Chris BenoitChristopher Michael Benoit (bəˈnwɑː ; May 21, 1967 – June 24, 2007) was a Canadian professional wrestler. He worked for various pro-wrestling promotions during his 22-year career including most notably the World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment (WWF/WWE), World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in the USA, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in Japan and Stampede Wrestling in Canada.
Gimmick (professional wrestling)In professional wrestling, a gimmick generally refers to a wrestler's in-ring persona, character, behaviour, attire and/or other distinguishing traits while performing which are usually artificially created in order to draw fan interest. These in-ring personalities often involve costumes, makeup and catchphrases that they shout at their opponents or the fans. Gimmicks can be designed to work as good guys/heroes (babyfaces) or bad guys/villains (heels) depending on the wrestler's desire to be popular or hated by the crowd.
André the GiantAndré René Roussimoff (ɑ̃dʁe ʁəne ʁusimɔf; 19 May 1946 – 28 January 1993), better known by his ring name André the Giant, was a French professional wrestler and actor. Known as "the Eighth Wonder of the World," Roussimoff was known for his great size, which was a result of gigantism caused by excess growth hormones. Beginning his career in 1966, Roussimoff relocated to North America in 1971. From 1973 to the mid-1980s, Roussimoff was booked by World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) promoter Vincent J.
Independent circuitIn professional wrestling, the independent circuit (oftened shortened to indie circuit) is the collective name of independently owned promotions which are deemed to be smaller and more regionalized than major national promotions. Independent promotions are essentially viewed as a minor league or farm system for the larger national promotions, as wrestlers in "indie" companies (especially young wrestlers just starting their careers) are usually honing their craft with the goal of being noticed and signed by a major national promotion such as WWE, All Elite Wrestling (AEW), or Impact Wrestling.
Shane McMahonShane Brandon McMahon (məkˈmæn; born January 15, 1970) is an American businessman and professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE. The son of Vince McMahon, he is a fourth-generation wrestling promoter as a member of the McMahon family. He began working in WWE at age 15, starting in their warehouse, where he filled merchandise orders. McMahon was also a referee, producer, announcer, and eventually a wrestler, while also becoming WWE's Executive Vice President of Global Media behind the scenes.
Kevin NashKevin Scott Nash (born July 9, 1959) is an American actor, podcaster and retired professional wrestler, currently signed to WWE under a legends contract. He is also known for his tenures with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). Nash first gained exposure in the professional wrestling industry by performing for WCW from 1990–1993 under multiple ring names. In 1993, Nash signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) under the name Diesel (nicknamed "Big Daddy Cool" and "Big Sexy").
Sting (wrestler)Steve Borden (born March 20, 1959), better known by the ring name Sting, is an American professional wrestler and former bodybuilder, currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Sting is widely known for his time spent as the public face of two major American professional wrestling promotions: the now-defunct World Championship Wrestling (WCW), which was bought by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 2001, and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA, now Impact Wrestling).
Ronda RouseyRonda Jean Rousey (ˈraʊzi; born February 1, 1987) is an American professional wrestler, actress, former judoka, and mixed martial artist. She is known for her time in WWE. Prior to joining WWE, she was also known for her time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She received permission from professional wrestler Roddy Piper to use his "Rowdy" nickname. She was the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in judo by winning bronze at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Carmella (wrestler)Leah Van Dale (born October 23, 1987) is an American professional wrestler, dancer and model. She is currently signed to WWE, where she performs under the ring name Carmella. She is a former WWE SmackDown Women's Champion, WWE Women's Tag Team Champion and WWE 24/7 Champion. In June 2013, Van Dale signed a contract with WWE and was assigned to their developmental brand NXT in Orlando, Florida. In October 2014, she aligned herself with Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady, becoming their manager.
Mickie JamesMickie Laree James (born August 31, 1979) is an American professional wrestler and country singer. She is currently signed to Impact Wrestling, where she was a five-time Impact Knockouts World Champion. She is best known for her tenures in WWE and in National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). James began her wrestling career in 1999 as a valet on the independent circuit, where she was known under the name Alexis Laree.
