50 Greatest Wrestlers (pt. 5, 41-50)

41. Great Muta
42. Jeff Hardy
43. Batista
44. Big Show
45. Kane
46. Jerry "The King" Lawler
47. Goldberg
48. Rick Rude
49. "Superstar" Billy Graham
50. Booker T.

41. Great Muta: The Pearl of the Orient. A Legend in the Rising Sun of Japan. This man was an Innovator because of his Death Matches in Japan. Keiji Mutoh first gained fame in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). Mutoh is most prominently known for his work as The Great Muta where he became a revered mythic figure in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) during the 90's. He is also one of the first Japanese wrestlers to achieve a fanbase in the United States. He has also competed in places like Mexico, Puerto Rico and Taiwan. Mutoh is one of three wrestlers to hold the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, the AJPW Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship as well as the IWGP Heavyweight Championship among various other titles. Mutoh is also the founder of All-Japan Pro Wrestling. His match with Hiroshi Hase is considered to be one of the bloodiest matches of all-time as it led to the creation of the "Muta Scale" (a scale that rates the bloodiness of matches). Keiji started his career as an amateur wrestler that competed in numerous Judo competitions before he was trained by Hiro Matsuda in the New Japan Pro Wrestling Academy. Mutoh made his debut on October 5, 1984 against Masahiro Chono. In 1986, Mutoh was sent on his first excursion to the United States for seasoning. He wrestled in Florida as White Ninja and teamed with Kendo Nagasaki, before making his return to Japan in 1986 when he was nicknamed "Space Lone Wolf" (a space age type character that was later revived in 2005 by NOSAWA Rongai). Mutoh was named the Rookie of the Year for Tokyo Sports. In March 1987, Mutoh won the IWGP Tag Team Championship with Shiro Koshinaka before losing the titles to Yoshiaki Fujiwara, and Kantaro Hoshino. In January 1988, Keiji would join World Wrestling Council under a new ring name, Super Black Ninja. In Puerto Rico, he formed The Three Musketeers with Chono and Shinya Hashimoto. Mutoh only wrestled one match with New Japan on July 29, before making his return to Puerto Rico. In the fall of 1988, Keiji made the move to Dallas to compete in World Class Championship Wrestling as he reunited with Nagasaki to briefly feud with Kevin Von Erich before leaving the organization in March 1989. During his time with the National Wrestling Alliance, Keiji's persona and ring skills earned him high profile billing as he would soon be called The Great Muta. On March 18, 1989 The Great Muta made his debut with the NWA under the umbrella of World Championship Wrestling. His manager Gary Hart, introduced him as the son of the Great Kabuki, whom Gary managed years earlier. On April 2, Muta wrestled his first match as he defeated Scott Casey in dominating fashion. Muta would feud with stars like Sting, Ric Flair and Lex Luger as he defeated Sting for the NWA World Television Championship on September 3, 1989. Muta and Sting would go on to have an incredible series of matches throughout their careers. He eventually lost the TV Title to Arn Anderson in January 1990. Some time after Clash of the Champions on February 6, Muta eventually returned to Japan where he would go between using the name Great Muta and his real name any time that he pleased. By March 1990, Mutoh quickly rose through the ranks after making his return to New Japan. He would debut the Great Muta character in New Japan six months later. In April 1990, Mutoh won his second IWGP Tag Title with Masahiro Chono as they defeated  Shinya Hashimoto and Masa Saito. They would hold the titles for over six months before finally losing them to Hiroshi Hase and Kensuke Sasaki. Tokyo Sports would declare Mutoh and Chono the "Tag Team of the Year". By 1991, Mutoh, Chono and Hashimoto would cement their status as the next generation of NJPW, surpassing legends such as Antonio Inoki, Tatsumi Fujinami, and Riki Chōshū, after the finals of the first G1 Climax tournament. In an amazing 30-minute match, Mutoh was bested by Chono. After the match, they celebrated with Hashimoto in the ring as they would earn the nickname The Three Muskateers of New Japan Pro Wrestling. By 1992, Mutoh would wrestle with his Great Muta persona as he defeated Chōshū for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. This would mark Muta's first out of four title reigns. On December 14, Great Muta wrestled Hiroshi Hase in what many would consider his signature match. During the match, Hase would use a foreign object to beat at Muta's forehead as retribution for their previous encounters including their battle from September 14, 1990 when Muta busted him open. Muta cut and bladed very deeply into his forehead. As a result, Muta bled profusely for the rest of the match. This is where "The Muta Scale" was born. Muta took the art of blading to the highest level from this match moving forward. The Muta Scale system rates how bloody a match is. The blood added to the story of the match. After a series of near falls, Muta won with a moonsault. After the match, Muta and Chono made a silent agreement to a double title match on January 4, 1993 at the Tokyo Dome show with the IWGP and NWA World Heavyweight Titles on the line. Muta defeated Chono to unify the IWGP and NWA World Titles in their title vs title match at Fantastic Story in Tokyo Dome (known in America as WCW/New Japan Supershow III). Great Muta became only the second man to accomplish this, along with Tatsumi Fujinami. The unification would end a month later, when Muta lost the title to Barry Windham at SuperBrawl III. As IWGP Champion, Muta would wrestle a series of high-profile challengers. His most famous defenses were against Hulk Hogan, Sting, Great Kabuki, and his fellow Muskateers (Chono and Hashimoto) before losing the title to Hashimoto on September 20, 1993. Following his title loss, Muta returned to using his real name. He would only use the Muta character for certain matches, including a special match with Antonio Inoki during his retirement countdown. Muta would also create a team with Hase as they would rise through the ranks of the tag team division, by defeating teams like The Steiner Brothers on their way to tag team gold. On November 14, Muta and Hase defeated The Hell Raisers (Road Warrior Hawk and Kensuke Sasaki) to win the IWGP Tag Titles. Muta would briefly jump back to WCW where he challenged Stunning Steve Austin for the U.S. Championship. During 1995, Muta would win the G1 Climax Tournament by defeating Hashimoto in the finals to regain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. He would hold the title for the rest of the year, before losing it to Nobuhiko Takada at the Tokyo Dome on January 4, 1996. The latter half of 1996 saw Mutoh pitted against Chono's Wolf Army, which later progressed into a war with the Chono-led nWo Japan. This shows that the concept of the nWo was originated in Japan. During the feud, Mutoh would tease possibly joining the nWo as he proclaimed to be the true "successor" of Inoki's legacy, while "accidentally" attacking his partners in the middle of a match. Eventually, Mutoh would join the group himself in 1997. As part of nWo Japan, Mutoh and Chono dominated the tag team title scene on their way to win the IWGP Tag Titles for the second time. They would spray paint the plates of the belts black as a sign of disrespect to the championship's legacy. The American version of the NWO would do the same thing, when Hollywood Hogan would spray paint the WCW World Heavyweight Title. They would vacate the titles after Mutoh injured his knees from a moonsault. Mutoh and Chono would win the G1 Tag League Award for their success in 1997. Keiji would win two more G1 Tag League Awards (w/Satoshi Kojima in 1998, and w/Scott Norton in 1999). Mutoh would later become a four-time Wrestler of the Year for Tokyo Sports (1995, 1999, 2001, 2008). 2001 became a critically successful year for Mutoh, as he would win four Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards (Best Wrestling Maneuver, Match of the Year, Most Improved Wrestler, Wrestler of the Year). Mutoh would also start All-Japan Pro Wrestling, where would win a various number of championships. Unfortunately, Mutoh never had the chance to work for the World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment because of a no-compete clause in his contract. If that never took place, I believe that Mutoh would have done great things in WWE as long as his character was properly handled. Great Muta has one of the richest legacies in the history of Japanese Wrestling, along with Antonio Inoki. His resume, influence and match quality are the stuff of legends. One day, Mutoh may eventually take his place into the Hall of Fame. Only time will tell.


Championships and Accomplishments:

All Japan Pro Wrestling

• Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship (3 times)
• World Tag Team Championship (5 times) – with Taiyō Kea (1), Arashi (1), Joe Doering (1), Masakatsu Funaki (1) and KENSO (1)
• F–1 Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Kannazuki
• Akiho Yoshizawa Cup (2010) – with Masakatsu Funaki and S1 Mask^[
• Champion Carnival (2002, 2004, 2007)
• Giant Baba Six Man Cup (2002) – with George Hines and Kaz Hayashi
• January 2 Korakuen Hall Heavyweight Battle Royal (2011)
• January 3 Korakuen Hall Junior Heavyweight Battle Royal (2011)
• World's Strongest Tag Determination League (2001) – with Taiyō Kea
• World's Strongest Tag Determination League (2007) – with Joe Doering
• World's Strongest Tag Determination League (2009) – with Masakatsu Funaki

• Championship Wrestling from Florida
  • NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• Continental Wrestling Federation
  • NWA Southeastern United States Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• Jim Crockett Promotions/World Championship Wrestling
  • NWA World Television Championship (1 time)
  • WCW World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Vampiro
  • BattleBowl (1992)

• New Japan Pro Wrestling
  • IWGP Heavyweight Championship (4 times)
  • IWGP Tag Team Championship (6 times) – with Hiroshi Hase (2), Masahiro Chono (2), Shiro Koshinaka (1) and Taiyō Kea (1)
  • NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • Greatest 18 Championship (1 time)
  • G1 Climax (1995)
  • Super Grade Tag League/G1 Tag League (1993, 1994) – with Hiroshi Hase
  • G1 Tag League (1997) – with Masahiro Chono
  • G1 Tag League (1998) – with Satoshi Kojima
  • G1 Tag League (1999) – with Scott Norton
  • MVP Award (2001)
  • Singles Best Bout (2001) vs. Yuji Nagata on August 12
  • Tag Team Best Bout (2001) with Hiroshi Hase vs. Jun Akiyama and Yuji Nagata on October 8

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI ranked him #3 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2002
  • PWI ranked him #25 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003

• Tokyo Sports
  • Match of the Year (1999) with Genichiro Tenryu on May 3, 1999
  • Match of the Year (2011) with Kenta Kobashi vs. Takashi Iizuka and Toru Yano, All Together, August 27
  • Performance Award (1998)
  • Rookie of the Year (1986)
  • Special Award (1989)
  • Tag Team of the Year (1990) with Masahiro Chono
  • Tag Team of the Year (2005) with Akebono
  • Wrestler of the Year (1995, 1999, 2001, 2008)

• Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
  • Global Impact Tournament (2015) – with Team International (Angelina Love, Bram, Drew Galloway, The Great Sanada, Khoya, Magnus, Rockstar Spud, Sonjay Dutt and Tigre Uno)

• World Wrestling Council
  • WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • WWC World Television Championship (1 time)

• Wrestle-1
  • Wrestle-1 Championship (1 time)

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • Best Wrestling Maneuver (2001) Shining Wizard
  • Match of the Year (2001) vs. Genichiro Tenryu on June 8, Tokyo, Japan
  • Most Improved Wrestler (2001)
  • Wrestler of the Year (2001)
  • Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1999)
  • 5 Star Match (1987) with Shiro Koshinaka vs. Akira Maeda and Nobuhiko Takada on March 20

In Wrestling:

Finishing moves

• Figure-four leglock
• Moonsault
• Muta Lock – innovated
• Shining Wizard /Senkou Youjutsu – 2001–present; innovated

• Signature moves
• Asian mist
• Cradle piledriver
• Cross armbreaker
• Dragon screw
• Dragon suplex
• Dropkick, sometimes from the top rope or to an opponent's knees
• Flashing Elbow (Running twisting elbow drop)
• Frankensteiner
• Handspring back elbow
• Leaping clothesline
• Nenbutsu Powerbomb (Sitout powerbomb, with theatrics) – adopted from Hakushi
• Rib breaker
• Rope hung snap swinging neckbreaker
• Rolling savate kick
• Space Rolling Elbow (Cartwheel back elbow to a cornered opponent)
• Triangle choke

42. Jeff Hardy: The Charismatic Enigma. The Rainbow Haired Warrior. A Misunderstood Genius. These are all terms that perfectly describe none other than Jeff Hardy. Growing up, his inspirations were Ultimate Warrior and Shawn Michaels. Hardy made his debut in the WWF during 1994 as a teenager. During a match against Razor Ramon, Randy Savage said "Welcome to the big leagues kid". Even Gorilla Monsoon was commentating Jeff's earlier matches, which says a lot. Hardy cut his teeth in the business very early, along with his older brother Matt. After years as jobbers, Jeff and Matt changed their image from neon spandex to street clothes when they took on Michael Hayes as their manager. Jeff would dye his hair different colors, as he and Matt would take the WWF by storm as the Hardy Boyz at the height of the Attitude Era. At one point, they were part of Gangrel's brood, just like Edge & Christian. Soon, the Hardyz would develop a deep rivalry with E & C. Their first match together was a Ladder Match at No Mercy 1999. With E&C and The Dudley Boyz, Team Extreme would lead the charge for the explosion of the Tag Team Division. The Hardyz revolutionized the way that Ladders were used in their series of matches against The Dudleyz and E&C. Their Triangle Ladder Match at WrestleMania 2000 was the only redeeming match on an otherwise unorganized show. The stakes were raised even higher at Summerslam 2000 with the first ever Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match. With their tremendous success, the Hardyz were named the PWI "Tag Team of The Year" with the Triangle Ladder Match being "Match of the Year". The Hardyz reached their pinnacle with TLC II at WrestleMania X7. After gaining massive attention as a tag team star, Jeff would move on to compete for singles gold. Hardy defeated Triple H in an upset to become Intercontinental Champion. He would also defeat Jerry Lynn for the Light Heavyweight Title, and win the Hardcore Title twice by defeating Mike Awesome and Rob Van Dam on two different occasions during the Invasion Angle. During the Invasion, Jeff and Matt won the WCW Tag Team Titles. In early April 2002, the Hardy Boyz would feud with Brock Lesnar after Lesnar gave Matt the F-5 on the steel entrance ramp. This led to Jeff seeking revenge against him. At Backlash, Jeff had his first televised match against Brock. Lesnar won by knockout after dominating Hardy. The feud ended at Judgment Day, when Lesnar destroyed the Hardyz before tagging in Paul Heyman to pick up the win for the team. In July 2002, Jeff Hardy won his third Hardcore Title when he defeated Bradshaw. Jeff would later challenge The Undertaker for the Undisputed Championship in a Ladder Match on RAW. Jeff lost the match, but he ultimately earned the respect of The Undertaker. That helped his stock even more. Hardy continued to compete in singles competition as he defeated William Regal for the European Title. A few weeks later, Jeff was defeated by RVD when he unified the European and Intercontinental Championships. Shortly after the match, the European Championship was retired. Jeff would continue to make a name for himself on RAW, with a brief feud against Christian and a storyline with Shawn Michaels. Unfortunately, Jeff's personal problems started to hinder his growth as he would be released from WWE on April 22, 2003. However, Hardy would have his last match with none other than The Rock. The reason why Jeff was released, was because of his strange, erratic behavior, drug abuse, refusal to go to rehab, decline in his performance, along with tardiness and no-showing events. These problems have become the black eye to Jeff's legacy. In 2004, Jeff Hardy would make his debut in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). Hardy's debut match was against AJ Styles for the X Division Championship. He would later challenge Jeff Jarrett for the NWA Championship, but lose. During his first TNA Stint, Jeff would feud with the likes of Abyss, Raven, Bobby Roode, Rhyno and Sabu. However, Jeff's first TNA tenure was plagued by suspensions and no-shows. As a result, he was released in June 2006. On August 4, 2006, Jeff Hardy announced his return to the WWE. In the following weeks, vignettes would air to build anticipation for his return. On August 21, Jeff made his return to WWE on RAW. On the day of his return, Jeff received a push as he defeated WWE Champion Edge by DQ after Lita pulled Edge out of the ring. Hardy would trade the Intercontinental Title back and forth with Johnny Nitro. During the feud, Jeff became a three time IC Champion. Jeff would reunite with his brother Matt to capture the World Tag Team titles. Their opponents consisted of Rated-RKO, MNM and Cade & Murdoch. Hardy would also develop a respectful feud with Triple H to become the number one contender for the WWE Championship. Jeff would move into a personal feud with WWE Champion Randy Orton after he kicked Hardy's brother Matt in the head. Hardy would gain his revenge by nailing Orton with a Swanton Bomb on top of the RAW set as he seemed to have all of the momentum going into their Royal Rumble Match. However, Randy Orton would prevail. Jeff was named as one of the six participants in the Elimination Chamber at No Way Out. Hardy would be the final man eliminated by Triple H. On March 3, 2008, Jeff Hardy appeared on Chris Jericho's "Highlight Reel" during an episode of RAW. He ended up attacking Jericho. This led to an Intercontinental Title match the next week on RAW, as Hardy lost the belt to Jericho. Jeff had to drop the title, because of his off-screen suspension for 60 days after his second violation of the company's Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy. Hardy was also removed from the MITB Ladder Match at WrestleMania XXIV once the suspension had been announced. On May 12, Jeff returned on RAW to defeat Umaga. This reignited their rivalry, as Jeff defeated him in a Falls Count Anywhere Match at One Night Stand. At Armageddon, Jeff defeated Edge and Triple H for the WWE Championship, his first World Title. At the 2009 Royal Rumble, Jeff lost the title back to Edge after he was attacked by his brother Matt. This led to a match at WrestleMania XXV, where Jeff was defeated by Matt. Jeff would gain revenge by defeating his older in an "I Quit" Match at Backlash. At Extreme Rules, Jeff defeated Edge to become World Heavyweight Champion. However, CM Punk cashed in his MITB Briefcase as he defeated Hardy to win the title. The rivalry became personal when Punk verbally berated Jeff about his personal problems. Hardy received his rematch at The Bash, and won via DQ after Punk assaulted the referee. However, Punk retained the title. At Night Of Champions, Hardy defeated Punk to win the title for the second time. At Summerslam, Punk defeated Hardy in a TLC Match. Jeff Hardy and CM Punk had their final match on Smackdown (August 28) inside of a steel cage. Punk defeated Hardy, resulting in him being forced to leave WWE via storyline. Jeff would wave goodbye in real life as well, because he would resurface in TNA by 2010. When Jeff returned to TNA, he emerged as a heel. Hardy would join a stable called Immortal (led by Hulk Hogan) to feud with Fortune (led by Ric Flair). Hardy would become TNA World Heavyweight Champion, as he would customize the belt. However, Jeff's personal issues caught up with him again by 2011. After defeating Mr. Anderson in a ladder match to become champion, Jeff held the title for three weeks because he was in no condition to compete. As a result, he lost in a squash match to Sting. TNA would soon send Jeff home from the weekly Impact tapings. Immortal severed their ties with him. Later that year, Jeff would find his road to recovery. Upon his return, Jeff would feud with the likes of Bully Ray, Jeff Jarrett, Samoa Joe, Magnus and others. Jeff completed his "road to redemption" on October 14, 2011 at Bound for Glory by defeating Austin Aries for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. Hardy was named the PWI "Comeback of the Year" for 2012. Jeff would briefly wrestle under a strange gimmick named Willow during 2014. It was not received very well. Recently, Hardy has reunited with his brother Matt. On March 16, 2015 the Hardys won the vacant TNA World Tag Team Championship. However, they had to vacate the titles on May 8, following Jeff's broken leg from a dirt bike accident. Jeff Hardy has gone down in history as one of the most colorful and abstract stars in wrestling history. Had it not been for his issues, Jeff would be held in higher regard. Jeff Hardy has left an unforgettable imprint in the wrestling world.

Championships and Accomplishments:

National Championship Wrestling

• NCW Light Heavyweight Championship (4 times)

• New Dimension Wrestling
  • NDW Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • NDW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Matt Hardy

• New Frontier Wrestling Association
  • NFWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• North East Wrestling
  • NEW Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• NWA 2000
  • NWA 2000 Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Matt Hardy

• Organization of Modern Extreme Grappling Arts
  • OMEGA New Frontiers Championship (1 time)
  • OMEGA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • OMEGA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Matt Hardy

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • Comeback of the Year (2007, 2012)
  • Match of the Year (2000) with Matt Hardy vs. The Dudley Boyz and Edge and Christian in a Triangle Ladder match at WrestleMania 2000
  • Match of the Year (2001) with Matt Hardy vs. The Dudley Boyz and Edge and Christian in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match at WrestleMania X-Seven
  • Tag Team of the Year (2000) with Matt Hardy
  • PWI ranked him 7 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2013

• Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
  • TNA World Heavyweight Championship (3 times)
  • TNA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Matt Hardy
  • NWA World Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender Tournament (2004)
  • TNA World Heavyweight Championship Tournament (2010)
  • Bound for Glory Series (2012)
  • TNA World Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Tournament (2014) – with Matt Hardy
  • TNA World Cup of Wrestling (2015) – with Gunner, Davey Richards, Rockstar Spud, Crazzy Steve & Gail Kim

• Universal Wrestling Association
  • UWA World Middleweight Championship (1 time)

• World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
  • WCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Matt Hardy
  • World Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
  • WWE Championship (1 time)
  • WWE European Championship (1 time)
  • WWF/E Intercontinental Championship (4 times)
  • WWF Hardcore Championship (3 times)
  • WWF Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • WWF/E World Tag Team Championship (6 times) – with Matt Hardy
  • Terri Invitational Tournament – with Matt Hardy
  • Eleventh Grand Slam Champion
  • Eighteenth Triple Crown Champion
  • Slammy Award (two times)
    • Extreme Moment of the Year (2008, 2009) Swanton Bomb to Randy Orton from the top of the Raw set (Raw, January 14) – Jumping from ladder onto CM Punk at SummerSlam

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • Best Flying Wrestler (2000)
  • Feud of the Year (2009) vs. CM Punk

In Wrestling:

Finishing moves

• Reverse Twist of Fate (Inverted facelock neckbreaker slam) – rarely used
• Spine Line (Armlock cloverleaf) – OMEGA; used as a regular move in TNA and WWE^[270]
• Swanton Bomb/The Swanton (High-angle senton bomb)
• Twist of Fate/Twist of Hate (Front facelock dropped either into a cutter – WWF/E/TNA or a stunner – TNA)

• Signature moves
• Alley Oop facebuster
• Baseball slide
• Diving clothesline, sometimes from the barricade
• Double leg drop to an opponent's midsection
• Handspring Stinger splash
• Hardyac Arrest (Rope-aided corner dropkick)
• Mule kick
• One-man Poetry in Motion
• Plancha
• Positioned at the top rope or on another ladder, Hardy performs a diving leg drop or a splash after leapfrogging over a ladder
• Sitout inverted suplex slam
• Sitout jawbreaker
• Split leg pin
• Standing somersault leg drop
• Whisper in the Wind (Turnbuckle climb into a rebounded corkscrew senton to a standing opponent)

43. Batista: One of the typical prototypes and ideal images for Vince McMahon as a World Champion. David Batista came from being a bouncer here in Washington, DC to becoming one of the most decorated stars in WWE History. Dave got his start in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) in one of the most star studded rookie classes in WWE History. Batista was joined by the likes of Brock Lesnar, John Cena and Randy Orton. All four men would later enjoy World Title success on the main roster. In OVW, Dave used the name "Leviathan", as he battled each of them in that developmental system. OVW was the NXT of that time. Dave was even the OVW Heavyweight Champion. He would make his debut on the main roster in 2002. However, Batista's transition was not very smooth coming out of the gate. Like Cena and Orton, Dave found a tough learning curve in his debut. At the time, Brock Lesnar had the fastest road to success. Dave made his debut as Deacon Batista, the bodyguard to "Reverend" D-Von Dudley. At this time, Batista was floundering. In January 2003, Triple H and Ric Flair formed a Modern Day version of the Four Horsemen known as Evolution. Big Dave joined fellow OVW Alum Randy Orton in the faction that would turn their careers around. Triple H was in the Ric Flair position from 20 years before as the leader. The Game was the present of that time. Flair was the veteran mentor, as he represented the past. By this point, Flair was more like JJ Dillon. Meanwhile, Randy Orton was destined as the future of WWE. The Animal Batista was the enforcer of the group. Together, they formed the most dominant faction of this generation after DX and NWO. However, Batista was sidelined for much of 2003 after he tore his right triceps muscle at a RAW live event in a Tag Team match against the Dudley Boyz. While training after the injury, Batista reinjured his triceps, extending his time on the sidelines. On the October 20 episode of RAW, Batista made his return as he interfered in a match between Bill Goldberg and Shawn Michaels. Batista shattered Goldberg's knee with a chair. After the interference, Evolution came out as they rewarded Batista $100,000. On November 10, Goldberg defeated Batista by DQ after Triple H interfered. At Armageddon, Batista took part in two matches. First, he lost to Shawn Michaels in a singles match. Next, he teamed with Ric Flair to win a tag team turmoil match to win the World Tag Team Championships. The high point of Evolution came at the end of the night, when all four men stood together with Championship Gold. Triple H won the World Heavyweight Title from Goldberg. Randy Orton won the IC Title from RVD. Batista and Flair were Tag Champs. Flair and Big Dave held the titles until February 16, 2004 when they lost to Booker T and RVD on RAW. They later regained the belts for a short time. At Survivor Series, Triple H, Batista, Edge and Gene Snitsky were defeated by Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit and Maven in an 8-man elimination tag team match for control of RAW over the following month. The members of the winning team would each be the General Managers of RAW for a week. During the next two months, the relationship between Triple H and Batista would begin to deteriorate. Following a loss to Chris Jericho, Triple H started to verbally insult Batista. Batista left clues about leaving Evolution, but tricked everyone when he said that he would still be with the group. Despite the ploy, Batista started to behave more like a fan favorite which was contrary to Evolution's traditional villainous tactics. One particular moment came when Batista was disgusted at how Triple H and Ric Flair boasted about how they intimidated/beat up Jim Ross, Danny Hodge and Stacy Keibler. At the start of 2005, Triple H realized the possible threat that Batista would become to his World Heavyweight Title. As a result, he suggested that Dave not enter the Royal Rumble. Batista entered anyway, as he would be one of the last two men along with John Cena. After both Cena and Batista eliminated each other, Vince McMahon ran to the ring as he ordered the match to restart. When the match restarted, Batista clotheslined Cena over the top rope to win the Royal Rumble. From that point on, Dave was on fire. As the winner of the Royal Rumble, Batista had the choice of selecting what Championship he wanted to contend for at WrestleMania 21. He chose the World Heavyweight Championship. Triple H attempted to persuade Batista to chase after John "Bradshaw" Layfield's WWE Championship. The Game came up with a plan to have Batista run over in a limousine that resembled the one used by JBL. Batista caught on to The Game's tricks and signed a contract that guaranteed him a shot at the WHC at WrestleMania. Dave Batista was officially out of Evolution and became a fan favorite. At the contract signing, Batista initially pretended to sign with Smackdown, giving Triple H and Flair a playful "thumbs up". Afterwards, he turned it into a "thumbs down" as he attacked The Game and the Nature Boy. The Animal emphasized his departure from Evolution, as he drilled Triple H through the table with a "Batista Bomb". At WrestleMania 21, Batista cemented his place in the Main Event as he defeated Triple H with the Batista Bomb to become the new World Heavyweight Champion. Sports Journalist Dave Meltzer described Batista's match with Triple H as "the peak of one of WWE's best storylines in years". The match was the icing on the cake for a fantastic WrestleMania, because it was the perfect match to close out the show. WrestleMania 21 received 1.09 million pay-per-view buys worldwide-at the time, it was the highest ever number of buys for any non-boxing pay-per-view. WrestleMania 21 was the pinnacle PPV of that year. It was a great moment to see a fellow Washingtonian win the Championship on that stage. Coming out of WrestleMania 21, Batista had established incredible firepower and more momentum than John Cena. The Animal finished his rivalry with The Game by winning the rematch at Backlash, and winning the Hell In A Cell match at Vengeance. With this win, Batista became the first wrestler to pin Triple H inside of the cell. On June 30, Batista was revealed as the last pick of the 2005 WWE Draft Lottery as he was drafted by Smackdown. Batista made his surprise appearance when JBL was celebrating his six-man elimination match victory. JBL defeated Batista by DQ at The Great American Bash when the referee saw Dave use a steel chair. At Summerslam 2005 in Washington, DC the hometown hero Batista defeated JBL in a No Holds Barred Match to retain the World Heavyweight Title when he gave Layfield the Batista Bomb on the steel stairs. As fans, we were happy to witness DC Dave retain the title. The feud culminated in a Bull Rope Match, as Batista retained the championship once again. Shortly after retaining the title in a feud with Eddie Guerrero, WWE.com reported that Batista suffered a muscle tear in his back during taping for the November 11 episode of Smackdown, when he received a double chokeslam from Big Show and Kane. Plans were made for Batista to defend the title in a Triple Threat Match against Randy Orton and Eddie Guerrero on November 18. However, those plans would soon change following the unexpected death of Eddie Guerrero on November 13, the day of the taping. Batista paid homage to Guerrero during the RAW and Smackdown tribute shows. At Survivor Series, Batista led Team Smackdown to victory over Team RAW in the traditional inter-brand elimination match. Leading into Survivor Series, Big Show and Kane would chokeslam Batista several more times in the weeks leading up to the match. After Batista saved Rey Mysterio from Kane and Big Show, it was announced that Mysterio would team up with him at Armageddon. On the December 16 episode of Smackdown, Batista and Rey defeated MNM to win the WWE Tag Team Championships. This would make Dave a double champion, as the clash with Big Show & Kane would become a Champions vs. Champions encounter. Dave & Rey would ultimately lose the titles to Show & Kane. Two weeks later, MNM defeated Batista & Mysterio after interference from Mark Henry. Towards the end of the year, Mark would be a thorn in Batista's side. 2005 marked a flagship year for DC Dave. That year, PWI awarded Batista the "Wrestler of the Year" and "Most Improved Wrestler of the Year" Awards. He was also ranked #1 in the PWI 500 for 2005. His feud with Triple H was named "Feud of the Year" by Wrestling Observer Newsletter (WON). However, Batista's wave of success would be put on hold as the new year of 2006 came in. On January 9, WWE.com announced that Batista tore his right triceps during a match with Mark Henry at a live event on January 6. Due to his injury, Batista was forced to vacate the World Heavyweight Championship at Smackdown on January 13, two days after surpassing Triple H's previous mark of 280 days as the longest reigning champion. He considered Mark Henry to be careless about injuring his arm. Batista underwent successful arm surgery on January 12. At No Way Out, Batista made an appearance as he announced that he would return to regain the World Heavyweight Title once his arm healed. At WrestleMania 22, Batista put the crowd on notice again as he said that the WHC would return to him by WrestleMania 23. On July 7, Batista made his official return to Smackdown when he called out Mark Henry. At Saturday Night's Main Event, Batista, Mysterio and Bobby Lashley won a 6-man tag match over King Booker, Finlay and Mark Henry. Batista and Henry were scheduled for a match at The Great American Bash. However, Mark himself would be sidelined with an injury. Batista would go on a quest to win a world championship, as he faced ECW Champion Big Show at Summerslam, and WHC King Booker on Smackdown. Batista won the Summerslam match, but not the title as the contests ended in DQ meaning King Booker retained the title. This would lead into a feud with Batista and King Booker, as Booker would plot different ways to turn The Animal away. Finally, Batista dethroned King Booker at Survivor Series to regain the World Heavyweight Crown. Ironically, Batista recaptured the title in the same arena where he surrendered the title from his injury in January. Talk about full circle. Batista kept his word to the fans, as he would head into WrestleMania 23 as the Champion. At WrestleMania 23, The Animal Batista lost the WHC to The Undertaker. I consider this to be the best match of Batista's career. The Animal and The Deadman continued to battle over the title to a stalemate in a Last Man Standing Match at Backlash. Their steel cage match on Smackdown (May 11) also ended in a draw, as Undertaker would retain the title. Following the cage match, Edge would cash in his MITB Contract as he defeated Taker to win the World Heavyweight Title. This would lead to a feud between Batista and Edge over the WHC. Batista would unsuccessfully challenge Edge for the title at Judgment Day, One Night Stand (Steel Cage Match), and a Last Chance Match at Vengeance: Night of Champions. The stipulation for the Vengeance match was that Batista could no longer contend for the title as long as Edge was the champion. It would not last long, as Edge would relinquish the title from his own injury as Dave did before. The Great Khali would be crowned champion as a result of Edge's injury. Batista accepted Khali's challenge at the Great American Bash. Khali won the WHC in a Battle Royal, when he last eliminated Batista. At the GAB, The Great Khali defeated Batista and Kane in a Triple Threat Match to retain the title. At Summerslam, Batista won by DQ, but Khali retained the title. After eight straight attempts, Batista finally won his third World Heavyweight Title at Unforgiven when he defeated Khali and Rey Mysterio in a Triple Threat Match. Dave retained the title at No Mercy in a Punjabi Prison Match. After The Undertaker's return at Unforgiven, Batista reignited his feud with The Phenom at Cyber Sunday. The fans chose Stone Cold Steve Austin as the Special Guest Referee. Batista defeated Taker with multiple Batista Bombs to retain the title. The Animal was named "Superstar of the Year", as his feud with Undertaker won "Feud of the Year" for Wrestling Observer. By 2008, Batista would feud with Shawn Michaels after HBK retired Ric Flair. Batista and Chris Jericho each called Shawn a liar for faking a knee injury. Dave defeated Shawn Michaels in a Stretcher match at Backlash. In August, Batista would become a four time Tag Team Champion when he won the titles with John Cena. However, their tandem would soon dissolve as they would feud with each other. Batista defeated Cena at Summerslam. At Cyber Sunday (10/26/2008), Batista defeated Chris Jericho for his fourth World Heavyweight Championship. Unfortunately, his reign as champion would only last eight days. Jericho regained the title in a Steel Cage Match on a special three hour episode of RAW (back when they still had two hour shows). Batista would then feud with former Evolution partner Randy Orton. During this feud, he would defeat Orton for his first WWE Championship. By 2010, Batista would finally feud with John Cena. The Animal went into the feud as the WWE Champion, and displayed a great edgy side of himself as a heel. At WrestleMania XXVI, John Cena defeated The Animal to recapture the WWE Championship. Batista would then take a hiatus until 2014. In January 2014, Batista returned to win the Royal Rumble. Unfortunately, he received a firestorm of backlash and hatred from the fans. WWE thought that Batista would be the box office draw that The Rock was when he made his return in 2011. However, everything backfired for Dave and the higher ups of WWE as he could not compete with the wave of Daniel Bryan's "YES" Movement. At WrestleMania XXX, Batista was in the Main Event of a Triple Threat Match with Randy Orton and Daniel Bryan. Bryan became the WWE/World Heavyweight Champion when he made The Animal tap out to the Yes Lock. Following WrestleMania, Triple H would reform Evolution with Orton and Batista. Evolution would feud with their successors, The Shield for two straight Pay Per Views. The Shield would defeat the Three Future Hall of Famers in both Pay Per Views (Extreme Rules, Payback). DC Dave would make another exit from WWE to film "Guardians of the Galaxy". Within the span of at least 8-9 years in WWE, Batista has built a very impressive resume. Like his teammates in Evolution (Triple H, RKO, Flair) Batista will eventually have more than one Hall of Fame Induction. One for his individual career, and another for his run with Evolution. Dave Batista has done enough to not only be a future Hall of Famer, but to be named among the top 50 in wrestling history.

• Ohio Valley Wrestling
  • OVW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (2005)
  • PWI Wrestler of the Year (2005)
  • PWI ranked him #1 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2005

• World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
  • World Heavyweight Championship (4 times)
  • World Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Ric Flair (2) and John Cena (1)
  • WWE Championship (2 times)
  • WWE Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Rey Mysterio
  • Royal Rumble (2005, 2014)
  • WWE Superstar of the Year (2007)

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • Feud of the Year (2005) vs. Triple H
  • Feud of the Year (2007) vs. The Undertaker

44. Big Show: This man is the largest athlete in the world. His name is often linked with Andre The Giant, because of the attraction that they create from their size. This man is also the most decorated Big Man in history in terms of championships, as he is the only wrestler to ever win the WCW WHC (World Heavyweight Championship), WWF/E Heavyweight Championship, ECW World Championship and the World Heavyweight Title. The Big Show is also the only Big Man to win the United States, Intercontinental and Hardcore Championships, as he has become the 24th Triple Crown Winner and 13th Grand Slam Champion. Big Show has enjoyed a tremendous stream of championship success, and has been an impactful player from the start. Paul Wight first made his mark in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1995, when he was billed as "the son of Andre The Giant". Appropriately, Wight would simply be named "The Giant". Eric Bischoff, Kevin Sullivan and others in charge of WCW made him the up to date clone of Andre. The Giant had the black singlet with one strap just like Andre. He was a man of few words as well. The only difference was that the Giant was slightly more agile than Andre. Other than that, I firmly believed that he was really Andre's son. The Giant was first introduced as a member of Kevin Sullivan's Dungeon of Doom. In his professional wrestling debut, The Giant defeated Hulk Hogan at Halloween Havoc (10/29/1995) to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship via Disqualification (thanks to Jimmy Hart's interference). The pre-match stipulation was that the title would change hands even in disqualification. However, The Giant was stripped of the title a week later due to the controversial finish of the match. The Giant tried to regain the title at World War 3, but was stopped by Hogan who helped Randy Savage win the vacant title. The Giant teamed with Ric Flair to defeat Hogan and Savage at Clash of the Champions XXXII, but was defeated by Hogan in decisive fashion in a cage match at SuperBrawl VI. After a brief feud with Loch Ness, The Giant won the WCW WHC by defeating Ric Flair. The Giant would soon move away from the Dungeon of Doom. After Hollywood Hogan formed the New World Order (nWo), he defeated The Giant at Hog Wild for the WCW World Heavyweight Title after interference from Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. Twenty-three days later, The Giant joined the NWO, citing Ted DiBiase's money as his main motivation, as he would feud with the Four Horsemen. On December 30, 1996, The Giant was kicked out of the NWO after asking Hogan for a match for the World Heavyweight Championship. He would fight against the NWO with Sting and Luger, as he would win the WCW Tag Team Championship twice. By 1997, The Giant started a feud with Kevin Nash, who constantly dodged him, even to the point of not appearing for a scheduled match at Starrcade. At WCW Souled Out in 1998, Giant and Nash finally met in the ring. During the match, Kevin Nash accidentally broke the Giant's neck when he botched a Jackknife Powerbomb. When Kevin left the NWO to form the Wolfpac, The Giant rejoined the original NWO to feud with Nash and his new group. While back with the NWO, the Giant won two more tag titles (one with Sting as an unwilling partner, the other with Scott Hall). On October 11, 1998, Goldberg defeated The Giant in a No-DQ Match on Nitro. In a show of strength, Goldberg delivered a delayed-vertical suplex before drilling The Giant with a Jackhammer. In January 1999, NWO Hollywood and the Wolfpac merged again. Once that happened, Hogan declared that there would be room for only one "Giant" in the group. This led to a match between Nash and The Giant. Nash defeated The Giant followed by a run-in from Scott Hall and Eric Bischoff. To signify his exile from the group, the Giant was attacked by the entire NWO. On the "Building An Army" episode of the Monday Night War on the WWE Network, Big Show states that he was only making 1/6th or 1/7th of what the main eventers were making and his salary never increased after he made his request to Eric Bischoff. Talk about a ripoff. Even though Wight was in the main event picture, he was treated no differently than the wrestlers on the undercard like the Cruiserweights. As a result, Wight allowed his WCW contract to expire on February 8, 1999 (His 27th Birthday). Great Birthday present. The next day, Paul Wight signed a ten-year contract with the World Wrestling Federation. At St. Valentine's Day Massacre (2/14/1999), Paul Wight made his debut as he ripped through the mat to interfere in the Cage Match between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vince McMahon. Wight attacked Austin and threw him at the cage. However, the cage swung open allowing Stone Cold to win. Wight would be introduced as McMahon's enforcer. Not long after, Paul Wight would be named "The Big Show". Big Show was the first young WCW star that Vince McMahon would sign during the Monday Night War. Vince was impressed by his size, and wanted to make him into something special. McMahon was going in the opposite direction of Bischoff. Eric pushed the older stars. Vince wanted to push younger, less established stars. Vince wanted to ensure that his Corporate Champion The Rock would retain his title at WrestleMania, so he had Show wrestle Mankind at WrestleMania XV for the spot of special referee. However, Mankind won by DQ after Big Show incapacitated him. As a result, Mankind would be the guest referee for the Austin/Rock Main Event that night as Stone Cold regained the title. McMahon was so furious that he slapped Wight. Big Show retaliated by punching Vince. Show concluded his feud with Mankind in a Boiler Room Brawl, where Foley won. Big Show would later turn face and join Mankind as a member of the Union to feud against the Corporate Ministry. On May 10, Big Show faced Undertaker's manager Paul Bearer. On June 10, Big Show challenged Undertaker for the WWF Championship. During the match, Undertaker attempted his flying clothesline from the top rope. Instead, Big Show caught him and delivered a chokeslam so devastating that Taker crashed through the ring mat. As a result, the referee had to stop the match as Taker retained the WWF Title. He would then turn heel and join The Undertaker as part of his alliance. Together, Big Show and Taker won two WWF World Tag Team Championships. Once Taker was sidelined with injuries, Big Show turned face to feud with Big Boss Man. When it was announced that Big Show's father was terminally ill with cancer, Boss Man sent one of his crooked police colleagues to inform Show of his father's death. Boss Man proceeded to mock Show's tearful reaction. Several weeks later, when it was announced that Big Show's father had passed away (His father really died years before), Boss Man recited an offensive poem as he interrupted the ten-bell salute. Later, Boss Man invaded the funeral when he tied a chain to the coffin to the Blues Brothers Bluesmobile to tow it away with Big Show still holding on. At Surivor Series, Big Show defeated Big Boss Man, Mideon, Prince Albert and Viscera in a 4-on-1 elimination match. Later that night, Show took Stone Cold's place in the Triple Threat Match for the WWF Championship which featured The Rock and Triple H. Big Show pinned Triple H to win his first WWF Championship. At Armageddon 1999, Show concluded his feud with Boss Man when he defeated him to retain his WWF Title. On January 3, 2000, Triple H defeated Big Show on RAW to regain the WWF Title. Show entered the Royal Rumble to earn the number one contender spot for WrestleMania. In the process, Show would turn heel by antagonizing The Rock. Rocky would insult Big Show about his new haircut. The Rock won the Rumble when he last eliminated Show. Wight was convinced that he won, and he showed a video tape where Rock's feet hit the ground first. Show was then given a match against The Rock at No Way Out for a shot for the title at WrestleMania. Big Show defeated him with interference from Shane McMahon. In an act of desperation, Rock agreed to a match with Big Show on March 13 (if Rock won, he would be in a Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania. If he lost, he would retire). Shane appointed himself as the special guest referee. However, The Rock won after Vince McMahon attacked Shane. Vince would reveal his own referee shirt, as he made the three count on The Rock's behalf. Then, we get to the mess called The Main Event of WrestleMania 2000. The Match was a Fatal Four Way for the WWF Championship. Triple H vs. The Rock vs. Big Show vs. Mick Foley. There were too many storylines involved. Foley wanted revenge against The Game for making him retire. As a result, Linda McMahon reinstated him. Big Show and The Rock already agreed to a Triple Threat, because of their feud. To make things even worse, a McMahon was in each corner. Stephanie supported Triple H. Vince supported The Rock. Shane supported Big Show. Linda supported Mick Foley. Show was the first to be eliminated from the match, as Triple H would defeat The Rock in the end to retain the title. After WrestleMania, Big Show started a new gimmick where he would imitate different wrestlers from Rikishi, Val Venis, Hulk Hogan and others. Shane McMahon voiced his displeasure in Show's actions. As a result, Show turned heel. At Judgment Day, Shane defeated Big Show in a Falls Count Anywhere Match. Shane O' Mac climbed the Beanstock to defeat The Giant. After The Undertaker threw Big Show off of a stage through a table, he was removed from WWF Television for the remainder of the year. Big Show was considered to be overweight, and was sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling to lose weight and improve his cardiovascular fitness (so he would not get blown up easily). Show returned at the 2001 Royal Rumble, but was eliminated by The Rock just like the year before. Angered by his elimination, Big Show chokeslammed The Rock through the announcer's table. He would then compete for the Hardcore Title, where he lost to Kane in a Triple Threat match that included Maven at WrestleMania X7. During the Invasion angle, Big Show remained loyal to the WWF in their dominance over WCW/ECW. Shortly after WrestleMania X8, Big Show turned heel after he chokeslammed Stone Cold Steve Austin during a tag team match against X-Pac and Scott Hall. Show later joined the NWO. At Judgment Day, Big Show and Flair were defeated by Austin in a Handicap Match. When Kevin Nash was sidelined from an injury, the NWO disbanded. When the NWO dissolved, Big Show had little success as he lost to Booker T, Jeff Hardy and The Dudley Boyz. In late 2002, Big Show was traded to Smackdown, where he immediately challenged Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship. Surpisingly, Big Show defeated Lesnar at Survivor Series for the WWE Championship after Heyman turned on Brock. Big Show was now a two-time WWE Champion. At Armageddon, he would lose the title to Kurt Angle. At the Royal Rumble, Show lost a qualifying match to Brock Lesnar. Big Show would briefly feud with Undertaker. At WrestleMania XIX, Show and A-Train lost a handicap match to Taker. Big Show renewed his feud with Lesnar, as they had four matches for the WWE Title (including a stretcher match at Judgment Day). However, Big Show was unsuccessful in each match. The defining moment of their feud took place on an episode of Smackdown, where Brock superplexed Big Show, causing the ring to implode. In the destruction, two ring posts moved, and three rows of ropes came down. Obviously the match stopped, as the referee called for EMT's, medics, more refs, and trainers. At No Mercy, Big Show defeated Eddie Guerrero for the United States Championship and later formed an alliance with Brock Lesnar. At the 2004 Royal Rumble, Big Show was last eliminated by Chris Benoit. Big Show and Lesnar's allegiance ended before WrestleMania XX, as Brock would make his departure after the event. At WrestleMania XX, Big Show lost the U.S. Championship to John Cena. At one point, Big Show took a departure from WWE in a form of a "retirement". He resurfaced and was much more motivated. At WrestleMania XXIV, Big Show enjoyed his greatest mainstream success when he was Knocked Out by Floyd Mayweather, Jr. At WrestleMania XXV, Show was part of a Triple Threat Match for the WHC that involved Edge and John Cena. Cena became champion after he gave Show & Edge the AA. Show would help Edge defeat Cena to regain the WHC at Backlash. Throughout his career, Big Show would find new found success as an ECW Champion, a Tag Champion with Kane, a Unified Tag Champion with Chris Jericho (Jerishow), and two World Title runs in a feud with Mark Henry. Show would also win the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania XXVIII by defeating Cody Rhodes. He also has five Slammy Awards, and has won the Andre The Giant Memorial Trophy. Show has also been a major part of the Authority storyline. The biggest knock against Big Show would be the number of heel and face turns that he has had over his career. There are times where he does show versatility, but fans lose interest when they lose count of the times that he has made turns. His overexposure has diminished the value he could have as a rare attraction along the likes of Andre The Giant. However, he has also helped elevate younger talent such as Roman Reigns. When the time comes, Big Show will take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame.

Championships and Accomplishments:

 •Pro Wrestling Illustrated ◦Rookie of the Year (1996)

 ◦Wrestler of the Year (1996)

 ◦PWI ranked him 2 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the year in the PWI 500 in 1996

•World Championship Wrestling ◦WCW World Heavyweight Championship (2 times)

 ◦WCW World Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Lex Luger (1), Sting (1), and Scott Hall (1)

 ◦King of Cable (1996)

 ◦World War 3 (1996)

•World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE ◦ECW World Championship (1 time)

 ◦World Heavyweight Championship (2 times)

 ◦WWE Intercontinental Championship (1 time)

 ◦WWE Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Chris Jericho (1), The Miz (1) and Kane (1)

 ◦WWE United States Championship (1 time)

 ◦WWF/E Championship (2 times)

 ◦WWF Hardcore Championship (3 times)

 ◦WWF/E (World) Tag Team Championship (5 times) – with The Undertaker (2), Kane (1), Chris Jericho (1) and The Miz (1)

 ◦24th Triple Crown Champion

 ◦13th Grand Slam Champion

 ◦Andre the Giant Memorial Trophy (2015)

 ◦2010 Bragging Rights Trophy – as a member of Team SmackDown (with Rey Mysterio, Alberto Del Rio, Jack Swagger, Edge, Tyler Reks, and Kofi Kingston)

 ◦Slammy Awards (5 times) ■Tag Team of the Year (2009) – with Chris Jericho

 ■Holy $#!+ Move of the Year (2011) – with Mark Henry

 ■Betrayal of the Year (2012) – Knocking out John Cena at Over the Limit

 ■"This is Awesome" Moment of the Year (2013) – Knocking out Triple H on Raw

 ■Match of the Year (2014) – Team Cena vs. Team Authority at Survivor Series

•Wrestling Observer Newsletter ◦Rookie of the Year (1996)

In Wrestling:

•Finishing moves •Chokeslam

 •Showstopper (Inverted leg drop bulldog)

 •Colossal Clutch (Camel clutch)

 •Final Cut (Spinning headlock elbow drop)

 •Cobra clutch backbreaker, sometimes followed by a spin-out cobra clutch slam

 •KO Punch/WMD – Weapon of Mass Destruction (Right-handed knockout hook)

•Signature moves ◦Abdominal stretch

 ◦Back kick, as a counter to an oncoming opponent

 ◦Bearhug

 ◦Big boot

 ◦Corner slingshot splash

 ◦Diving elbow drop

 ◦Elbow drop

 ◦Fallaway powerbomb

 ◦Headbutt

 ◦Military press slam

 ◦Open-handed chop to a cornered opponent's chest, with theatrics

 ◦Running senton

 ◦Sidewalk slam

 ◦Spear

 ◦Vertical suplex

45. Kane: Once upon a time, this man was one of the most feared Giants in the WWF/E. He is still recognized as one of the greatest big men of all-time. From the Big Red Machine to Monster, to Corporate Puppet. Kane is one of the most enduring figures in the world of wrestling. Before becoming the Big Red Machine, Glen Jacobs struggled with cartoon gimmicks like the evil dentist Dr. Isaac Yankem, DDS. Following the departure of Diesel and Razor Ramon, he became "Fake Diesel". When those ideas failed, he stayed under the surface for most of 1997 waiting to be repackaged for something that would change his career for the better. Throughout that year, Mankind had Paul Bearer as his manager. At April 1997's IYH: Revenge of the 'Taker, The Undertaker launched a fireball in the face of his former manager Paul Bearer, who unsuccessfully attempted to help Mankind win the WWF Championship. On May 12, Paul Bearer was reintroduced with his face heavily bandaged from the burns. Bearer would later reveal Undertaker's "biggest secret" during his cryptic interview. He compared the fire that Taker burned his face with to a fire that happened during Undertaker's childhood. Paul tried to reunite with Undertaker. When Taker refused, Bearer started tormenting him by telling him that his long-lost brother Kane was coming to the WWF. In the months leading to Kane's debut, Bearer implied that Undertaker killed his family by starting a fire at their funeral home, except for Kane who was left physically and mentally scarred. At Badd Blood 1997, Undertaker battled Shawn Michaels in the first ever Hell In A Cell Match. As Taker was ready to finish off a crimson faced Michaels, Kane made his arrival by ripping the cell door. Kane proceeded to nail Undertaker with The Tombstone Piledriver, costing him the match. To stay true to the origin story, Kane wore a red & black mask to cover his disfigured face along with long hair. He also had red & black ring attire to match with his mask. The design symbolized fire & brimstone. Kane won his first match against Mankind at Survivor Series. Throughout 1998, Undertaker and Kane would have a highly intense feud. At first, Kane would attack random wrestlers like Ahmed Johnson, Dude Love, Flash Funk and others. Initially, Undertaker refused to fight his brother. After a very brief partnership, Kane betrayed his brother when he cost him the WWF Championship. At the 1998 Royal Rumble, Undertaker wrestled Shawn Michaels in a Casket Match for the WWF Title. HBK won after Kane's interference, just like at Badd Blood '97. Following the match, Kane and Paul Bearer moved the Casket to the entrance. From there, Kane poured gasoline, and set it on fire as Undertaker was still inside. This was finally enough to provoke Undertaker's wrath for him to fight Kane at WrestleMania XIV. At WM XIV, Undertaker defeated his younger brother with Three Tombstone Piledrivers. Undertaker defeated Kane again at Unforgiven in the first Inferno Match. The highlight of the match was when Undertaker attacked Kane and an interfering Vader by jumping over the ropes surrounded by fire. Kane would lose by having his arm set on fire. After defeating Undertaker for a shot at the WWF Title, Kane defeated Stone Cold Steve Austin at the 1998 King of the Ring to become WWF Champion. The stipulation was first blood, so he obviously won. The next night, Austin won the title back in a rematch. Kane formed a brief tag team with Mankind, where they captured the WWF World Tag Team Titles twice. After losing the belts, Kane turned on Mankind. Kane would briefly team with his brother in an early version of the legendary "Brothers of Destruction". They fought each other for the vacant WWF Championship at Judgment Day, as the match ended in a no contest. During the match, Undertaker betrayed Kane for Paul Bearer. The tables were turned, as Kane turned face while Taker turned heel. Kane & Undertaker met in the quarter finals of the Survivor Series "Deadly Games" Tournament for the vacant WWF Championship. Undertaker eliminated him. At Rock Bottom: In Your House, Kane interfered in the Buried Alive Match between Austin and Undertaker, by attacking Taker. As a result, The Corporation had Kane sent to an Insane Asylum. In December 1998, Kane would join The Corporation to stay out of the Asylum. He would later be betrayed by the faction. Shortly afterward, Kane formed a tag team with X-Pac. This is the first time where Kane was "humanized" in the WWF. While teaming with X-Pac, Kane acquired Tori as his girlfriend. Kane evolved from being a mute to speaking with the aid of an electrolarynx. He also became associated with D-Generation-X, because of his partnership with X-Pac. The most famous moment of their time together was when Kane used the voicebox to say "S*ck It". Together, they were two time WWF World Tag Team Champions. Their time as a team would end when X-Pac turned on Kane. To make matters worse, Tori would also turn her back on Kane. The feud would end at WrestleMania 2000, where Kane teamed with Rikishi to defeat X-Pac and Road Dogg. Not long after WrestleMania, Kane suffered a hand injury that would sideline him for a month. When Kane returned in May 2000, he helped The Rock and Undertaker fight off the McMahon-Helmsley faction. The Undertaker-Kane rivalry slightly resurfaced, but they patched things up. Later, Kane assaulted the Undertaker as he turned heel. This led to a match at Summerslam. The match ended as Undertaker removed Kane's mask, causing the Big Red Monster to run away covering his face. Kane remained in contention for the WWF Championship during his feud with Chris Jericho. Kane defeated Jericho at Survivor Series and again at Rebellion. Y2J would ultimately defeat him at Armageddon in a Last Man Standing Match. In early 2001, Kane turned face again when he reformed his alliance with Undertaker immediately before the Royal Rumble. That night, Kane set a then-record for the Rumble, with 11 eliminations in one night. He finished as the last person eliminated by Steve Austin. That year, Kane would win various championships as he competed for the Intercontinental, Hardcore and Tag Team Titles. Kane officially became the Third Grand Slam Champion in WWE History. During the Invasion, Undertaker and Kane's alliance was stronger than ever as The Brothers of Destruction laid waste to the opposing Tag Teams from the Dudleyz, to Kronik to DDP & Kanyon. BOD (Brothers of Destruction) would also win the WCW World Tag Team Titles as they helped Team WWF Conquer The Alliance in the Winner-Take-All Match at Survivor Series. In 2002, Kane would have various feuds with Big Show and Kurt Angle. This is when Kane would start to wear the half-mask (a mask that showed his mouth). He would also win the Tag Titles with The Hurricane. In September, Kane defeated Chris Jericho for the Intercontinental Championship despite interference from Triple H and Ric Flair. In October 2002, Kane started feuding with Triple H, which led to a title-unification match at No Mercy. In the weeks leading up to the match, Triple H revealed that Kane had an unrequited relationship (one-sided) with a young woman named Katie Vick years earlier. This became the most disgusting segment and the Worst Feud for not only Kane, but Triple H as well. It was without question the Worst Feud of the Year, and worst of all-time. Triple H claimed that Kane had sex with Katie after she was killed in a car crash. Triple H even threatened to show the video footage of Kane committing the act of Necrophilia. The footage showed Triple H wearing Kane's mask as he mocked the act of having sex with a mannequin inside of a casket. He portrayed himself as Kane having sex with a dead body. It was later revealed that Triple H had an enema in the casket. This blemish tainted the entire feud. Triple H would defeat Kane at No Mercy, making him the World Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion. Since that time, neither man acknowledges this part of their careers. WWE has also pretended that this never happened. It was highly unpopular, as I would like to move on myself. Kane would later win the Tag Team Titles with Rob Van Dam. After losing the titles at Badd Blood, Triple H offered Kane a spot in Evolution. RAW Co-GM Stone Cold Steve Austin offered Kane a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship if he rejected the offer from Triple H. Co-GM Eric Bischoff insisted that Kane remove his mask if he lost to Triple H. Helmsley won the match thanks to his stablemates, causing Kane to remove the mask. He then turned heel and chokeslamed RVD, and defeated him at Summerslam. The unmasking made Kane emotionally unstable. During an interview with Jim Ross, Kane attacked JR and set him on fire. He went even further by attacking Linda McMahon on stage. This sparked a feud with Shane McMahon. The Big Red Monster would defeat Shane in a Last Man Standing Match at Unforgiven and an ambulance match at Survivor Series. Later that night at Survivor Series, Kane interfered in the Buried Alive Match between Undertaker and Vince McMahon. He helped Vince defeat Taker, causing the feud with his brother to rekindle. At Armageddon, Kane was part of the Triple Threat World Heavyweight Title match involving Goldberg and Triple H, where The Cerebral Assassin won. At the Royal Rumble, Kane was eliminated after he heard the bell from Undertaker's music. This was leading up to Taker's return match at WrestleMania XX, where he defeated the Big Red Monster for the second time. After WM XX, Kane would be involved in a Love Triangle involving Lita and Matt Hardy. He would also win a battle royal to face Chris Benoit for the WHC at Backlash. Benoit retained the title. Kane was involved in a horrible storyline where he "impregnated" Lita. He claimed that his action would continue his legacy, and he justified a vicious attack on Shawn Michaels by saying that Shawn was standing in the way of him becoming World Champion. Kane defeated Matt Hardy in a "Till Death Do Us Part" Match at Summerslam, allowing him to "marry" Lita. He would also move into a feud with Gene Snitsky before taking time off for the movie "See No Evil". Kane was involved in the first Money In The Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania 21, where Edge would win to become the Number One Contender for a World Title Shot. Kane would then feud with Edge after Lita turned on him. The feud would end after Edge defeated Kane in a Stretcher Match on RAW (7/25/2005). Throughout 2005 and 2006, Kane would form a team with The Big Show, and have a cryptic storyline surrounding "May 19" (the date of his movie release). Upon his return, he faced Big Show for the ECW Title, but lost. On October 9, 2006, Kane lost a "Loser Leave Raw" Match to Umaga. On October 13, Kane made his debut on Smackdown, where he reunited with The Undertaker to reform The Brothers of Destruction. On Smackdown, Kane would feud with the likes of MVP, Great Khali, and King Booker to name a few. At WrestleMania 23, Kane slammed Khali as a tribute to Hulk Hogan slamming Andre The Giant. From 2007 to 2008, Kane would join ECW where he would become a 1-time ECW Champion. He would lose the title to Mark Henry in a Triple Threat Match at Night of Champions. Kane would move back to RAW, where he would contend for the WHC. He would feud with the likes of Edge, CM Punk as well as Rey Mysterio. He defeated Great Khali in a Singapore Cane Match at Breaking Point. Kane was also the Co-Captain of Team Smackdown with Chris Jericho as they defeated Team RAW at Bragging Rights. Kane would also defeat Jack Swagger to become World Heavyweight Champion. Kane would successfully defend at Summerslam against Mysterio and Night Of Champions against Undertaker. The Big Red Monster would lose his WHC at TLC: Tables, Ladders, and Chairs to Edge in a fatal four way that also included Rey Mysterio and Alberto Del Rio. During 2011, Kane would team with Santino Marella and Kofi Kingston to defeat The Core. By the end of the year, he would put the mask back on. In 2012, Kane feuded with John Cena. In the process, he attacked Cena's "friend" Zack Ryder (this was the demise of Ryder's career). Kane told Cena to "Embrace The Hate" instead of "Rise Above The Hate". At Elimination Chamber, Cena defeated Kane in an Ambulance match to end the feud. Kane would feud with Randy Orton, believing that it would make him feel like a monster again. He defeated Orton at WrestleMania XXVIII. Orton ended the feud by defeating him at Extreme Rules. Kane would then be involved in the tangled love storyline involving CM Punk, Daniel Bryan and AJ Lee. When that was over, Kane would become even more of a cartoon by teaming with Bryan as a member of "Team Hell No". Together, they would win the World Tag Team Titles. Their time together would end, when Kane joined the newly formed stable "The Authority". From this point, Kane has become a shell of what he once was. His name value and character value have greatly diminished as he has become a 7-foot stooge. He is no different than what Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco and Sgt. Slaughter were for Vince McMahon. Not only has Kane been overly humanized, but he has become a laughingstock. As a member of the Authority, Kane has become dead weight to the product, much like Big Show. He is an absolute eyesore in matches and segments. Instead of enhancing the product or being a special feature, Kane lowers the value of the storylines that he is in. Kane is a future Hall of Famer, but there is nothing about him to be taken seriously anymore. Without Undertaker, Kane is a 7-foot Mid Carder. Undertaker without Kane is still a highly valuable player with a Main Event level career. In the end, Kane still has the most Royal Rumble eliminations all-time with 40. He is still the eighth Triple Crown Champion, and one of the most accomplished Giants in Wrestling History.

Championships and Accomplishments:

•Pro Wrestling Illustrated •Feud of the Year (2013) vs. Daniel Bryan As a member of The Authority

 •Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (2013) As a member of The Authority

 •Tag Team of the Year (1999) with X-Pac

 •PWI ranked him 4 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the year in the PWI 500 in 2011

•Smoky Mountain Wrestling ◦SMW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Al Snow

•United States Wrestling Association ◦USWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

•World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE ◦ECW Championship (1 time)

 ◦WCW World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with The Undertaker

 ◦World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

 ◦WWF Championship (1 time)

 ◦WWE Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Big Show (1) and Daniel Bryan (1)

 ◦WWF Hardcore Championship (1 time)

 ◦WWF/E Intercontinental Championship (2 times)

 ◦WWF/E (World) Tag Team Championship (9 times) – with Mankind (2), X-Pac (2), The Undertaker (2), The Hurricane (1), Rob Van Dam (1), and Big Show (1)

 ◦Money in the Bank (SmackDown 2010)

 ◦Most total Royal Rumble eliminations of all-time (recognized as 40 – also has three more under prior personas)

 ◦Slammy Awards (two times) ■Best Family Values (2010) Beating up Jack Swagger Sr.

 ■Match of the Year (2014) – Team Cena vs. Team Authority at Survivor Series

◦Third Grand Slam Champion

 ◦Eighth Triple Crown Champion

In Wrestling:

•Finishing moves •As Kane ◦Chokeslam/Chokeslam from Hell

 ◦Tombstone Piledriver (Kneeling reverse piledriver)

 ◦Falling powerbomb - 2001

•As Isaac Yankem ◦DDS (DDT)

Signature moves

 •Backbreaker, sometimes transitioned into a submission or preceded by a tilt-a-whirl

 •Big boot

 •Clawhold

 •Cradle slam

 •Dropkick

 •Enzuigiri

 •Military press drop, or slam

 •Multiple clothesline variations ◦Corner

 ◦Diving

 ◦Short-arm

•Multiple powerslam variations ◦Front

 ◦Scoop, sometimes done with one arm

 ◦Sidewalk

•Multiple suplex variations ◦Belly to back

 ◦Reverse

 ◦Vertical

•Running DDT

 •Running front dropkick to a seated opponent, usually preceded by a scoop slam or a snapmare

 •Tilt-a-whirl slam

 •Uppercut/Throat thrust

46. Jerry "The King" Lawler:  This is the most decorated wrestler in the history of Memphis. Modern day fans mostly remember him for his years in WWE Commentary alongside Jim Ross and Michael Cole. However, Jerry "The King" Lawler was indeed a legendary figure in the Southern Territory Circuit in the 1970's & 80's. Lawler has won an unprecedented 168 championships during his career. His most recognized championships are his four world titles (1 AWA, 3 WCCW). Jerry got his break into wrestling through his tremendous artwork and time as a disc jockey in Memphis. Lawler's artistic ability caught the attention of promoter Aubrey Griffith. The two made an agreement where Lawler would give Griffith free publicity in exchange for free wrestling training. Jerry made his debut in 1970 and won his first title in 1971 after winning a battle royal. Lawler would soon win the NWA Southern Tag Team Championship with Jim White. In 1974, Lawler began a feud that would truly make him a star in Memphis as he feuded with Jackie Fargo, his trainer and mentor. This was the typical teacher vs student storyline. Jackie was passing the torch to Jerry. The feud culminated in a match for the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship. On July 24, 1974, Jerry Lawler defeated Jackie Fargo to become the NWA Southern Heavyweight Champion. This is the point where Jerry declared that he was the "King of Wrestling", as he would start wearing his crown from that point moving forward. During 1975, Lawler would team with a variety of different partners from Mr. Wrestling II, Don Greene, and Bob Orton, Jr. During this period, Jerry won the NWA Macon Tag Team Championships twice in the Georgia Championship Wrestling Region. Even though he began his career as a heel, Lawler soon turned face after splitting from manager Sam Bass in 1974. While working for the Continental Wrestling Association, Lawler defeated Superstar Billy Graham to become the CWA Champion on November 12, 1979. Jerry's career was put on hold in 1980 due to a broken leg. However, he would return to the ring after several months. In 1982, Lawler would begin one of the most famous feuds of his career, with comedian Andy Kaufman. At the time, Kaufman wrestled women as part of his skits as he declared himself to be the Intergender Heavyweight Champion. Lawler had taken strong exception to the skits. On April 5, he wrestled Kaufman in Memphis. During the course of the match, Jerry drilled Andy with two piledrivers, sending him to the hospital. On July 29, Jerry Lawler and Andy Kaufman were both special guests on Late Night With David Letterman. During an argument on the show, Lawler stood up and slapped Kaufman out of his chair (I actually thought it was hilarious). Kaufman responded by throwing Letterman's coffee on Lawler. David Letterman had no problem with Lawler slapping Kaufman. What made him upset was the fact that Andy spilled the coffee (Side note: Kaufman would never appear on the show again). Years later, Lawler appeared as himself in the Andy Kaufman biopic Man on the Moon. The movie revealed that his feud with Andy was staged (kayfabe). Lawler not only revealed that the feud was staged, but he and Kaufman were actually friends. He was even at Andy's funeral. On March 7, 1983, Jerry Lawler won the AWA International Championship by defeating Austin Idol. On July 25, Lawler defeated Ken Patera to start his second reign as International Champion. During his feud with manager Jimmy Hart, Lawler gave him the nickname "The Wimp". As a result, Jimmy was the subject of Jerry's song "Wimpbusters" which was inspired by the popular theme song for the movie "Ghostbusters" back in 1984. On April 12, 1984, Lawler became the NWA Mid-America Champion by defeating Randy Savage. Lawler's feud with Savage was highly intense, as they battled each other in steel cage matches and other brutal matches throughout Memphis. Their feud culminated in a "Loser Leave Town" Match that Lawler won. Macho Man was on his way to WWF in the Summer of 1985. Also in 1985, Lawler traveled to Japan where he won the Polynesian Pacific title on January 25, 1986. When Lawler returned to the United States, he defeated Bill Dundee on July 29, 1986 to start a new reign as AWA International Champion. By early 1987, Lawler feuded with Tommy Rich, Austin Idol, and Paul E. Dangerously. The feud started after controversy over an AWA World Title shot involving Nick Bockwinkel. During the feud, the trio defeated Lawler in a steel cage match where they cut his hair. This caused a riot in the Mid-South Coliseum. On May 9, 1988, Jerry Lawler defeated Curt Hennig to win the AWA World Heavyweight Championship. During his title reign, Lawler feuded with World Class Championship Wrestling's Champion Kerry Von Erich. On December 15, 1988, Lawler defeated Von Erich at Superclash III to unify the titles. The match ended, because Kerry had too much blood in his eye to continue the match. The blood was too much of a risk for his vision, as the referee ruled in Lawler's favor. The show collectively was a failed attempt to compete with Vince McMahon's ever expanding WWF Empire. It was a joint promotion from the AWA and World Class Wrestling Association (formerly WCCW). Verne Gagne, Jerry Jarrett and others could not come to a reasonable understanding as their egos were in the way. They could not produce an event that was properly organized, and the experiment exploded in their faces. Soon after, Jerry Lawler's issues with Verne Gagne led to his departure from the AWA. To this day, Lawler still has the original AWA Championship. While working for the United States Wrestling Association (USWA) in 1991 and 1992, Jerry Lawler teamed with Jeff Jarrett to feud with the Moondogs over the USWA World Tag Team Championships. In December 1992, Lawler began his long and illustrious career as a WWF announcer on WWF Superstars of Wrestling. Jerry arrived just in time for the launch of Monday Night RAW in January 1993. Even though his best years as a wrestler were behind him, Lawler found a new life as a commentator. From 1993 to 1995, Lawler would have his biggest feud with the top star at the time, Bret Hart. The feud started at the 1993 King of the Ring, when Lawler interrupted Hart's victory ceremony by attacking him. Jerry claimed that he was only real King of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). This led to a match at Summerslam. However, Lawler came to the ring with crutches claiming that he was injured. Instead, Hart faced Lawler's court jester Doink, and beat him with the Sharpshooter. Later, Jerry attacked Bret to reveal that he was not injured. Bret defeated Lawler by submission with the Sharpshooter. However, Hart would not release the hold in time, as the decision was reversed for Lawler to be named the "Undisputed King of the WWF". Simultaneously, Lawler's USWA engaged in a heated feud with Vince McMahon's WWF. In Memphis, Jerry was the face while Vince was portrayed as the heel trying to dethrone Lawler as the king of pro wrestling. It was the bizarro effect, similar to Bret Hart in 1997. Bret was the villain in America, but the hero in Canada. As part of the cross-promotion, McMahon, Bret Hart, Owen Hart, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Giant Gonzalez, and Tatanka would appear on USWA to further the feud. The feud would never be acknowledged on WWF Television. Jerry Lawler was scheduled to be the captain of a Survivor Series team against The Hart Family. However, Lawler found himself in legal troubles and could not be a part of the match. Instead, Shawn Michaels took his place. The feud between the WWF and USWA would also be discontinued. Following the end of his legal troubles, Lawler resurfaced to be the color commentator for WrestleMania X. This was also his first appearance as a commentator on PPV. During the main event (Bret Hart vs. Yokozuna), Lawler made some disparaging remarks about the special guest referee "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. Lawler would continue to verbally berate Piper on later episodes of RAW, including a segment where he introduced a skinny kid dressed like Piper. Lawler forced the kid to kiss his feet. This would ultimately lead to a match at KOTR, where Piper defeated Lawler. Jerry's feud with Bret picked back up at the first In Your House show, where he defeated Hart after interference from Hakushi. This led to a "Kiss My Foot" Match at King of the Ring 1995, which Bret won. Lawler would be forced to kiss Bret's feet. The feud took one last turn as Lawler introduced his "dentist" Isaac Yankem, D.D.S. (later known as Kane) at Summerslam 1995. After Hart defeated Yankem by DQ, the feud disappeared. In between this time, Lawler would also wrestle in Smoky Mountain Wrestling. During 1996, Jerry Lawler would briefly feud with Ultimate Warrior. After his feud with the Warrior dissolved, Lawler would feud with Jake "The Snake" Roberts after making fun of his drug and alcohol problems. Lawler defeated Jake at Summerslam 1996. After the match, he poured Jim Beam whiskey down Jake's throat. In 1997, Jerry Lawler became heavily involved in the working relationship between WWF and the latest cutting edge promotion of the time, Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). Lawler would call the promotion "Extremely Crappy Wrestling", as his insults led to an ECW "invasion" of Monday Night RAW in February 1997. Jerry would wrestle Tommy Dreamer at ECW Hardcore Heaven in August. Dreamer won. By 1998, Vince McMahon turned heel and left commentary. This led to the strong chemistry between Lawler and Jim Ross, as they became the voices for the "Attitude Era". Although he supported the heels, Lawler would condemn the heel's actions when they go "too far". In February 2001, Jerry Lawler quit the WWF in protest of his wife at the time Stacy "The Kat" Carter being released. In November 2001, Lawler returned to the WWF as he was reintroduced by Vince McMahon to replace Paul Heyman. In June 2006, Jerry Lawler was involved with ECW One Night Stand as he was the natural enemy of the renegade promotion. That night, he lost to Tazz in 30 seconds from the Tazzmission. On March 31, 2007, Jerry "The King" Lawler was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. On September 10 2012, Jerry Lawler suffered a severe health crisis when he had a heart attack live on the air. Thankfully, he survived as the WWE Medical Staff rushed him to the hospital where he had undergone surgery to improve blood flow in his heart. Jerry Lawler has become not only had a legendary wrestling career, but he has become the voice for a generation as a commentator. Lawler has provided commentary for several WWE Video Games over the years, from the Smackdown vs. RAW Series, to WWE '12, WWE '13, along with WWE 2k14 and 2k15. He is also an accomplished artist. Lawler is the master of the greatest Piledriver in the history of wrestling. For Jerry Lawler, it is good to be King.

Championships and Accomplishments:

American Wrestling Association

◦AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (35 times)

◦AWA Southern Tag Team Championship (10 times) – with Jimmy Valiant (1), Bill Dundee (3), Mongolian Stomper (1), Jos LeDuc (1), Austin Idol (1), Plowboy Frazier (1), and Big Bubba (1)

◦AWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

◦AWA World Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Bill Dundee

•Continental Wrestling Association / Championship Wrestling Association◦CWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

◦CWA International Heavyweight Championship (3 times)

◦CWA World Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Austin Idol (1) and Tommy Rich (1)

◦NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Championship (3 times)

◦NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Memphis version) (7 times)

◦CWA Lord of the Ring (1988)

•Georgia Championship Wrestling◦NWA Macon Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Mr. Wrestling II (1) and Don Greene (1)

•Gulf Coast Championship Wrestling◦NWA Tennessee Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Jim White

•International Wrestling Association◦IWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[95]

•Jersey All Pro Wrestling◦JAPW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

•Maryland Championship Wrestling◦MCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

◦MCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with The Bruiser

•Memphis Championship Wrestling◦MCW Southern Heavyweight Championship (2 times)

•Memphis Wrestling◦Memphis Wrestling Southern Heavyweight Championship (2 times)

◦Memphis Wrestling Television Championship (1 time)

•NWA Mid-America◦NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Mid-America version) (10 times)

◦NWA Southern Tag Team Championship (Mid-America version) (9 times) – with Jim White (7), Plowboy Frazier (1), and Bill Dundee (1)

◦NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship (5 times)

◦NWA Tri-State Heavyweight Championship (Alabama version) (1 time)

◦NWA Tri-State Tag Team Championship (Alabama version) (2 times) – with Steve Lawler

◦NWA United States Tag Team Championship (Mid-America version) (1 time) – with Jackie Fargo (1)

•NWA Polynesian Wrestling◦NWA Polynesian Pacific Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

•NWA Virginia◦NWA All-Star Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

•Pro Wrestling Illustrated◦PWI Feud of the Year (1992) with Jeff Jarrett vs. The Moondogs

◦PWI Feud of the Year (1993) vs. Bret Hart

◦PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (1993, 1995)

◦PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (1988, 2012)

◦PWI ranked him #56 of the 100 best tag teams of the "PWI Years" with Bill Dundee in 2003

◦PWI ranked him #12 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1991

◦PWI ranked him #23 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the "PWI Years" in 2003

•Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum◦(Class of 2011)

•Smoky Mountain Wrestling◦SMW Heavyweight Championship (2 times)

•Traditional Championship Wrestling◦TCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Matt Riviera

•United States Wrestling Association◦USWA Heavyweight Championship (2 times)

◦USWA Texas Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

◦USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship (28 times)

◦USWA World Tag Team Championship (6 times) – with Jeff Jarrett (4) and Bill Dundee (2)

•Windy City Pro Wrestling◦WCPW Battle Royal Championship (1 time)

•World Class Wrestling Association◦WCWA World Heavyweight Championship (3 time)

◦WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

•World Wrestling Council◦Caribbean Cup (2014)

•World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE◦Slammy Awards (five times)■Mouthiest (1994)

■I'm Talking and I Can't Shut Up (1996)

■Most Embarrassing Moment (1996) - Kissing his own foot

■WWE.com Exclusive Video of the Year (2012) - Speaking to WWE.com about his miraculous return

■Comeback of the Year (2012)

◦WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2007)

•Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards◦Feud of the Year (1987) vs. Austin Idol and Tommy Rich

◦Feud of the Year (1992) with Jeff Jarrett vs. The Moondogs

◦Feud of the Year (1993) vs. Bret Hart

◦Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)

•In Wrestling:

•Finishing moves◦Diving fist drop, with theatrics

◦Piledriver

•Signature moves

•Belly-to-back suplex

•Body slam

•Dropkick

•Elbow drop

•Fireball

•Fist drop

•Multiple punches

•Multiple weapon shots

47. Bill Goldberg:The Man, The Myth, The Legend. Bill Goldberg came from the Gridiron of the Football Field to the World of Pro Wrestling like a Wrecking Ball. Goldberg needed few words, because his dominance did the talking for him. Bill made his WCW debut in September 1997, wiping out the roster from left to right. Goldberg came in at the right time, as WCW was at the height of its run killing WWF in the Monday Night Wars. Bill had the intensity of the Ultimate Warrior, but without the hair, facepaint, and wild promos. It seemed like a direct coincidence that Goldberg had a bald head like WCW's rival star Stone Cold Steve Austin. Eric Bischoff did a great job in protecting Bill's flaws in the ring because of his lack of experience. Goldberg's matches would be very short, with a Spear & Jackhammer for the 1,2,3. He had a very unique presence about him that left fans wanting more each week. However, he did face some challenges against Steven "William" Regal on Nitro. This revealed how green Bill was in the ring. Still, he got through the match and WCW still had faith in him. Goldberg's winning streak earned him a strong push. He made his PPV debut at Starrcade as he defeated Steve McMichael (who had no business with the Horsemen). In early 1998, Goldberg squashed Brad Armstrong at SuperBrawl VIII and pinned Perry Saturn at Spring Stampede. Bill Goldberg's win over Perry Saturn marked his 74th consecutive win without a loss, as he earned a shot at Raven's United States Title the next night on Nitro. Raven won the U.S. Championship at Spring Stampede, the same show where Goldberg beat fellow flock member Saturn. On April 20,1998 Goldberg defeated Raven to win the WCW United States Championship. During the match, Raven's Flock interfered. However, Goldberg fought off Raven's Minions on his way to win the title. Goldberg would then feud with The Flock, as he ran through each and every member of the team during his run as U.S. Champion. The feud with Raven's Flock ended at Slamboree, when Goldberg successfully defended his title against Saturn. Goldberg would successfully defend the US Title against NWO Members such as Konnan and Curt Hennig. As Goldberg's momentum continued to grow as champion, he was moving closer to main event status as a serious contender for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, held by NWO leader Hollywood Hulk Hogan. Hogan promised Goldberg a title shot for Nitro. Instead, he chose to make Goldberg earn his title shot by defeating fellow NWO stablemate Scott Hall. Goldberg would eventually win his match with Hall, which set him on a collision course with the NWO Kingpin. On July 6, 1998 Bill Goldberg defeated Hollywood Hogan to become the new WCW World Heavyweight Champion live on Nitro in front of a sold-out crowd in the Georgia Dome. The atmosphere was reminiscent of WrestleMania VI, but on a smaller scale on free TV. Goldberg's win over Hogan mirrored Ultimate Warrior's win. Goldberg unified the US Title and World Title the same way that Warrior unified the IC Title and WWF Title. Both Warrior and Goldberg would vacate their midcard titles. Nitro won for the last time in the Ratings War, as it was the high point of Bill Goldberg's run in WCW. It was the highest point of his career. However, WCW hurt themselves in the long run by having that match on Nitro instead of a Pay Per View. That match was worthy of a PPV. Goldberg's streak continued going into the end of the year. At Road Wild, Goldberg won a Battle Royal that consisted of NWO members. Like Raven's Flock, Goldberg wiped out an entire faction. Once Diamond Dallas Page became the number one contender for the WCW Title, a feud would begin between him and Goldberg. At Halloween Havoc, the feud was settled as Goldberg defeated DDP to retain the title. Unfortunately, the Goldberg machine would crash at the hands of Kevin Nash. At WCW Starrcade, WCW's most innovative idea next to the NWO was destroyed as Nash ended Goldberg's Streak. Scott Hall interfered by stunning Bill with a taser, followed by Kevin's Jacknife Powerbomb to win the title. The Bill Goldberg mystiqued died when the Streak was broken. He was no longer a special attraction, and nearly immortal figure. Instead, he was seen as a mere mortal and nothing else spectacular. At his height, Goldberg was nearly as big as Austin, Rock or Hogan. Goldberg would gain his revenge against Hall by defeating him in a "Ladder Taser Match" at Souled Out. WCW was becoming pretty silly by this point. At the same time, WWF started mocking Goldberg by creating a jobber character named "Gillberg" who dressed just like Goldberg. Gillberg had the same mannerisms, but he was much smaller. Instead of saying "Who's Next?", he would say "Who's First?" since he always lost. At Spring Stampede, Goldberg received his revenge on Kevin Nash by defeating him. The next month at Slamboree, Goldberg would enter a feud with Rick Steiner, when Rick & Scott "injured" him and attacked him. In reality, he was leaving to do a movie. Bill returned two months later, and defeated Rick Steiner at Road Wild. Goldberg would jump back into a short feud with DDP, before going into a feud with Sid Vicious for the US Title. At Halloween Havoc, Bill Goldberg defeated Sid to win his second U.S. Heavyweight Championship. Later that night, he won an open challenge to defeat Sting for his second WCW World Heavyweight Championship. However, WCW Commissioner J.J. Dillon ruled the match void since it was not sanctioned by WCW. The next night on Nitro, Goldberg defended his US Title against Bret Hart in a match that was also part of a tournament for the WCW Title. Sid interfered as he cost Goldberg the match, and the title. Goldberg defeated Sid in an "I Quit Match" at Mayhem to end the feud. Bill would later team with Bret to win the WCW World Tag Team Titles. Sadly, things would take a turn for the worst. During a match against Bret, Goldberg nailed him with a "stiff" kick to the head. Bret suffered a concussion from the kick, as well as a torn muscle in his neck. Hart's career would soon be cut short from the damage that was done. Goldberg would continue to flounder in the dying days of WCW, because of the misdirection of his character and career. On March 31, 2003 Goldberg would resurface as he made his WWE debut the night after WrestleMania XIX. His first feud would be with The Rock. Like WCW, Goldberg would start his WWE run undefeated. Fans would finally be able to see him on the largest platform of WWE. At Backlash, Goldberg defeated The Rock in dominating fashion as The Great One would once again leave for Hollywood. Following his feud with Rocky, Bill Goldberg would once again cross paths with Chris Jericho, a former staple in the WCW Cruiserweight Division. Jericho had Goldberg as a guest on his highlight reel. Y2J tried to work with Goldberg in WCW when he made fun of him by calling him "Greenberg" among the many other ideas that he used to get Bill's attention. Goldberg, Bischoff and Hogan denied Jericho the opportunity. Goldberg's ego was getting out of control, and he disrespected him. On the highlight reel, Jericho talked about how jealous he was of Bill's success in WCW. He said that he achieved all that he ever wanted to achieve, but one thing was missing. He wanted to beat Goldberg. At Badd Blood, Goldberg defeated Y2J. Following his feud with Y2J, Goldberg entered a bigger rivalry with Triple H. He challenged The Game for the World Heavyweight Championship at Summerslam in the Elimination Chamber. In the Chamber match, Goldberg was supremely dominant as he eliminated Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels and Y2J before getting pinned by Triple H. HHH retained the World Heavyweight Title after Ric Flair threw a sledgehammer inside the chamber. At Unforgiven, Bill Goldberg finally defeated Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship. The following night on RAW, Goldberg successfully defended the title against Chris Jericho. A week later, Triple H issued a bounty of $100,000 for anyone who could take out Goldberg. Steven Richards, La Resistance, Mark Henry and Tommy Dreamer all tried, but failed. On October 20, 2003 Batista collected the bounty when he interfered in Goldberg's match with Shawn Michaels. Batista placed a folding chair around Goldberg's ankle and jumped off the middle rope onto the chair, shattering the ankle. Goldberg demanded a match with Batista. Triple H would interfere and try to cripple Goldberg. However, those plans would backfire as Bill speared Triple H before attacking Batista with the sledgehammer. At Survivor Series, Goldberg retained his World Title against Triple H despite Evolution's interference. At Armageddon, Triple H would regain the WHC when he defeated Goldberg in a Triple Threat Match that involved Kane. Following the feud with Evolution, Goldberg would transition into a feud with WWE Champion Brock Lesnar. Their paths would cross when Brock interrupted Goldberg in a backstage interview. Brock interfered in the 2004 Royal Rumble, when he hit Goldberg with the F5. This helped Kurt Angle to eliminate Goldberg. The feud would escalate when Stone Cold Steve Austin gave Goldberg a ticket for a front row seat at No Way Out, the PPV where Brock would defend the WWE Title against Eddie Guerrero. Austin warned Goldberg to not do anything stupid. As Goldberg sat front row at No Way Out, Lesnar insulted him multiple times. Then, Goldberg jumped over the barricade to get into the ring and attack Brock. Later that night, Goldberg interfered in Lesnar's championship match by spearing Brock. Eddie Guerrero would go on to win the WWE Championship. Following the aftermath of No Way Out, Vince McMahon announced that Goldberg and Brock Lesnar would have a match at WrestleMania XX with Stone Cold as the Special Referee. The news came out that both Lesnar and Goldberg were leaving WWE. At WrestleMania XX, they had one of the worst matches in Mania history as the fans booed throughout. Goldberg won the match, as Stone Cold gave him the Stunner after the celebration. Since his departure from WWE, Goldberg has become bitter about his experience in wrestling. However, his impact was amazing. Goldberg's legacy continued to live on through video games such as WCW/NWO Revenge, WCW/NWO Thunder, WCW Mayhem, Backstage Assault, WWE WrestleMania XIX, WWE Smackdown: HCTP, and WWE 2K14. Goldberg enjoyed great success at the peak of the Monday Night Wars, as he was one of WCW's frontline soldiers. He became the Fifth Triple Crown Champion in WCW History. His legend has been exposed to a new generation of fans through the "Monday Night Wars" Special on the WWE Network. Bill Goldberg will always be remembered.

Accomplishments:

Pro Wrestling Illustrated

• PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (1998)
• PWI Rookie of the Year (1998)
• PWI ranked him #2 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1998
• PWI ranked him #75 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003

• World Championship Wrestling
  • WCW World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • WCW United States Championship (2 times)
  • WCW World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Bret Hart
  • Fifth WCW Triple Crown Champion

• World Wrestling Entertainment
  • World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
  • Rookie of the Year (1998)
  • 
    

48. "Ravishing" Rick Rude: To the female fans, he was simply "Ravishing". For the younger fans today, Lana stole that nickname. To the men, he was one of the true tough guys in the business that everyone genuinely respected. His peers have great stories about him, from Bret Hart, Steve Austin to Paul Heyman. Even the late Ultimate Warrior spoke highly of this man. Rick Rude was a proud product of Robbinsdale, Minnesota. Rude went to school with future stars like Curt Hennig, Road Warrior Animal, Nikita Koloff, Barry Darsow (Smash/Repo Man), Brady Boone and Tom Zenk at Robbinsdale High School. He developed connections very early. After graduating from Anoka-Ramsey Community College with a degree in physical education, Rude trained as a wrestler under Eddie Sharkey. Rick made his debut in 1982, as a jobber named Ricky Rood. Not long after, Rude would turn his career around as he would travel through various territories from Georgia Championship Wrestling along with Continental Wrestling Association. Rude would also make a name for himself in the National Wrestling Alliance under Jim Crockett Promotions, where he teamed with a variety of tag team partners to feud with the Road Warriors. When Rude returned to Memphis in 1984, he became the cocky, arrogant heel that we would know him as for the rest of his career. Under manager Jimmy Hart, Rude defeated Jerry Lawler and former tag partner King Kong Bundy. Rick would enjoy a stint in Florida, where he was managed by Percy Pringle (later Paul Bearer). He would win the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship in Florida, and the NWA United States Tag Team Championship as well. By December 1985, Rude would join World Class Championship where he was still managed by Pringle. There, he would feud with the Von Erichs and Chris Adams. In WCCW, Rude enjoyed even more success as the NWA American Heavyweight Champion, WCWA Television Champion and WCWA World Heavyweight Champion. He became the first World Champion of World Class Wrestling Association after they separated from WCCW. This is the time where Rude would meet his future rival The Dingo Warrior (later Ultimate Warrior). Together, they formed a brief tag team, until Warrior turned on him and became a face. In September 1986, Rude returned to Jim Crockett promotions for a short time before joining the World Wrestling Federation in July 1987. Rick made his WWF debut as a member of the Heenan Family. At the Inaugural Survivor Series in November 1987, Rude was the workhorse for Andre The Giant's team as they defeated Hulk Hogan's team. Rick's first feud was with "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff (Heenan dropped Orndorff when Rude joined the family). Rude would move to one of his most famous feuds with Jake "The Snake" Roberts. Before his matches, Rick would insult the fans by calling them "Fat, lazy, out of shape sweathogs" before he would remove his robe for the women to see. Another trademark was that Rude would wear airbrushed tights during his matches. When the match would end, Rude would kiss a woman that Bobby Heenan picked from the crowd. In one storyline, Rick tried that routine on Jake's wife Cheryl. He did not know that Heenan picked out Roberts' wife. After Mrs. Roberts rejected him, Rude got angry and grabbed her by the wrist as he berated her on the microphone. This caused Jake to run from the dressing room to make the save. Through mid-1988, Rude would wear a second pair of tights to the ring, even against the Junkyard Dog at the Inaugural Summerslam. During the match, Rude had JYD lying on the mat as he climbed the top rope. While at the top, Rude revealed a pair of tights with Cheryl printed on them. After Rude hit JYD with a flying fist, Roberts rushed to the ring to attack him. Rude won by DQ. Their feud would conclude at Survivor Series when Roberts defeated Rude with the DDT. Rick transitioned into his biggest feud in the WWF against the Ultimate Warrior. The rivalry started at the 1989 Royal Rumble in January when they did a "Super Posedown" together before Rude attacked the Warrior with a metal pose bar. With help from Heenan, Rude defeated Warrior at WrestleMania V to win the Intercontinental Championship. Warrior would win the title back from Rude at Summerslam, thanks to interference from Roddy Piper. Rude would briefly feud with Piper before turning his attention back to the Warrior. At Summerslam 1990, Rick Rude wrestled The Ultimate Warrior in a Steel Cage match for Warrior's newly won WWF Championship. Warrior defeated Rude in a great match. This was Rude's last match in the WWF as he made his departure in October 1990. After spending time in the Independent Circuit and Japan, Rick Rude made his return to World Championship Wrestling after they were sold to Ted Turner. He returned under a mask as the WCW Phantom when he revealed himself at Halloween Havoc on October 27, 1991. While in WCW, Rude led the Dangerous Alliance. The group was managed by Paul E. Dangerously, and included Madusa, Arn Anderson, Bobby Eaton, Larry Zbysko, and a Stunning young star in the making named Steve Austin. In November 1991, Rude defeated Sting for the WCW United States Championship and enjoyed a high-profile feud with him, as well as Ricky Steamboat. The Alliance made a strong impact as a team. By 1992, Rude and Madusa left the group as he feuded with Nikita Koloff. Rude would later challenge WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ron Simmons, but did not defeat him. In December 1992, Rude had to forfeit the United States Title after a 14 month reign. Rick's reign still stands to this day as the second longest US Title reign in the 40 year history of that championship. After his return, Rude set his focus on the NWA World Heavyweight Championship as he made his intentions known on August 28, 1993 when he was a guest on Ric Flair's talk show segment "A Flare for the Gold". Rude defeated Flair for the title at Fall Brawl in September 1993. As WCW recently withdrew from the NWA, they lost the rights to continue using the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Shortly thereafter, WCW created its own title called the WCW International Heavyweight Championship as Rude would be the first champion. On March 16, 1994 in Tokyo Japan, he lost the title to Hiroshi Hase. Eight days later in Kyoto, Japan, Rude regained the title. After dropping the title to Sting on April 17, he pinned Sting to win the title back on May 1 as he became a three time champion. However, Rude's career was cut short during this match when he injured his back after receiving a suicide dive at ringside. Unable to compete, Rude was stripped of the title. Sadly, he would retire shortly thereafter. Rick found another life as a color commentator for ECW in 1997, before returning to WWF as the bodyguard ("Insurance Policy") for the original version of D-Generation-X. However, Rick would leave WWF following the aftermath of the Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series. Rude was upset about the way that Bret Hart was treated, as he stayed in the locker room during Bret's confrontation with Vince McMahon. Rick later called Eric Bischoff and told him that everything about the situation was in fact real. Rude was able to make a deal with WCW, because he was not signed to a full-time contract with WWF. On November 17, 1997, Rick Rude did what nobody else did before. He appeared on both Monday Night RAW and WCW Monday Nitro on the same night. When Rude showed up on Nitro, he was there to stay. In WCW, Rude was still a bodyguard just like in WWF. Sadly, Rick Rude passed away on April 20, 1999 when he was only at the age of 40. The cause of death was heart failure. At the time of his death, Rude was preparing for a comeback in the ring. Rick was survived by his wife Michelle and their three children. I remember like it happened yesterday. One day, I was watching a WWF show (I believe it was RAW) when they broke the news about his death. They just showed a picture of him in honor of his memory. I had no idea what he had done in the WWF, until years later. Had Rick's career and life not been cut short, I believe he would have covered more ground in wrestling. He could have climbed to even greater heights. Once again, another "What If?" story. One day, I firmly believe that Ravishing Rick will take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame. More people need to know about the great career that he enjoyed, no matter how brief it may have been. When he is inducted and celebrated, I need those fat, lazy, out of shape, Internet sweat hogs to stand on their feet to pay respect to his greatness.
Championships and Accomplishments:

Championship Wrestling from Florida

• NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Florida version) (2 times)
• NWA United States Tag Team Championship (Florida version) (1 time) – with Jesse Barr

• Continental Wrestling Association
  • AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • AWA Southern Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with King Kong Bundy

• Jim Crockett Promotions / World Championship Wrestling
  • NWA World Tag Team Championship (Mid-Atlantic version) (1 time) – with Manny Fernandez
  • WCW International World Heavyweight Championship (3 times)
  • WCW United States Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (1992)
  • PWI ranked him No. 4 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1992

• World Class Championship Wrestling / World Class Wrestling Association
  • NWA American Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • WCWA Television Championship (1 time)
  • WCWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• World Wrestling Federation
  • WWF Intercontinental Championship (1 time)
  • Jesse "The Body" Award (1987)

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • 5 Star Match (1992) with "Stunning" Steve Austin, Bobby Eaton, Larry Zbyszko, and Arn Anderson vs. Sting, Ricky Steamboat, Dustin Rhodes, Barry Windham, and Nikita Koloff (February 24, WarGames match, WrestleWar)
  • Best Heel (1992)

In Wrestling:

Finishing moves

• DDT – 1984–1987
• Overhead gutwrench backbreaker rack – 1987–1988
• Rude Awakening (Delayed hangman's neckbreaker with theatrics) – 1988–1994

Signature moves

• Belly to back suplex
• Camel clutch
• Delayed backbreaker
• Diving fist drop
• Diving knee drop
• Figure four leglock
• Forearm club
• Pointed elbow drop
• Sleeper hold
• Spike piledriver

49.  "Superstar" Billy Graham: The Man of the Hour, the man with the Power, too Sweet to be sour. The Reflection of Perfection, the Sensation of Creation. This man was the quintessential trendsetter of professional wrestling. He was the Joe Louis to Hulk Hogan's Muhammad Ali. He was the Johnny Unitas to Hogan's Joe Montana. Superstar Billy Graham laid the groundwork for an icon like Hulk Hogan, because of his physique, ring presence and charisma. Before he became known as the bitter, frustrated old man that most fans known him as today, Graham was one of the most influential entertainers and attractions in wrestling. Before Hogan's 24-inch Pythons, Superstar had the 22-inch Pythons. Both had similar styles of hair as well. Hogan had the mustache, while Graham had the sideburns. Others have followed his footsteps, from Jesse Ventura, along with Triple H, Scott Steiner and Ric Flair. Randy Savage even wore tye dye shirts from time to time. Graham says that his promo style was influenced by Ali himself. Superstar is the definition of a revolutionary star. Graham's real name is Eldridge Wayne Coleman, as he was born in Arizona. Before entering the squared circle, Coleman had a brief career as a weightlifter as well as a football player for the CFL (Canadian Football Leagues). During his time in weightlifting, Wayne developed a friendship with a young Arnold Schwarzenegger. When Coleman spent time in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders, he started training with Stu Hart for the legendary Stampede Wrestling Promotion. Coleman would abandon his football career for a chance to become a star in wrestling. He made his debut on January 16, 1970 in a match with Dan Kroffat. After briefly wrestling under his real name, Coleman traveled back to the United States in May, wrestling for a few months with Dr. Jerry Graham, Brick Darrow, Rick Cahill, and Ron Pritchard in Arizona (his hometown) before he and Graham joined the National Wrestling Alliance's Los Angeles promotion (run by Mike LeBell) as a tag team in August. Suddenly, Coleman made the change that would define his career. He changed his ring name to Billy Graham, as a tribute to the world famous evangelist. He would add "Superstar" to his name, to add to his presentation. When Coleman became a Christian, he was also a very successful preacher for the Assemblies of God in his early adulthood. Coleman's sermons where he incorporated feats of strength were very popular among the youth congregations. Later, while wrestling for Championship Wrestling in Florida, the name would serve both as his ring name, as well as his (kayfabe) name as the younger brother of Jerry and the other Graham Brothers (Eddie and Luke). In December of 1970, Graham went north to join Roy Shire's NWA San Francisco promotion, working with Pat Patterson (his tag-team partner) and Ray Stevens. Graham would later acknowledge both men as his mentors in the business, along with Cyclone Negro and High Chief Peter Maivia. The popularity of the giant rookie with the hippie character was so strong that his photo made the front cover of the January 1971 issue of The Wrestler Magazine, with the caption "Billy Graham: he talks peace, but raises hell!". Graham's nearly two year stint in central California included a run in Hawaii in February and March 1972. During this time, he would incorporate his pre-match wrestling angle, encouraging public challenges to his title of "Arm Wrestling Champion of the World". Billy Graham made his debut in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) on October 2, 1972, as this was the place where he created the moniker "Superstar". While he toured the north-central states and adjacent areas of Canada, Graham's popularity grew significantly during feuds with Gagne and other grapplers from The Crusher, The Bruiser, Wahoo McDaniel, Billy Robinson, Ken Patera, and his future tag team partner, Ivan Koloff. Graham would also add weightlifting challenges before his matches, along with posing routines. In 1973, Superstar was in the movie The Wrestler starring Ed Asner. Graham became an overnight sensation in the AWA, because of his bleached-blond hair, flamboyant personality, colorful ring attire, improvised rhymes, and most of all, his incredible build. His physique was something never seen before, which made him even more special. The "Superstar" was a unique paradox, a counterbalance of strength, height and sheer power with grace and speed. At 6'4" 275 lbs, he was a very rare breed. Graham also became known for being a legendary "bleeder" in wrestling, as he would often wear the proverbial "crimson mask" during his matches. His matches involved enormous amounts of blood, as he would often "blade" (cut his forehead) at the climax of a major match. That, along with his physical and personal qualities, are what made Superstar one of the most popular stars to ever step into the ring. In September and October 1974, Graham took a leave from the AWA to join the IWA's (International Wrestling Alliance) "Super Wide Series" tour of Japan. Following his return from Japan, Superstar would form a tag team with future rival Dusty Rhodes. He left the AWA for the NWA from May to August of 1975. For most of October, Graham worked for the Mid-Atlantic region of NWA in North Carolina, filling in for Ric Flair, who was just injured in a plane crash. On October 25, 1975 Superstar Billy Graham made his debut for the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) in a tag-team match in Boston Garden. His partner for the match was Spiros Arion, as they defeated WWWF Champion Bruno Sammartino and Dominic De Nucci. At this time, The Grand Wizard would become Superstar's manager as they became highly popular with their eccentric pre-match interviews, much of them were televised. Graham's first stint with WWWF lasted from October 1975 until June 1976. Graham's first run included several highly spectacular matches with Bruno Sammartino in Madison Square Garden. Their match on February 2 drew 27,000 fans in attendance. Another major feud during this time was with Ivan Putski. Superstar Billy Graham signed a contract for a brief run with the NWA in Houston, Texas from June to August. At the peak of his physique, Graham went on his second tour of Japan, accompanied by Ivan Koloff. The highlight of Graham's run was his feud with Japanese Icon Antonio Inoki. Upon his return to the United States, Graham and Koloff unsuccessfully tried to launch their own promotion in Southern California. In November 1976, Graham joined the NWA Promotion in Florida from the invitation of Dusty Rhodes. On November 22, Graham beat Rhodes for the Florida heavyweight title at the West Palm Beach Auditorium. His work during this time included visits to St. Louis, Missouri, where he challenged NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race. Superstar Billy Graham made his return to the WWWF in April 1977, after an agreement with Promoter Vincent J. McMahon, Sr. On April 30, Graham's defining achievement took place when he defeated Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship in Baltimore, Maryland. The title win created a new precedent never before seen in wrestling. PWI named this the "Match of the Year". Bruno's reign of dominance officially came to an end, after two lengthy runs as champion. Traditionally, heels would immediately lose the title to serve as a transitional champion between the reigns of fan favorites. However, Superstar would break the mold as he had done throughout his career. Graham would hold the championship for 9 and a half months (296 days), making him the longest reigning heel champion in WWE History(Yokozuna's second title reign and JBL's only title reign are tied for second place). Both before and during his championship reign, photos and articles about Superstar Billy Graham frequently appeared in The Wrestler, Wrestling Review, Inside Wrestling along with many other popular American Wrestling Magazines distributed throughout the world. Superstar was at the height of his career at this point. During his time as champion, Graham wrestled across America as well as Japan (February, 1978) as he would face a line of well-known challengers from former champion Bruno Sammartino, Jack Brisco, Dusty Rhodes, Pedro Morales, Don Muraco, Mil Mascaras, Strong Kobayashi and Riki Choshu. One of Graham's most historic matches took place in 1977 at the famous Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida against then NWA-World Heavyweight Champ, Harley Race in a WWWF Heavyweight Champion vs. NWA Heavyweight Champion unification match. The match ended in a bloody, one-hour time limit draw. One of Superstar's greatest feuds as champion was with Dusty Rhodes, which culminated in a Texas Bullrope Match. However, Graham came to a disagreement with Vince, Sr. Although a defeat by Bob Backlund (the virtuous junior "All-American" wrestler) had been written into his contract, Graham suggested a different outcome: that Ivan Koloff should turn on him, thus starting a feud that would make Superstar turn face. McMahon refused, because of the handshake deal that he made with Backlund that would make him the new fan favorite. Vince, Sr. could not go back on his word. At the time, it was unheard of for a champion like Graham to be the fan favorite, because he was completely counter-culture. Promoters like McMahon and others could only see him as a full-fledged heel and a negative role model. On the other hand, Backlund was more clean cut and wholesome like Bruno. On February 20, 1978 one of the toughest title changes in WWE History took place. Superstar Billy Graham was defeated by Bob Backlund, when Backlund's feet were on the ropes. It was a cruel taste of irony, because Superstar defeated Bruno in the same fashion. This match also won the PWI "Match of the Year" Award. I guess that it must be fitting that Graham's title win and loss have both won those awards. Graham would return to his feud with Dusty after losing the title to Backlund. The battles with Dusty showed Superstar's other major contributions to the evolution of pro wrestling: the way that he could change the narrative or storyline of a spectacle. Graham and Rhodes were the perfect culture clash: the arrogant, braggadocious chiselled Superstar Billy Graham versus the happy-go-lucky unchiselled son of a plumber Dusty Rhodes. Hollywood flash versus Southern blue collar long before Dusty's feuds with Ric Flair. Outside of his title run, Graham was at his most spectacular in his blood baths with Rhodes. Even Dusty himself would admit that his bloody matches with Superstar were some of the most memorable of his career. The memorable post championship battles with Dusty Rhodes would serve as a "swan song" of their own for the career of Superstar Billy Graham. Disillunsioned by the premature loss of his title, Graham left WWF in December 1978. In the years to come, Graham would jump back and forth from WWF, to AWA & NWA, and back to WWF from 1979 to 1988. Graham would also make drastic changes in his appearance. By this point, he shaved his head and started to grow a mustache while wearing black karate pants. The gimmick failed miserably. Superstar would later go back to wearing tye-dye shirts, but would grow a blond-bleach goatee which has become his most famous look for today's generation. As times were changing in society, wrestling fans would also make Graham a popular figure in their own way. Roberta Morgan's 1979 kayfabe book Main Event admits how popular he truly was:

"Although he is a rule bender, [Graham] has managed to stay very popular with the fans, probably because of his skill, strength, and colorful personality".

As a Madison Square Garden headliner (The primary arena for the WWWF in their heyday), Superstar Billy Graham sold out 19 of 20 shows. Though other wrestlers like Bruno Sammartino, Bob Backlund and Hulk Hogan would become bigger mainstays with more career sellouts at MSG, Graham's 95% percentage is clearly the highest sellout rate in company history. He sold out a higher percentage of Madison Square Garden shows than anyone else in history. Yet, despite Superstar's momentous earnings for the WWWF, Graham has stated in his autobiography that Vince Sr's plans to press on with Backlund's title reign was a conservative move. The elder McMahon did not want to take a risk on Graham and break tradition, which is why Bob had such a lenghty tenure as champion. Not only did this delay the expansion and transformation of the company until the rise of the "Hulkamania" era of the mid-80's, but it would negatively impacted the career of a star that was well ahead of his time. He would suffer financially, as well. Graham himself would become lost in the shuffle of history. During the Steroid Scandal of the early 90's, Graham sued Dr. George Zahorian and the WWF, claiming that he was forced to take steroids to maintain his place in the company. In later years, Superstar would develop severe health problems, particularly involving his liver. Graham would develop hepatitis after so many years of blading himself which would contaminate his blood. He would also develop other health issues, from his heart, lungs, kidney, blood sugar, blood and memory. In 2002, Graham received a transplant from a 26 year old female donor, who died in a car crash. In 2004, Superstar Billy Graham was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. In the years to come, he would continue to develop a rocky relationship with the company as his health would have more complications. In 2009, Graham was released from his position as a consultant with WWE. He also sold his Hall of Fame ring on eBay to pay for his medical bills and even requested to be removed from the Hall of Fame. Graham continued to burn his bridges with WWE when he spoke out against Linda McMahon during her Senate Campaign. When Graham learned that his condition had worsened, he later apologized. In spite of the recent roller coaster that he has had with WWE, Superstar Billy Graham must be remember for the doors that he has opened for many. At a time when wrestling was only about polished, conservative champions, Graham was the anti-establishment champion that was cool. He represented a cultural clash because of his image and persona. The era for explicit and deliberately "cool" heels did not kick in until 20 years later in the 90's with stars such as the NWO, D-Generation-X, The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Superstar was Attitude long before it became cool. He was the renegade of his time. Graham's imprint has been felt for years to come. Legends like Hulk Hogan, Scott Steiner, Jesse Ventura and Triple H carved their physiques from the model of Superstar Billy Graham. Scott Steiner's bleached goatee was even inspired by Graham. Ric Flair's persona and wild promos drew similarities to Graham, along with his inspiration from Buddy Rogers. Graham would often use the word "brother" during his promos, as it came from his background attending evangelical revival meetings. The most famous wrestler to use the phrase and make it even bigger was Hogan. Graham has also been featured in the original Legends of Wrestling Video Games from Acclaim. His legacy continues to live on with WWE's DVD Documentary about his career "20 Years Too Soon: The "Superstar" Billy Graham Story". Had Graham had more time as champion, I believe that his legacy would have been seen in a brighter light. He would also receive more respect if he did not have such a salty relationship with WWE. For good and bad, Superstar Billy Graham truly was a Star that was 20 Years too soon.

^{Championships and Accomplishments:}

Championship Wrestling from Florida

• NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
• NWA Florida Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Ox Baker
• NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Florida version) (1 time)

• Continental Wrestling Association
  • CWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• International Pro Wrestling
  • IWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• NWA Big Time Wrestling
  • NWA Brass Knuckles Championship (Texas version) (3 times)

• NWA Mid-Pacific Promotions
  • NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• NWA San Francisco
  • NWA World Tag Team Championship (San Francisco version) (2 times) – with Pat Patterson

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (1973)
  • Match of the Year (1977) vs. Bruno Sammartino on April 30
  • Match of the Year (1978) vs. Bob Backlund on February 20
  • PWI ranked him #277 of the best 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003

• Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Class of 2009

• World Wide Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
  • WWWF Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2004)
  • Slammy Award for Hulk Hogan Real American (1987)

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • Best Pro Wrestling Book (2006) with Keith Greenberg
  • Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)

                

50. Booker T.- One of the most decorated wrestlers of all-time. The most successful black wrestler in the history of the business. Booker T first made his start in Western Wrestling Alliance (WWA) with the gimmick "G.I. Bro" which was a connection to the Sgt. Slaughter angle in WWF with the Gulf War. After WWA met their demise, Booker T soon resurfaced in Global Wrestling Federation (GWF) with his brother Stevie Ray. "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert teamed Booker and Stevie together as "The Ebony Experience", as they went on to win their first of three tag team titles in GWF on July 31, 1992. When it was time to transition, Booker and Stevie moved to World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1993 after they were recommended to sign by Sid Vicious. In August 1993, Booker T and Stevie Ray made their WCW debut as the Harlem Heat under the management of Harley Race and Col. Rob Parker. In their debut, Booker and Stevie were named "Kane" and "Kole". At FallBrawl 1993, they teamed with Col. Parker to take on Sting, Davey Boy Smith, Dustin Rhodes and The Shockmaster. Although they lost, they became very popular as heels, because of the faces that they battled. In 1994, Harlem Heat acquired the services of Sherri Martel, who became known as Sister Sherri. They soon changed their names back to Booker T and Stevie Ray and never looked back. By the end of 1994, Harlem Heat became WCW Tag Team Champions by defeating Stars and Stripes (Marcus Bagwell and The Patriot) in December. However, they would lose the titles to the Nasty Boys before regaining them in June 1995. Harlem Heat would exchange the tag titles with the likes of Dick Slater and Bunkhouse Buck, The American Males, Public Enemy, Sting and Lex Luger, The Steiner Brothers and The Outsiders. In fall 1997, they fired Sherri and replaced her with Jacqueline as their new manager. However, they were briefly out of action after the feud with The Faces of Fear. Stevie Ray took five months off from WCW to recover from an ankle injury, while Jacqueline left for the WWF. This led to Booker's transition to a singles career. When Booker moved into singles action, he defeated Disco Inferno to become WCW Television Champion on the December 29, 1997 episode of Nitro. Booker feuded with Perry Saturn and Rick Martel over the WCW TV Title, which led to a gauntlet match at SuperBrawl VIII. However, Martel went down with an injury, causing the match to be called on the fly in the ring. In the spring of 1998, Booker T entered into a feud with Chris Benoit, after Benoit cost him the TV title against Fit Finlay. This led to the Best of 7 Series, which was the landmark of Booker T's singles career. This series of matches solidified Booker as a singles star. Many can argue the case that Benoit was Booker's best dance partner, because of this series. The series was to determine the number 1 contender for Finlay's TV Championship. Booker T emerged as the winner after seven matches that included interferences from Bret Hart and Stevie Ray. On June 14, 1998 Booker T regained the WCW World Television Championship. However, Booker's reign would not last long enough for him to truly embrace that great victory. During a match with Bret Hart, Booker injured his knee and was sideline for several months. However, he would return to regain the title with a win over Scott Steiner. PWI recognized Booker's medioric rise from the tag team to singles and awarded him the Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (1998). Steiner would turn around to defeat Booker in the finals of the U.S. Title Tournament. By the end of 1999, Booker had convinced his brother Stevie to finally leave the NWO in order to reunite with Harlem Heat. The reunion paid off, as they won three more tag team titles making them 10x, 10x, 10x, 10x, 10x, 10x, 10x, 10x, 10x, 10x Tag Team Champions (a remarkable accomplishment). However, the celebration would not last long as Stevie turned on his brother to form Harlem Heat 2000 with "Big T" (formerly Ahmed Johnson). During this time, Booker was not allowed to have the "T" in his name (which was silly). This took place after a match with Booker and Big T at SuperBrawl X on February 20, 2000. Harlem Heat 2000 proved to be an experimental failure as Booker teamed with Billy Kidman to defeat them at Uncensored 2000. These were truly the dark days of WCW, as this time is pretty equal with where TNA is right now. Booker briefly went back to the G.I. Bro character when Eric Bischoff and Vince Russo formed the New Blood (A farcry from Eric's success with the NWO). G.I. Bro defeated Shawn Stasiak in a Bootcamp match at the Great American Bash. Then, he was back to Booker T. Booker was officially elevated from Upper Mid Card to Total Main Eventer in 2000, when Vince Russo grew tired of Hulk Hogan's politics and openly fired him at Bash at the Beach. Russo then announced an impromptu match between Booker and Jeff Jarrett for the WCW World Title. Booker defeated Jarrett to become the second ever African American to win the WCW World Championship (Ron Simmons was the first in 1992). However, Booker lost the title to Kevin Nash on Nitro (8/28/2000). He regained it at Fall Brawl in a steel cage match. The title really lost its value when Booker traded the belt with Vince Russo. Russo finally vacated the title as Booker won the belt for the third time in a "San Francisco 49er Box Match" against Jeff Jarrett on Nitro (10/2/2000). I am not making this up, ladies and gentlemen. Booker's next and final WCW feud was with Scott Steiner. Steiner defeated Booker for the WCW World Title in a Straightjacket steel cage match. When Steiner put an unconscious Booker T in the Steiner Recliner, he was declared winner by TKO. As Booker was out with a brief injury, Steiner was WCW's longest reigning champion in years. When Booker T returned from injury, he defeated Scott's brother Rick to become WCW United States Champion. (I noticed that whenever Booker T returned from an injury, he wins a title) This victory completed Booker T's resume as the Eighth WCW Triple Crown Champion in history. Booker T would go into the final episode of Nitro as United States Champion as he defeated Scott Steiner to win his fourth WCW Championship. Booker T became the most decorated athlete in WCW history with a total of 21 championships. When Booker T accepted the offer to join the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), he was both the WCW United States and World Champion. After WCW was purchased by the WWF in March 2001, Booker T made his debut at King of the Ring 2001. He made his presence known as he attacked WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin during the Triple Threat Title match that involved Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit (WCW Alums). Booker joined the Alliance during the Invasion storyline. In his debut match in July 2001, Booker defended his WCW Championship against Buff Bagwell (the match bombed: read Y2J's Undisputed). On the bright side, the Alliance defeated Team WWF at Invasion, as Stone Cold joined them. Booker gave his WCW US Title to Chris Kanyon, and then lost the WCW World Title to Kurt Angle on Smackdown. Booker T regained the WCW Title from Angle on RAW (7/30/2001). Booker T set his sights on The Rock next, as they feuded over their similar finishing moves (BookEnd/Rock Bottom). The Rock defeated Booker T at Summerslam to become WCW Champion. At Survivor Series, Booker T was eliminated third by The Rock as Team WWF defeated The Alliance. In the aftermath, Booker T remained heel as he feuded with Stone Cold. At Vengeance, Booker attacked Austin costing him the match against Chris Jericho for the WWF Undisputed Championship. One of the most memorable moments in RAW history took place when Austin attacked Booker T in a grocery store. Booker T made his WrestleMania debut at WM X8 against Edge over a Japanese shampoo commercial. During the brand extension, Booker T was drafted to Raw, where he would become a 2x Hardcore Champion. Shortly thereater, Booker T would form a bizarre tag team with Goldust as they would become Tag Team Champions. Booker even tried to join DX as he actually did his own hilarious version of Shawn Michaels' "Sexy Boy" Theme. However, that was short lived as HBK nailed him with Sweet Chin Music. Booker was even involved in the very first Elimination Chamber at Survivor Series 2002 (Won by Shawn Michaels). As Booker's popularity grew, the team was split up at Goldust's request. Booker T went on to win a battle royal as he eliminated The Rock to become the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. Booker set his sights on Evolution after Batista and Randy Orton attacked Goldust. Booker was the number one contender, so this was perfect timing. In the weeks leading up to WrestleMania XIX, Triple H delivered a controversial promo on Booker T. In the promo, he minimized Booker's WCW success and insulted his career by pointing out David Arquette and Vince Russo as former WCW World Heavyweight Champions. He said that "people like" Booker T would never win world championships in WWE. At the WM XIX press conference, Michael Cole wanted to know if the promo was racist. Triple H admitted that it was not, as he was only referring to Booker's criminal past. Booker T attacked Triple H the following week in the bathroom, laying him out. At WM XIX, Triple H defeated Booker T to retain his World Heavyweight Championship. At Backlash, Booker T teamed up with HBK and Kevin Nash in a feud against Triple H, Ric Flair and Chris Jericho. Triple H's team emerged victorious after Triple H nailed Nash with a sledgehammer. Booker set his sights on the reactivated Intercontinental Championship. After losing in a battle royal at Judgment Day, Booker feuded with newly crowned champion Christian. After a few matches, Booker T defeated Christian for his first and only Intercontinental Championship. However, Booker lost the title back to Christian as a result of nagging injuries. Booker T was sidelined until October. Upon his return, Booker T joined Team Austin for Survivor Series 2003, when Stone Cold (Co-GM) assembled a team to take on Eric Bischoff's team to determine who would be the sole General Manager of RAW. Bischoff's team won. During the match, Booker was eliminated by Mark Henry. This led to a brief feud, where Booker defeated him at Armageddon to end it. On February 16, 2004, Booker T teamed with Rob Van Dam to defeat Ric Flair and Batista for the World Tag Team Championships. Booker T and RVD were champions for a little over a month where they even defended the titles at WM XX in a four corners tag team match. Eight days later, they lost the titles back to Flair and Batista. After the loss, Booker turned on RVD making him a heel in the process. On March 23, 2004 Booker T (w/The Dudley Boyz) was traded to Smackdown in exchange for Triple H. In part of a new storyline, Booker appeared to be unhappy with the move. Later on, he bragged about being the biggest star on Smackdown, which naturally led to a feud with the biggest legend on the roster, The Undertaker. The storyline was very goofy to say the least, with Booker using "magic" (I'm not making this up, people) to defeat his supernatural adversary. However, nothing worked as he lost to The Phenom at Judgment Day. A storyline that I believe both Booker and Taker could easily forget. In mid-2004, Booker turned his attention on a title that he was very familiar with, The United States Championship. This led to a feud with the Champion at the time, John Cena. At the time, Cena was in the midst of a feud with Smackdown GM Kurt Angle, who did his best to take the title away from Cena. Cena successfully defended the title at The Great American Bash against Booker T, RVD and Rene Dupree. After Angle stripped Cena of the title for "laying a hand on the GM" Booker T took full advantage by winning an eight-man elimination match to win the vacated United States Championship (2nd overall) in a match that featured John Cena, RVD, Billy Gunn, Dupree, Charlie Haas, Kenzo Suzuki and Luther Reigns. Booker won by eliminating both Cena and RVD in the last 10 seconds. After Angle was fired by Vince McMahon for embellishing his injuries, Theodore Long was instated as the new GM of Smackdown. Long delivered his first order of business, as he booked a best-of-5 series of matches between Booker T and John Cena for the U.S. Championship. Cena won the first match at Summerslam in Toronto. Booker rebounded to win the next two matches (2-1). Cena tied the series on Smackdown (9/16/2003) before winning the series at No Mercy for his second U.S. Championship (3-2). Booker inserted himself into the WWE Championship picture after he pinned JBL in a 6-man Tag Match on Smackdown. Booker T challenged JBL for the title at Survivor Series. Unfortunately, JBL walked away as Champion after nailing him in the head with the WWE Title. Booker then demanded a rematch, only for The Undertaker and Eddie Guerrero to put their names in as well. At Armageddon, Booker T battled JBL, Eddie Guerrero and Undertaker in a Fatal Four Way Match for the WWE Title. JBL managed to overcome the odds to retain the title. Booker won a 30-man dark match Battle Royal at WrestleMania 21, he was automatically placed in a tournament to determine a new number one contender as he made it to the Final Four. After being eliminated by Kurt Angle, Booker returned the favor by costing Angle the match against JBL in the finals. This turned into a storyline where Angle was stalking Booker's wife Sharmell. Booker T defeated Kurt at Judgment Day. Booker was then involved in a "Winner's Choice" Battle Royal, where the winner could choose what type of match they wanted. Angle wanted to wrestle Sharmell in a creepy, stalkerish kind of way. After Booker protested, Angle defeated him and Sharmell in a Handicap match. Booker T gained his revenge by defeating Kurt with a Scissors Kick the following week. Booker was involved in a temporary feud with Christian, whom he defeated at The Great American Bash. Booker T would go on to team up with long time rival, U.S. Champion Chris Benoit. As they teamed together, Booker started to display a heelish side of his character. Benoit successfully defended his title in a Fatal Four Way Match at No Mercy against Booker T, Christian, and Orlando Jordan. On Smackdown (10/21/2005), Booker T defeated Benoit to regained the United States Championship, thanks to interference from Sharmell. After Smackdown GM Theodore Long revealed footage that Sharmell intentionally cost Benoit the title, her and Booker appeared as if they would apologize. Instead, Booker attacked Benoit and busted him open with the title to mark his official heel turn. On November 21, Booker T fought against Benoit for the U.S. Championship. The match ended when Benoit superplexed Booker, as two referees made the three count on each competitor, claiming both were winners. As a result of the misunderstanding, Booker T was stripped of the title, because they pinned each other. Long decided to place both of them in a series that they were famous for together in WCW, the best-of-7 series for the Vacant United States Championship. Booker had the early 3-0 lead. At Armageddon, Benoit avoided the sweep by receiving the needed win. Unfortunately, Booker T suffered an injury and would have to miss the rest of the series. When Long wanted to forfeit the title, Benoit and Booker resisted the decision because Benoit did not want a cheap victory. Booker T got the chance to choose his replacement. Randy Orton came in as the substitute. After Benoit won two more matches, Orton finished the series defeating Benoit in Booker's place. Booker held the title until No Way Out, where he dropped it back to Benoit. After losing the U.S. Title, Booker had a small feud with The Boogeyman, who continued to scare him and Sharmell. At WrestleMania 22, Booker defeated The Boogeyman. The feud ended when Booker and Sharmell placed a restraining order against him. Booker T went on to win the King of the Ring tournament, where he would later refer to himself as King Booker. He would come to the ring wearing his crown and a King's robe and hold his pinkie finger in the air. He even formed his own stable called "The King's Court" with Queen Sharmell, Sir William Regal, and Sir Finlay. King Booker would chase after the U.S. Title again, this time against Bobby Lashley. Booker ordered Bobby to kiss his royal feet, but Lashley would refuse. The feud culminated in a cage match, where Lashley would retain the title. King Booker would focus on an even bigger prize, the World Heavyweight Championship, which was held by Rey Mysterio. Booker won a battle royal to become the number one contender. At the Great American Bash, Booker T defeated Mysterio to regain the World Heavyweight Championship. This was the first time Booker became World Champion since the title was brought back in WWE, and he called himself the King of the World. This was perfect for his persona. With this final exclamation point, Booker T became the 16th Triple Crown Champion and 8th Grand Slam Champion in WWE History. He is only one of a few to hold that honor in two different promotions (Ric Flair being another). This would later lead to a feud with former champion Batista. After numerous failed attempts by the Animal, King Booker declared that Batista's last chance was at Survivor Series. Batista dethroned King Booker at Survivor Series to become World Heavyweight Champion once again. After the loss, Booker would have short feuds with the likes of Kane, Triple H and others before requesting his and Sharmell's release in the midst of controversy as they would head to TNA. (Side Note: Booker T's last night in the company would mark the return of Shawn Michaels). In TNA, Booker T would gain a margin of success, as TNA Legends Champion and TNA World Tag Team Champion w/Scott Steiner, as they were part of the Main Event Mafia (w/Sting, Kevin Nash, and Kurt Angle). In TNA, he would battle the likes of Bobby Roode, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Team 3D, and even fellow Main Event Mafia Member Kevin Nash. Booker's time in TNA was a fairly small footnote in his illustrious career compared to his time in WCW and WWE. Booker T made his return to WWE at the 2011 Royal Rumble as the number 21 entry. On February 1, 2011, Booker T made his debut as the new Smackdown color commentator, alongside Josh Matthews and Michael Cole. Booker was also a trainer on Tough Enough, along with Stone Cold Steve Austin and Trish Stratus. He would then be challenged to a feud by Cody Rhodes, after Cody accused Booker of criticizing him. Rhodes would attack Booker a series of times. At TLC, Cody became the Intercontinental Champion, which caused Booker T to naturally challenge him. Cody successfully defended the title, ending the feud. Booker T competed in his final match at WrestleMania XXVIII in a Six-Man Smackdown vs. Raw Tag Match with Team Teddy (Booker T, R-Truth, Kofi Kingston, Zack Ryder, Great Khali and Santino Marella, managed by Teddy Long) vs. Team Johnny (David Otunga, Mark Henry, Dolph Ziggler, The Miz and Jack Swagger, managed by John Laurinitis). Team Johnny won the match. In 2013, Booker T earned his rightful place in wrestling history, as he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Accomplishments:

• Global Wrestling Federation
• GWF Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Stevie Ray

• Las Vegas Pro Wrestling
• LVPW UWF Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• Prairie Wrestling Alliance
• PWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
• PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (1998)
• PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (2000)
• PWI Tag Team of the Year (1995, 1996) with Stevie Ray
• PWI ranked him #62 of the Top 100 Tag Teams of the PWI Years with Stevie Ray in 2003
• PWI ranked him #5 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the year in the PWI 500 in 2001

• Texas All-Pro Wrestling
• TAP Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
• TNA Legends Championship (1 time)
• TNA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Scott Steiner

• World Championship Wrestling
• WCW United States Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• WCW World Heavyweight Championship (4 times)
• WCW World Tag Team Championship (10 times) – with Stevie Ray
• WCW World Television Championship (6 times)
• Eighth Triple Crown Champion

• World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE
• WCW Championship (1 time)
• WCW World Tag Team Championship (1 time)– with Test
• World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• World Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Test (1), Goldust (1) and Rob Van Dam (1)
• WWE Intercontinental Championship (1 time)
• WWE United States Championship (3 times)
• WWF Hardcore Championship (2 times)
• King of the Ring (2006)
• Sixteenth Triple Crown Champion
• Tenth Grand Slam Champion
• WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2013)

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
• Most Underrated (2002)

In wrestling:

• Finishing moves
• Book End (Kneeling side slam)
• Ghetto Blaster (WCW) / Scissors kick, sometimes from the top rope (WCW / WWF/E / TNA)
• Harlem Hangover (WCW) / Houston Hangover (WWF/E) (Diving somersault leg drop)
• Heat Seeker (Missile dropkick) – WCW; used as a signature move in the WWF

• Signature moves
• 110th Street Slam (Spinebuster)
• Collar-and-elbow tie-up followed by multiple knee lifts to the opponent's face
• Flapjack
• Flying forearm smash, sometimes from the top rope
• Multiple kick variations
• Drop
• Harlem Sidekick (WCW) / Houston Sidekick (WWF) / Super (WWE / TNA
• Spin
• Spinning wheel
• Running knee drop, with theatrics
• Sidewalk slam
• Sunset flip from out of the corner, as a counter to an oncoming opponent

• With Scott Steiner
• Double team finishing moves
• Bearhug (Steiner) / Jumping calf kick (Booker) combination
• Double chokeslam

• With Stevie Ray
• Double team finishing moves
• Big Apple Blast (Bearhug (Stevie) / Harlem Sidekick (Booker) combination)
• Heat Bomb (Powerbomb (Stevie) / Diving elbow drop (Booker) combination)
• Heat Seeker (Electric chair (Stevie) / Heat Seeker (Booker) combination)
• Towering Inferno (Backbreaker (Stevie) / Diving leg drop (Booker) combination)

Paintings Courtesy of: Rob Schamberger (Twitter: @RobSchamberger)