Balls Mahoney

Infobox Wrestler
name =Balls Mahoney


names =John Rechner
Abbudah Singh
Abudda Dein
Balls Mahoney
Boo Bradley
Xanta Klaus
height =height|ft=6|in=2
weight =convert|305|lb|kg st|abbr=on
birth_date =birth date and age|1972|4|11
death_date =
birth_place =Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey

billed =South Pole
Nutley, New Jersey
trainer =Larry Sharpe
debut =1987
retired =

Jonathan Rechner [cite web|url=http://www.123exp-biographies.com/t/00034540713/|title=Balls Mahoney Bio|accessdaymonthyear=09-02-2008|publisher=123exp-biography] (born April 11, 1972 in Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey)cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/b/balls-mahoney.html|title=Balls Mahoney Bio|accessdate=2008-02-09|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] better known by his ring name Balls Mahoney, is an American professional wrestler. Mahoney is perhaps best known for his appearances with Extreme Championship Wrestling in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as well as working for World Wrestling Entertainment wrestling on its "ECW" brand.

Career

World Wrestling Council (1987-1990)

Jon Rechner trained at the Monster Factory and debuted in 1987, at age 15, as Abbudah Singh. He originally wrestled in the independent circuit and for the legendary Stu Hart's Stampede Wrestling on a few occasions. He also wrestled for Puerto Rico-based World Wrestling Council (WWC) where he changed his ring name to Abbuda Dein. On February 25, 1989, he defeated TNT to win the WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship, which he lost to Invader #1.cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/old/wwcpr.htm|title=WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Title History|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive] In May 1989, he formed a tag team with Rip Rogers and the two won the WWC World Tag Team Championship twice.cite web|url=http://www.100megsfre4.com/wiawrestling/pages/old/wwctag.htm|title=WWC World Tag Team Title History|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive]

moky Mountain Wrestling (1994-1995)

He made a small name for himself as the heel Boo Bradley (a take-off of the character Boo Radley from "To Kill a Mockingbird") in 1994 in Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW) where he had a long feud with his (kayfabe) childhood friend, Chris Candido. He was originally allied with Candido and managed by Tammy Sytch, who abused him for months, but they eventually turned on him, killing his pet cat, and turning him face in the process. During his face turn, Bradley won the SMW Beat the Champ Television Championship twice.cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/old/smwtv.htm|title=Smoky Mountain Wrestling Beat the Champ Television Title History|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive] He briefly formed a team with Cactus Jack who convinced him to be his own person.

World Wrestling Federation (1995-1996)

In 1995, he briefly appeared in the World Wrestling Federation as Xanta Klaus. During a December "In Your House" PPV, while Savio Vega and "Santa Claus" were at ringside handing out presents and playing to the fans, heel manager "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase appeared. DiBiase proclaimed that everyone had a price, even Santa. As Vega argued with DiBiase, "Santa" jumped him from behind and attacked him. DiBiase laughed his trademark laugh and introduced this warped Santa as Xanta Klaus, Santa's evil brother from the South Pole who steals presents. As Xanta, Rechner made only a couple more appearances (one on the following night's Monday Night Raw), before never being mentioned again.

Extreme Championship Wrestling (1997-2001)

Hardcore Chair Swingin' Freaks (1997-1999)

In 1997, Rechner signed with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and finally became a star as Balls Mahoney. Capitalizing on the ECW crowd's lust for violence and the hardcore attitude Rechner was never seen without his signature steel chair, usually with some kind of writing or sign placed on it, which he would use to bash any opponent at any time. He would come to the ring to the AC/DC song "Big Balls" and lead the crowd in singing the chorus before or after his matches. While in ECW he teamed with Axl Rotten, a similar hardcore and violent wrestler, and the duo became informally known as the "The Hardcore Chair Swingin' Freaks". They feuded with the Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von) during their tenure.

Mahoney made his pay-per-view debut at November to Remember 1997, partcipating in a Four-Way Dance match for the Tag Team Championship, along with his partner Rotten. Other teams in the match included The Gangstanators (New Jack and John Kronus) and Dudley Boyz and the champions, The F.B.I. (Tracy Smothers and Little Guido). F.B.I. retained the titles. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1997d.html#113097|title=November to Remember 1997 results|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|quote=ECW Tag Champs Tracy Smothers & Little Guido beat Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley and Balls Mahoney & Axl Rotten and New Jack & John Kronus in a "four way dance".] At Living Dangerously 1998, they participated in a three way dance, along with Dudleyz in a losing effort to Spike Dudley and New Jack. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1998a.html#030198|title=Living Dangerously 1998 results|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|quote=New Jack & Spike Dudley beat Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley and Balls Mahoney & Axl Rotten in a "three way dance".] Mahoney and Rotten got another chance at the titles at Wrestlepalooza 1998 against Chris Candido and Lance Storm, but ended up losing. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1998b.html#050398|title=Wrestlepalooza 1998 results|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|quote=ECW Tag Champs Chris Candido & Lance Storm beat Balls Mahoney & Axl Rotten]

After failing to win the titles with Rotten, Mahoney found a new partner in Masato Tanaka. At November to Remember 1998, the two defeated Dudley Boyz to win the ECW Tag Team Championship. It was Mahoney's first reign as tag champion. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1998d.html#110198|title=November to Remember 1998|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|quote=Masato Tanaka & Balls Mahoney beat D-Von & Buh Buh Ray Dudley to win the ECW Tag Title when Balls pinned D-Von and Tanaka pinned Buh Buh.] cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/history/ecwtaghistory/|title=ECW Tag Team Championship official title history|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=WWE] Five days later, Mahoney and Tanaka dropped the titles back to Dudleyz in a rematch. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1998d.html#110698|title=ECW results - November 6, 1998|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments] At Guilty as Charged 1999, Mahoney and Rotten defeated F.B.I. and Danny Doring and Roadkill in a three-way dance.cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1999a.html#011099|title=Guilty as Charged 1999 results|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|quote=Balls Mahoney & Axl Rotten beat Tracy Smothers & Little Guido and Amish Roadkill & Danny Doring in a "three way dance".]

Tag team with Spike Dudley (1999)

Mahoney's first singles match at a pay-per-view was a victory over Steve Corino at Living Dangerously 1999. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1999a.html#032199|title=Living Dangerously 1999 results|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|quote=Balls Mahoney pinned Steve Corino] Shortly after, Mahoney formed a tag team with Spike Dudley. At Hardcore Heaven 1999, the two faced Dudleyz in a match for their tag titles but failed to win the titles. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1999b.html#051699|title=Hardcore Heaven 1999 results|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|quote=ECW Tag Champs Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley beat Balls Mahoney & Spike Dudley] The two teams faced in a rematch at Heat Wave 1999, and this time, Mahoney and Dudley won the match and the ECW Tag Team Championship, marking Mahoney's second individual reign. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1999c.html#071899|title=Heat Wave 1999 results|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|quote=Balls Mahoney & Spike Dudley beat Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley via pinfall to win the ECW Tag Team Title.] At a show in August 1999, the duo lost the titles back to Dudleyz. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1999c.html#081399|title=ECW results - August 13, 1999|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|quote=Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley beat Spike Dudley & Balls Mahoney to win the ECW Tag Title] On August 14, 1999 edition of "ECW on TNN", they defeated Dudleyz in another rematch to win back the ECW Tag Team Championship. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1999c.html#071899|title=ECW on TNN results - August 14, 1999|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|quote=Spike Dudley & Balls Mahoney beat Buh Buh Ray & Spike Dudley to win the ECW Tag Title]

On August 26 edition of "ECW on TNN", they lost the titles to Dudleyz again. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1999c.html#082699|title=ECW results - August 26, 1999|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments] At Anarchy Rulz 1999, ECW Television Champion Rob Van Dam was scheduled to defend his title against Johnny Smith but before the match, Mahoney, Rotten and Dudley attacked Smith and took him out of the match. Mahoney challenged RVD for the title but lost the match. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/091999.html|title=Anarchy Rulz 1999 results|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments] At November to Remember 1999, Mahoney and Rotten lost to Da Baldies (Spanish Angel, Tony DeVito, Vito LoGrasso and P.N. News) in a 4-on-2 handicap match. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1999d.html#110799|title=November to Remember 1999 results|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments]

Final days of ECW (2000-2001)

During an exchange of blows, ECW fans would often chant "Balls!" When Rechner landed a punch or kick on an opponent, and "Suck!" when his opponent retaliated. This gimmick was inherited from Hack Meyers. At Living Dangerously 2000, he defeated Kintaro Kanemura. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/2000a.html#031200|title=Living Dangerously 2000 results|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|quote=Balls Mahoney pinned Kintaro Kanemura] He met his former tag team partner, Masato Tanaka in the first match at Hardcore Heaven 2000, in a match which Tanaka won. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/2000b.html#051400|title=Hardcore Heaven 2000 results|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments] At Heat Wave 2000, he lost a match to F.B.I. member Sal E. Graziano. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/2000c.html#071600|title=Heat Wave 2000 results|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments]

He formed a tag team with Chilly Willy and the duo feuded with Da Baldies. After losing a match to Baldies at Anarchy Rulz 2000, [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/2000d.html#100100|title=Anarchy Rulz 2000 results|accessdate=2008-02-23|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments] Mahoney and Willy defeated them in a Flaming Tables match at November to Remember 2000. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/2000d.html#110500|title=November to Remember 2000 results|accessdate=2008-02-09|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments] At Massacre on 34th Street, Mahoney lost to EZ Money. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/2000d.html#120300|title=Massacre on 34th Street results|accessdate=2008-02-09|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments] Mahoney's final ECW appearance was at ECW's final pay-per-view Guilty as Charged 2001 when Mahoney and Chilly Willy drew Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/2001.html#010701|title=Guilty as Charged 2001 results|accessdate=2008-02-09|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments]

Independent circuit (2001-2006)

After ECW folded Rechner spent time in a number of independent federations across America, most notably USA Pro Wrestling (UXW) as well as Juggalo Championshit Wrestling where he united with The Dead Pool (Violent J, Shaggy 2 Dope, and Raven) to become The Dead Pool 2000. He also had a brief run in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), teaming with The Sandman to face off against The Gathering. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tna/040121.html|title=NWA:TNA PPV results - January 21, 2004|accessdate=2008-02-09|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|quote=Julio Dinero & CM Punk w/James Mitchell defeated Sandman & Balls Mahoney]

World Wrestling Entertainment (2005-2008)

ECW reunion (2005)

In 2005, Mahoney made a non-wrestling appearance at the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) promoted ECW One Night Stand reunion show, taking part -- alongside Axl Rotten -- in a brawl with Kid Kash, Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman, the Dudley Boyz, and the Blue World Order (bWo) before the main event. After the main event, Mahoney and Rotten returned to the ring to brawl with the "invading" Raw and SmackDown! wrestlers. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/history/ons05results/|title=One Night Stand 2005 official results|accessdate=2008-02-09|publisher=WWE]

ECW on Sci Fi (2006-2008)

In 2006, when WWE relaunched ECW as their own brand, one of the first announcements was the signing of Balls Mahoney. His signing was announced with that of Axl Rotten, but when Rotten missed some WWE dates and was released, Balls was left to start a singles career.

During the "cross promotion" hype Balls appeared on the June 5, edition of "RAW" with other ECW wrestlers who proceeded to attack WWE Champion John Cena. [cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06052006/|title=Kiss This|accessdate=2008-02-09|publisher=WWE] He appeared again as a part of the ECW team in the "WWE vs. ECW team battle royal" at the "WWE vs. ECW Head to Head" event on June 7. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/2006b.html#060706|title=WWE vs. ECW results|accessdate=2008-02-09|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments] At One Night Stand 2006, Balls defeated Masato Tanaka in a match following a chair shot (denting the chair) to Tanaka's head. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/stand.html#2006|title=One Night Stand 2006 results|accessdate=2008-02-09|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|quote=Balls Mahoney pinned Masato Tanaka.]

When "ECW on Sci Fi" debuted, Balls started off with a small role in the company, having sporadic matches and little else. However, once the show got going he started to appear in vignettes talking about how tough he is, elevating his role on the show. On September 5 edition of "ECW on Sci Fi" Mahoney entered a feud with Kevin Thorn after Thorn and his valet Ariel cost him a match against Stevie Richards and the next week, Rene Dupree. [cite web|first=Jen|last=Hunt|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/09052006/|title=D-Generation extreme|accessdate=2008-03-08|publisher=WWE] [cite web|first=Brett|last=Hoffman|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/09122006/|title=Garden Showstopper|accessdate=2008-03-08|publisher=WWE] The following week, he brought Francine to ringside with him, marking her first televised appearance at the revived ECW ring, where she proceeded to get into a catfight with Ariel. [cite web|first=Craig|last=Tello|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/09192006/|title=Taken to royal extremes|accessdate=2008-03-08|publisher=WWE] That pairing, however, was short lived as Francine was released shortly after.

At December to Dismember 2006, Mahoney defeated Matt Striker in a Striker's Rules match. [cite web|first=Lennie|last=DiFino|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/decembertodismember/matches/329344211111/results/|title=School dazed|accessdate=2008-03-08|publisher=WWE] On the January 2, 2007 edition of "ECW on Sci Fi", Mahoney had one of his front teeth (legitimately) knocked out during a match with Kevin Thorn. [cite web|first=Craig|last=Tello|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/01022007/|title=Lash and burn|accessdate=2008-03-08|publisher=WWE] Shortly after, Balls began a short feud with Snitsky. On the June 5 edition of "ECW", Balls, Tommy Dreamer, and Sandman faced Bobby Lashley in a 3 on 1 Hardcore Handicap Match for the ECW Championship, in which they were defeated. [cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/06052007/|title=Chairman falling deeper and deeper into the abyss|accessdate=2008-03-08|publisher=WWE] On the August 7, 2007 episode of "ECW", Balls went against The Miz in a losing effort. During and after the match, it appeared that Kelly Kelly was concerned about him. [cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/4791328/|title=CM Punk breaks on through|accessdate=2008-03-08|publisher=WWE] Over the weeks that followed, he attempted to ask her out and flirted with her backstage, but was interrupted by The Miz, Brooke, and Layla before Kelly could get a word in. Regardless, Kelly still showed interest in him each week, wishing him good luck before his match and cheering him on during his match. He asked if she would go out with him to which she couldn't respond due to The Miz taking her backstage. However, weeks later Kelly asked him, in which he agreed, starting a (kayfabe) relationship. [cite web|first=Andrew|last=Rote|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/10162007/|title=Setting the night on fire|accessdate=2008-03-08|publisher=WWE]

On February 29, 2008, Balls made his return to television on SmackDown!, taking on Big Daddy V. The match went to a no contest after The Undertaker gave a Chokeslam to Mahoney. [cite web|first=Lennie|last=DiFino|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/02292008/|title=Big Show, big impact|accessdate=2008-03-08|publisher=WWE]

Without appearing on ECW television for several months Mahoney was released from his WWE contract on April 28, 2008. [ [http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/davetaylorcut1 Balls Mahoney released] "WWE.com"]

Personal life

Rechner and his real life girlfriend have a son named Christopher, who was born on November 23, 2007. [ [http://www.sescoops.com/wwe/Edge_s_Title_Shot_WWE_Star_Now_A_Father_More.shtml DOI is reporting that ECW superstar Balls Mahoney is the father of a new baby boy named Christopher. Balls' girlfriend gave birth to the 9 pound baby boy on Thanksgiving.] ]

Rechner has numerous tattoos, including 2 tribal pieces, a dragon and inverted pentagram on his arm, and a tattoo dedicated to Chris Candido. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/superstarink/articles/ballsmahoney|title=Balls' award-winning ink?|accessdaymonthyear=30-11-2007|publisher=WWE]

In wrestling

*Finishing and signature moves:*"Nutcracker Suite" (Sitout scoop slam piledriver):*"Ballbreaker" (Spinning sitout spinebuster or a standing spinebuster):*"This Is Gonna Hurt" (Chair shot):*"New Jersey Jam" (Diving leg drop):*"Balls Combo" (Three or four lefts finished with a wind up right with fans yelling "Balls" after each punch, ending with a loud "Whooooooaaa Balls!" on the wind up punch):*Frog splash:*Superkick:*Sidewalk slam:*Running Powerslam

*Signature foreign objects:*Steel chair, often painted with the ECW logo and/or the phrase "This Is Gonna Hurt"

*Entrance music:*"Big Balls" - AC/DC (ECW / Independent circuit):*"Big Balls instrumental" - WWE production theme (ECW brand) [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/videos/|title=Enterance Videos|accessdaymonthyear=09-02-2008|publisher=WWE]

*Managers:*Ted DiBiase:*Tamara Fytch:*Francine

*Nicknames:*The Chair Swingin' Freakcite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/superstars/ballsmahoney/bio/|title=TV Shows > ECW > Superstars > Balls Mahoney > Bio|publisher=WWE.com] :*Captain Caveman

Championships and accomplishments

*Extreme Championship Wrestling:*ECW Tag Team Championship (3 times) - with Spike Dudley (2), and Masato Tanaka (1)

*International Wrestling Association:*IWA Hardcore Championship (1 time)

*International Wrestling Cartel:*IWC Championship (1 time) [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2004-11.html | title=Independent Wrestling Results - November 2004 | accessdate=2008-07-05|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com]

*Mid-American Wrestling:*MAW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

*Smoky Mountain Wrestling:*SMW Beat the Champ Television Championship (2 times)

*USA Pro Wrestling:*USA Pro Championship (3 times) [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2002-01.html | title=Independent Wrestling Results - January 2002 | accessdate=2008-07-05|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com] [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2003-01.html | title=Independent Wrestling Results - January 2003 | accessdate=2008-07-05|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com] [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2003-03.html | title=Independent Wrestling Results - March 2003 | accessdate=2008-07-05|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com]

*World Wrestling Council:*WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship (1 time):*WWC World Tag Team Championship (2 times) - with Rip Rogers

*Pro Wrestling Illustrated:*PWI ranked him #443 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the PWI Years in 2003.

Other Media

On April 26, 2007 it was announced that Balls would be an adviser to the cast of the reality show Who Wants to Be a Superhero?. During the season finale, Balls taught the superheroes how to fight. [cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/news/ballsonsuperhero |title=Excelsior gone extreme |accessdate=2007-04-26 |last=Tello |first=Craig |publisher=WWE.com]

References

External links

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