Dan Spivey
Dan Spivey | |
---|---|
Birth name | Daniel Eugene Spivey |
Born | [1] Tampa, Florida, U.S.[2][3] | October 14, 1952
Alma mater | University of Georgia[4][5] |
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | Dan Spivey[1] Starship Eagle[1] Waylon Mercy[1] Mr. America[1] |
Billed height | 6 ft 7 in (201 cm)[6] |
Billed weight | 290 lb (132 kg)[6] |
Billed from | Griffin, Georgia[7] Tampa, Florida[8] |
Trained by | Rick Martel[8] Dusty Rhodes[8] Barry Windham[8] |
Debut | 1983[1] |
Retired | October 1995 |
Daniel Eugene Spivey (born October 14, 1952) is an American retired
Spivey spent a lot of his career as part of various
His last wrestling persona, Waylon Mercy, was inspired by Robert De Niro's portrayal of Max Cady in the 1991 remake of Cape Fear. While he only worked a few matches under that name, he later inspired the creation of the Bray Wyatt character as Spivey worked with Windham Rotunda to initially develop it.
Early life
Spivey was born in Tampa, Florida.[2] He attended the University of Georgia, where he played football for the Georgia Bulldogs for three seasons as a defensive end and was named an All-American football player in his sophomore year.[4][5][3] Spivey aimed to play football professionally and was drafted by the New York Jets but did not sign with the Jets, instead deciding to sign with the Jacksonville Express of the World Football League in June 1975.[9][3] He was released by the Express in late July 1975, before the start of the regular season.[10] Spivey spent several years working in a number of jobs in Tampa before meeting professional wrestler Dusty Rhodes, who offered to train him to wrestle.[3]
Professional wrestling career
Championship Wrestling from Florida (1983–1984)
Spivey was trained as a wrestler by
Jim Crockett Promotions (1984–1985)
In 1984, Rhodes moved from Championship Wrestling from Florida to the
After working in MACW the duo joined Bob Geigel's NWA Central States territory based in Kansas City in 1985. The duo had a shot at the NWA Central States Tag Team Champions Marty Jannetty and "Bulldog" Bob Brown but did not manage to win the titles. Spivey's stay in the Central States territory was short-lived, according to Scott Hall Spivey did not like Kansas City. Spivey returned to the Carolinas where he worked as "American Starship" Eagle.
World Wrestling Federation (1985–1988)
In the fall of 1985, Spivey signed with the
The team had their first match together on November 1, 1985
Not long before Rotundo left the WWF, Spivey began to be billed as "Golden Boy" Danny Spivey which continued for his singles run after Rotundo left. His in-ring appearance at the time led to many fans labelling him a
In 1991, Spivey testified that Dr George Zaharian had illegally supplied him with anabolic steroids in the late 1980s. Zaharian was ultimately found guilty.[21][22][self-published source]
All Japan Pro Wrestling (1988–1995)
After working exclusively in the United States since his debut, while making some appearances in Puerto Rico for the World Wrestling Council, Bruiser Brody talked to Spivey about going to Japan, Spivey started to tour with All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) in the summer of 1988 and kept touring with the company every year until 1995, when he signed with the WWF. In his first tour, Spivey gained ring experience by competing with Japanese wrestling legend Genichiro Tenryu.[23] Spivey also teamed with Johnny Ace,[24] a man he would team with many times during his Japanese tours.
Jim Crockett Promotions/World Championship Wrestling (1989–1992)
1989
In early 1989, Spivey returned to the NWA and Jim Crockett. Spivey was made a member of
The Skyscrapers quickly became involved in a feud with the Road Warriors, sparked by Teddy Long's actions while he was still a referee. The two teams were very evenly matched in power and intensity, creating a series of matches that did not favor one team over the other. Spivey and Vicious were disqualified against the Road Warriors at
1990
The New Skyscrapers immediately picked up the feud with the Road Warriors and kept on having inconclusive matches with them. At
Spivey kept on touring with AJPW while working for the NWA, mainly teaming with Stan Hansen. Spivey and Hansen formed a very popular Gaijin team that almost won AJPW's "World's Strongest Tag Determination League" in 1990.[32] On September 1, Spivey made his return to WCW when he substituted for former partner Sid Vicious against Lex Luger at a house show in Greensboro, NC, losing via countout. Spivey returned to television on the September 14 edition of the WCW Power Hours, where he discussed facing Brian Pillman. On the same show he would defeat Lou Perez. On the September 16 edition of WCW Main Event, Spivey prevented Pillman from running the Gauntlet and won $5,000.
Spivey's next appearance came at
1991
With Sid Vicious being part of the
On May 19 at the inaugural
Spivey and Hansen would lose the tag-team titles back to Gordy and Williams.[29] After the title loss, Spivey started to team with other wrestlers, mainly with Johnny Ace, but also linked up with Jim Brunzell,[39] Kendall Windham[40] and Jim Steele.[41]
1992
Spivey managed to mend fences with WCW and was brought in by new WCW Executive Vice President
Universal Wrestling Federation (1990, 1994)
In 1990, Spivey made regular American appearances for
Return to World Wrestling Federation (1995)
Spivey rejoined the WWF in June 1995, adopting the name "Waylon Mercy" in a character based on Robert De Niro's portrayal of Max Cady in the 1991 remake of Cape Fear. Like Cady, he had jet black hair, wore white attire with a Hawaiian shirt, and sported several strange tattoos, including one of a dagger on his forehead (Spivey's were temporary). The character was introduced through a series of vignettes that always had Spivey speaking in a calm yet sinister manner. In the final vignette before premiering the character in-ring, Spivey predicted that soon, "Lives are gonna be in Waylon Mercy's hands," a phrase that would later feature in his entrance music.
Spivey portrayed a heel despite his character acting as a peaceful southern gentleman outside the ring. Waylon would shake the hands of the fans and thank them for coming to see him wrestle, his opponent, and even the referee before his matches. However, once the bell rang, he became vicious, insincerely apologizing for actions such as kicking or choking a downed opponent. Mercy's finishing move saw him apply a sleeper hold as he revealed a wide-eyed, insane expression. Once the bell rang, he would return to his "peaceful southern gentleman" act.[46]
Mercy was pushed upon his debut with victories over numerous
Retirement (1995–present)
Spivey retired in 1995 due to injuries.[3] After retiring, Spivey briefly attempted to forge a career as a fashion model.[56] He went on to work for Spivey Underground Utility Construction Company,[57] a construction company owned by his family.[3] In 2014, Windham Rotunda revealed that his character of Bray Wyatt was given to him by Spivey who was attending the WWE Performance Center at the time and shares a number of similarities with the Waylon Mercy character.[58]
On August 1, 2015, Spivey, at age 62, who hadn't wrestled since 1995 due to injuries, returned to the ring for Dory Funk Jr.'s !BANG! promotion. Spivey and Funk worked a 10-man Japanese Banzai match.[59]
Spivey also voiced Mercy the Buzzard in Bray Wyatt's Firefly Funhouse segments in 2019, as the puppet was based on Waylon Mercy.[60]
Personal life
Spivey was arrested on July 14, 2007, for
Championships and accomplishments
- All Japan Pro Wrestling
- World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Stan Hansen[62]
- World's Strongest Tag Determination League New Wave Award (1988) – with Johnny Ace[63]
- World's Strongest Tag Determination League Distinguished Award (1990, 1991) - with Stan Hansen[64][65]
- Championship Wrestling from Florida
- George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
- Frank Gotch Award (2022)
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Universal Wrestling Federation
See also
- The Skyscrapers
- The U.S. Express
- The Varsity Club
References
- ^ ISBN 978-1-4766-0505-0.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-7434-7556-3.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Ryan Murphy (January 11, 2010). "Where are they now? Dan Spivey". WWE.com. WWE. Retrieved November 20, 2016.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-61749-049-1.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-59670-159-5.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-7566-4190-0.
- ^ "Dan Spivey « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
- ^ a b c d "Dan Spivey - OWW". Retrieved September 18, 2019.
- ^ "Express Signs Spivey". The Tampa Tribune. June 17, 1975. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
- ^ "N/A". The Stuart News. July 29, 1975. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-55022-683-6.
- ^ Graham Cawthon. "WWF Show Results 1986". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
(November 1, 1985) Mike Rotundo, Dan Spivey, & Capt. Lou Albano vs. Johnny V & WWF Tag Team Champions Greg Valentine & Brutus Beefcake
- ^ prowrestlinghistory.com. "WWF WrestleMania Results (II)". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
- ^ Graham Cawthon. "WWF Show Results 1986". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
(June 14, 1986) Mike Rotundo & Dan Spivey defeated the Moondogs at 11:37 when Rotundo pinned Rex following an airplane spin
- ^ Graham Cawthon. "WWF Show Results 1986". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
(July 11, 1986) Mike Rotundo & Dan Spivey defeated Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart when Spivey pinned Bret
- ^ Graham Cawthon. "WWF Show Results 1987". Retrieved February 12, 2007.
Mike Rotundo & Danny Spivey fought the Islanders to a double disqualification
- ^ prowrestlinghistory.com. "WWF King of the Ring (non-PPV) Results (1986)". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
- ^ prowrestlinghistory.com. "WWF King of the Ring (non-PPV) Results (1987)". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
- ^ Graham Cawthon. "WWF Show Results 1988". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
(February 8, 1988) Dan Spivey pinned Lanny Poffo
- ^ Graham Cawthon. "WWF Show Results 1988". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
(February 15, 1988) Danny Spivey pinned Outback Jack
- ISBN 978-0-313-34521-0.
- ISBN 978-1-4628-1172-4.
- ^ prowrestlinghistory.com. "AJPW Budokan Hall Results 1985–1989 (6/88)". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
- ^ prowrestlinghistory.com. "AJPW Budokan Hall Results 1985–1989 (12/88)". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
- ^ a b prowrestlinghistory.com. "NWA Great American Bash Results (1989)". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
- ^ prowrestlinghistory.com. "NWA Halloween Havoc Results (1989)". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
- ^ prowrestlinghistory.com. "NWA Clash of the Champions Results (IX)". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
- ISBN 978-1-4488-5536-0.
- ^ ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
- ^ prowrestlinghistory.com. "NWA Clash of the Champions Results (X)". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
- ^ prowrestlinghistory.com. "NWA WrestleWar Results (1990)". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
- ^ Shining Road. "AJPW Real World Tag League History". Archived from the original on February 24, 2007. Retrieved April 17, 2007.
- ^ prowrestlinghistory.com. "WCW Starrcade Results (1990)". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
- ^ "WCW 1990". thehistoryofwwe.com. January 16, 2023.
- ^ prowrestlinghistory.com. "WCW WrestleWar Results (1991)". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
- ^ "Kayfabe, Lies, and Alibis: Stan Hansen FanFest Q and A Session Recap". November 15, 2016.
- ^ Graham Cawthon (March 10, 2007). "WCW Ring Results 1991". Retrieved March 17, 2007.
- ^ "WCW 1991". thehistoryofwwe.com. January 16, 2023.
- ^ prowrestlinghistory.com. "AJPW Budokan Hall Results 1991–1995 (9/91)". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
- ^ prowrestlinghistory.com. "AJPW Budokan Hall Results 1991–1995 (12/92)". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
- ^ prowrestlinghistory.com. "AJPW Budokan Hall Results 1991–1995 (12/94)". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
- ^ "WCW The Great American Bash Tour 1992 - Tag 29 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". Archived from the original on September 5, 2021.
- ^ prowrestlinghistory.com. "WCW Starrcade Results (1992)". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
- ^ "WCW 1992". thehistoryofwwe.com. January 16, 2023.
- ^ Cawthon, Graham (January 16, 2023). "WCW: 1993". TheHistoryOfWWE.com.
- ^ "Waylon Mercy vs. Jerry Flynn (07-15-1995)". Archived from the original on November 6, 2019. Retrieved September 18, 2019 – via www.youtube.com.
- ^ Graham Cawthon. "WWF Show Results 1995". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
(June 6, 1995) Waylon Mercy defeated Bob Holly
- ^ Graham Cawthon. "WWF Show Results 1995". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
(July 28, 1995) Waylon Mercy defeated the 1-2-3 Kid
- ^ Graham Cawthon. "WWF Show Results 1995". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
(August 14, 1995) Waylon Mercy defeated Doink the Clown via submission with the sleeper at 3:11
- ^ Graham Cawthon. "WWF Show Results 1995". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
(August 15, 1995) Bret Hart defeated Waylon Mercy via disqualification at around 6:20 when Jean Pierre Laffiette, wearing Hart's jacket, interfered; after the bout, Hart fought off a double team attack from Mercy and Laffiette
- ^ Graham Cawthon. "WWF Show Results 1995". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
(August 30, 1995) Razor Ramon fought Waylon Mercy to a double disqualification
- ^ Graham Cawthon. "WWF Show Results 1995". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
(September 17, 1995) WWF World Champion Diesel pinned Waylon Mercy
Waylen Mercey would actually score an upset countout victory over Diesel, which led to him being jackknive power bombed two times after the match was over - ^ prowrestlinghistory.com. "WWF In Your House Results (3)". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
- ^ Graham Cawthon. "WWF Show Results 1995". Retrieved April 16, 2007.
(September 26, 1995) Waylon Mercy defeated WWF World Champion Diesel via count-out in a non-title match after Davey Boy Smith came ringside and brawled with the champion; after the bout, Diesel hit the powerbomb on Mercy
- ^ "Something Scary: Waylon Mercy, Goldust and the Rise of WWE's Bray Wyatt". Bleacher Report.
- ISBN 978-1-55490-287-3.
- ^ Inside Wrestling, February 1998 issue, p.18.
- ^ "The Steve Austin Show - EP171 - WWE Superstar Bray Wyatt Pt 1".
- ^ Mooneyham, Mike (March 15, 2019). "Where is Danny Spivey now?". The Post and Courier.
- ^ Kevin Sullivan on Dan Spivey/Waylen Mercy, retrieved March 22, 2023
- ^ a b Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (July 24, 2007). "Dan Spivey Charge Report". Archived from the original on October 17, 2007. Retrieved July 24, 2007.
- ^ "World Tag Team Title (All Japan Pro-Wrestling)". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
- ^ "PUROLOVE.com". www.purolove.com. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
- ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Real World Tag League 1990 « Tournaments Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net.
- ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Real World Tag League 1991 « Tournaments Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net.
- ^ "Florida Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 1992". Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
- ^ "Herb Abram's Universal Wrestling Federation Title Histories". www.prowrestlinghistory.com. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
External links
- Dan Spivey at IMDb
- Dan Spivey's profile at Cagematch.net , Wrestlingdata.com , Internet Wrestling Database