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'''James "Jim" Fullington'''<ref name="OWOW"/> (born June 16, 1963) better known by his ] '''Sandman''', is an American ], best known for his career with ] (ECW), where he developed into a "Hardcore Icon". Fullington has been a five-time world heavyweight champion, having held the ] 5 times. He has also held the ] once, the IWC World Heavyweight Championship once, and the UWF Universal Heavyweight Championship once. He also had stints in ], ], and ]. '''James "Jim" Fullington'''<ref name="OWOW"/> (born June 16, 1963) better known by his ] '''Sandman''', is an American ], best known for his career with ] (ECW), where he developed into a "Hardcore Icon". Fullington has been a five-time world heavyweight champion, having held the ] 5 times. He has also held the ] once, the IWC World Heavyweight Championship once, and the UWF Universal Heavyweight Championship once. He also had stints in ], ], and ].


==Professional wrestling career== ==Professional wrestling career==

===Tri-State Wrestling=== ===Tri-State Wrestling===
Fullington got his start in professional wrestling in the ]-based Tri-State Wrestling Alliance under the ] Mr. Sandman, ] by his then real-life wife ]. He also performed in Memphis in 1991–1992. Fullington got his start in professional wrestling in the ]-based Tri-State Wrestling Alliance under the ] Mr. Sandman, ] by his then real-life wife ]. He also performed in Memphis in 1991–1992.


===Eastern / Extreme Championship Wrestling (1993–1999)=== ===Eastern / Extreme Championship Wrestling (1993–1999)===

====Surfer and pimp (1992–1994)==== ====Surfer and pimp (1992–1994)====
In April 1992 he arrived in ] (later renamed Extreme Championship Wrestling) as a crowd favorite. He won his first ] from ] on November 16, 1992, but lost it back to Muraco on April 3, 1993. In the end of 1993 he changed his ring-name to the Sandman. In April 1992 he arrived in ] (later renamed Extreme Championship Wrestling) as a crowd favorite. He won his first ] from ] on November 16, 1992, but lost it back to Muraco on April 3, 1993. In the end of 1993 he changed his ring-name to the Sandman.


In 1994, Sandman changed his gimmick after ECW owner ] suggested that he channel his own personality into his character, creating an edgier gimmick. He began a feud with ] over Sandman's valet Peaches. Being temporarily blinded following a match, the Sandman inadvertently struck Peaches. When a recovering Sandman saw his tag team partner, Cairo, assisting her to her feet, he attacked Cairo. Peaches, now revealed to be his wife Lori, now became Cairo's valet. In 1994, Sandman changed his gimmick after ECW owner ] suggested that he channel his own personality into his character, creating an edgier gimmick. He began a feud with ] over Sandman's valet Peaches. Being temporarily blinded following a match, the Sandman inadvertently struck Peaches. When a recovering Sandman saw his tag team partner, Cairo, assisting her to her feet, he attacked Cairo. Peaches, now revealed to be his wife Lori, now became Cairo's valet.


Sandman, adopting the gimmick of a ], claimed that Cairo had neglected to pay one of Sandman's prostitutes, ], who now became his new valet and convinced him that Cairo had slept with both her and Lori. The Sandman began harassing Lori and Cairo, demanding of Cairo: "Pay Your Bills!"<ref name="JT">T, J. ""</ref> Following the highly-publicized ] of ] in Singapore on May 5, 1994, Sandman adopted another defining attribute of his new gimmick as he began wielding a ], referred to as a ], taking delight in caning other wrestlers such as rookie ] or his "estranged" wife.<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/s/sandman.html|title=Sandman Profile|accessdate=2008-03-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling}}</ref> Sandman and Woman faced Cairo and Lori in a mixed Singapore Caning match on May 14, 1994. After Cairo and Lori defeated their opponents, Lori caned Sandman's ] until Woman threw salt in her eyes, enabling Sandman to regroup and use his cane on both Lori and Cairo.<ref name="JT"/> Sandman, adopting the gimmick of a ], claimed that Cairo had neglected to pay one of Sandman's prostitutes, ], who now became his new valet and convinced him that Cairo had slept with both her and Lori. The Sandman began harassing Lori and Cairo, demanding of Cairo: "Pay Your Bills!"<ref name="JT">T, J. ""</ref> Following the highly-publicized ] of ] in Singapore on May 5, 1994, Sandman adopted another defining attribute of his new gimmick as he began wielding a ], referred to as a ], taking delight in caning other wrestlers such as rookie ] or his "estranged" wife.<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/s/sandman.html|title=Sandman Profile|accessdate=2008-03-27|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling}}</ref> Sandman and Woman faced Cairo and Lori in a mixed Singapore Caning match on May 14, 1994. After Cairo and Lori defeated their opponents, Lori caned Sandman's ] until Woman threw salt in her eyes, enabling Sandman to regroup and use his cane on both Lori and Cairo.<ref name="JT"/>


In late 1994, The Sandman was once again (kayfabe) blinded after a lit cigarette was pushed into his eye during an ] with Tommy Dreamer. Woman blamed Sandman for the injury and abandoned him. The Sandman subsequently claimed that he would have to retire as a result, with Dreamer responding by dedicating the remainder of his career to The Sandman. Cairo began mocking The Sandman, which led to Dreamer heavily beating him during a match at ]. At Sandman's retirement ceremony during the same event, an attempted reconciliation with Lori was interrupted by Woman, who caned Lori and threatened Sandman. As Dreamer came to the rescue, Sandman revealed that he was not in fact blinded and attacked Dreamer. The Sandman later revealed that his blinding had been an elaborate ruse concocted to trick Dreamer into hurting Cairo on his behalf. In late 1994, The Sandman was once again (kayfabe) blinded after a lit cigarette was pushed into his eye during an ] with Tommy Dreamer. Woman blamed Sandman for the injury and abandoned him. The Sandman subsequently claimed that he would have to retire as a result, with Dreamer responding by dedicating the remainder of his career to The Sandman. Cairo began mocking The Sandman, which led to Dreamer heavily beating him during a match at ]. At Sandman's retirement ceremony during the same event, an attempted reconciliation with Lori was interrupted by Woman, who caned Lori and threatened Sandman. As Dreamer came to the rescue, Sandman revealed that he was not in fact blinded and attacked Dreamer. The Sandman later revealed that his blinding had been an elaborate ruse concocted to trick Dreamer into hurting Cairo on his behalf.


====World Heavyweight Champion (1995)==== ====World Heavyweight Champion (1995)====

Sandman challenged ] for the ECW Championship in April 1995, but was attacked by his own valet, Woman, who helped Shane Douglas retain the title. In a rematch at Hostile City Showdown on April 15, 1995, Sandman faced Douglas (who had Woman in his corner) in a rematch. During the course of the match, Woman turned on the now overconfident Douglas, helping Sandman become the ECW Champion. It was revealed that the entire sequence of events was a ] planned all along by Woman to aid Sandman while psychologically destroying Douglas in the process. Douglas attempted to regain the championship in the following months, but left for the World Wrestling Federation before he was able. Sandman's first title defenses after winning the ECW Championship were against ], with the latter never getting the upper hand due to interference by Woman, rival ], 'stickler' referee ], and Douglas, who was bitter over losing his title. Sandman challenged ] for the ECW Championship in April 1995, but was attacked by his own valet, Woman, who helped Shane Douglas retain the title. In a rematch at Hostile City Showdown on April 15, 1995, Sandman faced Douglas (who had Woman in his corner) in a rematch. During the course of the match, Woman turned on the now overconfident Douglas, helping Sandman become the ECW Champion. It was revealed that the entire sequence of events was a ] planned all along by Woman to aid Sandman while psychologically destroying Douglas in the process. Douglas attempted to regain the championship in the following months, but left for the World Wrestling Federation before he was able. Sandman's first title defenses after winning the ECW Championship were against ], with the latter never getting the upper hand due to interference by Woman, rival ], 'stickler' referee ], and Douglas, who was bitter over losing his title.


Sandman's feud with Cactus Jack lasted throughout 1995 and culminated in a series of matches involving ]. In a Texas Death match in February 1995, Sandman was hit with a heavy metal ], giving Fullington a legitimate ]. Throughout the remainder of the match, Fullington was visibly disoriented and forgot the scripted ending of the match; several times Cactus Jack hit Sandman with his signature double underhook DDT and again and again Sandman instinctively kicked out. This went on for about a minute before Cactus Jack delivered a legit maneuver, hoping it would keep Sandman down. The referee also had to resort to making the ten-count (as per the match's rules) at nearly double his original speed. Sandman's feud with Cactus Jack lasted throughout 1995 and culminated in a series of matches involving ]. In a Texas Death match in February 1995, Sandman was hit with a heavy metal ], giving Fullington a legitimate ]. Throughout the remainder of the match, Fullington was visibly disoriented and forgot the scripted ending of the match; several times Cactus Jack hit Sandman with his signature double underhook DDT and again and again Sandman instinctively kicked out. This went on for about a minute before Cactus Jack delivered a legit maneuver, hoping it would keep Sandman down. The referee also had to resort to making the ten-count (as per the match's rules) at nearly double his original speed.


On October 25, Sandman lost the title to ] in a ]. Three days later, Sandman teamed up with then ] ] to win the ] from ]. On December 9, Sandman regained his World Heavyweight title by defeating Whipwreck and Steve Austin in a 3-Way Dance. At the end of the month, 2 Cold Scorpio lost both the Television and Tag Team Championships to Whipwreck in a singles match on December 29, while Sandman became embroiled in his feud with ]. On October 25, Sandman lost the title to ] in a ]. Three days later, Sandman teamed up with then ] ] to win the ] from ]. On December 9, Sandman regained his World Heavyweight title by defeating Whipwreck and Steve Austin in a 3-Way Dance. At the end of the month, 2 Cold Scorpio lost both the Television and Tag Team Championships to Whipwreck in a singles match on December 29, while Sandman became embroiled in his feud with ].


====Feud with Raven (1997-1999)==== ====Feud with Raven (1997-1999)====
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During the feud, Raven allied himself to the returned Lori Fullington and ] her and Sandman's real-life son into joining his cult-like following, turning him against his father. Raven psychologically attacked Sandman by having his son deny his relationship with his father, telling Tyler that his parents' divorce was Sandman's fault, and making him perform Raven's trademark taunt "The Raven's Crucifix" and other mannerisms. On October 26, 1996, during one match, Tyler interfered to help his father. Afterward, the two embraced, but Raven came from behind with a Singapore Cane and smacked his enemy by piledriving Sandman through the table. Stevie Richards and the ] came out with a giant wooden cross and ] him.<ref name="Loverro">Thom Loverro, ''The Rise & Fall of ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling'', p. 172f.</ref> On December 7, Sandman again lost the title to Raven in a barbed wire match. During the feud, Raven allied himself to the returned Lori Fullington and ] her and Sandman's real-life son into joining his cult-like following, turning him against his father. Raven psychologically attacked Sandman by having his son deny his relationship with his father, telling Tyler that his parents' divorce was Sandman's fault, and making him perform Raven's trademark taunt "The Raven's Crucifix" and other mannerisms. On October 26, 1996, during one match, Tyler interfered to help his father. Afterward, the two embraced, but Raven came from behind with a Singapore Cane and smacked his enemy by piledriving Sandman through the table. Stevie Richards and the ] came out with a giant wooden cross and ] him.<ref name="Loverro">Thom Loverro, ''The Rise & Fall of ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling'', p. 172f.</ref> On December 7, Sandman again lost the title to Raven in a barbed wire match.


In 1996, the team of Sandman and Tommy Dreamer became more permanent as the duo feuded with anti-ECW team of ], as well as the ].<ref name="OWOW"/> At ] (WWF)'s 1996 ], Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, ] and a number of other ECW stars caused a ] disturbance at ringside during a Caribbean Strap match between ] and ]. The disturbance resulted in Sandman whacking Vega over the head with his signature Singapore cane and spitting beer in his face. This event marked the start of the on-air working relationship between ]'s WWF and Paul Heyman's ECW and eventually led to ECW appearing on the February 24, 1997 WWF program '']''. In 1996, the team of Sandman and Tommy Dreamer became more permanent as the duo feuded with anti-ECW team of ], as well as the ].<ref name="OWOW"/> At ] (WWF)'s 1996 ], Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, ] and a number of other ECW stars caused a ] disturbance at ringside during a Caribbean Strap match between ] and ]. The disturbance resulted in Sandman whacking Vega over the head with his signature Singapore cane and spitting beer in his face. This event marked the start of the on-air working relationship between ]'s WWF and Paul Heyman's ECW and eventually led to ECW appearing on the February 24, 1997 WWF program '']''.


At the ECW premier PPV ], Sandman wrestled a three-way dance with ] and ], for a shot at the ECW title later that night, but fell short of the title. Later in the year, Sandman feuded with ]. Although he was too injured to compete at Hardcore Heaven 1997, his interference in the main event led to Sabu's elimination, costing Sabu the title. Over the next few months, they competed in tables matches, ladder matches and dueling cane matches before effectively ending their feud at Living Dangerously 1998. Over the spring and summer of 1998, Sandman teamed up with Dreamer and ] to feud with the ], finally securing a victory in a six man match at Heat Wave 1998. At the ECW premier PPV ], Sandman wrestled a three-way dance with ] and ], for a shot at the ECW title later that night, but fell short of the title. Later in the year, Sandman feuded with ]. Although he was too injured to compete at Hardcore Heaven 1997, his interference in the main event led to Sabu's elimination, costing Sabu the title. Over the next few months, they competed in tables matches, ladder matches and dueling cane matches before effectively ending their feud at Living Dangerously 1998. Over the spring and summer of 1998, Sandman teamed up with Dreamer and ] to feud with the ], finally securing a victory in a six man match at Heat Wave 1998.


===World Championship Wrestling (1999)=== ===World Championship Wrestling (1999)===
In 1999, Fullington joined ] (WCW). He first appeared in ] promoting Raven as a spoiled rich kid and Fullington as his preppy neighbor. The original plan to debut under this gimmick were scrapped. He later debuted under his longtime nickname, Hak (the Sandman name was copyrighted). In his short time there, Hak was mostly involved in ] featuring fellow ECW alumni Raven, ], and Raven's ] sister ], with whom he developed an on-screen relationship after she ] on Raven. His presence also helped to bolster WCW's fledgling ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingNWA50/oct30_sandman.html|title=Sandman still bleeds ECW|publisher=Slam!|accessdate=September 12, 2011}}</ref> WCW started promoting hardcore wrestling within their product through utilizing wrestlers like Haku and Bam Bam Bigelow. In 1999, Fullington joined ] (WCW). He first appeared in ] promoting Raven as a spoiled rich kid and Fullington as his preppy neighbor. The original plan to debut under this gimmick were scrapped. He later debuted under his longtime nickname, Hak (the Sandman name was trademarked). In his short time there, Hak was mostly involved in ] featuring fellow ECW alumni Raven, ], and Raven's ] sister ], with whom he developed an on-screen relationship after she ] on Raven. His presence also helped to bolster WCW's fledgling ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingNWA50/oct30_sandman.html|title=Sandman still bleeds ECW|publisher=Slam!|accessdate=September 12, 2011}}</ref> WCW started promoting hardcore wrestling within their product through utilizing wrestlers like Haku and Bam Bam Bigelow.


===Return to ECW (1999–2001)=== ===Return to ECW (1999–2001)===
After leaving WCW in late 1999, Fullington, as The Sandman, returned to ECW and remained with the company until its demise in January 2001. He began a feud with ] in 2000, losing to him at ], ], and other shows. On January 7, 2001 at ECW's last pay-per-view, ], the Sandman won his fifth World Heavyweight Championship in a Tables, Ladders, Chairs, and Canes three-way dance with the champion ] and ]. After The Sandman won, however, the ] ] came out to the ring and challenged him to an impromptu title match. The Sandman accepted the challenge and after a 60 second match, Rhino defeated The Sandman to become the new World Heavyweight Champion, unifying ECW's two singles titles. After leaving WCW in late 1999, Fullington, as The Sandman, returned to ECW and remained with the company until its demise in January 2001. He began a feud with ] in 2000, losing to him at ], ], and other shows. On January 7, 2001 at ECW's last pay-per-view, ], the Sandman won his fifth World Heavyweight Championship in a Tables, Ladders, Chairs, and Canes three-way dance with the champion ] and ]. After The Sandman won, however, the ] ] came out to the ring and challenged him to an impromptu title match. The Sandman accepted the challenge and after a 60 second match, Rhino defeated The Sandman to become the new World Heavyweight Champion, unifying ECW's two singles titles.


===XPW and TNA (2001–2003)=== ===XPW and TNA (2001–2003)===
After the close of ECW The Sandman wrestled for ] (XPW) for a time. In February 2002, at the event Free Fall, he won the ] from Supreme, turning heel and aligning himself with heel faction 'The E'. On a number of occasions Sandman was accompanied to the ring by former ] (WCW) valet ]. At XPW's 'Cold Day in Hell' reunion show, Sandman defeated Pogo the Clown, the wrestler he last feuded with before the company went out of business. While at XPW Sandman also wrestled within the fledgling ] promotion. His most notable match was a ] with Sabu and ]. It is featured as a "bonus match" on the 3PW DVD ''Blood, Brawls and Broads''. After the close of ECW The Sandman wrestled for ] (XPW) for a time. In February 2002, at the event Free Fall, he won the ] from Supreme, turning heel and aligning himself with heel faction 'The E'. On a number of occasions Sandman was accompanied to the ring by former ] (WCW) valet ]. At XPW's 'Cold Day in Hell' reunion show, Sandman defeated Pogo the Clown, the wrestler he last feuded with before the company went out of business. While at XPW Sandman also wrestled within the fledgling ] promotion. His most notable match was a ] with Sabu and ]. It is featured as a "bonus match" on the 3PW DVD ''Blood, Brawls and Broads''.


In late 2002 and early 2003, The Sandman had a tenure in ] (TNA), joining former-ECW wrestlers Justin Credible and Raven, along with New Jack and ] in a ] known as "Team Extreme" and later "Extreme Revolution". He also competed in the ], where he partly feuded with ] before winning the overall event. In late 2002 and early 2003, The Sandman had a tenure in ] (TNA), joining former-ECW wrestlers Justin Credible and Raven, along with New Jack and ] in a ] known as "Team Extreme" and later "Extreme Revolution". He also competed in the ], where he partly feuded with ] before winning the overall event.


===World Wrestling Entertainment (2005–2007)=== ===World Wrestling Entertainment (2005–2007)===

====ECW brand (2005–2007)==== ====ECW brand (2005–2007)====
In 2005, Sandman participated in the ECW reunion show '']'' against longtime rival Raven. Two nights later he appeared at ] (WWE) produced ] pay-per-view event, another ECW reunion show, teaming with Tommy Dreamer to face ]. The match would see Sandman and Dreamer lose to the Dudleys after Dreamer was powerbombed through a flaming table. In 2006, prior to the June 11 ], The Sandman made a number of promotional appearances on WWE programming, first appearing, along with a number of other ECW stars, on ''Raw'' attacking ] then, two nights later, on the ''WWE vs. ECW Head to Head'' special taking part in a ], in which it can be argued that he was the last ECW original eliminated. At One Night Stand, when ] made his way to the ring to read a poem expressing his love of ECW, The Sandman came out with his Singapore Cane and caned Eugene to the back. In 2005, Sandman participated in the ECW reunion show '']'' against longtime rival Raven. Two nights later he appeared at ] (WWE) produced ] pay-per-view event, another ECW reunion show, teaming with Tommy Dreamer to face The ]. The match would see Sandman and Dreamer lose to the Dudleys after Dreamer was powerbombed through a flaming table. In 2006, prior to the June 11 ], The Sandman made a number of promotional appearances on WWE programming, first appearing, along with a number of other ECW stars, on ''Raw'' attacking ] then, two nights later, on the ''WWE vs. ECW Head to Head'' special taking part in a ], in which it can be argued that he was the last ECW original eliminated. At One Night Stand, when ] made his way to the ring to read a poem expressing his love of ECW, The Sandman came out with his Singapore Cane and caned Eugene to the back.


] during ] return in June 2006.]] ] during ] return in June 2006.]]
On June 13, 2006 WWE ] as a ] equal to '']'' and '']'' with its own show on the ]. In the new ECW, The Sandman was used for the first few weeks as a character who would emerge from the crowd when a non-ECW style character was annoying the audience. Once the character had a few minutes to talk Sandman appeared and destroyed the character with his cane, often ending the "match" with his signature ]. This gimmick escalated when Sandman confronted regular ECW fixture ] while he was attempting to stop his ] girlfriend, ], in the middle of her weekly "exposé" strip show. The Sandman began a ] with Knox over this and eventually began teaming up with fellow ECW original Tommy Dreamer to take on Knox and ] in a feud that many felt symbolized the original vision of ECW (Sandman and Dreamer) versus the "new" vision of ECW (Knox and Test). At the same time Sandman was feuding with Test and Knox, a debuting ] began to rub him the wrong way and he started a secondary feud with him. On June 13, 2006 WWE ] as a ] equal to '']'' and '']'' with its own show on the ]. In the new ECW, The Sandman was used for the first few weeks as a character who would emerge from the crowd when a non-ECW style character was annoying the audience. Once the character had a few minutes to talk Sandman appeared and destroyed the character with his cane, often ending the "match" with his signature ]. This gimmick escalated when Sandman confronted regular ECW fixture ] while he was attempting to stop his ] girlfriend, ], in the middle of her weekly "exposé" strip show. The Sandman began a ] with Knox over this and eventually began teaming up with fellow ECW original Tommy Dreamer to take on Knox and ] in a feud that many felt symbolized the original vision of ECW (Sandman and Dreamer) versus the "new" vision of ECW (Knox and Test). At the same time Sandman was feuding with Test and Knox, a debuting ] began to rub him the wrong way and he started a secondary feud with him.


Subsequently, the Sandman has made several short appearances, mostly coming out through the crowd and caning someone whenever some injustice was done. After being briefly included in a feud with ], he became part of the ] stable and joined their feud with ]. On April 1, 2007 at ] he teamed with RVD, Sabu, and Dreamer to defeat ], Burke, Striker, and ]. On May 16, Sabu was released by WWE and soon after Rob Van Dam left to take a sabbatical from wrestling, leaving Sandman and Dreamer alone to feud with the New Breed. Sandman and Dreamer would team up with ] on multiple occasions, who was also feuding with the New Breed. On the June 4 episode of ''ECW'', Sandman, Dreamer, and ] faced ] in a 3 on 1 Hardcore Handicap match, in which they were defeated. Subsequently, the Sandman has made several short appearances, mostly coming out through the crowd and caning someone whenever some injustice was done. After being briefly included in a feud with ], he became part of the ] stable and joined their feud with ]. On April 1, 2007 at ] he teamed with RVD, Sabu, and Dreamer to defeat ], Burke, Striker, and ]. On May 16, Sabu was released by WWE and soon after Rob Van Dam left to take a sabbatical from wrestling, leaving Sandman and Dreamer alone to feud with the New Breed. Sandman and Dreamer would team up with ] on multiple occasions, who was also feuding with the New Breed. On the June 4 episode of ''ECW'', Sandman, Dreamer, and ] faced ] in a 3 on 1 Hardcore Handicap match, in which they were defeated.


====Raw and Departure (2007)==== ====Raw and Departure (2007)====
On June 17, 2007, Sandman was drafted to the Raw brand via the ]. On the June 18 edition of ''Raw'', Sandman debuted, going after ] with his Singapore cane. On the July 2 edition of ''Raw'', Sandman had his first match on Raw, facing Carlito. Carlito won the match due to a disqualification when Sandman struck him with his cane after Carlito tried to use it on him. This started a feud between the two. Sandman did a similar thing next week when he lost to ] by disqualification, after hitting Regal and Carlito with his cane. The next week, Sandman faced Carlito again, this time winning when Regal attacked him. The Sandman was saved when ] (who had a confrontation with Regal earlier that night) came down to the ring. At ] he lost to Carlito in a ]. The Sandman lost in a battle royal to determine the new ] of ''Raw'' where he was the last one eliminated by Regal who had faked an injury and was not in the match until Sandman was the only superstar in the ring; Regal then won after he snuck up on The Sandman and hit him in the back of the head with his boot. His last match was on a September 10 edition of ''Raw'' against ] which he won by disqualification. Fullington appeared to injure his ankle during a missed spot in this match. Fullington was released from his WWE contract on September 12, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/sandmanreleased|title=Sandman released| publisher=WWE}}</ref> On June 17, 2007, Sandman was drafted to the Raw brand via the ]. On the June 18 edition of ''Raw'', Sandman debuted, going after ] with his Singapore cane. On the July 2 edition of ''Raw'', Sandman had his first match on Raw, facing Carlito. Carlito won the match due to a disqualification when Sandman struck him with his cane after Carlito tried to use it on him. This started a feud between the two. Sandman did a similar thing next week when he lost to ] by disqualification, after hitting Regal and Carlito with his cane. The next week, Sandman faced Carlito again, this time winning when Regal attacked him. The Sandman was saved when ] (who had a confrontation with Regal earlier that night) came down to the ring. At ] he lost to Carlito in a ]. The Sandman lost in a battle royal to determine the new ] of ''Raw'' where he was the last one eliminated by Regal who had faked an injury and was not in the match until Sandman was the only superstar in the ring; Regal then won after he snuck up on The Sandman and hit him in the back of the head with his boot. His last match was on a September 10 edition of ''Raw'' against ] which he won by disqualification. Fullington appeared to injure his ankle during a missed spot in this match. Fullington was released from his WWE contract on September 12, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/sandmanreleased|title=Sandman released| publisher=WWE}}</ref>


===Independent circuit (2007–2010)=== ===Independent circuit (2007–2010)===
The Sandman appeared at ]'s ''] Retirement Show'' in ] on December 7, 2007 in a losing effort to ]. The next night, in ] at the International Wrestling Cartel's ''A Call To Arms 4: Controlled Chaos'', Sandman defeated Dennis Gregory in a ] to capture the IWC Heavyweight Championship. The next night after that, he competed at the debut show for ], Destroy Erase Improve, in a match against ] which he lost. On January 3, 2008, at the All Entertainment Action Wrestling event ''Crucifix Bombardment 2008'' Sandman defeated 'The Raging Rhino' Hans Wilkshire in a Hardcore Match to win the vacant AEAW American Heavyweight Championship and the AEAW Hardcore Wrestling Championship. On April 19, 2008, he appeared on 1PW's supershow, 'Know Your Enemy 2008', in a losing effort to Damned Nation in an 8-man tag team match, where he teamed up with ] and ] (Hubba Bubba Lucha) and Iceman. The Sandman then took part in a No Limit Wrestling special, in which he participated in a tag team match,in which he and his partner, ], defeated ] and ] after a cane from Sandman allowed Legend to make the pin. The Sandman appeared at ]'s ''] Retirement Show'' in ] on December 7, 2007 in a losing effort to ]. The next night, in ] at the International Wrestling Cartel's ''A Call To Arms 4: Controlled Chaos'', Sandman defeated Dennis Gregory in a ] to capture the IWC Heavyweight Championship. The next night after that, he competed at the debut show for ], Destroy Erase Improve, in a match against ] which he lost. On January 3, 2008, at the All Entertainment Action Wrestling event ''Crucifix Bombardment 2008'' Sandman defeated 'The Raging Rhino' Hans Wilkshire in a Hardcore Match to win the vacant AEAW American Heavyweight Championship and the AEAW Hardcore Wrestling Championship. On April 19, 2008, he appeared on 1PW's supershow, 'Know Your Enemy 2008', in a losing effort to Damned Nation in an 8-man tag team match, where he teamed up with ] and ] (Hubba Bubba Lucha) and Iceman. The Sandman then took part in a No Limit Wrestling special, in which he participated in a tag team match,in which he and his partner, ], defeated ] and ] after a cane from Sandman allowed Legend to make the pin.
] ]
In October 2008, Sandman announced through a bulletin posted by his official MySpace account that he would be retiring from pro wrestling in the coming weeks. The bulletin stated that Sandman has a two month old child and a girlfriend to take care of, so he feels it is time to leave the wrestling business after a 20 plus year career. The bulletin also noted that he would still be accepting bookings over the next few weeks and that his official retirement date would be announced soon.<ref></ref> In October 2008, Sandman announced through a bulletin posted by his official MySpace account that he would be retiring from pro wrestling in the coming weeks. The bulletin stated that Sandman has a two month old child and a girlfriend to take care of, so he feels it is time to leave the wrestling business after a 20 plus year career. The bulletin also noted that he would still be accepting bookings over the next few weeks and that his official retirement date would be announced soon.<ref></ref>
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Sandman appeared at the Lonestar Bar & Grill in Temple, Texas, United States on July 13, 2009 wrestling for New School Federation. He was in a Tag Team match with the at the time NSF champion Ryan Genesis against the tag team of The Fringe Connection (Myke Fyre and Caribbean Tiger) in a NO-DQ match. Genesis scored to pinfall with the help of Sandman armed with a Singapore cane. Sandman appeared at the Lonestar Bar & Grill in Temple, Texas, United States on July 13, 2009 wrestling for New School Federation. He was in a Tag Team match with the at the time NSF champion Ryan Genesis against the tag team of The Fringe Connection (Myke Fyre and Caribbean Tiger) in a NO-DQ match. Genesis scored to pinfall with the help of Sandman armed with a Singapore cane.


On August 1, Fullington made an appearance at the ] Carlton for the promotion ]{{Disambiguation needed|date=June 2011}}. There he along with fellow ECW alumnus ] teamed up to take on the team of EGO. On August 1, Fullington made an appearance at the ] Carlton for the promotion ]{{Disambiguation needed|date=June 2011}}. There he along with fellow ECW alumnus ] teamed up to take on the team of EGO.


===Return to TNA (2010)=== ===Return to TNA (2010)===
Fullington returned to TNA on July 27, 2010, at the tapings of the August 5 edition of '']'', in order to take part in the August 8 ECW reunion show, ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1280286700|title=Spoilers: TNA Impact for August 5|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=27 July 2010|work=WrestleView|accessdate=2010-08-05}}</ref> At the event on August 8, Sandman assaulted former rival P.J. Polaco (Justin Credible) after his match with Stevie Richards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_42979.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Hardcore Justice PPV results 8/8: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of ECW-themed PPV headlined by RVD vs. Sabu|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=8 August 2010|accessdate=2010-08-08|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the following edition of ''Impact!'', the ECW alumni, known collectively as ], were assaulted by ], ], ], ], ] and ] of ]'s ] stable, who thought they didn't deserve to be in TNA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_43008.shtml|title=TNA News: Spoilers – detailed Impact TV taping report for "Whole F'n Show" featuring new angle, MOTY candidate?, three title matches|first=Kevin|last=Tomich|date=9 August 2010|accessdate=2010-08-12|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/12/15010951.html|title=TNA's 'The Whole F'n Show': Beer Money, Machine Guns put on match of year candidate; Fortune makes statement|first=Matt|last=Bishop|date=12 August 2010|accessdate=2010-08-13|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]}}</ref> The following week TNA president ] gave each member of EV 2.0 TNA contracts in order for them to settle their score with Fortune.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_43238.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 8/19: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast|first=Daniel|last=Wilkenfeld|date=19 August 2010|accessdate=2010-08-19|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Sandman ] an ''Impact!'' taping on August 23 and has made no more appearances for the company since.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/17280/|title=Wed. update: Ratings, main event announced, Fedor's people want big fight,TNA no-show and departure|first=Dave|last=Meltzer|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=25 August 2010|accessdate=2010-09-08|work=]}}</ref> Fullington returned to TNA on July 27, 2010, at the tapings of the August 5 edition of '']'', in order to take part in the August 8 ECW reunion show, ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1280286700|title=Spoilers: TNA Impact for August 5|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=27 July 2010|work=WrestleView|accessdate=2010-08-05}}</ref> At the event on August 8, Sandman assaulted former rival P.J. Polaco (Justin Credible) after his match with Stevie Richards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_42979.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Hardcore Justice PPV results 8/8: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of ECW-themed PPV headlined by RVD vs. Sabu|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=8 August 2010|accessdate=2010-08-08|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the following edition of ''Impact!'', the ECW alumni, known collectively as ], were assaulted by ], ], ], ], ] and ] of ]'s ] stable, who thought they didn't deserve to be in TNA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_43008.shtml|title=TNA News: Spoilers – detailed Impact TV taping report for "Whole F'n Show" featuring new angle, MOTY candidate?, three title matches|first=Kevin|last=Tomich|date=9 August 2010|accessdate=2010-08-12|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/12/15010951.html|title=TNA's 'The Whole F'n Show': Beer Money, Machine Guns put on match of year candidate; Fortune makes statement|first=Matt|last=Bishop|date=12 August 2010|accessdate=2010-08-13|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=]}}</ref> The following week TNA president ] gave each member of EV 2.0 TNA contracts in order for them to settle their score with Fortune.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_43238.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 8/19: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast|first=Daniel|last=Wilkenfeld|date=19 August 2010|accessdate=2010-08-19|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Sandman ] an ''Impact!'' taping on August 23 and has made no more appearances for the company since.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/17280/|title=Wed. update: Ratings, main event announced, Fedor's people want big fight,TNA no-show and departure|first=Dave|last=Meltzer|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=25 August 2010|accessdate=2010-09-08|work=]}}</ref>


===Extreme Reunion/Rising (2012)=== ===Extreme Reunion/Rising (2012)===
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==In other media== ==In other media==
Fullington appeared as The Sandman in the video games ], ] and ]. Fullington appeared as The Sandman in the video games '']'', '']'' and '']''.


==The Lou Albano Incident== ==The Lou Albano Incident==
On July 20, 2008, at a party for ], Fullington began fighting a ] restaurant's employees when they called the police. Upon the police's arrival, he turned on them and started throwing glasses their way, injuring two of them.<ref name="deniedbail"/><ref name="fightvideo">{{cite web|url=http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/Wrestler_Sandman_Makes_Bail_in_Party_Brawl|title=Wrestler 'Sandman' Makes Bail in Party Brawl|date=25 July 2008|publisher=myfoxny.com}}</ref> He was at first denied bail on July 23, due to two previous convictions for burglary in 1983.<ref name="deniedbail">{{cite web|url=http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080724/NEWS02/807240393/-1/RSS01|title=Wrestler to spend another night in Yonkers jail|date=24 July 2008|last=David|first=Will|accessdate=2008-07-24|publisher=The Journal News|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080801083505/http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080724/NEWS02/807240393/-1/RSS01|archivedate=August 1, 2008}}</ref> His bail was later set at US$10,000.<ref name="bail">{{cite web|url=http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080724/NEWS02/807240452/1018|title=County judge sets $10,000 bail for pro wrestler 'The Sandman,' charged in Yonkers brawl|date=24 July 2008|last=Baker|first=Rebecca|accessdate=2008-07-25|publisher=The Journal News|archivedate=August 2, 2008|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080802150651/http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080724/NEWS02/807240452/1018}}</ref> The judge also issued a restraining order, barring Fullington from contacting the owner of the restaurant where the incident had occurred and Fullington was ordered to stay away from the restaurant.<ref name="deniedbail"/> Fullington was fined $1,000, had to pay another $200 in court costs and was given a one-year conditional discharge. Fullington was also facing criminal mischief and assault charges, which were dropped in return for the guilty plea. On July 20, 2008, at a party for ], Fullington began fighting a ] restaurant's employees when they called the police. Upon the police's arrival, he turned on them and started throwing glasses their way, injuring two of them.<ref name="deniedbail"/><ref name="fightvideo">{{cite web|url=http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/Wrestler_Sandman_Makes_Bail_in_Party_Brawl|title=Wrestler 'Sandman' Makes Bail in Party Brawl|date=25 July 2008|publisher=myfoxny.com}}</ref> He was at first denied bail on July 23, due to two previous convictions for burglary in 1983.<ref name="deniedbail">{{cite web|url=http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080724/NEWS02/807240393/-1/RSS01|title=Wrestler to spend another night in Yonkers jail|date=24 July 2008|last=David|first=Will|accessdate=2008-07-24|publisher=The Journal News|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080801083505/http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080724/NEWS02/807240393/-1/RSS01|archivedate=August 1, 2008}}</ref> His bail was later set at US$10,000.<ref name="bail">{{cite web|url=http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080724/NEWS02/807240452/1018|title=County judge sets $10,000 bail for pro wrestler 'The Sandman,' charged in Yonkers brawl|date=24 July 2008|last=Baker|first=Rebecca|accessdate=2008-07-25|publisher=The Journal News|archivedate=August 2, 2008|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080802150651/http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080724/NEWS02/807240452/1018}}</ref> The judge also issued a restraining order, barring Fullington from contacting the owner of the restaurant where the incident had occurred and Fullington was ordered to stay away from the restaurant.<ref name="deniedbail"/> Fullington was fined $1,000, had to pay another $200 in court costs and was given a one-year conditional discharge. Fullington was also facing criminal mischief and assault charges, which were dropped in return for the guilty plea.


==In wrestling== ==In wrestling==
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**]<ref name=hardcore/> **]<ref name=hardcore/>
**Veronica Caine **Veronica Caine
**] **]
**]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/major-gunns.html|title=Major Gunns profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> **]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/major-gunns.html|title=Major Gunns profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
**] **]
**] **]
**] **]
**] **]


*'''Nicknames''' *'''Nicknames'''
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**"]" by ] (ECW) **"]" by ] (ECW)
**'''"]"''' by ] (ECW) **'''"]"''' by ] (ECW)
**'''"]"''' by ] (ECW) **'''"]"''' by ] (ECW)
**'''"Nightmare"''' by ] (WWE) **'''"Nightmare"''' by ] (WWE)
**"Sandman Returns" by ] (TNA) **"Sandman Returns" by ] (TNA)
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**AEAW American Heavyweight Championship (2 times, current) **AEAW American Heavyweight Championship (2 times, current)
**AEAW Hardcore Wrestling Championship (1 time, current) **AEAW Hardcore Wrestling Championship (1 time, current)

*''']''' *''']'''
**] (])<sup>1</sup> **] (])<sup>1</sup>
**] (]) – with ] **] (]) – with ]
**] (2007)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.warned.net/PWUCrazy8Results.html |title=PWU "Crazy 8" Results From Biggest Crowd In PWU History. 2 Cold Wins Belt |work=Warned.net – Wrestling News |date=June 18, 2007 |accessdate=February 22, 2009}}</ref> **] (2007)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.warned.net/PWUCrazy8Results.html |title=PWU "Crazy 8" Results From Biggest Crowd In PWU History. 2 Cold Wins Belt |work=Warned.net – Wrestling News |date=June 18, 2007 |accessdate=February 22, 2009}}</ref>

*''']''' *''']'''
**] (]) – with ] **] (]) – with ]

*''']''' *''']'''
**] (]) **] (])

*'''International Wrestling Cartel''' *'''International Wrestling Cartel'''
**IWC World Heavyweight Championship (1 time) **IWC World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

*''']''' *''']'''
**PWI ranked him #'''60''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ] in 1995<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50095.htm|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 – 1995|accessdate=2011-04-05| publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref> **PWI ranked him #'''60''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ] in 1995<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50095.htm|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 – 1995|accessdate=2011-04-05| publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref>
**PWI ranked him #'''250''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the PWI Years in 2003<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi500yr.htm|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Top 500 Wrestlers of the PWI Years|accessdate=2008-05-08|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref> **PWI ranked him #'''250''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the PWI Years in 2003<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi500yr.htm|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Top 500 Wrestlers of the PWI Years|accessdate=2008-05-08|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive}}</ref>

*'''Stars and Stripes Championship Wrestling''' *'''Stars and Stripes Championship Wrestling'''
**SSCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{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}}</ref> **SSCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{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}}</ref>

*''']''' *''']'''
**] **]

*'''USA Pro Wrestling''' *'''USA Pro Wrestling'''
**USA Pro United States Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2002-10.html | title=Independent Wrestling Results – October 2002 | accessdate=2008-07-06|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref> **USA Pro United States Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2002-10.html | title=Independent Wrestling Results – October 2002 | accessdate=2008-07-06|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref>

*'''Universal Wrestling Federation''' *'''Universal Wrestling Federation'''
**UWF Universal Heavyweight Championship (1 time) **UWF Universal Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

*'''Westside Xtreme Wrestling''' *'''Westside Xtreme Wrestling'''
**WXW Hardcore Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.titlehistories.com/Westside_Xtreme_Wrestling.htm | title=Westside Xtreme Wrestling Title Histories | accessdate=2008-07-11|publisher=titlehistories.com}}</ref> **WXW Hardcore Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.titlehistories.com/Westside_Xtreme_Wrestling.htm | title=Westside Xtreme Wrestling Title Histories | accessdate=2008-07-11|publisher=titlehistories.com}}</ref>

*''']''' *''']'''
**] (]) **] (])

Revision as of 00:50, 29 May 2013

The Sandman
Born (1963-06-16) June 16, 1963 (age 61)
Sandy, Utah
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)(The) Sandman
"Hardcore" Hak
Billed height6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Billed weight244 lb (111 kg)
Billed fromPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
Trained byLarry Winters
Tri-State Wrestling Academy
Mark Tendler
J.T. Smith
Debut1989

James "Jim" Fullington (born June 16, 1963) better known by his ring name Sandman, is an American professional wrestler, best known for his career with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), where he developed into a "Hardcore Icon". Fullington has been a five-time world heavyweight champion, having held the ECW World Heavyweight Championship 5 times. He has also held the XPW World Heavyweight Championship once, the IWC World Heavyweight Championship once, and the UWF Universal Heavyweight Championship once. He also had stints in World Championship Wrestling, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, and World Wrestling Entertainment.

Professional wrestling career

Tri-State Wrestling

Fullington got his start in professional wrestling in the Philadelphia-based Tri-State Wrestling Alliance under the ring name Mr. Sandman, managed by his then real-life wife Peaches. He also performed in Memphis in 1991–1992.

Eastern / Extreme Championship Wrestling (1993–1999)

Surfer and pimp (1992–1994)

In April 1992 he arrived in Eastern Championship Wrestling (later renamed Extreme Championship Wrestling) as a crowd favorite. He won his first ECW Championship from Don Muraco on November 16, 1992, but lost it back to Muraco on April 3, 1993. In the end of 1993 he changed his ring-name to the Sandman.

In 1994, Sandman changed his gimmick after ECW owner Tod Gordon suggested that he channel his own personality into his character, creating an edgier gimmick. He began a feud with Tommy Cairo over Sandman's valet Peaches. Being temporarily blinded following a match, the Sandman inadvertently struck Peaches. When a recovering Sandman saw his tag team partner, Cairo, assisting her to her feet, he attacked Cairo. Peaches, now revealed to be his wife Lori, now became Cairo's valet.

Sandman, adopting the gimmick of a pimp, claimed that Cairo had neglected to pay one of Sandman's prostitutes, Woman, who now became his new valet and convinced him that Cairo had slept with both her and Lori. The Sandman began harassing Lori and Cairo, demanding of Cairo: "Pay Your Bills!" Following the highly-publicized caning of Michael P. Fay in Singapore on May 5, 1994, Sandman adopted another defining attribute of his new gimmick as he began wielding a kendo stick, referred to as a Singapore cane, taking delight in caning other wrestlers such as rookie Tommy Dreamer or his "estranged" wife. Sandman and Woman faced Cairo and Lori in a mixed Singapore Caning match on May 14, 1994. After Cairo and Lori defeated their opponents, Lori caned Sandman's crotch until Woman threw salt in her eyes, enabling Sandman to regroup and use his cane on both Lori and Cairo.

In late 1994, The Sandman was once again (kayfabe) blinded after a lit cigarette was pushed into his eye during an "I Quit" match with Tommy Dreamer. Woman blamed Sandman for the injury and abandoned him. The Sandman subsequently claimed that he would have to retire as a result, with Dreamer responding by dedicating the remainder of his career to The Sandman. Cairo began mocking The Sandman, which led to Dreamer heavily beating him during a match at November to Remember. At Sandman's retirement ceremony during the same event, an attempted reconciliation with Lori was interrupted by Woman, who caned Lori and threatened Sandman. As Dreamer came to the rescue, Sandman revealed that he was not in fact blinded and attacked Dreamer. The Sandman later revealed that his blinding had been an elaborate ruse concocted to trick Dreamer into hurting Cairo on his behalf.

World Heavyweight Champion (1995)

Sandman challenged Shane Douglas for the ECW Championship in April 1995, but was attacked by his own valet, Woman, who helped Shane Douglas retain the title. In a rematch at Hostile City Showdown on April 15, 1995, Sandman faced Douglas (who had Woman in his corner) in a rematch. During the course of the match, Woman turned on the now overconfident Douglas, helping Sandman become the ECW Champion. It was revealed that the entire sequence of events was a double-cross planned all along by Woman to aid Sandman while psychologically destroying Douglas in the process. Douglas attempted to regain the championship in the following months, but left for the World Wrestling Federation before he was able. Sandman's first title defenses after winning the ECW Championship were against Cactus Jack, with the latter never getting the upper hand due to interference by Woman, rival Terry Funk, 'stickler' referee Bill Alfonso, and Douglas, who was bitter over losing his title.

Sandman's feud with Cactus Jack lasted throughout 1995 and culminated in a series of matches involving barbed wire. In a Texas Death match in February 1995, Sandman was hit with a heavy metal frying pan, giving Fullington a legitimate concussion. Throughout the remainder of the match, Fullington was visibly disoriented and forgot the scripted ending of the match; several times Cactus Jack hit Sandman with his signature double underhook DDT and again and again Sandman instinctively kicked out. This went on for about a minute before Cactus Jack delivered a legit maneuver, hoping it would keep Sandman down. The referee also had to resort to making the ten-count (as per the match's rules) at nearly double his original speed.

On October 25, Sandman lost the title to Mikey Whipwreck in a ladder match. Three days later, Sandman teamed up with then Television Champion 2 Cold Scorpio to win the ECW Tag Team Championship from The Public Enemy. On December 9, Sandman regained his World Heavyweight title by defeating Whipwreck and Steve Austin in a 3-Way Dance. At the end of the month, 2 Cold Scorpio lost both the Television and Tag Team Championships to Whipwreck in a singles match on December 29, while Sandman became embroiled in his feud with Raven.

Feud with Raven (1997-1999)

Sandman spent the time period from December 1995 through May 1997 engaged in a feud with Raven, becoming a fan favorite in the storyline. On January 27, 1996, Sandman lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Raven and the two would subsequently trade the title back and forth. Sandman joined forces with Raven's nemesis Tommy Dreamer and on October 5, 1996, regained the title by pinning Stevie Richards in an Ultimate Jeopardy tag team match pitting Sandman and Dreamer against Brian Lee and Richards, who replaced Raven when he no-showed the event.

During the feud, Raven allied himself to the returned Lori Fullington and brainwashed her and Sandman's real-life son into joining his cult-like following, turning him against his father. Raven psychologically attacked Sandman by having his son deny his relationship with his father, telling Tyler that his parents' divorce was Sandman's fault, and making him perform Raven's trademark taunt "The Raven's Crucifix" and other mannerisms. On October 26, 1996, during one match, Tyler interfered to help his father. Afterward, the two embraced, but Raven came from behind with a Singapore Cane and smacked his enemy by piledriving Sandman through the table. Stevie Richards and the Blue Meanie came out with a giant wooden cross and crucified him. On December 7, Sandman again lost the title to Raven in a barbed wire match.

In 1996, the team of Sandman and Tommy Dreamer became more permanent as the duo feuded with anti-ECW team of Sabu and Rob Van Dam, as well as the Dudley Boyz. At World Wrestling Federation (WWF)'s 1996 In Your House: Mind Games, Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, Paul Heyman and a number of other ECW stars caused a storyline disturbance at ringside during a Caribbean Strap match between Savio Vega and Justin "Hawk" Bradshaw. The disturbance resulted in Sandman whacking Vega over the head with his signature Singapore cane and spitting beer in his face. This event marked the start of the on-air working relationship between Vince McMahon's WWF and Paul Heyman's ECW and eventually led to ECW appearing on the February 24, 1997 WWF program Raw.

At the ECW premier PPV Barely Legal, Sandman wrestled a three-way dance with Terry Funk and Stevie Richards, for a shot at the ECW title later that night, but fell short of the title. Later in the year, Sandman feuded with Sabu. Although he was too injured to compete at Hardcore Heaven 1997, his interference in the main event led to Sabu's elimination, costing Sabu the title. Over the next few months, they competed in tables matches, ladder matches and dueling cane matches before effectively ending their feud at Living Dangerously 1998. Over the spring and summer of 1998, Sandman teamed up with Dreamer and Spike Dudley to feud with the Dudley Boyz, finally securing a victory in a six man match at Heat Wave 1998.

World Championship Wrestling (1999)

In 1999, Fullington joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He first appeared in vignettes promoting Raven as a spoiled rich kid and Fullington as his preppy neighbor. The original plan to debut under this gimmick were scrapped. He later debuted under his longtime nickname, Hak (the Sandman name was trademarked). In his short time there, Hak was mostly involved in angles featuring fellow ECW alumni Raven, Bam Bam Bigelow, and Raven's storyline sister Chastity, with whom he developed an on-screen relationship after she turned on Raven. His presence also helped to bolster WCW's fledgling hardcore division. WCW started promoting hardcore wrestling within their product through utilizing wrestlers like Haku and Bam Bam Bigelow.

Return to ECW (1999–2001)

After leaving WCW in late 1999, Fullington, as The Sandman, returned to ECW and remained with the company until its demise in January 2001. He began a feud with Rhino in 2000, losing to him at Hardcore Heaven, Heat Wave, and other shows. On January 7, 2001 at ECW's last pay-per-view, Guilty as Charged, the Sandman won his fifth World Heavyweight Championship in a Tables, Ladders, Chairs, and Canes three-way dance with the champion Steve Corino and Justin Credible. After The Sandman won, however, the World Television Champion Rhino came out to the ring and challenged him to an impromptu title match. The Sandman accepted the challenge and after a 60 second match, Rhino defeated The Sandman to become the new World Heavyweight Champion, unifying ECW's two singles titles.

XPW and TNA (2001–2003)

After the close of ECW The Sandman wrestled for Xtreme Pro Wrestling (XPW) for a time. In February 2002, at the event Free Fall, he won the XPW King of the Deathmatch Championship from Supreme, turning heel and aligning himself with heel faction 'The E'. On a number of occasions Sandman was accompanied to the ring by former World Championship Wrestling (WCW) valet Tylene Buck. At XPW's 'Cold Day in Hell' reunion show, Sandman defeated Pogo the Clown, the wrestler he last feuded with before the company went out of business. While at XPW Sandman also wrestled within the fledgling Pro-Pain Pro Wrestling promotion. His most notable match was a 3-way dance with Sabu and New Jack. It is featured as a "bonus match" on the 3PW DVD Blood, Brawls and Broads.

In late 2002 and early 2003, The Sandman had a tenure in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), joining former-ECW wrestlers Justin Credible and Raven, along with New Jack and Perry Saturn in a stable known as "Team Extreme" and later "Extreme Revolution". He also competed in the Hard 10 Tournament, where he partly feuded with Sonny Siaki before winning the overall event.

World Wrestling Entertainment (2005–2007)

ECW brand (2005–2007)

In 2005, Sandman participated in the ECW reunion show Hardcore Homecoming against longtime rival Raven. Two nights later he appeared at World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) produced ECW One Night Stand pay-per-view event, another ECW reunion show, teaming with Tommy Dreamer to face The Dudley Boyz. The match would see Sandman and Dreamer lose to the Dudleys after Dreamer was powerbombed through a flaming table. In 2006, prior to the June 11 One Night Stand, The Sandman made a number of promotional appearances on WWE programming, first appearing, along with a number of other ECW stars, on Raw attacking John Cena then, two nights later, on the WWE vs. ECW Head to Head special taking part in a battle royal, in which it can be argued that he was the last ECW original eliminated. At One Night Stand, when Eugene made his way to the ring to read a poem expressing his love of ECW, The Sandman came out with his Singapore Cane and caned Eugene to the back.

The Sandman wielding his signature Singapore cane during ECW's return in June 2006.

On June 13, 2006 WWE officially relaunched ECW as a brand equal to Raw and SmackDown! with its own show on the Sci Fi Channel. In the new ECW, The Sandman was used for the first few weeks as a character who would emerge from the crowd when a non-ECW style character was annoying the audience. Once the character had a few minutes to talk Sandman appeared and destroyed the character with his cane, often ending the "match" with his signature White Russian Legsweep. This gimmick escalated when Sandman confronted regular ECW fixture Mike Knox while he was attempting to stop his exhibitionist girlfriend, Kelly Kelly, in the middle of her weekly "exposé" strip show. The Sandman began a feud with Knox over this and eventually began teaming up with fellow ECW original Tommy Dreamer to take on Knox and Test in a feud that many felt symbolized the original vision of ECW (Sandman and Dreamer) versus the "new" vision of ECW (Knox and Test). At the same time Sandman was feuding with Test and Knox, a debuting Matt Striker began to rub him the wrong way and he started a secondary feud with him.

Subsequently, the Sandman has made several short appearances, mostly coming out through the crowd and caning someone whenever some injustice was done. After being briefly included in a feud with Elijah Burke, he became part of the ECW Originals stable and joined their feud with the New Breed. On April 1, 2007 at WrestleMania 23 he teamed with RVD, Sabu, and Dreamer to defeat Marcus Cor Von, Burke, Striker, and Kevin Thorn. On May 16, Sabu was released by WWE and soon after Rob Van Dam left to take a sabbatical from wrestling, leaving Sandman and Dreamer alone to feud with the New Breed. Sandman and Dreamer would team up with CM Punk on multiple occasions, who was also feuding with the New Breed. On the June 4 episode of ECW, Sandman, Dreamer, and Balls Mahoney faced Bobby Lashley in a 3 on 1 Hardcore Handicap match, in which they were defeated.

Raw and Departure (2007)

On June 17, 2007, Sandman was drafted to the Raw brand via the WWE Supplemental Draft. On the June 18 edition of Raw, Sandman debuted, going after Carlito with his Singapore cane. On the July 2 edition of Raw, Sandman had his first match on Raw, facing Carlito. Carlito won the match due to a disqualification when Sandman struck him with his cane after Carlito tried to use it on him. This started a feud between the two. Sandman did a similar thing next week when he lost to William Regal by disqualification, after hitting Regal and Carlito with his cane. The next week, Sandman faced Carlito again, this time winning when Regal attacked him. The Sandman was saved when Jim Duggan (who had a confrontation with Regal earlier that night) came down to the ring. At The Great American Bash he lost to Carlito in a Singapore Cane on a Pole match. The Sandman lost in a battle royal to determine the new General Manager of Raw where he was the last one eliminated by Regal who had faked an injury and was not in the match until Sandman was the only superstar in the ring; Regal then won after he snuck up on The Sandman and hit him in the back of the head with his boot. His last match was on a September 10 edition of Raw against Santino Marella which he won by disqualification. Fullington appeared to injure his ankle during a missed spot in this match. Fullington was released from his WWE contract on September 12, 2007.

Independent circuit (2007–2010)

The Sandman appeared at IWA Mid-South's Ian Rotten Retirement Show in Plainfield, Indiana on December 7, 2007 in a losing effort to Drake Younger. The next night, in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania at the International Wrestling Cartel's A Call To Arms 4: Controlled Chaos, Sandman defeated Dennis Gregory in a steel cage match to capture the IWC Heavyweight Championship. The next night after that, he competed at the debut show for Firestorm Pro Wrestling, Destroy Erase Improve, in a match against Samoa Joe which he lost. On January 3, 2008, at the All Entertainment Action Wrestling event Crucifix Bombardment 2008 Sandman defeated 'The Raging Rhino' Hans Wilkshire in a Hardcore Match to win the vacant AEAW American Heavyweight Championship and the AEAW Hardcore Wrestling Championship. On April 19, 2008, he appeared on 1PW's supershow, 'Know Your Enemy 2008', in a losing effort to Damned Nation in an 8-man tag team match, where he teamed up with El Ligero and Bubblegum (Hubba Bubba Lucha) and Iceman. The Sandman then took part in a No Limit Wrestling special, in which he participated in a tag team match,in which he and his partner, Joe E. Legend, defeated Test and Chris Masters after a cane from Sandman allowed Legend to make the pin.

Sandman upon his return to TNA in July 2010

In October 2008, Sandman announced through a bulletin posted by his official MySpace account that he would be retiring from pro wrestling in the coming weeks. The bulletin stated that Sandman has a two month old child and a girlfriend to take care of, so he feels it is time to leave the wrestling business after a 20 plus year career. The bulletin also noted that he would still be accepting bookings over the next few weeks and that his official retirement date would be announced soon.

The Sandman appeared at the Armageddon convention in Auckland, New Zealand, wrestling for Impact Pro Wrestling NZ between October 25–27, 2008. He defeated Joseph Kinkade in his first match and The Machine in his second match, both with the White Russian Legsweep. He then teamed up with IPW New Zealand Heavyweight Championship holder "The Deal" Dal Knox in a tag match against Kinkade and The Machine, which saw Knox take the win with a Knox Out on Kinkade.

Sandman appeared at the Lonestar Bar & Grill in Temple, Texas, United States on July 13, 2009 wrestling for New School Federation. He was in a Tag Team match with the at the time NSF champion Ryan Genesis against the tag team of The Fringe Connection (Myke Fyre and Caribbean Tiger) in a NO-DQ match. Genesis scored to pinfall with the help of Sandman armed with a Singapore cane.

On August 1, Fullington made an appearance at the Morecambe Carlton for the promotion SPW. There he along with fellow ECW alumnus Little Guido teamed up to take on the team of EGO.

Return to TNA (2010)

Fullington returned to TNA on July 27, 2010, at the tapings of the August 5 edition of TNA Impact!, in order to take part in the August 8 ECW reunion show, Hardcore Justice. At the event on August 8, Sandman assaulted former rival P.J. Polaco (Justin Credible) after his match with Stevie Richards. On the following edition of Impact!, the ECW alumni, known collectively as EV 2.0, were assaulted by A.J. Styles, Kazarian, Robert Roode, James Storm, Douglas Williams and Matt Morgan of Ric Flair's Fortune stable, who thought they didn't deserve to be in TNA. The following week TNA president Dixie Carter gave each member of EV 2.0 TNA contracts in order for them to settle their score with Fortune. Sandman no-showed an Impact! taping on August 23 and has made no more appearances for the company since.

Extreme Reunion/Rising (2012)

Fullington has been making appearances with the Shane Douglas promotion Extreme Reunion (later renamed Extreme Rising). Fullington's appearances have mainly centered around him doing entrances to his Enter Sandman theme music and performing "saves" for other wrestlers by caning their opponents.

In other media

Fullington appeared as The Sandman in the video games ECW Anarchy Rulz, Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood and WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008.

The Lou Albano Incident

On July 20, 2008, at a party for Lou Albano, Fullington began fighting a Yonkers, New York restaurant's employees when they called the police. Upon the police's arrival, he turned on them and started throwing glasses their way, injuring two of them. He was at first denied bail on July 23, due to two previous convictions for burglary in 1983. His bail was later set at US$10,000. The judge also issued a restraining order, barring Fullington from contacting the owner of the restaurant where the incident had occurred and Fullington was ordered to stay away from the restaurant. Fullington was fined $1,000, had to pay another $200 in court costs and was given a one-year conditional discharge. Fullington was also facing criminal mischief and assault charges, which were dropped in return for the guilty plea.

In wrestling

  • Nicknames
    • "Ambassador of Extreme"
    • "Hardcore Icon"
    • "Extreme Icon"
    • "ECW Original"
    • "King of Extreme"

Championships and accomplishments

Sandman's Hardcore Hall of Fame banner in the former ECW Arena.

Sandman's first reign occurred while the promotion was an NWA affiliate named Eastern Championship Wrestling, and was prior to the promotion becoming Extreme Championship Wrestling and the title being declared a world title by ECW. Sandman held the title an additional four times after these events.

Footnotes

  1. ^ "Sandman Profile". Online World Of Wrestling. Retrieved March 27, 2008.
  2. ^ T, J. "All In A Days Workrate: The Definitive History of ECW, part 1"
  3. Thom Loverro, The Rise & Fall of ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling, p. 172f.
  4. "Sandman still bleeds ECW". Slam!. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  5. "Sandman released". WWE.
  6. Sandman Announces His Retirement From Wrestling, Terry Funk Pulls Out, Heart Throbs' Romeo
  7. Armageddon Day 3: Sandman & Knox defeat Machine & Kinkade! – NZPWI
  8. Martin, Adam (July 27, 2010). "Spoilers: TNA Impact for August 5". WrestleView. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  9. Caldwell, James (August 8, 2010). "Caldwell's TNA Hardcore Justice PPV results 8/8: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of ECW-themed PPV headlined by RVD vs. Sabu". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved August 8, 2010.
  10. Tomich, Kevin (August 9, 2010). "TNA News: Spoilers – detailed Impact TV taping report for "Whole F'n Show" featuring new angle, MOTY candidate?, three title matches". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved August 12, 2010.
  11. Bishop, Matt (August 12, 2010). "TNA's 'The Whole F'n Show': Beer Money, Machine Guns put on match of year candidate; Fortune makes statement". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved August 13, 2010.
  12. Wilkenfeld, Daniel (August 19, 2010). "Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 8/19: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved August 19, 2010.
  13. Meltzer, Dave (August 25, 2010). "Wed. update: Ratings, main event announced, Fedor's people want big fight,TNA no-show and departure". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved September 8, 2010.
  14. ^ David, Will (July 24, 2008). "Wrestler to spend another night in Yonkers jail". The Journal News. Archived from the original on August 1, 2008. Retrieved July 24, 2008.
  15. "Wrestler 'Sandman' Makes Bail in Party Brawl". myfoxny.com. July 25, 2008.
  16. Baker, Rebecca (July 24, 2008). "County judge sets $10,000 bail for pro wrestler 'The Sandman,' charged in Yonkers brawl". The Journal News. Archived from the original on August 2, 2008. Retrieved July 25, 2008.
  17. ^ World Championship Wrestling, TNT (March 22, 1999). "Hardcore Hak vs Goldberg". WCW Monday Nitro.
  18. "Major Gunns profile". Online World of Wrestling.
  19. "PWU "Crazy 8" Results From Biggest Crowd In PWU History. 2 Cold Wins Belt". Warned.net – Wrestling News. June 18, 2007. Retrieved February 22, 2009.
  20. "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 – 1995". Wrestling Information Archive. Retrieved April 5, 2011.
  21. "Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Top 500 Wrestlers of the PWI Years". Wrestling Information Archive. Retrieved May 8, 2008.
  22. "Independent Wrestling Results – March 2003". onlineworldofwrestling.com. Retrieved July 5, 2008.
  23. "Independent Wrestling Results – October 2002". onlineworldofwrestling.com. Retrieved July 6, 2008.
  24. "Westside Xtreme Wrestling Title Histories". titlehistories.com. Retrieved July 11, 2008.

References

  • Loverro, Thom (2006). The Rise & Fall of ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling. World Wrestling Entertainment. p. 384. ISBN 1-4165-1058-3.

External links

ECW World Heavyweight Champions
NWA
(1992–1994)
ECW
(1994–2001)
WWE
(2006–2010)

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