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{{short description|American professional wrestler}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}} |
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{{Infobox professional wrestler |
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|name = Gene Snitsky |
|name = Gene Snitsky |
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|image = Snitsky |
|image = Gene Snitsky cropped.jpg |
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|caption = Snitsky in 2005 |
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|names = Gene Snitsky<ref name="OWOW"/><br />Snitsky<ref name="wwebio"/><br />"Mean" Gene Mondo<ref name="OWOW"/><br />"Mean" Gene Snitsky<br />'''Gene Snisky''' |
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|names = '''Gene Snitsky'''<ref name="OWOW"/><br />Snitsky<ref name=encyclopedia/><br />Gene Mondo<ref name="OWOW"/> |
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|birth_name = Eugene Alan Snisky |
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<!--Please don't change the height or weight. These are the measures as officially stated and they should not be changed.--> |
<!--Please don't change the height or weight. These are the measures as officially stated and they should not be changed.--> |
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|height = {{height|ft= 6|in=6}}<ref name="wwebio"/> |
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|weight = {{convert|305|lb|kg|abbr=on}} - {{convert|307|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name="wwebio">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/snitsky/bio/|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20071225172817/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/snitsky/bio/|archivedate=2007-12-25|title=WWE Profile|accessdate=2007-12-27|publisher=WWE}}</ref> |
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|birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1970|1|14}}<ref name="OWOW"/> |
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1970|1|14}}<ref name="OWOW"/> |
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|birth_place = [[Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania]] |
|birth_place = [[Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania]], U.S. |
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|billed = Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania<ref name=encyclopedia/> |
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|family = [[A. J. Petrucci]], Justin Snisky, James Snisky, Jason Snisky (cousins)<ref name="Milner">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/snitsky.html|author1=Milner, John|author2=Oliver, Greg|title=Gene Snitsky|publisher=[[Quebecor Media]]|work=[[Canoe.ca]]|date=September 30, 2010|access-date=February 19, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810133352/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/snitsky.html|archive-date=August 10, 2016}}</ref> |
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|resides = [[Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania]] |
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|spouse = Carolyn Snitsky |
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|billed = Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania<ref name="wwebio"/> |
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|height = 6 ft 8 in<ref name=encyclopedia>{{cite book |title=WWE Encyclopedia |last1=Shields |first1=Brian |last2=Sullivan |first2=Kevin |page=[https://archive.org/details/wweencyclopediad0000shie/page/281 281] |publisher=[[Dorling Kindersley|DK]] |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-7566-4190-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/wweencyclopediad0000shie/page/281}}</ref> |
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|trainer = [[Afa Anoa'i]]<ref name="OWOW"/><br />[[A.J. Petrucci]]<ref name="OWOW"/> |
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|weight = 307 lb<ref name=encyclopedia/> |
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|trainer = [[Afa Anoa'i]]<ref name="OWOW"/><br />[[A. J. Petrucci]]<ref name="Milner"/> |
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|debut = 1997<ref name="OWOW"/> |
|debut = 1997<ref name="OWOW"/> |
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|retired |
|retired = |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Eugene Alan |
'''Eugene Alan Snisky'''<!--NOTE: Actual name is Snisky, not Snitsky--><ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/g/gene-snitsky.html|title=Gene Snitsky Profile|access-date=March 23, 2008|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling}}</ref> (born January 14, 1970)<ref name="OWOW"/> is an American [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] and actor, better known by his [[ring name]] '''Gene Snitsky''', who is best known for his time with [[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]. He played college football at the [[University of Missouri]]. |
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==Early life== |
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Snitsky attended [[Panther Valley High School]] where he played [[American football|football]]. While in high school, Snitsky played as a [[Punter (football)|punter]]. During his senior year, he was named All-State. Upon graduating in 1988, Snitsky signed a full scholarship to the [[Missouri Tigers football|University of Missouri]] where he played under offensive lineman coach and future [[Kansas City Chiefs]] Head Coach [[Andy Reid]]. After playing for the Missouri Tigers, Snitsky attended training camps with the goal of playing professional football. He was on the pre-season roster in 1995 for the [[Birmingham Barracudas]] of the [[Canadian Football League]].<ref name=encyclopedia/> He eventually signed with the [[San Diego Chargers]]. During training, Snitsky re-aggravated a shoulder injury that was previously misdiagnosed from his college years. The injury effectively ended his NFL aspirations.<ref name="youtube.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh4tycwXuL4 |title=WWE's Snitsky: "Where Are They Now?" Interview |website=[[YouTube]] |date=April 9, 2020 |accessdate=July 24, 2022}}</ref> |
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==Professional wrestling career== |
==Professional wrestling career== |
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===Early career (1997–2003)=== |
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Snitsky wrestled in [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] as "Mean" Gene Mondo, the brother of [[Michael Brendli|Mike Mondo]]. He signed with [[Allentown, Pennsylvania]] based [[World Xtreme Wrestling]] (wXw) under the name "Mean" Gene Snitsky (a name inspired by [[Gene Okerlund|"Mean" Gene Okerlund]]) and won the tag-team championship along with his partner Robb Harper as the Twin Tackles. When he entered singles competition, he won the [[WXW Heavyweight Championship]]. |
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Snisky trained with the [[Allentown, Pennsylvania]]-based [[World Xtreme Wrestling]] (WXW) and competed in the promotion under the name "Mean" Gene Snitsky. He won the tag-team championship along with his partner Robb Harper as the Twin Tackles, under a football gimmick. When he entered singles competition, he won the [[WXW Heavyweight Championship]]. In 2013, Snitsky was inducted into the WXW Hall of Fame.<ref name=HallofFame>{{cite web|url=https://www.wxwwrestling.com/superstars.html|title=WXW Hall of Fame|work=World Xtreme Wrestling|access-date=May 7, 2020}}</ref> |
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===World Wrestling Entertainment ( |
===World Wrestling Entertainment (2003–2008, 2023)=== |
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==== Developmental territories (2003–2004) ==== |
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Snitsky had a tryout match with the [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) the day after winning the WXW Championship on October 20, 2003 in [[Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania]] at a ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' taping. Snitsky, wrestling as Gene Snisky, was defeated by fellow WXW wrestler "Smooth" Tommy Suede. It was following this match that he was sent to OVW for a developmental deal. |
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Snisky had a tryout match with the World Wrestling Entertainment ([[WWE]]) the day after winning the WXW Championship on October 20, 2003, in [[Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania]] at a ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' taping. Snisky, wrestling as Gene Snitsky, was defeated by fellow WXW wrestler "Smooth" Tommy Suede. It was following this match that he was signed to a developmental deal and sent to [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] (OVW). Snisky wrestled in OVW as "Mean" Gene Mondo (a name inspired by [[Gene Okerlund|"Mean" Gene Okerlund]]), and was presented as the [[kayfabe]] brother of [[Mike Mondo]]. |
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==== |
====Debut and ''Heat'' mainstay (2004–2006)==== |
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He made his WWE debut on the September 13, 2004 edition of ''Raw''<ref name= |
He made his WWE debut on the September 13, 2004, edition of ''Raw''<ref name=encyclopedia/> against [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] in a no-disqualification match. As Kane, a heel at the time, prepared to injure Snitsky, he was distracted by [[Lita (wrestler)|Lita]], who was (kayfabe) pregnant with Kane's child. Snitsky used the distraction to hit Kane from behind with the chair, causing Kane to fall on Lita, and causing Lita to miscarry her unborn baby. When interviewed about the incident, he claimed "it wasn't my fault" (which became his catchphrase). This facilitated a face turn for Kane and quickly established Snitsky as a full-time heel wrestler. |
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Snitsky, who had debuted against Kane as an apparent [[Job (professional wrestling)|jobber]], said years later that he was originally only supposed to make a one-night appearance, then return for OVW for more training before being called back up to the main roster on a full-time basis. The angle with Kane and Lita had gone over so well that WWE made a last-minute decision to promote him to the main roster full-time and flew him in to ''Raw'' on the company's [[Business jet|corporate jet]].<ref name="Where are they now">[http://www.wwe.com/classics/wherearetheynow/where-are-they-now-snitsky-26176512 ''Where Are They Now?: Snitsky''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140207061118/http://www.wwe.com/classics/wherearetheynow/where-are-they-now-snitsky-26176512 |date=February 7, 2014 }} Bobby Melok, WWE.com (January 22, 2014)</ref> |
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He was then situated in a major [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] with Kane, which led to a match at [[Taboo Tuesday (2004)|Taboo Tuesday 2004]]. In this match, Snitsky used a [[Folding chair|steel chair]] and crushed Kane's [[larynx]]. WWE used this [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Angle|angle]] as an excuse for Kane's absence, when in reality he was going to film the [[WWE Studios|WWE-produced movie]] ''[[See No Evil (film)|See No Evil]]''. This feud resumed at the [[New Year's Revolution (2005)|New Year's Revolution]] [[pay-per-view]], when Kane returned and defeated Snitsky.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/newyearsrevolution/history/2005/results/|title=New Year's Revolution 2005 Results|accessdate=2008-01-05|publisher=WWE}}</ref> |
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He was then situated in a major [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] with Kane, which led to a match at [[Taboo Tuesday (2004)|Taboo Tuesday]]. In this match, Snitsky used a [[Folding chair|steel chair]] and crushed Kane's [[larynx]]. WWE used this [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Angle|angle]] as an excuse for Kane's absence, when in reality he was going to film the [[WWE Studios|WWE-produced movie]] ''[[See No Evil (2006 film)|See No Evil]]''. This feud resumed at the [[New Year's Revolution (2005)|New Year's Revolution]] [[pay-per-view]], when Kane returned and defeated Snitsky.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/newyearsrevolution/history/2005/results/ |title=New Year's Revolution 2005 Results |access-date=January 5, 2008 |publisher=WWE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203215504/http://www.wwe.com/shows/newyearsrevolution/history/2005/results/ |archive-date=December 3, 2007 }}</ref> On the January 31 edition of ''Raw'', Snitsky lost a [[Professional wrestling match types#Steel Cage match|steel cage match]] to Kane to end the feud. |
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At [[Survivor Series (2004)|Survivor Series 2004]], Snitsky had an encounter with a character similar to his own, [[Jon Heidenreich|Heidenreich]], in which they both exchanged their views on each other – ''"I like .. your poetry."''; ''"I .. like what you do.. to babies."'' — while breathing hard, both their trademark ways of talking. At [[Royal Rumble (2005)|Royal Rumble 2005]], the two met up again as Snitsky secretly partnered with Heidenreich, planning to interfere in Heidenreich's Casket Match with [[The Undertaker]]. It was later revealed that Kane was hidden in the casket, who pounced on both Snitsky and Heidenreich. They continued their fight in the crowd, before letting the Casket Match continue. |
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At [[Survivor Series (2004)|Survivor Series]], Snitsky had an encounter with a character similar to his own, [[Jon Heidenreich|Heidenreich]], in which they both exchanged their views on each other – ''"I like .. your poetry."''; ''"I .. like what you do.. to babies."'' — while breathing hard, both their trademark ways of talking. Snitsky was then in the main event as part of Team Triple H and facing Team Orton. During the match he was busted open by [[Maven (wrestler)|Maven]] before being disqualified for attacking him with a steel chair. At the [[Royal Rumble (2005)|2005 Royal Rumble]], the two met up again as Snitsky secretly partnered with Heidenreich, planning to interfere in Heidenreich's [[Professional wrestling match types#Container-based variations|casket match]] with [[The Undertaker]]. It was later revealed that Kane was hidden in the casket, who pounced on both Snitsky and Heidenreich.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/royalrumble05.html|title=Royal Rumble 2005 Results|date=January 30, 2005|website=OWOW (Online World of Wrestling)|access-date=July 15, 2018}}</ref> They continued their fight in the crowd, before letting the casket match continue. Later that night, Snitsky competed in the Royal Rumble match in which he eliminated [[Paul London]], before being eliminated himself by [[Dave Bautista|Batista]]. |
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[[Image:Gene Snitsky cropped.jpg|left|thumb|165px|Gene Snitsky in 2005.]] |
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He was absent from WWE television between April and May 2005 due to a [[Thrombus|blood clot]] in his stomach. He returned to [[house show]] action on May 28, 2005, and reappeared on ''Raw'' on May 30, 2005, where he began in earnest his televised feud with house show opponent [[Chris Benoit]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/383310/|title=A Barabaric Batista|accessdate=2007-11-20|publisher=WWE}}</ref> The feud concerned Benoit's appearance in the June 12, 2005 [[ECW One Night Stand (2005)|One Night Stand 2005]] pay-per-view; Snitsky was a "[[Enforcer (professional wrestling)|hired gun]]" for Eric Bischoff's ''Raw'' volunteers, brought in to try to invade the pay-per-view and ruin the ECW reunion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/history/ons05results/|title=One Night Stand Results|date=June 12, 2005|accessdate=2007-11-20|publisher=WWE}}</ref> |
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When his rivalry with Kane ended, Snitsky had a shot at the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]], which then was held by [[Shelton Benjamin]]. Snitsky lost by disqualification after hitting Benjamin with a steel chair.<ref>{{Citation|title=WWE Network - Raw|url=https://watch.wwe.com/episode/Raw-5246|language=en|access-date=November 15, 2021}}</ref> |
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Snitsky was then used by [[Adam Copeland|Edge]] and Lita to attack Kane and by Eric Bischoff as punishment to anybody that he did not like. On July 11, 2005 Edge informed Snitsky that he knew about his female [[Foot fetishism|foot fetish]] and offered Snitsky to "have a go with Lita's feet" if he'd help him in a match against Kane.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07112005/|title=HBK challenges Hogan for SummerSlam|accessdate=2007-11-20|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Lita and Snitsky's past was addressed when Lita actually thanked Snitsky for his actions nine months prior, saying that she was better off for not having birthed the spawn of Kane, and then gave him a kiss as a reward. |
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He was absent from WWE television between April and May 2005 due to a [[Thrombus|blood clot]] in his stomach. He returned to action on May 28, and reappeared on ''Raw'' on May 30, where he began in earnest his televised feud with house show opponent [[Chris Benoit]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/383310/|title=A Barabaric Batista|access-date=November 20, 2007|publisher=WWE|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071116053941/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/383310/|archive-date=November 16, 2007}}</ref> The feud concerned Benoit's appearance at [[ECW One Night Stand (2005)|ECW One Night Stand]]; Snitsky was a "[[Enforcer (professional wrestling)|hired gun]]" for Eric Bischoff's ''Raw'' volunteers, brought in to try to invade the pay-per-view and ruin the ECW reunion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/history/ons05results/|title=One Night Stand Results|date=June 12, 2005|access-date=November 20, 2007|publisher=WWE|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080221164931/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/history/ons05results/|archive-date=February 21, 2008}}</ref> |
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When his rivalry with Kane ended, Snitsky had a shot at the Intercontinental Championship, which then was held by Shelton Benjamin. Snitsky lost by disqualification after hitting Benjamin with a steel chair. |
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Snitsky was then used by [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] and Lita to attack Kane and by Eric Bischoff as punishment to anybody that he did not like. On July 11 episode of ''Raw'', Edge informed Snitsky that he knew about his female [[Foot fetishism|foot fetish]] and offered Snitsky to "have a go with Lita's feet" if he'd help him in a match against Kane.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07112005/|title=HBK challenges Hogan for SummerSlam|access-date=November 20, 2007|publisher=WWE|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071105084618/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07112005/|archive-date=November 5, 2007}}</ref> His history with Lita was addressed when she thanked Snitsky for his actions nine months earlier, stating that she was better off for not having given birth to Kane's offspring and then gave him a kiss as payment. |
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On the July 18, 2005 edition of ''Raw'', Snitsky faced [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]] [[John Cena]] in the Lumberjack match where [[Chris Jericho]] picked all heel lumberjacks to make the odds unfair for Cena.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07182005/|title=Cena overcomes the odds|accessdate=2007-11-20|publisher=WWE}}</ref> |
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On the July 18 episode of ''Raw'', Snitsky faced [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]] [[John Cena]] in the Lumberjack match where [[Chris Jericho]] picked all heel lumberjacks to make the odds unfair for Cena.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07182005/|title=Cena overcomes the odds|access-date=November 20, 2007|publisher=WWE|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024100521/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07182005/|archive-date=October 24, 2007}}</ref> |
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After a few weeks mainly wrestling on ''[[WWE Heat|Heat]]'', Snitsky formed a [[tag team]] with an initially reluctant [[Travis Tomko|Tyson Tomko]]. In their first team match together, the pair [[Squash (professional wrestling)|squashed]] the tag team of [[Nelson Frazier, Jr.|Viscera]] and [[Sean Morley|Val Venis]]. The pair would have some success as a tag team, earning the number one contenders spot for the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|World Tag Team Championships]] at one point. The pair were unable to win the titles from [[Big Show and Kane]], both of whom Snitsky had feuded with in the past. The team was broken up in April 2006 when Tomko left WWE. |
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After a few weeks mainly wrestling on ''[[WWE Heat|Heat]]'', Snitsky formed a [[tag team]] with an initially reluctant [[Travis Tomko|Tyson Tomko]]. In their first team match together, they [[Squash (professional wrestling)|squashed]] the tag team of [[Viscera (wrestler)|Viscera]] and [[Val Venis]]. The pair had some success as a tag team, becoming the number one contenders for the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|World Tag Team Championship]] at one point. They lost their shot at [[Big Show and Kane]], both of whom Snitsky had feuded with in the past, and broke up in April 2006 when Tomko left WWE. |
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Following that, Snitsky turned [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] and formed a tag team with [[Dustin Rhodes|Goldust]], defeating various teams of wrestlers on ''Heat'', which eventually earned them an unsuccessful title shot against then-champions the [[Spirit Squad]]. However, this team was also broken up when Goldust was released from WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deadparrottavern.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10978|title=Goldust released|accessdate=2008-01-05}}</ref> |
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Following that, Snitsky turned [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] and formed a tag team with [[Dustin Rhodes|Goldust]], defeating various teams of wrestlers on ''Heat'', which eventually earned them an unsuccessful title shot against [[Spirit Squad]]. The team broke up when Goldust was released from WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deadparrottavern.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10978|title=Goldust released|access-date=January 5, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210181903/http://www.deadparrottavern.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10978|archive-date=December 10, 2008}}</ref> |
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Following the release of Goldust, Snitsky was primarily used as a mid-card talent on ''Raw'', but was considered a major star on ''Heat''. |
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====Brand switches and departure (2007–2008)==== |
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[[Image:Snitsky.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Snitsky in |
[[Image:Snitsky.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Snitsky in 2008]] |
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In 2007, Snitsky's character underwent a drastic overhaul and was now portrayed as a psychotic madman with a grotesque appearance. To this effect, all of the hair on Snitsky's head and face was shaved off (including his eyebrows), his teeth were colored a dark yellow, and several red marks were placed on his face. On the February 6, 2007, edition of ''[[WWE ECW|ECW on Sci Fi]]'', a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#vignette|vignette]] introduced the newly changed Snitsky to the viewers and announced him coming to ECW. Later during the same show, Snitsky debuted and assaulted the [[ECW World Heavyweight Championship|ECW World Champion]] [[Bobby Lashley]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/02062007/|title=Making trouble|author=Louie Dee|date=February 6, 2007|access-date=November 20, 2007|publisher=WWE|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071128091834/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/02062007/|archive-date=November 28, 2007}}</ref> This re-established him as a monstrous heel, similar to Kane's unmasked gimmick. Over the next several weeks, Snitsky would run into the ring after matches and attack various ECW superstars, including [[CM Punk]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/02132007/|title=Well-bred|author=Craig Tello|date=February 13, 2007|access-date=November 20, 2007|publisher=WWE|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071128091840/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/02132007/|archive-date=November 28, 2007}}</ref> [[Hardcore Holly]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/03062007/|title=Rattlesnake's venomous visit|author=Craig Tello|date=March 6, 2007|access-date=November 20, 2007|publisher=WWE}}</ref> [[Balls Mahoney]],<ref name="ECW">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/02272007/|title=To hell and back|author=Craig Tello|date=February 27, 2007|access-date=November 20, 2007|publisher=WWE|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029210619/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/02272007/|archive-date=October 29, 2007}}</ref> and [[Matt Striker]].<ref name="ECW"/> |
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On April 3, 2007, Snitsky faced Holly in a match, which he won. After the match, Snitsky wedged Holly's arm in between two steel steps and repeatedly hit the steps with a steel chair, in storyline, breaking Holly's arm.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/04032007/|title=Fatal fallout |
On April 3, 2007, Snitsky faced Holly in a match, which he won. After the match, Snitsky wedged Holly's arm in between two steel steps and repeatedly hit the steps with a steel chair, in storyline, breaking Holly's arm.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/04032007/|title=Fatal fallout|author=Craig Tello|date=April 3, 2007|access-date=November 20, 2007|publisher=WWE|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203031414/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/04032007/|archive-date=December 3, 2007}}</ref> Snitsky then began a short feud with Balls Mahoney.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/04242007/|title=Making painful statements|author=Bryan Robinson|date=April 24, 2007|access-date=November 20, 2007|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Then, he would begin another short feud with [[Rob Van Dam]]. During this feud, Snitsky would suffer his first ECW loss when he was defeated by Van Dam by disqualification.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/05152007/|title=Focused on Judgment|author=Bryan Robinson|date=May 15, 2007|access-date=November 20, 2007|publisher=WWE|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071106073439/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/05152007/|archive-date=November 6, 2007}}</ref> |
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On the June 11 edition of ''Raw'', Snitsky was drafted from [[ECW (WWE brand)|ECW]] back to [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] as part of the [[WWE brand extension#June 2007 (Draft Lottery)|WWE Draft]]. Snitsky made his return to the brand on the July 9 edition of ''Raw'', defeating [[Super Crazy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07092007/|title=Bulldozed in the Bayou|author=Lennie DiFino|date=July 9, 2007|access-date=November 20, 2007|publisher=WWE}}</ref> |
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====Return to Raw and departure (2007-2008)==== |
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On the June 11, edition of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'', Snitsky was drafted from ECW back to Raw as part of the [[WWE Brand Extension#June 2007 (Draft Lottery)|WWE Draft]]. Snitsky made his return to the brand on the July 9 edition of ''Raw'', defeating [[Super Crazy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07092007/|title=Bulldozed in the Bayou|author=Lennie DiFino|date=July 9, 2007|accessdate=2007-11-20|publisher=WWE}}</ref> |
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Snitsky continued to go undefeated on ''Raw'' throughout the summer, having pinfall victories over various wrestlers including Super Crazy, [[ |
Snitsky continued to go undefeated on ''Raw'' throughout the summer, having pinfall victories over various wrestlers including Super Crazy, [[Val Venis]], [[Highlanders (professional wrestling)|Rory McAllister]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/08062007/|title=Checkmate|author=Corey Clayton|date=August 6, 2007|access-date=December 27, 2007|publisher=WWE}}</ref> and [[Highlanders (professional wrestling)|Robbie McAllister]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/08132007/|title=Rhodes keeps on rolling|author=Greg Adkins|date=August 13, 2007|access-date=December 27, 2007|publisher=WWE}}</ref> |
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On August 20, Snitsky competed in his first one-on-one main-event match since losing to [[John Cena]] on ''Raw'' in 2005, once again against Cena, which he lost via disqualification when [[Randy Orton]] interfered.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/08202007 |
On August 20, Snitsky competed in his first one-on-one main-event match since losing to [[John Cena]] on ''Raw'' in 2005, once again against Cena, which he lost via disqualification when [[Randy Orton]] interfered.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/08202007|title=Royally wrong|author=Corey Clayton|date=August 20, 2007|access-date=December 26, 2007|publisher=WWE}}</ref> This was Snitsky's first loss since returning to the Raw brand. On the September 10 ''Raw'', it was revealed that Snitsky was not Vince McMahon's illegitimate son. Snitsky returned on the October 8 ''Raw'', defeating [[Val Venis]], substituting for [[Santino Marella]], who was feuding with Venis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/10082007/|title=In a Snit|date=October 8, 2007|author=Greg Adkins|access-date=January 2, 2008|publisher=WWE}}</ref> On December 3, Snitsky was pinned by [[Jeff Hardy]] in an [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] match, his first pinfall loss in the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12032007/|title=Pioneer Pin|author=Greg Adkins|date=December 3, 2007|access-date=December 4, 2007|publisher=WWE|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331202155/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12032007/|archive-date=March 31, 2008}}</ref> Snitsky last appeared on WWE television on the November 24, 2008 ''Raw'', losing an Intercontinental Championship tournament match to [[CM Punk]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wwe/raw/_2008/_081124/|title=WWE Monday Night RAW 11 24 08|website=OWOW (Online World of Wrestling)|date=November 24, 2008|access-date=July 15, 2018}}</ref> On December 11, 2008, at his request, Snitsky was released from his WWE contract.<ref name="Where are they now"/> |
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====One night return (2023)==== |
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Snitsky last appeared on WWE television on the November 24, 2008 edition of ''Raw'', losing in an Intercontinental Championship Tournament match to [[CM Punk]]. |
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On November 6, 2023, Snitsky made a cameo appearance on Raw backstage with [[Chelsea Green]] saying his famous line "It Wasn't My Fault".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/gene-snitsky-returns-to-wwe-on-raw-sort-of/amp | title=Gene Snitsky Returns to WWE on RAW - Sort of | date=November 7, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/wwe/top-stories/gene-snitsky-makes-surprise-return-to-wwe-sparks-excitement-among-fans/articleshow/105101728.cms | title=Gene Snitsky makes surprise return to WWE, sparks excitement among fans | newspaper=The Times of India | date=November 9, 2023 }}</ref> |
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===Independent circuit and first retirement (2008–2018)=== |
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On December 11, 2008, Snitsky was released from his WWE contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/snitskyreleased|title=Snitsky released|date=2008-12-11|accessdate=2008-12-12|publisher=WWE}}</ref> |
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After his release, Snitsky worked in the independent circuit, mainly in [[World Xtreme Wrestling]], where he won the [[WXW C4 Ultimate Heavyweight Championship]] on April 20, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=722&bild=1&details=7|title=Wrestlingdata.com - The World's Largest Wrestling Database|first=Axel|last=Saalbach|website=wrestlingdata.com|access-date=April 30, 2018}}</ref> He vacated the title on November 3, 2012. On November 4, 2017, Snitsky won the Right Coast Pro Heavyweight Championship in Delaware-based promotion Right Coast Pro Wrestling. On May 19, 2018, he relinquished it due to injury.<ref name=rcp>{{cite web|url=https://rightcoastpro.com/prowrestling/hall-of-champions/rcp-heavyweight-championship|title=RCP Heavyweight Championship|website=RCP.com|access-date=July 15, 2018}}</ref> On June 22, 2018, Snitsky announced that he plans to retire from professional wrestling after working a few more shows.<ref name="Wilen">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2018/0627/642266/former-wwe-star-gene-snitsky-retiring-from-wrestling|title=Former WWE Superstar Gene Snitsky announces his retirement from wrestling|publisher=WrestleView.com|date=June 23, 2018|last=Wilen|first=Jerome|access-date=July 15, 2018}}</ref> |
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=== Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2014)=== |
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Snitsky, along with [[Ezekiel Jackson|Rycklon]], debuted for [[Impact Wrestling|Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA) on the June 25 taping of ''Impact Wrestling'' (which aired on July 24) as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]], attacking [[Tommy Dreamer]], [[Bubba Ray Dudley|Bully Ray]] [[ECW Originals|and]] [[D-Von Dudley|Devon]], ostensibly aligning with [[Dixie Carter (wrestling)|Dixie Carter]].<ref>[http://www.pwinsider.com/article/86526/full-impact-spoilers-from-nyc-for-the-717-and-724-episodes.html?p=1 pwinsider.com], June 25, 2014.</ref> |
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Snitsky and Rycklon were fired by Carter on the August 7, 2014, edition of ''Impact Wrestling''. Earlier on the show they were in an Eight-Man Hardcore War as [[Team Dixie]] ([[Ethan Carter III|EC3]], [[Rhyno|Rhino]], Rycklon and Snitsky) lost to [[ECW Originals|Team Bully]] ([[Bubba Ray Dudley|Bully Ray]], [[D-Von Dudley|Devon]], [[Tommy Dreamer]] and [[Al Snow]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/50041-tna-impact-wrestling-results-8-7-14-ithappens-with-dixie|title=TNA IMPACT WRESTLING RESULTS - 8/7/14 (#ITHAPPENS WITH DIXIE)|publisher=wrestleview.com|date=August 7, 2014|access-date=August 8, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810070609/http://www.wrestleview.com/tna-wrestling-results/tna-impact-results/50041-tna-impact-wrestling-results-8-7-14-ithappens-with-dixie|archive-date=August 10, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/08/07/21860446.html|title=Impact: Bully Ray tables Dixie Carter|publisher=slam.canoe.ca|access-date=August 8, 2014|author=Howell, Nolan|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140812014900/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/08/07/21860446.html|archive-date=August 12, 2014}}</ref> |
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=== Major League Wrestling (2023–present) === |
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On May 24, 2023, it was announced by [[Major League Wrestling]] that Snitsky would be making his return to professional wrestling on July 8 at [[Never Say Never (2023)|Never Say Never]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wrestletalk.com/news/wwe-snisky-return-mlw/|title=Former WWE Star Set To Return To Another Company|publisher=wrestletalk.com|date=May 24, 2023|access-date=May 24, 2023}}</ref> He won his debut match by defeating Yoscifer El in a singles match.<ref name="Snisky">{{cite web |title=Snisky promises pain July 8 |url=https://mlw.com/2023/05/23/snisky-promises-pain-july-8/|publisher=[[Major League Wrestling]] |access-date=May 23, 2023 |date=May 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619113915/https://mlw.com/2023/05/23/snisky-promises-pain-july-8/|archive-date=June 19, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 3, 2023 at [[Fury Road (2023)|Fury Road]], he faced off against [[Alex Kane]], but in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mlw.com/2023/08/22/snisky-fights-sept-3-in-philly/ |title=Snisky fights Sept 3 in Philly|publisher=[[Major League Wrestling]] |access-date=August 27, 2023 |date=August 22, 2023}}</ref> |
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==Other media== |
==Other media== |
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In 2009, Gene Snitsky appeared as a [[Outlaw motorcycle club|biker]] in the [[music video]] for the song "Free Your Soul" by Vyrus.<ref> |
In 2009, Gene Snitsky appeared as a [[Outlaw motorcycle club|biker]] in the [[music video]] for the song "Free Your Soul" by Vyrus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/article/video-gene-snitsky-appears-in-a-new-music-video-for-vyrus-92015|title=Gene Snitsky Appears in a New Music Video For Vyrus|website=wrestlezone.com|access-date=April 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100123165334/http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/article/video-gene-snitsky-appears-in-a-new-music-video-for-vyrus-92015|archive-date=January 23, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> He also appeared as an actor in the role of a biker and a criminal on ABC's ''[[What Would You Do? (2008 TV program)|Primetime: What Would You Do?]]'', in February 2011. He has appeared in other episodes, including one where he played a person harassing a little person. In 2013, he was announced to play a role in the first episode of a non-profit Mighty Morphin Power Rangers fan series titled ''MMPR'' which never materialized.<ref>[http://www.ringsidenews.com/article/15116/gene-snitsky-in-the-new-power-rangers-film-nxt-rewind-next-week-austin-039- "Gene Snitsky in the New Power Rangers Film?"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225034621/http://www.ringsidenews.com/article/15116/gene-snitsky-in-the-new-power-rangers-film-nxt-rewind-next-week-austin-039-/ |date=February 25, 2014 }}, ringsidenews.com; accessed April 24, 2015.</ref> |
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Snitsky became a pitchman for Tristar Products' Power Pressure Cooker XL and has shot a series of videos for YouTube where he demonstrates how to prepare various foods in the pressure cooker. Two examples of these are a [[seafood boil#Frogmore stew|low country boil]] and [[buffalo wings]].<ref>[http://www.wrestlecrap.com/icfyt/it-came-from-youtube-the-power-pressure-cooker-xl-gets-two-toes-up-from-gene-snitsky Profile], wrestlecrap.com; accessed April 24, 2015.</ref> |
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He will star in the film ''Manos: The Search for Valley Lodge'', the sequel to the critically panned 1966 film ''[[Manos: The Hands of Fate]]''.<ref>[http://www.kvia.com/news/24148455/detail.html]</ref> |
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Snitsky starred in the 2019 horror film ''100 Acres of Hell'' as Buck Severs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogofdoom.com/index.php/2016/06/27/wwes-gene-snitsky-stars-in-100-acres-of-hell|title=WWE's Gene Snitsky Stars in "100 Acres Of Hell|website=Scott's Blog of Doom!|author=Keith, Scott|date=June 27, 2016|access-date=July 15, 2018}}</ref> |
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Gene Snitsky started taking shots at Mike Mizanin via his Twitter account. He later stated that his account was hacked, even though both his tweets and the hacker's tweets came from an iPhone in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania where he currently resides. |
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== |
==Personal life== |
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Snitsky lives with his wife Carolyn in [[Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania]], where they often spend time outdoors.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Black |first1=Matt |title=Gene Snitsky: Punting A Baby Doll On WWE RAW Was 'Another Day At The Office' |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/gene-snitsky-punting-baby-doll-175314208.html |access-date=October 24, 2023 |work=Yahoo Entertainment |date=May 16, 2023}}</ref> He has a father who served in the Air Force and a brother who served in the Army. After his release from WWE, Snitsky began running an Army surplus store in [[Hamburg, Pennsylvania]], where he also spends time riding bike trails.<ref name="youtube.com"/> |
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[[Image:Brian-Kendrick-&-Snitsky-Faceoff,-RLA-Melb-10.11.2007.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Snitsky prepares to wrestle [[Brian Kendrick]] in 2007]] |
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*'''Finishing moves''' |
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:*''Egoist Schwein''<ref name="OWOW"/> ([[Professional wrestling throws#Pumphandle slam|Pumphandle slam]])<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name="wwebio"/> |
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Snitsky has a [[Fetishism|fetish]] for women's [[Foot fetishism|feet]], something he is open about.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://itrwrestling.com/news/eugene-reveals-snitskys-foot-fetish-gimmick-was-real/ | title=Eugene Reveals Snitsky's Foot Fetish Gimmick Was Real | date=September 29, 2021 }}</ref> |
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*'''Signature moves''' |
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:*[[Professional wrestling attacks#Clothesline|Clothesline]]<ref name="OWOW"/> |
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:*[[Professional wrestling throws#Powerslam|Front powerslam]]<ref name="OWOW"/> |
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:*[[Professional wrestling attacks#Big boot|Running big boot]]<ref name="OWOW"/> |
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:*[[Professional wrestling throws#Powerslam|Side slam]]<ref name="OWOW"/> |
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== Filmography == |
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*'''[[Music in professional wrestling|Entrance themes]]''' |
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{|class="wikitable sortable" |
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:*"It Wasn't my Fault" by Jim Johnston |
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|-style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;" |
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:*"[[WWE The Music, Vol. 7#Track listing|Unglued]]" by Jim Johnston |
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!colspan="4" style="background: LightSteelBlue;"|Film |
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|-style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;" |
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!Year |
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!Film |
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!Role |
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!Notes |
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|- |
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|2003 |
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|''The Hero: Love Story of a Spy'' |
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|Russian Terrorist |
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|Also stuntman |
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|- |
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|2013 |
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|''Bikini Girls vs. The Surf Wolf'' |
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|Carny Jack |
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| |
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|- |
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|2015 |
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|''The Tour: Blunder Down Under'' |
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|Himself |
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| |
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|- |
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|2019 |
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|''100 Acres of Hell'' |
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|Buck Severs |
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|Also writer, co-producer and stunt coordinator |
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|- |
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|2023 |
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|''The Beast Comes at Midnight'' |
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|Mr. Leavitt |
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| |
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|- |
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|-style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;" |
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!colspan="4" style="background: LightSteelBlue;"|Television |
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|-style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;" |
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!Year |
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!Title |
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!Role |
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!Notes |
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|- |
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|2011 |
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|''[[What Would You Do? (2008 TV program)|What Would You Do?]]'' |
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|Bully/Wanted Man |
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|Episodes: "How Would You Do It?", and "Wanted Man" |
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|- |
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|2015 |
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|''The Adventures of Turkey Dude'' |
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|Turkey Dude |
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|Mini-series |
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|} |
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==Video games== |
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Snitsky has also made several appearances in WWE video games, including ''[[WWE Day of Reckoning 2]]'', ''[[WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw 2006]]'', ''[[WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw 2007]]'', ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008]]'' and ''[[WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.giantbomb.com/snitsky/3005-603/|title = Snitsky (Character)}}</ref> |
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==Championships and accomplishments== |
==Championships and accomplishments== |
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*'''Athletik Club Wrestling''' |
*'''Athletik Club Wrestling''' |
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**ACW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Robb Harper<ref name="acw">{{cite web|url=http://www.acw-pro.de/index.php?content=wrestlerextern&id=11|title=Athletik Club Wrestling profile|publisher=Athletik Club Wrestling|language=de|access-date=June 6, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718195130/http://www.acw-pro.de/index.php?content=wrestlerextern&id=11|archive-date=July 18, 2011}}</ref> |
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*'''Lancaster Championship Wrestling''' |
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**LCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/LancasterChampionshipWrestling/posts/736093443172678 |title=Archived copy |website=[[Facebook]] |access-date=December 28, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228152307/https://www.facebook.com/LancasterChampionshipWrestling/posts/736093443172678 |archive-date=December 28, 2014 }}</ref> |
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*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''' |
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*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''''' |
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:*PWI ranked him #'''83''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2005<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50005.htm|accessdate=2008-07-13|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 2005|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref> |
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**Ranked No. 83 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]]'' in 2005<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50005.htm |access-date=July 13, 2008 |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 2005 |publisher=Wrestling Information Archive |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070616161906/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50005.htm |archive-date=June 16, 2007 }}</ref> |
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*'''Right Coast Pro''' |
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**RCP Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=rcp/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://rightcoastpro.com/prowrestling/|title=RCP Pro Wrestling|access-date=July 15, 2018}}</ref> |
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*'''[[World Xtreme Wrestling]]''' |
*'''[[World Xtreme Wrestling]]''' |
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**[[WXW C4 Ultimate Heavyweight Championship|WXW Ultimate Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WXW C4 Ultimate Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]]) |
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**[[WXW Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WXW Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=WEW>{{cite web |url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/other/wxwtit.htm |access-date=July 5, 2008 |title=World Xtreme Wrestling Title Histories |publisher=Wrestling Information Archive |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611061249/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/other/wxwtit.htm |archive-date=June 11, 2008 }}</ref> |
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:*[[WXW Tag Team Championship]] ([[WXW Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=WEW/> – with Robb Harper |
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**[[WXW Tag Team Championship]] ([[WXW Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=WEW/> – with Robb Harper |
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**WXW Hall of Fame (class of 2013)<ref name=HallofFame/> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist|3}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Portal|Professional wrestling}} |
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{{Commons category|Gene Snitsky}} |
{{Commons category|Gene Snitsky}} |
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*{{Professional wrestling profiles}} |
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*[http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/g/gene-snitsky.html Online World of Wrestling Profile] |
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*{{IMDb name|1552015}} |
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{{WXW Heavyweight Championship}} |
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{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. --> |
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| NAME = Snitsky, Gene |
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| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = |
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| SHORT DESCRIPTION = |
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| DATE OF BIRTH = January 14, 1970 |
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| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania]] |
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| DATE OF DEATH = |
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| PLACE OF DEATH = |
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}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Snitsky, Gene}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Snitsky, Gene}} |
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[[Category:1970 births]] |
[[Category:1970 births]] |
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[[Category:American professional wrestlers]] |
[[Category:American male professional wrestlers]] |
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[[Category:Living people]] |
[[Category:Living people]] |
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[[Category:People from |
[[Category:People from Carbon County, Pennsylvania]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Pennsylvania]] |
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[[Category:Missouri Tigers football players]] |
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[[Category:Players of American football from Pennsylvania]] |
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[[ar:جين سنيسكي]] |
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[[Category:American football offensive tackles]] |
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[[da:Gene Snitsky]] |
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[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]] |
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[[de:Gene Snitsky]] |
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[[Category:21st-century American professional wrestlers]] |
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[[es:Gene Snitsky]] |
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[[fr:Gene Snitsky]] |
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[[it:Gene Snitsky]] |
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[[nl:Gene Snitsky]] |
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[[ja:ジーン・スニツキー]] |
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[[no:Gene Snitsky]] |
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[[pt:Gene Snitsky]] |
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[[simple:Gene Snitsky]] |
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[[fi:Snitsky]] |
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[[sv:Snitsky]] |
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Latest revision as of 05:30, 13 November 2024
| Gene Snitsky | |
|---|---|
 Snitsky in 2005 | |
| Birth name | Eugene Alan Snisky |
| Born | January 14, 1970[1] Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Spouse(s) | Carolyn Snitsky |
| Family | A. J. Petrucci, Justin Snisky, James Snisky, Jason Snisky (cousins)[2] |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | Gene Snitsky[1] Snitsky[3] Gene Mondo[1] |
| Billed height | 6 ft 8 in (203 cm)[3] |
| Billed weight | 307 lb (139 kg)[3] |
| Billed from | Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania[3] |
| Trained by | Afa Anoa'i[1] A. J. Petrucci[2] |
| Debut | 1997[1] |
Eugene Alan Snisky[1] (born January 14, 1970)[1] is an American professional wrestler and actor, better known by his ring name Gene Snitsky, who is best known for his time with World Wrestling Entertainment. He played college football at the University of Missouri.
Early life
[edit]Snitsky attended Panther Valley High School where he played football. While in high school, Snitsky played as a punter. During his senior year, he was named All-State. Upon graduating in 1988, Snitsky signed a full scholarship to the University of Missouri where he played under offensive lineman coach and future Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid. After playing for the Missouri Tigers, Snitsky attended training camps with the goal of playing professional football. He was on the pre-season roster in 1995 for the Birmingham Barracudas of the Canadian Football League.[3] He eventually signed with the San Diego Chargers. During training, Snitsky re-aggravated a shoulder injury that was previously misdiagnosed from his college years. The injury effectively ended his NFL aspirations.[4]
Professional wrestling career
[edit]Early career (1997–2003)
[edit]Snisky trained with the Allentown, Pennsylvania-based World Xtreme Wrestling (WXW) and competed in the promotion under the name "Mean" Gene Snitsky. He won the tag-team championship along with his partner Robb Harper as the Twin Tackles, under a football gimmick. When he entered singles competition, he won the WXW Heavyweight Championship. In 2013, Snitsky was inducted into the WXW Hall of Fame.[5]
World Wrestling Entertainment (2003–2008, 2023)
[edit]Developmental territories (2003–2004)
[edit]Snisky had a tryout match with the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) the day after winning the WXW Championship on October 20, 2003, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania at a Raw taping. Snisky, wrestling as Gene Snitsky, was defeated by fellow WXW wrestler "Smooth" Tommy Suede. It was following this match that he was signed to a developmental deal and sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). Snisky wrestled in OVW as "Mean" Gene Mondo (a name inspired by "Mean" Gene Okerlund), and was presented as the kayfabe brother of Mike Mondo.
Debut and Heat mainstay (2004–2006)
[edit]He made his WWE debut on the September 13, 2004, edition of Raw[3] against Kane in a no-disqualification match. As Kane, a heel at the time, prepared to injure Snitsky, he was distracted by Lita, who was (kayfabe) pregnant with Kane's child. Snitsky used the distraction to hit Kane from behind with the chair, causing Kane to fall on Lita, and causing Lita to miscarry her unborn baby. When interviewed about the incident, he claimed "it wasn't my fault" (which became his catchphrase). This facilitated a face turn for Kane and quickly established Snitsky as a full-time heel wrestler.
Snitsky, who had debuted against Kane as an apparent jobber, said years later that he was originally only supposed to make a one-night appearance, then return for OVW for more training before being called back up to the main roster on a full-time basis. The angle with Kane and Lita had gone over so well that WWE made a last-minute decision to promote him to the main roster full-time and flew him in to Raw on the company's corporate jet.[6]
He was then situated in a major feud with Kane, which led to a match at Taboo Tuesday. In this match, Snitsky used a steel chair and crushed Kane's larynx. WWE used this angle as an excuse for Kane's absence, when in reality he was going to film the WWE-produced movie See No Evil. This feud resumed at the New Year's Revolution pay-per-view, when Kane returned and defeated Snitsky.[7] On the January 31 edition of Raw, Snitsky lost a steel cage match to Kane to end the feud.
At Survivor Series, Snitsky had an encounter with a character similar to his own, Heidenreich, in which they both exchanged their views on each other – "I like .. your poetry."; "I .. like what you do.. to babies." — while breathing hard, both their trademark ways of talking. Snitsky was then in the main event as part of Team Triple H and facing Team Orton. During the match he was busted open by Maven before being disqualified for attacking him with a steel chair. At the 2005 Royal Rumble, the two met up again as Snitsky secretly partnered with Heidenreich, planning to interfere in Heidenreich's casket match with The Undertaker. It was later revealed that Kane was hidden in the casket, who pounced on both Snitsky and Heidenreich.[8] They continued their fight in the crowd, before letting the casket match continue. Later that night, Snitsky competed in the Royal Rumble match in which he eliminated Paul London, before being eliminated himself by Batista.
When his rivalry with Kane ended, Snitsky had a shot at the Intercontinental Championship, which then was held by Shelton Benjamin. Snitsky lost by disqualification after hitting Benjamin with a steel chair.[9]
He was absent from WWE television between April and May 2005 due to a blood clot in his stomach. He returned to action on May 28, and reappeared on Raw on May 30, where he began in earnest his televised feud with house show opponent Chris Benoit.[10] The feud concerned Benoit's appearance at ECW One Night Stand; Snitsky was a "hired gun" for Eric Bischoff's Raw volunteers, brought in to try to invade the pay-per-view and ruin the ECW reunion.[11]
Snitsky was then used by Edge and Lita to attack Kane and by Eric Bischoff as punishment to anybody that he did not like. On July 11 episode of Raw, Edge informed Snitsky that he knew about his female foot fetish and offered Snitsky to "have a go with Lita's feet" if he'd help him in a match against Kane.[12] His history with Lita was addressed when she thanked Snitsky for his actions nine months earlier, stating that she was better off for not having given birth to Kane's offspring and then gave him a kiss as payment.
On the July 18 episode of Raw, Snitsky faced WWE Champion John Cena in the Lumberjack match where Chris Jericho picked all heel lumberjacks to make the odds unfair for Cena.[13]
After a few weeks mainly wrestling on Heat, Snitsky formed a tag team with an initially reluctant Tyson Tomko. In their first team match together, they squashed the tag team of Viscera and Val Venis. The pair had some success as a tag team, becoming the number one contenders for the World Tag Team Championship at one point. They lost their shot at Big Show and Kane, both of whom Snitsky had feuded with in the past, and broke up in April 2006 when Tomko left WWE.
Following that, Snitsky turned face and formed a tag team with Goldust, defeating various teams of wrestlers on Heat, which eventually earned them an unsuccessful title shot against Spirit Squad. The team broke up when Goldust was released from WWE.[14]
Brand switches and departure (2007–2008)
[edit]
In 2007, Snitsky's character underwent a drastic overhaul and was now portrayed as a psychotic madman with a grotesque appearance. To this effect, all of the hair on Snitsky's head and face was shaved off (including his eyebrows), his teeth were colored a dark yellow, and several red marks were placed on his face. On the February 6, 2007, edition of ECW on Sci Fi, a vignette introduced the newly changed Snitsky to the viewers and announced him coming to ECW. Later during the same show, Snitsky debuted and assaulted the ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley.[15] This re-established him as a monstrous heel, similar to Kane's unmasked gimmick. Over the next several weeks, Snitsky would run into the ring after matches and attack various ECW superstars, including CM Punk,[16] Hardcore Holly,[17] Balls Mahoney,[18] and Matt Striker.[18]
On April 3, 2007, Snitsky faced Holly in a match, which he won. After the match, Snitsky wedged Holly's arm in between two steel steps and repeatedly hit the steps with a steel chair, in storyline, breaking Holly's arm.[19] Snitsky then began a short feud with Balls Mahoney.[20] Then, he would begin another short feud with Rob Van Dam. During this feud, Snitsky would suffer his first ECW loss when he was defeated by Van Dam by disqualification.[21]
On the June 11 edition of Raw, Snitsky was drafted from ECW back to Raw as part of the WWE Draft. Snitsky made his return to the brand on the July 9 edition of Raw, defeating Super Crazy.[22]
Snitsky continued to go undefeated on Raw throughout the summer, having pinfall victories over various wrestlers including Super Crazy, Val Venis, Rory McAllister,[23] and Robbie McAllister.[24]
On August 20, Snitsky competed in his first one-on-one main-event match since losing to John Cena on Raw in 2005, once again against Cena, which he lost via disqualification when Randy Orton interfered.[25] This was Snitsky's first loss since returning to the Raw brand. On the September 10 Raw, it was revealed that Snitsky was not Vince McMahon's illegitimate son. Snitsky returned on the October 8 Raw, defeating Val Venis, substituting for Santino Marella, who was feuding with Venis.[26] On December 3, Snitsky was pinned by Jeff Hardy in an Intercontinental Championship match, his first pinfall loss in the year.[27] Snitsky last appeared on WWE television on the November 24, 2008 Raw, losing an Intercontinental Championship tournament match to CM Punk.[28] On December 11, 2008, at his request, Snitsky was released from his WWE contract.[6]
One night return (2023)
[edit]On November 6, 2023, Snitsky made a cameo appearance on Raw backstage with Chelsea Green saying his famous line "It Wasn't My Fault".[29][30]
Independent circuit and first retirement (2008–2018)
[edit]After his release, Snitsky worked in the independent circuit, mainly in World Xtreme Wrestling, where he won the WXW C4 Ultimate Heavyweight Championship on April 20, 2012.[31] He vacated the title on November 3, 2012. On November 4, 2017, Snitsky won the Right Coast Pro Heavyweight Championship in Delaware-based promotion Right Coast Pro Wrestling. On May 19, 2018, he relinquished it due to injury.[32] On June 22, 2018, Snitsky announced that he plans to retire from professional wrestling after working a few more shows.[33]
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2014)
[edit]Snitsky, along with Rycklon, debuted for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) on the June 25 taping of Impact Wrestling (which aired on July 24) as a heel, attacking Tommy Dreamer, Bully Ray and Devon, ostensibly aligning with Dixie Carter.[34]
Snitsky and Rycklon were fired by Carter on the August 7, 2014, edition of Impact Wrestling. Earlier on the show they were in an Eight-Man Hardcore War as Team Dixie (EC3, Rhino, Rycklon and Snitsky) lost to Team Bully (Bully Ray, Devon, Tommy Dreamer and Al Snow).[35][36]
Major League Wrestling (2023–present)
[edit]On May 24, 2023, it was announced by Major League Wrestling that Snitsky would be making his return to professional wrestling on July 8 at Never Say Never.[37] He won his debut match by defeating Yoscifer El in a singles match.[38] On September 3, 2023 at Fury Road, he faced off against Alex Kane, but in a losing effort.[39]
Other media
[edit]In 2009, Gene Snitsky appeared as a biker in the music video for the song "Free Your Soul" by Vyrus.[40] He also appeared as an actor in the role of a biker and a criminal on ABC's Primetime: What Would You Do?, in February 2011. He has appeared in other episodes, including one where he played a person harassing a little person. In 2013, he was announced to play a role in the first episode of a non-profit Mighty Morphin Power Rangers fan series titled MMPR which never materialized.[41]
Snitsky became a pitchman for Tristar Products' Power Pressure Cooker XL and has shot a series of videos for YouTube where he demonstrates how to prepare various foods in the pressure cooker. Two examples of these are a low country boil and buffalo wings.[42]
Snitsky starred in the 2019 horror film 100 Acres of Hell as Buck Severs.[43]
Personal life
[edit]Snitsky lives with his wife Carolyn in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, where they often spend time outdoors.[44] He has a father who served in the Air Force and a brother who served in the Army. After his release from WWE, Snitsky began running an Army surplus store in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, where he also spends time riding bike trails.[4]
Snitsky has a fetish for women's feet, something he is open about.[45]
Filmography
[edit]| Film | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 2003 | The Hero: Love Story of a Spy | Russian Terrorist | Also stuntman |
| 2013 | Bikini Girls vs. The Surf Wolf | Carny Jack | |
| 2015 | The Tour: Blunder Down Under | Himself | |
| 2019 | 100 Acres of Hell | Buck Severs | Also writer, co-producer and stunt coordinator |
| 2023 | The Beast Comes at Midnight | Mr. Leavitt | |
| Television | |||
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2011 | What Would You Do? | Bully/Wanted Man | Episodes: "How Would You Do It?", and "Wanted Man" |
| 2015 | The Adventures of Turkey Dude | Turkey Dude | Mini-series |
Video games
[edit]Snitsky has also made several appearances in WWE video games, including WWE Day of Reckoning 2, WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw 2006, WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw 2007, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 and WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009.[46]
Championships and accomplishments
[edit]- Athletik Club Wrestling
- ACW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Robb Harper[47]
- Lancaster Championship Wrestling
- LCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[48]
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Right Coast Pro
- World Xtreme Wrestling
- WXW Ultimate Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- WXW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[51]
- WXW Tag Team Championship (1 time)[51] – with Robb Harper
- WXW Hall of Fame (class of 2013)[5]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g "Gene Snitsky Profile". Online World Of Wrestling. Retrieved March 23, 2008.
- ^ a b Milner, John; Oliver, Greg (September 30, 2010). "Gene Snitsky". Canoe.ca. Quebecor Media. Archived from the original on August 10, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f Shields, Brian; Sullivan, Kevin (2009). WWE Encyclopedia. DK. p. 281. ISBN 978-0-7566-4190-0.
- ^ a b "WWE's Snitsky: "Where Are They Now?" Interview". YouTube. April 9, 2020. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
- ^ a b "WXW Hall of Fame". World Xtreme Wrestling. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
- ^ a b Where Are They Now?: Snitsky Archived February 7, 2014, at the Wayback Machine Bobby Melok, WWE.com (January 22, 2014)
- ^ "New Year's Revolution 2005 Results". WWE. Archived from the original on December 3, 2007. Retrieved January 5, 2008.
- ^ "Royal Rumble 2005 Results". OWOW (Online World of Wrestling). January 30, 2005. Retrieved July 15, 2018.
- ^ WWE Network - Raw, retrieved November 15, 2021
- ^ "A Barabaric Batista". WWE. Archived from the original on November 16, 2007. Retrieved November 20, 2007.
- ^ "One Night Stand Results". WWE. June 12, 2005. Archived from the original on February 21, 2008. Retrieved November 20, 2007.
- ^ "HBK challenges Hogan for SummerSlam". WWE. Archived from the original on November 5, 2007. Retrieved November 20, 2007.
- ^ "Cena overcomes the odds". WWE. Archived from the original on October 24, 2007. Retrieved November 20, 2007.
- ^ "Goldust released". Archived from the original on December 10, 2008. Retrieved January 5, 2008.
- ^ Louie Dee (February 6, 2007). "Making trouble". WWE. Archived from the original on November 28, 2007. Retrieved November 20, 2007.
- ^ Craig Tello (February 13, 2007). "Well-bred". WWE. Archived from the original on November 28, 2007. Retrieved November 20, 2007.
- ^ Craig Tello (March 6, 2007). "Rattlesnake's venomous visit". WWE. Retrieved November 20, 2007.
- ^ a b Craig Tello (February 27, 2007). "To hell and back". WWE. Archived from the original on October 29, 2007. Retrieved November 20, 2007.
- ^ Craig Tello (April 3, 2007). "Fatal fallout". WWE. Archived from the original on December 3, 2007. Retrieved November 20, 2007.
- ^ Bryan Robinson (April 24, 2007). "Making painful statements". WWE. Retrieved November 20, 2007.
- ^ Bryan Robinson (May 15, 2007). "Focused on Judgment". WWE. Archived from the original on November 6, 2007. Retrieved November 20, 2007.
- ^ Lennie DiFino (July 9, 2007). "Bulldozed in the Bayou". WWE. Retrieved November 20, 2007.
- ^ Corey Clayton (August 6, 2007). "Checkmate". WWE. Retrieved December 27, 2007.
- ^ Greg Adkins (August 13, 2007). "Rhodes keeps on rolling". WWE. Retrieved December 27, 2007.
- ^ Corey Clayton (August 20, 2007). "Royally wrong". WWE. Retrieved December 26, 2007.
- ^ Greg Adkins (October 8, 2007). "In a Snit". WWE. Retrieved January 2, 2008.
- ^ Greg Adkins (December 3, 2007). "Pioneer Pin". WWE. Archived from the original on March 31, 2008. Retrieved December 4, 2007.
- ^ "WWE Monday Night RAW 11 24 08". OWOW (Online World of Wrestling). November 24, 2008. Retrieved July 15, 2018.
- ^ "Gene Snitsky Returns to WWE on RAW - Sort of". November 7, 2023.
- ^ "Gene Snitsky makes surprise return to WWE, sparks excitement among fans". The Times of India. November 9, 2023.
- ^ Saalbach, Axel. "Wrestlingdata.com - The World's Largest Wrestling Database". wrestlingdata.com. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
- ^ a b "RCP Heavyweight Championship". RCP.com. Retrieved July 15, 2018.
- ^ Wilen, Jerome (June 23, 2018). "Former WWE Superstar Gene Snitsky announces his retirement from wrestling". WrestleView.com. Retrieved July 15, 2018.
- ^ pwinsider.com, June 25, 2014.
- ^ "TNA IMPACT WRESTLING RESULTS - 8/7/14 (#ITHAPPENS WITH DIXIE)". wrestleview.com. August 7, 2014. Archived from the original on August 10, 2014. Retrieved August 8, 2014.
- ^ Howell, Nolan. "Impact: Bully Ray tables Dixie Carter". slam.canoe.ca. Archived from the original on August 12, 2014. Retrieved August 8, 2014.
- ^ "Former WWE Star Set To Return To Another Company". wrestletalk.com. May 24, 2023. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
- ^ "Snisky promises pain July 8". Major League Wrestling. May 23, 2023. Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
- ^ "Snisky fights Sept 3 in Philly". Major League Wrestling. August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
- ^ "Gene Snitsky Appears in a New Music Video For Vyrus". wrestlezone.com. Archived from the original on January 23, 2010. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
- ^ "Gene Snitsky in the New Power Rangers Film?" Archived February 25, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, ringsidenews.com; accessed April 24, 2015.
- ^ Profile, wrestlecrap.com; accessed April 24, 2015.
- ^ Keith, Scott (June 27, 2016). "WWE's Gene Snitsky Stars in "100 Acres Of Hell". Scott's Blog of Doom!. Retrieved July 15, 2018.
- ^ Black, Matt (May 16, 2023). "Gene Snitsky: Punting A Baby Doll On WWE RAW Was 'Another Day At The Office'". Yahoo Entertainment. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
- ^ "Eugene Reveals Snitsky's Foot Fetish Gimmick Was Real". September 29, 2021.
- ^ "Snitsky (Character)".
- ^ "Athletik Club Wrestling profile" (in German). Athletik Club Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved June 6, 2009.
- ^ "Archived copy". Facebook. Archived from the original on December 28, 2014. Retrieved December 28, 2014.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 2005". Wrestling Information Archive. Archived from the original on June 16, 2007. Retrieved July 13, 2008.
- ^ "RCP Pro Wrestling". Retrieved July 15, 2018.
- ^ a b "World Xtreme Wrestling Title Histories". Wrestling Information Archive. Archived from the original on June 11, 2008. Retrieved July 5, 2008.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gene Snitsky.
- Gene Snitsky's profile at Cagematch.net , Wrestlingdata.com , Internet Wrestling Database
- Gene Snitsky at IMDb
Categories:
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