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{{Short description|American professional wrestler}}
{{Short description|American professional wrestler}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Bill DeMott
|name = Bill DeMott
|image = Bill DeMott (cropped).jpg
|image = Bill DeMott (cropped).jpg
|caption = DeMott in April 2011
|caption = DeMott in 2012
|image_size = 220px
|image_size = 220px
|birth_name = William Charles DeMott II
|birth_name = William Charles DeMott II
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|children = 3
|children = 3
|resides =
|resides =
|names = '''Bill DeMott'''<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name=WWEbio>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wwealumni/billdemott/|title=WWE profile}}</ref><br />Captain Hugh G. Rection<ref name=MIAreference>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_34344.shtml|title=UNDER THE MICROSCOPE - 8/10 WWE Raw: Girl in the cafeteria vs. Festus, Solution to Big Show's bad breath, Lawler and the Color Purple, A closer look at G.I. Bro, but not Major Gunns|quote="Years later, as The New Blood fought the Misfits in Action in WCW, the MIA had an unlikely recruit as Booker T reverted to his G.I. Bro name and look. The Misfits were led by Hugh Morris, now known by the name Hugh G. Rection."}}</ref><ref name=MIAformation>{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/2000052m.htm|title=Nitro report on May 15, 2000}}</ref><br />Crash the Terminator<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name=WWEbio/><br />General Hugh G. Rection<ref name=MIAreference/><ref name=MIAformation/><br />'''Hugh Morrus'''<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name=WWEbio/><br />The Laughing Man<ref name="OWOW"/><br />The Man of Question<ref name="OWOW"/><br />General E. Rection<ref name="OWOW"/><br />Gen. Rection<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/304454121211|title=20001029 - Gen. Rection|work=WWE|access-date=2013-09-15|archive-date=2016-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121002249/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/304454121211|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|names = Bill DeMott<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name=WWEbio>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wwealumni/billdemott/|title=WWE profile}}</ref><br />Captain Hugh G. Rection<ref name=MIAreference>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_34344.shtml|title=UNDER THE MICROSCOPE - 8/10 WWE Raw: Girl in the cafeteria vs. Festus, Solution to Big Show's bad breath, Lawler and the Color Purple, A closer look at G.I. Bro, but not Major Gunns|quote="Years later, as The New Blood fought the Misfits in Action in WCW, the MIA had an unlikely recruit as Booker T reverted to his G.I. Bro name and look. The Misfits were led by Hugh Morris, now known by the name Hugh G. Rection."}}</ref><ref name=MIAformation>{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/2000052m.htm|title=Nitro report on May 15, 2000}}</ref><br />Crash the Terminator<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name=WWEbio/><br />General Hugh G. Rection<ref name=MIAreference/><ref name=MIAformation/><br />Hugh Morrus<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name=WWEbio/><br />The Laughing Man<ref name="OWOW"/><br />The Man of Question<ref name="OWOW"/><br />General E. Rection<ref name="OWOW"/><br />Gen. Rection<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/304454121211|title=20001029 - Gen. Rection|work=WWE|access-date=2013-09-15|archive-date=2016-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121002249/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/304454121211|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|billed = [[Paramus, New Jersey]]<ref name=Encyclopedia/>
|billed = [[Paramus, New Jersey]]<ref name=Encyclopedia/>
|trainer = [[Johnny Rodz]]<ref name="OWOW"/>
|trainer = [[Johnny Rodz]]<ref name="OWOW"/>
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'''William Charles DeMott II''' (born November 10, 1966) is an American retired [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], [[Road agent (professional wrestling)|road agent]], and trainer. He is best known for his appearances with [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) as '''Hugh Morrus''' and [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment]] (WWF/E) under his real name.<ref name=WWEbio/> DeMott also performed as '''Crash the Terminator''' in both [[Eastern Championship Wrestling]] (ECW) and [[Puroresu|Japan]].<ref name=WWEbio/>
'''William Charles DeMott II''' (born November 10, 1966) is an American retired [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], [[Road agent (professional wrestling)|road agent]], and trainer. He is best known for his appearances with [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) as '''Hugh Morrus''' and [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment]] (WWF/E) under his real name.<ref name=WWEbio/> DeMott also performed as '''Crash the Terminator''' in both [[Eastern Championship Wrestling]] (ECW) and [[Puroresu|Japan]].<ref name=WWEbio/>


Generally used as a [[Job (professional wrestling)#Jobbers|jobber to the stars]] in WCW, he attained championship success during the promotion's dying days in late 2000 and early 2001, holding the [[WWE United States Championship|WCW United States Heavyweight Championship]] [[List of WWE United States Champions|twice]]. After an unsuccessful stint as a performer in WWE, DeMott retired from in-ring competition and transitioned into the role of a trainer for the company's ''[[WWE Tough Enough|Tough Enough]]'' program, on which he became known for using a rough, controversial style in handling trainees, as well as WWE's [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territories]] [[Deep South Wrestling]], [[Florida Championship Wrestling]], and [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]]; after working for WWE a total of 14 years between 2001 and 2015, he resigned from the company.
Generally used as a [[Job (professional wrestling)#Jobbers|jobber to the stars]] in WCW, he attained championship success during the promotion's dying days in late 2000 and early 2001, holding the [[WWE United States Championship|WCW United States Heavyweight Championship]] [[List of WWE United States Champions|twice]]. After an unsuccessful stint as a performer in WWE, DeMott retired from in-ring competition and transitioned into the role of a trainer for the company's ''[[WWE Tough Enough|Tough Enough]]'' program, on which he became known for using a rough, controversial style in handling trainees, as well as WWE's [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territories]] [[Deep South Wrestling]], [[Florida Championship Wrestling]], and [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]]; after working for WWE a total of 14 years between 2001 and 2015. In 2015, he resigned from his role in response to numerous allegations of misconduct in relation throughout his role as trainer in various WWE developmental territories.


==Early life==
==Early life==
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==Professional wrestling career==
==Professional wrestling career==
===Early career (1988–1995)===
===Early career (1988–1996)===
DeMott was trained by [[Johnny Rodz]] in his [[New York City]] wrestling school beginning in 1988. From there he began working at small independent promotions using the name Big Sweet Williams. In 1992 DeMott began wrestling for the [[Americas Wrestling Federation]] and started using the [[ring name|name]] Crash the Terminator. Under this name he found some success, first capturing the AWF World Heavyweight Title from Steve Strong in [[Puerto Rico]], before moving on to the Japanese promotion [[W*ING]] and winning their World Tag Team Championship with [[Mr. Pogo]]. In 1993, while competing in W*ING, DeMott won a 16-man tournament to be crowned their World Heavyweight Champion.
DeMott was trained by [[Johnny Rodz]] in Rodz's [[New York City]] wrestling school beginning in 1988. From there he began working at small independent promotions using the name Big Sweet Williams. In 1992 DeMott began wrestling for the Americas Wrestling Federation and started using the [[ring name|name]] Crash the Terminator. Under this name he found partial success, first capturing the AWF World Heavyweight Title from Steve Strong in [[Puerto Rico]], before moving on to the Japanese promotion [[W*ING]] and winning the World Tag Team Championship with [[Mr. Pogo]]. In 1993, while competing in W*ING, DeMott won a 16-man tournament to be crowned their World Heavyweight Champion.


On February 21, 1994 DeMott received a tryout match with the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] at a [[WWE Raw|Monday Night Raw]] taping at Poughkeepsie, NY. He also had matches over the next two days at taping for [[WWF Superstars of Wrestling]] and [[Wrestling Challenge]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/94.htm |title=1994 |website=thehistoryofwwe.com|date=16 January 2023 }}</ref> He then went to Pennsylvania Championship Wrestling, where he won the latter promotion's World Heavyweight Championship upon winning a [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] in 1995.
On February 21, 1994 DeMott received a tryout match with the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] at a [[WWE Raw|Monday Night Raw]] taping at Poughkeepsie, NY. He competed in two other matches at a two day taping for [[WWF Superstars of Wrestling]] and [[Wrestling Challenge]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/94.htm |title=1994 |website=thehistoryofwwe.com|date=16 January 2023 }}</ref> He then went to Pennsylvania Championship Wrestling, where he won the latter promotion's World Heavyweight Championship upon winning a [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] in 1995.


===Eastern Championship Wrestling (1993–1994)===
===Eastern Championship Wrestling (1993–1994)===
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===World Championship Wrestling (1995–2001)===
===World Championship Wrestling (1995–2001)===


====Dungeon of Doom (1995–1997)====
====Dungeon of Doom (1995–1998)====
{{see also|Dungeon of Doom}}
{{see also|Dungeon of Doom}}
In 1995, DeMott was signed to a [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) contract at the behest of [[Kevin Sullivan (wrestler)|Kevin Sullivan]] who had been impressed by him. He debuted in [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Dark match|dark match]]es as The Man of Question and The Laughing Man, a strange [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] that saw him wearing a singlet covered in question marks and laughing frequently. He made his television debut as a member of [[The Dungeon of Doom]] as "The Laughing Man" Hugh Morrus (a [[pun]] on the word humorous) on the November 18, 1995 episode of WCW Saturday Night in a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Vignette|vignette]] inside the Dungeon, where Kevin Sullivan told his ([[kayfabe]]) father, [[King Curtis Iaukea|The Master]], that he was giving him something he never had: laughter, and that he was giving him "the man from the Isle of Nowhere."
In 1995, DeMott was signed to a [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) contract at the behest of [[Kevin Sullivan (wrestler)|Kevin Sullivan]] who had been impressed by him. He debuted in [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Dark match|dark match]]es as The Man of Question and The Laughing Man, a strange [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] that saw him wearing a singlet covered in question marks and laughing frequently. He made his television debut as a member of [[The Dungeon of Doom]] as "The Laughing Man" Hugh Morrus (a [[pun]] on the word humorous) on the November 18, 1995 episode of WCW Saturday Night in a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Vignette|vignette]] inside the Dungeon, where Kevin Sullivan told his ([[kayfabe]]) father, [[King Curtis Iaukea|The Master]], that he was giving him something he never had: laughter, and that he was giving him "the man from the Isle of Nowhere."


====First Family (1997–1999)====
====First Family (1997–2000)====
{{see also|First Family (professional wrestling)}}
{{see also|First Family (professional wrestling)}}
Upon the dissolution of the Dungeon of Doom in mid-1997, Morrus was relegated to the undercard. He gained the distinction of being the first wrestler to lose a televised match to [[Bill Goldberg]] during the September 22, 1997 episode of ''[[WCW Monday Nitro|Nitro]]''.
Upon the dissolution of the Dungeon of Doom in mid-1997, Morrus was relegated to the undercard. He gained the distinction of being the first wrestler to lose a televised match to [[Bill Goldberg]] during the September 22, 1997 episode of ''[[WCW Monday Nitro|Nitro]]''.
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DeMott returned in early 2000, utilizing the same name and ring attire, but [[Squash (professional wrestling)|squashing]] a number of wrestlers as an angrier version of himself. The angry Morrus gimmick came to a halt when [[Vince Russo]] and [[Eric Bischoff]] took over and aimed to take WCW in a new direction.
DeMott returned in early 2000, utilizing the same name and ring attire, but [[Squash (professional wrestling)|squashing]] a number of wrestlers as an angrier version of himself. The angry Morrus gimmick came to a halt when [[Vince Russo]] and [[Eric Bischoff]] took over and aimed to take WCW in a new direction.


After getting on Russo's bad side (in [[kayfabe]]), Morrus was fired from his [[The New Blood|New Blood]] stable along with a number of other wrestlers. These ex-New Blood members (including [[Chavo Guerrero Jr.]] and [[Booker T (wrestler)|Booker T]]) formed the comedic [[Misfits in Action]] stable, which saw its members adopt both military-themed names and attires. As the stable's leader, Morrus re-christened himself General Hugh G. Rection, and led the group in a feud against [[The Filthy Animals]].
After getting on Russo's bad side (in [[kayfabe]]), Morrus was fired from his [[New Blood (professional wrestling)|New Blood]] stable along with a number of other wrestlers. These ex-New Blood members (including [[Chavo Guerrero Jr.]] and [[Booker T (wrestler)|Booker T]]) formed the comedic [[Misfits in Action]] stable, which saw its members adopt both military-themed names and attires. As the stable's leader, Morrus re-christened himself General Hugh G. Rection, and led the group in a feud against [[Filthy Animals]].


The group's comedic nature and the workrate of some of the wrestlers made the group immediate favorites with fans. Upon the introduction of the heel [[Team Canada (WCW)|Team Canada]], the Misfits In Action immediately began feuding with Team Canada, based over the patriotism both stables had for their respective countries. As the leader of the Misfits, Rection feuded with Team Canada's leader and [[WWE United States Championship|United States Heavyweight Champion]] [[Lance Storm]], with the two trading wins until Rection defeated both Storm and a [[turncoat]] [[Jim Duggan|"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan]] in a handicap match on October 29 at [[Halloween Havoc (2000)|Halloween Havoc]] to win the title. Rection would soon lose the title back to Storm on the November 13 episode of ''[[WCW Monday Nitro|Nitro]]'' before defeating Storm to regain the title on November 26 at [[Mayhem (2000)|Mayhem]].
The group's comedic nature and the workrate of some of the wrestlers made the group immediate favorites with fans. Upon the introduction of the heel [[Team Canada (WCW)|Team Canada]], the Misfits In Action immediately began feuding with Team Canada, based over the patriotism both stables had for their respective countries. As the leader of the Misfits, Rection feuded with Team Canada's leader and [[WWE United States Championship|United States Heavyweight Champion]] [[Lance Storm]], with the two trading wins until Rection defeated both Storm and a [[turncoat]] [[Jim Duggan|"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan]] in a handicap match on October 29 at [[Halloween Havoc (2000)|Halloween Havoc]] to win the title. Rection would soon lose the title back to Storm on the November 13 episode of ''[[WCW Monday Nitro|Nitro]]'' before defeating Storm to regain the title on November 26 at [[Mayhem (2000)|Mayhem]].
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At [[WCW Sin|Sin]] on January 14, 2001, Rection lost the United States Heavyweight Title to [[Shane Douglas]]. Following the title loss, the Misfits disbanded when Rection announced that they were [[Military discharge#Honorable|honorably discharged]], which led to Rection reverting to his Hugh Morrus name while the now former Misfits briefly feuded amongst each other. DeMott would then resume his pursuit of the United States Heavyweight Title until the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF) bought out WCW.
At [[WCW Sin|Sin]] on January 14, 2001, Rection lost the United States Heavyweight Title to [[Shane Douglas]]. Following the title loss, the Misfits disbanded when Rection announced that they were [[Military discharge#Honorable|honorably discharged]], which led to Rection reverting to his Hugh Morrus name while the now former Misfits briefly feuded amongst each other. DeMott would then resume his pursuit of the United States Heavyweight Title until the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF) bought out WCW.


===World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (2001–2007)===
===World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (2001–2008)===


====The Alliance (2001–2002)====
====The Alliance (2001–2002)====
When WCW was purchased by the WWF, DeMott signed a deal with the WWF and became part of [[The Invasion (professional wrestling)|The Invasion]] angle under his Hugh Morrus ring name as a member of [[The Alliance (professional wrestling)|The Alliance]]. Morrus made his WWF debut on the June 4, 2001 episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' by attacking [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]]. Aside from a [[pay-per-view]] match at [[WWF Invasion|Invasion]] on July 22 where he, [[Shawn Stasiak]] and [[Chris Kanyon]] defeated [[Big Show]], [[Billy Gunn]] and [[Matt Bloom|Albert]] and an [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] match on the August 27 episode of ''Raw'' which he lost to [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] via disqualification, Morrus was relegated to wrestling on the company's secondary shows ''[[WWE Heat|Heat]]'' and ''[[WWE Jakked/Metal|Jakked]]'' much like his fellow WCW alumni. In the September 29 episode of WWE Metal, Morrus made his first appearance at the show, where he takes on Billy Gunn, in a losing effort. When The Invasion ended at [[Survivor Series (2001)|Survivor Series]] following Team Alliance's loss to Team WWF, Morrus was [[kayfabe]] fired by [[Vince McMahon]]. While off television, Morrus performed at [[house show]]s and worked in company's developmental territory [[Heartland Wrestling Association]] (HWA). During his time in the HWA, he teamed with [[Raven (wrestler)|Raven]] to defeat [[Lance Cade]] and [[Steve Bradley]] to win the [[HWA Tag Team Championship|Tag Team Champions]] on March 12, 2002, which they lost only three days later to Cade and Bradley.
When WCW was purchased by the WWF, DeMott signed a deal with the WWF and became part of [[The Invasion (professional wrestling)|The Invasion]] angle under his Hugh Morrus ring name as a member of [[The Alliance (professional wrestling)|The Alliance]]. Morrus made his WWF debut on the June 4, 2001 episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' by attacking [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]]. Aside from a [[pay-per-view]] match at [[WWF Invasion|Invasion]] on July 22 where he, [[Shawn Stasiak]] and [[Chris Kanyon]] defeated [[Big Show]], [[Billy Gunn]] and [[Matt Bloom|Albert]] and an [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] match on the August 27 episode of ''Raw'' which he lost to [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] via disqualification, Morrus was relegated to wrestling on the company's secondary shows ''[[WWE Heat|Heat]]'' and ''[[WWE Jakked/Metal|Jakked]]'' much like his fellow WCW alumni. In the September 29 episode of WWE Metal, Morrus made his first appearance at the show, where he took on Billy Gunn, in a losing effort. When The Invasion ended at [[Survivor Series (2001)|Survivor Series]] following Team Alliance's loss to Team WWF, Morrus was [[kayfabe]] fired by [[Vince McMahon]]. While off television, Morrus performed at [[house show]]s and worked in company's developmental territory [[Heartland Wrestling Association]] (HWA). During his time in the HWA, he teamed with [[Raven (wrestler)|Raven]] to defeat [[Lance Cade]] and [[Steve Bradley]] to win the [[HWA Tag Team Championship|Tag Team Championship]] on March 12, 2002, which they lost only three days later to Cade and Bradley.


====SmackDown! (2002–2004)====
====SmackDown! (2002–2004)====
In April 2002, Morrus was drafted to the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown!]] [[WWE Brand Extension|brand]]. He made his television return on the April 6 episode of ''[[WWE Jakked/Metal|Jakked]]'' alongside fellow WCW alumnus [[Chavo Guerrero Jr.]] and defeated [[Gregory Helms|The Hurricane]] and [[Shoichi Funaki|Funaki]]. Morrus was soon relegated to being a mainstay on ''Jakked'' and later ''[[WWE Velocity|Velocity]]'' until late July 2002, when he was [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Legit|legitimately]] injured in a motorcycle accident and had to take a leave of absence. During his time away, he became a trainer for the third season of [[WWE Tough Enough|Tough Enough]]'', WWE's [[reality television]] show.
In April 2002, Morrus was drafted to the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown!]] [[WWE brand extension|brand]]. He made his television return on the April 6 episode of ''[[WWE Jakked/Metal|Jakked]]'' alongside fellow WCW alumnus [[Chavo Guerrero Jr.]] and defeated [[Gregory Helms|The Hurricane]] and [[Shoichi Funaki|Funaki]]. Morrus was soon relegated to being a mainstay on ''Jakked'' and later ''[[WWE Velocity|Velocity]]'' until late July 2002, when he was [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Legit|legitimately]] injured in a motorcycle accident and had to take a leave of absence. During his time away, he became a trainer for the third season of [[WWE Tough Enough|Tough Enough]]'', WWE's [[reality television]] show.


When he had sufficiently healed, Morrus made his return on the November 23 episode of ''Velocity'' under his real name. DeMott made his ''SmackDown!'' debut on December 5 as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]], where he defeated Funaki in a [[Squash (professional wrestling)|squash]] match. The victory saw DeMott immediately receive a [[Push (professional wrestling)|push]] that saw him squash several established wrestlers, including Funaki, [[Shannon Moore]], [[Chuck Palumbo]], [[Crash Holly]], and [[Rikishi (wrestler)|Rikishi]] weekly on ''SmackDown!''. However, this came to an end soon and saw DeMott relegated back to ''Velocity'' beginning in February 2003. In May, DeMott made a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Turn|turn]] that also saw him tell [[knock-knock joke]]s as part of the turn. As the [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] failed to [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Over|get over]], he remained on ''Velocity'' while continuing to win several squash matches. DeMott wrestled his last televised match on the June 14 episode of ''Velocity'', where he defeated fellow WCW alumnus [[Chris Kanyon]]. Later that month, DeMott retired from in-ring action, citing years of knee injuries. He then moved on to become the [[color commentator]] for ''Velocity'',<ref name=Encyclopedia>{{cite book|title=WWE Encyclopedia|last1=Shields|first1=Brian|last2=Sullivan|first2=Kevin|page=[https://archive.org/details/wweencyclopediad0000shie/page/31 31]|publisher=[[Dorling Kindersley|DK]]|year=2009|isbn=978-0-7566-4190-0|url=https://archive.org/details/wweencyclopediad0000shie/page/31}}</ref> beginning on the November 1 episode,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_5901.shtml|title=10/11 WWE Velocity review: Bill Demott debuts on color commentary}}</ref> and remained in that position until December 11, 2004.
When he had sufficiently healed, Morrus made his return on the November 23 episode of ''Velocity'' under his real name. DeMott made his ''SmackDown!'' debut on December 5 as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]], where he defeated Funaki in a [[Squash (professional wrestling)|squash]] match. The victory saw DeMott immediately receive a [[Push (professional wrestling)|push]] that saw him squash several established wrestlers, including Funaki, [[Shannon Moore]], [[Chuck Palumbo]], [[Crash Holly]], and [[Rikishi (wrestler)|Rikishi]] weekly on ''SmackDown!''. However, this came to an end soon and saw DeMott relegated back to ''Velocity'' beginning in February 2003. In May, DeMott made a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Turn|turn]] that also saw him tell [[knock-knock joke]]s as part of the turn. As the [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] failed to [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Over|get over]], he remained on ''Velocity'' while continuing to win several squash matches. DeMott wrestled his last televised match on the June 14 episode of ''Velocity'', where he defeated fellow WCW alumnus [[Chris Kanyon]]. Later that month, DeMott retired from in-ring action, citing years of knee injuries. He then moved on to become the [[color commentator]] for ''Velocity'',<ref name=Encyclopedia>{{cite book|title=WWE Encyclopedia|last1=Shields|first1=Brian|last2=Sullivan|first2=Kevin|page=[https://archive.org/details/wweencyclopediad0000shie/page/31 31]|publisher=[[Dorling Kindersley|DK]]|year=2009|isbn=978-0-7566-4190-0|url=https://archive.org/details/wweencyclopediad0000shie/page/31}}</ref> beginning on the November 1 episode,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_5901.shtml|title=10/11 WWE Velocity review: Bill Demott debuts on color commentary}}</ref> and remained in that position until December 11, 2004.


====Deep South Wrestling (2004–2007)====
====Deep South Wrestling (2004–2008)====
When ''[[WWE Tough Enough#$1,000,000 Tough Enough (Season 4)|Tough Enough 4]]'' wrapped production, DeMott did not make a return to ''[[WWE Velocity|Velocity]]''. Instead, he became a full-time trainer for WWE and began working in the company's [[Deep South Wrestling]] developmental territory.<ref name=DeMottFCW>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_62025.shtml|title=DeMott confirms FCW head trainer role}}</ref> DeMott also worked as a booker for DSW, although his direction in the promotion received criticism, most notably by former WWE developmental wrestler [[Kenny Omega]], who soon requested to be released from his developmental contract due to poor treatment.<ref name=DeMottFCW/> DeMott was released from his WWE contract on January 19, 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/3877160223|title=WWE releases Superstars|access-date=2007-12-23|date=2007-01-19|publisher=WWE| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071212063005/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/3877160223| archive-date= 12 December 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> with [[Tom Prichard]] taking his place as DSW's head trainer.
When ''[[WWE Tough Enough#$1,000,000 Tough Enough (Season 4)|Tough Enough 4]]'' wrapped production, DeMott did not make a return to ''[[WWE Velocity|Velocity]]''. Instead, he became a full-time trainer for WWE and began working in the company's [[Deep South Wrestling]] developmental territory.<ref name=DeMottFCW>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_62025.shtml|title=DeMott confirms FCW head trainer role}}</ref> DeMott also worked as a booker for DSW, although his direction in the promotion received criticism, most notably by former WWE developmental wrestler [[Kenny Omega]], who soon requested to be released from his developmental contract due to poor treatment.<ref name=DeMottFCW/> DeMott was released from his WWE contract on January 19, 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/3877160223|title=WWE releases Superstars|access-date=2007-12-23|date=2007-01-19|publisher=WWE| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071212063005/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/3877160223| archive-date= 12 December 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> with [[Tom Prichard]] taking his place as DSW's head trainer.


In March 2015, [[Devon Nicholson]] described an incident from 2006 that DeMott was involved with while he was head trainer for the WWE's [[Deep South Wrestling]] developmental territory. Nicholson described an incident in which [[Luke Gallows|Drew Hankinson]] was completely naked in the ring for a long period of time and gave naked [[Professional wrestling attacks#Stink Face|stinkface]]s to [[Zack Ryder]] and [[Melissa Coates]] while DeMott held jelly donuts over their faces. The wrestlers agreed to do this (with the other talent encouraging them) in order to get out of regular training for that day.<ref name="cagesideseats">{{cite news |last=Harris|first=Keith|url=http://www.cagesideseats.com/2012/12/9/3747940/head-wwe-trainer-bill-demott-twitter-attack-by-kevin-matthews|title=Head WWE trainer Bill DeMott attacked on Twitter by former trainee Kevin Matthews|publisher=Cageside Seats|date=December 9, 2012|access-date=April 12, 2015}}</ref><ref name="wrestlinginc">{{cite news |last=Giri|first=Raj|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0307/590126/independent-wrestler-tells-gross-bill-demott-story-involving/|title=Independent Wrestler Tells Gross Bill DeMott Story Involving Zack Ryder And Female Wrestler (Video)|publisher=WrestlingInc.com|date=March 7, 2015|access-date=April 12, 2015}}</ref><ref name="wrestlezone">{{cite news |last=Paglino|first=Nick|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/559119-hannibal-tells-bizarre-bill-demott-story|title=Independent Wrestler Tells Bizarre Story of What Bill DeMott Once Made Zack Ryder & Luke Gallows Do During Training|publisher=Wrestle Zone|date=March 7, 2015|access-date=April 12, 2015}}</ref><ref name="ewrestlingnews">{{cite news |url=http://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/an-indy-wrestler-reveals-a-bizarre-story-on-bill-demott-in-wwe-developmental-video-inside|title=An Indy Wrestler Reveals A Bizarre Story On Bill DeMott In WWE Developmental - Video Inside|publisher=eWrestlingNews.com|date=March 7, 2015|access-date=April 12, 2015}}</ref><ref name="prowrestling">{{cite news|url=http://www.prowrestling.com/video-indy-wrestler-details-bizarre-bill-demott-incident/|title=VIDEO: Indy Wrestler Details A Bizarre Bill DeMott Incident|publisher=ProWrestling.com|date=March 7, 2015|access-date=April 12, 2015|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924083104/http://www.prowrestling.com/video-indy-wrestler-details-bizarre-bill-demott-incident/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="wrestlingnewsdepot">{{cite news|last=Lugo|first=Johnny|url=http://wrestlingnewsdepot.com/2015/03/wwe-news-latest-on-bill-demott-controversies-another-gross-story-surfaces/|title=WWE News: Latest On Bill DeMott Controversies, Another Gross Story Surfaces|publisher=Wrestling News Depot|date=March 12, 2015|access-date=April 12, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412212616/http://wrestlingnewsdepot.com/2015/03/wwe-news-latest-on-bill-demott-controversies-another-gross-story-surfaces/|archive-date=April 12, 2015}}</ref><ref name="411mania">{{cite news |last=Lee|first=Joseph|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/independent-wrestler-tells-story-about-bizarre-thing-bill-demott-made-wrestlers-do/|title=Independent Wrestler Tells Story About Bizarre Thing Bill DeMott Made Wrestlers Do|publisher=411MANIA|date=March 7, 2015|access-date=April 12, 2015}}</ref> DeMott refuted the notion that it was his idea, stating that the other trainees came up with because they wanted to skip the session.<ref name="wrestlingrumors">{{cite news|last=Alba|first=Jon|url=http://www.wrestlingrumors.net/bill-demott-taken-twitter-respond-allegations/|title=Bill DeMott Has Taken to Twitter to Respond to Allegations|publisher=Wrestling Rumours|date=March 13, 2015|access-date=April 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317232359/http://www.wrestlingrumors.net/bill-demott-taken-twitter-respond-allegations/|archive-date=2015-03-17|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="wrestlingrevealed">{{cite news|url=http://www.wrestlingrevealed.com/articles/luke-gallows-absent|title=Luke Gallows absent|publisher=Wrestling Revealed|date=March 3, 2015|access-date=April 12, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113141630/http://www.wrestlingrevealed.com/articles/luke-gallows-absent|archive-date=January 13, 2016}}</ref>
In March 2015, [[Devon Nicholson]] described an incident from 2006 that DeMott was involved with while he was head trainer for the WWE's [[Deep South Wrestling]] developmental territory. Nicholson described an incident in which [[Doc Gallows|Drew Hankinson]] was completely naked in the ring for a long period of time and gave naked [[Professional wrestling attacks#Stink Face|stinkface]]s to [[Matt Cardona|Zack Ryder]] and [[Melissa Coates]] while DeMott held jelly donuts over their faces. The wrestlers agreed to do this (with the other talent encouraging them) in order to get out of regular training for that day.<ref name="cagesideseats">{{cite news |last=Harris|first=Keith|url=http://www.cagesideseats.com/2012/12/9/3747940/head-wwe-trainer-bill-demott-twitter-attack-by-kevin-matthews|title=Head WWE trainer Bill DeMott attacked on Twitter by former trainee Kevin Matthews|publisher=Cageside Seats|date=December 9, 2012|access-date=April 12, 2015}}</ref><ref name="wrestlinginc">{{cite news |last=Giri|first=Raj|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0307/590126/independent-wrestler-tells-gross-bill-demott-story-involving/|title=Independent Wrestler Tells Gross Bill DeMott Story Involving Zack Ryder And Female Wrestler (Video)|publisher=WrestlingInc.com|date=March 7, 2015|access-date=April 12, 2015}}</ref><ref name="wrestlezone">{{cite news |last=Paglino|first=Nick|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/559119-hannibal-tells-bizarre-bill-demott-story|title=Independent Wrestler Tells Bizarre Story of What Bill DeMott Once Made Zack Ryder & Luke Gallows Do During Training|publisher=Wrestle Zone|date=March 7, 2015|access-date=April 12, 2015}}</ref><ref name="ewrestlingnews">{{cite news |url=http://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/an-indy-wrestler-reveals-a-bizarre-story-on-bill-demott-in-wwe-developmental-video-inside|title=An Indy Wrestler Reveals A Bizarre Story On Bill DeMott In WWE Developmental - Video Inside|publisher=eWrestlingNews.com|date=March 7, 2015|access-date=April 12, 2015}}</ref><ref name="prowrestling">{{cite news|url=http://www.prowrestling.com/video-indy-wrestler-details-bizarre-bill-demott-incident/|title=VIDEO: Indy Wrestler Details A Bizarre Bill DeMott Incident|publisher=ProWrestling.com|date=March 7, 2015|access-date=April 12, 2015|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924083104/http://www.prowrestling.com/video-indy-wrestler-details-bizarre-bill-demott-incident/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="wrestlingnewsdepot">{{cite news|last=Lugo|first=Johnny|url=http://wrestlingnewsdepot.com/2015/03/wwe-news-latest-on-bill-demott-controversies-another-gross-story-surfaces/|title=WWE News: Latest On Bill DeMott Controversies, Another Gross Story Surfaces|publisher=Wrestling News Depot|date=March 12, 2015|access-date=April 12, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412212616/http://wrestlingnewsdepot.com/2015/03/wwe-news-latest-on-bill-demott-controversies-another-gross-story-surfaces/|archive-date=April 12, 2015}}</ref><ref name="411mania">{{cite news |last=Lee|first=Joseph|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/independent-wrestler-tells-story-about-bizarre-thing-bill-demott-made-wrestlers-do/|title=Independent Wrestler Tells Story About Bizarre Thing Bill DeMott Made Wrestlers Do|publisher=411MANIA|date=March 7, 2015|access-date=April 12, 2015}}</ref> DeMott refuted the notion that it was his idea, stating that the other trainees came up with because they wanted to skip the session.<ref name="wrestlingrumors">{{cite news|last=Alba|first=Jon|url=http://www.wrestlingrumors.net/bill-demott-taken-twitter-respond-allegations/|title=Bill DeMott Has Taken to Twitter to Respond to Allegations|publisher=Wrestling Rumours|date=March 13, 2015|access-date=April 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317232359/http://www.wrestlingrumors.net/bill-demott-taken-twitter-respond-allegations/|archive-date=2015-03-17|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="wrestlingrevealed">{{cite news|url=http://www.wrestlingrevealed.com/articles/luke-gallows-absent|title=Luke Gallows absent|publisher=Wrestling Revealed|date=March 3, 2015|access-date=April 12, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113141630/http://www.wrestlingrevealed.com/articles/luke-gallows-absent|archive-date=January 13, 2016}}</ref>


===Independent circuit (2007–2010)===
===Independent circuit (2007–2011)===
After parting ways with WWE, DeMott competed for several independent promotions, including the Carolina Wrestling Association and the United Wrestling Federation. In addition to wrestling, he also began operating his own wrestling school called New Energy Wrestling School from 2009 to 2010 in [[McDonough, Georgia]], while also running a brief series of wrestling events in [[Locust Grove, Georgia]].<ref>Personal conversation; Hall, A, March 2012</ref> Demott wrestled his last match in 2010.
After parting ways with WWE, DeMott competed for several independent promotions, including the Carolina Wrestling Association and the United Wrestling Federation. In addition to wrestling, he also began operating his own wrestling school called New Energy Wrestling School from 2009 to 2010 in [[McDonough, Georgia]], while also running a brief series of wrestling events in [[Locust Grove, Georgia]].<ref>Personal conversation; Hall, A, March 2012</ref> Demott wrestled his last match in 2011.


===Return to WWE (2011–2015)===
===Return to WWE (2011–2016)===
==== Return as trainer (2011–2015) ====
==== Return as trainer (2011–2016) ====
In 2011, [[WWE]] announced that DeMott would return to the company to perform as the head trainer on the [[WWE Tough Enough#Revival (Season 5)|revived ''Tough Enough'' series]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.usanetwork.com/series/toughenough/theshow/characterprofiles/demott/|title=Tough Enough bio|access-date=2013-09-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216062844/http://www2.usanetwork.com/series/toughenough/theshow/characterprofiles/demott/|archive-date=2013-12-16|url-status=dead}}</ref> Following the conclusion of ''Tough Enough'', DeMott replaced [[Tom Prichard]] as the head trainer for the [[Florida Championship Wrestling]] developmental territory on June 2, 2012.<ref name=DeMottFCW/> After FCW was rebranded into [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]], DeMott retained his position as the head trainer, and continued in that role when the [[WWE Performance Center]] was opened in 2013. He was featured as a trainer in the ''[[WWE 2K15]]'' video game.
In 2011, [[WWE]] announced that DeMott would return to the company to perform as the head trainer on the [[WWE Tough Enough#Revival (Season 5)|revived ''Tough Enough'' series]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.usanetwork.com/series/toughenough/theshow/characterprofiles/demott/|title=Tough Enough bio|access-date=2013-09-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216062844/http://www2.usanetwork.com/series/toughenough/theshow/characterprofiles/demott/|archive-date=2013-12-16|url-status=dead}}</ref> Following the conclusion of ''Tough Enough'', DeMott replaced [[Tom Prichard]] as the head trainer for the [[Florida Championship Wrestling]] developmental territory on June 2, 2012.<ref name=DeMottFCW/> After FCW was rebranded into [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]], DeMott retained his position as the head trainer, and continued in that role when the [[WWE Performance Center]] was opened in 2013. He was featured as a trainer in the ''[[WWE 2K15]]'' video game.


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==== Allegations of misconduct and departure (2015) ====
==== Allegations of misconduct and departure (2015) ====
<!-- FOR EASY RECOGNITION, THE OTHER PEOPLE MENTIONED BELOW ARE LARGELY REFERRED TO BY THEIR NXT NAMES-->Several former FCW, DSW, and NXT employees previously working within or with the WWE developmental system made public allegations of misconduct by DeMott during his time as trainer, including accusing DeMott of making trainees perform dangerous drills,<ref name=devlin/> physically [[assault]]ing and [[bullying]] trainees,<ref name=devlin/><ref name=traven/> using [[homophobic]] and [[racial slurs]] amongst other [[Pejorative|derogatory terms]],<ref name=traven/><ref name=baxvan/> letting trainees train while naked,<ref name=devlin/><ref name=nakedstinkface/> and condoning [[sexual harassment]].<ref name=NXTresign/> These allegations were made by [[Kevin Matthews (wrestler)|Kevin Matthews]], [[Mike Bucci]], [[Ivelisse Vélez]],<ref name=VIPVixens>{{cite web|last=Russo|first=Vince|title=VIP - Vixens Who Rule - Interview with Vince Russo (May 2015)|url=http://www.relmnetwork.com/#!VIP-VIXENS-WHO-RULE-Ivelisse/c1diq/55637ea00cf23d0164bda0d0|access-date=May 26, 2015}}</ref> and [[Devon Nicholson]] in 2012,<ref name=nakedstinkface>{{cite web|title=Devon Nicholson talks what really happened with the naked stinkface|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/28699-devon-nicholson-talks-what-really-happened-with-the-naked-stinkface|work=f4wonline.com|access-date=March 4, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502002717/http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/28699-devon-nicholson-talks-what-really-happened-with-the-naked-stinkface|archive-date=May 2, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Foley heading overseas, Kevin Matthews continues to take aim at Bill DeMott, the return of Stone Cold E.T and lots more WWE notes|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=73752|website=pwinsider.com|access-date=4 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Former developmental talent tweets controversial photo|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/38104|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=March 4, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402095451/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/38104|archive-date=April 2, 2015}}</ref> Chad Baxter and Chase Donovan in 2013,<ref name=baxvan>{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=NXT investigation regarding claims made against Bill DeMott, statement issued by WWE|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/article10032254.shtml|website=prowrestling.net|access-date=4 March 2015}}</ref> [[Curt Hawkins]] in 2014,<ref name=complexsports/> as well as several wrestlers including [[Judas Devlin]], [[Briley Pierce]], Brandon Traven, [[Derrick Bateman]], independent wrestler Terra Calaway, and [[Kenny Omega]] from late February to March 2015.<ref name=NXTresign/><ref name=devlin>{{cite web|title=Heavy allegations levied against WWE's Bill DeMott, WWE's official response|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=92037|website=pwinsider.com|access-date=4 March 2015}}</ref><ref name=traven>{{cite web|title=Second letter of allegations against WWE's Bill DeMott leaks online, Chris Jericho, EC3, others comment on situation|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=92051|website=pwinsider.com|access-date=5 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=WWE News: Developmental head trainer is under fire again|url=http://prowrestling.net/article.php?WWE-News-Developmental-head-trainer-is-under-fire-again-41183|website=prowrestling.net|access-date=4 March 2015}}</ref> Devlin and Traven stated they had submitted complaints to WWE management about DeMott in March 2013 when still WWE employees; they publicized those complaints in 2015.<ref name=devlin/><ref name=traven/> WWE released statements regarding some of the claims that came to light in 2013 and 2015, stating it had investigated the matter and had found no wrongdoing.<ref name=devlin/><ref name=baxvan/> Pierce questioned the thoroughness of WWE's investigations, saying WWE did not question him despite Pierce being one of the alleged victims.<ref name=complexsports/> The allegations caused a strongly negative reaction on [[social media]] in March 2015, with the #FireDeMott hashtag trending on [[Twitter]].<ref name=devlin/> On March 6, 2015, DeMott publicly denied the allegations on Twitter, but also announced his resignation from WWE "to avoid any embarrassment or damage" to the company.<ref name=NXTresign/>
<!-- FOR EASY RECOGNITION, THE OTHER PEOPLE MENTIONED BELOW ARE LARGELY REFERRED TO BY THEIR NXT NAMES-->Several former FCW, DSW, and NXT employees previously working within or with the WWE developmental system made public allegations of misconduct by DeMott during his time as trainer, including accusing DeMott of making trainees perform dangerous drills,<ref name=devlin/> physically [[assault]]ing and [[bullying]] trainees,<ref name=devlin/><ref name=traven/> using [[homophobic]] and [[racial slurs]] amongst other [[Pejorative|derogatory terms]],<ref name=traven/><ref name=baxvan/> letting trainees train while naked,<ref name=devlin/><ref name=nakedstinkface/> and condoning [[sexual harassment]].<ref name=NXTresign/> These allegations were made by [[Kevin Matthews (wrestler)|Kevin Matthews]], [[Mike Bucci]], [[Ivelisse Vélez]],<ref name=VIPVixens>{{cite web|last=Russo|first=Vince|title=VIP - Vixens Who Rule - Interview with Vince Russo (May 2015)|url=http://www.relmnetwork.com/#!VIP-VIXENS-WHO-RULE-Ivelisse/c1diq/55637ea00cf23d0164bda0d0|access-date=May 26, 2015}}</ref> and [[Devon Nicholson]] in 2012,<ref name=nakedstinkface>{{cite web|title=Devon Nicholson talks what really happened with the naked stinkface|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/28699-devon-nicholson-talks-what-really-happened-with-the-naked-stinkface|work=f4wonline.com|access-date=March 4, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502002717/http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/28699-devon-nicholson-talks-what-really-happened-with-the-naked-stinkface|archive-date=May 2, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Foley heading overseas, Kevin Matthews continues to take aim at Bill DeMott, the return of Stone Cold E.T and lots more WWE notes|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=73752|website=pwinsider.com|access-date=4 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Former developmental talent tweets controversial photo|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/38104|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=March 4, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402095451/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/38104|archive-date=April 2, 2015}}</ref> Chad Baxter and Chase Donovan in 2013,<ref name=baxvan>{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=NXT investigation regarding claims made against Bill DeMott, statement issued by WWE|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/article10032254.shtml|website=prowrestling.net|access-date=4 March 2015}}</ref> [[Brian Myers|Curt Hawkins]] in 2014,<ref name=complexsports/> as well as several wrestlers including [[Luchasaurus|Judas Devlin]], [[Ryan Nemeth|Briley Pierce]], Brandon Traven, [[Ethan Carter III|Derrick Bateman]], independent wrestler Terra Calaway, and [[Kenny Omega]] from late February to March 2015.<ref name=NXTresign/><ref name=devlin>{{cite web|title=Heavy allegations levied against WWE's Bill DeMott, WWE's official response|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=92037|website=pwinsider.com|access-date=4 March 2015}}</ref><ref name=traven>{{cite web|title=Second letter of allegations against WWE's Bill DeMott leaks online, Chris Jericho, EC3, others comment on situation|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=92051|website=pwinsider.com|access-date=5 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=WWE News: Developmental head trainer is under fire again|url=http://prowrestling.net/article.php?WWE-News-Developmental-head-trainer-is-under-fire-again-41183|website=prowrestling.net|access-date=4 March 2015}}</ref> Devlin and Traven stated they had submitted complaints to WWE management about DeMott in March 2013 when still WWE employees; they publicized those complaints in 2015.<ref name=devlin/><ref name=traven/> WWE released statements regarding some of the claims that came to light in 2013 and 2015, stating it had investigated the matter and had found no wrongdoing.<ref name=devlin/><ref name=baxvan/> Pierce questioned the thoroughness of WWE's investigations, saying WWE did not question him despite Pierce being one of the alleged victims.<ref name=complexsports/> The allegations caused a strongly negative reaction on [[social media]] in March 2015, with the #FireDeMott hashtag trending on [[Twitter]].<ref name=devlin/> On March 6, 2015, DeMott publicly denied the allegations on Twitter, but also announced his resignation from WWE "to avoid any embarrassment or damage" to the company.<ref name=NXTresign/>


During a May 2015 podcast with [[Vince Russo]], Vélez asserted that her reporting DeMott's alleged misconduct in 2012 to WWE officials was the likely reason WWE released her (i.e., as retribution) shortly thereafter.<ref name=VIPVixens/>
During a May 2015 podcast with [[Vince Russo]], Vélez asserted that her reporting DeMott's alleged misconduct in 2012 to WWE officials was the likely reason WWE released her (i.e., as retribution) shortly thereafter.<ref name=VIPVixens/>
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==Other media==
==Other media==
DeMott voiced himself in the video game ''[[WWE 2K15]]''. His character is a coach in the MyCareer mode.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/2k/wwe-2k15/your-wwe-2k15-secret-weapon-head-coach-bill-demott|title=Your WWE 2K15 secret weapon: Head Coach Bill DeMott|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 1, 2019|author=Murphy, Mike|date=November 13, 2014}}</ref>
DeMott voiced himself in the video game ''[[WWE 2K15]]''. His character is a coach in the MyCareer mode.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/2k/wwe-2k15/your-wwe-2k15-secret-weapon-head-coach-bill-demott|title=Your WWE 2K15 secret weapon: Head Coach Bill DeMott|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 1, 2019|author=Murphy, Mike|date=November 13, 2014}}</ref>

==Filmography==
*WCW Saturday Night
*WCW Nitro
*Total Divas
*Tough Enough
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|+ Video game appearances
|-
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
|-
| 2014
| ''[[WWE 2K15]]''
|Himself
| Video game debut
|-
|}


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
DeMott was married to his first wife from 1987<ref name=Laugh>{{cite book | first1 = Bill | last1 = DeMott | first2 = Scott | last2 = Teal | title = The Last Laugh | publisher = Crowbar press | year = 2011 |isbn = 978-0-9844090-3-7}}</ref>{{rp|22}} to 2004.<ref name=Laugh/>{{rp|169}} They had a daughter, Keri Anne DeMott, who was killed in a [[drunk driving]] incident, leading DeMott and his wife to fund an organization to campaign against drunk driving.<ref name=Paramus/>
DeMott was married to his first wife from 1987<ref name=Laugh>{{cite book | first1 = Bill | last1 = DeMott | first2 = Scott | last2 = Teal | title = The Last Laugh | publisher = Crowbar press | year = 2011 |isbn = 978-0-9844090-3-7}}</ref>{{rp|22}} to 2004.<ref name=Laugh/>{{rp|169}} They had a daughter, Keri Anne DeMott, who was killed in a collision with a [[drunk driving|drunk driver]] in 2015, leading DeMott and his wife to fund an organization to campaign against drunk driving.<ref name=Paramus/>


He married his second wife on December 18, 2004.<ref name=Laugh/>{{rp|169}}
He married his second wife on December 18, 2004.<ref name=Laugh/>{{rp|169}}
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==Championships and accomplishments==
==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''Americas Wrestling Federation (Puerto Rico)'''
*'''Americas Wrestling Federation (Puerto Rico)'''
**AWF World Heavyweight Championship (2 times)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/whawfp.html|title=AWF World Heavyweight Championship history}}</ref>
**AWF World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/whawfp.html|title=AWF World Heavyweight Championship history}}</ref>
*'''[[Cauliflower Alley Club]]'''
*'''[[Cauliflower Alley Club]]'''
**Men's Wrestling Award (2012)<ref name="Cauliflower2012">{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Steve|title=AUSTIN, STEAMBOAT DELIGHT AT CAULIFLOWER ALLEY CLUB REUNION|url=http://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2012/04/18/austin-steamboat-delight-at-cauliflower-alley-club-reunion/|work=Slam Wrestling|date=April 18, 2012|access-date=September 27, 2020}}</ref>
**Men's Wrestling Award (2012)<ref name="Cauliflower2012">{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Steve|title=AUSTIN, STEAMBOAT DELIGHT AT CAULIFLOWER ALLEY CLUB REUNION|url=http://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2012/04/18/austin-steamboat-delight-at-cauliflower-alley-club-reunion/|work=Slam Wrestling|date=April 18, 2012|access-date=September 27, 2020}}</ref>
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons}}
*{{IMDb name|id=0218681|name=Bill DeMott}}
*{{IMDb name|id=0218681|name=Bill DeMott}}
*[http://www.billdemottexperience.com/ Bill DeMott Experience]
*[http://www.billdemottexperience.com/ Bill DeMott Experience]
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[[Category:People from Ridgewood, New Jersey]]
[[Category:People from Ridgewood, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling announcers]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling announcers]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling controversies]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling trainers]]
[[Category:American professional wrestling trainers]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Bergen County, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Bergen County, New Jersey]]
[[Category:First Family (professional wrestling) members]]
[[Category:First Family (professional wrestling) members]]
[[Category:Expatriate professional wrestlers in Japan]]
[[Category:American expatriate professional wrestlers in Japan]]
[[Category:20th-century professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century American professional wrestlers]]

Revision as of 00:37, 17 November 2024

Bill DeMott
DeMott in 2012
Birth nameWilliam Charles DeMott II
Born (1966-11-10) November 10, 1966 (age 58)
Ridgewood, New Jersey, U.S.
Spouse(s)
Rose Azzolino
​
​
(m. 1987; ann. 2004)​
Lacey Storey
​
(m. 2004)​
Children3
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Bill DeMott[1][2]
Captain Hugh G. Rection[3][4]
Crash the Terminator[1][2]
General Hugh G. Rection[3][4]
Hugh Morrus[1][2]
The Laughing Man[1]
The Man of Question[1]
General E. Rection[1]
Gen. Rection[5]
Billed height6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[1][2]
Billed weight280 lb (130 kg)[1][2]
Billed fromParamus, New Jersey[6]
Trained byJohnny Rodz[1]
Debut1988[1]
Retired2010

William Charles DeMott II (born November 10, 1966) is an American retired professional wrestler, road agent, and trainer. He is best known for his appearances with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as Hugh Morrus and World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/E) under his real name.[2] DeMott also performed as Crash the Terminator in both Eastern Championship Wrestling (ECW) and Japan.[2]

Generally used as a jobber to the stars in WCW, he attained championship success during the promotion's dying days in late 2000 and early 2001, holding the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship twice. After an unsuccessful stint as a performer in WWE, DeMott retired from in-ring competition and transitioned into the role of a trainer for the company's Tough Enough program, on which he became known for using a rough, controversial style in handling trainees, as well as WWE's developmental territories Deep South Wrestling, Florida Championship Wrestling, and NXT; after working for WWE a total of 14 years between 2001 and 2015. In 2015, he resigned from his role in response to numerous allegations of misconduct in relation throughout his role as trainer in various WWE developmental territories.

Early life

William Charles DeMott II[1] was born on November 10, 1966,[1] in Ridgewood, New Jersey.[1] He grew up in Paramus, New Jersey, graduating from Paramus High School in 1983.[7]

Professional wrestling career

Early career (1988–1996)

DeMott was trained by Johnny Rodz in Rodz's New York City wrestling school beginning in 1988. From there he began working at small independent promotions using the name Big Sweet Williams. In 1992 DeMott began wrestling for the Americas Wrestling Federation and started using the name Crash the Terminator. Under this name he found partial success, first capturing the AWF World Heavyweight Title from Steve Strong in Puerto Rico, before moving on to the Japanese promotion W*ING and winning the World Tag Team Championship with Mr. Pogo. In 1993, while competing in W*ING, DeMott won a 16-man tournament to be crowned their World Heavyweight Champion.

On February 21, 1994 DeMott received a tryout match with the World Wrestling Federation at a Monday Night Raw taping at Poughkeepsie, NY. He competed in two other matches at a two day taping for WWF Superstars of Wrestling and Wrestling Challenge.[8] He then went to Pennsylvania Championship Wrestling, where he won the latter promotion's World Heavyweight Championship upon winning a battle royal in 1995.

Eastern Championship Wrestling (1993–1994)

He wrestled for Eastern Championship Wrestling for a short time under his "Crash the Terminator" name. At Ultimate Jeopardy in March 1994 he defeated the Pitbull. His final ECW appearance came on May 13, 1994, in a TV victory against AJ Powers, which aired on June 7.

World Championship Wrestling (1995–2001)

Dungeon of Doom (1995–1998)

See also: Dungeon of Doom

In 1995, DeMott was signed to a World Championship Wrestling (WCW) contract at the behest of Kevin Sullivan who had been impressed by him. He debuted in dark matches as The Man of Question and The Laughing Man, a strange gimmick that saw him wearing a singlet covered in question marks and laughing frequently. He made his television debut as a member of The Dungeon of Doom as "The Laughing Man" Hugh Morrus (a pun on the word humorous) on the November 18, 1995 episode of WCW Saturday Night in a vignette inside the Dungeon, where Kevin Sullivan told his (kayfabe) father, The Master, that he was giving him something he never had: laughter, and that he was giving him "the man from the Isle of Nowhere."

First Family (1997–2000)

See also: First Family (professional wrestling)

Upon the dissolution of the Dungeon of Doom in mid-1997, Morrus was relegated to the undercard. He gained the distinction of being the first wrestler to lose a televised match to Bill Goldberg during the September 22, 1997 episode of Nitro.

As a part of the growing hardcore wrestling style in WCW, Morrus joined Jimmy Hart's First Family stable in 1998. Although the Family found success and received a push following a victory over their rivals The Revolution, the stable was suddenly disbanded in 1999. At this time, DeMott took some time off from WCW.

Misfits In Action (2000–2001)

Main article: Misfits in Action

DeMott returned in early 2000, utilizing the same name and ring attire, but squashing a number of wrestlers as an angrier version of himself. The angry Morrus gimmick came to a halt when Vince Russo and Eric Bischoff took over and aimed to take WCW in a new direction.

After getting on Russo's bad side (in kayfabe), Morrus was fired from his New Blood stable along with a number of other wrestlers. These ex-New Blood members (including Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Booker T) formed the comedic Misfits in Action stable, which saw its members adopt both military-themed names and attires. As the stable's leader, Morrus re-christened himself General Hugh G. Rection, and led the group in a feud against Filthy Animals.

The group's comedic nature and the workrate of some of the wrestlers made the group immediate favorites with fans. Upon the introduction of the heel Team Canada, the Misfits In Action immediately began feuding with Team Canada, based over the patriotism both stables had for their respective countries. As the leader of the Misfits, Rection feuded with Team Canada's leader and United States Heavyweight Champion Lance Storm, with the two trading wins until Rection defeated both Storm and a turncoat "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan in a handicap match on October 29 at Halloween Havoc to win the title. Rection would soon lose the title back to Storm on the November 13 episode of Nitro before defeating Storm to regain the title on November 26 at Mayhem.

After his feud with Storm, the next night on Nitro, DeMott stood in the ring and spoke to the fans. During this segment, the WCW locker room emptied and many wrestlers from backstage stood on the entrance way clapping for DeMott; Bill Goldberg grabbed the microphone and, fondly recalling his first opponent in WCW, said "Hey, Goldberg's streak had to start somewhere, my friend."

At Sin on January 14, 2001, Rection lost the United States Heavyweight Title to Shane Douglas. Following the title loss, the Misfits disbanded when Rection announced that they were honorably discharged, which led to Rection reverting to his Hugh Morrus name while the now former Misfits briefly feuded amongst each other. DeMott would then resume his pursuit of the United States Heavyweight Title until the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) bought out WCW.

World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (2001–2008)

The Alliance (2001–2002)

When WCW was purchased by the WWF, DeMott signed a deal with the WWF and became part of The Invasion angle under his Hugh Morrus ring name as a member of The Alliance. Morrus made his WWF debut on the June 4, 2001 episode of Raw by attacking Edge. Aside from a pay-per-view match at Invasion on July 22 where he, Shawn Stasiak and Chris Kanyon defeated Big Show, Billy Gunn and Albert and an Intercontinental Championship match on the August 27 episode of Raw which he lost to Edge via disqualification, Morrus was relegated to wrestling on the company's secondary shows Heat and Jakked much like his fellow WCW alumni. In the September 29 episode of WWE Metal, Morrus made his first appearance at the show, where he took on Billy Gunn, in a losing effort. When The Invasion ended at Survivor Series following Team Alliance's loss to Team WWF, Morrus was kayfabe fired by Vince McMahon. While off television, Morrus performed at house shows and worked in company's developmental territory Heartland Wrestling Association (HWA). During his time in the HWA, he teamed with Raven to defeat Lance Cade and Steve Bradley to win the Tag Team Championship on March 12, 2002, which they lost only three days later to Cade and Bradley.

SmackDown! (2002–2004)

In April 2002, Morrus was drafted to the SmackDown! brand. He made his television return on the April 6 episode of Jakked alongside fellow WCW alumnus Chavo Guerrero Jr. and defeated The Hurricane and Funaki. Morrus was soon relegated to being a mainstay on Jakked and later Velocity until late July 2002, when he was legitimately injured in a motorcycle accident and had to take a leave of absence. During his time away, he became a trainer for the third season of Tough Enough, WWE's reality television show.

When he had sufficiently healed, Morrus made his return on the November 23 episode of Velocity under his real name. DeMott made his SmackDown! debut on December 5 as a heel, where he defeated Funaki in a squash match. The victory saw DeMott immediately receive a push that saw him squash several established wrestlers, including Funaki, Shannon Moore, Chuck Palumbo, Crash Holly, and Rikishi weekly on SmackDown!. However, this came to an end soon and saw DeMott relegated back to Velocity beginning in February 2003. In May, DeMott made a face turn that also saw him tell knock-knock jokes as part of the turn. As the gimmick failed to get over, he remained on Velocity while continuing to win several squash matches. DeMott wrestled his last televised match on the June 14 episode of Velocity, where he defeated fellow WCW alumnus Chris Kanyon. Later that month, DeMott retired from in-ring action, citing years of knee injuries. He then moved on to become the color commentator for Velocity,[6] beginning on the November 1 episode,[9] and remained in that position until December 11, 2004.

Deep South Wrestling (2004–2008)

When Tough Enough 4 wrapped production, DeMott did not make a return to Velocity. Instead, he became a full-time trainer for WWE and began working in the company's Deep South Wrestling developmental territory.[10] DeMott also worked as a booker for DSW, although his direction in the promotion received criticism, most notably by former WWE developmental wrestler Kenny Omega, who soon requested to be released from his developmental contract due to poor treatment.[10] DeMott was released from his WWE contract on January 19, 2007,[11] with Tom Prichard taking his place as DSW's head trainer.

In March 2015, Devon Nicholson described an incident from 2006 that DeMott was involved with while he was head trainer for the WWE's Deep South Wrestling developmental territory. Nicholson described an incident in which Drew Hankinson was completely naked in the ring for a long period of time and gave naked stinkfaces to Zack Ryder and Melissa Coates while DeMott held jelly donuts over their faces. The wrestlers agreed to do this (with the other talent encouraging them) in order to get out of regular training for that day.[12][13][14][15][16][17][18] DeMott refuted the notion that it was his idea, stating that the other trainees came up with because they wanted to skip the session.[19][20]

Independent circuit (2007–2011)

After parting ways with WWE, DeMott competed for several independent promotions, including the Carolina Wrestling Association and the United Wrestling Federation. In addition to wrestling, he also began operating his own wrestling school called New Energy Wrestling School from 2009 to 2010 in McDonough, Georgia, while also running a brief series of wrestling events in Locust Grove, Georgia.[21] Demott wrestled his last match in 2011.

Return to WWE (2011–2016)

Return as trainer (2011–2016)

In 2011, WWE announced that DeMott would return to the company to perform as the head trainer on the revived Tough Enough series.[22] Following the conclusion of Tough Enough, DeMott replaced Tom Prichard as the head trainer for the Florida Championship Wrestling developmental territory on June 2, 2012.[10] After FCW was rebranded into NXT, DeMott retained his position as the head trainer, and continued in that role when the WWE Performance Center was opened in 2013. He was featured as a trainer in the WWE 2K15 video game.

DeMott resigned from WWE on March 6, 2015 following multiple online wrestling news reports of accusations of misconduct and abuse by a dozen-plus former WWE trainees (see below) -- allegations DeMott defiantly denied.[23][24]

Allegations of misconduct and departure (2015)

Several former FCW, DSW, and NXT employees previously working within or with the WWE developmental system made public allegations of misconduct by DeMott during his time as trainer, including accusing DeMott of making trainees perform dangerous drills,[25] physically assaulting and bullying trainees,[25][26] using homophobic and racial slurs amongst other derogatory terms,[26][27] letting trainees train while naked,[25][28] and condoning sexual harassment.[23] These allegations were made by Kevin Matthews, Mike Bucci, Ivelisse Vélez,[29] and Devon Nicholson in 2012,[28][30][31] Chad Baxter and Chase Donovan in 2013,[27] Curt Hawkins in 2014,[24] as well as several wrestlers including Judas Devlin, Briley Pierce, Brandon Traven, Derrick Bateman, independent wrestler Terra Calaway, and Kenny Omega from late February to March 2015.[23][25][26][32] Devlin and Traven stated they had submitted complaints to WWE management about DeMott in March 2013 when still WWE employees; they publicized those complaints in 2015.[25][26] WWE released statements regarding some of the claims that came to light in 2013 and 2015, stating it had investigated the matter and had found no wrongdoing.[25][27] Pierce questioned the thoroughness of WWE's investigations, saying WWE did not question him despite Pierce being one of the alleged victims.[24] The allegations caused a strongly negative reaction on social media in March 2015, with the #FireDeMott hashtag trending on Twitter.[25] On March 6, 2015, DeMott publicly denied the allegations on Twitter, but also announced his resignation from WWE "to avoid any embarrassment or damage" to the company.[23]

During a May 2015 podcast with Vince Russo, Vélez asserted that her reporting DeMott's alleged misconduct in 2012 to WWE officials was the likely reason WWE released her (i.e., as retribution) shortly thereafter.[29]

Other media

DeMott voiced himself in the video game WWE 2K15. His character is a coach in the MyCareer mode.[33]

Filmography

  • WCW Saturday Night
  • WCW Nitro
  • Total Divas
  • Tough Enough
Video game appearances
Year Title Role Notes
2014 WWE 2K15 Himself Video game debut

Personal life

DeMott was married to his first wife from 1987[34]: 22  to 2004.[34]: 169  They had a daughter, Keri Anne DeMott, who was killed in a collision with a drunk driver in 2015, leading DeMott and his wife to fund an organization to campaign against drunk driving.[7]

He married his second wife on December 18, 2004.[34]: 169 

Championships and accomplishments

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Bill DeMott". Online World of Wrestling. Archived from the original on February 21, 2009. Retrieved March 5, 2009.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "WWE profile".
  3. ^ a b "UNDER THE MICROSCOPE - 8/10 WWE Raw: Girl in the cafeteria vs. Festus, Solution to Big Show's bad breath, Lawler and the Color Purple, A closer look at G.I. Bro, but not Major Gunns". Years later, as The New Blood fought the Misfits in Action in WCW, the MIA had an unlikely recruit as Booker T reverted to his G.I. Bro name and look. The Misfits were led by Hugh Morris, now known by the name Hugh G. Rection.
  4. ^ a b "Nitro report on May 15, 2000".
  5. ^ "20001029 - Gen. Rection". WWE. Archived from the original on January 21, 2016. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
  6. ^ a b Shields, Brian; Sullivan, Kevin (2009). WWE Encyclopedia. DK. p. 31. ISBN 978-0-7566-4190-0.
  7. ^ a b Levine, Cecilia (October 21, 2017). "Paramus Pro Wrestler Who Lost Daughter Has New Purpose: 'End Drunk Driving". Paramus Daily Voice. Oct. 10, 2015 was the day life both stopped and started for Paramus native Bill DeMott.... DeMott graduated from Paramus High School in 1983, and went on to become a pro wrestler, earning himself the title of world heavyweight champion, and more.
  8. ^ "1994". thehistoryofwwe.com. January 16, 2023.
  9. ^ "10/11 WWE Velocity review: Bill Demott debuts on color commentary".
  10. ^ a b c "DeMott confirms FCW head trainer role".
  11. ^ "WWE releases Superstars". WWE. January 19, 2007. Archived from the original on December 12, 2007. Retrieved December 23, 2007.
  12. ^ Harris, Keith (December 9, 2012). "Head WWE trainer Bill DeMott attacked on Twitter by former trainee Kevin Matthews". Cageside Seats. Retrieved April 12, 2015.
  13. ^ Giri, Raj (March 7, 2015). "Independent Wrestler Tells Gross Bill DeMott Story Involving Zack Ryder And Female Wrestler (Video)". WrestlingInc.com. Retrieved April 12, 2015.
  14. ^ Paglino, Nick (March 7, 2015). "Independent Wrestler Tells Bizarre Story of What Bill DeMott Once Made Zack Ryder & Luke Gallows Do During Training". Wrestle Zone. Retrieved April 12, 2015.
  15. ^ "An Indy Wrestler Reveals A Bizarre Story On Bill DeMott In WWE Developmental - Video Inside". eWrestlingNews.com. March 7, 2015. Retrieved April 12, 2015.
  16. ^ "VIDEO: Indy Wrestler Details A Bizarre Bill DeMott Incident". ProWrestling.com. March 7, 2015. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved April 12, 2015.
  17. ^ Lugo, Johnny (March 12, 2015). "WWE News: Latest On Bill DeMott Controversies, Another Gross Story Surfaces". Wrestling News Depot. Archived from the original on April 12, 2015. Retrieved April 12, 2015.
  18. ^ Lee, Joseph (March 7, 2015). "Independent Wrestler Tells Story About Bizarre Thing Bill DeMott Made Wrestlers Do". 411MANIA. Retrieved April 12, 2015.
  19. ^ Alba, Jon (March 13, 2015). "Bill DeMott Has Taken to Twitter to Respond to Allegations". Wrestling Rumours. Archived from the original on March 17, 2015. Retrieved April 12, 2015.
  20. ^ "Luke Gallows absent". Wrestling Revealed. March 3, 2015. Archived from the original on January 13, 2016. Retrieved April 12, 2015.
  21. ^ Personal conversation; Hall, A, March 2012
  22. ^ "Tough Enough bio". Archived from the original on December 16, 2013. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
  23. ^ a b c d "WWE News: Bill DeMott resigns, interim replacement (updated)". f4wonline.com. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
  24. ^ a b c Paez-Pumar, Luis. "Bill DeMott, NXT, and the WWE's History of Abuse". Complex. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  25. ^ a b c d e f g "Heavy allegations levied against WWE's Bill DeMott, WWE's official response". pwinsider.com. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  26. ^ a b c d "Second letter of allegations against WWE's Bill DeMott leaks online, Chris Jericho, EC3, others comment on situation". pwinsider.com. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
  27. ^ a b c Powell, Jason. "NXT investigation regarding claims made against Bill DeMott, statement issued by WWE". prowrestling.net. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  28. ^ a b "Devon Nicholson talks what really happened with the naked stinkface". f4wonline.com. Archived from the original on May 2, 2013. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  29. ^ a b Russo, Vince. "VIP - Vixens Who Rule - Interview with Vince Russo (May 2015)". Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  30. ^ "Foley heading overseas, Kevin Matthews continues to take aim at Bill DeMott, the return of Stone Cold E.T and lots more WWE notes". pwinsider.com. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  31. ^ "Former developmental talent tweets controversial photo". wrestleview.com. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  32. ^ "WWE News: Developmental head trainer is under fire again". prowrestling.net. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  33. ^ Murphy, Mike (November 13, 2014). "Your WWE 2K15 secret weapon: Head Coach Bill DeMott". WWE. Retrieved June 1, 2019.
  34. ^ a b c DeMott, Bill; Teal, Scott (2011). The Last Laugh. Crowbar press. ISBN 978-0-9844090-3-7.
  35. ^ "AWF World Heavyweight Championship history".
  36. ^ Johnson, Steve (April 18, 2012). "AUSTIN, STEAMBOAT DELIGHT AT CAULIFLOWER ALLEY CLUB REUNION". Slam Wrestling. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
  37. ^ "HWA Tag Team Championship history".
  38. ^ "PCW Heavyweight Championship history".
  39. ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 2001". Wrestling Information Archive. Archived from the original on May 15, 2011. Retrieved April 5, 2011.
  40. ^ "W*ING World Heavyweight Championship history".
  41. ^ "W*ING World Tag Team Championship history".
  42. ^ "General Hugh G. Rection's first WCW United States Heavyweight Championship reign". Archived from the original on January 21, 2016. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
  43. ^ "General Hugh G. Rection's second WCW United States Heavyweight Championship reign". Archived from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
  44. ^ "WWE United States Championship". Retrieved May 25, 2020.
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