By Jerome Wilen

Money and Beer make up two of the greatest tag teams in professional wrestling. One team was in the early 90’s and other are multi time TNA (Total Non-Stop Action) Wrestling Tag Team Champions.

Money Inc: Rewind to 1992

From 1992 – 1993 Money Inc. was a heel tag team that consisted of the “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and Irwin R. Schyster (Mike Rotunda) who portrayed an evil tax accountant. Money Inc. held the WWF Tag Team Titles on three separate occasions defeating the Legion of Doom, Natural Disasters and the Steiner Brothers.

In February of 1992, Legion of Doom were scripted to win the WWF tag team title, but do to Hawk failing a drug test, the company put the belts on Money Inc.

At the October 13, 1992 edition of Wrestling Challenge, Money Inc squared off against the Natural Disasters for the WWF Tag Team Titles, thus winning back the titles. On June 14, 1993, the Steiner Brothers defeated Money Inc to win the WWF Tag Team Titles, in which this would be the last time Money Inc. would hold the belts. In the Summer of 1993, DiBiase went on a leave of absence and IRS began his singles career by starting a feud with Razor Ramon (aka Scott Hall)

Money Inc: Fast Forward October 9, 2006 and December 10, 2007

October 9, 2006, Money Inc made a surprise return on the RAW Family Reunion Show when the WWE returned to the USA Network after being on TNN/Spike TV.

On the 15th year anniversary special of WWE Monday Night Raw held on December 10, 2007, Money Inc had a brief reunion in the 15-man over-the-top rope battle royal. IRS was the last in the ring out of the 14 other participants. DiBiase came out as the 15th participant, paid IRS to eliminate himself, thus making DiBiase the winner of the battle royal.

Mike Rotunda (real name Dick Beyer) and Ted DiBiase continue to be close friends in real life even today.

After his contract expired with World Championship Wrestling in 1999, Ted became a spokesperson for the Sunshine Foundation, an organization that grants wishes for critically ill children, and has founded Heart of David Ministries (for which he travels the world as an evangelist furthering the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Also through Heart of David Ministries, Ted shares his prayer of hope all over America in motivational assemblies speaking out against the results of drug and alcohol abuse – warning America’s youth about the trap of being addicted to drugs and alcohol. He also encourages them to stay in school, set reachable goals and pay whatever price it takes to become the best that they can be. Ted’s speaking ministry is not focused only on youth. He actually has an even stronger message for “macho men” and struggling married couples. He speaks at men’s meetings, whole church congregations, and special events. He has started his own small federation which is run as an outreach of Heart of David Ministry. Along with this he is presently considering starting his own wrestling school.

Mike resides in Florida, has two grown sons, and is currently an active agent with the WWE. He has worked with up and coming talent such as Jack Swagger and Kofi Kingston. A little know fact, former Four Horseman member Barry Windham is the Brother-in-Law of Rotunda.

Fast Forward: Present Day

Beer Money, Inc (or mainly referred at Beer Money) is one of greatest tag teams in TNA and in wrestling today. Beer Money is made up of former Team Canada member Robert Roode and former tag team member of America’s Most Wanted, James Storm. At Hard Justice in August 2008, Beer Money defeated LAX to capture the TNA World Tag Team titles from LAX. At LockDown 2009, Beer Money lost the TNA World Tag Team Titles to Team 3D in what was one of the most brutal and greatest matches of 2009 on pay-per view.

Beer Money recently have joined in with the TNA Originals to feud with the World Elite faction headed up by Roode’s former partner Eric Young, thus making the tag team now babyfaces.

In real life, Robert and his wife Tracy have three sons Bobby III, Riley, and Nicholas.

In real life Storm (real last name is Black), is a collector of dachshund dogs and has a young daughter. Black currently has 8 dogs.

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Harlem Heat

Who would have thought that a member of the two top dominating tag teams of the mid 90’s that wrestled in World Championship Wrestling would team together as a part of the Main Event Mafia faction, and currently hold the TNA (Total Non-Stop Action) Wrestling World Tag Team Titles. Booker T from the heel team Harlem Heat and Scott Steiner of the babyface team, the Steiner Brothers.

Famous for their ring black spandex with red flames and red breath right strips on their noses, Booker T and Stevie Ray, otherwise known as Harlem Heat became one of the top heel tag teams in professional wrestling.

The two real-life brothers, Booker and Lane Huffman, won the WCW World Tag Team Championships a record ten times.

Harlem Heat actually began in 1992 simply as the Huffman Brothers in the Western Wrestling Alliance owned and operated by Ivan Putski. In that same year, the WWA closed down and the Huffmans’ began with the Global Wrestling Federation as the Ebony Experience, mainly wrestling in the west Texas area. On July 31, 1992 under the direction of Gary Hart, the Ebony Experience won the GWF Tag Team Titles. Their title reign was a very short lived as they only held the titles for one week, losing to the Blackbirds.

As the Ebony Experience, the Huffman brothers’ would go on to win the GWF Tag Team Titles two more times before leaving the company in 1993 for Ted Turner’s World Championship Wrestling. In August of 1993, they debuted as the heel team Harlem Heat with the in ring names of Kole and Kane, and being billed from Harlem, New York. In 1994, Harlem Heat asked that their in ring names be changed to Booker T and Stevie Ray, which was granted. They also acquired the managing services of Sister Sheri (Formally Sensational Sheri from the WWF/E).

At the end of 1994, Harlem Heat defeated Stars ‘n’ Strips (The Patriot and Marcus Bagwell) to become the new WCW World Tag Team Championship, which would be the first of ten title reigns as WCW Tag Champs. After holding the belts for a period time from 1994 and into 1995, Harlem Heat was scripted to lose the titles to the Nasty Boys, which they did, but eventually won them back in June of 1995, only to lose them a month later on WCW Saturday Night. Harlem Heat would go on to regain the titles at Fall Brawl in September of that same year. This title reign only lasted one day. Harlem Heat would not hold the titles for the rest of 1995. On the June 24, 1996 edition of WCW Monday Nitro, Harlem Heat would win the titles from Sting and Lex Luger, after Luger and Sting were distracted from Scott Hall and Kevin Nash walking through the crowd to the front row. Later that month, Harlem Heat would lose the titles to the babyface team of the Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott), only to win them back again a month later in July.

Following a defeat by the Outsiders (Scott Hall & Kevin Nash) in October 1996, Harlem Heat became babyfaces. Stevie Ray left WCW for short period time due to an ankle injury. Following his return, he joined the NWO (New World Order). In mid 1999, in a storyline, Booker T was able to talk his brother into leaving the NWO, thus reforming Harlem Hear one last time, in which they would win the WCW World Tag Team Titles for the tenth and very last time at Halloween Havoc 1999. In 2000 Stevie Ray world retire and Booker T would go onto win the WCW World Heavyweight Title and rise to successful singles competition, wining the WCW title on five separate occasions and in WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), he held the Hardcore title, U.S. Title and was the 2006 King of the Ring.

Booker T was the first African-American WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

Booker and his wife Sharmell currently own and operation the non-profit organization, Booker T. Fights for Kids located in the Houston area along with his own wrestling school and promotion, Pro Wrestling Alliance. You can learn more at www.bookertonline.com and www.bookertpwa.com

The Steiner Brothers

National Wrestling Alliance / World Championship Wrestling 1989-1992

In November of 1989, Rick and Scott Steiner made their debut in Atlanta, GA defeating the Fabulous Freebirds to capture the NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) World Tag Team Titles, which held until May 19, 1990 when they lost to the team of Butch Reed and Ron Simmons, known as Doom, in Washington D.C. at the Capital Combat Pay-Per View.

The Steiner Brothers would then go on to defeat the Midnight Express to win the NWA United States Tag Team Titles in August 1990. During their championship reign, WCW withdrew from the NWA, thus renaming the titles as the WCW United States Tag Team Championship. The Steiner Brothers would also go on to win the WCW World Tag Team Titles in February 1991, thus vacating the U.S. Tag Team Titles just a few days later, making them the second tag team to ever hold both titles (Midnight Express was the first). The Steiner Brothers a month later won the IWGP World Tag Team Championship.

During this time, WCW Management was grooming Scott for singles competition. On the weekend programs, Power Hour, Saturday Night, and Main Event, WCW held a special gauntlet match in which the winner would not only win $10,000, but also get a title shot for the World Title, held by Ric Flair. Due to unsuccessful interference from other Four Horsemen members, Scott pinned Flair and ended up wrestling Flair for the title at the Clash of Champions in January 1991, which ended in a time limit draw.

In what was being teased as a heel turn, Scott won the WCW World Television Title from Ricky Steamboat in 1992, but then was scrapped due to the Steiner Brothers leaving WCW for the World Wrestling Federation after a contract dispute with Bill Watts.

The Steiner Brother to World Wrestling Federation 1992-1994

The Steiner wasted no time in signing a contract with the World Wrestling Federation. They made their television debut as babyfaces in a TV interview by Vince McMahon on December 21, 1992 edition of Prime Time Wrestling. The Steiner Brothers faced many tag teams before finally capturing the WWF World Tag Team Titles at the RAW television taping on June 14, 1993, but losing them to Money Inc. (Ted DiBiase and Irwin R. Schyster) two days later at a house show, but the Steiner Brothers regained the titles at another house show just days following.

In Mid 1994, following the end of their contracts, The Steiner Brothers left the WWF.

The Steiner Brothers enter Extreme Championship Wrestling in 1995

The Steiner Brothers made their ECW debut in July of 1995 by defeating Dudley Dudley and the Vampire Warrior. Though the Steiner Brothers faced many tag teams with many wins, they never held the ECW Tag Team Titles. In November of 1995, the Steiner Brothers left ECW.

The Steiner Brothers re-sign with World Championship Wrestling 1996-1998

The Steiners re-signed with WCW in 1996. They began feuding with the Road Warriors and had several matches with then the current tag champions Sting and Lex Luger. The Steiner Brothers would capture the WCW Tag Team Titles from Harlem Heat in July 1996, but Harlem Heat regained the titles a few days later, with the title change never be mentioned on WCW television programming. After the formation of the New World Order, the Steiner Brother feuded with the Outsiders (Scott Hall & Kevin Nash) all of 1997.

The Steiner Brothers Split 1998 – the demise of WCW

Scott Steiner turned heel in late 1997. He changed his physical look with increased muscle mass, short bleached blonde hair and a goatee. His heel turn on WCW TV was when he attacked his brother Rick at the SuperBrawl Pay-Per View in February 1998, thus joining the NWO. Shortly before WCW was sold to Vince McMahon, the Steiner Brothers reunited, both as heels, but not as a tag team, but more-less watching out for each other.

Shortly before WCW’s demise, the Steiners reunited, not so much as a tag-team but they both wrestled as heels who watched each one’s backs. When WCW finally closed, the two went their separate ways again.

Steiner Brothers Reunite 2006 – 2008

The Steiner Brothers would reunite in Wilson, North Carolina at the United Wrestling Federation Event, in which they defeated Matt Bentley and Frankie Kazarian. They also defeated Team 3D the very next night in Wilmington, NC. The Steiner Brothers also had a short reign as the NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Champions.

The Steiner Brothers in Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling (TNA) 2007 – 2008

At the 2007 TNA Sacrifice Pay-Per View, Rick Steiner made his debut, thus reuniting the Steiner Brothers as babyfaces. At the Bound for Glory 2007 Pay-Per View, the Steiner Brothers defeated Team 3D in a two out three falls table match. The Steiner Brothers and Team 3D were scheduled to have a match at Slammiversary that year, Scott could not compete due to a life threatening of his trachea being injured in a match in Puerto Rico. Shortly thereafter, due to budget issues within TNA, Rick was released from his contract.

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, www.bookertonline.com & www.bookertpwa.com

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express was a babyface tag team formed by Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson in 1983 in Memphis, TN. Their high flying moves in the ring along with their glam metal music gimmick took wrestling fans by storm.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express began their biggest feud in Mid-South Wrestling with the Midnight Express, consisting of Bobby Eaton, Dennis Condrey and Manager Jim Cornette. When the two team left Mid-South Wrestling, in 1985 for Jim Crockett Promotions and the National Wrestling Alliance, they continued their rivalry.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express would win the NWA Tag Team Titles on eight different occasions (but only four were recognized by World Championship Wrestling) Along with their feud with the Midnight Express, the Rock ‘n’ Express would also feud with the Four Horseman’s Ole and Arn Anderson. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express would lose the NWA Tag Titles for the final time in the fall of 1987 against Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard after outside interference from the Midnight Express.

In 1988, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express would depart The NWA/WCW and head to the American Wrestling Association where they had a brief feud with the Midnight Rockers which was unsuccessful. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express would then return to WCW in 1991 as a mid-card tag team. At the Clash of Champions that year, Rick Morton would turn on his long time partner Robert Gibson, and join the heel faction, the York Foundation, change his name to Richard Morton and feud with Gibson, until WCW released him from his contract.

After Rick Morton left WCW, the team reunited in Smoky Mountain Wrestling in 1992 and feuded with the Heavenly Bodies, winning the SMW Tag Team Titles a total of nine times. The matches with the Heavenly Bodies were brutal, that included a barbed wire steel cage match and a Texas style death match.

1996 , the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express returned to WCW , but were only used on the B-shows such as WCW Saturday Night and WCW Pro as jobbers. In 1997, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express again left the promotion and wrestled for independent federations. One year later, the team wrestled briefly for then the World Wrestling Federation with Jim Cornette as a storyline of an NWA invasion.

In 1980, Southeast Championship Wrestling fans were introduced to The Midnight Express, then consisting of Dennis Condrey, Randy Rose and Norvell Austin. The team of Condrey and Rose soon became the Southeast NWA Tag Team Champions. The team also used the Freebird rule, that any of the three could team up, and wrestle and defend titles, would win the American Wrestling Association (AWA) tag team titles. In 1983 after a long title reign with SECW tag team titles after returning to the promotion, the Midnight Express would lose the titles to the Armstrong Brothers (Brad & Scott Armstrong). Eventually Condrey, Rose and Austin went their separate ways.

Soon thereafter, Bobby Eaton was sent to Mid-South Wrestling under Bill Watts in a talent trade that led to the formation of a new Midnight Express consisting of Dennis Condrey and Eaton with Jim Cornette as their manager. The first rivalry for the new Midnight Express was the team of Magnum T.A. and Mr. Wrestling II. The Midnight Express would win the tag titles when Mr. Wrestling II turned on Magnum T.A. With Magnum T.A. and Mr. Wrestling II split up, the Midnight Express needed a new feud, which was named to be the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express. To two teams had a big feud throughout 1984 before the Midnight Express left for another promotion.

In 1985, the Midnight Express signed with Jim Crockett Promotions and the NWA. Shortly after signing with the NWA, the Midnight Express re-started their feud with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express who had already signed a deal with the company. In February 1986, the Midnight Express would defeat the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express for the NWA World Tag Team Championship.

In early 1987, Dennis Condrey left the NWA for reasons unknown. Dusty Rhodes and J.J. Dillon approached a former rival, Stan Lane who was wrestling in Florida. Business in Florida was not doing well at the time, so after having a meeting with Rhodes and Eaton, Lane made the jump to Jim Crockett Promotions, thus forming the most successful Midnight Express Team of “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton and “Sweet” Stan Lane. In May of 1987, the Midnight Express captured the NWA United States Tag Team Titles, then several months later, dropping them due to various creative differences as the Midnight Express and Cornette left the NWA. Following the purchase of the NWA by Ted Turner, which later became World Championship Wrestling, the Midnight Express would return.

After losing at the WCW Halloween Havoc Pay-Per View in 1990, the Midnight Express and Jim Cornette would split up and go their separate ways. Jim Cornette and Stan Lane would sign with the World Wrestling Federation, while Bobby Eaton would stay in WCW.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Express and Midnight Express facts:

Today in 2009, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express have joined Booker T’s Pro Wrestling Alliance in Houston, TX and even had a run as the PWA Tag Team Champions.

In 2005, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express and Midnight Express wrestled on June 7, 2008 and the NWA 60th Anniversary show in Atlanta, GA. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express defeated the Midnight Express at the show.

In 2003, Bobby Eaton worked for the NWA Mid-Atlantic forming a new version of the Midnight Express with Ricky Nelson, which was short lived.

Source: Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia

With their studded black ring attire, black hockey masks and face paint, Demolition dominated the tag team division in the World Wrestling Federation from throughout the mid 80’s.

Demolition – World Wrestling Federation 1987 – 1991

The team of Demolition began as Randy Colley and Bill Eadie as a heel tag team on the January 17, 1987 edition of WWF Superstars. After just a few short matches, Colley was replaced by Barry Darsow.

March 14, 1987 on Saturday Night’s Main Event, Demolition participated in a battle royal. The team’s first feud was with Ken Patera and Billy Jack Haynes. Throughout the year, Demolition defeated many tag teams in the WWF, including the Killer Bees, British Bulldogs and the Can-Am Connection. During the same year, Demolition acquired Mr. Fuji as their manager. Demolition appeared on their first pay-per view at the 1987 Survivor Series in a 10 team tag match.

Demolition Dominates the WWF Tag Team Division 1988 – 1990

Demolition proved to be a dominate tag team force through 1987 and into 1988. At WrestleMania IV, Demolition defeated the babyface team of Strike Force (Rick Martel & Tito Santana) to become the new WWF Tag Team Champions, in which this would be Demolition’s first reign as tag team champions. As the new WWF Tag Team Champions, Demolition rolled over top teams such as the Hart Foundation and British Bulldogs.

Demolition’s first big challenge was in the Summer of 1988. The Warlord and the Barbarian, better known at the Powers of Pain came into the WWF and challenged Demolition for the WWF Tag Titles. Eventually Mr. Fuji turned on Demolition and joined the Powers of Pain, Demolition became a face team, while the Powers of Pain turned heel. After WrestleMania in 1989, Demolition started a feud with the Brain Busters (Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard).

Demolition adds a member 1990 – 1991

Just after WrestleMania, a third member of Demotion, Brian Adams, made his debut. Adams wrestled under the name of Crush. A third member was added due to Eadie being hospitalized from an allergy to shellfish after constant trips to Japan. Adams would be used in the event Eadie would be out for an extended period of time.

Crush soon developed a more active part with the team. Ax soon became more of a manager, but Demolition adopted the rule of allowing any two members to defend the WWF Tag Titles. In the summer of 1990, Smash and Crush defended the titles successfully until SummerSlam when they lost the titles to the Hart Foundation in a two out of three falls match after interference from the Road Warriors (Legion of Doom). Demolition would not regain the titles following this loss.

Soon after the Road Warriors (who were going by Legion of Doom or L.O.D) had gained popularity in the WWF, the fan’s interest in Demolition began to decline. Soon thereafter, Ax left the company with an on air explanation that there could only be two members of Demolition. In March of 1991, the WWF broke up Demolition with Crush and Smash went their separate ways entering singles competition. Shortly thereafter, Smash took a leave of absence for several months, then in the fall of 1991, was reintroduced as the heel Repo Man. Crush also left the company only to return in the Spring of 1992 as the babyface “Kona Crush.” The two faced off at SummerSlam, with Crush winning the match.

Demolition Post WWF

After leaving the WWF, Bill Eadie used the name Axis the Demolisher on the independent wrestling scene and also used the original Smash gimmick with his new partner Carmine Azzato who wrestled as Axis the Demolisher as the tag team Demolition Blast in an attempt to resurrect the team and name. They were sent a cease and desist order by WWF Chairman Vince McMahon. Eadie filed a lawsuit against McMahon to gain the rights to the name Demolition, but was unsuccessful.

Demolition facts

Demolition became the longest reigning WWF Tag Team Champions. They broke the record of the Valiant Brother by holding the belts for 478 days before losing to the Brain Busters in a two out of three falls match on the July 29, 1990 Saturday Nights Main Event.

April 1, 2007, Barry Darsow and Bill Eadie reunited for the first time in 16 years at the Meet the Legends event in Canada.

Sadly, on August 13, 2007, Brian Adams was found dead in his Tampa home. His wife found him in bed not breathing and called 911. Adams could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police could not determine the cause of death, but noted no signs of injury.

February 28, 2009, Darsow and Eadie participated in the Jersey All Pro Wrestling Event sporting their original face paint and spiked outfits. They lost by disqualification after Ax (Eadie) hit the referee with a chair.

After going to WCW, and eventually retiring, Barry Darsow stays busy. He currently owns Added Value Printing, which specializes in hard-hats and medical supplies and also sells real estate as a side job.

Darsow does admit that sometimes who does miss his life as a professional wrestler. “I miss it sometimes…I miss seeing the boys…being on the road…Wrestling is still in my blood…and it always will be. I had the time of my life.

Barry Darsow currently resides with his family in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and WWE.com

For more than thirty years, “The Taskmaster” Kevin Sullivan terrorized opponents all over the world with his methodical, aggressive and hardcore in-ring and outside of the ring tactics.

Sullivan’s career began nearly four decades ago when he made a name for himself competing in Florida. In the years that followed, Sullivan’s career would weave its way all over the country and he would gain fame as the leader of the “Varsity Club” faction which included fellow amateur wrestling specialists Rick Steiner, Mike Rotunda and “Dr. Death” Steve Williams.

While working in Florida in the early ’70s, Kevin crossed paths with a certain golden-haired individual who would later go to be a household name. “I knew Hulk Hogan before he ever thought of becoming a wrestler,” recalled Sullivan. “He was playing bass guitar in a lounge in Tampa, Fla., and we never talked about wrestling.” Sullivan was also there for one of Hogan’s first matches in Mobile, Alabama

Sullivan said about Hogan: “He had a special presence in the ring,” said Sullivan. “I could tell he was going to make it, and that he was going to become a major star.”

More than two decades later Sullivan would become a major player in the NWA and WCW as “The Taskmaster.” He lead his Dungeon of Doom on a bitter quest to end the phenomenon known as Hulkamania. A few years later, perhaps fueled by his inability to conquer Hulkamania, Kevin Sullivan hung up the boots for good. “Wrestling is a young man’s sport,” said Sullivan. “I knew my time had passed, and that it was time to move on…I don’t miss it anymore…I had a lot of great experiences and worked with some great people. It was a wonderful time in my life, and I have nothing but fond memories.”

Sullivan owns and operates “Froggy’s Fitness” in Tavernier, Fla., the largest gym in the Keys.

Sullivan is also is involved with the lobster business. “Me and a friend have 5,000 lobster traps between us, and we sell them commercially. We have a staff that helps us out, but I like to head out there on the boat myself from time to time and pull some lobsters.”

When he’s not in Florida, Sullivan can be found at his home on Whidbey Island, WA, eighty miles northwest of Seattle. The retired Superstar tries to spend time every month at his west coast retreat.

Source: WWE.com

Rick Martel was one of professional wrestling biggest “bad guys” in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Martel got his start in pro wrestling back in 1975 in Florida at the young age of 19.

Martel held the American Wrestling Association World Tag Team Titles on two separate occasions with his then partner Garea.

Martel was one of the biggest stars in WWE, including lasting 53 minutes in the Royal Rumble. Martel took some time off before resurfacing in WCW in 1997. “Everything had changed when I got to WCW. I trained really hard before getting back into the ring, because I didn’t want to come back and look like I didn’t belong there. I was happy, but unfortunately, I injured my knee – I knew it was bad the minute it happened. In 25 years I hadn’t had an injury like it, and it just was one of those ‘damn’ moments,” remembered Martel. “So I trained again, ready to come back to the ring, and trying to protect my knee in a match against Stevie Ray, I injured my neck. At that very moment, I said, ‘That’s it, it’s over.’”

Rick signature move was the famous Boston Crab.

The most important thing to Martel following his retirement from the ring, was his wife, Johanne of 25 years. The Martel’s currently travel the world and spend time at their home in Quebec City with their 7-year-old daughter.

Source: WWE.com

Most wrestling fans may be aware of the personal issues and outside of the ring life of Hulk Hogan. The following history of Hulk Hogan will focus on Hulk Hogan, the wrestler and all his great accomplishments in professional wrestling.

Hulk Hogan was born Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953 in Tampa, Florida. Hogan is the son of Ruth and Peter Bollea. Hogan’s mother was a homemaker and dance teacher, and Hogan’s father was a construction foreman. Hogan was a pitcher in Little League Baseball and began watching professional wrestling at age 16. Hogan idolized “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes and was a regular attendee for events at the Tampa Sportatorium. One those events, Hogan focused on “Superstar” Billy Graham.

Hogan attended the University of South Florida, later dropping out. While spending most of his time at a local gym, Hogan met pro wrestler Mike Graham, son of pro wrestler and National Wrestling Alliance President, Eddie Graham. It was Hogan’s physical look that caught the attention of Jack and Gerald Brisco. Together the Brisco’s convinced Hogan to try out for professional wrestling. Being a long time fan, Hogan agreed. In 1976, Mike Graham introduced Hogan to Hiro Matsuda who with sarcasm asked Hogan about wanting to be a wrestler, and purposely broke one of Hogan’s legs and both his arms.

Within a one year period, Matsuda prepared Hogan for his first professional match against Brian Blair in Fort Myers, Florida on August 10, 1977. A short time following, Bollea wore a mask and took on the character “The Super Destroyer.” A few months after, Bollea joined Louie Tillet’s Alabama territory, where he teamed with Ed Leslie (aka Brutus Beefcake) and the team of Terry and Ed Boulder.

Hogan appeared on a talk show, where he sat beside Lou Ferrigno, star of the Incredible Hulk television series. The host commented how Bollea at 6ft 7in at 295 pounds resembled a small version of the Hulk. From this, Bollea began using the in ring name of Terry “The Hulk” Boulder.

By May 1979, Bollea had an opportunity to wrestle for the NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) World Heavyweight Championship. In June of that year, he won the NWA Southeast Heavyweight Championship in Alabama and Tennessee territories by defeating Ox Baker.

Hulk Hogan – World Wrestling Federation 1979 – 1980

In late 1979, Terry Funk introduced Bollea to then WWF Chief Vincent J. McMahon. McMahon wanted to give Bollea and Irish name, thus the name Hogan was born. He was given the opportunity to wrestle, as a heel, Bob Backlund for the WWF Championship.

Hulk Hogan New Japan Pro Wrestling 1980 – 1983

A lot of Hogan’s early success was in Japan. He first appeared in Japan May 13, 1980, while still under contract with the WWF. On June 2, 1983 Hogan was crowned the first International Wrestling Grand Prix (IWGP) tournament winner by defeating Antonio Inoki.

Hulk Hogan – Leaves the WWF and goes to the American Wrestling Association 1981 – 1983

After filming Rocky III against the wishes of Vince McMahon, Sr., Hogan left the WWF and made his debut in the American Wrestling Association with Johnny Valiant as his manager. This was short lived as fans began to love Hogan, thus the AWA booking team decided to turn Hogan babyface. Hogan became the companies top babyface for 1983. After several business, personal, and creative conflicts with AWA owner Verne Gagne, Hogan left the AWA and returned to the WWF, now owned by Vince McMahon, Jr. (Vincent K. McMahon).

Hulk Hogan returns to the WWF and the Birth of “Hulkamania” 1983 – 1993

Following the purchase of the World Wrestling Federation in 1982, Vince Jr. had big plans to expand the territory company into a nationwide promotion centered around Hogan as the company’s main superstar attraction. Hogan started as a heel, allied with Freddie Blassie. On the January 7, 1984 episode of Championship Wrestling, Hogan turned babyface by saving Bob Backlund from a three-way in ring assault. This storyline was short lived, as just less than three weeks later, Hogan won his first WWF Championship by pinning the Iron Sheik in Madison Square Garden. Following the win, commentator Gorilla Monsoon proclaimed “Hulkamania is here!” Hogan would begin referring to his fans as “Hulkamaniacs” during his interviews and introduced the training, prayers and vitamins.

Over the next years, Hogan became the face of professional wrestling as Vince McMahon pushed the WWF into the pop culture arena with the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection on MTV, brining in records house show attendance, pay-per view buys and big television ratings.

Hulk Hogan – First title reign 1984 – 1988

On the October 5, 1985 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, Hogan successfully defended the title against Nikolai Volkoff in a flag match.

Throughout 1986, Hogan successful defended the title against Terry Funk, Don Muraco, King Kong Bundy, Paul Orndorff and Hercules Hernandez. In 1987, Hogan was booked to defend the title against Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III at the Pontiac Silverdome in front of a record crowd of over 93,000 fans.

Hogan remained the WWF Champion for 1, 474 days (Four years and 13 days). He became the third longest running champion. In front of 33 million viewers on the February 5th edition of The Main Event, Hogan lost the title to Andre the Giant after a scam involving Ted DiBiase and referee Dave Hebner. As a result, the WWF title was declared vacant for the first time in company history. Hulk Hogan had other title wins from 1989-1992. He did lose the title to the Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania VI and also to the Undertaker at the 1991 Survivor Series.

Hulk Hogan Returns to the WWF and then leaves the company 1993 – 1994

Hogan returned to the WWF in January 1993, assisting his long time friend Brutus Beefcake from Money Inc. (Ted Dibiase and Irwin R. Schyster). At WrestleMania IX, Hogan challenged WWF Champion Yokozuna, defeating him to win his fifth WWF Championship. At the first annual King of the Ring Pay-Per View in June of 1993, Hogan defended the WWF Championship against Yokozuna. Yokozuna kicked out of Hogan’s signature leg drop finishing move and pinned Hogan after a blinding fireball shot from a “Japanese Photographer” (Harvey Wippleman in disguise). This would be Hogan’s last WWF Pay-Per View appearance. After August 1993, Hogan would sit out the remainder of his contract which expired later that year.

Hulk Hogan Makes History: Signs with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) 1994 – 2000

In June 1994, Hogan signed with Ted Turner’s World Championship Wrestling. Hogan began appearing on WCW TV in July of that year, and in a dream match, defeating Ric Flair to win his first WCW Championship at the Bash at the Beach Pay-Per View.

Hulk Hogan turns heal and forms the New World Order (nWo) 1996 – 1998

1996 would be a historic year for WCW and pro wrestling. WCW fans began booing Hogan. The Summer of 1996 at the Bash at the Beach Pay-Per View, WCW and Hogan would change the face of professional wrestling. During a six man tag, when Hogan came out from the back, fans in attendance and watching on pay-per view expected Hogan to save Sting, Lex Lugar and Randy Savage form Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, but instead he gave his famous leg drop on Savage, turned on the fans, joined with Hall and Nash, thus forming the New World Order. The very next night on Live on Monday Nitro from Disney World in Florida, Hogan came out sporting a new look. He dyed his beard black, wore black clothes, called himself “Hollywood” Hogan and told the fans to “stick it” The new faction would dominate WCW. During most of his nWo run, Hogan would hold the title belt on numerous occasions. He would spray paint the letter of N-W-O on the belt in black.

After Hogan took some time off, he returned on the January 4, 1999 edition of Monday Nitro in what was believed to be confirmation Hogan was out of the nWo. He challenged Kevin Nash for the WCW title. He regained the title in what was called the finger poke of doom, in which he poked Nash, and pinned him.

Real life conflicts with Vince Russo and his departure from WCW 1999 – 2000

In February 2000, Hogan became involved in a real life dispute with booker Vince Russo. Hogan was supposed to lose the WCW title to Jeff Jarrett at Bash at the Beach. Hogan refused to Job to Jarrett. As a result, Hogan filed a defamation of character lawsuit against Russo. Russo later claimed this was work, Hogan claimed it was a shoot, thus Hogan would leave WCW pending the lawsuit.

Hogan returns to the WWF/E 2002 – 2003

Hogan returned to the WWF/E in February of 2002 alongside Scott Hall and Kevin Nash to reform the New World Order. Soon after, Vince McMahon disbanded the nWo. Hogan took time off and returned as a babyface, having matches with The Rock, Triple H, Kurt Angle and Vince McMahon.

Later in 2003, Hogan would do a “Mr. America” gimmick, in which Hogan wore a mask to disguise himself after Hogan in a storyline was supposed to sit out the rest of his contract. On June 26, 2003 on SmackDown was the last of the “Mr. America” storyline as Hogan had already quit in real life and was released of his WWE contract and left the company.

Hulk Hogan Facts:

Hogan was named the most requested celebrity of the 1980’s for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Hogan was the first wrestler to win two Royal Rumble matches in a row.

The 1994 steroids scandal threatened the business of the WWF. Hogan testified in court he used steroids over a 12 year period.

Hogan had a brief run the defunct X Wrestling Federation from 2000-2001

Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 as a 12 time World Champion

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, WWE.com and www.hulkhogan.com

When you mixed electric pink with professional wrestling you ended up with the greatest technical wrestler in the history of the industry, Bret “The Hitman” Hart.

Hart was born Bret Sergeant Hart on July 2, 1957 in Calgary, Alberta Canada. Hart is the eight child to wrestling promoter Stu Hart. Hart was exposed to professional wrestling at a very young age. As a child, he saw his father train wrestlers in the infamous “dungeon” which was the Hart’s household basement. Before school, Hart’s father made him hand out fliers to local wrestling shows. Hart attended Ernest Manning High School where he gained his experience in amateur wrestling. He won championships throughout Canada.

Bret Hart – Professional Wrestling career: Stampede Wrestling 1976 – 1984

At age 19, Hart began working for his father’s Calgary Promotion, Stampede Wrestling. Hart began assisting in the promotion by acting as a referee. After an unfortunate event when a wrestler could not perform for his match, Stu asked his son to be the replacement. This paved the way for Hart to become an active wrestler on the roster, eventually forming a tag team with his brother Keith to win the Tag Team Titles on four separate occasions. Hart gained some of his greatest experience in professional wrestling under his real life trainers and in ring rivals, Mr. Hito and Mr. Sakurada.

Hart began amazing the fans with high-impact matches against the Dynamite Kid. Hart won Stampede Wrestling top titles, including two British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Championships, five International Tag Team Titles, and six North American Heavyweight Championships. Bret was one of the most successful wrestlers in his father’s promotion until it was sold to Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation in 1984.

Bret Hart – WWF 1984-1997 & The Hart Foundation 1985-1991

Hart’s first gimmick in the WWF was supposed to be a cowboy. Hart refused the idea. He instead asked that he be teamed up with his brother-in-law Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart who was managed by Jimmy Hart at the time, thus planting a seed for the birth of the one of greatest tag teams in the mid 1980’s, the Hart Foundation .

Hart made his first WWF television debut in August 1984 in a tag team match in which his partner was his brother-in-law, The Dynamite Kid. In 1985 he team up with Jim Neidhart to official form the heel tag team (Hart Foundation). Hart rose to fame in the mid 1980’s as the Hart Foundation won the WWF Tag Team Titles on January 26, 1987 on Superstars against the British Bulldogs, but lost the titles in October of that year to Strike Force, in which they turned face and adopted the name of the “Pink and Black Attack.”

At Summer Slam 1989, the Hart Foundation began their second reign as tag team champions after defeating Demolition with some assistance from the Legion of Doom. October 30 of that same year, the Hart Foundation lost the titles to The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty), but just a few days later, then President Jack Tunney returned the titles to the Hart Foundation due to a ring rope coming off of the turn buckle during the match. The Hart Foundation’s title run lasted from August 27, 1990 to March 24, 1991.

Bret Hart – Singles career begins 1991

Following a loss to the Nasty Boys at WrestleMania VII, the Hart Foundation split and Bret Hart went forward to pursue a singles career. He won his first WWF title, the Intercontinental Championship by defeating “Mr. Perfect” Curt Henning at Summer Slam 1991. Hart then began a feud with the Mountie. Supposedly suffering from a fever, Hart lost the title. This was part of the storyline to protect his character for losing the title. Bret would defeat Roddy Piper for his second Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania VIII in 1992. Later that same year, Hart would defeat Shawn Michaels in very first ladder match.

Bret Hart – Main Event Status 1992 – 1993

SummerSlam 1992, Hart would drop the title to his brother-in-law, Davey Boy Smith in front of 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. In October of that same year in a non-televised match, Hart would defeat Ric Flair to win the WWF World Championship in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. During the match, Hart dislocated his fingers on his right hand, and popped them back into place on his own, thus not affected the match.

Hart would go on to successfully defend the title against Shawn Michaels, Razor Ramon (Scott Hall), before dropping the title to Yokozuna at WrestleMaina IX. In 1993, Hart would win the first ever King of the Ring Pay-Per View event, defeating Razor Ramon, Mr. Perfect and Bam Bam Bigelow.

Bret Hart stated the original plan for SummerSlam 1993, was for then WWF Champion Hulk Hogan to pass the torch to Bret. Those plans were scrapped, thus the new change was Hogan losing the title to Yokozuna before departing the company. Hart re-won the title at WrestleMania X, the following year.

Bret Hart Feuds with his Brother Owen 1993-1994

In 1993, Hart began a rivalry with his younger brother, Owen. The storyline consisted of Owen becoming jealous of his older brother success. The feud began at the 1993 Survivor Series in which the Hart brothers (Bret, Owen, Bruce and Keith) took on Shawn Michaels and his group. All the brothers survived the match, except for Owen. Thus Owen blaming Bret for holding him back. The storyline had Bret, along with his parents working over Christmas to reunite the family and settle the dispute.

At the 1994 Royal Rumble, Bret and Owen wrestled The Quebecers for the WWF Tag Team Titles. Referee Tim White stopped the match after he considered Bret unable to continue after Bret sustained a “knee injury” during the match. Following the match, Owen yelled at Bret for cost him a title opportunity and began attacking the “injured” knee, setting up the feud between the two.

Bret continued a feud with Owen, while also beginning a new feud with Diesel (Kevin Nash). At the 1994 King of the Ring, Hart the current WWF Champion, successfully defending the title against Diesel and also retained the title at SummerSlam against Owen in a steel cage match, which was given a 5-star rating by the Wrestling Observer. At the Survivor Series that same year, Hart lost the belt to Bob Backlund in a submission match. Hart did not actually submit. Brother Owen threw in the towel, thus making Backlund the new WWF Champion. Bret continued to feud with Backland and eventually regain the title at WrestleMania XI in a submission rematch.

Bret Hart leaves the WWF and returns

In March 1996, Hart left the WWF. He considered an offer from WCW and a new offer from WWF. He decided to re-sign with the WWF.

Steve Austin taunted Bret and challenged him to come back and wrestle him. After being gone for eight months, Hart returned and defeated Austin at the 1996 Survivor Series.

At WrestleMania 13, Hart and Austin had a Submission Match. Hart locked Austin in the Sharpshooter eventually caused the determined Steve Austin to pass out from the blood loss and pain. Hart won the match, but continued his assault on Austin, thus turning Bret heel and Austin into a babyface.

Hart Foundation reunites and Bret Hart “Screwjob” in Montreal – 1997

Bret Hart would begin denouncing American fans due to the negative reaction he would receive. He reunited with his brother Owen, brothers-in law, Davey Boy Smith and Jim Neidhart, thus forming the new Hart Foundation with an anti-American theme that became popular in Canada and Europe. Hart later apologized and stated he did was forced into the storyline.

Hart captured his fifth WWF Championship at SummerSlam after spitting in guest referee Shawn Michael’s face. In retaliation, Michaels swung a steel chair at Hart, missing, and accidently hitting the Undertaker, thus allowing Hart to get the pin. At this same time, Hart began on air feud with Vince McMahon. A ringside altercation led many fans to begin to dislike McMahon. Bret Hart signed a 20-year contract with the WWF, but McMahon requested Bret to also consider rival company World Championship Wrestling as the WWF was in a tough financial position and could not afford the new contract.

Hart’s final match with the WWF would be in Montreal at the 1997 Survivor Series. Hart did not want to end his WWF career with a loss in his home country. McMahon had agreed to Hart’s storyline of forfeiting the title the next night on RAW or losing it a few weeks later. According to Hart’s DVD biography, Hart stated to McMahon he would not take the WWF Championship with him to WCW TV, despite the insistence from then WCW President Eric Bischoff. Hart wanted to join WCW with a clean slate. McMahon still somewhat concerned led him to breaking his word, by coming to ringside with Bret in the sharpshooter by Shawn Michaels, calling for the bell, thus Bret would lose the title to Michaels. Hart was furious, which resulted in him spitting in McMahon’s face, destroying television equipment and punching McMahon in the face backstage. Hart also confronted Michaels backstage as well.

Bret Hart goes to World Championship Wrestling 1997 – 2000

The very next day following the Survivor Series, Eric Bischoff announced on Monday Nitro that Bret Hart was coming to World Championship Wrestling. On December 15, 1997, Bret Hart made his WCW debut on Nitro. Hart defeated Ric Flair to win his first WCW match at the Souled Out Pay-Per View in 1998. Hart’s contract was believed to be $3 million a year.

Bret Hart turns heal 1998-1999

Hart’s face run in WCW was short. In April 1998, in the Nitro main event, Hart joined the nWo With many of the talent in WCW having creative control over their character, WCW management booked Hart to win the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship. On the July 20 edition of Nitro, Hart beat Diamond Dallas Page for the vacant U.S. Title, his first championship in WCW. Hart held the belt on four separate occasions.

Bret Hart WCW World Champion 1999 – 2000

After a brief hiatus from WCW after the tragic death of his brother Owen, Hart returned to Nitro September 13, 1999. November 8, 1999 on Nitro, Hart would win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. At Starrcade that same year, Hart defended the title against Bill Goldberg. During the match, Goldberg accidently connected with a mule kick to Hart’s head, resulting in a concussion. Hart later speculated he may have been unaware of his injuries following Starrcade. Hart placed Goldberg on the ring post in a figure four leg lock, but due to Goldberg not receiving the move correctly, caused Hart to hit his head on the concrete floor, leaving Hart with post-concussion syndrome forcing an early retirement. Hart wrote a Calgary Sun column saying that Goldberg “had a tendency to injure everyone he worked with.” But in his DVD documentary, Hart expressed regret that “someone as good-hearted as Bill Goldberg” was responsible for hurting him and ending his career.

Hart vacated the title on the December 20, 1999 edition of Nitro. January 10, 2000 would Hart’s last match. He technically never lost the title. September 6, 2000 edition of Thunder would be Hart’s last appearance on WCW television. He was granted his release from his contract in late 2000 and then announced his retirement soon after.

Bret Hart Facts:

In 2002, Hart suffered a stroke as a result of a motorcycle accident.

In 2004, Hart was chosen as one of the Greatest Canadians, coming in at number thirty-nine.

February 16, 2006 edition of Monday Night Raw, it was announced that Hart would be a 2006 inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame.[95] Hart had also been approached by Vince McMahon for a potential match between the two at WrestleMania 22 but declined the offer. On April 1, 2006, Hart was inducted by his old in-ring rival, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. He thanked every wrestler he worked with (even thanking Vince McMahon) and said he’s “in a good place in life.” He also told some humorous stories he had with other wrestlers during his career in the WWF – most notably with his late brother, Owen, and brother-in-law Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart.

On July 15, 2006, Bret Hart was inducted into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, at the International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Newton, Iowa.

From 1995 – 1996 Hart appeared in the Lonesome Dove television series as Luther Root.

Hart is a Beatles fan and fashioned his ring attire from the late 1980’s to the mid 1990’s after the band’s attire of the 1967 Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

The Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League took their name from Bret Hart, who was a founder and part owner.

Bret devoted 7 years to writing his critically acclaimed autobiography; HITMAN: MY REAL LIFE IN THE CARTOON WORLD OF WRESTLING and is now a #1 bestselling author in the US, UK and Canada.

Bret is already researching his next book idea; a romantic novel that has nothing to do with wrestling.

Bret Hart continues to consistently draw massive crowds all over the world whenever he appears at book signings, autograph sessions and as a riveting, humors and inspirational motivational speaker. He also enjoys lending himself to charity events, when possible.

Bret’s Historic Rivalries

Wins his third WWF Championship at the 1996 Survivor Series from Diesel.

60 Minute Iron Man Match with Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XII. Michaels win with a super kick to win the title.

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, www.brethart.com and www.wwe.com

Written by Jerome Wilen

Richard Henry Blood, known as one of the most charismatic in ring performers, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat became one of the most popular professional wrestlers of 1980’s and early 1990’s. Hawaiian born, son of an English father and Japanese mother, Ricky attended Vern Gagne’s School of Wrestling in Minneapolis.

Ricky Steamboat – American Wrestling Association 1976 – 1977

Steamboat, born February 28, 1953 debuted in 1976 as a babyface in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) as Sam Steamboat, Jr. Blood took the name from older Hawaiian wrestler Sam Steamboat. In 1977, Blood left the AWA for Championship Wrestling Florida and then Georgia Championship Wrestling.

Ricky Steamboat – National Wrestling Alliance 1977 – 1985

In 1977, Blood renamed himself Ricky Steamboat signed a contract with Jim Crockett Promotions. He was brought in as a part of a talent exchange that sent him to Mid-Atlantic for the One Man Gang to Georgia. Steamboat first made waves in the promotion after pinning Ric Flair to win the NWA Mid-Atlantic Television Championship in Raleigh, North Carolina. Over course of the next eight years, Steamboat would win the NWA United States Championship on three different occasions, the NWA World Tag Team Titles six different times, once with Paul Jones and the other five times with Jay Youngblood. Steamboat also held two different times, the NAW Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship, the NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Titles four different times, three with Paul Jones and one time with Jay Youngblood. Steamboat also for a second time, won the NWA World Television Championship, which was renamed the NWA World Television Title.

Ricky Steamboat – World Wrestling Federation and the Birth of “The Dragon” 1985 – 1988

In 1985, Blood was offered a contract by Vince McMahon to wrestle in his World Wrestling Federation. Just shortly after his debut, he was given a new babyface gimmick of “The Dragon” His jacket and in ring attire was changed to keikogi with long tights and made his pay-per view debut at the very first WrestleMania defeating Matt Borne.

On the November 26, 1986 episode of WWF Superstars, Steamboat wrestled Randy Savage for the Intercontinental Championship Belt. Steamboat lost the match by count-out. Following the match, Savage continued to attack Steamboat and injure him by smashing the ring bell into Steamboat’s larynx, which was the beginning of a bitter rivalry between the two. At WrestleMania III, Steamboat was scripted to win the Intercontinental Title from Savage. This match was named 1987’s Match of the Year by both Pro Wrestling Illustrated and the Wrestling Observer.

World Wrestling Federation Intercontinental Champion and Departure 1987-1988

Following his historic win, Steamboat asked Vince McMahon for some time off to be with his wife Bonnie, who was expecting the birth of their first son. WWF Management was not excited about this request and decided to punish Steamboat by stripping him of the title. The May 2, 1987, at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Steamboat agreed to drop the title to the Honky Tonk Man. Steamboat returned at the November 1987 Survivor Series, and after losing to Greg Valentine at WrestleMania IV in March 1998, he announced his retirement.

Rick Steamboat returns to the NWA/World Championship Wrestling – 1989

Steamboat returned to the ring January 21, 1989 to the NWA/WCW as the surprise tag team partner for “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert as they faced off against Ric Flair and Barry Windham. Steamboat pinned Flair and earned him a title shot at the NWA/WCW title at the Chi-Town Rumble, in which Steamboat defeated Flair to win title in what was a very historic match, which earned a 5-star rating from the Wrestling Observer.

Due to a contract dispute, June 14, 1989 Clash of the Champions would be the last appearance by Steamboat in the NWA/WCW.

Ricky Steamboat returns to the World Wrestling Federation – 1991

In 1991, Steamboat returned to the WWF as The Dragon. On the March 30, 1991 episode of Superstars, Steamboat defeated The Brooklyn Brawler. On Various episodes of Superstars and Wrestling Challenge, Steamboat would defeat all his opponents as he was undefeated on television. However, the day his dark match loss, he gave notice to Vince McMahon and again left the company.

Rick Steamboat returns to World Championship Wrestling 1991 – 1994

November 19, 1991 at the Clash of the Champions, Steamboat made a surprise return to WCW as the tag team partner of Dustin Rhodes. Steamboat and Rhodes defeated the Enforces (Arn Anderson and Larry Zbysko) to win the World Tag Team Titles. They held the belts until January 1992, when they lost the belts to Arn Anderson and Bobby Eaton.

At the September 2, 1992 episode of the Clash of the Champions, Steamboat won his first World Television Title by defeated “Stunning” Steve Austin. However, on September 29, Steamboat would lose the title to Scott Steiner. Steamboat would re-win the Television Title at the August 18, 1993 episode of the Clash of the Champions. One month later, he would lose the title to Lord Steven Regal.

Rick Steamboat – WCW United States Championship and Departure – 1994

As 1994 came around, Steamboat began one last feud for the World Title with long time rival Ric Flair. Following an unsuccessful run at trying to win the title, Steamboat won the WCW U.S. Title against Steve Austin at the August 28, 1994 episode of the Clash of Champion. Steamboat injured his back during the match. Like Steve Austin, WCW President Eric Bischoff fired Steamboat by sending his pink slip through Federal Express, thus ending a two decade relationship with Jim Crockett Promotions and Ted Turner. Steamboat permanently retired in September 1994.

Ricky Steamboat – Returning to World Wrestling Entertainment (Federation) 2005 – Present

In early 2005, Steamboat returned to the WWE as a road agent. In 2006 and 2007, Steamboat refereed matches at WrestleMania and Summer Slam. On the February 23, 2009 episode of Monday Night Raw, Steamboat made an appearance after being named one of the members of the 2009 WWE Hall of Fame. During the show he was attacked by Chris Jericho, thus beginning a feud of the young talent vs. the veterans. Steamboat was also joined by Ric Flair, Roddy Piper, and Jimmy Snuka.

In what was his first match in fifteen years, Steamboat returned to the ring alongside Piper and Snuka on April 5, 2009 at WrestleMania XXV. On the April 6, 2009 edition of RAW, Steamboat competed in a 10-man tag team match, which generated a huge positive crowd reaction. Just a few weeks later, Steamboat was challenged by Jericho at Backlash in a one on one match and lost by submission.

Ricky Steamboat notes and personal life

Steamboat played a part of as the referee in the first ever Gauntlet for the Gold in Total Non-Stop Action, referee for the four-way double elimination match for the first ever TNA X-Division Title match.

Steamboat refereed the first title defense for the Ring of Honor Pure Wrestling Championship

Steamboat is the only professional wrestler to have ever held every major championship wrestling belt in the United States, with exception of the WWE World Championship belt.

Aside from wrestling fame, Ricky held the 1982 Mr. North Carolina Bodybuilding Championship. Eager to share his knowledge, Ricky and his wife, Bonnie, opened Steamboat’s Mid-Atlantic Gym in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1984.

Ricky and Bonnie have one son, Ricky Jr., born 7/7/87. After 20 years of marriage, Ricky and Bonnie are now divorced but remain great friends and support Ricky Jr. in his choice to follow in his father’s footsteps in professional wrestling.

Ricky, a versatile performer, was a cast member on the “A-Team” and a special guest star on “Sidekicks” (Walt Disney Studios). He has also starred in over 20 wrestling videos. In addition, he is involved in numerous top selling product endorsements.

Sensitive, empathic, and selfless, Ricky visits hospitals, children’s centers and other rehabilitative settings. He also participates in annual fund raising events for Muscular Dystrophy and United Cereberal Palsy.

Ricky’s popularity as a performer and entertainer helped draw a world record crowd of 93,173 to the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan on March 27th 1987 for Wrestlemania III.

Today, Ricky travels the country as a road agent with the WWE, while exploring opportunities focusing on television, commercials, films and product endorsements. He has natural talent, coupled with genuine enjoyment for the entertainment profession.

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and www.rickythedragonsteamboat.com

Most wrestling fans may be aware of the personal issues and outside of the ring life of the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair. The following history of Ric Flair will focus on Ric Flair, the wrestler and all his great accomplishments in professional wrestling.

I hope you enjoy this first in a series of Legends of Wrestling.

Fans in arenas across the nation shout a WOOOOO! as Ric Flair enters to the ring. To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man. This was one of the many catch phrases for professional wrestling’s greatest World Heavyweight Champion, The “Natural Boy” Ric Flair. In the 36-year in ring career, Flair has been a world champion 16 times.

Ric Flair – The early life

Ric Flair was born as Richard Morgan Fliehr on February 25, 1949. In Flair’s autobiography, To Be the Man Flair he claims he was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and notes his birth name is listed on different documents as Fred.

Flair also states in his book that he was adopted and shortly after his father completed a residency in gynecology in Detroit, the family moved to Edina, Minnesota. Flair attended Wayland Academy, a coeducational boarding school in Wisconsin.

As a teen, Flair took a job as a lifeguard, meeting the legendary Vachon Brothers, which was his first exposure to professional wrestling. In 1966 and 1968, Flair won the state private school wrestling championship and attended the University of Minnesota on a football scholarship, playing aside Greg Gagne, the son of Verne Gagne. Flair dropped out of college, thus never receiving his degree. Flair ended up working as a bouncer at a local club, where he met Olympic weightlifter Ken Patera who was training at Verne Gagne’s wrestling school. Patera ended up introducing Flair to Gagne, who accepted Flair as a member of the training class.

Ric Flair – The Professional Wrestler – American Wrestling Association

Under the guidance of Verne Gagne and Billy Robinson, Flair attended Gagne’s first wrestling camp just outside of Minneapolis in the winter of 1971. The camp was Gagne’s barn. Along with Flair was Vern’s son, Jim Brunzell and the Iron Sheik. Flair, weighing in at nearly 300 pounds with short brown hair, made his debut in Rice Lake, Wisconsin against “Scrap Iron” Gadaski ending in a 10-minute draw.

With his charismatic personality and in ring endurance, he adopted his in ring name of Ric Flair. During his tenure in the AWA, Flair wrestler greats such as Dusty Rhodes, Andre the Giant, Larry Henning (Father of the late Curt Henning) and Wahoo McDaniel.

The National Wrestling Alliance years

In 1974, Flair departed from the AWA and jumped to the Mid-Atlantic area for Jim Crockett’s National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). On February 8, 1975, Flair won the Mid-Atlantic TV Championship after defeating Paul Jones. Eight months later on October 4, 1975, Flair’s wrestling career almost ended when he was involved in a serious plane crash in the Wilmington, North Carolina area. Also on board the plane were Mr. Wrestling I, Tim Woods, Bob Bruggers, Promoter Jim Crockett, and Johnny Valentine (who ended up paralyzed). Sadly, the pilot did not survive. Flair broke his back in three places. At age 26, he was told by doctors his wrestling career was done. Flair was determined to get back into the ring. After intense physical therapy, in February 1976, Flair returned to the ring and resumed his rivalry with Wahoo McDaniel. Flair was forced to change his wrestling style away from the power brawling he had been used to doing. This change led him to adopt a different technique, in which the “Nature Boy” style was born.

Ric Flair went on to be Jim Crockett, Jr.’s top star. On July 29, 1977, Flair defeated Bobo Brazil to win the NAW United States Heavyweight Championship. Over the next three years, Flair would have five title reigns as the U.S. Champ, feuding with Ricky Steamboat, Roddy Piper, Mr. Wrestling II, Jimmy Snuka and Greg Valentine.

Ric Flair – NWA Championship Title 1981-1986

On September 17, 1981 was huge for Flair when he defeated Dusty Rhodes to win his first NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Flair would establish himself as the NWA’s top franchise player with quick wit, flamboyant interview style, bleached blond hair, fancy jewelry, designer clothes, and his trademark flashy custom robes when coming out to the ring.

In 1983, Harley Race defeated Flair and won the NWA title, but later that year in a steel cage match at the Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina, Flair regained the title. Flair and Race would go on to have an intense feud throughout 1984 in which Flair would win title eight more times. Flair would hold the title for two years and two months before losing it at the Great American Bash on July 26, 1986 to Dusty Rhodes. Flair would go onto win the title back two week later.

Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen

The spring of 1985 would be a big year for the NWA. The tag team of Ole and Arn Anderson began aiding Flair in attacks on Dusty Rhodes, Magnum T.A. and Sam Houston. Soon thereafter, Ric Flair, the Andersons’ and Tully Blanchard would form the most elite wrestling faction in wrestling history, The Four Horsemen. They also acquired the services of J.J. Dillon as their manager.

The group’s main goal was to rule the NWA by holding major titles, such as the NWA World Title and World Tag Team Titles and taking out the main baby faces.

Ric Flair – World Championship Wrestling 1986 – 1991

By 1986, Jim Crockett had consolidated numerous other NWA member promotions he owed into one single entity, which ran under the umbrella of the National Wrestling Alliance, and controlling most of the traditional territories in southeast and Midwestern United States. Crockett’s main goal of expanding further on a national scale would be building his promotion around Ric Flair as the World Heavyweight Champion using the custom title belt created specifically for Flair.

In 1988, new up and coming star, Sting challenged Flair to a match at the first ever Clash of Champions which ended in a time limit draw. Then booker Dusty Rhodes proposed that Flair lose the title to Rick Steiner at Starrcade ’88 after no agreement on how the finish would take place against Flair and Lex Lugar. The NWA ended up firing Rhodes and new booker George Scott came in. Scott immediately negotiated to bring in Ricky Steamboat. On February 20, 1989, at the ‘Chi-Town Rumble’ pay-per view in Chicago, IL, Steamboat defeated Ric Flair to win the NWA World Title, which began a series of matches between the two and what would go on to be a historic rival still talked about today. On May 7, 1989 at the ‘WrestleWar’ pay-per view, Flair won back the title at what was voted match of the year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated magazine.

On July 7, 1990, Flair dropped the title to Sting at the Great American Bash. On January 11, 1991, Flair defeated Sting to win back the NWA World Heavyweight Title, just following what would be the NWA’s official split from World Championship Wrestling, thus making this the first time Flair would be recognized as the WCW World Heavyweight Champion, while still be recognized at the NWA Champion. In a controversial match held in Tokyo, Japan March 21, 1991, Ric Flair lost to Fujimani. The NWA recognized him as their champion, but WCW did not because Flair was back dropped over the top rope, which was a violation of WCW rules. On May 19, 1991, Flair beat Fujinami in St. Petersburg, Florida at SuperBrawl to regain the NWA title and retain the WCW championship title, which made him a nine time NWA World Champion, passing Harley Race’s record of eight.

In the spring of 1991, Ric Flair had a contract dispute with at the time, the current WCW President Jim Herd. Herd wanted to reduce Flair’s salary. Herd stripped Flair’s head booker responsibilities and cut back on Flair’s role in the promotion despite Flair being the company’s top draw. Flair stated in several interviews, Herd proposed changes to his appearance such as shaving his head, wearing a diamond earring, and even a name change to “Spartacus.” Flair stated this was what Herd wanted in order to change with the times. Flair did not agree with any of these proposed changes. Just two weeks before the Great American Bash pay-per view, Herd fired Flair and vacated the WCW Title. Ric Flair would then go on to leave for the World Wrestling Federation.

Ric Flair – World Wrestling Federation 1991-1993

In August of 1991, Flair signed a contract with the WWF and began appearing on their Television shows with the gold title belt referring to himself as the “Real World Heavyweight Champion.” WCW began a lawsuit in an attempt to get back the title belt, but Flair claimed he ownership of the title belt in lieu of a $25,000 deposit, which had not been returned to him. In the WWF, Flair would be managed by Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, and also team with Curt Henning.

At the 1992 ‘Royal Rumble’ pay-per view, Flair won the 30 man over the top battle royal to win the vacated WWF Championship after spending nearly 60 minutes in the ring. Following Flair’s title win, a feud had been planned with Hulk Hogan, but was dropped due to Hogan’s absence from the WWF following the steroid scandal, thus beginning a new storyline with Randy Savage. At WrestleMania that year, Savage defeated Flair to win the title. Later that year on September 1st, Flair would regain the title. However, his title reign would be short as he lost to Bret Hart just over a month later on October 12th, 1992. February 10, 1993 would be Flair’s last appearance in the WWF following a loss to Curt Henning in a loser leaves the WWF Match on Monday Night RAW.

Ric Flair – Returns to World Championship Wrestling 1993 – 2001

February 1993, Flair retuned to WCW as a baby face. Because Flair had a no compete clause in his WWF contract, he was put on WCW Television as host for the short-lived talk show A Flair for the Gold. After Flair could begin wrestling in WCW again, he beat Barry Windham at Beach Blast to win the title for the tenth time. In June 1994, Flair defeated Sting in a unification match, thus merging the WCW International World Championship with the WCW World Title. Just a month later, Flair would lose the title at the Bash at the Beach to Hulk Hogan and then again in a “retirement” match in October at the ‘Halloween Havoc’ pay-per view before taking a short hiatus, then returning as a wrestler and parting time manger in 1995.

Flair played a major role in the storyline with the New World Order in late 1996 and all of 1997. He and the Four Horsemen stepped up and took lead in the fight against the Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and the heel turned Hulk Hogan. Flair had feuds with Roddy Piper, Syxx (X-Pac) and Curt Hennig.

The landscape of WCW and Ric Flair would change. In April of 1998, Flair had a dispute with WCW President Eric Bischoff after a failed appearance at a Thunder television program. Bischoff had booked Flair on the show just days prior, in which Flair claims he had already requested time off for the same night to see his son Reid at an amateur wrestling match. After a lengthy absence, Flair made a huge return on September 14, 1998 in front of a sold out Greensboro Coliseum to reform the Four Horsemen. Flair would begin a rivalry with Bischoff and eventually beat Bischoff in match with a storyline in which Flair would take over as the WCW President and eventually turning heal. His reign as WCW President came to and end on the July 19, 1998 edition of Monday Nitro when put the Presidency on the line against Sting.

A returning Eric Bischoff ordered the timekeeper to ring the bell and awarding Sting the Presidency after no decision could be made due to an unconscious referee. Sting gave up the position upon receiving it.

Flair won the WCW World Title on two occasions in 2000 which would be the company’s last full year of operation before being purchased by the WWF in March 2001. During the final episode of Nitro, which aired on March 26, 2001, Flair gave an emotion speech regarding the greatness of WCW and the NWA. Flair wrestled the very last match in Nitro history and lost to Sting.

Ric Flair – Returning to the World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment 2001 – Present

After the failed WCW/ECW Invasion angle, Flair returned to the WWF in November of 2001 in a storyline as the co-owner of the WWF in which Shane McMahon and Stephanie sold their stock in the company to Flair. In 2002, a match was booked between Vince McMahon and Flair for sole ownership of the company. McMahon won the match after interference from Brock Lesner.

Flair later joined the Evolution heal group made of Triple H, Randy Orton, and Batista. Some referred to this group as a modern day Four Horsemen. Flair did win the World Tag Team Titles in 2003 on two occasions with Batista and in 2005, won the Intercontinental Championship from Carlito. After a three month absence, Flair returned to the November 26, 2007 edition of RAW to announce he will never retire. Vince McMahon countered by announcing that the next match Flair would lose, he would be forced to retire. On March 29, 2008, Flair was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. The very next night at WrestleMania XXIV in Orlando, Florida, Ric Flair was defeated by Shawn Michaels. Pro Wrestling Illustrated voted this the Match of the year.

The following night on Monday Night RAW, Flair gave his farewell address to a standing ovation, and was thanked by numerous wrestlers (who broke character) such as the Big Show, The Undertaker, Chris Jericho, Shawn Michaels, Ricky Steamboat and Arn Anderson. Flair made appearances on WWE Television on June 16, 2008 and February 9, 2009 episode of RAW to confront Chris Jericho on bashing the Legends.

Flair recently had signed with Ring of Honor as the companies on air ambassador. On May 17, 2009, Flair made a surprise return to the WWE at the Judgment Day pay-per view coming to the aid of Batista. On the June 1st edition of RAW, Flair trapped inside a steal cage was punted in the head by Randy Orton and thus had been off WWE Television since the attack.

As of June 25, 2009, various reports, indicate that the WWE has not offered Ric Flair a new contract as many in the wrestling media have been lead to believe.

Sources: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and the Wrestling Observer