Balls Mahoney

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Jonathan Rechner
An image of Jonathan Rechner.
Statistics
Ring name(s) John Rechner
Abbudah Singh
Abudda Dein
Balls Mahoney
Boo Bradley
Xanta Klaus
Billed height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[1]
Billed weight 305 lb (138 kg/21.8 st)
Born April 11, 1972 (1972-04-11) (age 36)
Nutley, New Jersey
Resides Belmar, New Jersey
Billed from South Pole
Nutley, New Jersey
Trained by Larry Sharpe
Debut 1987

Jonathan Rechner[2] (born April 11, 1972)[3] better known by his ring name Balls Mahoney, is an American professional wrestler. Mahoney is perhaps best known for his appearances with Extreme Championship Wrestling in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as well as working for World Wrestling Entertainment wrestling on its ECW brand.

Contents

Career

World Wrestling Council (1987-1990)

Jon Rechner trained at the Monster Factory and debuted in 1987, at age 15, as Abbudah Singh.[3] He originally wrestled in the independent circuit and for the legendary Stu Hart's Stampede Wrestling on a few occasions. He also wrestled for Puerto Rico-based World Wrestling Council (WWC) where he changed his ring name to Abbuda Dein. On February 25, 1989, he defeated TNT to win the WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship, which he lost to Invader #1.[4] In May 1989, he formed a tag team with Rip Rogers and the two won the WWC World Tag Team Championship twice.[5]

Smoky Mountain Wrestling (1994-1995)

He made a small name for himself as the heel Boo Bradley (a take-off of the character Boo Radley from "To Kill a Mockingbird") in 1994 in Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW) where he had a long feud with his (kayfabe) childhood friend, Chris Candido. He was originally allied with Candido and managed by Tammy Sytch,[3] who abused him for months, but they eventually turned on him, killing his pet cat, and turning him face in the process. During his face turn, Bradley won the SMW Beat the Champ Television Championship twice.[6] He briefly formed a team with Cactus Jack who convinced him to be his own person.

World Wrestling Federation (1995-1996)

In 1995, he briefly appeared in the World Wrestling Federation as Xanta Klaus. During a December "In Your House" PPV, while Savio Vega and "Santa Claus" were at ringside handing out presents and playing to the fans, heel manager "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase appeared. DiBiase proclaimed that everyone had a price, even Santa. As Vega argued with DiBiase, "Santa" jumped him from behind and attacked him. DiBiase laughed his trademark laugh and introduced this warped Santa as Xanta Klaus, Santa's evil brother from the South Pole who steals presents. As Xanta, Rechner made only a couple more appearances (one on the following night's Monday Night Raw), before never being mentioned again.[3]

Extreme Championship Wrestling (1997-2001)

Hardcore Chair Swingin' Freaks (1997-1999)

Main article: The Hardcore Chair Swingin' Freaks

In 1997, Rechner signed with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and finally became a star as Balls Mahoney. Capitalizing on the ECW crowd's lust for violence and the hardcore attitude Rechner was never seen without his signature steel chair, usually with some kind of writing or sign placed on it, which he would use to bash any opponent at any time. He would come to the ring to the AC/DC song Big Balls and lead the crowd in singing the chorus before or after his matches. While in ECW he teamed with Axl Rotten, a similar hardcore and violent wrestler, and the duo became informally known as the "The Hardcore Chair Swingin' Freaks". They feuded with the Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von) during their tenure.

Mahoney made his pay-per-view debut at November to Remember 1997, partcipating in a Four-Way Dance match for the Tag Team Championship, along with his partner Rotten. Other teams in the match included The Gangstanators (New Jack and John Kronus) and Dudley Boyz and the champions, The F.B.I. (Tracy Smothers and Little Guido). F.B.I. retained the titles.[7] At Living Dangerously 1998, they participated in a three way dance, along with Dudleyz in a losing effort to Spike Dudley and New Jack.[8] Mahoney and Rotten got another chance at the titles at Wrestlepalooza 1998 against Chris Candido and Lance Storm, but ended up losing.[9]

After failing to win the titles with Rotten, Mahoney found a new partner in Masato Tanaka. At November to Remember 1998, the two defeated Dudley Boyz to win the ECW Tag Team Championship. It was Mahoney's first reign as tag champion.[3][10][11] Five days later, Mahoney and Tanaka dropped the titles back to Dudleyz in a rematch.[12] At Guilty as Charged 1999, Mahoney and Rotten defeated F.B.I. and Danny Doring and Roadkill in a three-way dance.[3][3]

Tag team with Spike Dudley (1999)

Mahoney's first singles match at a pay-per-view was a victory over Steve Corino at Living Dangerously 1999.[13] Shortly after, Mahoney formed a tag team with Spike Dudley. At Hardcore Heaven 1999, the two faced Dudleyz in a match for their tag titles but failed to win the titles.[14] The two teams faced in a rematch at Heat Wave 1999, and this time, Mahoney and Dudley won the match and the ECW Tag Team Championship, marking Mahoney's second individual reign.[3][15][11] At a show in August 1999, the duo lost the titles back to Dudleyz.[16] On August 14, 1999 edition of ECW on TNN, they defeated Dudleyz in another rematch to win back the ECW Tag Team Championship.[11][3][17]

On August 26 edition of ECW on TNN, they lost the titles to Dudleyz again.[11][18] At Anarchy Rulz 1999, ECW Television Champion Rob Van Dam was scheduled to defend his title against Johnny Smith but before the match, Mahoney, Rotten and Dudley attacked Smith and took him out of the match. Mahoney challenged RVD for the title but lost the match.[19] At November to Remember 1999, Mahoney and Rotten lost to Da Baldies (Spanish Angel, Tony DeVito, Vito LoGrasso and P.N. News) in a 4-on-2 handicap match.[20]

Final days of ECW (2000-2001)

During an exchange of blows, ECW fans would often chant "Balls!" When Rechner landed a punch or kick on an opponent, and "Suck!" when his opponent retaliated. This gimmick was inherited from Hack Meyers. At Living Dangerously 2000, he defeated Kintaro Kanemura.[21] He met his former tag team partner, Masato Tanaka in the first match at Hardcore Heaven 2000, in a match which Tanaka won.[22] At Heat Wave 2000, he lost a match to F.B.I. member Sal E. Graziano.[23]

He formed a tag team with Chilly Willy and the duo feuded with Da Baldies. After losing a match to Baldies at Anarchy Rulz 2000,[24] Mahoney and Willy defeated them in a Flaming Tables match at November to Remember 2000.[25] At Massacre on 34th Street, Mahoney lost to EZ Money.[26] Mahoney's final ECW appearance was at ECW's final pay-per-view Guilty as Charged 2001 when Mahoney and Chilly Willy drew Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger.[27]

Independent circuit (2001-2006)

After ECW folded Rechner spent time in a number of independent federations across America, most notably USA Pro Wrestling (UXW) as well as Juggalo Championshit Wrestling where he united with The Dead Pool (Violent J, Shaggy 2 Dope, and Raven) to become The Dead Pool 2000. He also had a brief run in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), teaming with The Sandman to face off against The Gathering.[3][28]

World Wrestling Entertainment (2005-2008)

ECW reunion (2005)

In 2005, Mahoney made a non-wrestling appearance at the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) promoted ECW One Night Stand reunion show, taking part -- alongside Axl Rotten -- in a brawl with Kid Kash, Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman, the Dudley Boyz, and the Blue World Order (bWo) before the main event. After the main event, Mahoney and Rotten returned to the ring to brawl with the "invading" Raw and SmackDown! wrestlers.[29]

ECW on Sci Fi (2006-2008)

In 2006, when WWE relaunched ECW as their own brand, one of the first announcements was the signing of Balls Mahoney. His signing was announced with that of Axl Rotten, but when Rotten missed some WWE dates and was released, Balls was left to start a singles career.

During the "cross promotion" hype Balls appeared on the June 5, edition of RAW with other ECW wrestlers who proceeded to attack WWE Champion John Cena.[30] He appeared again as a part of the ECW team in the "WWE vs. ECW team battle royal" at the WWE vs. ECW Head to Head event on June 7.[31] At One Night Stand 2006, Balls defeated Masato Tanaka in a match following a chair shot (denting the chair) to Tanaka's head.[32]

When ECW on Sci Fi debuted, Balls started off with a small role in the company, having sporadic matches and little else. However, once the show got going he started to appear in vignettes talking about how tough he is, elevating his role on the show. On September 5 edition of ECW on Sci Fi Mahoney entered a feud with Kevin Thorn after Thorn and his valet Ariel cost him a match against Stevie Richards and the next week, Rene Dupree.[33][34] The following week, he brought Francine to ringside with him, marking her first televised appearance at the revived ECW ring, where she proceeded to get into a catfight with Ariel.[35] That pairing, however, was short lived as Francine was released shortly after.

At December to Dismember 2006, Mahoney defeated Matt Striker in a Striker's Rules match.[36] On the January 2, 2007 edition of ECW on Sci Fi, Mahoney had one of his front teeth (legitimately) knocked out during a match with Kevin Thorn.[37] Shortly after, Balls began a short feud with Snitsky.[3] On the June 5 edition of ECW, Balls, Tommy Dreamer, and Sandman faced Bobby Lashley in a 3 on 1 Hardcore Handicap Match for the ECW Championship, in which they were defeated.[38] On the August 7, 2007 episode of ECW, Balls went against The Miz in a losing effort. During and after the match, it appeared that Kelly Kelly was concerned about him.[39][3] Over the weeks that followed, he attempted to ask her out and flirted with her backstage, but was interrupted by The Miz, Brooke, and Layla before Kelly could get a word in. Regardless, Kelly still showed interest in him each week, wishing him good luck before his match and cheering him on during his match.[3] He asked if she would go out with him to which she couldn't respond due to The Miz taking her backstage.[3] However, weeks later Kelly asked him, in which he agreed, starting a (kayfabe) relationship.[40]

On February 29, 2008, Balls made his return to television on SmackDown!, taking on Big Daddy V. The match went to a no contest after The Undertaker gave a Chokeslam to Mahoney.[41]

Mahoney was released from his WWE contract on April 28, 2008,[42]

Personal life

Jonathan and his real life girlfriend have a son named Christopher, who was born on November 23, 2007.[43]

Jonathan has numerous tattoos, including 2 tribal pieces, a dragon and inverted pentagram on his arm, and a tattoo dedicated to Chris Candido.[44]

In wrestling

  • Finishing and signature moves
  • Entrance Music
  • Signature Foreign Objects
  • Steel Chair (often painted with the ECW logo and/or the phrase "This Is Gonna Hurt")
  • Managers
  • Nicknames
  • The Chair Swingin' Freak[1]
  • Captain Caveman

Championships and accomplishments

  • Mid-American Wrestling
  • MAW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • PWI ranked him #443 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the PWI Years in 2003.

Other Media

On April 26, 2007 it was announced that Balls would be an adviser to the cast of the reality show Who Wants to Be a Superhero?. The show's new season is set to premiere this summer on Sci Fi. During the season finale, Balls taught the superheroes how to fight.[46]

References

  1. ^ a b TV Shows > ECW > Superstars > Balls Mahoney > Bio. WWE.com.
  2. ^ Balls Mahoney Bio. 123exp-biography.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Balls Mahoney Bio. Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2008-02-09.
  4. ^ a b WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Title History. Wrestling Information Archive. Retrieved on 2008-02-23.
  5. ^ a b WWC World Tag Team Title History. Wrestling Information Archive. Retrieved on 2008-02-23.
  6. ^ a b Smoky Mountain Wrestling Beat the Champ Television Title History. Wrestling Information Archive. Retrieved on 2008-02-23.
  7. ^ November to Remember 1997 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-23. “ECW Tag Champs Tracy Smothers & Little Guido beat Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley and Balls Mahoney & Axl Rotten and New Jack & John Kronus in a "four way dance".”
  8. ^ Living Dangerously 1998 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-23. “New Jack & Spike Dudley beat Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley and Balls Mahoney & Axl Rotten in a "three way dance".”
  9. ^ Wrestlepalooza 1998 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-23. “ECW Tag Champs Chris Candido & Lance Storm beat Balls Mahoney & Axl Rotten”
  10. ^ November to Remember 1998. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-23. “Masato Tanaka & Balls Mahoney beat D-Von & Buh Buh Ray Dudley to win the ECW Tag Title when Balls pinned D-Von and Tanaka pinned Buh Buh.”
  11. ^ a b c d e ECW Tag Team Championship official title history. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-02-23.
  12. ^ ECW results - November 6, 1998. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-23.
  13. ^ Living Dangerously 1999 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-23. “Balls Mahoney pinned Steve Corino”
  14. ^ Hardcore Heaven 1999 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-23. “ECW Tag Champs Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley beat Balls Mahoney & Spike Dudley”
  15. ^ Heat Wave 1999 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-23. “Balls Mahoney & Spike Dudley beat Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley via pinfall to win the ECW Tag Team Title.”
  16. ^ ECW results - August 13, 1999. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-23. “Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley beat Spike Dudley & Balls Mahoney to win the ECW Tag Title”
  17. ^ ECW on TNN results - August 14, 1999. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-23. “Spike Dudley & Balls Mahoney beat Buh Buh Ray & Spike Dudley to win the ECW Tag Title”
  18. ^ ECW results - August 26, 1999. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-23. “Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley beat Spike Dudley & Balls Mahoney to win the ECW Tag Title.”
  19. ^ Anarchy Rulz 1999 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-23. “ECW TV Champ Rob Van Dam pinned Balls Mahoney.”
  20. ^ November to Remember 1999 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-23. “Spanish Angel, Tony DeVito, Vito Lograsso, & PN News beat New Jack, Axl Rotten & Balls Mahoney in a "handicap" match.”
  21. ^ Living Dangerously 2000 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-23. “Balls Mahoney pinned Kintaro Kanemura”
  22. ^ Hardcore Heaven 2000 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-23. “Masato Tanaka pinned Balls Mahoney”
  23. ^ Heat Wave 2000 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-23. “Sal E. Graziano pinned Balls Mahoney”
  24. ^ Anarchy Rulz 2000 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-23. “Tony DeVito & Angel beat Balls Mahoney & Chilly Willy”
  25. ^ November to Remember 2000 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-09. “Balls Mahoney & Chilly Willy beat Tony DeVito & Angel in a "flaming tables" match.”
  26. ^ Massacre on 34th Street results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-09. “EZ Money pinned Balls Mahoney.”
  27. ^ Guilty as Charged 2001 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-09. “Simon Diamond & Johnny Swinger NC Balls Mahoney & Spike Dudley”
  28. ^ NWA:TNA PPV results - January 21, 2004. Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2008-02-09. “Julio Dinero & CM Punk w/James Mitchell defeated Sandman & Balls Mahoney”
  29. ^ One Night Stand 2005 official results. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-02-09.
  30. ^ Dee, Louie. Kiss This. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-02-09.
  31. ^ WWE vs. ECW results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-09.
  32. ^ One Night Stand 2006 results. Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Retrieved on 2008-02-09. “Balls Mahoney pinned Masato Tanaka.”
  33. ^ Hunt, Jen. D-Generation extreme. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-03-08.
  34. ^ Hoffman, Brett. Garden Showstopper. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-03-08.
  35. ^ Tello, Craig. Taken to royal extremes. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-03-08.
  36. ^ DiFino, Lennie. School dazed. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-03-08.
  37. ^ Tello, Craig. Lash and burn. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-03-08.
  38. ^ Dee, Louie. Chairman falling deeper and deeper into the abyss. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-03-08.
  39. ^ Dee, Louie. CM Punk breaks on through. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-03-08.
  40. ^ Rote, Andrew. Setting the night on fire. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-03-08.
  41. ^ DiFino, Lennie. Big Show, big impact. WWE. Retrieved on 2008-03-08.
  42. ^ Balls Mahoney released WWE.com
  43. ^ DOI is reporting that ECW superstar Balls Mahoney is the father of a new baby boy named Christopher. Balls' girlfriend gave birth to the 9 pound baby boy on Thanksgiving.
  44. ^ Balls' award-winning ink?. WWE.
  45. ^ Enterance Videos. WWE.
  46. ^ Tello, Craig. Excelsior gone extreme. WWE.com. Retrieved on 2007-04-26.

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