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Rockstar Spud
Rockstar Spud in 2014 as the TNA Chief of Staff.
Birth nameJames Michael Curtin
Born (1983-01-30) 30 January 1983 (age 41)[1]
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom[1]
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Rockstar Spud
Spud
Billed height5 ft 4 in (1.63 m)[1]
Billed weight140 lb (64 kg)[1]
Trained byJames Storm
Chris Gilbert
Don Charles
Debut2001

James Michael Curtin (born 30 January 1983),[1] better known by his ring name Rockstar Spud, is an English professional wrestler, former color commentator signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). He has wrestled matches as Spud, often as the underdog who defeats much larger wrestlers, and Rockstar Spud, a gimmick based on obnoxious 1980s rock stars. He has worked for, SAS Wrestling, Frontier Wrestling Alliance and IPW:UK.

Professional wrestling career

Early career (2001–2004)

Curtin was originally trained by Jack Storm and Chris Gilbert at the K-Star Wrestling promotion in Birmingham, before eventually coming under the tutelage of "Charming" Don Charles at the SAS Wrestling Academy.[1] Under the ring name Spud, he went on to perform in many independent promotions within the United Kingdom, the United States, and Europe.[1] While on the independent circuit, Spud's first major appearances came with the Revolution British Wrestling promotion in 2003.[1] On 30 August 2003, Spud defeated Jack Hazard to become RBW's first British Welterweight Champion, a title he held for several months before losing it to "The Gift" Ross Jordan in a Iron Man match in December 2003.[1]

Frontier Wrestling Alliance (2004–2011)

Spud began working for Frontier Wrestling Alliance in 2004, and was brought up into the main roster to be used as a jobber for a short time, competing against many larger opponents.[1] During the start of 2005, however, FWA began showcasing their flyweight division; later that year, Spud entered into a tournament to crown a Flyweight Champion.[1] He made it to the tournament final, where he was defeated by Ross Jordan, who became the first FWA Flyweight Champion.[1] However, Jordan was only awarded the match after the referee stopped the contest due to a kayfabe injury to Spud's leg.[1] The pair continued to feud for over 14 months, with Jordan repeatedly attacking Spud in attempts to re-injure his leg.[1] The feud ended when Spud defeated Jordan in a Last Man Standing match at FWA Last Fight at the Prom on 30 September 2006.[1]

Following a talent trading agreement with the FWA, Spud made his first US appearance in April 2006, competing for Ring of Honor during their two-night Weekend of Champions shows.[1] Spud appeared during ROH's first tour of shows in the UK in August 2006, Unified and Anarchy in the UK.[1] He competed under the FWA banner during the British Wrestling United National Under 23s Championship event, being FWA's entry into the tournament to crown the first champion under 23 years of age.[1] However, Spud lost to the tournament's eventual winner Sam Slam in the first round.[1]

Upon the FWA's relaunch, Spud performed under his Rockstar gimmick with an over-the-top entrance including a female security guard, a band, and a groupie.[1] At the comeback show, New Frontiers, Spud was placed into the FWA Flyweight Championship Tournament and won the qualifying fatal four way match.[1] He lost in the next round to Jonny Storm.[1] In 2010, Spud became locked in a war of words with Storm and would take part in multiple FWA Flyweight Championship tournaments.[1] His feud with Storm culminated in a match at New Frontiers 2011, which ended in a no contest.[1]

International Pro Wrestling: United Kingdom (2004–2010)

Spud wrestling for IPW in 2010.

Spud competed regularly for the International Pro Wrestling: United Kingdom promotion right from its creation in 2004.[1] Through 2005, Spud had a high profile feud with Jack Storm, which culminated in a street fight in January 2006.[1] While in IPW:UK, Spud became one half of the tag team Dragon Hearts, with fellow wrestler Dragon Phoenix.[1] On 24 September 2006, Dragon Hearts defeated The Untouchables in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match to become IPW:UK Tag Team Champions.[1] The Dragon Hearts also got involved with IPW:UK's inter-federation feud with Frontier Wrestling Alliance, and even though Spud is a regular for that promotion he wrestled on the side of IPW:UK in a match against Team FWA.[1] The Dragon Hearts teamed up with Leroy Kincaide to face off against Iceman, Jonny Storm, and Jorge Castano in a match that saw both Phoenix and Spud suffer injury. Phoenix suffered a deep wound to his head while Spud suffered what appeared to be a separated or dislocated shoulder due to a dropkick at the hands of Storm.[1] Storm and Spud faced off in a grudge match in early 2007 with Spud picking up the win.[1]

Spud went on to represent IPW:UK in the joint FWA vs IPW:UK Final Frontiers show losing to Hade Vansen.[1] After a losing effort against IPW:UK Tag team champions Swiss Money Holdings in IPW:UK's debut in Liverpool, Luke Dragon Phoenix left the promotion disbanding The Dragon Hearts.[1] Back to singles action, Spud went on to face Big Brother contestant Billi Bhatti in a losing effort thanks to the Hated Heroes.[1] Spud recently defeated Dave Moralez and Eamon O'Neill to advance in the opening rounds of the British National Championship but was defeated by Sam Slam in the Quarter Finals.[1] Spud's last recent appearances for IPW:UK have seen him in losing efforts to former Gladiator's and current TNA star Magnus Nick 'Oblivion' Aldis.[1]

Spud returned to the promotion after 6 months under his "Rockstar" character and defeated Lion Kid to become the IPW:UK Cruiserweight Champion.[1] Spud has appeared for the London and Midlands based promotion SAS Wrestling since its establishment in 2005.[1] He has waged war with long-time nemesis Jack Storm after he turned on him in the "Bring Your Jeans" show of November 2005.[1] Spud battled against Team Charming members for nearly a year in order to get his hands on Jack Storm.[1] He faced him eventually in the final of the first SAS UK Wrestling Championship tournament by pinning his foe after a hard-fought encounter thought by many as UK Match Of The Year in 2006.[1] Spud lost the championship a month later thanks to Jack Storm's manager Charming Don Charles, and in another long feud eventually wrestled him in a one on one Bring Your Jeans Streetfight match pinning him with one foot after a steel chair shot to the head.[1]

Spud became SAS UK Champion once again by defeating Jack Storm in April 2008 in a steel cage match.[1] Recently Spud turned his back on the fans by attacking Phil Bedwell, citing the fans not caring about him as much as they do about the former alcoholic as his motivation, and evolved into his 'Rockstar' persona.[1] Spud defended the championship for most of 2009 against Derise Coffie and Bubblegum before finally losing the championship to Bubblegum in a Steel cage match in June 2010.[1] Spud would continue to sporadically appear of IPW before leaving for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.[1]

XWA (2007–2011)

After the feud between FWA and IPW:UK ended, the XWA promotion was founded from the remains of the FWA.[1] Spud feuded with XWA Flyweight Champion El Ligero, defeating him in a last man standing match to become champion with help from The Kartel and Martin Stone to form 'The Firm' faction.[1] Spud won the annual Goldrush rumble to become the No 1 Contender to the XWA Heavyweight Championship while still the XWA Flyweight Champion, which he succeeded in doing after beating Sam Slam at the 2009 Last Fight at the Prom.[1] However, Curtin was stripped of the XWA Flyweight Championship due to his lack of defenses and also lost the XWA Heavyweight Championship later in the year to Johnny Phere. Spud, since losing the XWA Heavyweight Championship, suffered a number of defeats and was then injured in September 2010 in a match with Nathan Cruz.[1] Spud made his return in February 2011, confronting Cruz and his former allies Team Rockstar for abandoning him in the annual XWA Goldrush Rumble.[1]

Other promotions

Pro Wrestling Guerrilla made their first tour of the UK in February 2006 where Spud teamed with Topgun Talwar and Aviv Maayan faced Excalibur, Disco Machine and Ronin in a 6-man tag team match where Spud was pinned by Excalibur.[1] PWG's second UK show in October 2007 featured Spud facing off against Joey Ryan.[1] Ryan pinned Spud after a Superkick.[1] Spud also became one of the top British stars in the One Pro Wrestling roster since its inception in 2005. Still competing under the out matched underdog gimmick, Spud had a longtime feud with American wrestler Sterling James Keenan and the super heavyweight Abyss.[1] Spud and partner Luke Dragon Phoenix resurfaced in 1PW to win the Tag Team Titles in their debut as a team, but Spud left the promotion in the Winter of 2007 after losing the 1PW Tag Team Titles to The Damned Nation along with partner Luke Dragon Phoenix.[1] Spud later Returned to 1PW at The 3rd Year Anniversary, as Hubba Bubba Lucah's mystery Tag team partner to finally cause the disbantion of Damnned Nation.[1] On 15 November 2009, he defeated Darkside to win the 1PW Openweight Championship.[1] On 20 September 2014, Spud made his debut for Chikara, losing to Juan Francisco de Coronado.[2]

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling

British Boot Camp and OVW (2012–2013)

Rockstar Spud in 2013.

In January 2012, Spud made two appearances at TNA house shows in Portugal. He faced Jonny Storm, Jody Fleisch, and Pac in a fatal four way match. Spud appeared on the reality show TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp that began airing on 1 January 2013 on Challenge.[1] On the final edition of the show, Spud won the competition and earned a spot in the TNA roster.[1][3] Spud made his debut on the February 7th episode of Impact Wrestling, in an interview segment that was interrupted by Robbie E and Robbie T and ended with Spud attacking Robbie E.[4] Spud made his in-ring debut on the February 21st episode of Impact Wrestling, defeating Robbie E.[5]

Spud returned on 18 July episode of Impact Wrestling, when he took part in the Destination X episode of Impact Wrestling and entered a tournament to determine the new X Division Champion; he was defeated by Greg Marasciulo in his first round three-way match, which also included Rubix.[6] Then, Spud was sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling, TNA's developmental territory and made his debut on the March 13, 2013 episode of OVW. He defeated Cliff Compton for the OVW Television Championship, making him the first man to win the title in his debut match.[7] He would go on to defend the title for 59 days and making several successful weekly defenses before losing it to Randy Royal.[1]

Chief of Staff (2013–2014)

In the November 28th edition of Impact Wrestling, Spud returned as Dixie Carter's new Chief of Staff. Later on in the night, he hosted an in-ring Thanksgiving dinner with the entire heel roster only to be interrupted by Kurt Angle and the faces of TNA which ended in a brawl. On the January 30 episode he attempted to interrogate The Wolves (Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards) over who The Investor was, only to get beaten down for his troubles. After team Dixie was defeated by Team MVP during the PPV Lethal Lockdown, MVP, having become the Director of Wrestling Operations, announced that Impact Wrestling no longer needed a Chief Of Staff. during this time Rockstar Spud Joined Xplosion as Color Commentator.

However, when his TNA contract was up for renewal in April 2014, Carter, upon her return, awarded him a 'substantial contract extension' in reward for his loyalty to her, and also retained his position as her Chief of Staff.[8] Through TNA's relationship with Wrestle-1, Spud made his debut for the Japanese promotion in Tokyo on July 6, teaming with Ethan Carter III in a tag team match, where they were defeated by Tajiri and Yusuke Kodama.[9][10] On the September 4 episode of Impact Rockstar Spud came out to the ring with Ethan Carter III and cut a promo about EC3's anger at those who he held responsible for TNA President and his aunt Dixie Carter getting put through a table. Rhino came out and attacked EC3 and demanding a match with him. EC3 however made a match between Rhino and Rockstar Spud. In the match later in the night, Rhino gored Rockstar Spud winning the match.

On the October 8th edition of Impact Wrestling, Ethan Carter III called him out and gave him a chance to make amends. Carter condemned Spud for his failure to stop Bully Ray from putting his aunt, TNA President Dixie Carter, through a table, EC3 would then publicly humiliate Spud by calling him a loser and slapping him in the face. In the end, Spud fought back and immediately punched Carter, and turning face in the process for the first time since 2013. Rather than physically retaliating, EC3 fired him from his position as the Carters' chief of staff. Shortly after this, in a YouTube segment, Spud would be rehired back in a wrestling role by the new Executive Director of Wrestling Operations, Kurt Angle. On the October 22 episode of Impact Wrestling, Spud teamed up with Eric Young in a losing effort against Ethan Carter III and EC3's new ally Tyrus in a Tag Team tournament.

Championship reigns and pursuits (2015–present)

On the 23 January 2015 episode of Impact Wrestling, Spud won the Feast or Fired match with an opportunity for the TNA X Division Championship. On the 13 March episode of Impact Wrestling, Spud's feud with Carter ended in a Hair vs. Hair match, which Spud lost. The following week on the 20 March episode of Impact Wrestling, Spud defeated Low Ki to win the X Division Championship. On the 1 May episode of Impact Wrestling, Spud lost his X Division Championship against Kenny King in a ladder match, also involving Tigre Uno and Mandrews. However, Spud won the title back on 29 May episode of Impact Wrestling. On the 10 June episode of Impact Wrestling, Spud vacated the title to gain a title shot for the World Heavyweight Championship. That same day, Spud faced Kurt Angle for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship but failed to win the title. During late 2015, Spud took part in the first ever TNA World Title Series as a member of Group UK, on the 7 October episode of Impact Wrestling, defeating Grado in the first round, thus earning him 3 points. He later failed to qualify for the Round of 16 following losses to both Drew Galloway and Bram who were also competing in Team UK.

At the 2016 Lockdown, Spud came out, supposedly to stop Reby Sky from attacking EC3. However, he would close the cage door on EC3 to help Matt Hardy retain his TNA World Heavyweight Championship, turning heel once again in the process. He would follow up, with encouragement from Matt Hardy, by delivering a conchairto to EC3 with his head on the steps. On the 9 March 2016 episode of Impact Wrestling, Spud aligned with Matt Hardy and Tyrus to form a stable, after explaining his actions as getting revenge against Carter for his cruel treatment of him last year. The trio would go on to face EC3 and Jeff Hardy in a losing effort.

In other media

In August 2006, Curtin appeared on Channel 4's Big Brother's What They Did After the House, where he was defeated by Big Brother contestant Billi Bhatti at an IPW:UK show in Orpington. In January 2011, Curtin appeared as his Rockstar Spud character on BBC Three's Snog Marry Avoid, where he was given a makeunder. He played a small part as a clown in a short film called Light the Lights.

Curtin has also cited that Spike Dudley is a main inspiration for him. Because of this, Curtin uses Dudley's corner springboard cutter finishing move, calling it The Underdog.

In wrestling

Championships and accomplishments

Luchas de Apuestas record

See also: Luchas de Apuestas
Winner (wager) Loser (wager) Location Event Date Notes
Ethan Carter III (hair) Rockstar Spud (hair) London, England Impact Wrestling January 31, 2015 Aired March 13, 2015.
Rockstar Spud (change name) Austin Aries (contract) Orlando, Florida No Surrender August 5, 2015

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv bw bx by bz ca cb cc cd ce cf "Spud". Online World of Wrestling.
  2. ^ Namako, Jason (2014-09-20). "9/19-9/21 Chikara Results: Easton, PA (King of Trios weekend)". Wrestleview. Retrieved 2014-09-22.
  3. ^ Caldwell, James (2013-01-22). "Winner of TNA British Boot Camp Revealed". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2013-01-22.
  4. ^ "CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 2/7: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Impact in the U.K. - Tag Title change, Sting & Bully main event, Aces & Eights lose again, Nash weighs in".
  5. ^ "CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 2/21: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Impact in the U.K. - new KO champ, Hogan's "decision" early contender for worst angle of the year (updated w/Box Score)".
  6. ^ Caldwell, James (2013-07-18). "Caldwell's TNA Impact results 7/18: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of "Destination X" Impact - TNA Title match, BFG Series, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2013-07-18.
  7. ^ "OVW TV #708: "Hey Now, You're a Rockstar"". OVWMania. 13 March 2013. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
  8. ^ #IMPACT365: Spud is called to Dixie Carter's office to discuss his future with TNA
  9. ^ "Fighting Entertainment Wrestle-1 「衝撃～Impact～」". Wrestle-1 (in Japanese). 2014-07-06. Retrieved 2014-07-06.
  10. ^ Caldwell, James (2014-07-06). "TNA news: Result from Tag Title match in Japan, plus Muta vs. Sanada, TNA heel duo in tag action". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2014-07-06.
  11. ^ Moore, John (27 February 2015). "2/27 Moore's TNA Impact Wrestling TV review: Lashley vs. MVP for the TNA Title, Samoa Joe vs. Austin Aries, Tyrus and Ethan Carter III vs. Rockstar Spud and Mr. Anderson". ProWrestling.Net. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  12. ^ "Rockstar Spud and Mr. Anderson vs. EC3 and Tyrus (Feb. 27, 2015)". Youtube. 27 February 2015. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  13. ^ McCrystall, Coiré (28 January 2014). "Interview: Rockstar Spud". College Tribune. Retrieved 30 March 2014.
  14. ^ "TOI". Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Retrieved 23 September 2014.
  15. ^ https://wrestleropesuk.wordpress.com/2015/07/11/fight-club-pro-rockstar-full-results/
  16. ^ "1-Pro Wrestling 2007 Results". 1pwonline.co.uk. Retrieved 2008-07-08.
  17. ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2015". The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved 2015-10-09.
  18. ^ "Revolution British Wrestling Title Histories". titlehistories.com. Retrieved 2008-07-11.
  19. ^ https://www.facebook.com/NBWSouthside/photos/a.172677452782406.52384.115582078491944/1015392618510881/?type=1&theater
  20. ^ "TNA Impact Wrestling Results 1/23: Knockout Fired, MVP & Lashley Brawl In The Street, More".
  21. ^ "Wrestling Association of Rugby Title Histories". titlehistories.com. Retrieved 2008-07-11.
  22. ^ "LastFight News - Spud v Sam Slam aftermath". XWA. 2009-09-13. Retrieved 2009-09-15.
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