The Rock's Bio

Real Name: Dwayne Johnsone
Nickname: The Rock, Rocky Maivia, Flez Kavena
Birthday: 05/02/72
Wrestling Debut: 1995
Height: 6' 4"
Weight: 270 lbs
Signature Moves: Rock Bottom, Peoples Elbow, Sharpshooter.
Titles Held: 6x WWE Champion. 

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was born on May 2, 1972 in Hayward, California. He is a third generation wrestler. His father is Rocky Johnson and his grandfather, on his mother’s side, was the late Peter Maivia. He was a member of the 1991 national champion Miami Hurricane football team. While attending Miami, he met and later married Dany Johnson (Garcia). In 2001, they had a daughter named Simone Alexandra. The couple got divorced in 2008.

Rocky Maivia:

Dwayne was trained to wrestle by his father and Pat Patterson. He started wrestling in 1995. As Rocky Maivia, he made his WWE debut at the 1996 Survivor Series. He quickly went on to become the Intercontinental champion. Even though he was a face (good guy), the fans hated him. During his matches, the fans would chant “Rocky Sucks”. After a brief absence, Rocky Maivia turned into the Rock.

The Nation of Domination:

The Rock was an arrogant heel that spoke about himself in the third person. As a bad guy, his promos were incredible and he seemed to come up with a new catch phrase on a continual basis. It was during this time that he came up with his signature gimmicks “The People’s Eyebrow” and “The People’s Elbow” with the joke being that he was the bad guy that the people hated.

The People’s Champ:

While Steve Austin was the top performer in the company, it was obvious that The Rock was about to reach that level. The Rock became WWE Champion at the 1998 Survivor Series, which was his second anniversary in the WWE. He would go on to main event 3 WrestleMania shows against Austin. Starting in 2000, the Rock would take a lot of time off due to his new film career.

Best Selling Author and the Start of a New Career:

In 2000, his autobiography, The Rock Says, went to number 1. Hollywood took notice and he hosted Saturday Night Live to promote WrestleMania 2000. His performance was so good that he received the role of the Scorpion King in The Mummy Returns. While it was only a cameo role, he stole the movie and starred in the prequel, The Scorpion King.

The Transition From Wrestler to Actor:

By 2001, his wrestling career was a few months on and a few months off. However, his matches were always the main event and while his feuds were short they were memorable. In 2002, the fans were treated to a dream match when he finally got in the ring against Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania X-8. In 2004, he wrestled his final match at WrestleMania XX.

Biography:

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was born on May 2nd 1972 in Hayward California. Dwayne has many Relitives that were/are professional wrestlers. His father Rocky Johnson inspired him to do alot, and to get into the wrestling biz. Dwayne was very good at football and carried it into college and high school. Johnson received collegiate football scholarship offers from several universities and settled on the University Of Miami. In 1991, he was part of the Miami Hurricanes’, but after getting an injury that kept him sidelined, he was replaced. There at Miami, Johnson met his future wife, Dany Garcia. Johnson graduated from the University of Miami in 1995 with a degree in criminology. Johnson continued his football career by after being passed over by the NFL, but he was cut two months into the season.

Johnson married Dany Garcia on May 3rd, 1997 a day after his 25th birthday. Dwayne and his wife have a daughter, Simone Alexander, born August 14th 2001. But sad things happen because on June 1, 2007, Johnson and Garcia announced that they would be splitting up after 10 years of marriage. But they said that they would stay bestfriends.

The Rock actually has made many charity donations and has started a charity called The Dwayne Johnson Rock Foundation.

Finnaly, Dwayne Johnson joined the WWE in 1996 as Rocky Mavia! He was WWE’S first 3rd generation superstar. He debuted at Survivor Series 1996 as a babyface(good guy). On RAW Feburary 1997, he won the Intercotinental championship from Hunter Hearst Helmsley and it was only his 3rd month with the company. But fans were getting sick of his good guy gimmick due to the popularity of Stone Cold Steve Austin. So during some of his matches the fans would chant “Die Rocky Die!” and “Rocky Sucks!”

After losing his Championship to Owen Hart and coming back from an injury, Dwayne was able to turn Heel(bad guy). He joined the Nation Of Domination.

He used the nickname of “‘The Rock’ Rocky Maivia,” which was eventually shortened to just “The Rock.” The Rock soon drove out the leader, Faarroq and soon starting his sentences with “The Rock says……” Johnson was regonized as for the best cutting promos in the industry.

As you could see, he took classes at Miami university for speech, which he got “A’s” in. Rock spent the end of 1997 and the beginning of 1998 feuding with both Austin and Ken Shamrock.

Johnson next feuded with Faarooq, who was angry at the Rock for usurping his position. The Rock Recieved the Intercotinental after Vince told Stone Cold to release it to the Rock. He soon moved to a feud with Triple H and D-Generation X. Nation members would fight DX while the Rock would fight Triple H over the Intercontinental Championship. The Rock had many battles with Triple H for the belt, but soon lost it to him in a ladder match at SummerSlam 1998. At BrekDown, Rock defeated Ken Shamrock and Mankind in a triple threat steel cage match to become the #1 contender to the WWF Championship. After feuding with Mark Henry, The Nation was disbanded.

Johnson’s popularity as The Rock propelled him to the WWF Championship. Soon the reaction from the Crowd turned him Face again, and he began a fued with Mr. McMahon who said he has a “problem with the people” and thus he should target the “People’s Champion” (as The Rock claimed himself to be).
The Rock soon won his first WWF Championship against Mankind in Survivor Series 1998 in the finals of the “Deadly Game” tournament. At the time, he was the first African American Champion, and the youngest one too. Once again, The Rock turned heel after joining Vince and Shane Mcmahon in the Corporation. Later, At the Paper View In Your House, The Rock had a rematch against Mankind for the WWF Championship. Mankind won by submission but Mr. McMahon said that since The Rock did not tap out that The Rock would retain his title. The Rock began a feud with Mankind over the WWF Championship, during which the title changed hands back and forth between the two. Soon The Rock won his 2nd WWF Championship.

This feud lasted until Feburary 15th edition of RAW is WAR, where The Rock won his third WWF Championship in a ladder match after The Big Show chokeslammed Mankind off a ladder.
before losing to Undertaker at King Of The Ring 1999, for Undertaker’s WWF Championship where Undertaker retained the title. With Mankind out of the way, The Rock had to defend his WWF Championship at WrestleMania XV, but lost the belt to Stone Cold. Rock also lost the tittle rematch at Backlash. WWF fans began to cheer The Rock despite him being a heel, due to his comedic interviews, promos and segments which mocked wrestlers and announcers and made him popular to the fans. Soon The Rock turned Face again after being betrayed by Shawn Micheals, and started a feud with The Undertaker, Triple H, and the Coporate Minisrty. Sometimes he found himself working together with Austin. Rock defeated Triple H at historic Over The Edge 1999 before losing to Undertaker at King Of The Ring 1999, for Undertaker’s WWF Championship where Undertaker retained the title. He continued his rivalry with Triple H, after losing to him in a #1 contender’s match at Fully Loaded.

The Rock found himself in several singles and tag championship opportunities, so he teamed with former enemy Mankind to create The Rock N Sock Connection. And The Rock N Sock connection won the WWF tag team tittles 3 times. Aside from the championships, the team was regarded as one of the most entertaining teams in history, as Mankind imitated The Rock, who ignored Mankind, with both wrestlers having support from the crowd.. The team was also involved in a segment which occurred on RAW is WAR called “This Is Your Life,” in which Mankind brought out people from The Rock’s past, such as his high school girlfriend and gym teacher. The segment earned an 8.4 Nielsen Rating and is, to this day, one of the single highest rated segments in terms of viewership in RAW history.

The Rock soon entered the 2000 Royal Rumble and was left with the Big Show as the final two. The Big Show looked like he was going to eliminate The Rock in a choke-slam position, but The Rock reversed it, and sent the Big Show flying down the ropes, as the Rock came back up. The Rock’s feet, however, hit the floor first, although those watching the event did not see that. The Big Show attempted to prove that the Rock’s feet, not his, touched the ground first. He did manage to prove it, by providing video footage showing that he was the rightful winner. . Despite that, the decision that The Rock had won the Rumble match could not be reversed, so a number one contender’s match for the WWF Championship at No Way Out 2000 was held, which saw the Big Show come out on top after Shane McMahon interfered, knocking The Rock in the head with a steel chair. The Rock soon won agaist The Big Show again, and earned the right to face Triple H at the WrestleMania 2000. Triple H retained the title when Vince turned on The Rock, giving him two vicious chair shots, allowing Triple H to pin The Rock for the three-count. Over the next couple of months The Rock feuded with Triple H over the WWF Championship. A month after the match at WrestleMania 2000, The Rock had a rematch with Triple H at Backlash 2000 in which The Rock won his fourth WWF Championship. Later he won his fifth WWF championship at the 2000 King Of The Ring in a tag team match. He successfully defended the championship against superstars such as Chris Benoit, Kurt Angle, Triple H, Kane, The Undertaker, and Shane McMahon. He soon lost his Tittle to Angle at No Mercy in 2000. Before the match of the Amageddon Hell In A Cell, The Rock cut one of his most successful promos ever, making fun of the other five competitors. Around that same time, Rock held the WWF Tag Team Championship with The Undertaker and the duo exchanged the titles with Edge and Christian.After fueding with Angle for the WWF championship, The Rock finally came out on top and regained the WWF Championship.

Afterwards, he feuded with the Royal Rumble 2001 winner, Stone Cold Steve Austin. The Rock went into Wrestle Mania 17 as the WWF Champion, but he was defeated after a shocking turn from Austin, who used Mr. McMahon to win the title. Soon Rock went on to film the movie “The Mummy Returns” after a storyline suspension from Mr. McMahon.

In early 2002, Rock feuded with Jericho and challenged him for the WWF Undisputed Championship at Royal rumble 2002, but lost the match. After losing to Jericho, Rock engaged in feuds and wrestled the likes of The Undertaker at No Way Out 2002 and Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania X8. On July 21st, The Rock won his record-breaking seventh and final WWE Championship, which was then under the name “WWE Undisputed Championship”.

After fueding with Lesnar, UnderTaker, Angle and Triple H, The Rock lost his last Championship reign to Lesnar.

The Rock’s last heel turn began on SmackDown in February 2003, where he publicly criticized Hulk Hogan. The Rock later drafted himself to RAW and started a feud with the Hurricane and other babyfaces.
He also had a comical gimmick, where he played the guitar and sang songs mocking the host city for the event.When Stone Cold Steve Austin returned, they once again feuded, and the Rock defeated Austin at WrestleMania XIX, which was Austin’s last major appearance in a wrestling role. The Rock then had a feud with former WCW star Bill GoldBerg, to whom Rock lost at Backlash 2003. In this match, both superstars received a mixed reaction from the fans. The Rock then turned face once more by engaging in a one night feud against then-heels Chris Jericho and Christian. Despite that, he declared Christian as his favorite wrestler, and Christian began calling himself the “new people’s champion” and referring to his fans as “his peeps.”

The Rock has made occasional appereances with the WWE. Including standing up for Eugene, making a cameo appearance in his home-town of Miami and helping Foley turn back La resistance. He hosted a “Pie-Eating Contest” during the Diva Search 2004 and ended the segment by giving Johnathan Coachman a Rock Bottom and a People’s Elbow. After this appearance, Johnson reported in several interviews that he was no longer under contract with WWE. He also reported that the reason he was able to continue using the name “The Rock” was part of a dual ownership between him and WWE. The Rock made an appearance on WWE after a near three year absence, appearing on RAW via a pre-taped segment on the titantron.
The Rock’s latest apperances was inducting his father and his granfather into the WWE Hall Of Fame.

Goldberg's Bio

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 283 lbs

Real Name: William Goldberg

DOB: 12/27/66

Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Other Names: Bill Gold (WCW), "The Man" (WCW)

Wrestler Since: 1997

Finishing Maneuvers: Spear, Jackhammer Suplex

PWI 500 2004 Ranking: #48

Previous PWI 500 Rankings: #39(2003), #9(1999), #2(1998) 

Who could have expected the impact of an ex-Atlanta Falcon football player by the name of Goldberg? "The man" climbed the ladder faster than any wrestler in the history of WCW. He became the fan favorite, who won over 100 matches in a row. He became Goldberg.

Goldberg started his professional sports life in pro football, being drafted by the L.A. Rams in the 11th round. He had been an All-State football star at Thomas Edison High, but was hurt talent-wise after being tested positive for marijuana during a random drug test, while playing for the Georgia Bulldogs. Despite being drafted by the Rams, Goldberg never made the team, instead playing for the Sacramento Surge in the World League. After playing there for a season, Goldberg joined the Atlanta Falcons for a few seasons as a nosetackle before an injury ended his pro football career (torn abductor muscle). 

In January '97, Bill Goldberg followed his former teammate's lead (Kevin Greene) and signed up for the WCW Powerplant. Impressing people there over four months, Goldberg was signed up with WCW, briefly wrestling as Bill Gold, where he lost to "Rowdy" Roddy Piper in a match. Soon after, Goldberg "started" his win-loss record over again. He immediately had an impact, winning match after match. The fan following began soon after he had taken out many of the wrestlers in and around WCW. He could not be beat, defeating people the likes of Hugh Morris and Rick Fuller with his patented Football Spear and Jackhammer Suplex. His first real feud was with another former football player, Steve "Mongo" McMichael. Goldberg came to the ring during Mongo's match with Alex Wright at Halloween Havoc '97, helping Wright win by knocking McMichaels out. This saved the career of McMichael's wife, Debra, who was currently feuding with her former husband. Debra, in turn, gave Goldberg McMichael's Super Bowl ring. McMichael and Goldberg were scheduled to fight at World War III, but a groin injury kept Goldberg out. Instead, McMichael knocked out Goldberg in the back with a lead pipe, getting his ring back. Goldberg then was sidelined for a few weeks, recovering.

Th feud with Mongo was finished off at Starrcade '97, where Goldberg soundly defeated the former Horsemen with his Jackhammer. Goldberg then spent the next few months winning match after match against low-mid-carders, slowly building momentum in WCW. In the early months of '98, Goldberg began another feud, this one with Raven, Perry Saturn, and the rest of the Flock. Goldberg's main fight was with Saturn, who claimed to be tough enough to finally defeat the upcoming star. They fought at Spring Stampede in a good match, with Goldberg somehow reversing the Rings of Saturn into the Jackhammer. The next night, at Nitro, Goldberg had his first title shot, facing off against Raven, the leader of the Flock, for the United States Heavyweight Title. As expected, the Flock make an appearance, trying to interfere. But Goldberg fought through them all, including hitting the Jackhammer on the 350+ pound Reese. Goldberg then grabbed Raven, who was trying to escape through the fans (who wouldn't let him), and took care of him, becoming the WCW United States Champion. "Da Man" had gold around his waist, a year after entering the sport. 

Goldberg had a few quick feuds with Saturn, Konnan, and Curt Hennig, among others, but always came out on top, continuing his remarkable winning streak. He was also learning. In each consecutive match, you never knew which move you would see next from the growing wrestler. In July '98, J.J. Dillon, then the Commissioner of WCW, finally rewarded Goldberg for his efforts, setting up a World Title match against then-champion "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan. Goldberg first had to defeat a 'mystery' opponent, which turned out to be Scott Hall. With Diamond Dallas Page and Karl Malone keeping the riffraff away, Goldberg took down Hall, then went to the main event to face Hogan. In a classic match, Hogan managed to land his Leg Drop not once but twice. It still wasn't enough, as Goldberg came back to Spear and Jackhammer Hollywood, getting the victory and the World Heavyweight Title, a major accomplishment for Da Man. 

Due to his winning the World Title, Goldberg vacated the US Title. At Bash at the Beach, Goldberg met Hennig, defeating him despite his multiple attacks. Goldberg also quickly took down Hennig in a rematch at the next Nitro. Goldberg then started to feud with the nWo, mainly targeting the Giant. He voluntarily entered the nWo Battle Royale at Road Wild '98, and eliminated nearly everyone. He also hit the Jackhammer on the Giant, an unbelievable feat, before tossing him out as well and winning the event. After a few brief feuds with Kevin Nash, Hogan, and Chris Jericho, among others, Goldberg then started facing off with the #1 Contender, Diamond Dallas Page. The two men fought at Halloween Havoc '98, in what many called one of Goldberg's best matches. In the end, even after a Diamond Cutter, Goldberg got the Jackhammer to land, staying undefeated. Goldberg then entered into a small feud with Bam Bam Bigelow, as Bigelow came to WCW from ECW simply to challenge him. The two men fought multiple times, with Goldberg costing Bigelow a chance to win World War III. Instead, the match was won by Kevin Nash, who became the new #1 Contender. This became one of Goldberg's biggest feuds.

At Starrcade '98, after Scott Hall used a taser on Goldberg, Nash Powerbombed and pinned him, becoming the first man to defeat Goldberg, and subsequently, getting the World Title. This did not sit well with Goldberg, nor Nash, who said that he was unhappy with the way he won. The two men arranged another title shot a few weeks later on Nitro. But, due to criminal charges filed against Goldberg by Miss Elizabeth (aggresive stalking; later dropped), he was unable to be there when Nash and Hollywood Hogan fooled everyone, reuniting and giving Hogan the title. Goldberg finally made it to ringside and took on all of the nWo, but was stabbed in the back by Lex Luger, who also went "heel". 

Goldberg then began a large feud with Scott Hall, which ended in a Taser-Ladder match, which Goldberg was able to win. However, after the match, Bam-Bam Bigelow came down and attacked Goldberg, allowing Hall to get the Taser back... which he used on Bigelow, then Goldberg. The feud continued between Bigelow and Goldberg, which was finally decided at the Superbrawl '99 PPV. Goldberg then faded for a month, allowing Flair and Hogan's feud to eclipse him for one PPV. He did, however, lay out a challenge to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin on the Tonight Show in February '99, claiming that he was tired of being called a copy of the WWF wrestler. Many called it a weak challenge, since neither wrestler was expected to be in the same federation anytime soon. Goldberg also had short feuds with Rick Steiner, Bret Hart, and the Flair family.

In April '99, Goldberg said that he would not be left off of another PPV. He then agreed to fight Kevin Nash in a rematch. In a furious match, Goldberg got revenge on Nash, despite Lex Luger's attack with a chair during the bout. With this win, Goldberg proved himself to still be one of the top contenders for the World Title. He then began fighting with Diamond Dallas Page, the World Champ at the time, and through that and other circumstances, faced Sting at Slamboree '99. The battle of the titans was not to be, however, as both men were attacked by the Steiner Brothers and Bret Hart. Goldberg then, due to "injuries", disappeared from the scenes for a few months. (In actuality, he was also gone to do his acting parts in Universal Soldier II).

In late July '99, Megadeath appeared on a Nitro, playing their new hit, Crush 'Em. After the end of the song, pyro exploded, then Goldberg's voice was heard, saying "I'm Back". The crowd erupted as Da Man appeared in a cloud of pyro. Goldberg later made his official re-debut aiding Sting and Hollywood Hogan against Kevin Nash, Sid Vicious, and Rick Steiner. The two factions collided many times during August '99, culminating at Road Wild '99. In a non-title match, Goldberg squashed the TV champ, Rick Steiner, to show that he's ready to get back into the big time. In the next few weeks, it soon became obvious who the "big" one would be.

As Goldberg had a minor feud start up again with Diamond Dallas Page and the Triad, Sid Vicious, then the US Champion, began starting his Millenium Man push, coming in and squashing two jobbers at a time and claiming them for his winning streak. Goldberg basically did not answer Sid, instead concentrating on DDP, whom he defeated with a Spear/Jackhammer at Fall Brawl '99. After this, though, Goldberg came out, saying that he was going to put an end to Sid's "winning streak", and called him out. The two mammoths met at Halloween Havoc, both going all-out. Goldberg did what he does best, taking down Vicious in a bloody heap. This won him the WCW United States Title for the second time. Later on in the night, Sting won over Hollywood Hogan, who laid down for him. Sting, apparently angry about that, challenged anyone in the back at the end of the night. Goldberg took the challenge, and defeated the World Champion, apparently regaining his former strap.

The next night, Sting came out and protested, saying that the belt was not on the line. The WCW officials agreed, declaring the belt vacant, because Sting had attacked a referee the night before. This set up a tournament for WCW Mayhem. In the first round, Goldberg faced a hobbling Bret Hart. After interference from Sid Vicious & the Outsiders, an unaware Hart pinned Goldberg, shockingly eliminating him quickly from the tournament, while also taking away the US strap. This set the fuel burning between Goldberg and Vicious again, as he teamed with Hart against Vicious, Hall, and Nash. At Mayhem, Goldberg went after Vicious again, this time in an I Quit match. Goldberg won handily, adding another notch to his belt. 

When Bret Hart won the World Title Tournament at Mayhem, he immediately declared his friend, Goldberg, the #1 Contender. The duo still worked together against the Outsiders, who kept saying that the band was getting back together. Goldberg and Hart even teamed up at one point to defeat the Harris Brothers, becoming the Tag-Team Champions. It was a short run, as the Outsiders defeated Goldberg & Hart at a later card, due to Hart's apparently-still-injured leg, not to mention the help of Jeff Jarrett. At Starrcade, Goldberg and Hart met to fight for the World Title. During the brawl, Hart managed to get on his Sharpshooter. A few seconds later, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper signaled for the bell to ring, giving the win to Hart, in an odd repeat of WWF's '97 Survivor Series. Hart argued against the call, but Piper, paid off by the Powers That Be, simply left the area.

At Nitro the next day, Bret Hart came out and said, because of the decision the night before, he was vacating the World Title. He told Goldberg that they would fight for it one more time, at the end of the night. Goldberg and Hart also confronted Piper, who seemed ashamed at what he had done. In the match, Goldberg again seemed to have the edge, until the Outsiders came out, along with Jeff Jarrett. Goldberg got ready to fight them, but was betrayed by Hart. With five men going after him, Goldberg fell, and Hart got the pin, again becoming the champion. The nWo had reformed, or, as Nash put it, the Band was back together.

An angry Goldberg started stalking the members of the nWo. This, however, led to a very serious incident. While bashing some of the windows of the nWo limo, supposedly to get at Kevin Nash, who was inside, Goldberg accidentally slashed his arm severely with the broken glass. There was concern about tendon damage, and Bill Goldberg was put on the shelf for many months. Frequent reports were heard about Goldberg returning, but the Man was heard to say that he did not want to risk coming back too soon, reinjuring the badly-sliced arm.

In May '00, with Russo & Bischoff running the show again, Tank Abbott continued to call out Goldberg, saying that he was the main reason Abbott came to WCW in the first place. Abbott was attacking innocent victims at ringside, from Marc Mero to Mark Madden. Abbott was also teaming with Rick Steiner against Big Poppa Pump Scott Steiner. While their fights commenced, the Goldberg monster truck began appearing at shows, usually trashing the car that Abbbott and the Dog-Faced Gremlin arrived in. At a Nitro, Goldberg made his reappearance, going after Abbott. The two fought the next week, with Goldberg bloody but victorious, despite attempted interference from Rick Steiner. Goldberg then began to help his ally, Kevin Nash, against the tide of the New Blood.

Eric Bischoff, following through on a threat he made if Goldberg helped Nash, suspended him, and said that if he appeared at WCW events, he would be arrested. Goldberg, of course, didn't listen, appearing to help Nash once more. The cops then rushed the ring, arresting him. This trend continued for a short while, until the Great American Bash '00. Nash was facing the World Champion, Jeff Jarrett. When the New Blood rushed the ring, Goldberg again came out, clearing them out. But then Goldberg turned on Nash, taking him out and allowing Jarrett to get the easy pin. Goldberg later told fans that he was angry at the more-experienced wrestlers in the Millionaire's Club, who had tried to undercut him when he was injured. The next Nitro, Goldberg cemented his new reputation as the hired gun of the New Blood by Jackhammering Hulk Hogan through a table.

Goldberg feuded with Nash for the next month, with Goldberg increasing the ante by getting hold of Scott Hall's WCW contract. Goldberg told Nash that if he could beat Goldberg at the next PPV, Hall's contract would be his. Goldberg and Nash had many confrontations, while Goldberg also continued to destroy superstar after superstar, including badly injured "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, who had to be stretchered out. At Bash at the Beach '00, Nash and Goldberg fought, with Nash getting the upper hand near the end. However, Nash was betrayed by his ally Scott Steiner, allowing Goldberg to Jackhammer Nash and win the match. Afterwards, Goldberg ripped the Scott Hall contract to shreds, ending Nash's chance to get Hall back in WCW.

Goldberg continued to feud with Nash, with Steiner becoming a third party to the feud. All three wrestlers believed that they deserved to be the #1 Contender to the World Title. Goldberg also had a short feud with Booker T, the current champion, but Booker T surprisingly defeated Goldberg after a distraction from the Cat. At New Blood Rising, Goldberg, Nash, and Steiner were scheduled to battle in a #1 Contenders Triangle match. It was announced, though, that Goldberg had been in a motorcycle accident, and might not compete. At the match, Goldberg appeared late, taped up around his ribs, and fought the other two men. However, when it seemed Nash was going to get his power move, Goldberg left the ring and walked away, cursing Russo on the way out. Nash then defeated Steiner to become the #1 contender. This was the start of a major feud between Goldberg and Russo, who said that Goldberg needed to learn how to follow a script. Goldberg also continued feuding with the Steiner brothers.

At one Nitro, Goldberg dug a grave for Russo, and tried to put him in it near the end of the show. But Goldberg was betrayed by Hart, who hit him with a shovel, saving Russo. Goldberg then fought in the War Games 2000 match, which was on a regular Nitro. In the 3-Cage World Title match, Goldberg took the advantage over the rest of the wrestlers, moving towards the door. But once again Bret Hart interfered, slamming the cage door into him. This allowed Kevin Nash to walk out with the title. Goldberg would go after Hart for the next few shows, but Hart's retirement from the sport kept this feud from going anywhere.

Goldberg then returned to Scott Steiner, with the two men attacking each other at different times throughout the month. Both wrestlers' girlfriends became involved, as Midajah, Steiner's valet, was Jackhammered, while Goldberg's girl was put in the Steiner Recliner. The two fighters met up at Fall Brawl in a No Disqualification Match. Just as it looked like Goldberg had the win, Vince Russo came out and hit Goldberg with a bat. Then enabled Steiner to get on his Steiner Recliner. Goldberg broke free from the hold twice, but after a lead pipe to a head, the third time proved too much, and Steiner won when Goldberg couldn't answer. The next Nitro, Russo announced that Goldberg had "resigned", reading a letter supposedly written by him that said the fans needed to find a new hero.

A few weeks later, Goldberg returned, appearing in the crowd. Scott Steiner immediately challenged him to a match, and Goldberg agreed, meeting him in a Steel Cage match with no rules. With help from football player Jumbo Elliot, Goldberg was able to Spear Steiner and escape the cage first, winning. Later that night, Goldberg crushed Russo through the side of another cage, during Russo's fight with Booker T. Russo then showed up the next week in a plastic bubble, telling Goldberg that from now on, Goldberg had to match his 176 bout winning streak, or else he would be thrown out of WCW. Goldberg battled many Russo-sent foes over the next couple of weeks, beating guys like Meng, the Harris brothers, and Big Vito. Each match was a possible Career-Ender for Da Man.

At Halloween Havoc '00, Goldberg was forced to fight both members of Kronik in a Handicap match, with his career still on the line. Goldberg first pinned Bryan Clark, Spearing him through a table. He then took care of Bryan Adams with a Jackhammer, surviving the night. After a very brief feud with Bam-Bam Bigelow, Goldberg moved on to start battling it out with "The Total Package" Lex Luger. Luger claimed that he would be the wrestler to end Goldberg's winning streak, and thus his career. At Mayhem '00, the two fought a tough match, with Luger putting up a good fight. Near the end, Goldberg tried a Spear, only to have Luger pull the referee in front of him. Goldberg Speared both men, then got Luger in the Jackhammer. A second referee gave him the victory. The next night, however, Luger claimed that Goldberg had lost via Disqualification, for hitting a referee. Luger then began a psychological attack on Goldberg, bringing his mentor, Sarge (the leader of the WCW Powerplant) into the fights. At one point, Goldberg was forced to fight Sarge, defeating him to keep his winning streak alive. 

Luger and Goldberg met up again at Starrcade '00, with both Buff Bagwell (who was a face) and the Sarge becoming involved. Luger used brass knuckles to try and win out, and got some help when Bagwell 'accidentally' hit the Blockbuster on Goldberg. But Goldberg came back and Jackhammered Luger, winning the match. Afterwards, Bagwell knocked out the Sarge with a chair, then used the chair on Goldberg, turning on him. Bagwell and Luger began teaming up on Goldberg after that, with the Sarge chipping in to help his former student. The two teams fought at WCW Sin in a No Disqualification match, made that way by CEO Ric Flair, supposedly to keep Luger & Bagwell from causing Goldberg to be DQ'ed. Unfortunately, a 'fan' at ringside, whom Goldberg had signed an autograph for earlier in the show, surprisingly sprayed mace into Goldberg's eyes. This left Goldberg open to a chair shot from Luger, followed by a Buff Blockbuster from Bagwell. The Sarge couldn't make the save, and Goldberg was pinned, ending his career in WCW.

Goldberg did not return in the last few months of the Turner-run WCW, and was barely mentioned in the final Season Finale in March '01. For the next year, Goldberg sat on his WCW contract, letting it continue to pay him rather than taking a pay cut for the WWF to buy it out. For a time, it appeared that Goldberg would never again grace the wrestling rings, that his time had passed. But in the summer of 2002, Goldberg made his return, surprisingly going overseas to All Japan Pro Wrestling. In his many matches in Japan, Goldberg has remained the dominating force, destroying multiple worthy opponents. Of course, whether he will return to wrestle in the United States, and in particular Vince McMahon, is completely unknown at this time.

Pay-Per-View Summary: (31 - 8, 1 NC)
- WCW Starrcade '97 = Goldberg defeated Steve "Mongo" McMichael.
- WCW Boston Brawl (January '98) = Goldberg crushed Buddy Lee Parker.
- WCW Superbrawl VIII ('98) = Goldberg easily defeated Brad Armstrong.
- WCW Spring Stampede '98 = Goldberg pinned Saturn after a Spear and Jackhammer.
- WCW Slamboree '98 = Bill Goldberg, defending his WCW United States Belt, defeated Saturn.
- WCW Great American Bash '98 = In another US Title defense, Goldberg easily beat Konnan.
- WCW Bash At The Beach '98 = Goldberg defended the World Title by defeating Curt Henning.
- WCW Road Wild '98 = Goldberg won the Battle Royal, which also consisted of The Giant, Scott Hall, Curt Henning, Scott Norton, Kevin Nash, Sting, Lex Luger, and Konnan.
- WCW Halloween Havoc '98 = Goldberg defeated Diamond Dallas Page, again defending the WCW Heavyweight Title.
- WCW Starrcade '98 = Goldberg, due to interference from Scott Hall, lost the WCW World Title to Kevin Nash.
- WCW Souled Out '99 = Goldberg won the "Taser/Ladder" match over Scott Hall.
- WCW Superbrawl IX ('99) = Goldberg took out Bam-Bam Bigelow with the Spear/Jackhammer.
- WCW Spring Stampede '99 = Goldberg, despite interference from Lex Luger, avenged his one loss, Spearing and Jackhammering Kevin Nash.
- WCW Slamboree '99 = Goldberg and Sting fought to a No-Contest, when Bret Hart and the Steiner Brothers attacked both men.
- WCW Road Wild '99 = Goldberg defeated Rick Steiner in a non-Title match, thus allowing Steiner to leave with the TV Title.
- WCW Fall Brawl '99 = Goldberg, despite interference from the Triad as well as a Diamond Cutter, defeated Diamond Dallas Page.
- WCW Halloween Havoc '99 = Goldberg defeated Sid Vicious. Later in the night, in a surprise match, Goldberg beat Sting for the World Title (later declared not for the World Title by Sting).
- WCW Mayhem (November '99) = Goldberg won an "I Quit" match over Sid Vicious.
- WCW Starrcade '99 = Goldberg lost to the World Champion Bret "Hitman" Hart in a controversial ending.
- WCW Bash at the Beach '00 = Goldberg defeated Kevin Nash.
- WCW New Blood Rising (August '00) = Goldberg lost a Triangle match to Kevin Nash. Scott Steiner was the other participant.
- WCW Fall Brawl '00 = Goldberg was TKO'ed by Scott Steiner.
- WCW Halloween Havoc '00 = Goldberg won a Handicap match over Bryan Adams and Bryan Clark.
- WCW Mayhem '00 = Goldberg defeated Lex Luger.
- WCW Starrcade '00 = In a rematch, Goldberg again took down Lex Luger.
- WCW Sin (January '01) = Goldberg & Sarge were beaten by Lex Luger & Buff Bagwell.
- AJPW Budokan Hall (August 30, '02) = Goldberg defeated Satoshi Kojima.
- AJPW Budokan Hall (August 31, '02) = Goldberg pinned Taiyo Kea.
- AJPW Wrestle-1 (November 17, '02) = Goldberg took down Rick Steiner.
- AJPW Egg Dome (January 19, '03) = Goldberg & Keiji Mutoh defeated Kronik.
- WWE Backlash '03 = Goldberg beat the Rock.
- WWE Bad Blood (June 15, '03) = Goldberg won over Chris Jericho.
- WWE Summerslam '03 = Goldberg competed in the "Elimination Chamber" Match, which was won by Raw World Champ Hunter Hearst Helmsley. Chris Jericho, Shawn Michaels, Kevin Nash and Randy Orton were the other participants.
- WWE Unforgiven '03 (September 21) = Goldberg won the WWE Raw Heavyweight Title, beating Hunter Hearst Helmsley.
- WWE Survivor Series '03 = Goldberg stayed the WWE Raw Champion, winning over Hunter Hearst Helmsley.
- WWE Armageddon '03 = Goldberg lost the WWE Raw Title to Hunter Hearst Helmsley in a "Three Way" Match. Kane was the other participant.
- Zero-One Hustle I (January 4, '04) = Goldberg defeated Naoya Ogawa.
- WWE Royal Rumble '04 (January 25) = Goldberg competed in the Royal Rumble, which was won by Chris Benoit.
- WWE Wrestlemania XX (March 14, '04) = Goldberg won over Brock Lesnar.

Title Summary:
- WCW United States Heavyweight Champion (4/20/98 - 7/6/98)
- WCW World Heavyweight Champion (7/6/98 - 12/27/98)
- WCW United States Heavyweight Champion(2) (10/24/99 - 10/25/99)
- WCW World Tag-Team Champion w/ Bret Hart (12/07/99 - 12/13/99)
- WWE Raw World Heavyweight Champion (9/21/03 - 12/14/03)

PWI Achievement Awards: (2 wins, 3 1st RUs, 2 2nd RUs, 1 3rd RUs)
- 1998 Rookie of the Year
- 1998 Most Inspirational Wrestler
- 1998 Most Popular Wrestler, 1st Runner-Up
- 1998 Match of the Year, 2nd Runner-Up (Goldberg vs. Hollywood Hogan)
- 1998 Wrestler of the Year, 1st Runner-Up
- 1999 Most Popular Wrestler, 2nd Runner-Up
- 2000 Most Popular Wrestler, 3rd Runner-Up
- 2003 Comeback of the Year, 1st Runner-Up

Steve Austin's Bio

Real Name: Steve Williams
Birthday: 12/18/64
Wrestling Debut: December 1989
Home Town: Victoria, Texas
Height: 6'2
Weight: 252 pounds
Favorite Quote: And that's the bottom line, cause Stone Cold said so!
Finishing Move: Stone Cold Stunner
Alias: "Stunning" Steve Austin,"Stone Cold" Steve Austin, the Ringmaster,"Superstar" Steve Austin
Career Highlights: WWF Champion (5), WWF Tag Team Champ (4), WWF IC Champ (2), WCW/NWA US tag champ, WCW World Tag Champ, NWA/WCW TV Champ, WCW US Champ (2), 1996 KOTR.
Quick Fact: Steve Austin is the only man to ever win 3 Royal Rumbles. 

Steve Williams was born on December 18, 1964, in Victoria, TX. He was trained by Chris Adams and made his debut in 1990. He joined WCW in 1991. His WCW tenure is most known for his membership in the Dangerous Alliance and his tag team with Brian Pillman. Steve suffered an arm injury in late 1994 and was fired by Eric Bischoff over the phone.

ECW & The Ringmaster:

Steve returned to the ring in late 1995 wrestling for ECW. It was here where his mike skills were showcased. His bitterness and hatred for WCW came pouring out in his promos. He was then hired by WWE and spent his first six months as the Ringmaster and was managed by Ted DiBiase. Shortly after dropping DiBiase and the Ringmaster gimmick, Austin's career skyrocketed.

Austin 3:16:

After winning the 1996 King of the Ring, Austin stated to the then-bible thumping Jake Roberts, "Austin 3:16 says I just kicked your a**". The Austin 3:16 shirt went on to become the biggest selling shirt in the history of wrestling. Austin was a no-nonsense heel that the fans started to get behind despite being the bad guy.

 

 

 

Tha Hart Foundation:

In 1997, Austin's feud with the Hart Foundation propelled him to the main event. His matches with Bret Hart were classics and featured the fans turn against the good guy Bret. He also feuded with Owen Hart and suffered a severe neck injury in their SummerSlam match. This injury forced him to miss several months and would eventually lead to his retirement.

The Champ and his Feud With Vince McMahon:

At WrestleMania 14, Austin became champion in a match that made headlines because of Mike Tyson's involvement. His biggest rival was WWE owner Vince McMahon. The fans really got behind this feud as the fans liked seeing someone humiliate and beat up his boss. With the success of this feud, WWE took the lead over WCW in the Monday Night Wars.

The Rock & Neck Surgery:

Austin's biggest rival in the ring was the Rock. Their feud originally developed as part of the Vince McMahon saga. They went on to main event 2 WrestleMania's and wrestle in a third. Austin required neck surgery in late 1999 and missed most of 2000. By the time he returned to the ring, the Rock became a household name.

Personal Quotes

Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your ass!

And that's the bottom line, cause Stone Cold said so!

You treat me like a dog and you expect me to smile? You remind me of a jack ass.

I'll drop you on that stack of dimes you call a neck!

...and that's all I gotta say about THAT!

What?

I'm goin' stomp a mudhole in ya and walk it dry!

Know your role!

[On his fight scene with Sylvester Stallone in The Expendables (2010)] It was a very physical fight scene. One of the things I learn from Sly from working with him was just intensity. We fought for two days, it was always about intensity and bringing the level up, and he wanted to make it look real. Now when the writer, the lead actor, and the director tells you to kick the shit out of him.....you kick the shit out of him. Sly is a filmmaker veteran and an icon, if he told me to do the same thing tomorrow I would.

 

Leaving Wrestling:

By June 2002, Steve was very frustrated with his place in WWE. He was scheduled to lose a match to Brock Lesnar as the beginning of Brock's push. Austin felt that was an insult and left. He returned in March 2003 to fight the Rock in what turned out to be his final match. Since then, he has been a TV personality for the company as GM & Sheriff. In 2007, he starred in the WWE Film, The Condemned.

WCW & WWE Title History:

WCW
U.S. Title 12/27/93 Starrcade - Dustin Rhodes
9/18/94 Fall Brawl - wins title via forfeit
TV Title
6/3/91 Bobby Eaton
5/23/92 Barry Windham
NWA Tag Team Title
3/2/93 with Brian Pillman beat Shane Douglas & Ricky Steamboat

WWE
WWE Championship
3/29/98 WrestleMania 14 - Shawn Michaels
6/29/98 RAW - Kane
3/28/99 WrestleMania 15 - The Rock
6/28/99 RAW - The Undertaker
4/1/01 Wrestlemania 17 - The Rock
10/8/01 RAW - Kurt Angle
Intercontinental Title
8/3/97 SummerSlam - Owen Hart (this is the match where Austin hurt his neck)
11/9/97 Survivor Series - Owen Hart
World Tag Team Title
5/25/97 RAW - with Shawn Michaels beat Owen Hart & The British Bulldog
7/14/97 RAW - with Dude Love beat Owen Hart & The British Bulldog
7/26/98 Fully Loaded - with beat Kane & Mankind
4/29/01 Backlash - with Triple H beat Kane & The Undertaker

Shawn Michael's Bio

Date of Birth

22 July 1965, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Birth Name

Michael Shawn Hickenbottom

Nickname

The Showstopper
Heartbreak Kid
The Main Event
The Icon
HBK
Rocker
The Boy Toy
Midnight Rocker
The Pitbull
The Wrestler of the 90s
Mr. WrestleMania

Height 6' 1" (1.85 m) 

Michael Shawn Hickenbottom was born on July 22, 1965 at Williams Air Force Base in Chandler, Arizona. As a member of a military family, he moved many times as a youngster before finally settling in San Antonio, Texas. He was trained by Jose Lothario and made his pro debut in 1984. He is married to former Nitro Girl Whisper and has two children, Cameron and Cheyenne.

The Midnight Rockers:

In 1986, Shawn started to team with Marty Jannetty in the Cental States area. They quickly moved to the AWA where they immediately feuded with Buddy Rose and Doug Sommers. On January 27, 1987, they won the tag team titles. In 1987, they were very briefly in WWE but were fired. They returned to the AWA and regained the tag team titles. While there, he met Scott Hall.

The Rockers:

In 1988, they returned to WWE and were renamed the Rockers. Most of their matches featured them in the role of David against their Goliath sized opponents. Despite being one of the top WWF tag teams for several years they never won the tag team titles. It appeared they once beat the Hart Foundation for the titles but the match was never televised due to the top rope breaking.

The Heart Break Kid:

In late 1991, the Rockers broke up when Shawn threw Marty through a plate glass window. Several months later, Shawn became Intercontinental Champion. He would lose the title to Marty Janetty but regain it with the help of his new bodyguard Diesel (Kevin Nash). He was stripped of the title in late 1993 for failing a steroids test. During this part of his career, the Kliq was formed.

The Kliq:

In the mid-'90s, the WWF was controlled back stage by a group known as the Kliq. The group was made up of Shawn, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Sean Waltman, and Triple H. They were blamed for derailing several careers and appeared to have their best matches against each other. Members of the Kliq deny having this power. Several wrestlers held such a grudge that when Hall entered ECW in 2000, he was thrown out of the locker room.

The Boyhood Dream and Lost Smiles:

Shawn became WWF Champion by beating Bret Hart at WrestleMania 12. It has been debated that when it came time to return the favor to Bret the next year, he quit rather than do it. He claims that a doctor told him he needed to retire due to a knee injury. In a televised speech, he said he lost his smile and vacated the title. He returned a few months later and formed D-Generation X with Triple H and Chyna.

Montreal and a Bad Back:

Behind the scenes, the tension between Shawn & Bret was at a breaking point. In the most talked about match ever, Shawn beat Bret in what is known as The Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 97. After winning the power struggle, Shawn injured his back at Royal Rumble 98 when he landed on the Undertaker’s coffin the wrong way. His next and final match occurred at WrestleMania 14 when he lost the title Steve Austin.

The Return:

In his time away from the ring, he was briefly an on air commissioner and trained several wrestlers, including Matt Bentley and Spanky. He also became a born again Christian. Shawn returned to the ring at SummerSlam 2002 and feuded with Triple H. This feud has gone on for several years and has resulted in some of the best matches of his career. In addition to feuding with Triple H, he has also feuded with Kurt Angle and Hulk Hogan. In 2006, Shawn and Triple H reformed D-Generation X.

WWE Title History:

WWE Championship
3/31/96 WrestleMania 12 - Bret Hart
1/19/97 Royal Rumble - Sid
11/9/97 Survivor Series - Bret Hart
World Heavyweight Championship
11/17/02 Survivor Series - Won Elimination Chamber Match against Champion Triple H, Booker T, Rob Van Dam, Chris Jericho & Kane
Intercontinental Championship
10/27/92 SNME - The British Bulldog
6/6/93 - Marty Jannetty
7/23/95 In Your House 2 - Jeff Jarrett
World Tag Team Titles
8/28/94 - with Diesel beat The Headshrinkers
9/24/95 In Your House 3 - with Diesel beat Owen Hart & Yokozuna
5/25/97 - w/ Steve Austin beat Owen Hart & Davey Boy Smith
1/29/07 - w/ John Cena beat Edge & Randy Orton
Unified Tag Team Titles
12/13/09 TLC - w/Triple H beat Big Show & Chris Jericho in a TLC Match
European Title
9/20/97 - The British Bulldog

HHH's Bio

Real Name: Jean-Paul Levesque
Wrestling Debut: March, 1992
Birthday: 07/27/69
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 246 pounds
From: Greenwich, Connecticut
Favorite Quote: "I am that damn good."
Finishing move: Pedigree
Career Highlights: WWE Champion (5); Intercontinental Champion (4); Tag Team Champion; European Champion (2); King of the Ring 1997 

Citing disciplinary reasons, World Wrestling Federation officials kept Triple H in relative obscurity for more than one year before he broke free and captured the 1997 King of the Ring. A few months prior to his royal coronation, Hunter enlisted the services of Chyna and his career began to take an upward swing. After reaching a great deal of success throughout the subsequent months, Hunter aligned himself with close friend Shawn Michaels to form D-Generation X and change the face of wrestling forever. 

After Shawn lost the Federation Title to Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania XIV, Triple H truly asserted himself as one of the premier superstars in the entire sport by taking over as leader of the faction. Now with Chyna, X-Pac, and the New Age Outlaws under his direction, this cunning superstar is responsible for leading the most powerful and influential group in wrestling. There is no doubt that when all is said and done, Triple H will be responsible for elevating this sport to heights never believed attainable.

Like all stables, at one point they break up and that's what happened with DX. On August 23rd, 1999, HHH defeated Mankind to win his first WWF world Title. In Septmeber, HHH lost the belt to Vince McMahon because of outside interferance from Steve Austin. The following week, HHH beat The Rock, Kane, Mankind, The Britsh Bulldog, and The Big Show in a "six pack challenge" match to finally recapture the WWF title. HHH held on to the title for a couple of months and then lost it in November. Stephanie backstabbed her father Vince and joined HHH. Vince was so upset and heart broken that he took time off. HHH and Stephanie ran the WWF and HHH booked himself in a match against the Big Show on Raw (Janury 3rd) for the WWF title. That's where HHH recpatured the WWF title for a 3rd time. HHH then lost the title to the Rock and faced the Rock in an iron man match and HHH won the belt back. HHH then had a feud with Chris Jericho.

In 2001, HHH and Austin put their differences a side and teamed up. Austin and HHH beat the Undertaker and Kane for the Tag Team titles and that made HHH the second grand slammer winner. On May 21, HHH and Austin lose the tag team titles to Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit. That night, HHH seriously injured himself. He went to have an MRI right away. His knee required surgery and now HHH is out of action for a few months rehabbing his knee.

Personal Quotes

I am that damn good!

I am the Game!

(Making an apperance on The Rock's night of hosting SNL): "Well, what if he messes up one of his lines? He makes the WWF look bad. Can I run on stage and hit him for that?"

I will bury anyone who ever tries to take my spot at the top of the business. No one is better than I am, that's just a fact of life. I will always have better matches and draw more fans than all the rest of the guys combined.

Most of my life, I read what is said on IMDB. The fans on the Raw is War board make the most sense of any Internet fan, apart from the one or two that create second accounts to bash me. Keep the board alive-uh.

I don't think I'm a better wrestler than Ric Flair. No way in hell. There's no one in the business who can match the excitement, entertainment, and passion he brought in the ring. Rob Van Dam is very close though.

Hardcore wrestling like CZW is just nonsense. There's no story there. You've got guys jumping off of houses onto barb wired tables and that's it. They don't know how to work. CZW is trash.

Hollywood's great, but wrestling is my first love.

 

Where Are They Now

(September 2002) First person to hold wrestling's revamped World's Heavyweight Championship

(September 2003) Lost the WWE World Heavyweight title to Bill Goldberg at Unforgiven. His 9 month reign as World Heavyweight champion is the longest it has been in years.

(January 2004) Is to defend the World Heavyweight Title against Shawn Michaels in a Last Man Standing Match at this year's Royal Rumble.

(February 2004) Is scheduled to defend his World Heavyweight Championship at the Main Event of WrestleMania XX (2004).

(March 2004) was drafted by Smackdown from Raw in the company's second ever draft and was traded back to Raw to next day for Booker T and the Dudley Boyz

(July 2004) Was defeated by Chris Benoit, with the help of Eugene, in his second career 60-minute Iron Man Match (RAW - 7/26/04)

(September 2004) Set to face former Evolution member, Randy Orton at WWE Unforgiven for the World Title.

(September 2004) Captured his 9th World Champsionship when he defeated Randy Orton after hitting Orton with a Pedigree onto a steel chair.

(November 2004) Will captain team of himself, Batista, Gene Snitzky and Edge in a traditional "Survivor Series" team elimination match against, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit and Maven. Behind the scenes he is playing a role in television / script production with his wife Stephanie McMahon Levesque - in the event of Vince McMahon's illness (cause unknown)

(December 2004) Lost the World Title when the Triple Threat match between himself, Chris Benoit and Edge was declared a draw since Edge pinned Benoit, at the same time that Edge was tapping out the Crippler Crossface. Since a decision could not be made as to who won the match, the World Title was then declared vacant.

(January 2005) ## Won his 10th World Title at New Year's Revolution in a Elimination Chamber match when he defeated Randy Orton, Batista, Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit and Edge.

(April 2005) Is set to defend Raw World Heavyweight Championship against former Evolution stablemate Dave Batista at WrestleMania 21.

(April 2005) Lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Batista at WrestleMania 21. Now will most likely face Batista in a rematch for the World Title at WWE Backlash 2005.

(April 2005) Lost the World Heavyweight title to Batista at WretsleMania 21

(May 2005) Lost his World Heavyweight Championship rematch to Batista at WWE Backlash.

(June 2005) Was defeated by Batista an unheard of third time at WWE Vengeance. The match was a Hell in a Cell match and it marked both the first time Batista had been in the structure and the first time Triple H lost a match in the cell.

(August 2005) Currently on a Summertime sabbatical from wrestling.

(October 2005) Lost to former Evolution member Ric Flair at Taboo Tuesday in a Steel Cage Match (match type voted for by fans via WWE.com)

(November 2005) Defeated Ric Flair in a Last Man Standing Match at Survivor Series

(January 2006) Excepting first child with wife, Stephanie McMahon-Lesesque.

(January 2006) At New Years Revolution, defeated The Big Show after hitting the sledgehammer.

(January 2006) Will compete in the Royal Rumble match at the 2006 Royal Rumble.

(February 2006) Will take part in the Road to Wrestlemania tournament to decide the #1 contender for the WWE Championship.

(February 2006) Won the Road to Wrestlemania Tournament against Big Show (Paul Wright) and Rob Van Dam (Robet A. Szatowski) in a Triple Threat Match

(March 2006) Was in a handicap match with John Cena against Randy Orton, Kurt Angle, and Rey Mysterio at Saturday Night Main Event. This was known to be a Main Event vs. Main Event (Both sides are on the road to Wrestlemania 22 that airs April 2 on Pay-Per-View). HHH & Cena from Raw and Angle, Orton and Rey from Smackdown!. HHH & Ceana won.

(March 2006) Will face WWE Champion 'John Cena' at Wrestlemania 22 fro the WWE Championship.

(June 2006) On June 12, 2006, Shawn Michaels and Triple H re-formed Degeneration X on Raw.

(February 2007) Injured quadriceps muscle in right leg and will be out for several months.

(August 2007) Returned to WWE at Summerslam 2007 defeating King Booker

(March 2008) Lost his 'Triple Threat' WWE Championship match against Randy Orton and John Cena.

(April 2008) Won a fatal four way elimination match at backlash to become a 12 time WWE Champion

(June 2008) Will defend his WWE Championship against John Cena at Night of Champions.

(August 2009) Reformed Degeneration-X with Shawn Michaels

Batista Bio

Real Name:
David Michael Bautista

Birth Date:
January 18th, 1969 (some still say he is older)

Town of Birth:
Arlington, Virginia

Town of Childhood:
Washington DC

Residing Town:
Reston, Virginia and Tampa, Florida

Billed Height and Weight:
6′6″ – 325 lbs

Trained and Mentored By:
Afa Anoa’i, OVW, Triple H, Ric Flair

Title History:
3 time WWE Wold Heavyweight Champion, 3 time World Tag Team Champion (with Ric Flair twice and John Cena once), 1 time WWE Tag Team Champion (with Rey Mysterio), 1 time OVW Heavyweight Champion, 2005 WWE Royal Rumble Winner.

Introduction to Batista

According to Batista’s WWE published book “Batista Unleashed” he had a very difficult and poor upbringing and felt the repercussions of his mother being an open lesbian. He was born in Arlington, Virginia although he spent most of his childhood in a rough part of Washington DC, where he claims to have witnessed several murders on his doorstep and began stealing cars by the age of 13. He gets his unique name from being half Filipino as his father was from the Philippines. He is also part Greek as his mother is from Greece. Batista is a grandfather, has three daughters and was divorced twice, most recently from his wife Angie after he committed several affairs.

From a young age, due to his naturally impressive physique Batista worked as a bouncer at local Washington clubs, but was known for his bad attitude and violent behavior. He was fired from one club after severely beating two men and had to leave the bouncing industry after being sentenced to one years probation. He briefly worked as a lifeguard before taking up his dream of bodybuilding, which ultimately led to Pro Wrestling.

- Whilst working the bodybuilding circuit he was approached by wrestlers Road Warrior animal and the late “Mr Perfect” Curt Hennig, who saw potential in his monster size. They said he’d make a good wrestler and pointed him towards the WCW Powerplant, the official WCW training school. At this time WCW was well in to its dieing days and the Powerplant was just as political as backstage at Monday Nitro. Due to this fact and the possible opinion that they didn’t want to hire yet another “bodybuilder type,” Batista was told that he’d never make it in Pro Wrestling.

- Still willing to give wrestling a shot he went to WCW’s rival, the then WWF and they immediately saw potential in his size, as is often the case for big men and the WWE. He was sent to the famous Wild Samoan Wrestling School, ran by former tag team champion Afa Anoa’i. It was here that he learned the fundamentals and got his first live appearances for the Samoan’s World Xtreme Wrestling Indy show, going by the name of Kahn. Now he had the basics covered a spot opened up for him at Ohio Valley Wrestling, one of WWE’s development territories at the time and in the Summer of 2000 he officially signed a WWE development contract, beginning the long journey to super stardom. Here he’d learn the “WWE Style” of wrestling, understand psychology and get experience working TV tapings.

Tell me More about Batista

- Under the tutelage of the two veterans Batista, along with Orton were fast tracked to stardom, being a part of many main event storylines thanks to his connection with Triple H. He won his first WWE title during this era with fellow Evolution member Ric Flair at Armageddon 2003, ironically defeating the Dudley Boyz.

- Randy Orton was the first member to leave Evolution, but Batista wouldn’t stay loyal forever. They teased that he was beginning to turn on Triple H for a number of weeks and Hunter became worried that Batista was becoming a threat to his title. A failed attempt at stopping Batista enter the Royal Rumble saw their friendship reach near breaking point, and when he won the 2005 event, Flair and Hunter tried to make him join Smackdown at which point he turned on the Game. He went on to beat him at Wrestlemania 21, cementing him as a top contender. He would go on to continue his main event status feuding with the likes of JBL, Eddie Guerrero, Undertaker and Edge.

- There has been a lot of controversy surrounding Batista’s personal life, with many claiming him to be arrogant, a womanizer and hard to work worth – so much so that many applauded Booker T for punching him out one time backstage. His own book “Batista Unleashed” reveals a lot of dirt on himself including a relationship with Diva Melina.

Batista in the News

- During his early run in WWE both critics and “smart fans” labeled Batista as just another “big man” that couldn’t wrestle or cut a convincing promo. A lot of his early matches with Evolution were deemed poor, squash matches or only good because a team member “carried the match.” He eventually became universally accepted as a solid worker, who could have good matches with other good wrestlers, although isn’t considered a “ring general.” He also found a niche as a laid back and often arrogant character and tailored his promos as such.

- Throughout his career Batista has suffered several legitimate injuries that left him sidelined for extended periods of time. The first occurred on March 1st, 2003 when he pulled his triceps muscle at a house show. He returned in October taking out Goldberg. His second injury happened on the November 11th edition of Smackdown after getting chokeslammed by Kane. He tore one of his back muscles. He was further chokeslammed ultimately on to a car to storyline explain his absence. He was injured again in 2006 during a house show match with Mark Henry, tearing his triceps muscle again. He emotionally vacated his World title.

- There was a lot unstated heat on Batista early on in his career as other wrestlers felt he didn’t deserve his spot. It has often been described as jealousy that he got to learn from Ric Flair and Triple H virtually right off the bat and then was groomed for the main event slot he now holds.

- Around the 2005 period onwards Batista began to get serious heat from other wrestlers for his arrogant attitude and the fame seemed to be going to his head. The jealousy that was felt earlier on was at an all time high and many people felt he didn’t deserve his spot and was abusing it. This attitude came through to the public when he spoke negatively of the Smackdown brand in an interview with the UK Sun Newspaper. He stated “I’ve watched their tapings live and it seems like a lot of the guys couldn’t care less. There’s a lack of passion and pride,” and that it made him “sick.” In a later interview he said “there are guys on both shows who are lazy, couldn’t care less and show no dedication.” This even got him some heat from management who aren’t overly keen on wrestlers doing out of character interviews, especially if it involves talking bad about the product. Still by this time Batista was in an “untouchable” position within the company.

- In the same interview he blasted TNA Wrestling and AJ Styles stating “I’ve also seen clips of their car wreck matches with A.J. Styles doing his stunts. That’s not wrestling. Wrestling is storytelling.” AJ responded by saying “I think it’s funny that a guy who takes a bump and tears his back tells me that I don’t know how to wrestle.”

- In mid 2006 Booker T and Batista got involved in a legitimate backstage fight stemming from Batista’s big ego. Booker got the upper hand and was virtually backed by everyone in the locker room, who saw Batista as immature and arrogant, undeserving of his push. Batista had an attitude like he was the top man in the company and various wrestlers enjoyed the fact that he was brought down a peg or two by Booker.

- At times Batista has been known as a womanizer and his autobiography “Batista Unleashed” brought this to the forefront of media attention, revealing that he committed serial affairs on his ex-wife Angie. One quote sums it up:

“Now, don’t get me wrong, my ex-wife is the love of my life and I would never knowingly hurt her. However, while I was busting my butt on the road like a dog, she would sit around the house and do nothing. I mean, yeah, she had cancer, but she couldn’t vacuum? And since the chemo made her ‘not in the mood’, I had no choice but to have threesomes on the road. I mean, she’s talented and I hated to see her waste her life like that when she could be a dancer, or maybe a nurse. But she’s not a bad person and I take full responsibility for my actions, even though it was her fault.”

- Batista has also been linked to a couple of WWE Divas. Batista claims in his book and several interviews that in 2006 after he divorced his wife he began a strictly physical relationship with Melina, later they began dating. But John Morrison has gone on record as late as November 2007, claiming that he was still going out with Melina. She has yet to comment herself. It was also believed that Batista was actually cheating on his wife with Melina prior to their divorce. Their relationship stems from an on air segment where Melina “warmed up” Batista before his match.

Notable Batista Matches

(these are highlights and not a complete match history).

WXW:

July 11th, 1999: Goldberg spoof Gillberg makes an open challenge. An unnamed Batista makes his debut by destroying Gillberg in under a minute.

October 30th, 1999: Khan in his official WXW debut defeated Southtown Joe. OVW:

December 13, 2000: Undefeated Leviathan loses to Kane after interference from the Hardy Boyz and Steve Austin.

2001: Leviathan feuds with Brock Lesnar having several matches.

October 24th, 2001: Leviathan lost to Val Venis.

October 28th, 2001: Leviathan defeated “The Machine” Doug Basham for the OVW Heavyweight title.

January 16th, 2002: Leviathan defeated D’Lo Brown.

February 20th, 2002: Leviathan lost to John Cena with the OVW title on the line. WWE Smackdown:

June 27th, 2002: In his in-ring debut after being a bodyguard Deacon Batista and Reverend D-Von defeated Farooq and Randy Orton.

September 5th, 2002: After attacking D-Von, Batista had a match defeating him before going to Raw. WWE Raw:

November 4th, 2002: After several weeks of vignettes Batista debuts and defeats Justin Credible.

November 25th, 2002: Batista defeated Kane with help from Ric flair to join Evolutio

January 27th, 2003: Batista and Triple H defeated Kane and RVD. Batista loosened Kane’s mask.

March 1st, 2003: Batista tore his bicep muscle in a match with the Dudleys at a house show.

November 10th, 2003: Batista lost to Goldberg after Triple H interfered with the Sledgehammer.

November 24th, 2003: Batista and Ric flair lost to HBK and Y2J. After the match Batista destroyed Shawn Michaels.

December 8th, 2003: Batista defeated Rob Van Dam.

December 14th, 2003 – Armageddon: Batista and Ric Flair won a Tag Team Turmoil match for the World Tag Team Championships over the Dudleys.

March 14th, 2004 – Wrestlemania 20: Batista, Randy Orton and Ric Flair defeated The Rock and Mick Foley.

August 15th, 2004 – Summerslam: Edge defeated Chris Jericho and Batista to retain the IC title.

October 18th, 2004: Ric Flair and Batista defeated Randy Orton and Chris Jericho.

January 9th, 2005 – New Year’s Revolution: Batista participated in the Elimination Chamber match.

January 30th, 2005 – Royal Rumble: Batista tossed out John Cena to win the Royal Rumble match.

March 21st, 2005: Batista defeated Kane in a “Pick Your Poison” Lumberjack match set up by Triple H.

April 3rd, 2005 – Wrestlemania 21: Batista defeated Triple H to win his first World Heavyweight title.

April 4th, 2005: Batista defeated Randy Orton.

May 1st, 2005 – Backlash: Batista defeated Triple H to retain the World Heavyweight title.

May 23rd, 2005: Batista defeated Edge to retain the World title.

June 26th, 2005 – Vengeance: Batista defeated Triple H in a Hell in a Cell match to retain the World title. WWE Smackdown:

October 9th, 2005 – No Mercy: Batista defeated Eddie Guerrero to retain the World title.

December 16th, 2005: Batista and Rey Mysterio defeated MNM for the WWE Tag Team Championships. 

January 13th, 2006: Batista vacated the World title after injuring his triceps at a house show against Mark Henry.

August 4th, 2006: Batista defeated Mr Kennedy.

November 26th, 2006 – Survivor Series: Batista defeated King Booker for the World Heavyweight title.

January 28th, 2007 – Royal Rumble: Batista defeated Mr Kennedy to retain the World title.

April 1st, 2007 – Wrestlemania 23: Batista lost to the Undertaker with the World title on the line.

April 29th, 2007 – Backlash: Batista and the Undertaker drew in a Last Man Standing match. Afterwards Batista speared Taker in to an electrical area below the stage.

May 11th, 2007: the Undertaker and Batista drew in a cage match when they both hit the floor simultaneously. Edge cashed in the MITB, beating Undertaker.

June 3rd, 2007 – One Night Stand: Edge defeated Batista in a Steel Cage match to retain the World title.

June 24th, 2007 – Vengeance: Edge defeated Batista by Countout in a “Last Chance” match to retain the World title.

July 22nd, 2007 – Great American Bash: Great Khali defeated Batista and Kane to retain the World title.

September 16th, 2007 – Unforgiven: Batista defeated The Great Khali and Rey Mysterio to win the World Heavyweight title for the 3rd time.

October 7th, 2007 – No Mercy: Batista defeated Great Khali in a Punjabi Prison Match to retain the World title.

October 28th, 2007 – Cyber Sunday: Batista defeated Undertaker with Austin as referee to retain the World title.

November 18th, 2007 – Survivor Series: Batista defeated The Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match to retain the World title after Edge took out Taker.

December 10, 2007 – RAW 15th Anniversary: Evolution Reunited, defeating Randy Orton, Edge and Umaga by DQ.

December 16th, 2007 – Armageddon: Edge defeated Batista and the Undertaker to win the World Heavyweight title.

February 17th, 2008 – No Way Out: Batista participated in the Elimination Chamber match. WWE Raw and Smackdown:

April 27th, 2008 – Backlash: Shawn Michaels defeated Batista with special guest referee Chris Jericho. HBK appeared to be playing possum with a knee injury before superkicking Batista.

June 1st, 2008 – One Night Stand: Batista defeated Shawn Michaels in a Stretcher Match, saying “I don’t love you, I’m not sorry” in reference to the Ric Flair retirement match at Wrestlemania 24.

June 13th, 2008 – Smakdown: Batista defeated the Great Khali for number one contendership to the World title. WWE Raw:

June 29th, 2008 – Night of Champions: Edge with Vickie Guerrero defeated Batista to retain the World title.

August 17th, 2008 – Summerslam: Batista defeated John Cena in their first ever WWE match outside of OVW.