Kevin Wacholz
Ring name(s)	Thor[1] Kevin Kelly[1] Kevin The Magnificent[1] Nailz[1] The Prisoner[1] The Convict
Billed height	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)[1]
Billed weight	297 lb (135 kg; 21.2 st)
Born	(1958-04-17) April 17, 1958 (age 54)
Resides	Bloomington, Minnesota[1]
Trained by	Brad Rheingans[1]
Debut	1982[1]
Retired	2000

Kevin Wacholz (born April 17, 1958)^[1] is a former professional wrestler who worked for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1992 as Nailz. He was also known as "Mr. Magnificent" Kevin Kelly in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) in the 1980s.

Professional wrestling career[link]

American Wrestling Association[link]

Kevin Wacholz started wrestling in 1982 in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) as Kevin Kelly, a babyface midcarder. By 1986, he was a top heel and challenged for the AWA World Heavyweight Championship. He used the moniker, "Mr. Magnificent" Kevin Kelly.

In 1987, he was managed by Sherri Martel and regularly issued arm wrestling challenges. This led to a feud with Tommy Rich, who answered one of his challenges on an edition of AWA Championship Wrestling on ESPN. Rich appeared to have the contest won, when Martel interfered on Kelly's behalf. In retaliation, Rich tore off her dress.^[2]

After Martel left the AWA, Kelly took Madusa Miceli as his manager. He often teamed with Nick Kiniski as "The Perfect Tag Team" to contend for the AWA World Tag Team Championship.

He left the AWA before it folded in 1991, and wrestled for independent promotions.

World Wrestling Federation[link]

In 1992, Wacholz debuted in the WWF as Nailz, an ex-convict who, in a series of promos, alleged he was abused by former prison guard Big Boss Man during his incarceration.^[3] He also claimed to be innocent of his (unspecified) crimes. Following Big Boss Man's squash of Dave Roulette on the May 30 edition of WWF Superstars, Nailz (dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit) attacked Boss Man, handcuffing him to the top rope and repeatedly hitting and choking him with his own nightstick.^[4]

Nailz easily defeated numerous jobbers en route to defeating Boss Man's ally Virgil at SummerSlam. He continued to feud with Boss Man, who had recovered from Nailz's beating. The feud came to its climax when Big Boss Man defeated Nailz in a nightstick match at Survivor Series.

He then began a feud with The Undertaker. The two had a stare down on the October 24 episode of Superstars, a photo of which was used as the cover of the January 1993 issue of WWF Magazine.^[5].

However, Wacholz was released from his WWF contract in December of 1992, after he allegedly attacked Vince McMahon in his office over a financial dispute. ^[3][6] while John Nord watched the door. Bret Hart recalled in his autobiography that Wacholz "cornered Vince in his office and screamed at him for fifteen minutes". Hart claims he was just down the hall from the office when he heard a loud crash, which was Wacholz "knocking Vince over in his chair, choking him violently".^[7] The incident led to a series of lawsuits between Wacholz and the WWF. Wacholz alleged McMahon had given him steroids on a number of occasions; McMahon denied the claim. Wacholz then filed a wrongful termination lawsuit. The WWF filed a counterclaim against Wacholz, but both suits were later dropped.

In 1994, Wacholz testified against McMahon during his trial on charges of supplying steroids to WWF wrestlers. He claimed McMahon had told him to take steroids.^[8] According to the 2003 book WrestleCrap, his testimony included the comment "I hate Vince McMahon's guts."

Post-WWF[link]

He went to World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1993 (as The Prisoner) for one match, with Sting.

He wrestled In Jim Crockett's short-lived promotion, WWN, in 1994, as The Convict. He also wrestled for New Japan Pro Wrestling that year, as Nailz.

In 1996, Wacholz appeared in Tito Santana's American Wrestling Federation as Nails (pronounced identical to "Nailz"). Wacholz officially retired in 2000.

He has two adult children and resides in Minnesota. He owns & operates his own business - AAA Trailers.

In wrestling[link]

• Finishing moves
  • Lateral vascular neck restraint
  • Sleeper hold^[1]

• Signature moves
  • The Good, The Bad and The Ugly^[1] (Chokehold)
  • Standing clothesline

• Managers
  • Madusa Miceli^{[9][10][11][12]}
  • Sherri Martel^[1][13]

• Nicknames
  • "Mr. Magnificent"^[1]

Championships and accomplishments[link]

• World Wide Wrestling Alliance

• WWWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[14]

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI ranked him #78 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1992^[15]
  • PWI ranked him #336 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003^[16]

References[link]

Professional wrestling portal

Curt Hennig
Hennig guest refereeing at WrestleMania X in 1994.
Ring name(s)	Curt Hennig[1] Mr. Perfect[1][2]
Height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)[1][2]
Weight	260 lb (120 kg)[1]
Born	(1958-03-28)March 28, 1958[1][3] Robbinsdale, Minnesota[1][3]
Died	February 10, 2003(2003-02-10) (aged 44)[1][3] Tampa, Florida[3]
Billed from	Robbinsdale, Minnesota[1][2]
Trained by	Verne Gagne[1][2] Larry Hennig[1][2] Buddy Rose[1]
Debut	January 30, 1980[1]

Curtis Michael "Curt" Hennig^[1] (March 28, 1958 – February 10, 2003)^[3] was an American professional wrestler, manager and color commentator who performed under his real name for the American Wrestling Association (AWA), the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). In the WWF, he found his greatest success as Mr. Perfect, a nickname introduced in his second run with the company which gradually became his official ring name as use of his real name was phased out; Hennig used the same ring name in his third and final run, however his real name was widely acknowledged. He was the son of wrestler Larry "The Axe" Hennig, and father to current WWE (formerly the WWF) superstar Michael McGillicutty.

Hennig is recognized by WWE as a one-time world champion,^[2] having held the AWA World Heavyweight Championship for 373 days. He won three additional world championships: the WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship once, and the i-Generation World Heavyweight Championship twice. A two-time WWF Intercontinental Champion, Hennig has been named by WWE as one of the greatest Intercontinental Champions of all time,^[4] and was the longest-reigning champion of the 1990s.^[5] He suffered from recurring back problems during his WWF career, but found success in managerial and color commentary roles when inactive from in-ring competition. In addition to winning multiple championships in WCW during the late 1990s, he served as the enforcer of the Four Horsemen, a member of the New World Order, and leader of stable and country music group, West Texas Rednecks, who recorded the tongue-in-cheek song, "Rap is Crap", later described by WWE as a "stunningly popular and infectious earworm."^[6] Hennig returned to the WWF for a brief period in 2002, being one of the last three men remaining at that year's Royal Rumble. He later wrestled for TNA, prior to his death on February 10, 2003. Although he never won a world title in the WWF, WCW or TNA, he challenged for them in televised matches.

Hennig was described by WWE as a "flawless technician" who "brought the Intercontinental Title a new level of credibility during his two reigns and set a higher standard for technical wrestling in WWE";^[2] WCW hailed him as "one of the best all-round competitors this business has ever produced."^[7] He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007 by former Major League Baseball third baseman, and longtime friend, Wade Boggs.^[2] A number of Hennig's peers consider him to be one of the greatest in-ring performers of all time.^[8]

Professional wrestling career[link]

American Wrestling Association (1980–1982)[link]

DDP, Curt Hennig and Diamond Doll Tonya in 1988

Known as "Cool" Curt Hennig, he began his career on January 30, 1980 in the American Wrestling Association (AWA), the promotion which had made his father, Larry "The Axe" Hennig^[9] a star. Hennig left AWA in 1982 and joined World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

World Wrestling Federation (1982–1984)[link]

Curt Hennig started his WWF career in 1982. He established himself as a promising young performer against the likes of 'Playboy' Buddy Rose. Eventually, he was paired-up in tag team matches with another young upstart, Eddie Gilbert, himself the son of a wrestling legend (Tommy Gilbert).

Return to AWA (1984–1988)[link]

Hennig returned to AWA in 1984. He would eventually become one of the promotion's top stars in his own right, winning the AWA World Tag Team Championship with Scott Hall by defeating "Gorgeous" Jimmy Garvin and "Mr. Electricity" Steve Regal on January 18, 1986 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.^[10]

Later, he resumed his solo career in the AWA, culminating in defeating the legendary Nick Bockwinkel for the AWA World Heavyweight Championship at SuperClash on May 2, 1987 with the help of Larry Zbzyszko, and turning villain in doing so.^{[11] [12]} Hennig, along with his father Larry "The Axe", would engage in a long feud with Greg Gagne and his father, Verne Gagne. He began being associated with Madusa Miceli, the AWA World Women's Champion since December 27, 1987.^[13] Hennig and Madusa joined the Diamond Exchange, a stable led by Diamond Dallas Page that also included Badd Company and Colonel DeBeers.^[14]

Hennig would hold the AWA World Heavyweight Title for about 53 weeks, before losing it to Jerry Lawler on May 9, 1988.^[12] As many other promising-yet-underexposed AWA stars had before him (including Hulk Hogan, Rick Martel, and Bobby Heenan), he left the AWA for the WWF.

Return to WWF (1988–1996)[link]

Mr. Perfect & Undefeated Streak (1988–1990)[link]

Hennig returned to the WWF in the fall of 1988 as "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig, an arrogant braggart villain who claimed to be able to accomplish difficult tasks "perfectly." In the weeks before his debut, Hennig shot several promos to get his persona of being superior in athletics or anything else he did. These clips showed him hitting half-court, three-point, and no-look basketball shots, bowling a score of 300, running the table in billiards, throwing then catching his own Hail Mary football pass, sinking a long golf putt, hitting home runs and making bulls-eyes in darts. Stars of various major league sports, including Wade Boggs, Steve Jordan, and Mike Modano, co-starred with Hennig in these vignettes.

Hennig went undefeated for over a year, beating mid-card wrestlers including The Blue Blazer, The Red Rooster and Jimmy Snuka. During 1989, use of Hennig's real name was phased out, save for occasional references to his family history, and he was billed exclusively as "Mr. Perfect". Although undefeated on television, Perfect fought Bret "Hit Man" Hart to a draw at several house shows. Later in 1989, Perfect began appearing with Lanny Poffo, who had turned heel earlier in the year and began competing as "The Genius," an arrogant scholar. That fall, Perfect began feuding with Hulk Hogan over the WWF Championship. In the first nationally televised contest of a rivalry that would span Hennigs's WWF and WCW careers, Perfect defeated Bret Hart on the November 6, 1989 edition of Prime Time Wrestling, when he pulled Hart's tights during a roll-up, building momentum for an eventual meeting with Hogan.^[15] Their feud heated up when, after The Genius defeated Hogan by countout, Poffo and Perfect stole Hogan's title belt and destroyed it backstage. Although Hogan later pinned Hennig at several house shows, these were not taped and no reference was made to them on television. Perfect and Hogan were the last two men left in the 1990 Royal Rumble, with Hogan getting the victory. Perfect's first one-on-one loss on television was to Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake at WrestleMania VI at the Toronto Skydome, though a week earlier he was pinned by The Ultimate Warrior in a taped show at Madison Square Garden.

Intercontinental Champion (1990–1991)[link]

Enlisting Bobby Heenan as his new manager, Perfect went on to win the vacant Intercontinental Title in the final round of a tournament in April 1990 by defeating two-time Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana.^[16][17] He lost the belt to The Texas Tornado four months later at SummerSlam,^[17][18] but regained the title on November 19, 1990, thanks to interference from Ted DiBiase. This title win aired on the December 15, 1990 edition of WWF Superstars of Wrestling. Perfect faced the Big Boss Man at WrestleMania VII, where a disqualification loss meant that he retained his title.^[19] The following month he was the winner of a 20-man Battle Royal on Saturday Night's Main Event.^[20] Perfect held the Intercontinental Title until August 1991, when a broken tailbone and buldged discs forced him to drop the belt to Bret Hart at SummerSlam;^[9][21] In the month of May prior to this match, Heenan retired from managing, which led to "Coach" John Tolos becoming Mr. Perfect's new manager. This was short-lived, as Perfect had actually retired from the ring a couple months before SummerSlam, but he just returned for one match to drop the title to Hart.

Color Commentator (1991–1992)[link]

After losing the Intercontinental Championship, Perfect spent the next year-plus, trying to recuperate from his injuries. While recovering, he acted as Ric Flair's "executive consultant" during Flair's two WWF Championship reigns. He also worked as a color commentator on WWF Superstars of Wrestling following Survivor Series 1991 until the Superstars before the next Survivor Series, acting as a suitable heel foil to Vince McMahon's play-by-play.

Return as a wrestler (1992–1993)[link]

Perfect began a return to wrestling and a fan favorite turn when he had a falling-out with Ric Flair and Bobby Heenan (Flair's financial adviser) on the last Prime Time Wrestling before Survivor Series 1992 after Randy Savage asked Perfect to be his partner against Flair and Razor Ramon at the 1992 Survivor Series. After initially laughing off Savage's decision, Perfect was swayed by Savage's cajoling and by Heenan's comments that Perfect was not capable of wrestling on that level anymore and demanded that Perfect follow orders and do as he was told. Immediately afterward, Perfect turned towards the camera to accept Savage's proposal, much to the horror of Heenan, who then slapped Perfect across his face. An infuriated Perfect responded by grabbing Heenan by his tie and pouring a full pitcher of water over Heenan's head. Perfect then stated that he was "back" as Savage's partner at the Survivor Series, much to the delight of the Prime Time Wrestling cast of Hillbilly Jim, Jim Duggan, and Vince McMahon. Perfect returned to the ring at the Survivor Series and, despite some initial mistrust between them, he and Savage won the match by disqualification. Perfect later eliminated Flair from the 1993 Royal Rumble^[22] and defeated Flair the next night on Monday Night Raw in a "Loser Leaves the WWF Match". In reality, Flair gave his notice that he was going back to WCW shortly after Survivor Series and promised to put over Perfect before he left.^[23]

He then went on to feud with Lex Luger, whom Heenan introduced into the WWF at the Royal Rumble. Luger won their match at WrestleMania IX^[24] though both of Perfect's feet were clearly between the ropes. Afterwards, Perfect chased Luger backstage where he was jumped from behind by Luger's onscreen ally Shawn Michaels. This feud with Michaels led to an Intercontinental Title match at Summerslam 1993, which Perfect lost by countout due to interference from Michael's new bodyguard Diesel.^[25] As stated in WWF Magazine, Hennig was responsible for coining Michaels' moniker, "The Heartbreak Kid".

Perfect also competed in the 1993 King of the Ring tournament, losing in the semi-finals to eventual winner Bret Hart. He was then set to participate in the opening bout at 1993's Survivor Series, but due to the re-emergence of his back injuries, was replaced by "Macho Man" Randy Savage and apparently had left the company.

Retirement & Departure (1994; 1995–1996)[link]

At WrestleMania X, Perfect was the special guest referee for the title match between Lex Luger and Yokozuna.^[26] Perfect disqualified Luger after Luger struck Yokozuna's manager Jim Cornette and Perfect tended to him, instead of counting the pin, which led Luger to strike Perfect as well in retaliation. Perfect was set to start another feud with Luger (this time with Perfect as the heel) following WrestleMania, but plans were changed when Hennig's back problems flared up again. He left the WWF in the spring of 1994.

Hennig took a year off to recover from a back injury but before he returned to wrestling he took out a very big insurance policy with the company Lloyds of London. By December 1996 Hennig either wanted to return to in-ring action or the insurance company stopped paying him because his health was back to normal. He returned in 1995 as a color commentator at the Survivor Series. The following weekend, Jerry Lawler announced Perfect as his replacement on WWF Superstars, his second stint as a color commentator on the show with McMahon, this time with Jim Ross added as the analyst. Later in 1996, McMahon left and Ross switched to the play-by-play role. Perfect also did color commentary with McMahon at the 1996 Royal Rumble and the 1996 SummerSlam with McMahon and Ross, and also at In Your House 10: Mind Games with Ross and McMahon, and in the video game WWF In Your House with McMahon. Mr. Perfect was once again called upon to serve as special referee for the WWF Championship match at 1996 King of the Ring between Shawn Michaels and the British Bulldog.

Perfect was initially going to make his wrestling comeback on Monday Night Raw in October 1996 against Hunter Hearst Helmsley but was attacked by Helmsley backstage just moments before their match. It appeared Helmsley's attack left Perfect injured and unable to compete. This all turned out to be a ruse for the purpose of suckering "Wildman" Marc Mero into defending his Intercontinental Championship against Helmsley. With help from Perfect, Helmsley won the Intercontinental Title from Mero, and Perfect was once again a heel. Perfect began to serve as a mentor to Helmsley and "hand picked" beautiful models to accompany Helmsley to the ring. Perfect disappeared from the WWF once again shortly before the 1996 Survivor Series.

World Championship Wrestling (1997–2000)[link]

Four Horsemen & New World Order (1997–1998)[link]

Hennig signed with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1997. Since he could no longer be billed as Mr. Perfect, as that moniker was trademarked by the WWF, he returned to wrestling under his real name for the first time since the late 1980s. Both the Four Horsemen and the New World Order (nWo) showed interest in recruiting him. Hennig made his official WCW debut at Bash at the Beach '97 as Diamond Dallas Page's mystery tag-team partner. Hennig ended up turning on Page costing them the match. After feuding with Page for a month he joined the Four Horsemen, taking the spot of the retiring Arn Anderson. Anderson's implorement that Hennig take "his spot" was the subject of the following week's parody of the Horsemen by the nWo, which lead to the WarGames match. At Fall Brawl, Hennig was allegedly jumped backstage by the nWo and came to ringside mid-match with his arm in a sling. The whole thing turned out to be a setup as Hennig betrayed the Horsemen and joined the nWo, handcuffing the other Horsemen to the cage and then slamming the steel cage door into Ric Flair's head, afterward claiming he had "destroyed the Horseman" and as a further slap to Flair, claimed to be "the wrestler that made Minnesota famous". Two months after he joined the nWo, his childhood friend, Rick Rude, was also brought in. Hennig won the United States Title from Steve McMichael in September 1997 and defended it by defeating many superstars like Ric Flair, Lex Luger, The Giant, Chris Benoit, Jeff Jarrett, and Diamond Dallas Page before losing it to Page in December of that year at Starrcade.^[27]

He struggled with a knee injury for much of 1998. When the nWo broke into two different factions, the Wolfpac (red and black) and nWo Hollywood (black and white), both Hennig and Rude joined the Wolfpac. The two did not really fit in with the fan favorite Wolfpac faction, especially when Rick Rude would still get on the microphone and tell the fans to shut up. Hennig was not able to compete against Goldberg at the Great American Bash that June, so he asked Konnan to replace him. Konnan lost the match, and afterward both Hennig and Rude attacked him, removing themselves from the Wolfpac and joining nWo Hollywood. Despite his injury he faced WCW World Champion Goldberg in a losing effort at Bash at the Beach. That September, Hennig was taken off WCW TV due to his injury. He returned at Starrcade to aid Eric Bischoff in defeating Ric Flair.

West Texas Rednecks & Departure (1999–2000)[link]

In early 1999, he began tagging with Barry Windham. Hennig and Windham lost to Ric Flair and Flair's son David at Souled Out due to interference by Arn Anderson. After the match, the rest of the nWo came out and humiliated Flair by handcuffing him to the ring, and forced him to watch his son David take a beating from Hollywood Hogan. Shortly afterward, Hennig was attacked by the nWo and thrown out of the group for no apparent reason other than Scott Hall stating "it's time to trim the fat". Hennig went on to win the World Tag Team Title with Barry Windham. Three months later, he became the leader of the West Texas Rednecks with Barry, Barry's brother, Kendall, and Bobby Duncum, Jr.. They were supposed to be heels to feud with rapper Master P's No Limit Soldiers, but the southern WCW fans cheered them and the angle was soon dropped. The Rednecks recorded an infamous country song titled "Rap is Crap."^[2]

After the Rednecks disbanded, Hennig lost a retirement match against Buff Bagwell on November 21, 1999 at WCW Mayhem at Toronto's Air Canada Centre. He returned a few months later, however, and entered a feud with Shawn Stasiak. Stasiak, who had just joined WCW from the WWF, referred to himself as "The Perfect One" Shawn Stasiak, which was a ripoff of Hennig's old "Mr. Perfect" gimmick and even used Hennig's old WWF theme music. After Stasiak won the feud, Hennig briefly began coaching Stasiak. Hennig left WCW after his contract expired in the summer of 2000.

X Wrestling Federation (2001–2002)[link]

Hennig was a franchise star for the short lived X Wrestling Federation where he had a brief run. The promotion quickly went under due to the WWF buying out many of its major talent, including Hennig himself. Hennig wrestled a well-known match with Hulk Hogan in XWF, where Hogan defeated him.

Return to WWF (2002)[link]

During the build up for January's Royal Rumble, it was announced that Hennig would be returning as one of the 30 combatants. Hennig, again billed as "Mr. Perfect" (although his real name was widely acknowledged), entered the Royal Rumble at #25, and was one of the final three competitors before being eliminated by Triple H. Perfect made a strong showing at the Rumble, hitting the Perfect-Plex on Kurt Angle and holding his own with the WWF's best at the time. His performance, along with the positive reaction of the Atlanta crowd, earned Hennig a full time contract with the WWF. Perfect appeared the next night on Raw in a match with The Big Valbowski. He then had short feuds with Stone Cold Steve Austin and Rob Van Dam before forming a tag team with Shawn Stasiak at house shows throughout March and April as well as a tag team on television with The Big Boss Man. Perfect was drafted to Raw during the first ever WWF Draft. However, Hennig was released from the company on May 5, 2002 due to a physical confrontation with Brock Lesnar. Among other incidents of drunkenness, the tussle took place on the infamous "plane ride from hell."^[28]

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2002–2003)[link]

After being released from WWE,^[29] he went on to work for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. In TNA, he was involved in a feud with NWA World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Jarrett.

Death and legacy[link]

On February 10, 2003, Hennig was found dead in a Florida hotel room. He was 44 years old. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner's Office declared acute cocaine intoxication to be the cause of his death.^[30] His father said that steroids and painkillers also contributed to his death.^[31] Hennig was survived by his parents, Larry and Irene, two brothers, Randy and Jesse, and two sisters, Sandra and Susan, wife Leonice and four children, Joe, Amy, Kaite, and Hank.^[32] Two of his children, Joe and Amy, are professional wrestlers.^[33][34]

WWE aired a video tribute as well as words from friends and former co-workers Jerry Lawler and Jim Ross on Raw following the news of Hennig's death.^[35] TNA paid tribute to Hennig by displaying his wrestling singlet and a framed photo as he was employed by TNA at the time of his death. A tribute song about Hennig, "My Perfect Friend", was featured on the 2003 "Macho Man" Randy Savage album Be a Man.^[8] Other peers including Hulk Hogan,^[36] Ric Flair,^[37] Bret Hart^[38] and Shawn Michaels^[39] have also commended Hennig's in-ring talents.

Hennig's widow, Leonice, signed a WWE Legends contract on her husband's behalf.^{[citation needed]} Wade Boggs, who appeared in a vignette with Hennig and was a friend of his, inducted him into the WWE Hall of Fame on March 31, 2007. His wife, his four children, and his parents accepted the award on his behalf.^[2] On July 4, 2007, Hennig was posthumously inducted into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in Waterloo, Iowa. His father, who was inducted the prior year, represented him at the event.

On September 9, 2008, WWE released a two disc DVD set focused on Hennig titled The Life and Times of Mr. Perfect. Promotion for the video included Charlie Haas spoofing Hennig's memorable sports vignettes at a Dave & Buster's on Raw. Finding that he was incapable of performing those feats, Haas decided "there was only one Mr. Perfect." The week after the DVD's release, its first week possible, it went to number one on the Billboard Recreational Sports DVD sales list.^[8] On the WWE DVD "Top 50 Greatest Superstars" Hennig was listed number 15, above the likes of John Cena, Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan.

In wrestling[link]

• Finishing moves
  • Perfect-Plex^[1][2] (WWF) / Hennig-Plex^[1] (WCW) (Bridging cradle suplex)^[40]

• Signature moves
  • Atomic drop, sometimes inverted^[41]
  • Backhand chop^[1]
  • Bridging belly to back suplex^[42]
  • Dropkick, sometimes from the top rope^[1][43]
  • Figure four leglock^[44]
  • Forearm smash^[45]
  • Hip toss^[46]
  • Indian deathlock^[47]
  • Kneebar followed by a knee breaker^[1] (leaps up and drives the knee of his inside leg into the back of his opponent's knee)
  • Knee drop^[1]
  • Seated senton to force an opponent to the mat^[41] or to an opponent's leg draped over the first rope^[44][48]
  • Sleeper hold^[48]
  • Snapmare,^[1][41] often followed by a rolling neck snap^[1][41][44]
  • Spear^[1]
  • Spinning toe hold^[44]
  • Standing headscissors into a swinging knee strike^[41]
  • Swinging knee lift^[1][41]

• Managers
  • Madusa Miceli^[49]
  • Diamond Dallas Page^[14]
  • The Genius
  • Bobby Heenan
  • Coach (John Tolos)
  • Rick Rude
  • Vincent / Curly Bill / Shane

• Nicknames
  • "The Perfect One"^[50]
  • "Cool" Curt Hennig^[50]

• Entrance themes
  • "Theme of Exodus" by Ernest Gold (used only briefly; 1989)
  • "Perfection" (also known as "The Perfect Twist") by Jim Johnston (WWF; 1989–1993, 1994, 1995–1996, 2002)
  • "Rock Energy (a)" from the Chappell Recorded Music Library (WCW; 1997)
  • "Rockhouse" by Frank shelly (WCW; used while a part of the New World Order; 1997–1998, 1998–1999)
  • "Wolfpac Theme" (WCW; used while a part of the nWo Wolfpac; 1998)
  • "Road to Glory (b)" from the Chappell Recorded Music Library (WCW; 1999)
  • "Rap is Crap" by the West Texas Rednecks (WCW; 1999)
  • "Good Ol' Boys" by the West Texas Rednecks (WCW; 1999)
  • "Champion" by Dale Oliver (TNA; 2002–03)

Championships and accomplishments[link]

• American Wrestling Association
  • AWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[1][12]
  • AWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) ^[10] – with Scott Hall^[1]

• Future of Wrestling
  • FOW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[1][51]

• i-Generation Superstars of Wrestling
  • i-Generation World Heavyweight Championship (2 times)^[1][52]

• Main Event Championship Wrestling
  • MECW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[1][53]

• Pacific Northwest Wrestling
  • NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[1][54]
  • NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship (3 times)^[55] – with Larry Hennig (1), Buddy Rose (1) and Pat McGhee (1)^[1]

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (1987)^[56]
  • PWI ranked him #9 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the year in the PWI 500 in 1993^[57]
  • PWI ranked him #55 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003^[58]
  • PWI ranked him #98 of the Top 100 Tag Teams of the "PWI Years" with Scott Hall in 2003^[59]

• World Championship Wrestling
  • WCW United States Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[1][60]
  • WCW World Tag Team Championship (1 time) ^[61] – with Barry Windham^[1]

• World Wrestling Council
  • WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[62]

• World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment
  • WWF Intercontinental Championship (2 times)^[1][17]
  • WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2007)^[1][2]

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • Most Improved (1983)

References[link]

External links[link]

	Biography portal
	Professional wrestling portal

• WWE Hall of Fame profile
• Curt Hennig at the Online World of Wrestling
• tribute the Hall of Fame Curt Hennig - Absolutely Perfect
• "Mr.Perfect"Perfect Entertainer
• The Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum's induction of Curt Hennig
• The 10 Greatest Modern Wrestlers: #8, Curt Hennig
• SLAM! Sports mourning the death of Hennig
• Petite Power Lifter
• "Curt Hennig". Find a Grave. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=7175252. Retrieved August 28, 2010. 

Kerry Gene Adkisson (February 3, 1960 – February 18, 1993)^[1][2] was an American professional wrestler under the ring names Kerry Von Erich, The Modern Day Warrior, and The Texas Tornado and was part of the Von Erich family of professional wrestlers.^[1][2][6] He is best known for his time with his father's promotion World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), where he spent eleven years of his career, and his time in World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Adkisson held forty championships in various promotions during his career. Among other accolades, he was a five-time world champion: a four-time WCWA World Heavyweight Champion^[7] and one-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion,^[8] and a one-time WWF Intercontinental Champion.^[9]

Professional wrestling career[link]

NWA Texas (1979–80)[link]

Kerry was the son of wrestler Fritz Von Erich. His brothers, David, Kevin, Mike, and Chris, were also wrestlers. Kerry was also a standout in high school track and field and possessed a record-breaking discus throw.^[6][10] He debuted in his father's promotion, NWA Texas/Big Time Wrestling on June 17, 1979 against Gary Hart.^[5] In Big Time Wrestling, he held many Texas Tag Team and American Tag Team titles.^[2]

World Class Championship Wrestling (1980–82)[link]

Most of Kerry's fame was made in Texas' World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), where he was nicknamed "The Modern Day Warrior." On December 28, 1980, his first NWA American Heavyweight Championship reign came after he defeated Gino Hernandez for the vacant title.^[11] He lost the title to Ken Patera before winning his second NWA American Heavyweight Championship from The Masked Superstar.^[11][12] In May and June 1981, Kerry exchanged the NWA American Heavyweight Championship with Ernie Ladd.^[11][13] On October 25, he teamed with Terry Orndorff and they defeated The Great Kabuki and Chan Chung to win the NWA American Tag Team Championship.^[14][15] After having short angles as a singles wrestler, he began teaming with his brother Kevin. On March 15, 1982, the two brothers wrestled Gary Hart and King Kong Bundy to a double disqualification.^[16] On June 4, Von Erich defeated former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race, elevating him to main event status.^[17]

Kerry started feuding with the NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair. On August 15, he got his very first shot at the NWA title against Flair in a two out of three falls match, which Flair won to retain the title.^[18] On December 25, Kerry got his next title shot against Flair in a no disqualification steel cage match, with Michael "P.S." Hayes, as the special guest referee. The Fabulous Freebirds helped Kerry to win the match, but he refused to take their help and said that he didn't want to win by cheating.^[1] Terry Gordy slammed the cage door on Kerry's head, which led to Flair winning the match and retaining the title.^[19] This culminated in a historic feud between the Von Erichs and the Freebirds that lasted for over five years.

St. Louis Wrestling Club (1983)[link]

He also worked for St. Louis Wrestling Club in 1983, where he once held the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship.^[20]

World Class Championship Wrestling (1983–89)[link]

Feud with the Fabulous Freebirds (1983–84)[link]

On June 17, 1983, he teamed with Bruiser Brody to defeat the Fabulous Freebirds for the NWA American Tag Team Championship.^[14][21] On July 4, Kerry and his elder brothers Kevin and David defeated the Fabulous Freebirds in a two out of three falls match to win the NWA Texas Six-Man Tag Team Championship.^[22][23] They lost the titles back to the Freebirds on August 12.^[24] On September 5, the brothers took on the Fabulous Freebirds in a rematch for the titles; the Freebirds retained their titles by pinning Kerry.^[25] On November 24, Kerry defeated Michael Hayes in a loser leaves Texas steel cage match.^[26]

On December 2, the Von Erichs defeated the Freebirds for their second NWA Six-Man Tag Team Championship.^[22][27] On December 25, Kerry defeated Kamala by disqualification. On January 30, 1984, he teamed up with his brothers Mike and David against the Fabulous Freebirds in a six-man tag team match, which the Von Erichs lost by disqualification.^[28]

Kerry's biggest career highlight was on May 6, 1984, when he beat "Nature Boy" Ric Flair in a historic match, in front of over 45,000 fans at Texas Stadium to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.^[8][29] Kerry's victory was a tribute to his brother David, who had died three months earlier and for whom the event, the David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions, was named.^[1][2][30] He lost the belt 18 days later in Yokosuka, Japan, back to Flair in a bout that was marred by controversy: Von Erich's feet were on the bottom rope following a reversed rollup, but the referee ignored this and made the count. Kerry has the 12th shortest NWA World title reign in history. In reality, the NWA only allowed Kerry a short reign due to his substance abuse, and he was told to drop the belt to Flair before the May 29 encounter between Flair and Ricky Steamboat.^[2]

On July 4, the Von Erichs lost the six man tag title to the Fabulous Freebirds.^[31] The title was held up due to the Freebirds winning after interference by Killer Khan. On September 3, they defeated the Freebirds in a handicap steel cage Loser Leaves Texas match for his fourth six man tag title reign.^[22][32]

Later feuds; (1984–89)[link]

After ending their rivalry with the Fabulous Freebirds, Von Erich brothers next feuded with Gino Hernandez, Chris Adams, and Jake Roberts. Kerry's angle with Adams was born out of Adams' angle with his brother Kevin, which began on September 28, 1984 (when Adams turned heel against Kevin following a tag team loss). In order to remain on kayfabe terms, Adams and Kerry wrestled as a tag team two days later in San Antonio, since the heel turn had not aired on television yet. On October 27, 1984, Hernandez, Adams, and Roberts defeated the Von Erichs to win the Six Man Tag Title in a match that saw Bobby Fulton substitute for an injured Kevin.^[33] On October 29, he defeated Gino Hernandez for his fifth NWA American Heavyweight Championship.^[11][34] On November 22, he teamed with Iceman Parsons to defeat Jake Roberts and Kelly Kiniski.^[35] He later refereed a Texas Deathmatch between longtime rival Terry Gordy and Killer Khan, which Gordy won, via Kerry's decision. On December 25, Kerry again got a shot at the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, a title he had lost many months ago. The champion Ric Flair intentionally got disqualified to retain the title.^[36] On December 31, the Von Erichs defeated Hernandez, Roberts, and Adams to regain their NWA Six-Man Tag Team Title.^[22][37]

During his last days in WCCW, Kerry Von Erich would be embroiled in a feud with Jerry "The King" Lawler (AWA World Heavyweight Champion) over who would be the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. Kerry was then the WCWA (World Class Wrestling Association (World Class' final used name before the USWA days) Heavyweight Champion.^[7] They would meet at an interpromotional event called SuperClash III to settle the dispute. Prior to this match, Kerry accidentally cut his arm causing it to bleed. During the match, he also received a cut to the head. When he later had Lawler in a clawhold on the mat with Lawler's shoulders down, the referee saw the blood on Kerry's head, thought it was excessive, and stopped the match. The crowd thought Kerry won by submission but instead "due to excessive bleeding" the referee stopped the match and awarded the decision and the WCWA Championship to Jerry Lawler.^[38] This would mark the end of Kerry's WCWA run.

United States Wrestling Association (1989–90)[link]

Kerry did continue to wrestle at the Dallas Sportatorium under the USWA banner, which acquired World Class in early-1989. He formed a tag team with Jeff Jarrett, and won the Texas heavyweight title twice.^[39][40] In 1990, Kerry feuded violently with Matt Borne, who turned heel during a ringside interview; during one match, the two battled outside the Sportatorium into the parking lot during a thunderstorm. Manager Percy Pringle also turned heel, and began feuding with Kerry. During the height of their angle, Kerry abruptly left the USWA/World Class and joined the WWF, billed as The Texas Tornado, leaving the Von Erich tradition to older brother Kevin (who was considered semi-active) and Chris. Honorary Von Erich "Gentleman" Chris Adams then became the Sportatorium's main headliner, feuding with Pringle, Steve Austin, and Jeannie Clark. World Class withdrew from the USWA soon thereafter, but without Kerry, manager Gary Hart, and lack of television and revenues, World Class ceased operations three months later.

World Wrestling Federation (1990–1992)[link]

Debut and Intercontinental Champion (1990)[link]

In mid-1990, he signed a contract with Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and debuted on the July 28, 1990 edition of Saturday Night's Main Event as a fan favorite under the ring name Texas Tornado, defeating Buddy Rose, who coincidentally was older brother Kevin's opponent when he made his wrestling debut in 1976.^[41] At SummerSlam, Tornado substituted for the injured Brutus Beefcake and defeated Mr. Perfect (Curt Hennig) to win the WWF Intercontinental Championship.^[42][43] After he became Champion, Tornado defended the title for three months including a match against Haku on the October 13 edition of Saturday Night's Main Event^[44] before losing the title back to former champion Mr. Perfect in a rematch on the December 15 (taped November 19) edition of Superstars.^[45] Kerry lost this match, and the title to Perfect due to interference from "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase.^[45]

At Survivor Series in 1990, while still Intercontinental champion, he wrestled in a Survivor Series match where he teamed with the WWF Champion The Ultimate Warrior (formerly The Dingo Warrior in World Class) and the Legion of Doom (Hawk and Animal). He was eliminated by long-time rival Mr. Perfect but his team won the match.^[46]

Later years (1991–1992)[link]

At the Royal Rumble in 1991, he participated in the Royal Rumble match where he entered fifth and was eliminated by The Undertaker after lasting nearly half an hour.^[47] He made his WrestleMania debut at WrestleMania VII, defeating Dino Bravo following a Tornado Punch.^[48] At SummerSlam, he teamed with the British Bulldog and Ricky Steamboat in a six-man tag team match to defeat the team of The Warlord and Power and Glory (Paul Roma and Hercules).^[49]

At Survivor Series, he teamed with Sgt. Slaughter, Jim Duggan, and Tito Santana against Colonel Mustafa, The Berzerker, Skinner, and Hercules. He did not eliminate anyone, but his entire team survived.^[50] He made his last pay-per-view (PPV) appearance at the Royal Rumble in 1992; he participated in the Royal Rumble match for the vacant WWF World Title. He was eliminated by the eventual winner Ric Flair, the man Von Erich beat eight years before for the NWA World Heavyweight Title.^[8][51] Kerry's push eventually ended as he was relegated to jobber to the stars status. He left the WWF in July 1992.

United States Wrestling Federation and Global Wrestling Federation (1992–93)[link]

Kerry returned to Texas and claimed the USWF Texas Heavyweight Championship, which he lost to Dynamite Dixon in November. This would be Kerry's last championship belt. Kerry returned to Dallas to compete in the Global Wrestling Federation (GWF), where he began teaming with former arch-rival Chris Adams. Kerry's final match took place on February 12, 1993. It was a tag team match in the GWF at the Sportatorium on which Kerry and Chris Adams lost via DQ to Johnny Mantell and Black Bart.

Death[link]

Kerry committed suicide by shooting himself with a magnum revolver in the chest at his father's ranch in Denton, Texas on February 18, 1993. Kerry drove a Jeep over a steep embankment during the commission of the act. His suicide came only one day after he was indicted on a drug charge for prescription forgery and learned he would be facing prison time.^[3] A memorial service for Kerry was held at the Dallas Sportatorium the day following his suicide with both Chris Adams and Marc Lowrance delivering emotional speeches to the crowd. Due to the amputation of his foot in 1986, Kerry had become addicted to pain killers, followed by several drug problems. Amongst the many of them were two arrests, the first of which resulted in probation. After the second, which violated the probation and likely would have resulted in extensive jail time, Kerry committed suicide by a shot to the heart on February 18, 1993 on his father's ranch in Denton County, Texas. Bret Hart states in his biography ("My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling") that Kerry had told him months before about his plans, that he had wanted to follow his late brothers, that they were calling him. His marriage had fallen apart as well and he thought his death was inevitable. Two months later, a memorial wrestling event was held in his honor at the Sportatorium, which featured the last-ever match between the Freebirds and the Von Erichs. The funeral for Kerry Von Erich was held at the First Baptist Church in downtown Dallas. The Reverend W.A. Criswell officiated and reduced himself to tears as he described his "anger" over Kerry's death. His former wife, Cathy, attended with the couples' two daughters, Hollie and Lacey. Although already divorced and therefore not his widow, Cathy wore a black mourning suit complete with black hat and veil. Father Fritz and brother Kevin Von Erich, Adams, Lowrance, Bill Mercer, Bronko Lubich, David Manning, Gary Hart, and bodyguard Bill Colville also attended.

When his father, Fritz Von Erich, died in 1997, he was cremated and his ashes interred in the same plot as Kerry. David Von Erich, Mike Von Erich, Chris Von Erich, and Natasha Adkisson (David Von Erich's infant daughter with first wife Candy) are all buried adjacent to each other in Grove Hill Memorial Park as well. The grave with Kerry's body and Fritz' ashes is not immediately adjacent to the other members of the family, but is close by.

Posthumous induction in WWE Hall of Fame[link]

On March 16, 2009, WWE.com announced that the Von Erich family would be inducted into the 2009 class of the WWE Hall of Fame by longtime rival, Michael Hayes. The family members inducted were Fritz, Kevin, Dave, Kerry, Mike, and Chris Von Erich. Kevin received rings for his father, Fritz, as well as each of his brothers. WWE made two Hall of Fame rings with Kerry Von Erich's name inscribed on the interior which were presented by Kevin Von Erich to Kerry's daughters, Hollie and Lacey, attending with their mother Cathy (Kerry's ex-wife). The event was held close to the Von Erich's home at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on April 4, 2009.

Personal life[link]

Kerry was married on June 18, 1983 to Catherine M. Murray.^[52] They had two daughters, Hollie Brooke (born September 19, 1984) and Lacey (born July 17, 1986). The couple divorced on April 22, 1992.^[53]

In wrestling[link]

• Finishing moves
  • Tornado Punch (Discus punch)^[4]
  • Iron Claw^[4]

• Nicknames
  • "The Modern Day Warrior" (WCCW)
  • "The Texas Tornado" (WWF)^[4]

• Managers
  • Woman

• Entrance themes
  • "Call Me" by Blondie
  • "La Grange" by ZZ Top
  • "Tom Sawyer" by Rush
  • "Midnight Rider" by Hank Williams, Jr.
  • "Tornado Warning" by Jim Johnston (WWF)
  • "Stranglehold"by Ted Nugent

Championships and accomplishments[link]

• NWA Big Time Wrestling / World Class Championship Wrestling / World Class Wrestling Association
  • NWA American Heavyweight Championship (5 times)^[11]
  • NWA American Tag Team Championship (6 times) – with Bruiser Brody (3), Kevin Von Erich (2), and Al Madril (1)^[14]
  • NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship (3 times)^[40]
  • NWA Texas Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Bruiser Brody (1), Skip Young (1), and Tiger Conway, Jr. (1)^[54]
  • NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[8]
  • NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship (Texas version) (6 times) – with David and Kevin Von Erich (2), Kevin and Mike Von Erich (3), Kevin Von Erich and Brian Adias (1), Lance and Kevin Von Erich (1), Kevin Von Erich and Michael Hayes (1)^[22]
  • NWA World Tag Team Championship (Texas version) (3 times) – with Al Madril (1) and Terry Orndorff (2)^[55]
  • WCWA World Heavyweight Championship (4 times)^[7]
  • WCWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Kevin Von Erich and Lance Von Erich (1), Kevin Von Erich and Michael Hayes (1)^[22]
  • WCWA World Tag Team Championship (4 times) – with Kevin Von Erich (3) and Jeff Jarrett (1)^[39]

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI Match of the Year (1984) vs. Ric Flair at Parade of Champions 1 on May 6
  • PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (1984)
  • PWI ranked him #24 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003^[56]

• St. Louis Wrestling Club
  • NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[20]

• Texas Wrestling Federation
  • TWF Texas Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[57]

• United States Wrestling Federation
  • USWF Texas Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[57]

• World Wide Wrestling Alliance

• WWWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[57]

• World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment
  • WWF Intercontinental Championship (1 time)^[9]
  • WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2009)

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
  • Match of the Year (1984) with Kevin and Mike Von Erich vs. the Fabulous Freebirds (Buddy Roberts, Michael Hayes, and Terry Gordy) in an Anything Goes match on July 4

References[link]

External links[link]

• Kerry Von Erich at Find a Grave

Professional wrestling portal

• World Class Memories
• "Wrestling Museum": The Von Erich Family

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]