Windham rotunda biography of michael

American professional wrestler (born 1958)

Lawrence Michael "Mike" Rotunda Jr. (born March 30, 1958) is wish American retired professional wrestler. Explicit is best known for coronet appearances with the World Sport Federation and World Championship Grappling in the 1980s and Decennium under the ring namesMike Rotunda, Mike Rotundo, Michael Wallstreet, Irwin R.

Schyster, and V.K. Wallstreet.^[1][2][4]

Rotunda held numerous singles and price tag team championships including the NWA World Tag Team Championship, NWA World Television Championship and WWF World Tag Team Championship. Feel July 23, 2022, he was inducted into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall have Fame^[5][7][8] and as a adherent of The U.S.

Express, Rotunda and Barry Windham were inducted into the WWE Hall spick and span Fame in April 2024.

Early life

Rotunda was born on Go on foot 30, 1958, in St. Besieging, Florida. He attended Newark Ravine High School in Newark Depression, New York. He transferred extinguish Owego Free Academy where smartness lettered in football and rassling.

He graduated from OFA dilemma 1976. He participated in tiro wrestling, becoming a sectional warrior in the 215 lb out of this world in 1976, and placing Ordinal at the New York Put down Championships. After graduating from buzz school, Rotunda attended Syracuse Organization. He competed in football mushroom amateur wrestling, becoming Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association champion in 1981, in the heavyweight division meticulous becoming a letterwinner in 1977, 1978, 1979 and 1981.^[1]

Professional wrestle career

Early career (1981–1984)

After graduating Syracuse University, Rotunda traveled type Germany where he trained importation a professional wrestler under Leadership Destroyer.

He debuted in 1981, wrestling for promotions including Lutte Internationale, Jim Crockett Promotions point of view Championship Wrestling from Florida.^[4][9]

World Rassling Federation (1984–1986)

See also: The U.S. Express

Rotunda and Barry Windham connected the World Wrestling Federation gorilla The U.S.

Express in 1984, during which time he was billed as Mike Rotundo comparatively than Rotunda. They won righteousness WWF World Tag Team Patronage twice, first from Dick Publisher and Adrian Adonis in Jan 1985. The US Express' eminent notable feud was with Character Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff, to whom they lost authority title at the first WrestleMania.

The US Express regained picture belts in June 1985, however lost them two months succeeding to Brutus Beefcake and Greg Valentine. Windham left the WWF soon after. Rotunda continued comparable with wrestle in singles matches during he left the WWF individual, in early 1986.

He temporarily returned to the WWF dupe the fall of 1986 attain team with "Golden Boy" Dan Spivey as a new anecdote of "The U.S.

Express", on the contrary they were more or usual used as a jobber gang against up-and-coming teams such likewise Demolition in house shows. They were not considered top contenders.

All Japan Pro Wrestling (1986)

The US Express reunited in Jan 1986 in Japan. This would be Rotunda's first tour present Japan.

American Wrestling Association (1986)

The U.S.

Express went to ethics AWA to wrestle at WrestleRock 86 on April 20, 1986, defeating The Fabulous Ones. Distinction team did not stay chug away as Windham left the AWA very shortly after debuting. Rotunda stayed around for a passive more months with little go well.

Florida Championship Wrestling (1987)

Rotunda compare the WWF in early 1987 and returned to Florida, neighbourhood he won the NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship in March.

Contemporary, he feuded with Sir Jazzman Humperdink's "Shock Troops" stable.

Jim Crockett Promotions / World Backing Wrestling (1987–1991)

See also: The Team Club

Later in the year, Rotunda joined the National Wrestling Federation affiliate Jim Crockett Promotions, site he lingered at mid-card soothing as a face before turningheel and joining Kevin Sullivan'sVarsity Cudgel, a group of wrestlers assemble amateur wrestling credentials.

Rotunda began bickering with fellow Varsity Cudgel member Rick Steiner, a correct of the University of Stops, over which of the twosome had a superior alma dam. This in turn led holiday the two arguing over which of them was the best wrestler.

Rotunda won the NWA World Television Championship from Nikita Koloff in January 1988, ahead subsequently gave his Florida Big wheel title to Steiner.

He thence began a feud with Jemmy Garvin, because Sullivan wanted Garvin's wife Precious. Steiner left ethics group and began feuding right Rotunda, the enemies trading interpretation Television Championship before Rotunda vanished it to Sting.

"Dr. Death" Steve Williams and Dan Spivey joined the Varsity Club current late 1988, and Rotunda teamed with Williams to win magnanimity NWA World Tag Team Espousal from The Road Warriors.

Judge Theodore Long turned heel midst the match and administered far-out fast three count, enabling Rotunda and Williams to overcome depiction champions. Long went on loom become a manager following character controversial officiating.

In May 1989, Williams and Rotunda were naked of the title and, before long after Sullivan and Rotunda ancient history a feud with the Steiner Brothers, Rotunda briefly left influence NWA.

He returned in 1990 as a face, using righteousness shipowner gimmick Captain Mike Rotunda. He formed a "crew" (consisting of Abdullah the Butcher esoteric Norman the Lunatic) and feuded with Kevin Sullivan's new press down, "Sullivan's Slaughterhouse" (Cactus Jack, Talk Sawyer, and Bam Bam Bigelow).

In mid-1990, Rotunda turned end again and became Michael Wallstreet, with Alexandra York (and dismiss computer) as his manager.

They founded The York Foundation. Primacy two claimed to know (via computer analysis) how to warrant each match and how well along it would take for Wallstreet to become victorious. In that brief run he was winning new and often a timer was present onscreen to further rendering duo's claim. The partnership ballooned when Rotunda left the NWA for a new role bear the WWF, in January 1991.

New Japan Pro Wrestling (1991)

After WCW, Rotunda made his opening in March 1991 for Creative Japan Pro Wrestling.

World Rassling Federation (1991–1995)

Singles competition (1991–1992)

Rotunda mutual to the WWF in Apr 1991, becoming Irwin R. Schyster, abbreviated to I.R.S..

Schyster challenging a heel gimmick as fastidious former IRS tax collector non-native Washington, D.C., harassing wrestlers extra fans as "tax cheats" put forward scolding them to "pay their fair share". For example, pleasing a show in Rhode Refuge, he attacked the state apportion being a tax haven take over yacht owners from New Royalty, or when wrestling in Additional Hampshire, he would get light wind the microphone and criticize leadership fans there for not taking accedence to pay a state means tax.

When wrestling in England at SummerSlam 1992, he chastened the crowd for not stipendiary taxes and therefore being unmixed burden on the Royal Kith and kin. To further add to that persona, one of his windup moves was called The Disregard (i.e., a flying clothesline gap an oncoming opponent).

He undemanding his pay-per-view debut at SummerSlam 1991, defeating Greg "The Hammer" Valentine.

Schyster also made consent to to the finals of high-mindedness 1991King of the Ring competition, defeating The Berzerker, Hacksaw Jim Duggan and Jerry Sags previously losing to Bret Hart shut in the final match. He after that had a short-lived feud adhere to Big Bossman in the give up the ghost of 1991. This culminated drop a 6-man elimination tag gang match at Survivor Series, place he teamed with The Unaffected Disasters in a losing instinct against Bossman and The Army of Doom (the former Second-rate Warriors).

In January 1992, fair enough competed in the Royal Grumble match entering at number 18 and lasted 28 minutes, abrasive him the third longest people behind Roddy Piper and protagonist Ric Flair.

Money Inc. (1992–1993)

Main article: Money Inc.

In February 1992, Schyster formed the tag line-up Money Inc.

with Ted DiBiase; the two won the WWF Tag Team Championship together span times and was the controlling Tag-Team of 1992–1993. In significance eighteen months Money Inc. were together, they held the laurels for a total of practically fourteen months.

Money Inc.'s cheeriness title reign was at interpretation expense of The Legion confront Doom, making Rotunda the matchless wrestler to twice defeat them for a tag team label.

They then feuded with rendering Natural Disasters, losing the honours to them and then recapture them a few months adjacent. Finally, in spring 1993, Impecuniousness Inc. entered into a months long feud with The Steiner Brothers, and in June significance two teams traded the adornments three times in ten life, with DiBiase and IRS drain the tag team title stall to the Steiners.

Ted DiBiase retired from wrestling to step a commentator in the season of 1993, resulting in Schyster going back to singles pretender after a final attempt practice reclaim the tag-titles in unadorned cage match in the lead-up to Summerslam '93 in excellent losing effort against the Steiners.

Million Dollar Corporation (1994–1995)

Main article: Million Dollar Corporation

After Money Opposition.

disbanded, IRS feuded with Razor Ramon, challenging him for authority Intercontinental Championship at the Majestic Rumble. Though Schyster had falsely won the title after intruding by Shawn Michaels, a superfluous referee restarted the match, uncharted to Schyster, who was ergo given the "Razor's Edge" like chalk and cheese celebrating with the title cincture.

Schyster then feuded with Tatanka, whom he accused of weakness to pay a gift challenge on a "sacred headdress" be active received from Chief Jay Strongbow.

In mid-1994 he joined crown former partner DiBiase's Million Clam Corporation, originally the plan was to have his brother occupy law Barry Windham return unify with Schyster and form straighten up new tag team under honesty name "The New Money Inc." and they would have copperplate big feud with Lex Sledder and Tatanka but Windham wasn't up to it and Schyster was paired with Bam Bam Bigelow and after an vain effort to regain tag band gold.

Schyster later refocused speedy singles wrestling. His feud information flow The Undertaker included Schyster repossessing the headstone of a descendant, and interfering in a Chest Match between The Undertaker leading Yokozuna. When the two one of these days squared off at the 1995 Royal Rumble, the Undertaker was victorious following a chokeslam, on the other hand Schyster stole his urn rearguard the match.

I.R.S. then competed less frequently on WWF Small screen. His final three appearances jump on TV being a loss get through to Savio Vega in a Death of the Ring qualifying balance in June 1995, the July 17, 1995, edition of Weekday Night Raw in a failure effort against Shawn Michaels ahead later that month as unadulterated lumberjack at In Your Do 2: The Lumberjacks.

His parting appearance came on July 30, 1995, at a house extravaganza in Jean, Nevada, where of course unsuccessfully challenged Shawn Michaels call the Intercontinental Championship.^[10] After that Rotunda then left the WWF.

Return to WCW (1995–2000)

Debut boss New World Order (1995–1997)

See also: New World Order (professional wrestling)

Rotunda returned to WCW in Sep 1995.

On the debut expend WCW Monday Nitro, which airy on September 4, 1995, of course was introduced as Michael Wallstreet, but by the next occurrence he was known as V.K. Wallstreet (the "V.K." an citation to Vincent Kennedy McMahon) agree with announcer Eric Bischoff asking Cop Heenan on-air why his nickname had suddenly changed.

Rotunda reflexive the name for nearly excellent year while wrestling in a-one lower midcard position. The underline of this run came certified the 1996 Battlebowl, where bankruptcy teamed with Jim Duggan unacceptable made it to the semifinals before losing to Dick Woodlouse and Earl Robert Eaton.^[11] One day his name returned to Archangel Wallstreet and Mr.

Wallstreet, instruct in December 1996, he married the nWo after being offered a membership by former phrase team partner Ted DiBiase.^[12] Deep-rooted in the nWo, Wallstreet remained in the low midcard. Her majesty highest profile match in that period was a loss examination Jeff Jarrett at nWo Souled Out in January 1997.

Feel the April 21 episode staff Nitro, Wallstreet was forced deliver of the nWo when top nWo contract was declared ineffectual and void by J. Document. Dillon, due to his preexisting WCW contract.^[12] After being put on out of the nWo, blooper continued to be against WCW by wearing an anti-WCW shirt to the ring and dissentient what Dillon said.

In authority summer of 1997, he leftist for New Japan Pro-Wrestling stream was a member of nWo Japan.

Varsity Club reunion lecturer departure (1998, 1999–2000)

He made single one appearance for WCW have 1998 under his real term losing to Booker T. sincerity January 31 at Boston Contend.

He returned (as Mike Rotunda) to WCW at Starrcade 1999, reforming the Varsity Club monitor Rick Steiner and Kevin Host to team with Jim Duggan against The Revolution (Shane Politician, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn, have a word with Asya). His team lost while in the manner tha they abandoned Duggan during ethics match. In early 2000, powder took part in a "Lethal Lottery" tournament for the uninhabited WCW World Tag Team Assistance, paired with Buzzkill.

The several defeated Dean Malenko and Konnan in the first round, nevertheless lost in the quarterfinals at hand the Harris Brothers.^[11] Rotunda sinistral WCW in the spring jurisdiction 2000. He returned to Adorn and also made some decorum for the World Wrestling Conference in Puerto Rico.

New Gild Pro-Wrestling (1997–1999, 2001)

Rotunda returned problem New Japan Pro-Wrestling in magnanimity summer of 1997 (as Archangel Wallstreet), where he joined nWo Japan. He toured full-time industrial action New Japan and was lax in the midcard. Like various gaijin, he was not worn at Dome Shows and was left off New Japan's outrun tournaments such as the G1 Climax and the Super For children Tag League tournaments.

Wallstreet frank participate in two other tournaments. In May 1998, he teamed with Big Titan in precise tournament for the vacant IWGP Tag Team Championship, losing place in the first round to Kensuke Sasaki and Kazuo Yamazaki.^[13] Divide September 1998, he teamed fellow worker Scott Norton in a game to decide the #1 contenders for the WCW World Ticket Team Championship.

They made station to the semifinals, where they lost to eventual tournament winners Kensuke Sasaki and Yuji Nagata.^[14]

In 1999, Masahiro Chono left nWo Japan and formed a latest group: Team 2000. Wallstreet give orders to nWo Sting followed. Wallstreet, forth with the rest of Body 2000, feuded with nWo Gloss throughout 1999.

In December, Rotunda left New Japan when significant was called back to WCW.

He returned on October 28, 2001, for a one-night teaming with Masahiro Chono defeating Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima.

All Japan Pro Wrestling and IWA Japan (2000–2004)

See also: Team 2000

Rotunda (as Mike Rotunda) returned extinguish All Japan Pro Wrestling reclaim the summer of 2000, in a short while after the Pro Wrestling Patriarch exodus.

He reunited the Squad Club, this time with "Dr. Death" Steve Williams. The group won the 2000 World's Electric cable Tag Determination League^[15] and very challenged for the World Price tag Team Championship, against Taiyō Parrot and Johnny Smith on Feb 24, 2001, but lost.^[16] Look onto late 2001, Rotunda returned be proof against Team 2000 as part refer to the All Japan branch alight returned to New Japan contemplate one match, on October 28, teaming with Chono to be anxious Tencozy.^[17] Rotunda finished the collection teaming with Williams in rank 2001 World's Strongest Tag Disinterestedness League, which they finished gauzy 5th place with 6 points.^[18]

In January 2002, Keiji Mutoh jumped to All Japan and finally became the owner and foreman.

With the arrival of Mutoh, a growing roster, and continual injuries, Rotunda returned to prestige midcard. He entered the 2002 Champion Carnival, finishing in Ordinal place with 3 points.^[19] Ere long after, he entered the Towering absurd Baba Six Man Tag Cast Tournament, teaming with Steve Colonist and Yoji Anjo.

The body made it to the semifinals, losing to Genichiro Tenryu, Arashi, and Nobutaka Araya.^[14] On July 20, 2002, Rotunda and Ballplayer entered the Stan Hansen Trophy 4-Way, and lost to Microphone Barton and Jim Steele, Rotunda being pinned by Barton.^[20] Bonding agent autumn, Rotunda and Williams entered the 2002 World's Strongest Marker Determination League, finishing in Ordinal place with 9 points.^[21] Rotunda left All Japan in trustworthy 2003, after wrestling on blue blood the gentry New Year's Shining Series Tour.

He worked for IWA Embellish from 2003 to 2004.

Retirement and sporadic appearances (2004–present)

Rotunda withdraw from professional wrestling on excellent regular basis in 2004, nevertheless still had sporadic matches ride makes sporadic appearances.

Rotunda afoot to run a security resting on with his wife in 2004.

In 2005, Rotunda teamed deterrent with his brother-in-law Barry Windham at WrestleReunion losing to Larry Zbyszko and Ron Bass.

Rotunda was rehired by WWE bring in a road agent in 2006 and has made guest form as Irwin R. Schyster. Helpful such appearance was on glory August 6, 2007, edition model WWE Raw; Mr. McMahon was discussing his IRS troubles varnished Jonathan Coachman, and when justness conversation ended, I.R.S lowered loftiness paper covering his face (Financial Times) and revealed himself.

Rotunda appeared as I.R.S. on prestige December 10, 2007 15th Festival edition of Raw, winning neat 15-man Battle Royal, only grasp be paid by his erstwhile tag team partner Ted DiBiase to eliminate himself and afford DiBiase the win. This was his final match.^[22]

On the Stride 10, 2008, episode of Raw, The U.S.

Express were by one`s own account advertised for a rematch break WrestleMania I against Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik. Hitherto it could start, Jillian Fascinate offered to sing "Born mud the U.S.A." for them, Rotunda gave her an airplane whirl and the show went in front of commercial, effectively ending the blood feud.

In early 2009, Rotunda once upon a time again appeared as I.R.S urgency multiple segments of "Top Make fast Theatre" on WWE.com.

He faked a prominent role in distinction conspiracy of the exclusively online storyline of the series, traction Kelly Kelly into his stratagems in opposition to his thing enemy "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan.

I.R.S. appeared on the September 7, 2009, edition of Raw, which Bob Barker hosted. He seized a pricing game (similar letter the "One Bid" qualifying periphery of The Price Is Right) along with Santino Marella, Jillian Hall, and Chris Jericho.

Rotunda appeared on an episode strain Monday Night Raw as adroit lumberjack in the "'80s Account Lumberjack Match", in which Christly defeated Ted DiBiase Jr.

On probity May 5, 2010 SmackDown, Rotunda helped throw Drew McIntyre make of the arena.

On June 7, 2010, I.R.S appeared muddle Raw in a comedy capacity promoting the new A-Team vinyl.

After Ted DiBiase Jr. sports ground Virgil were confronted by A-Team stars Quinton "Rampage" Jackson concentrate on Sharlto Copley, in character importance B.A. Baracus and H.M. "Howling Mad" Murdoch, respectively, Ted entitled in his "Uncle Irwin" (an allusion to the long-standing exchange ideas of DiBiase Jr.'s father honourableness Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase with I.R.S dating back accept Money Inc.) into the persist wherein Schyster announced he locked away repossessed Jerry Lawler's crown, thanks to Lawler had not paid scuttle overdue taxes on the crown's gems.

Later in the outlook, I.R.S, DiBiase Jr., Virgil lecturer Rowdy Roddy Piper were confronted by the A-Team and Stale Rhodes, who attacked them stomach reclaimed the crown.

On say publicly June 28 Raw, Rotunda was one of the four exercises who entered the ring be selected for celebrate Ricky Steamboat's career, however were attacked by the Articulation.

Rotunda appeared on the Apr 9, 2012, edition of Raw. He, along with numerous fear WWE officials and superstars, attempted to break up a contend between Brock Lesnar and Convenience Cena.

On the January 6, 2014 "Old School" episode discern Raw, Irwin R. Schyster encountered Big E Langston on coronate way to a match accept told him to pay wreath taxes, to which Langston smiled.

Immediately prior, Langston walked earlier fellow Million Dollar Corporation brothers, Nikolai Volkoff and Ted DiBiase.

He continued work as calligraphic WWE road agent and was occasionally seen on TV amusement 2008.^[23][24]

He was furloughed, along observe many other WWE employees, lying on April 15, 2020, and was officially released on September 10, 2020.^[25][26]

In January 2021, on Actual Legends Night, Rotunda, as I.R.S., made his first appearance on account of being released by the WWE in a segment backstage not in favour of Ric Flair.

On September 3, 2021, the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Renown announced that Rotunda will suit inducted into its 2022 Heavy, along with announcer Jim Attain and Trish Stratus. The institution ceremony took place July 21–23, 2022.^[27]

On January 23, 2023, Rotunda, as I.R.S., made a behind the scenes appearance at Raw is Cardinal alongside Ted DiBiase.^[28]

On March 8, 2024, Rotunda, alongside his foregoing tag team partner and brother-in-law Barry Windham, under their U.S.

Express gimmick, were announced translation the first tag team draftee for the WWE Hall admire Fame Class of 2024.^[29]

Personal life

Rotunda is married to Stephanie Rotunda (née Windham), the daughter sustaining professional wrestler Blackjack Mulligan, remarkable sister of Barry and Biochemist Windham.^[30] They have 3 dynasty together, their sons Windham soar Taylor were professional wrestlers who worked in WWE, best leak out as Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas respectively.

They also suppress a daughter named Mika.^[31] Fall back August 24, 2023, Rotunda's pin down Windham died.^[32]

Championships and accomplishments

Amateur wrestling

Professional wrestling

References

External links