- Mike Polchlopek
-
Mike Polchlopek 
Ring name(s) Bart Gunn[1]
Brett Colt[1]
Bodacious Bart[1]
Mike Barton[1]Billed height 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)[1] Billed weight 258 lb (117 kg)[1] Born December 27, 1963 [1]
Titusville, FloridaResides Melbourne, Florida Billed from Austin, Texas[1] Trained by Caesar Barraza
Blackjack Mulligan
Boris MalenkoDebut 1991 Michal Burton "Mike" Polchlopek, Jr.[2] (born December 27, 1963) is an American professional wrestler and mixed martial artist, also known by the ring names Bart Gunn and Mike Barton. He is perhaps best known for his six-year tenure in the World Wrestling Federation.[1]
Contents
Career
World Wrestling Federation (1993-1999)
Main article: The Smoking GunnsPolchlopek was famous in the World Wrestling Federation as one-half of the tag team The Smoking Gunns with his kayfabe brother Billy Gunn. The team were WWF World Tag Team Champions three times before breaking up and engaging in a brief feud. Bart Gunn briefly went into solo competition with his most high profile match at the time being on Monday Night Raw in February 1996 when he lost to an up and coming Stone Cold Steve Austin when Austin made Bart Gunn pass out to his sleeperhold finisher.
Polchlopek then recreated the Midnight Express tag team as "Bodacious Bart" with partner "Bombastic" Bob Holly. The team had limited success, though they did hold the NWA World Tag Team Championship for a brief period in 1998.
When the WWF announced a shoot tournament called the Brawl for All in which the competition would be real and winners would not be predetermined, Bart Gunn participated. Gunn actually drew partner Bob Holly in the first round but was declared the winner by the complicated point system. When Gunn fought Steve Williams, many were surprised when he won by knockout. He won the tournament with a victory over the Godfather in the semi-finals and Bradshaw in the finals.
Afterward, Gunn feuded with both Holly and Williams, the pair angry at having been beaten in the tournament, the latter masking himself and pushing Gunn off a stage. To continue capitalizing on the impressive Brawl for All showing, the WWF set up a Brawl for All match between Gunn and heavyweight boxer Eric "Butterbean" Esch at WrestleMania XV. Esch knocked out Gunn within 30 seconds. Polchlopek was soon released by WWF.
All Japan Pro Wrestling (1998-2002)
After leaving the WWF, Polchlopek found success wrestling in Japan (due to the fame of Steve Williams in Japan and his knockout pushing him as tougher than Dr. Death). He debuted for All Japan Pro Wrestling in late 1998 where he competed in the 1998 World Strongest Tag League teaming with Johnny Ace where they finished in 4th place with 8 points[3]. After leaving the WWF following Wrestlemania XV, Polchlopek joined All Japan full time. He became a member of Johnny Ace's gaijin stable: The Movement and the two continued their team. On June 9, they defeated Kenta Kobashi and Jun Akiyama to win the AJPW Unified World Tag Team Championship[4]. They would hold the titles for a month and a half but ultimately lost them to NO FEAR on July 23[5]. Following the title loss, Polchlopek stopped using the Bart Gunn name and started using the name: Mike Barton. In late 1999, Barton and Ace took part in the 1999 World's Strongest Tag League where they finished in 5th place with 9 points[6].
In the spring of 2000, Barton entered the Champion's Carnival where he defeated Masao Inoue in the first round but lost to Takao Omori in the second round[7]. On June 9, Barton and Ace took part in a tournament for the vacated AJPW World Tag Team Championships but they lost in the first round to eventual winners: The Holy Demon Army[8]. In the summer of 2000, Mitsuharu Misawa left All Japan to form Pro Wrestling NOAH, taking most of the native talent with him. Barton, like many of the gaijins, remained in All Japan, however, Johnny Ace left All Japan during the split and retired taking an office job in WCW and later the WWF. Following the NOAH exodus, Barton formed a new tag team with Jim Steele. In October 2000, Barton entered a tournament for the vacated AJPW Triple Crown Championship but lost in the first round to Genichiro Tenryu[9]. In November, Barton and Steele entered the 2000 World's Strongest Tag League where they finished in 4th place with 10 points[10].
On January 2, 2001, Barton competed in the yearly January 2nd Korakuen Hall Battle Royal which he won[11]. In the spring, Barton entered the 2001 Champion's Carnival where he place 5th with 13 points[12]. By the end of 2001, Barton began making appearances in New Japan Pro Wrestling as a member of the All Japan branch of Team 2000. In November 2001, Barton and Steele entered the 2001 G1 Tag League where they made it to the finals losing to Ten-Koji[13].
In the spring of 2002, Barton entered the 2002 Champion's Carnival where he made it to the finals but lost to Keiji Mutoh[14]. On July 20, Barton and Steele won The Stan Hansen Cup Four Way against the Varsity Club, Kronik, and George Hines & Johnny Smith[15]. One month later on August 30, Barton and Steele challenged Kronik for the AJPW World Tag Team Titles but lost[16]. In the fall, Barton and Steele left All Japan.
New Japan Pro Wrestling (2002-2004)
After leaving All Japan, Barton and Steele signed with New Japan. Barton entered the 2002 New Japan Triathlon Series in November, teaming with Steele and Yuji Nagata, the team made it to the finals but lost to Manabu Nakanishi, Osamu Nishimura, and Yutaka Yoshie[17]. In February 2003, Barton and Steele entered a #1 Contenders tournament for the IWGP Tag Team Championship. They would ultimately emerge victorious defeating Makai Club members: Tadao Yasuda and Kazunari Murakami in the finals but an injury to Steele prevented the title match[18]. After Steele recovered, Barton and him returned to teaming. In October 2003, Barton entered the 2003 G1 Tag League teaming with Steele. During the tournament on October 21st, the two received a shot as the IWGP Tag Team Titles against champions: Hiroshi Tanahashi and Yutaka Yoshie but they came up short[19]. Barton and Steele ultimately finished the tournament in 5th place with 6 points[20]. Barton eventually left in the spring of 2004.
He also had a short stint in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling in 2003.
Mixed Martial Arts
Polchlopek made his mixed martial arts debut on June 17, 2006, defeating Wesley "Cabbage" Correira at Rumble On The Rock: Beatdown in less than two minutes by technical knockout on the basis of a cut suffered by Correira. In his most recent match, Polchlopek faced Ikuhisa "The Punk" Minowa on the PRIDE Bushido 13 card, losing via unanimous decision to Minowa.
World Wrestling Entertainment (2007)
On the RAW 15th Anniversary Spectacular on December 10, 2007, Gunn participated in the 15th Anniversary Battle Royal and was eliminated by Steve Blackman.
Personal life
On December 19, 2007, Polchlopek's son Michael Polchlopek III died at the age of nineteen as the result of an accidental shooting five days earlier.[2][21] Mike is now a master electrician in Florida.[22]
In wrestling
- Finishing moves
- Barton Buster (Elevated powerbomb)[1]
- Signature moves
- Barton Cutter (Three-quarter facelock bulldog)[1]
- Barton Spike (Chokeslam)[1]
Championships and accomplishments
- All Japan Pro Wrestling
- AJPW Unified World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Johnny Ace[24]
- January 2 Korakuen Hall Heavyweight Battle Royal (2001)[25]
- Stan Hansen Cup Winner (2002)- with Jim Steele[26]
- International Wrestling Federation
- IWF World Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Kip Winchester[27]
- New Japan Pro Wrestling
- IWGP Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Tournament (2003)- with Jim Steele[28]
- Pennsylvania Championship Wrestling
- PCW Americas Championship (2 Times)[29]
- World Wrestling Federation
- NWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time)1 – with Bombastic Bob[32]
- WWF Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Billy Gunn[33][34][35]
- Brawl for All winner[36]
1Gunn won the title while working for the World Wrestling Federation as part of an angle with the National Wrestling Alliance.
Mixed martial arts
Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown 2 matches 1 win 1 loss By knockout 1 0 By submission 0 0 By decision 0 1 No contests 0 Result Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes Loss 1–1 
Ikuhisa MinowaDecision (unanimous) PRIDE Bushido 13 November 5, 2006 2 5:00 Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan Win 1-0 
Wesley CorreiraTKO (cut) ROTR - Beatdown 1 June 17, 2006 1 1:46 Hawaii, United States References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Bart Gunn profile". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/b/bart-gunn.html. Retrieved 2009-11-20.
- ^ a b "Michal B. Polchlopek III Obituary". 2007-12-21. http://www.legacy.com/floridatoday/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=99915819. "Michal B. Polchlopek III, 19, died Wednesday, December 19, 2007, at Holmes Region al Medical Center."
- ^ http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/history/rwtl98.php
- ^ http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/history/ajpwtag.php
- ^ http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/history/ajpwtag.php
- ^ http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/history/rwtl99.php
- ^ http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/history/carnival00.php
- ^ http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/
- ^ http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/
- ^ http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/history/rwtl00.php
- ^ http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/
- ^ http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/
- ^ http://www.purolove.com/njpw/history/g1tag01.php
- ^ http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/history/carnival02.php
- ^ http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/results/results02.php
- ^ http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/results/results02.php
- ^ http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/notes/triathlon02.html
- ^ http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/notes/fspirit03.html
- ^ http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/g1tag03.html
- ^ http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/
- ^ Downs, Megan (2007-12-14). "Melbourne man shot while pal cleans gun". http://www.flatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071214/BREAKINGNEWS/71214015/-1/archives. "Michael Polchlopek, III, 19, was shot once in the head at about 7:30 p.m. when Cody Grooms, 18, was cleaning a .22 caliber rifle and the gun accidentally discharged, said Melbourne Police Cmdr. Ron Bell."
- ^ http://www.ewrestlingnews.com/headlines/A_GoldustCody_Rhodes_Feud_New_WWE_Talent_More.php
- ^ "Jim Cornette". Online World of Wrestling. http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/columns/managerscorner/01.html. Retrieved 2009-11-20.
- ^ "AJPW Unified Tag Team Championship history". WrestlingTitles.com. http://wrestling-titles.com/japan/alljapan/aj-t.html. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
- ^ Template:Http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/alljap/ajtourn.htm
- ^ http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=654&view=matches&gimmick=&jahr=2002&liga=®ion=&land=&art=&artmatches=&partner=Partner&gegner=Gegner&suchbegriff=Suchbegriff
- ^ "Kip James' SLAM Bio". SLAM sports. http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/kjames.html. Retrieved 2008-07-03.
- ^ http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/fspirit03.html
- ^ http://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=954
- ^ http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=654&view=awards#awards
- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Top 500 Wrestlers of the PWI Years". Wrestling Information Archive. http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi500yr.htm. Retrieved 2008-06-07.
- ^ "NWA World Tag Team Championship History". Solie.org. http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttnwa.html. Retrieved 2008-07-06.
- ^ "The Smokin' Gunns' first World Tag Team Championship reign". http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321215.
- ^ "The Smokin' Gunns' second World Tag Team Championship reign". http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413212213.
- ^ "The Smokin' Gunns' third World Tag Team Championship history". http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413212132.
- ^ "WWF tournament histories". Wrestling Information Archive. http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/wwf/wwftny.htm. Retrieved 2008-07-06.
External links
- Mike Plotcheck at PuroresuFan.com
- Mike Plotcheck at RumbleWorld.tv
- Mike Plotcheck at Sherdog.com
- RFVideo Shoot Interview with Bart Gunn, July 2007
- Mike Polchlopek at the Internet Movie Database
NWA World Tag Team Champions Steve Williams and Terry Gordy · Barry Windham and Dustin Rhodes · Ricky Steamboat and Shane Douglas · The Hollywood Blonds (Brian Pillman and Steve Austin) · Four Horsemen (Arn Anderson and Paul Roma) · The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) · Mr. Gannosuke and Tarzan Goto · C.W. Anderson and Pat Anderson · The Headbangers (Mosh and Thrasher) · The New Midnight Express (Bart Gunn and Bob Holly) · The Border Patrol (Agent Gunn and Agent Maxx) · Barry Windham and Tully Blanchard · The Brotherhood (Eric Sbraccia and Knuckles Nelson) · The Brotherhood (Knuckles Nelson and Rick Fuller) · The Public Enemy (Johnny Grunge and Rocco Rock) · The Brotherhood (Dukes Dalton and Knuckles Nelson) · Team Extreme (Khris Germany and Kit Carson) · Murder, Inc. (Jimmy James and Kevin Northcutt) · xXx (Curtis Thompson and Drake Dawson) · The Main Event (Reno Riggins and Steven Dunn) · Big Bubba Pain and L.A. Stephens · Bad Attitude (David Young and Rick Michaels) · The Bad Street Boys (Christian York and Joey Matthews) · Dan Factor and David Flair · The New Heavenly Bodies (Chris Nelson and Vito DeNucci) · Glacier and Jason Sugarman · Disturbing Behavior (Jeff Daniels and Tim Renesto) · The Shane Twins (Mike Shane and Todd Shane) · A.J. Styles and Jerry Lynn · America's Most Wanted (Chris Harris and James Storm) · The Disciples of the New Church (Brian Lee and Slash) · Triple X (Christopher Daniels, Elix Skipper, and Low Ki) · Amazing Red and Jerry Lynn · Johnny Swinger and Simon Diamond · 3Live Kru (B.G. James, Konnan, and Ron Killings) · The Red Shirt Security (Joe Legend and Kevin Northcutt) · Abyss and A.J. Styles · Dallas and Kid Kash · D'Lo Brown and El Gran Apolo · The Naturals (Andy Douglas and Chase Stevens) · Chris Harris and Elix Skipper · Christopher Daniels and James Storm · Team Canada (Bobby Roode and Eric Young) · A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels · The Latin American Exchange (Hernandez and Homicide) · Team 3D (Brother Devon and Brother Ray) · The Real American Heroes (Joey Ryan and Karl Anderson) · Los Luchas (Phoenix Star and Zokre) · The Skullkrushers (Keith Walker and Rasche Brown) · Dark City Fight Club (Jon Davis and Kory Chavis) (current) · The Usual Suspects (A.J. Steele and Murder One)Categories:- 1963 births
- Living people
- American mixed martial artists
- American professional wrestlers
- People from Brevard County, Florida
- Finishing moves
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