A. J. Petrucci
| A. J. Petrucci | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Anthony J. Petrucci |
| Born | 1951 (age 72–73)[1][2] Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania,United States |
| Alma mater | Kutztown University of Pennsylvania |
| Spouse(s) | Marjorie Gasker[1] |
| Children | 2[1] |
| Family | Gene Snitsky(cousin)[3] |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | A. J. Petrucci A. J. Petruzzi The Bounty Hunter The Executioner Fracture Fransberg Masked Assassin Pocono Mountain Man Sheik Fugan Super Destroyer #1 |
| Billed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[1] |
| Billed weight | 250 lb (110 kg)[1] |
| Billed from | Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania |
| Trained by | Tony Altomare[1] |
| Debut | 1984 |
| Retired | 2005 |
Anthony J. Petrucci(born 1951) is an Americanprofessional wrestler.He is best known for his appearances with theWorld Wrestling Federationfrom 1984 to 1986 asA. J. Petruzziand for his appearances withEastern Championship Wrestlingfrom 1991 to 1994 asSuper Destroyer #1,one half of thetag teamThe Super Destroyers.[1][2]
Early life
[edit]Petrucci was born inJim Thorpe, Pennsylvania.He attended Jim Thorpe High School, where he competed inamateur wrestling,American football,andbasketball.[1]
Professional wrestling career
[edit]World Wrestling Federation (1984–1986)
[edit]In December 1983, Petrucci enrolled in theWorld Wrestling Federation's training camp inOrange, Connecticut,where he was trained to wrestle byTony Altomare.He wrestled his first match in 1984, facingB. Brian BlairinPhillipsburg, New Jersey.[1]
In 1985, Petrucci, as The Masked Assassin, andThe Spoilerlost a match againstBarry WindhamandMike RotundaatMadison Square Gardenin New York City.
Petrucci was also featured as one of the trainers along with Hulk Hogan forHillbilly Jimin some early 1985 vignettes when Hillbilly first arrived in the WWF.
Independent circuit (1986–1991)
[edit]In 1988, he and Ron Shaw formed the Executioners and made their way toJim Crockett'sNational Wrestling Allianceto work against the New Breed (Chris ChampionandSean Royal).
Eastern Championship Wrestling (1992–1994)
[edit]In 1991 he formedThe Super Destroyerstag team with partnerDoug Stahland manager Hunter Q. Robins III in Eastern Championship Wrestling, which was later renamed toExtreme Championship Wrestling(ECW). While in ECW, the Super Destroyers were crowned the firstECW Tag Team Champions.Both Petrucci and Stahl left the company in 1994, after holding the title twice.
Independent circuit (1994–2005)
[edit]In 1996, Petrucci began to train his cousin andGene Snitskyand Robb Harper. At this time he also formed the tag team The Darkside Demons, alternating between Snitsky and Harper until he felt they were ready to wrestle on their own. After the passing of his father and the signing of Snitsky to World Wrestling Entertainment, Petrucci returned to wrestling in 2005 with NWL/HOPWL. Petrucci has won the Heavyweight, Television and Tag Team titles with this promotion. In 2005 he was also awarded the Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year. July 2012 the Super Destroyers, A J Petrucci and Doug Stahl, were inducted in the IPWA hall of fame. Returned to the DWF/LOCO wrestling promotion in New Jersey and Pa. to win the tag team championship titles, which they defended in March. August 3 the Super Destroyers won the tag team titles at Super Star wrestling in Dillsburg Pa. making them the unifyed Pa. tag team champions.
Personal life
[edit]Petrucci is married to Marjorie Petrucci (née Gasker). The couple have two children, Jason and Suzanne.[1]
Petrucci graduated fromKutztown University of Pennsylvaniawith a B.S. inCriminal Justice.When he is not wrestling, he works as a counselor for troubled and runaway clients. He was recognized for 10 years of service at Valley Youth House as a counselor.
Petrucci is the cousin of fellow professional wrestlerGene Snitsky,who he trained.[3]
Championships and accomplishments
[edit]- DWF/LOCO wrestling
- DWF/LOCO wrestling Tag Team championship (1 time)
- Eastern Championship Wrestling
- ECW Tag Team Championship(2 times) – withSuper Destroyer #2[1][4]
- ECW Tag Team Championship Tournament (1992)– with Super Destroyer #2
- National Wrestling League/House of Pain Wrestling Federation
- NWL Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[1]
- HoPWF Tag Team Championship(1 time) – with Doug Stahl
- World Wrestling Association
- WWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Doug Stahl[4]
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^abcdefghijklGower, Ron (June 28, 2012)."Even at age 60, local wrestler still grappling".Times News.Pencor Services.RetrievedApril 14,2016.
- ^abGower, Ron (January 26, 2013)."Championship match for local pro wrestler A. J. 'Tony' Petrucci".Times News.Pencor Services.RetrievedApril 14,2016.
- ^abMilner, John; Oliver, Greg (September 30, 2010)."Gene Snitsky".Canoe.ca.Quebecor Media.Archived fromthe originalon March 10, 2016.RetrievedApril 14,2016.
- ^abRoyal Duncan & Gary Will (2000).Wrestling Title Histories(4th ed.). Archeus Communications.ISBN0-9698161-5-4.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- A. J. PetrucciatIMDb
- A. J. Petrucci's profile atCagematch.net,Wrestlingdata.com,Internet Wrestling Database