Lucky Thirteen #12
The Great Garden State
Written by Mark Adam Haggerty
I live in the Golden State of California, in the southern-most city in Los Angeles County—Long Beach. But I grew up in New Jersey, nearly 3000 miles away in the sleepy little two-mile-town of North Plainfield. ‘Jersey gets a bad rap because of pop culture icons such as Tony Soprano and Snooki, painting us all like illiterate, criminal, baby-makers with bad taste and big hair. The truth is that New Jersey is a truly beautiful slice of paradise that stretches beyond both rolling hills—with more horses per square mile than anywhere else in the world—to some of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country. In all of the years I’ve been away from home, I’m just as “Jersey Strong” as ever, with a chip on my shoulder and an unrelenting sense of self satisfaction. My name is Mark Adam Haggerty and today’s countdown focuses on the most popular wrestling personalities to come out of New Jersey. This is “Lucky Thirteen #12 – The Great Garden State.”
Honorable Mention
Kevin Knight & the IWF – Nutley, NJ
My first foray into the fun-filled world of independent wrestling was just a few exits up the freeway from me in the city of Woodland Hills, New Jersey. I was excited to see—and to meet—the local stars of the Independent Wrestling Federation, who would one day become nationally recognized performers. Kevin Knight is an extraordinary talent and trainer who got his start in the professional wrestling industry in 1996, training under one of the many “Nature Boys,” Rik Ratchet. Kevin recently moved operations to his hometown of Nutley, New Jersey—where he has become a vital component to local events. The IWF takes part in a number of charitable functions, and Kevin is even a member of the Nutley Chamber of Commerce. Some of my favorite faces to appear in the IWF have been Chris Steeler, Aaron Stride, “Playboy” Vik Vorhees, Travis Blake, Tony Torres and Biggie Biggs. Kevin has had several graduates go on to achieve greatness in Sports Entertainment, including NXT referees Dan Anfibio and Shawn Bennett, Bro Mans member Robbie E, and a revolutionary WWE Superstar who we’ll cover a little later on. In addition to running monthly events, providing for the community, and training the next generation of wrestling talent, Kevin and his wrestlers have made numerous WWE appearances, both on house shows, and in special roles on large-scale pay per views. Kevin even had a “Wrestlemania Moment” in 2004 when he appeared at the 20th annual event as a Druid during the Undertaker’s entrance. With trainers like Kevin Knight and promotions like the IWF, it’s not hard to see why New Jersey has become such as hotbed for professional wrestling.
13. The Headbangers – Cherry Hill & Camden, NJ
Chaz Warrington and Glenn Ruth were trained by Larry Sharpe at the Monster Factory in Paulsboro, New Jersey, and were initially paired together in 1994. Wrestling as the “Spiders,” Warrington and Ruth performed throughout the National Wrestling Alliance and even made an appearance for Extreme Championship Wrestling. In 1995, they signed with the USWA and changed their name to the “Headbangers,” where they proceeded to dominate the tag team division. They debuted for the WWE in 1996 through the USWA’s working relationship with Vince McMahon and won the WWE Tag Team titles at Ground Zero in September of 1997. The Headbangers would go their separate ways in 2000, after six long years as tag team partners. Today these two natives of Camden County, New Jersey are onto the next chapter in their lives; Glenn Ruth AKA Thrasher is a restaurant executive in Maryland, while Chaz Warrington AKA Mosh plays in a national kickball league.
12. Mike Bucci – Toms River, NJ
New Jersey is called the “Garden State” because it lies between New York City and Philadelphia; during the early days of America, folks would travel between the two cities and marvel at the lush landscape and bountiful vegetation available in New Jersey. So it’s no great mystery how Jersey-born wrestlers like Mike Bucci, found their way to ECW in the “City of Brotherly Love.” Known to hardcore fans as Nova—a member of the “Blue World Order”—Mike Bucci is more popularly remembered for his stint in WWE as the fitness obsessed, Segway-riding Simon Dean. Bucci was born in Toms River and went to the same junior college as I did—Ocean County College—but dropped out to pursue his career as a professional wrestler. He debuted in 1992 on the independent circuit and by 1996 was discovered by Paul Heyman and introduced to audiences at the ECW Arena. Following the fold of ECW, Bucci returned to the independents and was signed by WWE’s developmental system in 2002. He debuted on the main roster as Simon Dean, selling his “Simon System,” and later worked as a manager for the short-lived tag-team, The Gymini. Mike Bucci is semi-retired and lives in Louisville, Kentucky where he is focused on a career in real estate.
11. Darren Young – Union, NJ
Number eleven on our countdown was trained by the aforementioned Independent Wrestling Federation and is currently signed to WWE where he recently returned to action alongside his former tag team partner. Darren Young was born in Union, New Jersey and started training under Kevin Knight after being referred by a former employer. He made his in-ring debut in 2002 and honed his craft with both the IWF and nearby Chaotic Wrestling, before winning his first heavyweight championship in 2003. Darren made several appearances for the WWE alongside fellow IWF students and teachers, both inside the squared-circle and as background characters. In 2009, Darren Young was signed to a WWE developmental contract and reported to FCW before making his main roster debut as part of the first season of NXT. Young was eliminated halfway through the competition, but returned to WWE programming the week after the finale as part of the Nexus Invasion. In 2012, Darren Young and Titus O’Neill formed the “Prime Time Players,” and competed for the tag team titles. Darren Young made history on August 15, 2013 when he told the world exactly who he was—the first-ever openly gay wrestler on the WWE roster. Since then, Darren has spoken out both for and against the WWE, and has worked hard to counteract the homophobic stereotypes surrounding professional sports.
10. D’Lo Brown – Burlington, NJ
He made his main roster debut as a Louis Farrakhan impersonator during the early days of the Nation of Domination. But D’Lo Brown could be seen on WWE programming as early as 1994, enhancing other talents and helping to carry King Mabel’s sedan to the ring in 1995. D’Lo was originally cast as head of security for the “Gangstas”—the violent tag team comprised of New Jack and Mustafa Saed—during their initial run in Smoky Mountain Wrestling. D’Lo was thrust into the forefront of the Nation when Farooq excommunicated Crush and Savio Vega, in favor of reforming an “All-Black” stable, leading to the “Gang Rulz” motif of Survivor Series 1997. D’Lo is a former Intercontinental and European champion, most favorably remembered for representing various cities in Europe during his reign, and even visiting the gates of Buckingham Palace before losing the belt. On October 5, 1999, D’Lo was involved with ending the career of fellow-New Jersey native Darren Drozdov, when a powerbomb was botched due to Droz’s baggy shirt. Since the incident, D’Lo has professed nothing but sincere regret and has stated he and Droz remain good friends to this day. A Jersey-boy from Burlington, D’Lo Brown has had a long career in several promotions including Total Nonstop Action, where he was the vice president of the “Aces and Eights.”
9. Larry Sharpe – Paulsboro, NJ
You’re going to see his name pop-up all over this countdown, so it’s about time to cover one of the most prolific trainers in the history of professional wrestling—Larry Sharpe. Larry is most commonly recognized as the owner and proprietor of the Monster Factory in Paulsboro, New Jersey—a world-renowned training facility that’s helped create stars such as Tony Atlas, the Big Show, Sheamus, and Raven. Larry was a very successful high school athlete, with an amateur wrestling record of 13-1-1. He was ranked 4th by the NCAA and in 1974 was scouted by Gorilla Monsoon for the World Wide Wrestling Federation. Larry Sharpe made his pro wrestling debut working for the WWWF and won his first championship in September 1976 with Stampede Wrestling in Calgary. He returned to the WWE sporadically throughout the ‘70s until 1979 when he started to focus on his training school. The Monster Factory opened in 1983 as a joint venture between Sharpe and former world champion, Buddy Rogers. Larry Sharpe retired in 1991 and continues to make residence in his hometown of Paulsboro.
8. Chris Candido – Edison, NJ
Mainstream wrestling audiences might remember Chris Candido as the Bodydonna known as Skip, who was accompanied to ringside by future Hall of Famer Sunny. Candido grew up in Edison, New Jersey and began training with Larry Sharpe at just fourteen years old. He made his professional debut later that year, and by 1992 was signed by Jim Cornette’s Smoky Mountain Wrestling. While working for SMW, Candido was afforded the opportunity to introduce audiences to his valet and real-life girlfriend, Tammy Lynn Sytch. After a successful few years in Smoky Mountain and a cup-of-coffee with Eastern Championship Wrestling, Candido and Sytch were both signed to the WWE where they became the Bodydonnas. They were soon paired with Dr. Tom Prichard AKA Zip, and became the WWE Tag Team Champions during the Wrestlemania XII preshow on March 31, 1996. Candido returned to ECW and later WCW, where he would enjoy greater success as a singles wrestler when he won the WCW Cruiserweight championship. Following the close of WCW, Candido appeared for New Japan and on the independent circuit, before debuting for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling in 2005. Chris Candido passed away on April 28, 2005 due to a blood clot stemming from minor injuries suffered just four days earlier.
7. Howard Finkel – Newark, NJ
Affectionately referred to as the “Fink,” Howard Finkel has been working for the WWE since 1975—making him the longest tenured employee in company history. Howard is a native of the now-notorious Newark, and started working in the offices of the World Wide Wrestling Federation, where he was promoted to ring announcer in 1977. By 1979, Howard Finkel was the premiere ring announcer in the New York territory, and in much of the wrestling industry. He is the only person to have been featured at Wrestlemania from its inception, to the most recent edition in Santa Clara, California. Though never a wrestler himself, the “Fink” has been known to mix it up when the mood should strike; in 1995 he wrestled Harvey Wippleman in a tuxedo match, and in 1998 became part of a feud between Jeff Jarrett and X-Pac. In 2009, the WWE honored its very first employee by inducting Howard Finkel into its prestigious Hall of Fame.
6. AJ Lee – Union City, NJ
I’m notorious for not liking AJ Lee—the wrestler. But AJ Lee, the person, is perfectly cool as far as I’m concerned. April Jeanette Mendez was born on March 19, 1987 in Union City, and spent the first several years of her life sleeping in cars and on other people’s couches. AJ Lee wouldn’t let adversity get her down and by twelve-years-old, decided she was going to become a professional wrestler. After dropping out of NYU’s Tisch School of Fine Arts, AJ Lee began training to become a wrestler under the already-established Jay Lethal. She started working full time for women-only promotions such as Women Superstars Uncensored, and in 2009 won the “King and Queen of the Ring Tournament,” with Lethal as her partner. She was signed to the WWE’s developmental system in 2009 and made her main roster debut as part of NXT Season Three in 2010. Since becoming a member of the roster, and key focal point within the WWE Universe, AJ Lee has succeeded in winning numerous honors including the WWE Diva’s championship, which she held for a record-setting 406-days.
5. King Kong Bundy – Atlantic City, NJ
One of the most iconic faces in the history of the WWE doesn’t belong to a Hall of Famer or even a former champion, but the Atlantic City-superheavyweight, King Kong Bundy. Though Bundy’s time-on-top was short-lived, he created an indelible mark on the industry by wrestling Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania 2 and the Undertaker at WrestleMania XI. He was also featured as a family-member on the hit sitcom, “Married with Children,” and played a prominent role in the 1988 Richard Pryor comedy, “Moving.” King Kong Bundy was born Christopher Alan Pallies in Atlantic City, and graduated from Washington Township High School in 1974. He was one of many wrestlers trained by Larry Sharpe, and debuted the King Kong Bundy character while working for Fritz Von Erich in World Class Championship Wrestling. Though his total run as a main stream Sports Entertainer lasted only five years, King Kong Bundy succeeded in becoming a household name and one of the biggest stars to come out of New Jersey.
4. JJ Dillon – Trenton, NJ
James J. Dillon made his professional wrestling debut on December 6, 1968 after training under the famed Florida promotor, Eddie Graham. Though commonly remembered for his role as a manager, Dillon participated between the ropes on a number of occasions, and worked as a full time wrestler until retiring from competition in 1989. By this point, Dillon’s appearances in the ring were few and far between as the Trenton, New Jersey-native was busy with the intellectual happenings behind-the-scenes regarding the Four Horsemen. He was the official “fifth” member of the foursome—made up of Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, and the Andersons—and became an intricate part of NWA storytelling during their run. Dillon took a break from in front of the camera, and worked as the WWE’s Head of Talent Relations in the mid-1990s until he was replaced by Jim Ross in 1997. In 2012, JJ Dillon was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Four Horsemen, and is currently the color commentator for First State Championship Wrestling in Delaware.
3. Bam Bam Bigelow – Asbury Park, NJ
He’s been called the “greatest big man,” to ever lace up a pair of wrestling boots, as this 300+ pounder was never shy about flying from the top turnbuckle or cart-wheeling across the ring. Of course I’m referring to the late-great Bam Bam Bigelow, who made his highly publicized wrestling debut at the famed Studio 54 nightclub in New York City in 1985. Bam Bam grew up in Asbury Park—an urban portion of the Jersey Shore that’s become increasingly gentrified in the past few years—and trained at the Monster Factory under the legendary Larry Sharpe. Bam Bam worked a short stint for the WWE during the late ‘80s where he appeared at the inaugural Survivor Series, and then at Wrestlemania IV in 1988. From there he moved onto Jim Crockett Promotions and later NJPW where he captured the IWGP tag titles with Big Van Vader. Upon returning to the United States, Bam Bam resigned with Vince McMahon and remained with the WWE from 1992 until the end of 1995. Bigelow made a name for himself in both ECW as well as World Championship Wrestling, cashing in on the hardcore craze that was suited almost perfectly to his character. Bam Bam Bigelow retired from the ring in 2006 and passed away from an apparent drug overdose involving cocaine and anti-anxiety medications on January 19, 2007.
2. Diamond Dallas Page – Point Pleasant, NJ
Growing up at the Jersey Shore is pretty exciting, but growing up a WRESTLING fan at the Jersey Shore—now that’s cause for a SELF HIGH FIVE! Diamond Dallas Page has come to prominence in recent years for improving the lives of thousands of people with his innovative approach to Yoga, cleverly titled, “DDP Yoga.” But Dallas has been reaching millions of people around world for years, starting in 1989 at the considerably accelerated age of 33. Page was born in Point Pleasant, which is among the most picturesque places in all of New Jersey, lying somewhere between the hustle and bustle of New York and the high rollers down in Atlantic City. Diamond Dallas Page originally entered the business as a manager, but made his wrestling debut on pay-per-view at Starrcade 1991. In 1996, DDP won WCW’s “Lord of the Ring Tournament,” and captured the coveted “Big Gold Belt” at Spring Stampede 1999. When Vince McMahon bought his competition in 2001, Diamond Dallas Page was among the first WCW wrestlers to become a WWE Superstar, as he engaged the Undertaker as his very first foe. Dallas recently opened his “DDP Yoga Performance Center,” with the help of Scott Hall and Jake Roberts—leading fans to wonder if DDP might someday get the same Hall of Fame honor as his friends.
1. Buddy Rogers – Camden, NJ
He is Vince McMahon’s favorite wrestler of all time, and in 1963, became the first-ever WWWF World Heavyweight Champion. He is the ORIGINAL “Nature Boy”—Buddy Rogers. Rogers comes from the seaside city of Camden, a once-luxurious berg boasting one of the most beautiful aquariums in the country. Buddy broke into the wrestling business in 1939 after earning a reputation in the amateur ranks at his local YMCA. Rogers was originally “voted” into the NWA title picture, by the championship committee, in 1961—and defeated Pat O’Connor after O’Connor’s groundbreaking 903 days as champion. Buddy Rogers held the title until 1963 when Vince McMahon Sr. broke away from the National Wrestling Alliance, and crowned Rogers his inaugural champion. Rogers retired from full time competition following his loss to Bruno Sammartino later that year, but maintained a presence within the industry as a manager and interviewer for both the NWA and WWE until his passing in 1992. The WWE Hall of Fame was founded in 1993, and Buddy Rogers was among those inducted during the official ceremony in 1994. Buddy Rogers is now—and will forever be—a national treasure, and the greatest wrestling personality in the history of New Jersey.
Of all the lists I’ve compiled for Cheap-Heat, this is among the strangest assortment of Superstars I’ve ever come across. I listed the first-ever WWE Champion alongside a current WWE Diva and member of the “Nation of Domination” with two guys that wore DRESSES to the ring. New Jersey has the ninth highest population in the country, but is among the smallest in terms of area—making it the most densely populated state in America. It’s also one of the most diverse, which is how this edition of the “Lucky Thirteen” came to be. Until next time this has been Mark Adam Haggerty reminding you to follow me on social media—my Twitter is @TapeTraderz and I’m on Facebook at “The B+ Players.” You can also listen to me ramble about wrestling—rather than read it—on my weekly podcast, “The B+ Players,” available through SoundCloud, YourListen, Facebook, or right here at www.Cheap-Heat.com.
