: Luchas de Apuestas
| Wager | Winner | Loser | Location | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hair | Rey Mysterio | CM Punk | Detroit, Michigan | 02010-05-23May 23, 2010 | S.E.S. Pledge vs. Hair match at Over the Limit.[262] |
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External links[link]
| Find more about CM Punk on Wikipedia's sister projects: | |
 |
Images and media from Commons |
 |
Quotations from Wikiquote |
- Official website
- CM Punk on Twitter
- CM Punk's channel on YouTube
- Professional wrestling record for CM Punk from The Internet Wrestling Database
- WWE Profile
- CM Punk at the Internet Movie Database
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| Persondata | |
|---|---|
| Name | Brooks, Phil |
| Alternative names | CM Punk (ring name) |
| Short description | Professional wrestler |
| Date of birth | October 26, 1978 |
| Place of birth | Chicago, Illinois |
| Date of death | |
| Place of death | |
http://wn.com/CM_Punk
Related pages:
http://it.wn.com/Phil Brooks
http://cs.wn.com/CM Punk
http://es.wn.com/Phil Brooks
http://ru.wn.com/СМ Панк
http://nl.wn.com/CM Punk
http://pt.wn.com/CM Punk
http://pl.wn.com/CM Punk
http://fr.wn.com/CM Punk
http://de.wn.com/CM Punk
http://hi.wn.com/सी एम पंक
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Brock Edward Lesnar (/ˈlɛznər/; born July 12, 1977) is an American professional wrestler, actor, former mixed martial artist and amateur wrestler, signed with WWE and appearing on its Raw brand. 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. 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.
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. After leaving WWE, Lesnar pursued a career in the NFL. He played during the preseason for the Minnesota Vikings, but ended up being a late cut. 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. 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.
