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CHUCK PALUMBO
Height: 6' 6"
Weight: 281 pounds
From: San Diego, Calif.
Finishing Move: Superkick
Career Highlights: WWE Tag Team Champion; WCW Tag Team Champion
In late 2001, Chuck Palumbo found himself a tag team partner, Billy Gunn. For the next several months, the question was, did Chuck pick Billy because Gunn was an eight-time Tag Team Champion? Or was Billy interested in Chuck for more than just his resume? In the late summer of 2002, Billy & Chuck became the most-talked-about duo in WWE when Chuck proposed to Billy, asking him to be his "partner for life." They had a marriage ceremony on the 2002 season premiere of SmackDown! Just before they tied the knot, however, they revealed that the entire ordeal was a publicity stunt.
One thing that is unquestionable is Chuck's potential, and his athletic ability. He was offered a training contract by World Championship Wrestling -- then owned by Time Warner -- in April 1999, just six months after he first stepped foot into a wrestling ring. Normally, competitors are told to compete on independent circuits for at least three to five years before a major sports-entertainment company will even consider them.
Today, Chuck finds himself alongside Nunzio and Johnny Stamboli. Together, the three up-and-comers comprise of F.B.I. -- the Full Blooded Italians.
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JOHNNY STAMBOLI
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Height: 6 foot 2
Weight: 240 pounds
From: Bensonhurt, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Finishing Move: Fuhgetaboutit
Finishing Move: Fuhgetaboutit
Career Highlights: WCW World Tag Team Champion (w/ Big Vito); WCW Hardcore Champion
From the streets of Bensonhurst to the rings of WWE, Johnny Stamboli is a man on a mission, looking to "make his bones" in the world of sports-entertainment. He's no stranger to busting up the competition, and has just the kind of killer instinct required to climb the ladder in WWE.
While he spent a short time in WCW as part of the wise guy tag team known as The Mamalukes, he is a relative newcomer to the sport of kings, and is only now truly breaking out on his own. You can be sure there will be quite a few Superstars sleeping with the fishes in the months to come, courtesy of Johnny and his Full Blooded Italian cohorts, Nunzio and Chuck Palumbo.
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Nunzio
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 175 pounds
Although he's not the largest SmackDown! Superstar, Nunzio is one of the most athletic. His quickness and grappling skill make him a scrappy but dangerous opponent. But don't mess with Nunzio unless you feel prepared to take on his family as well.
Nunzio leads the Full-Blooded Italians, a devious organization that includes Johnny "The Bull" Stamboli and Chuck Palumbo. They demand respect, and they lash out violently when it isn't given to them.
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Height: 5' 9"
Weight: 205 pounds
From: Japan
Career Highlights: WWE Light Heavyweight Champion; ECW Television Champion; ECW Tag Team Champion; WWE Cruiserweight Championship; WWE Tag Team Champion
"The Japanese Buzzsaw" has proven himself in WWE by winning and clinging to the Cruiserweight Championship!
But those familiar with Tajiri's style are not surprised that he's been successful in WWE. While on a tour of Mexico, Tajiri incorporated a high flying Lucha Libre style into his background of martial arts and Japanese shoot wrestling to become one of the top young junior heavyweights in the world. In 1998, Paul Heyman gave Tajiri an opportunity in Extreme Championship Wrestling, where the Japanese Buzzsaw worked a series of memorable matches, including a few with current WWE Superstar Tazz. Tajiri's blinding, rapid-fire kicks to the face and an unorthodox maneuver called the Tarantula earned respect thought the sports-entertainment world, and an eventual ticket to WWE.
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Rhyno
Height: 6 foot 3
Weight: 275 pounds
From: Detroit
Finishing Move: Gore
Career Highlights: Hardcore Champion, WCW U.S. Champion, ECW World Heavyweight Title, ECW Television Title
On Nov. 2, 2001, Rhyno put his career on the line when he had surgery to repair his spine. But while his injuries would've indeed ended the career of an average competitor, Rhyno returned to WWE in late February 2003. They don't call him the Man-Beast for nothin'.
There are only two other Superstars who have returned from spinal surgery -- Stone Cold Steve Austin and Chris Benoit. One, Austin, is a multi-time WWE Champion. The other, Benoit, is a perennial competitor for the WWE Title. After all Rhyno has been through, he can't be far behind.
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John Cena
Height: 6 foot 1
Weight: 248 pounds
From: West Newbury, Mass.
Finishing Move: FU
One needs only to glance quickly at John Cena to realize that he's a phenomenally conditioned athlete. The young Superstar started training at age 15. He went on to play offensive lineman at Springfield (Mass.) College, earning All-American honors as a senior, and a degree in exercise physiology. He also competed in some bodybuilding competitions.
But what you may not know about John Cena just by looking at him is that he's an outstanding freestyle rapper. He's been doing it since he was a young teen, and, more recently, he has been able to display his talents to a worldwide WWE audience.
With his impressive athletic ability and natural charisma, Cena -- still in his mid-20s -- is one of the hottest stars on SmackDown!
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The Gurrero's eddie & Chavo
CHAVO GUERRERO
Height: 5' 9"
Weight: 210 pounds
From: El Paso, Texas
Career Highlights: WWE Cruiserweight Champion; WCW Tag Team Champion; WWE Tag Team Champion
Beside being able to fly around the ring at lightning-quick speed, Chavo Guerrero holds another advantage over his competitors. Growing up surrounded by legendary competitors in the famed Guerrero family prepared Chavo for the rigors of sports entertainment. Because of his extensive knowledge and experience, Chavo was chosen as a trainer for Tough Enough 2 where he helped coach newcomers to become the superstars of tomorrow.
The quick and agile Guerrero helps add even more skill and flash to the cruiserweight division. He's a perennial contender for the Cruiserweight Title. Or, teaming with his uncle Eddie, he's always in the running for the WWE Tag Team Championship.
EDDIE GUERRERO
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 220 pounds
From: El Paso, Texas
Finishing Moves: Frog Splash/Lasso from El Paso
Career Highlights: European Champion; Intercontinental Champion; WWE Tag Team Champion; WCW Cruiserweight Champion; WCW U.S. Champion
Eddie Guerrero returned to WWE and made an immediate impact by winning the Intercontinental Championship at Backlash.
Guerrero uses a wide range of offensive maneuvers. Growing up in a family of wrestlers exposed him to the craft at an early age. He's equally adept at grappling on the mat or sailing off the turnbuckle to deliver his signature Frog Splash. Although other Superstars may use a form of the Frog Splash, Eddie maintains that his finisher surpasses everyone else's.
Whether it's in singles action or teaming up with his nephew Chavo, there is always one constant with Eddie Guerrero -- cheat to win!
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The Bashams
Doug & Danny
DOUG BASHAM
Height: 6 foot 2
Weight: 240 pounds
From: Columbus,Ohio
For years, Doug Basham worked his ass off in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), waiting for that all-important callup to the WWE roster. The weeks and months ticked away, and Basham had spectacular match after spectacular match. Arguably the best athlete and mat technician in OVW, he was the developmental territory’s first and longest-tenured competitor – but the latter distinction was certainly not one he was chasing after.
In September 2002, he took Chris Benoit to the limit in a 20-minute classic. A few weeks later, he made his WWE television debut on Velocity. But then it was right back to OVW. To him, it was like WWE officials were teasing him.
DANNY BASHAM
Height: 6 foot 3
Weight: 252 pounds
From: Columbus,Ohio
Along with his brother Doug, Danny Basham was signed in June 2003 to a SmackDown!-exclusive contract by General Manager Stephanie McMahon.
Stephanie undoubtedly signed Danny, at least in part, due to his impressive amateur background. Still in his 20s, Danny played football and basketball and ran for the track team in high school. He particularly excelled in football; he was the two-year captain for his team, won All-Conference honors and is the leading tackler in the history of his high school.
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