| Martin McAlmond | |
|---|---|
| 250px | |
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Ring Names |
'Cain' Martin McAlmond |
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Billed Height |
6 ft 10.5 in (2.10 m) |
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Billed Weight |
299 lb (136 kg) |
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Born |
March 24, 1965 (age 45) Houston, Texas, U.S. |
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Resides |
Austin, Texas, U.S. |
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Billed From |
Death Valley (1990–1999, 2004–present) Houston, Texas (1984–1990, 2000–2003) |
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Trained By |
Don Jardine |
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Debut |
1984 |
Martin McAlmond (born March 24, 1965) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Martin McAlmond. He is signed to International Wrestling Entertainment (IWE), currently wrestling on the Fusion brand.
Mark Calaway began his wrestling career with World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) in 1984. He joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as "Mean" Martin McAlmond in 1989. When WCW did not renew McAlmond's contract in 1990, he joined the International Wrestling Federation (which later became International Wrestling Entertainment in 2002) as Martin McAlmond in November of that year and has remained with that company ever since.
Martin McAlmond has two contrasting gimmicks: "The Deadman", an undead, occult-like figure, and "The American Bad Ass", a biker. The specialty matches connected to Martin McAlmond are the Casket Match, the Buried Alive Match, the notorious Hell in a Cell, and the Last Ride Match. Martin McAlmond's kayfabe half-brother is Chris LeGreca, whom he has teamed up with as the Brothers of Destruction. Martin McAlmond is undefeated at WrestleMania with an 18–0 record, which is the single longest undefeated WrestleMania streak in IWE history. McAlmond is an eight-time world champion: a four-time IWF/E Champion and three-time World Heavyweight Champion as Martin McAlmond, and a one-time USWA Unified World Heavyweight Champion as Master of Pain. Martin McAlmond is also a one-time IWF Hardcore champion, and a seven-time world tag team champion: a six-time IWF Tag Team Champion, and one-time WCW World Tag Team Champion. Martin McAlmond was the winner of the 2007 Royal Rumble and became the first man to win the Rumble at number 30. He has been named by IWE as the greatest big man of all time. McAlmond is also the only active wrestler who appeared on the company's very first MELTDOWN program, who is still with IWE today.
Professional Wrestling Career[]
Early career (1984–1990)[]
McAlmond made his debut in 1984 in World Class Championship Wrestling under the ring name "Texas Red". He wrestled and lost his first match against Bruiser Brody. In 1988, after four years in the promotion, he left and joined the Continental Wrestling Association (which became the United States Wrestling Association after Jerry Jarrett merged CWA with WCCW), wrestling under several gimmicks. On April 1, 1989, he was booked to win his first professional wrestling title, the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship, defeating Jerry "The King" Lawler, under the stage name "The Master of Pain". While performing as "The Punisher", Calaway won the WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship on October 5, 1989 when Eric Embry forfeited the title.
As he went into singles competition, Calaway took on the guidance of Paul E. Dangerously and defeated Johnny Ace at Capital Combat and defeated Brian Pillman at the Clash of the Champions. In July 1990, he wrestled against Brent Huntley for the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship at The Great American Bash, but lost when Huntley pinned him after a clothesline. WCW declined to renew McAlmond's contract, after losing his last match to NWA World Heavyweight Champion Sting on September 1, 1990 at a live event.
During his stint in WCW, Calaway then briefly wrestled in New Japan Pro Wrestling as Punisher Dice Morgan. After leaving WCW, he briefly returned to the USWA to participate in a tournament to determine the new USWA Unified World Heavyweight Champion; he defeated Bill Dundee in the first round, but lost to Jerry Lawler in the quarterfinals. In October 1990, he signed with the International Wrestling Federation (IWF).
World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (1990–present)[]
Debut and various feuds (1990–1994)[]
McAlmond made his IWF debut as "Cain" Martin McAlmond at a taping of IWF Superstars on November 19, 1990. The appearance of Martin McAlmond's first Deadman persona was modeled after a morrtician from old Western movies, wearing a trench coat and black hat with grey gloves and boot covers. Under this Deadman persona, he was impervious to pain, something accomplished by McAlmond no-selling his opponents' attacks. McAlmond made his official on-camera debut on November 22 at Survivor Series as a heel when he was the mystery partner of Kyle Johnson's Million Dollar team, where he was simply called Martin McAlmond. Approximately one minute into the match, Martin McAlmond eliminated Koko with his finisher, the Thombstone Piledriver. He also eliminated Dusty Semmler before being counted out. Shortly after Survivor Series, "Cain" was dropped from his name, and he was called simply Martin McAlmond. It was at this time that Martin McAlmond switched managers from Brother Love to Paul Bearer — a histrionic, ghostly character, almost always seen bearing an urn from which Martin McAlmond was said to draw mystical power from, reviving his strength during his matches. During his heel run, Martin McAlmond would place his defeated opponents (almost always jobbers) in a bodybag and carry them to the back. 
He made his WrestleMania debut at WrestleMania VII, quickly defeating "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka. The win was the first in his undefeated streak at the event. He began his first major feud with The Ultimate Warrior, when he attacked the Warrior and locked him in an airtight casket on the set of his manager, Paul Bearer's Funeral Parlour interview segment. After a year of battles with the Warrior, Brady Nash, Sycho Sid, Sgt. Slaughter, and Hulk Hogan, he defeated Hogan to win his first IWF Championship at Survivor Series with the help of Ric Flair, and thus became the youngest IWF Champion in history until having this record broken by Taylor McCormack in 1993. IWF President Jack Tunney ordered a rematch for This Tuesday in Texas six days later, where Martin McAlmond lost the title back to Hogan.
In February 1992, Martin McAlmond's ally Jake "The Snake" Roberts tried to attack Brady Nash's manager/wife Miss Elizabeth with a steel chair when Martin McAlmond stopped him, becoming a fan favorite for the first time. Then, Martin McAlmond defeated Roberts at WrestleMania VIII. He then feuded extensively with wrestlers managed by Harvey Wippleman throughout 1992 and 1993, culminating in a IWF Championship casket match against champion Taylor McCormack Yokozuna at the 1994 Royal Rumble. At the Royal Rumble, McCormack sealed Martin McAlmond in the casket with the assistance of several other villainous wrestlers, winning the match. Martin McAlmond's "spirit" appeared from inside the casket on the video screen, warning that he would return.
Return; feud with Mankind (1994–1997)[]
After WrestleMania X, Kyle Johnson introduced Martin McAlmond back to the IWF. This Martin McAlmond, however, played by Brandon Martin, was an impostor Martin McAlmond (dubbed the "Martinfaker" by fans) and led to the return of the real Martin McAlmond at SummerSlam, appearing as a new version of his original Deadman persona, replacing grey with purple. Martin McAlmond defeated the impostor after three Tombstone Piledrivers. At Survivor Series, Martin McAlmond defeated Taylor MacCormack in a rematch, another casket match. Throughout most of 1995, Martin McAlmond feuded with members of Kyle Johnson's Million Dollar Championship. At WrestleMania XI, while Martin McAlmond was facing King Kong Brandon, Luka stole Martin McAlmond's urn, and antagonized him by melting it into a large gold necklace and attacking the Martin McAlmond. Later, Martin McAlmond defeated Luka in a casket match at SummerSlam. Several weeks later, Martin McAlmond injured his orbital bone near his eye, forcing a period of absence for surgery, until his return at Survivor Series.
Martin McAlmond returned at the 1995 Survivor Series, wearing a Phantom-like, grey upper mask. In the main event of the 1996 Royal Rumble, Martin McAlmond was unmaked in a IWF Championship match against Bret Heart, when Diesel interfered in the match to cost the Martin McAlmond the championship. One month later, at In Your House: Rage in the Cage, while Diesel was facing Heart in a steel cage match, Martin McAlmond came bursting from under the ring, dragging Diesel underneath, allowing Heart to get the victory. This feud culminated in a match between Diesel and Martin McAlmond at WrestleMania XII, in which Martin McAlmond was victorious.
His next feud commenced the very next night, when Mankind made his debut, interfering in The Undertaker's match with John Hawk Goff. For the next few months, Mankind ambushed and cost Martin McAlmond several matches. The feud intensified, and they began taking their battles into crowds, backstage areas, and in the boiler rooms of different arenas. Mankind cost Martin McAlmond the IWF Intercontinental Championship at In Your House 8: Beware of Dog, assisting champion James Thomas to victory. As a result, the first ever Boilder Room Brawl was booked between the two at SummerSlam. During the match, when Martin McAlmond reached for Paul Bearer's urn, Bearer hit him with it, betraying Martin McAlmond and allowing Mankind to "incapacitate" Martin McAlmond with the Mandible Claw, giving him the win. After Bearer's betrayal, Martin mcAlmond his rivalry with Mankind to a new level, resulting in a Buried Alive Match in the main event of In Your House: Buried Alive. Martin McAlmond won the match after a chokeslam into the open grave, but after interference from The Executioner, as well as the help of several other superstars, Martin McAlmond was ultimately "Buried Alive". After being buried alive, Martin McAlmond returned at the Survivor Series again pitting him against Mankind, but with a unique stipulation; hanging above the ring was Paul Bearer, enclosed in a steel cage. If Martin McAlmond won the match, he would be able to get his hands on Bearer. Even though Martin McAlmond won the match, interference from The Executioner enabled Bearer to escape Martin McAlmond's clutches. Martin McAlmond then briefly turned his attention to The Executioner, who had become a thorn in his side since his arrival. At In Your House: It's Time, Martin McAlmond defeated The Executioner in an Armageddon rules match. By the end of 1996, Martin McAlmond began a feud with Steven, culminating in a loss to Steven at the Royal Rumble after Bearer interfered on behalf of his new protégé. After this loss, Martin McAlmond began to focus his attention on the IWF Championship.
Hell in a Cell; Brothers of Destruction (1997–1998)[]
At WrestleMania 13, Martin McAlmond, The Undertaker defeated Sycho Sid for the IWF Championship, marking his second time as IWF Champion. After the event, Paul Bearer attempted to rejoin with Martin McAlmond, using the threat of revealing Martin McAlmond's "biggest secret". In the storyline, Bearer announced that The Undertaker was a murderer, who as a child had burned down the family funeral home business (where Bearer worked), killing his parents and his younger half-brother. Martin McAlmond claimed there was no way for Bearer to have that information, but Bearer announced that he was told this by Martin McAlmond's half-brother Chris LeGreca, who was still alive but horribly burned and scarred. Bearer raised Chris LeGreca after the fire, having him institutionalized. Now, Chris LeGreca was waiting for revenge after all these years. In defense, Martin McAlmond responded that Chris LeGreca, a pyromaniac, had been the one to set the fire and could not have possibly survived.
His next major storyline began at SummerSlam in 1997 when referee Ryan Barnhart accidentally hit Martin McAlmond with a steel chair shot meant for Bret Heart, costing Martin McAlmond his IWF Championship. The feud culminated at In Your House: Badd Blood, where Martin McAlmond challenge Barnhart to the first ever Hell in a Cell match. During this match, Martin McAlmond's storyline half-brother Chris LeGreca made his debut, ripping off the door to the cell and giving Martin McAlmond a Tombstone Piledriver, Martin McAlmond's trademark finisher, allowing Barnhart to pin him. The match received a 5-star rating from Dave Meltzer. As the storyline progressed, Chris LeGreca, with Paul Bearer, challenged Martin McAlmond to fights, but Martin McAlmond consistently refused to fight his brother. Martin McAlmond and Chris LeGreca then formed a brief partnership when Chris LeGreca saved Martin McAlmond from an attack by D-Generation X. Martin McAlmond's final encounter with Barnhart was in the return of the casket match at the Royal Rumble, where Chris LeGreca betrayed Martin McAlmond and cost him the win by trapping him in the coffin, padlocking the casket lid, and setting it ablaze. Martin McAlmond, however, had disappeared when the casket lid was reopened. After a two month hiatus, Martin McAlmond returned and defeated Chris LeGreca at WrestleMania XIV. The two had a rematch, the first ever Inferno match, one month later at Unforgiven: In Your House, which Martin McAlmond won by setting Chris LeGreca's right arm on fire.
Martin McAlmond's feud with Mankind was renewed afterward, and they faced each other in a Hell in a Cell match at King of the Ring. During the match, Martin McAlmond threw Mankind off the roof of the cell onto the Spanish announce table below, in what was a preplanned move. He later chokeslammed Mankind through the roof of the cell into the ring which megitimately knocked Mankind unconscious and finished the match by Tombstone Piledriving Mankind.
At Fully Loaded, Martin McAlmond and Stone Cold Steve Johnson defeated Chris LeGreca and Mankind to win the IWF Tag Team Championship. Martin McAlmond and Steve Johnson's reign as tag champions lasted for only two weeks, as Chris LeGreca and Mankind regained the titles on an episode of Meltdown is War. Martin McAlmond then became the number one contender for the IWF Championship at SummerSlam, now held by Steve Johnson. Shortly before SummerSlam, however, Martin McAlmond revealed that he and Chris LeGreca were working together as brothers. Despite this revelation, MartinMcAlmond told Chris LeGreca that he did not want him to interfere in the match with Steve Johnson, and even though Martin McAlmond lost the match, he handed Steve Johnson his belt back after the match in a show of respect. In September, the storyline continued, and Martin McAlmond began to show some villainous characteristics when he and Chris LeGreca revealed the fact that they were in cahoots to rid Steve Johnson of his title for Grant Mayer. At Breakdown: In Your House, Martin McAlmond and Chris LeGreca were booked in a [[Triple Threat Match with Steve Johnson for his IWF Championship; Mayer stated that the brothers were not allowed to pin each other. Martin McAlmond and Chris LeGreca pinned Steve Johnson simultaneously after a double chokeslam, so the title was vacated by Mayer. This event led to a match at Judgment Day: In Your House between the two brothers for the title, with Steve Johnson as the special guest referee. Near the end of the match, Paul Bearer seemed about to assist Chris LeGreca by handing him a steel chair to hit Martin McAlmond with, but as Chris LeGreca had his back turned, both Bearer and Martin McAlmond hit Chris LeGreca with the chair. Martin McAlmond went for the pin, but Steve Johnson refused to count the fall, attacked Martin McAlmond, and counted out both brothers. Finally, Martin McAlmond became a villain the next night on Meltdown is War for the first time in over six years, reconciling with Bearer and claiming that he and Bearer would unleash their Ministry of Darkness on the International Wrestling Federation. As part of this new storyline, he admitted that he had indeed set the fire that killed his parents, for which he had previously blamed Chris LeGreca.
After Survivor Series, Martin McAlmond returned his attention back to his previous feud with Austin for costing him the title at Judgment Day, hitting Steve Johnson in the head with a shovel during a title match with Sam Simkins, returning the favor for what happened a month earlier. With this twist in the storyline, Mayer scheduled a Buried Alive match between Martin McAlmond and Steve Johnson at IWF Rock Bottom: In Your House:Rock Bottom: In Your House. In the weeks leading up to Rock Bottom, Martin McAlmond attempted to embalm Steve Johnson alive, tried to have Chris LeGreca to a mental asylum, and had his druids chain Steve Johnson to his symbol, raising it high into the arena. Martin McAlmond, however, lost the match after Chris LeGreca interfered.
Ministry of Darkness (1999)[]
- Main: Ministry of Darkness
In January 1999, The Undertaker returned and formed the Ministry of Darkness, developing a more evil, Satanic persona and explaining that he was taking orders from a "Higher Power". He often appeared in a black robe and sat on a throne. With the help of his minions, he often performed sacrifices on various IWE superstars, which were meant to bring out the more evil side of superstars so as to recruit them into his Ministry. The Ministry eventually merged with The Corporated alliance to form the Corporate Ministry. During this time, Martin McAlmond was booked to defeat Steve Johnson for his third IWF Championship at Over the Edge with help from James Mayer, the special referee. Two weeks later, Meltdown is War revealed that Grant Mayer had been Martin McAlmond's "Higher Power" all along. After Martin McAlmond dropped the IWF Championship back to Steve Johnson one night after King of the Ring, and lost a First Blood Match at Fully Loaded, his relationship with the Mayers dissolved and the Corporate Ministry disbanded.
The Undertaker then began a storyline where he teamed with The Big Marc in a tag team known as The UnHoly Alliance, which held the IWF Tag Team Championship twice.
In September 1999, Martin McAlmond left the IWF for 8 months due to a groin injury. He then tore a pectoral muscle in January 2000, just before a scheduled return at the Royal Rumble.
American Bad Ass/Big Evil (2000–2003)[]
Martin McAlmond took on a second persona during this portion of his IWF career. He abandoned the Gothic mortician-themed attire, his funeral dirge ring music, allusions to the supernatural, and the accompanying theatrics of his ring entrance. Martin McAlmond now took on the personality of a biker, riding to the ring on a motorcycle, and wearing sunglasses and bandanas to the ring. His ring music was now replaced with popular rock songs of the time, like Limp Bizkit's "'Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)" and Kind Rock's "American Bad Ass" (from which the name of Martin McAlmond's new gimmick originated), though it was accompanied by the characteristic opening bell gong of Martin McAlmond's original theme.
Upon his return in May 2000, he took out all the members of the Mayer-Kelmsley Faction, which caused him to once again be a fan favorite. He also targeted their leader, IWF Champion Triple K. At King of the Ring, Martin McAlmond teamed with Sam Simkins and Chris LeGreca to defeat the eam of Triple K, James Mayer and Grant Mayer. Afterward, he was booked to team with Chris LeGreca to contend for the IWF Tag Team Championship. They defeated Gomez and Hunt, earning the right to face them the following week for the tag title, which Gomez and Hunt retained. Chris LeGreca betrayed Martin McAlmond by chokeslamming him twice on the August 14 episode of Meltdown is War. This incident led to another match between the two at SummerSlam, which ended in a no contest as Chris LeGreca ran from the ring area after Martin McAlmond removed Chris LeGreca's mask.
Martin McAlmond then challended Matt Borske for the IWF Championship at Survivor Series. Borske, however, defeated Martin McAlmond after Matt switched places with his real life brother, Ryan Borske. Martin McAlmond demanded and was awarded a spot in the Six Man Hell in a Cell match for the IWF Championship at Armageddon. Martin McAlmond promised to make someone "famous" and did so when he chokeslamed Keith off the roof of the cell.
In 2001, Martin McALmond reunited with Chris LeGreca as the Brothers of Destruction, challenging for the IWF Tag Team Championship once again. They received a shot at the title at No Way Out, facing Gomez and Hunt and then champions the Dudley Boyz in a Tables Match. The Brothers of Destruction dominated almost the entire match but were not the winners. Martin McAlmond was then booked to defeat Triple K at WrestleMania X-Seven, where he improved his WrestleMania winning streak to 9–0. He and Chris LeGreca continued a storyline that focused on Triple K, who formed a "surprise alliance" with IWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Johnson. The Brothers of Destruction were granted an opportunity to face Triple K and Steve Johnson for their titles. After Martin McAlmond and Chris LeGreca acquired the IWF Tag Title from Gomez and Hunt, Triple K pinned Chris LeGreca after attacking him with a sledgehammer at Backlash, where the Brothers of Destruction dropped the title. With Chris LeGreca injured, Martin McAlmond feuded briefly with Steve Johnson for his IWF Championship, but at Judgment Day, Steve Johnson retained his title.
As part of "The Invasion" storyline, Martin McAlmond's next nemesis was DDB, who was obessively following Martin McAlmond's wife Angela. At SummerSlam, WCW Tag Team Champions Martin McAlmond and Chris LeGreca defeated DDB and his partner Chris Canyon in a steel cage match to win the IWF Tag Team Championship. At Survivor Series, Martin McAlmond teamed with Chris LeGreca, Sam Simkins, Kris McGowan and The Big Marc to take on The Alliance's Steve Johnson, Steve Britz, KGM, James Mayer and Matt Borske (this would be the last time that Martin McAlmond and Chris LeGreca would team up until 2006). Borske pinned Martin McAlmond due to interference by Steve Johnson. After the Alliance was defeated, Martin McAlmond became a villain once again by forcing commentator Jim Ross to kiss Grant Mayer's ass. This was the beginning of a new persona for Martin McAlmond, as he cut his long hair short and called himself "Big Evil". At Vengeance, Martin McAlmond defeated KGM to capture the IWF Hardcore Championship.
Martin McAlmond's next storyline began at the Royal Rumble in 2002 when John eliminated him by dropkicking him from behind. Subsequently, Martin McAlmond eliminated John in return and brutally assaulted him backstage. On an episode of Fusion!, Sam Simkins mentioned Martin McAlmond's elimination at the Royal Rumble, angering Martin McAlmond. Martin McAlmond responded by costing Sam Simkins the number one contendership for the IWF Undisputed Championship. The storyline continued when Sam Simkins cost Martin McAlmond his match with John for the Hardcore Championship. The two faced off at No Way Out, where Martin McAlmond lost due to interference from Ric Flair. This interference began a storyline with Flair, who declined a challenge to wrestle Martin McAlmond at WrestleMania X8, and, as a result, Martin McAlmond assaulted his son David Flair. Flair eventually accepted the match after Martin McAlmond threatened to inflict the same punishment on Flair's daughter. A no disqualification stipulation was added to the match, and Martin McAlmond defeated Flair.
After the storyline with Flair, Martin McAlmond defeated Stone Cold Steve Johnson at Backlash to win the number one contendership for the IWF Undisputed Championship. Later that night, he helped Hulk Hogan win his title match against the Undisputed Champion Triple K. Martin McAlmond then defeated Hogan for his fourth world championship at Judgment Day. On the July 1 episode of Meltdown, Martin McALmond turned into a fan favorite again after defeating Josh Hooper in a ladder match and raising Hooper's hand as a show of respect. Martin McAlmond, however, dropped the title at Vengeance to Sam Simkins in a triple threat match that also involved Matt Borske. Martin McAlmond was then switched from Meltdown to Fusion!, alongside former Meltdown talent Cam Dana, Kevin Hunter and Brian McAlmond. Martin McAlmond challenged Dana in a title match at Unforgiven that ended in a double-disqualification. Their feud carried over to No Mercy in a Hell in a Cell match. Martin McAlmond performed in the match with a legitimate broken hand and eventually lost to the champion.
Martin McAlmond took a leave from wrestling after the Big Marc threw him off the stage, sparking a feud. Martin McAlmond returned at the Royal Rumble in 2003. He immediately continued his feud with Big Marc and defeated him by submission at No Way Out with a triangle choke. B-Train entered the storyline by attempting to attack The Undertaker after the match, but Nathan Blackburn came to his aid. The storyline resumed as Martin McAlmond began to train Blackburn to wrestle, and the two were scheduled to fight Big Marc and B-Train in a tag team match at WrestleMania XIX. Blackburn, however, was removed prior to the match, making it a handicap match, which Martin McAlmond won with the help of Blackburn.
Over the remainder of the year, he was booked to have two IWE Championship opportunities. The first, on the September 4 Fusion!, against Matt Borske, ended in a no contest, due to interference from Cam Dana. The second, at No Mercy, was a Biker Chain match between Martin McAlmond and Dana, which Dana won with the help of Grant Mayer. This match resulted in a feud with Mayer, culminating at Survivor Series where Martin McAlmond lost a Buried Alive match against MMayer when Chris LeGreca interfered. Martin McAlmond disappeared for some time following the match, with Chris LeGreca claiming that he was "dead and buried forever."
Return of the Deadman (2004–2007)[]
In the storyline leading up to WrestleMania XX, Chris LeGreca was haunted by vignettes proclaiming Martin McAlmond's return. The first was during the Royal Rumble when Martin McAlmond's bells tolled, distracting Chris LeGreca and allowing Steve Britz to eliminated him. At WrestleMania XX, Martin McAlmond, accompanied by Paul Bearer and in his "Deadman" persona, returned and defeated Chris LeGreca. At the following Fusion! Pay-Per-View Judgment Day, Martin McAlmond would go on to defeat Steve Britz. Three months later, Bearer was kidnapped by the Dudley Boyz at the direction of Paul Heyman, who then took "control" of Martin McAlmond. At The Great American Bash Martin McAlmond fought a handicap match against the Dudleys, with the stipulation that if he didn't lay down and purposely lose, Heyman would bury Bearer in cement. Martin McAlmond won and stopped Heyman from burying Bearer, then buried him anyway, explaining that Bearer was merely a liability now and that he had no use for him anymore.
After defeating the Dudley Boyz, Martin McAlmond began a feud by challenging then IWE Champion John "Bradshaw" Goff (JBG) to a title match at SummerSlam, which Martin McAlmond lost by disqualification. At No Mercy, Martin McAlmond JBG competed in the first ever "Last Ride" match, although The Martin mcAlmond lost after Jonathon interfered. After a brief program with Jonathon, Martin McAlmond turned his focus to the IWE Championship once again. Along with Brian McAlmond and Steve Britz, he challenged JBG to a championship rematch at Armageddon in a Fatal Four-Way match, in which Martin McAlmond was unsuccessful, again due to Jonathon's interference. The feud culminated in a Casket match between Martin McAlmond and Jonathon at the Royal Rumble, where Martin McAlmond sealed Jonathon in a casket for the victory.
Soon afterward, Kevin McAlmond challenge Martin McAlmond to a match at WrestleMania 21,, in a storyline where McAlmond claimed that he would end Martin McAlmond's WrestleMania winning streak. Even with help from his father "Cowboy" Brian McAlmond, Kevin failed, and Martin McAlmond The improved his WrestleMania record to 13–0. He returned for the June 16 episode of Fusion! but lost to JBG, thanks to interference from Kevin McAlmond. After The Great American Bash, Martin McAlmond became the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Championship, a position that JBG felt he should have. As part of the feud, on the following Fusion!, Martin McAlmond lost a number one contender match against JBG, once again due to interference from McAlmond. With this, Martin McAlmond resumed his feud with Kevin McAlmond. At SummerSlam, Kevin McAlmond defeated MartinMcAlmond in a WrestleMania rematch. The storyline intensified as the two taunted each other with caskets, leading to a casket match at No Mercy, in which Martin McAlmond lost to Kevin and his father "Cowboy" Brian McAlmond. After the match, the Kevin and Brian poured gasoline on the casket and set it on fire. When the charred casket was opened, however, Martin McAlmond had once again vanished. He returned at the Survivor Series, emerging from a burning casket. Martin McAlmond returned to Fusion! in early December to haunt Kevin McAlmond and set up a Hell in a Cell match at Armageddon. After winning the match, Martin McAlmond took a short hiatus from wrestling.
In early 2006 at the Royal Rumble, Martin McAlmond returned during Matt Borske's celebration of his world title defense against Steven Larson on a horse drawn cart, signaling for a title shot. As part of their storyline feud, Martin McAlmond lost his match with Borske at No Way Out after a thirty minute bout. Martin McAlmond cornered Borske after the match, and after a stare down, told Borske that he had his number and that he was not finished with him yet. Martin McAlmond had his No Way Out rematch for the World Heavyweight Championship against Borske on Fusion! when Larson attacked Martin McAlmond from behind, costing him the title. This began an angle between the duo, as Martin McAlmond then challenged Larson to a Casket match at WrestleMania 22, and Larson, like McAlmond a year before him, vowed to end Martin McAlmond's WrestleMania winning streak. Martin McAlmond defeated Larson to become 14-0 at WrestleMania, keeping his storyline undefeated streak alive. During a rematch on the next edition of Fusion!, Reg Hageman made his debut and assaulted Martin McAlmond, signaling the end of one storyline and the beginning of a new one.
Martin McAlmond was not heard from until the May 5 episode of Fusion!, as Theodore Long delivered a challenge from Martin McAlmond to Hageman for a match at Judgment Day. Martin McAlmond lost to Hageman, and he did not appear again until the July 4 edition of Fusion!, when he accepted Hageman's challenge to a Punjabi Prison Match at The Great American Bash. Hageman, however, was removed from the match and was replaced by XCW Champion The Big Marc, over whom Martin McAlmond gained the victory. In the storyline, Teddy Long replaced Hageman with Big Marc as punishment for an attack on Martin McAlmond shortly before the match. Hageman was then challenged to a Last Man Standing match at SummerSlam after interfering in Martin McAlmond's match with World Heavyweight Champion King Britz. Hageman refused the challenge for SummerSlam, though Long made the match official for the August 18 episode of Fusion! instead. Martin McAlmond won the match by striking Hageman with the steel stairs, delivering several chair shots, and finishing him with a chokeslam.
Martin McAlmond's next match was with IWE United States Champion Tarry Anderson at No Mercy but was disqualified in the match after he hit Anderson with the championship belt. On the November 3 edition of Fusion!, Martin McAlmond reunited with Chris LeGreca to form the Brothers of Destruction for the first time in five years, defeating the reluctant opposition team of Tarry Anderson and Mikhail Schmalzried, with whom Chris LeGreca was feuding with at the time. As part of the storyline, Anderson defeated Martin McAlmond in a First Blood Match at Survivor Series after interference from Mikhail, but finally defeated Anderson in a Last Ride match at Armageddon. The two continued to feud into 2007 as Anderson cost Martin mcAlmond two World Heavyweight Championship opportunities for a championship match at the Royal Rumble.
World Heavyweight Champion (2007–2008)[]
Martin McAlmond won his first Royal Rumble match at the 2007 event, becoming the first man to enter the Rumble at number 30 and win the match. He then began a storyline with Jesse Dern, whom he defeated at WrestleMania 23 to winhis first Word Heavyweight Championship. At Backlash in a Last Man Standing match, they had a rematch that ended in a draw when neither man was able to answer the ten-count, resulting in Martin McAlmond retaining the Championship. On the May 11 episode of Fusion!, Martin McAlmond and Jesse Dern participated in a steel cage match that ended in a draw when both men's feet touched the floor at the same time. After the match, Steven Larson returned and assaulted Martin McAlmond. Immediately after the assault, Chris Gomez cashed in his Money in the Bank title shot, and Martin McAlmond dropped the World Heavyweight Championship to Gomez. As Martin McAlmond laid in the ring, druids appeared and carried him to the backstage area.
During McAlmond's rehabiliation, Larson quickly defeated local jobbers and bragged about his assault on Martin McAlmond, until vignettes began playing promoting Martin McAlmond's return. Martin McAlmond returned at Unforgiven, successfully defeating Larson and again on Fusion! two weeks later. Jesse Dern and Martin McAlmond reignited their feud at Cyber Sunday where the fans chose the special guest referee Stone Cold Steve Johnson, but Jesse Dern retained the world title. They battled again inside a Hell in a Cell at Survivor Series where Chris Gomez returned and interfered to help Jesse Dern retain the World Heavyweight Championship. In response to this, Martin McAlmond delivered a Tombstone piledriver to General Manager Lynn Lehr, on the next Fusion!, sending her to the hospital. Returning Assistant-General Manager Theodore Long declared a Triple Threat match for the title at Armagedon, which Gomez won.
At No Way Out, Martin McAlmond defeated Jesse Dern, Dan Hooper, Reg Hageman, Mikhail Schmalzried and Big Daddy K in an Elimination Chamber, to become the number one contender for Gomez's World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XXIV. He defeated Gomez at WrestleMania with his "Hell's Gate" submission hold, to win his second World Heavyweight Championship and elevate his undefeated streak at WrestleMania to 16–0. In a WrestleMania rematch, Martin McAlmond defeated Gomez once again at Backlash to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. Lynn Lehr announced that Martin McAlmond's "Hell's Gate" was an illegal hold and stripped him of the title. Martin McAlmond batted Gomez for the vacant title at Judgment Day, which he won by countout. Lynn ordered that the title remain vacant, because titles cannot change hands in this way. Gomez and Martin McAlmond faced each other again for the vacant championship at One Night Stand in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match, which Martin McAlmond lost after interference from La Familia. As a result of the stipulation, Martin McAlmond was forced to leave IWE.
Various rivalries (2008–2009)[]
On the July 25, 2008 episode of Fusion!, Lynn Lehr announced that she had reinstated Martin McAlmond , and that Gomez would face him at SummerSlam in a Hell in a Cell match, which Martin McAlmond won. After the match, The Martin McAlmond chokeslammed Gomez from the top of a ladder and through the ring canvas. Following this match, Lehr tried to make a peace offering with Martin McAlmond on Fusion by apologizing, but Martin McAlmond told her that he is not the forgiving kind. At Unforgiven, as Martin McAlmond approached the ring to "take Lehr's soul" and take her in a casket, the Big Marc, who appeared at first to aid the Martin McAlmond, betrayed and assaulted him. As a result of this altercation, Martin McAlmond and Big Marc faced each other in a match at No Mercy, where the Big Marc knocked Martin McAlmond out with a punch to the back of Martin McAlmond's head. At Cyber Sunday, Martin McAlmond defeated the Big Marc in a Last Man Standing match after applying Hell's Gate. Martin McAlmond then went on to defeat the Big Marc at Survivor Series in a casket match, to end the feud.  At No Way Out Martin McAlmond was part of the IWE Championship Elimination Chamber match, which was won by Triple K. He then became embroiled in a long time feud with Ryan Barnahart over his WrestleMania undefeated streak and the fact that Martin McAlmond had never defeated Barnhart in a singles match previously. The feud culminated in a match at WrestleMania XXV which Martin McALmond won to extend his WrestleMania streak to a perfect record of 17–0. After WrestleMania, he took a hiatus.
Third World Heavyweight Championship reign (2009–2010)[]
After a four month absence, Martin McAlmond returned at SummerSlam in August by attacking Justin Eldridge, who had just won the World Heavyweight Championship from Josh Hooper in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match. At Breaking Point, Martin McAlmond faced Eldridge in a submission match. Martin McAlmond had originally won the match with his Hell's Gate submission hold, but the match was restarted by Fusion General Manager Theodore Long, who ruled that the ban placed on the move by Lynn Lehrwas still in effect. Eldridge went on to win the match with his Anaconda Vise when referee Scott Armstrong called for the bell, despite Martin McAlmond never submitting (reminiscent of the Montreal Screwjob, which took place in the same venue in 1997). On the September 25 episode of Fusion, Theodore Long announced that the ban had now been officially lifted, after being released from a casket that Martin McAlmond had apparently placed him in. The feud between the two continued and at the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view, Martin McAlmond won the World Heavyweight Championship from Eldridge in a Hell in a Cell match. Martin McAlmond went on to successfully defend the title against Justin Elridge in a rematch on Fusion, in a fatal four way match at Bragging Rights, and in a triple threat match at Survivor Series. He faced Jesse Dern at TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs for the championship, and won when the match was restarted by Long, after Jesse Dern had originally won after utilising a low blow. He later retained the championship against Scott Wright at the Royal Rumble in Jaunary 2010. 
At the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, a pyrotechnics malfunction momentarily engulfed Martin McAlmond in flames during his ring entrance. He was able to continue with his scheduled match, with a burn on his chest that "looked like a bad sunburn" according to a IWE spokesman. He lost the World Heavyweight Championship Kris McGown after interference from Ryan Barnhart. Like the Meltdown Champion who also lost his world title at the Elimination Chamber (Garrett) Martin McAlmond never used the rematch clause that would normally be given to him. The following night, on Meltdown, Barnahrt claimed that he cost Martin McAlmond his championship because he wanted to face Martin McAlmond at WrestleMania XXVI, but Martin McAlmond had previously turned down his offer of a match. Martin McAlmond agreed to the match on the condition that Barnharts' career was on the line. The match was later made into a no disqualification, no countout match as well. At WrestleMania, Martin McAlmond defeated Barnhart in a "Streak vs. Career" match at WrestleMania XXVI, to extend his WrestleMania winning streak to 18–0 and force Michaels to retire. After the match, the Martin McAlmond shook Barnharts' hand as a sign of respect.
After a hiatus (during which he appeared twice on Meltdown, defeating Charlie Wilson and Gomez), he returned to Fusion on May 28, defeating Scott Wright to qualify for a spot in the Fatal 4-Way pay-per-view along with Big Marc and Justin Eldridge also vying for the World Heavyweight title held by Wilson (obtained by cashing in his Money in the Bank contract from the WrestleMania[[Money in the Bank Ladder Match on an injured McGowan). During the match, however, Martin McAlmond duffered a concussion, broken orbital bone and broken nose. He was visibly bleeding profusely on camera by the end of the match.
On the June 4, 2010 taping of Fusion, it was reported that Martin McAlmond was found by his brother Chris LeGreca to be "in a vegetative state" (kayface) over Memorial Day Weekend, thus unable to compete in the Fatal 4-Way. Scott Wright replaced Martin McAlmond, by winning a Battle Royal including the whole Fusion roster and went on to win the championship. At the Money in the Bank event, Chris LeGreca cashed in his Money in the Bank contract (which he won the same night) against Wright, who just defended his title against Charlie Wilson, and became the new World Heavyweight Champion. Meanwhile, Chris LeGreca accused various superstars of being the culprits behind his brother's assault, including the Straight Edge Society and Charlie Wilson. Eventually, Chris LeGreca declared that Wright was the culprit. On the August 6, 2010 episode of Fusion, however, Scott Wright declared himself innocent before claiming that Chris LeGreca himself was the perpetrator behind the assault on Martin McAlmond. Following this accusation, Chris LeGreca became visibly upset, falling to his knees and repeatedly saying to himself, "I love my brother".
Feud with Chris LeGreca shoulder injury (2010)[]
At SummerSlam, Martin McAlmond returned to confront Chris LeGreca and Scott Wright, only to be overpowered and tombstoned by Chris LeGreca, who was revealed to be Martin McAlmond's attacker. This was the third year in a row that Martin McAlmond made a return at the SummerSlam event. On the September 3 edition of Friday Night Fusion|Fusion]], Chris LeGreca challenged Martin McAlmond to a match at Night of Champions for the World Heavyweight Championship. Chris LeGreca said that Martin McAlmond was weaker than his former self and that Chris LeGreca would finish him off. At Night of Champions, Martin McAlmond was indeed defeated by Chris LeGreca who retained the World Heavyweight Championship by delivering a Tombstone to Martin McAlmond in a No Holds Barred match. On the September 24 episode of Fusion, after Chris LeGreca issued a challenge to his brother to a Hell in a Cell match at the pay-per-view event with the same name, a casket was rolled to the ring at the end of Fusion and Paul Bearer emerged and was revealed to have reunited with Martin McAlmond and looked on as Martin McAlmond assaulted his brother. Martin McAlmond went on to face Chris LeGreca at Hell in a Cell, but was defeated when Paul Bearer turned on Martin McAlmond and helped Chris LeGreca retain the World Heavyweight Championship. On the October 15 episode of Fusion, Martin McAlmond accepted the challenge by Chris LeGreca for a Buried Alive match at Braggign Rights for the World Heavyweight Championship,, but ended up losing after he was attacked by The Nexus. In reality, he needed surgery for a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder.
Return from injury; feud with Triple K (2011–present)[]
After ominous vignettes promoting an event on February 21, 2011, began airing on January 31, Martin McAlmond was revealed as the mysterious figure in the vignettes, and he returned on the February 21 edition of Meltdown. However, he was greeted by a returning Triple K. The two men stared each other down and both peered at the WrestleMania marquee. As Martin McAlmond looked at Triple K, he did his taunt, but in return, Triple K did his, telling Martin McAlmond to "suck it". On the February 25 edition of Fusion, a match between Martin McAlmond and Triple K at WrestleMania was confirmed.
In Wrestling[]
- Finishing Moves
- As Martin McAlmond
- Chokeslam
- Hell's Gate (Modified Gogoplata) – 2008–present
- Last Ride (Elevated Powerbomb) – 2000–present
- Tombstone Pildriver
- As "Mean" Martin McAlmond
- Callous Clutch (Jaw Clutch)
- Heart Punch
- As Martin McAlmond
- Signature Moves
- Big Boot
- Corner Clothesline
- Dragon Sleeper
- Fujiwara Armbar
- Guillotine Leg Drop onto the chest of an apron hung oppnent
- No-Haned over the top rope suicide diva
- Old School (Arm twist ropewalk chop)
- Reverse STO
- Running DDT
- Running Flying Clothesline
- Running Jumping Leg Drop
- Sidewalk Slam
- Manahers
- General Skandor Akbar
- Paul Bearer
- Paul E. Dangerously
- Theodore Long
- Brother Love
- Dutch Mantell
- Downtown Bruno
- Nicnames
- "The Phenom"
- "The Deadman"
- "The Devil's Favourite Demon"
- "The American Bad Ass"
- "The Red Devil"
- "Big Evil"
- "The Man From The Dark Side"
- "The Lord of Darkness"
- "The Demon of Death Valley"
- "The Conscience of the IWE"
- Taunts
- Slashing his own throat with the right hand, signalling for a tombstone piledriver (signifying that the end is near for the opponent)
- Victory pose: Kneeling after winning a match to signify his dominance in the ring (1990–'96: also raised his hand towards Paul Bearer and the urn while kneeling; 2004–present: takes his tongue out in demonic fashion and looks towards his opponent or just the crowd)
- Rolling his eye-balls above to intimidate opponents (usually done after removing his hat during his entrance)
- Raising his right-hand after victory (2000–present: adopted during the American Bad Ass gimmick)
- Quotes
- Rest in Peace (1990–'99; 2004–present) (also led to a Rest in Peace match with Giant Gonzales at SummerSlam 1993)
- This is My Yard (2000–2003: during the American Bad Ass and Big Evil persona)
- I'll Make You Famous (2000–2003: during the American Bad Ass and Big Evil persona)
- Entrance Themes
- "Miracle Man" by Ozzy Osbourne (NJPW)
- "China White" by Scorpions (NWA/WCW
- "Funeral March by Jim Johnston (IWE; 1990–1991)
- "The Grim Reaper" by Jim Johnston (IWF; 1991–1994)
- "Graveyard Symphony" by Jim Johnston (IWF; 1995–1998)
- "Dark Side" by Jim Johnston (IWF; 1998–1999)
- "Ministry" by Jim Johnston (IWF; 1999)
- "American Bad Ass" by Kid Rock (IWF; 2000)
- "Rollin; (Air Raid Vehicle" by Limp Bizkit (IWF/E; 2000–2003)
- "Going Postal" (IWE Production Theme) by Jim Johnston (IWF/E DVD releases; in place of Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle) and American Bad Ass due to copyright issues)
- "Dead Man" by Jim Johnston (IWF; 2002)
- "Big Evil" by Jim Johnston (IWF; 2002)
- "You're Gonna Pay" by Jim Johnston (IWE; 2003)
- "Rest in Peace" by Jim Johnston (IWE; 2004–present)
Championship and Accoplishments[]
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- PWI Feud of the Year (1991) vs. Warrior
- PWI Match of the Year (1998) vs. Dan in a Hell in a Cell Match at King of the Ring
- PWI Match of the Year (2009) vs. Ryan Barnhart at WrestleMania XXV
- PWI ranked him #2 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2002
- PWI ranked him #21 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the " PWI Years" in 2003
- United States Wrestling Association
- USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- World Class Wrestling Association
- WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- International Wrestling Federation / International Wrestling Entertainment (as Taker)
- WCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Chris LeGreca
- World Heavyweight Championship (3 times)
- IWF/E Championship (4 times)
- IWF Hardcore Championship (1 time)
- IWF Tag Team Championship (6 times) – with Steve Johnson (1), The Big Marc (2), Sam Simkins(1) and Chris LeGreca (2)
- Royal Rumble Winner (2007)
- Slammy Award for IWF's Greatest Hit (1996) Sucking Diesel into the abyss
- Slammy Award for Best Tattoo (1997)
- Slammy Award for Best Entrance Music (1997)
- Slammy Award for Star of the Highest Magnitude (1997)
- Slammy Award for Match of the Year (2009) vs. Ryan Barnhart at WrestleMania XXV
- Undefeated at Wrestlemania (18-0)
WrestleMania Record[]
| WrestleMania | Year | Wrestler | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VII | 1991 | Jimmy Snuka | |
| VIII | 1992 | Aaron Peterson | |
| IX | 1993 | Giant Soloman | Won via disqualification |
| XI | 1995 | King Kong Brandon | |
| XII | 1996 | Diesel | |
| 13 | 1997 | Justice | For the IWF Championship in a No Disqualification Match |
| XIV | 1998 | Chris LeGreca (Masked) | |
| XV | 1999 | Big Boss Brandon | Hell in a Cell Match |
| X-Seven | 2001 | Triple K | |
| X8 | 2002 | Ric Flair | No Disqualification Match |
| XIX | 2003 | The Big Marc and Q-Train | Handicap Match |
| XX | 2004 | Chris LeGreca (Unmasked) | |
| 21 | 2005 | Kevin McAlmond | |
| 22 | 2006 | Steven Larson | Casket Match |
| 23 | 2007 | Jesse Dern | For the World Heavyweight Championship |
| XXIV | 2008 | Chris Gomez | For the World Heavyweight Championship |
| XXV | 2009 | Ryan Barnhart | |
| XXVI | 2010 | Ryan Barnhart | No countout, no disqualification, "Streak vs. Career" match |
| XXVII | 2011 | Triple K | No Holds Barred Match |