Height: 6'0"
Weight: 235 lbs
Real Name: Marc Mero
DOB: 7/09/65
Hometown: Macon, Georgia
Other Names: Marc Mero(WWF), "Wildman"(WWF), "Marvelous"(WWF)
Wrestler Since: 1991
Finishing Maneuvers: Marvelosity, TKO
Previous PWI 500 Rankings: #54(1998), #221(1997), #43(1996), #57(1995), #51(1994), #51(1993), #59(1992), #101(1991)
History: (Last Updated: 12/12/04)
For the majority of a decade, Marc Mero was a major player in the sport of professional wrestling. In both WCW and the WWF, Mero competed in the big time, both as a fan favorite and as the heel you loved to hate. Ironically, though, although he was at home inbetween the ropes, Mero always intended to be a star in a different sport.
The Beginning/WCW
Mero grew up in New York, training to become a professional boxer. His training paid off, as he won the New York State Golden Gloves competition, proving his worth as a boxer. Still, Mero's skills weren't destined for a boxing ring, but for a ring of an entirely different style. In the early '90s, Mero was viewed in a gym by legendary wrestler "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, and subsequently was convinced to try out for World Championship Wrestling. He made his debut in 1991, wrestling as Johnny B. Badd. He was a character similar to Little Richard, both in looks and personality, and he became well-known for coming out with his Badd Blaster, shooting confetti into the crowd. His ability inside the ring and his antics outside of it earned him the PWI Rookie of the Year for 1991.
For the first three years of his career with WCW, Johnny B. Badd failed to become a major star. He routinely opened events, getting the crowd pumped up for what would be to come, but usually lost to the big-time stars, including many of the champions. He had mid-card feuds with wrestlers like Maxx Payne, Scotty Flamingo and Steven Regal. Finally, in 1994, Johnny B. Badd began to receive a substantial push. He had a high-profile feud with Steve Austin, the WCW US Champ at the time, then moved on to WCW Television Champion Steven Regal. At Fall Brawl '94, nearly four years into his wrestling career, Johnny B. Badd earned his first gold, taking down Regal and getting the World Television Title. Badd had a brief feud with the Honky Tonk Man near the end of '94, then started in a war with Four Horsemen member Arn Anderson, who would take away the TV Title in January '95.
It was also in 1994 when Marc Mero made the biggest step of his life, marrying his girlfriend and future wrestling superstar, Rena (Sable). Rena's influence in Marc's life followed him for the rest of his wrestling career and personal life, including his adopted daughter, Mariah.
Johnny B. Badd's feud with Arn Anderson would continue into March '95, when Badd defeated Anderson in a "Boxer vs. Wrestler" Match. But Johnny B. Badd's momentum had been stalled by his loss of the TV Title, and he would dwell on the edge of obscurity for much of 1995. In September '95, Badd would rise up once again, getting a much-needed victory over Brian Pillman that put him back in the Television Title race. Badd then entered the biggest feud of his WCW career, challenging the TV Champ, Diamond Dallas Page. At the time, Page was thought of as one of the most arrogant wrestlers around, giving "self high-fives" and having his wife, Kimberly, raise a "10" card whenever he felt he performed a terrific move. At Halloween Havoc '95, Johnny B. Badd earned his own 10, winning the WCW World Television Title for the second time, beating DDP.
Over the next few months, the Johnny B. Badd - Diamond Dallas Page feud would continue to heat up. Badd first 'stole' away Kimberly, who was tired of Page's rough treatment and unappreciation of her. Kimberly became Badd's manager instead, and helped him get $6.6 million from Page, bankrupting him. Badd also entered into a feud with Lex Luger, who took away the Television Title in February '96. Badd would win it right back the next day for his third reign, only to lose it for a final time in March. All the while, the feud simmered between Badd and Page, with a "Loser Leaves WCW" Match being signed in late March for Uncensored '96. However, the match would never take place, as Mero opted to leave WCW before the pay-per-view. Soon after, Mero signed with the World Wrestling Federation.
WWF
With "Johnny B. Badd" trademarked by WCW, "Wildman" Marc Mero entered the WWF under his own name, shedding his old personality for a tough boxer-like image, with "Sable", his wife, as his manager/valet. He would get a big win early on in his WWF career, taking down Hunter Hearst Helmsley at Beware of Dog. Mero then renewed acquaintances with his old rival, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. But Austin, now much more popular than before, dominated the feud, keeping Mero from getting a major victory. Mero also entered in a short program with Goldust, losing to the face-painted wrestler at Summerslam '96. Soon after, Mero was finally given a push, as he defeated Austin, Owen Hart and Faarooq to win the vacated WWF Intercontinental Championship. Mero would continue to feud with Goldust for the next few months, with the feud spilling over towards Hunter Hearst Helmsley, who beat Mero for the Intercontinental Title in October '96.
Mero would feud briefly with Helmsley, but was never able to get the Intercontinental Title back from him. Soon after, injuries and a lack of a push sent Mero out of the WWF for many months, as he recuperated from years of pushing his body to the limit. He would return near the end of '97, competing as an even tougher foe, one who would push things to the limit. He competed against Butterbean, the famous Tough Man Contest champion, at D-Generation X in December '97, finally forcing the disqualification to keep himself from losing. In 1998, Mero tried a partnership with Goldust, but the alliance didn't last long, as the two started feuding, with their valets, Sable and Luna, becoming involved as well. This was the start of friction between Mero and Sable, who, much like Kimberly before her, didn't like the way she was being treated. She would eventually break away from Mero, creating a major feud that almost ended before it truly got started. At Over the Edge '98, Mero pinned Sable in 21 seconds to apparently eliminate her from the WWF. But Sable would return only a short time later, thanks to a legal loophole.
Throughout the rest of 1998, Mero, with his new valet, Jacqueline, continued to go after his former manager, battling against her in numerous mixed tag-team matches. Somehow, though, Sable mostly came out on top, as Mero was unable to stop her growing momentum. At the end of '98, with his stock with the fans nearly completely dry, Mero dropped out from the WWF, content to cheer on his wife as she became the top woman in the company. When Sable and the WWF clashed in 1999, leading to Sable's contract release, Mero went with her, staying with his wife. Mero left wrestling behind him, instead becoming his wife's manager of their company, Rena Productions. This 'retirement' lasted for a long while.
NWA-TNA
In November '04, Johnny B. Badd surprisingly returned, joining up with NWA-TNA and teaming regularly with Pat Kenney, among others. At Victory Road '04, Badd joined up with Kenney, Erik Watts, & Ron Killings in an "Eight-Man Tag-Team" Match against Kid Kash, Dallas, & the Naturals. The match was all over the place, but Badd showed resilence and skill in his first PPV match in years. In fact, Badd played a crucial role in the decision of the match, catching Andy Douglas with the Bad Moon, allowing Killings to get the pinfall victory. Badd continued to align himself with Kenney over the next month, and the two were given another chance to shine at the December PPV, Turning Point, where they faced off against the NYC (Glen Gilberti & Johnny Swinger). Emotions were high between Kenney and his former stablemates, but Badd kept his head, helping to keep his team on track. This wasn't the case for Gilberti, who was distracted by the special referee, Jacqueline. In the end, Badd caught Swinger with the TKO and got the win, showing that his new team is something to be respected.
Pay-Per-View/Show Summary: (36 - 36, 1 Draw)
Title Summary:
PWI Achievement Awards: (1 win, 1 1st RU, 0 2nd RUs, 0 3rd RUs)
- WCW Great American Bash '91 (July 14) = Johnny B. Badd lost, via DQ, to the Yellow Dog.
- WCW Clash of the Champions XVI (September 5, '91) = Johnny B. Badd lost to the WCW United States Champion, Sting.
- WCW Halloween Havoc '91 (October 27) = Johnny B. Badd beat Jimmy Garvin.
- WCW Clash of the Champions XVII (November 19, '91) = Johnny B. Badd lost to the WCW Light Heavyweight Champ, Brian Pillman.
- WCW Starrcade '91 (December 29) = Johnny B. Badd & Arachnaman fell to Scott Steiner & Firebreaker Chip.
- WCW Clash of the Champions XVIII (January 21, '92) = Johnny B. Badd took down Richard Morton.
- WCW Wrestlewar '92 (May 17) = Johnny B. Badd won over Tracey Smothers.
- WCW Clash of the Champions XXI (November 18, '92) = Johnny B. Badd lost a "Boxing" Match to Scotty Flamingo.
- WCW United States Title Tournament (December '92) = Johnny B. Badd lost in the first round to Barry Windham. Dustin Rhodes won the tournament.
- WCW Starrcade '92 (December 28) = Johnny B. Badd & Cactus Jack were beaten by Danny Spivey & Van Hammer.
- WCW Clash of the Champions XXII (January 13, '93) = Johnny B. Badd was pinned by Cactus Jack.
- WCW World Television Title Tournament (February/March '93) = Johnny B. Badd defeated Chris Benoit and Steven Regal, before losing to the eventual winner, Paul Orndorff.
- WCW Clash of the Champions XXIII (June 16, '93) = Johnny B. Badd lost, via forfeit, to Maxx Payne.
- WCW Beach Blast '93 (July 18) = Johnny B. Badd pinned Maxx Payne.
- WCW Clash of the Champions XXIV (August 18, '93) = Johnny B. Badd defeated Maxx Payne.
- WCW Clash of the Champions XXV (November 10, '93) = Johnny B. Badd fell to the WCW Television Champ, Steven Regal.
- WCW BattleBowl (November 20, '93) = Johnny B. Badd & Brian Knobbs beat Erik Watts & Paul Roma. Later that night, Johnny B. Badd competed in the "BattleBowl", which was won by Vader.
- WCW Superbrawl IV (February 20, '94) = Johnny B. Badd pinned Jimmy Garvin.
- WCW European Cup Tournament (March '94) = Johnny B. Badd lost in the first round to Ric Flair. Sting won the tournament.
- WCW Spring Stampede '94 (April 17) = Johnny B. Badd took down Diamond Dallas Page.
- WCW Slamboree '94 (May 22) = Johnny B. Badd lost to the WCW United States Champ, Steve Austin.
- WCW Clash of the Champions XXVII (June 23, '94) = Johnny B. Badd won, via DQ, over the WCW US Champ, Steve Austin.
- WCW Bash At The Beach '94 (July 17) = Johnny B. Badd was beaten by the WCW TV Champ, Steven Regal.
- WCW Fall Brawl '94 (September 18) = Johnny B. Badd won the WCW Television Title from Steven Regal.
- WCW Halloween Havoc '94 (October 23) = Johnny B. Badd stayed the WCW Television Champ, fighting to a Draw with the Honky Tonk Man.
- WCW Clash of the Champions XXIX (November 16, '94) = Johnny B. Badd, as the WCW TV Champ, won, via DQ, over the Honky Tonk Man.
- WCW Starrcade '94 (December 27) = Johnny B. Badd kept the WCW Television Title, winning over Arn Anderson.
- WCW Clash of the Champions XXX (January 25, '95) = Johnny B. Badd was pinned by the Television Champ, Arn Anderson.
- WCW Superbrawl V (February 19, '95) = In a dark match, Johnny B. Badd lost a "Lumberjack" Match to the WCW Television Champ, Arn Anderson.
- WCW Uncensored '95 (March 19) = Johnny B. Badd won a "Boxer vs. Wrestler" Match over Arn Anderson.
- WCW United States Title Tournament (April/June '95) = Johnny B. Badd lost in the first round to Paul Orndorff. Sting won the tournament.
- WCW Bash At The Beach '95 (July 16) = In a dark match, Johnny B. Badd defeated Chris Canyon.
- WCW Clash of the Champions XXXI (August 4, '95) = In a dark match, Johnny B. Badd beat Big Bubba Rogers.
- WCW Fall Brawl '95 (September 17) = Johnny B. Badd pinned Brian Pillman.
- WCW Halloween Havoc '95 (October 29) = Johnny B. Badd won the WCW Television Title from Diamond Dallas Page.
- WCW World War III '95 (November 26) = Johnny B. Badd kept the WCW TV Title, winning over Diamond Dallas Page. Later on, Johnny B. Badd competed in the "WWIII Three Ring Battle Royale", which was won by Randy Savage.
- WCW Starrcade '95 (December 27) = Johnny B. Badd won, via DQ, over Masa Saito.
- WCW Superbrawl VI (February 11, '96) = Johnny B. Badd retained the WCW TV Title, beating Diamond Dallas Page.
- WWF Good Friends, Better Enemies (April 28, '96) = In a dark match, Marc Mero won, via DQ, over the 1-2-3 Kid.
- WWF Beware of Dog (May 26, '96) = Mero defeated Hunter Hearst Helmsley.
- WWF King of the Ring '96 (June 23) = Mero fell to Steve Austin.
- WWF International Incident (July 21, '96) = Mero was beaten by Steve Austin.
- WWF Summerslam '96 (August 18) = Mero lost to Goldust.
- WWF Intercontinental Title Tournament (August/September '96) = Mero defeated Steve Austin, Owen Hart and Faarooq to win the tournament.
- WWF Mind Games (September 26, '96) = In a dark match, Mero was taken down by Faarooq.
- WWF Buried Alive (October 20, '96) = Mero stayed the WWF Intercontinental Champion, beating Goldust.
- WWF Survivor Series '96 (November 17) = Mero, Rocky Maivia, Jake Roberts & Barry Windham fought in an "Elimination" Match against Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Jerry Lawler, Goldust & Crush. Mero was eliminated by Crush. Maivia was the sole 'survivor'.
- WWF It's Time (December 15, '96) = Mero won, via Countout, over the WWF Intercontinental Champ, Hunter Hearst Helmsley.
- WWF Royal Rumble '97 (January 21) = Mero competed in the Royal Rumble, which was won by Steve Austin.
- WWF Final Four (February 16, '97) = Mero took down Leif Cassidy.
- WWF Survivor Series '97 (November 9) = Mero, Goldust, Steve Blackman & Vader fought in an "Elimination" Match against Davey Boy Smith, Jim Neidhart, Doug Furnas & Phil Lafon. Mero was eliminated by Furnas. Smith was the sole 'survivor'.
- WWF D-Generation X (December 8, '97) = Mero lost, via DQ, to Butterbean in a "Toughman" Match.
- WWF Royal Rumble '98 (January 18) = Mero competed in the Royal Rumble, which was won by Steve Austin.
- WWF No Way Out of Texas (February 15, '98) = Mero & Goldust fell to the Headbangers.
- WWF Wrestlemania XIV (March 29, '98) = Mero & Sable defeated Goldust & Luna.
- WWF Mayhem In Manchester (April 4, '98) = Mero was pinned by Justin Bradshaw.
- WWF Over The Edge '98 (May 31) = Mero quickly pinned Sable in a "Loser Leaves WWF" Match.
- WWF Brawl For All Tournament (June/August '98) = Mero fell in the first round to Steve Blackman. Bart Gunn won the tournament.
- WWF Summerslam '98 (August 30) = Mero & Jacqueline were beaten by Sable & Edge.
- WWF Breakdown (September 27, '98) = Mero took down Darren Drosdov.
- WWF Intercontinental Title Tournament (October 12, '98) = Mero lost in the first round to Val Venis. Ken Shamrock won the tournament.
- WWF Judgment Day '98 (October 18) = Mero was pinned by Al Snow.
- WWF Capital Carnage (December 6, '98) = Mero & Jacqueline fell to Sable & Christian.
- NWA-TNA Victory Road '04 (November 7, '04) = Johnny B. Badd, Ron Killings, Pat Kenney, & Erik Watts defeated Kid Kash, Dallas, & the Naturals.
- NWA-TNA Turning Point (December 5, '04) = Johnny B. Badd & Pat Kenney won over Glen Gilberti & Johnny Swinger.
- NWA-TNA Final Resolution (January 16, '05) = In a dark match, Badd & Sonny Siaki were beaten by the Naturals.
- World Wrestling Legends PPV (March 5, '06) = In a dark match, Badd & Russ Rollins defeated Norman Smiley & the Blue Meanie.
- WCW World Television Champion (9/18/94 - 1/08/95)
- WCW World Television Champion(2) (10/29/95 - 2/17/96)
- WCW World Television Champion(3) (2/18/96 - 3/06/96)
- WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion (9/23/96 - 10/21/96)
- 1991 Rookie of the Year
- 1994 Most Improved Wrestler, 1st Runner-Up