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Paul Orndorff

[Paul Orndorff GALLERY]

[Heenan Family] [Pretty Wonderful]

Check out Paul Orndorff WWE Alumni profile here!

[CAREER RECORD: Paul Orndorff]

Title History

  • NWA (Mid America) Southern Heavyweight title defeating Jerry Lawler (May 29, 1977);
  • NWA (Tri State) North American Heavyweight title defeating Ernie Ladd (May 29, 1978);
  • NWA (Tri State) North American Heavyweight title defeating Ernie Ladd (June 1978);
  • NWA (Mid Atlantic) World Tag Team titles w/ Jimmy Snuka defeating Baron Von Raschke and Greg Valentine (December 1978);
  • NWA Southeastern Tag Team titles w/ Dick Slater defeating Norvell Austin and Jimmy Golden (October 1979);
  • NWA Southeastern Tag Team titles w/ Norvell Austin defeating Rany Rose and Dennis Condrey (1980);
  • Mid South North American Heavyweight title defeating Jake Roberts (July 4, 1981);
  • NWA (Georgia) National Heavyweight title defeating Buzz Sawyer (June 20, 1982);
  • NWA (Georgia) National Heavyweight title defeating Super Destroyer (October 3, 1982);
  • NWA (Georgia) National Heavyweight title defeating Masked Superstar (November 17, 1982);
  • NWA (Georgia) National Heavyweight title defeating Tommy Rich (March 1983);
  • AWF (American Wrestling Federation) Heavyweight title defeating Stan Lane [Tournament] (December 16, 1991);
  • UWF (Herb Abrams) Southern States Heavyweight title defeating Bob Orton Jr. (June 22, 1992);
  • NWL (National Wrestling League) Tag Team titles w/ Brian Blair (1993);
  • WCW World Television title defeating Erik Watts in a Tournament Final (March 2, 1993);
  • WCW World Tag Team titles w/ Paul Roma defeating Kevin Sullivan and Cactus Jack (July 17, 1994);
  • WCW World Tag Team titles w/ Paul Roma defeating The Patriot and Marcus Bagwell (October 23, 1994);

Career Highlights

In The Beginning:

  • Paul Orndorff and Shane Douglas are cousins.
  • Paul Orndorff was trained by Hiro Matsuda at the same time as Hulk Hogan.

Mid-South:

  • 1978: Paul won the North American Championship twice, winning and losing to and from “Big Cat” Ernie Ladd.

Mid-Atlantic:

  • 1978: Paul competed in the Mid-Atlantic area.
  • December 1978: Paul teamed with Jimmy Snuka to win NWA World Tag Team Titles from Greg Valentine and Baron Von Raschke.
  • ~~~April 28, 1979: They lost the belts to Baron Von Raschke and Paul Jones.

Mid-South Return:

  • July 21, 1979: Paul was defeated by Angelo Mosca Sr at a Superdome event.
  • October 1979: Paul teamed with Dick Slater to win the Southeastern Tag Team Titles.
  • Summer 1980: Paul began a feud with Ken Mantell in Mid-South.
  • ~~~Mantell had a tradition of cutting opponents’ hair.
  • ~~~Mantell even managed to give Orndorff an unwanted haircut.
  • ~~~Paul defeated Mantell and was awarded the right to use the infamous Freebird Hair-Removal Creme on Mantell’s scalp.
  • ~~~August 1980 – Mid-South Superdome Extravaganza: Paul continued his success by defeating Mantell in a rematch.
  • November 1980: Ernie Ladd and Leroy Brown injured Paul’s brother Terry Orndorff while winning the Mid-South Tag Team Titles.
  • ~~~Nov/1980 – Mid-South Superdome Extravaganza: Big brother Paul sought revenge, but he lost to Ladd in a “Lights out” match.
  • Paul later returned to the Southeast Continental Area where he teamed up with Norvell Austin.
  • ~~~They defeated Dennis Condrey and Randy Rose for the Southeast Continental Tag Team Titles.
  • Paul came back to Mid-South yet again.
  • Paul overslept on the day of his title shot against North American Champion The Grappler.
  • ~~~When substitute Jake Roberts took the belt from The Grappler, Orndorff went berzerk.
  • ~~~Paul’s obession with the belt cost him his popularity with the fans.
  • ~~~July 4, 1981 – Superdome: Paul Orndorff defeated Jake Roberts for the Mid-South North American Heavyweight title.
  • ~~~Paul later lost a “lights out” match to The Junkyard Dog that same night.
  • Paul entered feuds with JYD, Ted DiBiase, Dusty Rhodes and Dick Murdoch while aligned with Bob Roop and Bob Orton Jr.
  • November 1, 1981: Paul lost his North American Title to Ted DiBiase.

Georgia:

  • June 20, 1982: Paul beat Buzz Sawyer for the National Title.
  • Paul vacated it that summer to concentrate on an unsuccessful World Title chase against NWA World Champion Ric Flair.
  • Paul, acting as a sort of American patriot, feuded with Ivan Koloff.
  • October 1982: Paul later defeated The Super Destroyer (Scott Irwin) to recapture the National Title.
  • ~~~Paul also traded the National Title with The Masked Superstar (Bill Eadie).
  • ~~~When Larry Zbyszko failed to win the title from Orndorff, he paid Killer Tim Brooks $25,000 to take him out.
  • ~~~Brooks clobbered Orndorff with a chair to win the title but the decision was overturned.

World Wrestling Federation – Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff vs. Hulk Hogan and Mr. T:

  • Paul Orndorff signed with the WWF and aligned himself with “Rowdy” Roddy Piper as a heel.
  • January 1984 – Madison Square Garden: Paul Orndorff defeated Salvatore Bellomo with a Piledriver.
  • Paul Orndorff was granted several title shots at WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan, with no success.
  • February 1984: Paul Orndorff faced Hulk Hogan in Hogan’s first New York City title defense.
  • Paul Orndorff and Roddy Piper and David Shultz vs. Ivan Putski and Tony Atlas and Rocky Johnson in a six-man war.
  • July 23, 1984 – Brawl To Settle It All: Paul Orndorff defeated Chief Jay Strongbow in a dark match.
  • Mr. Wonderful Paul Orndorff was also a frequent challenger to Intercontinental Champion, Tito Santana.
  • Paul Orndorff joined Roddy Piper (w/ Bob Orton) to feud with Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka and The Tonga Kid.
  • Paul also did Piper a favor by injuring Junk Yard Dog just prior to JYD’s scheduled appearance on Piper’s Pit.
  • ~~~Without JYD around, Piper, Orton, and Orndorff all started to harass Salvadore Bellomo in his place.
  • ~~~However, JYD emerged from the back, along with bloody bandages and a steel chair to fend off the heels.
  • Paul had a brief rivalry with young David Sammartino, with Roddy Piper and Bruno Sammartino getting involved.
  • ~~~Bruno Sammartino and David Sammartino defeated Paul Orndorff and Rowdy Roddy Piper in a tag team match.
  • Late 1984: Paul Orndorff was drawn into Rowdy Roddy Piper sudden feud with several Hollywood Celebrities.
  • ~~~Rowdy Roddy Piper went as far as to attack Captain Lou Albano and Cyndi Lauper and ignited a big feud.
  • February 18, 1985 – War To Settle The Score: “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff defeated “Mr. USA” Tony Atlas.
  • In the Main Event, Paul interfered on Piper’s behalf causing a disqualification, until Mr T hit the ring to make the save!
  • Wrestlemania 1: Paul Orndorff and Roddy Piper (w/ Bob Orton) were defeated by Hulk Hogan and Mr.T (w/ Jimmy Snuka).
  • ~~~After being the victim of the pinfall, Paul Orndorff was abandoned in the ring by Piper and Cowboy Bob Orton.

World Wrestling Federation – Paul Orndorff and Hulk Hogan:

  • Saturday Night’s Main Event: Paul Orndorff shook Hulk Hogan’s hand after failing to defeat him in a title match.
  • Paul Orndorff was a guest on Piper’s Pit and Piper labeled Orndorff as a “loser” and blamed him for the WM loss.
  • ~~~Paul Orndorff was well aware that the verbal insults were all a distraction for something else.
  • ~~~Paul Orndorff caught Bob Orton trying to attack from behind and then refocused on Roddy Piper.
  • ~~~Paul Orndorff attempted his piledriver on Roddy Piper but was decked from behind by Orton’s cast.
  • ~~~Before a two-on-one beat-down could go down, Mr T rushed to rescue Paul Orndorff for a second time.
  • Hulk Hogan and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff then feuded with Rowdy Roddy Piper and Cowboy Bob Orton.
  • July 8, 1985 – King of the Ring: Paul Orndorff vs. Bob Orton in a 1st round match ended in a double disqualification.
  • July 1985 – MSG: Paul Orndorff defeated Roddy Piper in the “Match Of Honor” by disqualification when Orton interfered.
  • ~~~Roddy Piper and Bob Orton beat up Paul Orndorff until The British Bulldogs ran in and made the save.
  • October 5, 1985 – Saturday Night’s Main Event: Paul Orndorff vs. Roddy Piper ended in a Double Count-out.
  • August 13, 1985 – Ohio State Fair: “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff defeated The Iron Sheik.
  • Madison Square Garden: Paul Orndorff and Andre The Giant defeated Rowdy Roddy Piper and Bob Orton.
  • Late 1985: Bobby “The Brain” Heenan placed a $50,000 bounty on the head of Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff.
  • November 7, 1985 – Wrestling Classic: Paul Orndorff defeated Bob Orton by disqualification in the 1st Round of the Tournament.
  • ~~~”Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff vs. Tito Santana ended in a Double Count-out in the 2nd round of the Tournament.
  • April 7, 1986 – WrestleMania 2: Paul Orndorff vs. Magnificent Don Muraco w/ Mr Fuji ended in a Double Count-out.
  • Paul Orndorff was mocked by Adorable Adrian Adonis, who claimed Orndorff was merely Hulk Hogan’s sidekick.
  • May 3, 1986 – Saturday Night’s Main Event: “Adorable” Adrian Adonis defeated Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff by disqualification.

World Wrestling Federation – Paul Orndorff betrays Hulk Hogan:

  • “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff then started a feud with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and Big John Studd.
  • Paul Orndorff and Hulk Hogan reunited in a tag match against The Moondogs, but there was obvious tension.
  • ~~~Paul Orndorff nearly wrestled the entire match by himself, in an attempt to upstage his partner.
  • June 24, 1986: Paul Orndorff and Hulk Hogan defeated Studd and Bundy by disqualification when Orndorff turned on Hulk Hogan.
  • ~~~Paul Orndorff nailed Hogan with a devastating piledriver, then mocked Hogan by cupping his hands to his ear.
  • ~~~Paul Orndorff embraced Heenan, Bundy, Studd and even Adrian Adonis, who kept repeating “You were WONDERFUL!”
  • July 14, 1986 – King of the Ring: The Junkyard Dog defeated Paul Orndorff in the 1st round.

World Wrestling Federation – The Heenan Family:

  • Paul Orndorff stole Hulk Hogan’s “Real American” entrance music to get under the skin of the World Champion.
  • August 28, 1986 – The Big Event: Hulk Hogan defeated Paul Orndorff w/ Bobby Heenan by disqualification to retain the WWF title.
  • ~~~Paul Orndorff covered Hulk Hogan and the referee tapped (Orndorff’s shoulder) three times to signify a disqualification.
  • ~~~Paul Orndorff celebrated with the championship belt anyway, thinking he had won the prized World title.
  • ~~~The referee informed everybody that Hogan had won the match upon a disqualification, therefor the title didn’t change.
  • September 7, 1986 – Wrestling Challenge: Paul Orndorff defeated Troy Martin.
  • September 13, 1986 – Superstars: Paul Orndorff defeated Sivi Afi.
  • September 28, 1986 – Wrestling Challenge: Paul Orndorff defeated Luscious Brown.
  • October 4, 1986 – SNME: Hulk Hogan defeated Paul Orndorff by disqualification to retain the WWF World title.
  • October 19, 1986 – Wrestling Challenge: Paul Orndorff defeated Tony Parks.
  • October 25, 1986 – Superstars: Paul Orndorff defeated Lanny Poffo.
  • November 24, 1986: Rowdy Roddy Piper and Hulk Hogan defeated Paul Orndorff and Harley Race w/ Bobby Heenan.
  • ~~~Piper pinned Race and stormed out of the ring, leaving Hogan to battle off Heenan, Race, and Orndorff.
  • January 3, 1987 – SNME: Hulk Hogan defeated Paul Orndorff in one of the greatest steel cage matches of all time.
  • ~~~With two different referees focused on each man, the competitors dropped to the floor at the same time!
  • ~~~Joey Morella declared Hogan the winner, while Danny Davis tried to give the match and title to Orndorff.
  • ~~~Hulk Hogan rushed to attack Paul Orndorff again, and he wiped out Referee Danny Davis in the process.
  • ~~~Joey Marella decided that, in all fairness, the match must be restarted and both reentered the cage.
  • ~~~This time, Hulk Hogan endured all of Orndorff’s offense and delivered his legdrop and go on to win.
  • January 24, 1987 – Superstars: Paul Orndorff defeated Paul Roma.
  • Madison Square Garden: “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff defeated George “The Animal” Steele.
  • June 1987: “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff defeated Junk Yard Dog.
  • June 20, 1987 – Superstars: Hercules, King Harley Race, King Kong Bundy & Paul Orndorff defeated Don Driggers, Jim Powers, Mario Mancini & Paul Roma.
  • June 28, 1987 – Wrestling Challenge: Hercules, King Harley Race and Paul Orndorff defeated Don Driggers, Dusty Wolfe and Rick Renslow.

World Wrestling Federation – The Good Guy:

  • Paul Orndorff fired Bobby Heenan and introduced his new manager, the popular Sir Oliver Humperdink.
  • August 29, 1987 – Superstars: Paul Orndorff defeated Iron Mike Sharpe.
  • September 6, 1987 – Wrestling Challenge: Paul Orndorff defeated Rex Farmer.
  • September 19, 1987 – Superstars: Paul Orndorff defeated Barry Horowitz.
  • September 27, 1987 – Wrestling Challenge: Paul Orndorff defeated Brian Costello.
  • October 3, 1987 – Superstars: Paul Orndorff defeated Dave Wagner.
  • October 3, 1987 – Saturday Night’s Main Event: King Kong Bundy defeated Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff.
  • Paul Orndorff began feuding with Bobby Heenan’s newest Heenan Family addition, Ravishing Rick Rude.
  • Madison Square Garden: Ravishing Rick Rude defeated Paul Orndorff at two consecutive MSG events.
  • October 17, 1987 – Superstars: Paul Orndorff defeated Chris Curtis.
  • November 14, 1987 – Superstars: Paul Orndorff defeated Carmine Surace.
  • November 26, 1987 – Survivor Series: Andre The Giant, Butch Reed, King Kong Bundy, Rick Rude and The One Man Gang defeated Bam Bam Bigelow, Don Muraco, Hulk Hogan, Ken Patera and Paul Orndorff in a tag team elimination match.

Stepping Back:

  • Paul Orndorff stopped wrestling for several years, there were rumors circulating that Orndorff had passed away.
  • Paul Orndorff, in reality, actually ran a popular Bowling Ally in the Atlanta, Georgia area.

Indy Circuit:

  • 1990: Paul Orndorff was wrestling in some lesser-known promotions.
  • Paul took on the popular Kerry Von Erich in a series of matches.

National Wrestling Alliance:

  • Summer 1990: Paul Orndorff resurfaced in NWA as part of Sting‘s “The Dudes With Attitudes”.
  • ~~~This group included Sting, Steiner Brothers, Lex Luger, Junk Yard Dog, and of course Paul Orndorff.
  • ~~~The “Dudes With Attitude” feuded with the heel Four Horsemen.
  • Paul Orndorff eventually disappeared from the NWA.

Herb Abrams’ UWF Promotion:

  • 1991: Paul Orndorff was one of the wrestlers to participate in Herb Abrams’ UWF promotion.
  • Paul began an intense rivalry with Steve Williams and later reignited his feud with Cowboy Bob Orton.
  • Beach Brawl: Paul met and defeated Colonel DeBeers in a strap match.
  • Paul would periodically show up in the UWF over the course of the early 1990’s.

NWF:

  • Paul also wrestled for the NWF, which operated in what used to be the old Mid-South area.
  • Paul was an occasional tag team partner of Chris Adams, as they battled the likes of Bob Orton and Buddy Landel.

Smokey Mountain Wrestling:

  • 1992: Smokey Mountain Wrestling opened its doors and held a tournament for its heavyweight title.
  • ~~~The Dirty White Boy (Tony Anthony), Buddy Landel, and “Prime Time” Brian Lee were all invited to participate.
  • ~~~Paul Orndorff’s name was there too, but as “an alternate!”
  • ~~~This insult was enough to swing the pendulum of Orndorff’s mood in a nasty direction.
  • ~~~Paul started ranting about having had victories over Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair.
  • ~~~Paul then destroyed Hector Guerrero . and anyone else who dared to step in the ring.
  • ~~~At the Volunteer Slam Event: Paul steamrolled through Tim Horner and Robert Gibson to meet Brian Lee in the finals.
  • ~~~SMW Commissioner Bob Armstrong tried to award the title to Orndorff due an injury Lee had suffered.
  • ~~~Instead, Lee demanded the match, Orndorff’s temper erupted, and Lee won the title by Disqualification!
  • February 8, 1992 – SMW TV: Paul Orndorff defeated Rip Rogers.
  • March 7, 1992 – SMW TV: Paul Orndorff defeated Barry Horowitz.
  • April 11, 1992 – SMW TV: Paul Orndorff defeated Hector Guerrero.
  • April 18, 1992 – SMW TV: Paul Orndorff defeated Davey Rich.
  • Paul Orndorff started an alliance with The Dirty White Boy, and they relished in attacking Lee at will.
  • ~~~Paul even used a suitcase to bash Lee in the face, while “DWB” hung Hector Guererro by his necktie.
  • ~~~Lee responded by acquiring Ronnie Garvin as his tag team partner against Orndorff and DWB.
  • June 6, 1992 – SMW TV: Paul Orndorff defeated Dixie Dynamite.
  • July 4, 1992 – SMW TV: Paul Orndorff defeated Gary Scott.
  • July 11, 1992 – SMW TV: Bart Batten and Brian Lee defeated Dirty White Boy and Paul Orndorff by disqualification.
  • August 1992 – Fire On The Mountain: Paul Orndorff was defeated by Ronnie Garvin in a special “Piledriver Match”.
  • Ater losing a match to Tracy Smothers, Orndorff decided to deliver one more piledriver – to the referee!
  • ~~~This incident caused him to be evicted from Smokey Mountain.

World Championship Wrestling:

  • Paul Orndorff made a controversial return to World Championship Wrestling, managed by Harley Race.
  • ~~~Harley Race held a special “tough man’s” match between Cactus Jack (Mick Foley) and Paul Orndorff.
  • ~~~The winner replacing Ravishing Rick Rude in the Thunderdome Cage match at Clash of Champions.
  • ~~~For some reason, Harley Race tried to assist Paul Orndorff, which Cactus Jack did not appreciate.
  • ~~~Cactus Jack belted Harley Race from the ring apron but Big Van Vader and Orndorff double-teamed Cactus!
  • ~~~Harley Race officially announced Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff as his selection!
  • November 28, 1992 – Saturday Night: Paul Orndorff defeated Ron Simmons by count-out. Simmons retains the World heavyweight title.
  • December 26, 1992 – Saturday Night: Paul Orndorff defeated Brad Armstrong.
  • December 29, 1992 – Saturday Night: Dustin Rhodes and Ron Simmons defeated Paul Orndorff and Rick Rude by disqualification.
  • January 13, 1993 – WCW Clash: Dustin Rhodes and Sting and Cactus Jack beat Vader and Paul Orndorff and Barry Windham (Cage Match).
  • ~~~Ron Simmons, Van Hammer, and The Barbarian were all taken out of the match due to injuries.
  • ~~~Although it was a steel cage match, that did not stop Cactus Jack from entering the fray.
  • January 16, 1993 – Saturday Night: Cactus Jack defeated Paul Orndorff by disqualification.
  • January 23, 1993 – Saturday Night: Big Van Vader and Paul Orndorff defeated Johnny Gunn and The Z-Man.
  • January 30, 1993 – Saturday Night: Paul Orndorff defeated The Barbarian.
  • January 30, 1993 – WCW Power Hour: Cactus Jack vs. Paul Orndorff ended in a Double Count Out.
  • ~~~After the match; both men had to be dragged away by security after starting to fight.
  • February 2, 1993 – Worldwide: Paul Orndorff defeated 2 Cold Scorpio in the 1st round of the TV title tournament.
  • February 13, 1993 – Saturday Night: Barry Windham and Paul Orndorff defeated Cactus Jack and Dustin Rhodes by disqualification.
  • February 21, 1993 – SuperBrawl III: Cactus Jack defeated Paul Orndorff in a Falls Count Anywhere Match.
  • February 27, 1993 – Saturday Night: Paul Orndorff defeated Cactus Jack in the quarter-finals of the TV title tournament.
  • March 6, 1993 – Saturday Night: Paul Orndorff defeated Larry Santo.
  • March 27, 1993 – Saturday Night: TV champion Paul Orndorff defeated Robbie V to retain the title.
  • March 27, 1993 – WCW Power Hour: Paul Orndorff won a Tournament to win the Vacant WCW Television Title.
  • ~~~Too Cold Scorpio, Cactus Jack, Johnny B Badd, and Erik Watts all fell to the abilities of Mr Wonderful.
  • April 3, 1993 – Worldwide: Paul Orndorff defeated Erik Watts to win the tournament and the vacant TV title.
  • April 3, 1993 – Saturday Night: TV champion Paul Orndorff defeated The Itallion Stallion to retain the title.
  • April 10, 1993 – Saturday Night: Paul Orndorff defeated Joey Maggs.
  • May 1, 1993 – Worldwide: TV champion Paul Orndorff defeated Shane Douglas to retain the title.
  • May 1, 1993 – Saturday Night: TV champion Paul Orndorff defeated Ron Simmons by disqualification to retain the title.
  • May 22, 1993 – Saturday Night: 2 Cold Scorpio defeated TV champion Paul Orndorff by disqualification Paul Orndorff retain the TV title.
  • May 23, 1993 – Slamboree: Paul Orndorff and Rick Rude defeated Dustin Rhodes and Kensuke Sasaki.
  • May 29, 1993 – Saturday Night: Paul Orndorff defeated Dave Heart.
  • Paul suffered a hamstring injury which caused him to miss his scheduled match with Ron Simmons at CotC.
  • June 5, 1993 – Saturday Night: Jim Neidhart and The Junkyard Dog defeated Dick Slater and Paul Orndorff by disqualification.
  • June 26, 1993 – Saturday Night: Ricky Steamboat and Ron Simmons defeated Dick Slater and Paul Orndorff.
  • July 18, 1993 – Beach Blast: Paul Orndorff defeated Ron Simmons by disqualification to retain the WCW Television Title.
  • August 14, 1993 – Saturday Night: Marcus Alexander Bagwell, Ricky Steamboat & Too Cold Scorpio defeated Lord Steven Regal, Maxx Payne & Paul Orndorff.
  • August 18, 1993 – Clash of the Champions: Ricky Steamboat defeated Paul Orndorff to win the Television title.
  • September 18, 1993 – Saturday Night: Paul Orndorff defeated Dave Heart.
  • September 19, 1993 – Fall Brawl: Too Cold Scorpio and Marcus Bagwell defeated The Equalizer and Paul Orndorff.
  • October 16, 1993 – Saturday Night: Johnny B. Badd defeated Paul Orndorff.
  • October 23, 1993 – Saturday Night: Johnny B. Badd defeated Paul Orndorff by disqualification.
  • October 24, 1993 – Halloween Havoc: Paul Orndorff (sub for Yoshi Kwan) defeated Ricky Steamboat by Count Out.
  • November 10, 1993 – WCW Clash: Dustin Rhodes w/ Dusty Rhodes defeated Paul Orndorff w/ Assassin to retain the US title.
  • November 20, 1993 – BattleBowl (Lethal Lottery): The Shockmaster and Paul Orndorff defeated Steven Regal and Ricky Steamboat.
  • ~~~Paul Orndorff and Shockmaster (Fred Ottman) went into the final battle royal, which was won by Big Van Vader.

World Championship Wrestling – Pretty Wonderful:

  • Late 1993 – WCW Saturday Night: Paul Orndorff and Steve Austin defeated Arn Anderson and Paul Roma.
  • December 11, 1993 – Saturday Night: Lord Steven Regal and Paul Orndorff defeated Erik Watts and Paul Roma.
  • December 18, 1993 – Saturday Night: Erik Watts defeated Paul Orndorff.
  • ~~~Paul Roma recruited Erik Watts as a partner to do battle against Paul Orndorff and Stunning Steve Austin.
  • ~~~Paul Roma blatantly turned against Erik Watts and announced a new partnership – with Paul Orndorff!
  • ~~~”Pretty” Paul Roma and Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff became known as “Pretty Wonderful,” managed by the Assassin.
  • December 27, 1993 – Starrcade: Pretty Wonderful (Orndorff and Roma) defeated Marcus Bagwell and Too Cold Scorpio.
  • January 1, 1994 – Saturday Night: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated Brady Boone and Scott Studd.
  • January 15, 1994 – Saturday Night: Marcus Alexander Bagwell and Too Cold Scorpio defeated Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma).
  • January 22, 1994 – Worldwide: Paul Orndorff, Rick Rude and Steve Austin defeated Brad Armstrong, Frankie Lancaster and Mark Starr.
  • January 27, 1994 – WCW Clash: Marcus Bagwell and Too Cold Scorpio defeated Pretty Wonderful w/ The Assassin.
  • January 29, 1994 – Saturday Night: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated Erik Watts and Terry Taylor.
  • February 5, 1994 – Saturday Night: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated Mark Starr and The Shockmaster.
  • February 20, 1994 – SuperBrawl IV: Paul Orndorff participated on the losing team in a Thunderdome Cage Match.
  • ~~~Sting and Brian Pillman and Dustin Rhodes defeated Ravishing Rick Rude and Stunning Steve Austin and Paul Orndorff.
  • February 22, 1994 – Saturday Night: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated Cole Twins (Keith Cole and Kent Cole).
  • March 26, 1994 – Saturday Night: Flyin’ Brian and Sting defeated Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma).
  • April 2, 1994 – Saturday Night: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated Thunder And Lightning (Lightning and Thunder).
  • April 16, 1994 – Saturday Night: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated Bill Payne and Brian Armstrong.
  • April 21, 1994 – Saturday Night: Dustin Rhodes and Johnny B. Badd defeated Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma).

World Championship Wrestling – Pretty Wonderful II:

  • May 1994: Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma reunited but without Assassin as their manager.
  • May 7, 1994 – Worldwide: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated Brady Boone and Kenny Kendall.
  • May 17, 1994 – Worldwide: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated David Walby and Leroy Howard.
  • May 22, 1994 – Slamboree: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated Brad Armstrong and Brian Armstrong in a dark match.
  • June 11, 1994 – Saturday Night: Cactus Jack and Kevin Sullivan defeated Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma).
  • June 25, 1994 – Worldwide: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated Brad Armstrong and Brian Armstrong.
  • June 25, 1994 – Saturday Night: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated Barry Houston and Todd Morton.
  • July 9, 1994 – Saturday Night: Stars And Stripes (Marcus Alexander Bagwell and The Patriot) defeated Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma).
  • Summer 1994: Pretty Wonderful attacked Cactus Jack and Kevin Sullivan (Tag Champs) using Dave Sullivan’s crutch.
  • July 17, 1994 Bash at the Beach: Pretty Wonderful defeated Kevin Sullivan and Cactus Jack to win the WCW World Tag Team Titles.
  • July 23, 1994 – Saturday Night: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeat Cactus Jack and Kevin Sullivan.
  • July 30, 1994 – Worldwide: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated Erik Watts and Terry Taylor.
  • August 6, 1994 – Saturday Night: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated Joey Maggs and Todd Morton.
  • August 13, 1994 – Saturday Night: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated Stars And Stripes (Marcus Alexander Bagwell and The Patriot) to retain the tag team titles.
  • August 27, 1994 – Saturday Night: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags) by disqualification to retain the tag team titles.
  • August 24, 1994 – WCW Clash: The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags) defeated Pretty Wonderful in a Non Title match.
  • September 10, 1994 – Saturday Night: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated Buddy Wayne and Terry Taylor to retain the titles.
  • September 17, 1994 – Worldwide: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated Brady Boone and Scott Studd to retain the titles.
  • September 18, 1994 – Fall Brawl: Pretty Wonderful defeated Stars and Stripes to retain the WCW World Tag Team Titles.
  • September 25, 1994 – WCW: Marcus Bagwell and The Patriot defeated Pretty Wonderful to win the WCW World Tag Team titles.
  • October 23, 1994 – Halloween Havoc: Pretty Winderful defeated Stars and Stripes to win the WCW World Tag Team Titles.
  • November 16, 1994 – WCW Clash: Marcus Bagwell and The Patriot defeated Pretty Wonderful to win the Tag Team titles.
  • ~~~The matched ended with two simultaneous pinfalls, but was match was awarded to Stars and Stripes.
  • December 3, 1994 – Worldwide: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated Barry Houston and Frankie Lancaster.
  • December 10, 1994 – Worldwide: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated Bobby Fulton and Tommy Rogers.
  • February 18, 1995 – Saturday Night: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated Bobby Fulton and Tommy Rogers in a dark match.
  • March 18, 1995 – Saturday Night: Dustin Rhodes and Johnny B. Badd defeated Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma).
  • March 26, 1995 – Worldwide: Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) defeated Bobby Fulton and Tommy Rogers.
  • Pretty Wonderful split up shortly thereafter.

World Championship Wrestling – Singles Wrestler:

  • SuperBrawl V: Paul Orndorff defeated Brad Armstrong in a dark match.
  • April 1, 1995 – Saturday Night: Paul Orndorff defeated Mark Starr.
  • April 15, 1995 – Saturday Night: Paul Orndorff defeated Barry Houston.
  • April 22, 1995 – Saturday Night: Paul Orndorff defeated Al Phillips.
  • April 25, 1995 – Saturday Night: Paul Orndorff defeated Johnny B. Badd in the 1st round of the United States title tournament.
  • May 3, 1995 – Worldwide: Sting defeated Paul Orndorff in the quarter-finals of the United States title tournament.
  • May 5, 1995 – Worldwide: Paul Orndorff defeated Steve Storm.
  • Slamboree 1995: The Great Muta defeated Paul Orndorff to retain the IWGP World title.
  • May 27, 1995 – Saturday Night: Paul Orndorff defeated Jim Duggan in the semi-finals of the Slim Jim tournament. Paul Orndorff defeated Flyin’ Brian  to win the tournament and to become #1 contender for the TV title.
  • June 17, 1995 – Saturday Night: Paul Orndorff defeated Barry Houston.
  • July 16, 1995 – Bash At The Beach: The Renegade defeated Paul Orndorff to retain the Television title.

World Championship Wrestling – Last Run:

  • WCW TV 1995: Paul Orndorff was soundly trounced by Randy “Macho Man” Savage.
  • ~~~After the match, there was a mysterious visitor to Orndorff’s dressing room, Gary Spivey!
  • ~~~Psychic Network’s Gary Spivey flooded Orndorff’s head with positive encouragement.
  • ~~~The “Mr Wonderful” gimmick was reborn and exagerated more than it had ever been.
  • ~~~Mr Wonderful brought a mirror to the ring so he could admire himself before and after his match.
  • August 6, 1995 – WCW Clash of Champions: Renegade defeated Paul Orndorff to retain the WCW Television Title.
  • August 29, 1995: Paul and Vader are involved in a locker room altercation which ultimately led to Vader’s firing.
  • September 18, 1995 – WCW Nitro: Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff defeated Johnny B. Badd (Marc Mero).
  • September 20, 1995 – Saturday Night: Paul Orndorff defeated Chris Kanyon. Paul Orndorff defeated Mike Davis.
  • September 30, 1995 – Saturday Night: Paul Orndorff defeated Barry Houston.
  • October 9, 1995 – Nitro: Paul Orndorff defeated The Renegade in a dark match.
  • October 14, 1995 – Saturday Night: Paul Orndorff defeated Rick Garcia.
  • October 21, 1995 – Saturday Night: Johnny B. Badd defeated Paul Orndorff by count-out.
  • Halloween Havoc 1995: Paul Orndorff defeated the Renegade (who had lost the TV title by then) in a non-televised match.
  • October 30, 1995 – Nitro: Paul Orndorff defeated Mr. JL in a dark match.
  • November 18, 1995 – Saturday Night: Paul Orndorff defeated Chuck Williams.
  • November 26, 1995 – World War III: Paul Orndorff competed in the 60-man battle royal and was eliminated by non-other than Hulk Hogan!

World Championship Wrestling – Retirement Storyline:

  • December 11, 1995 – Nitro: Paul Orndorff defeated Disco Inferno but was brutally attacked by The Four Horsemen!
  • ~~~Brian Pillman insulted Paul Orndorff’s allegance with Psychic Network’s Gary Spivey.
  • ~~~Arn Anderson and Ric Flair executed a spiked piledriver on Paul Orndorff off the Nitro stage.
  • ~~~Orndorff emerged weeks later sporting a neckbrace and made several non-wrestling appearances.
  • December 16, 1995 – Worldwide: Paul Orndorff defeated Disco Inferno.
  • Starrcade 1995: Ric Flair vs. Randy Savage was made more interesting by Paul Orndorff appearance but he did not get involved.
  • Clash of the Champions: Paul Orndorff gave an interview about the extent of his injuries.
  • February 5, 1996 – Nitro: Brian Pillman and Arn Anderson had a backstage brawl with Kevin Sullivan and Hugh Morrus.
  • ~~~Suddenly, “The Loose Cannon” Brian Pillman was struck from behind by a broom handle!
  • ~~~Moments later, Orndorff made a brief appearance at the announcers’ booth, carrying a broken broom handle!

World Championship Wrestling – Trainer:

  • 1996-2000: Paul Orndorff became a trainer at the WCW Power Plant facility in Altanta, Georgia.
  • ~~~Orndorff trained such wrestlers as Goldberg, O’Haire, Jindrak, Sanders, Palumbo, Midnight, and others.
  • 2000: The “Powers that Be” decided to punish Paul Orndorff for being such a successful teacher (storyline).
  • They demanded that he come out of retirement and wrestle in a handicap match against Creative Control (Harris Twins).
  • December 13, 1999 – Nitro: Creative Control (Gerald and Patrick) defeated Paul Orndorff by disqualification when Arn Anderson and Larry Zbyszko interfered.
  • May 27, 2000 – Wrestling In Ashwaubenon: Paul Orndorff defeated Honky Tonk Man.
  • September 17, 2000 – Fall Brawl: Paul Orndorff and the Filthy Animals vs. The Natural Born Thrillers was ruled a no contest.
  • ~~~Paul Orndorff used his piledriver on several of the NBT, but suffered a serious (legitimate) injury on the last one.
  • ~~~Paul Orndorff was diagnosed with a temporary nerve injury (aka a “stinger”) and fortunately recovered in time.

WWE Hall of Fame – Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff:

  • April 2, 2005 – Hall of Fame Ceremony: Paul Orndorff was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame along with 6 others in Los Angeles.
  • February 25, 2006 – Connecticut Championship Wrestling: Paul Roma and Paul Orndorff (aka Pretty Wonderful) had a public reunion.
  • November 17, 2006 – National Wrestling Superstars: The TV Clown w/ Paul Orndorff defeated Salvatore Sincere.
  • January 5, 2011: Paul Orndorff (aged 61) revealed in an interview that he has been diagnosed with cancer.
  • May 3, 2017 – CWE: Danny Duggan, Omar Amir and Paul Orndorff defeated The Cannon Clan (Bobby Collins & Jacob Creed) and Kevin Cannon.
  • July 11, 2021: Paul Orndorff passed away at the age of 71.
Updated: July 13, 2021 @ 6:14 pm

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Trained By

Hiro Matsuda,
Bob Backlund,
Eddie Graham
Jack Brisco

Debut

1976-1995

Birthday

October 29, 1949

Hometown

Brandon, Florida

Gender

Male

Height

6'0"

Weight

250 lbs

Finishing Move(s)

The Piledriver

Favorite Move(s)

The Forearm Clothesline,
The Armbar

Notable Feuds

Ken Mantell (Mid-South),
Junk Yard Dog (Mid-South),
Buzz Sawyer (Georgia),
Ivan Koloff (Georgia),
Larry Zbyszko (Georgia),
Ted DiBiase (Continental),
Tito Santana (WWF),
Rodddy Piper (WWF),
Bob Orton (WWF),
Mr. T (WWF),
Big John Studd (WWF),
Adrian Adonis (WWF),
Hulk Hogan (WWF),
Rick Rude (WWF),
Hercules (WWF),
Four Horsemen (NWA),
Steve Williams (UWF),
Colonel DeBeers (UWF),
Buddy Landell (NWF),
Brian Lee (SMW),
Hector Guererro (SMW),
Ronnie Garvin (SMW),
Cactus Jack (WCW),
Ricky Steamboat (WCW),
Dustin Rhodes (WCW),
Kevin Sullivan (WCW),
Too Cold Scorpio (WCW,),
Stars & Stripes (WCW),
Vince Russo (WCW),
Natural Born Thrillers (WCW)

Status

Deceased