Rico

[Rico Constantino GALLERY]

[Billy & Chuck]

Title History

• American Gladiators Champion;
• EWF (Empire Wrestling Federation) Heavyweight title defeating John Black (November 15, 1998);
• OVW (Ohio Valley Wrestling) Heavyweight title defeating Rob Conway (November 10, 1999);
• PPW (Power Pro Wrestling) Heavyweight title defeating Steve Bradley (December 4, 1999);
• OVW (Ohio Valley Wrestling) Heavyweight title defeating Flash Flanagan (February 16, 2000);
• OVW (Ohio Valley Wrestling) Heavyweight title defeating Nick Dinsmore (February 27, 2001);
• OVW (Ohio Valley Wrestling) Southern Tag Team titles w/Prototype defeating Disciples of Synn [Tournament] (August 15, 2001);
• HWA (Heartland Wrestling Association) Heavyweight title defeating EZ Money (March 15, 2002);
• WWE World Tag Team titles w/Rikishi defeating Chuck Palumbo & Billy Gunn (May 19, 2002);
• WWE (Smackdown) Tag Team titles w/Charlie Haas defeating Rikishi & Scotty Too Hotty (April 20, 2004);
• AJPW (All Japan) All Asia Tag Team titles w/Bull Buchanan defeating Masayuki Naruse & Mitsuya Nagai (February 2, 2005);

Career Highlights

In the Beginning:

• Rico Cosantino led a relitively turbulant life until his entrance to Northwest military academy..
• Rico Cosantino graduated at the top of his class and at one point considered enrollment at West Point..
• ~~~~Instead, Rico returned to Las Vegas and settled into a career as a paramedic..
• ~~~~This led to enrollment in the police academy, and graduating first in the entire state..
• ~~~~Rico Cosantino was also on the SWAT team at one point..
• ~~~~This also paved the way for Rico’s next career, as a body guard..
• Rico Cosantino worked as a stuntman as Batman & Conan in a California theme park, and injured his knee doing this..
• Rico was challenged by American Gladiator “Gemini” to find out if he “had what it took” to be a contestant for the show..
• Rico Cosantino would end up defeating Gladiator Gemini in his own best event, the Joust, the only person to ever do that..
• Rico Cosantino defeated all the other contestants and Gladiators to become the champion for the 1990-1991 season..
• Rico’s only loss was on the “Wall” portion of the American Gladiators series was due to a concussion suffered in a prior event..
• ~~~There are four American Gladiator trading cards featuring Rico, as well as a Red Challenger action figure that bears his image..
• Rico next appeared on the European game show “Capture Ft. Boyard”, and a win over his former Gladiator nemesis Craig Branham..
• ~~~~In the show, he was the first and only competitor to capture the needed key in the bungee jump challenge on an upswing..
• ~~~~The rules were changed after that, as no one actually thought it could be done until that point..
• ~~~~Use their clothing to carry the valuable coins was not allowed, so Rico picked up one of his female teammates and filled her lap..
• A chance encounter led Rico to being recruited by the Power Team..
• ~~~~A two week tryout lasted almost two years as Rico traveled the world impressing young people with feats of strength..
• ~~~~At one point while with the Power Team, he was ordained as a minister to further allow him to counsel kids..
• ~~~~His work with children has been vast – from the Special Olympics and various other children’s charities.

Getting into the Business:

• Rico Cosantino began to train with the Empire Wrestling Federation for a career in the wrestling business..
• Rico Cosantino was ‘discovered’ by WWF officials Terry Taylor and Dr. Tom Pritchard..
• 1999: After ONLY 12 professional matches, Rico signed a developmental deal with the WWF.

Ohio Valley Wrestling:

• Rico Cosantino was sent to Ohio Valley wrestling for further training and molding by Danny Davis and Jim Cornette..
• Rico Cosantino’s first OVW opponent was Rasputin, and it was a slaughter – his first tag team partner was “Trailer Park Trash”..
• October 12, 1999 – OVW: Rob Conway w/Kenny Bolin defeated Rico Constantino in a 2/3 falls match to retain the OVW title..
• October 13, 1999–OVW: Rico Costantino & Trailer Park Trash defeated The Andretti Express w/Treasure.
• October 19, 1999–OVW: Rob Conway w/Kenny Bolin defeated Rico Costantino in a Best 2/3 Falls match to retain the OVW Title.
• October 20, 1999–OVW: Rico Costantino defeated Mr. Black w/Kenny Bolin.
• October 27, 1999–OVW: Rob Conway & Bull Buchanan w/Kenny Bolin defeated Rico Costantino & Trailer Park Trash.
• November 3, 1999–OVW: Rico Costantino defeated Rob Conway w/Kenny Bolin.
• November 7, 1999–OVW: Rico Costantino defeated Mr. Black.
• November 10, 1999–OVW: Rico Costantino defeated Rob Conway to win the OVW Heavyweight Title.
• November 14, 1999–OVW: Rico Costantino defeated Rip Rogers to retain the OVW Heavyweight title.
• November 16, 1999–OVW: Rico Costantino defeated Flash Flanagan by DQ to retain the OVW Heavyweight title.
• November 17, 1999–Ohio Valley Wrestling: Rico Costantino defeated B.J. Payne.
• November 25, 1999–Ohio Valley Wrestling: Rico Costantino & Damaja defeated Bull Buchanan & Mr. Black w/Kenny Bolin by DQ.
• November 26, 1999–Ohio Valley Wrestling: Nick Dinsmore w/Kenny Bolin defeated Rico Costantino (OVW Champion) by DQ.
• November 28, 1999–Ohio Valley Wrestling: Rico Costantino defeated Mr. Black to retain the OVW Heavyweight title.
• November 30, 1999–Ohio Valley Wrestling: Rico Costantino defeated Bull Buchanan w/Kenny Bolin to retain the OVW Title.
• December 1, 1999–Ohio Valley Wrestling: Bull Buchanan & Mr. Black w/Kenny Bolin defeated Rico Costantino & Damaja by DQ.
• December 5, 1999–Ohio Valley Wrestling: Rico Costantino defeated Nick Dinsmore by DQ to retain the OVW Heavyweight title.
• December 7, 1999–Ohio Valley Wrestling: Rico Costantino & The Damaja defeated Bull Buchanan & Mr. Black.
• December 8, 1999–Ohio Valley Wrestling: Rico Costantino defeated Nick Dinsmore w/Kenny Bolin to retain the OVW Title.
• December 9, 1999–Ohio Valley Wrestling: Rico Costantino & Damaja beat Rip Rogers & Jason Lee (champions) by DQ.
• December 15, 1999–Ohio Valley Wrestling: Rico Costantino defeated Chris Alexander.
• December 26, 1999–Ohio Valley Wrestling: Flash Flanagan defeated Rico Costantino to win the OVW Heavyweight Title.
• January 31, 2001 – OVW-WWF: Flash Flannigan & Trailor Park Trash defeated Rico Constantino & Mr. Black..
• April 4, 2001–Ohio Valley Wrestling: Flash defeated Nick Dinsmore & Rico Costantino w/Kenny Bolin in a Handicap match.
• April 22, 2001–Ohio Valley Wrestling: Rico Constantino defeated Randy Orton.
• June 27, 2001 – OVW-WWF: Randy Orton defeated Rico Constantino..
• June 28, 2001–Ohio Valley Wrestling: Randy Orton defeated Rico Constantino with help from Cowboy Bob Orton.
• Rico Cosantino held three Heavyweight championships simultaneously: EWF, OVW, and PPW..

Ohio Valley Wrestling – Rico Cosantino & The Prototype:

• 2001: Rico Cosantino teamed with Prototype as one of the all time greatest heat generators in Ohio Valley Wrestling history..
• July 28, 2001 – OVW-WWF: Rico Constantino & The Prototype defeated Randy Orton & Bobby Eaton..
• August 15, 2001–OVW: Rico Costantino & The Prototype & Jerome Crony defeated B.J. Payne & Damien & Connie Swail.
• August 22, 2001–Ohio Valley Wrestling: The Damaja & Rob Conway defeated Rico Costantino & The Prototype..
• ~~~~Rico Constantino & The Prototype (John Cena) were awared the vacant OVW Southern Tag Team Titles.
• September 16, 2001–OVW: Rico Constantino & Prototype beat Sean Casey & Chris Michaels to retain the Tag Team titles.
• October 3, 2001–Ohio Valley Wrestling: Rico Constantino defeated Brock Lesnar.
• October 27, 2001–OVW: Mark Henry & Randy Orton defeated Rico Constantino & Prototype in a Non-title match..
• ~~~~Rico & Prototype initially won but Nidia informed the referee of their cheating and the match was restarted..
• 2001: Rico Cosantino was nominated for PWI (Pro Wrestling Illustrated) Rookie of the Year..

Heartland Wrestling Association:

• 2001-2002: Rico Cosantino wrestled dark matches on RAW & SmackDown!, plus performed at Non-Televised Live Events..
• November 3, 2001 – Jakked: Brock Lesnar and Shelton Benjamin defeated Rico Constantino and Prototype to win the OVW southern tag team titles in a dark match.
• November 10, 2001 – Jakked: Randy Orton and Ron Waterman defeated Rico Constantino and Shawn Stasiak in a dark match.
• November 11, 2001 – HEAT: Ron Waterman defeated Rico Constantino in a dark match.
• November 17, 2001 – Jakked: Brock Lesnar defeated Rico Constantino in a dark match.
• November 18, 2001 – HEAT: Randy Orton and Ron Waterman defeated Rico Constantino and Stevie Richards in a dark match.
• December 1, 2001 – Jakked: Billy and Chuck defeated Rico Constantino and Randy Orton in a dark match.
• December 2, 2001 – HEAT: Ron Waterman defeated Rico Constantino in a dark match.
• December 8, 2001 – Jakked: Brock Lesnar defeated Rico Constantino in a dark match.
• December 9, 2001 – HEAT: Brock Lesnar defeated Rico Constantino in a dark match.
• December 15, 2001 – Jakked: Tajiri defeated Rico Constantino in a dark match.
• December 16, 2001 – HEAT: Spike Dudley defeated Rico Constantino in a dark match.
• January 6, 2002 – HEAT: Ron Waterman defeated Rico Constantino in a dark match.
• January 12, 2002 – Jakked: Brock Lesnar defeated Rico Constantino in a dark match.
• January 13, 2002 – HEAT: Ron Waterman defeated Rico Constantino in a dark match.
• January 19, 2002 – Jakked: Charlie Haas defeated Rico Constantino in a dark match.
• January 20, 2002 – HEAT: Ron Waterman defeated Rico Constantino in a dark match.
• January 26, 2002 – Jakked: Brock Lesnar defeated Rico Constantino in a dark match.
• January 27, 2002 – HEAT: Rico Constantino defeated AJ Styles in a dark match.
• January 27, 2002 – Live Event: Perry Saturn defeated Rico Constantino.
• February 2, 2002 – HEAT: Rico Constantino defeated Orlando Jordan in a dark match.
• February 3, 2002 – HEAT: Rico Constantino and Randy Orton defeated Brock Lesnar and Ron Waterman in a dark match.
• February 9, 2002 – Jakked: Rico Constantino and Randy Orton defeated Brock Lesnar and Ron Waterman in a dark match.
• February 10, 2002 – HEAT: Ron Waterman defeated Rico Constantino in a dark match.
• March 2002: Rico Cosantino was sent to Les Thatcher’s HWA (Heartland Wrestling Association) to sharpen his skills..
• ~~~While competing in HWA, Rico formed a tag team with Tough Enough winner Maven Huffman..
• March 5, 2002–Heartland Wrestling Association: Rico Costantino defeated Steve Bradley.

World Wrestling Entertainment – Smackdown! (Rico with Billy & Chuck):

• March 21, 2002 – Smackdown!: Rico finally debuted on WWF Television as the “Stylist” to Tag Team Champions, Billy & Chuck..
• March 28, 2002–SmackDown!: Billy & Chuck w/Rico defeated Dudley Boyz to retain the WWE Tag Team titles with help from Rico.
• April 4, 2002–SmackDown!: Billy & Chuck w/Rico beat Scotty 2 Hotty & Albert to retain the Tag Team titles with help from Rico.
• April 11, 2002–SmackDown!: Maven & Al Snow defeated WWE Tag Team Champions Billy & Chuck w/Rico in a non title match.
• April 18, 2002–SmackDown!: Rikishi & Maven & Al Snow defeated Albert & Billy & Chuck w/Rico.
• April 25, 2002–SmackDown!: Billy Kidman & Maven & Al Snow defeated Billy & Chuck (w/Rico) & Tajiri (w/Torrie Wilson)..
• ~~~~Rico stopped Torrie from interfering – Billy & Chuck left Tajiri to fight on his own after being stripped down to their thongs.
• May 9, 2002 – SmackDown!: Rico made his first in-ring TV appearance.. Billy & Chuck & Rico beat Al Snow & Mavan & Rikishi!
• May 16, 2002 – SmackDown!: Rikishi defeated / squashed Rico..
• May 19, 2002 – Judgement Day: Rico got his first taste of Gold in the WWE, ordered to team with Rikishi against Billy & Chuck..
• ~~~~Rikishi & Rico defeated Billy & Chuck to capture the WWE Tag Team titles!! (Rico was forced to wrestle his two clients)..
• May 23, 2002 – SmackDown!: Rico promised that he would make it up to his boys, Billy & Chuck, somehow..
• May 30, 2002 – Smackdown!: WWE Tag Team Champion Rikishi & Rico Constantino defeated Billy Gunn & Chuck Palumbo to retain the titles..
• June 6, 2002 – SmackDown!: Billy & Chuck defeated Rikishi & Rico to recapture the titles WWE Tag Team titles, with help from Rico!
• July 25, 2002 – Smackdown!: Hardcore Holly defeated Rico Constantino..
• August 1, 2002 – SmackDown!: John Cena defeated Rico – but Billy & Chuck attacked Cena after the match..
• August 10, 2002 – Velocity: Rico Constantino defeated Sho Funaki..
• August 15, 2002 – SmackDown!: Hurricane & Shannon Moore & Hardcore Holly defeated Billy & Chuck & Rico..
• August 17, 2002 – Velocity: Hardcore Holly defeated Rico Cosantino..
• August 29, 2002 – Smackdown!: Rey Mysterio defeated Rico Constantino..
• September 4, 2002 – OVW “Fall Brawl”: Lance Cade defeated Rico Cosantino..
• September 12, 2002 – SmackDown!: Rico convinced Stephanie McMahon to attend the “Billy & Chuck Commitment Ceremony”..
• ~~~The cemony ended when Rico, RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff, Rosey & Jamal outsmart Stephanie – Rico jump to RAW!

World Wrestling Entertainment – RAW (Rico with Three Minute Warning):

• September 16, 2002 – RAW: Rico defeated “the Nature Boy” Ric Flair!
• October 21, 2002 – RAW: The Big Show defeated Rico & Rosey & Jamal in a handicap match!
• November 17, 2002 – Survivor Series: Jeff Hardy & Spike & Bubba beat Rico/Rosey/Jamal in a 6-Man Elimination Tables match..
• ~~~The finish saw SmackDown! wrestler D-Von Dudley come out and help Bubba win the match, becoming the sole survivor..
• November 18, 2002 – RAW: Bubba & D-Von & Spike Dudley defeated Rosey & Jamal & Rico in a six-man match..
• January 19, 2003 – HEAT: Rico Constantino defeated Tommy Dreamer..
• January 26, 2003 – HEAT: Rico Constantino defeated Aaron Stevens..
• February 9, 2003 – HEAT: Rico Constantino defeated Bryan Danielson..
• March 2, 2003 – HEAT: Maven defeated Rico Constantino..
• March 30, 2003 – HEAT: Test defeated Rico Constantino..
• April 13, 2003 – HEAT: Rosie & Jamal & Rico Constantino defeated Tommy Dreamer & Maven & Spike Dudley..
• April 27, 2003 – HEAT: Scott Steiner defeated Rico Constantino..
• May 4, 2003 – HEAT: Rico Constantino defeated Maven..
• May 18, 2003 – HEAT: Rico Constantino defeated Spike Dudley..
• May 19, 2003 – RAW: The Dudley Boyz defeated 3-Minute Warning – Rico walked out on 3MW after the match..

World Wrestling Entertainment – RAW (Rico & Miss Jackie):

• June 16, 2003 – RAW: Rico returned to RAW using his new “Adrian Street” gimmick with Miss Jackie as his valet..
• June 29, 2003 – HEAT: Rico Constantino defeated Tommy Dreamer..
• June 30, 2003 – RAW: Rico (not getting over) defeated Maven after Miss Jackie pushed Maven off the top rope!
• July 19, 2003 – HEAT: Rico Constantino defeated Val Venis..
• July 28, 2003 – RAW: Val Venis defeated Rico Constantino..
• August 11, 2003 – RAW: Rico and Miss Jackie defeated Scott Steiner and Stacy Keibler with interference from Test..
• August 24, 2003 – HEAT: Rico Constantino defeated Spike Dudley..
• August 31, 2003 – HEAT: Val Venis defeated Rico Constantino..
• September 8, 2003 – RAW: Lance Storm defeated Rico Constantino..
• September 21, 2003 – HEAT: Maven defeated Rico Constantino..
• September 28, 2003 – HEAT: Rico Constantino defeated Arch Kincaid..
• October 5, 2003 – HEAT: Rico Constantino defeated Spike Dudley..
• October 26, 2003 – HEAT: Rico Constantino defeated Tommy Dreamer..
• November 3, 2003 – RAW: Lance Storm defeated Rico w/Miss Jackie — Val Venis stood at ringside watching the match..
• November 16, 2003 – HEAT: Steven Richards defeated Rico Constantino..
• December 1, 2003 – RAW: Chris Jericho & Trish Stratus defeated Rico & Miss Jackie (Trish & Jericho’s relationship heats up)..
• December 14, 2003 – Armageddon: Rico defeated John Heidenreich with help from Miss Jacke (shown on Sunday Night Heat)..
• January 4, 2004 – HEAT: Rico Constantino defeated Brandon Groom..
• January 18, 2004 – HEAT: Rico Constantino defeated Tommy Dreamer..
• Janaury 26, 2004 – RAW: Rico defeated Rob Conway after he was distracted when Jackie Gayda flashed him!
• February 2, 2004 – RAW: Rico defeated Rene Dupre when Stacy Keibler flashed her butt at Dupre and he got pinned!
• February 22, 2004 – HEAT: Rico Constantino defeated Test..
• March 21, 2004 – HEAT: Rico Constantino defeated Steven Richards..

World Wrestling Entertainment – Smackdown! (Charlie Haas & Rico w/ Miss Jackie):

• March 22, 2004 – Draft Lottery: Rico & Miss Jackie were one of the first official trades that occur after the show, both heading to SD!
• April 3, 2004 – Velocity: Rico Cosantino defeated Jamie Noble..
• April 15, 2004 – Smackdown!: Rico defeated Charlie Haas by Count Out after Rico kissed Haas and he refused to get back in the ring!
• April 22, 2004 – Smackdown!: Charlie Haas & Rico defeated Rikishi & Scotty Too Hotty to capture the WWE Tag Team titles!
• April 29, 2004 – Smackdown!: Charlie Haas & Rico defeated the Basham Brothers to retain the WWE Tag Team titles..
• May 6, 2004 – Smackdown!: Charlie Haas & Rico defeated Paul London & Billy Kidman to retain the Tag Team titles (taped for HEAT)..
• May 8, 2004 – Velocity: Rico Cosantino & Charlie Haas defeated Billy Kidman & Paul London..
• May 13, 2004 – SD!: Hardcore Holly w/Billy Gunn defeated Rico w/Miss Jackie and Charlie Haas..
• May 16, 2004 – Judgment Day: Charlie Haas and Rico w/Miss Jackie defeated Hardcore Holly and Billy Gunn to retain the Tag titles..
• May 20, 2004 – SD!: Charlie Haas and Rico w/Miss Jackie beat The FBI (Nunzio and Johnny Stamboli) in a non-title match..
• June 5, 2004 – Velocity: Rico Cosantnio and Charlie Haas defeated Akio and Sakoda..
• June 12, 2004 – Velocity: Rico Cosantino defeated Jamie Noble..
• June 17, 2004 – Smackdown: The Dudley Boyz defeated Charlie Haas & Rico to capture the WWE Tag Team titles!
• July 2004: Rico is expected to be out until September or October as he is recovering from a torn hamstring injury..

World Wrestling Entertainment – Smackdown! Return:

• September 16, 2004 – Smackdown!: Charlie Haas defeated Spike Dudley when the Dudleyz interfered (Rico made the save!)
• September 18, 2004–Velocity: Charlie Haas and Rico w/Miss Jackie defeated The Basham Brothers.
• September 25, 2004 – Velocity: Rico Cosantino and Hardcore Holly defeated The Basham Brothers..
• October 3, 2004 – No Mercy: Rico & Charlie Haas & Miss Jackie defeated The Dudley Boyz & Dawn Marie..
• October 16, 2004 – Velocity: Buh Buh Ray Dudley defeated Rico Cosantino..
• October 21, 2004–SmackDown!: WWE United States Champion Carlito Cool defeated Rico in a Non title match..
• ~~~Before the match; Carlito spit a apple in Torrie Wilson’s face in which she was guest ring announcer..
• October 24, 2004 – Live Event: Heidenreich defeated Rico.
• October 31, 2004 – Live Event: Rico defeated Rene Dupree.
• November 1, 2004 – Live Event: WWE tag team champions Rene Dupree and Kenzo Suzuki defeated Rico and Charlie Haas & The Basham Brothers in a 3-way tag team match to retain the titles.
• November 4, 2004 – Velocity: Billy Kidman defeated Rico (Kidman went for SSP after, but Chavo made the save)..
• November 4, 2004: Rico is officially released from his World Wrestling Entertainment contract, which comes as a huge surprise..

Life After WWE:

• February 2, 2005: Bull Buchanan & Rico defeated Mitsuya Nagai & Masayuki Naruse to win the All-Asian Tag Team titles..
• July 2005: Rico Cosantino announced that he was retiring from professional Wrestling..
• ~~~~Rico added that he going back to working as a law enforcement officer in Las Vegas..
• ~~~~(this meant that the All-Asian Tag Team Titles had to be vacated).
• February 5, 2005 – AJPW: Buchanan and Rico defeated Masayuki Naruse and Mitsuya Nagai to win the All-Asian tag team titles.
• February 6, 2005 – AJPW: Buchanan and Rico defeated Masanobu Fuchi and Nobukazu Hirai.
• February 8, 2005 – AJPW: Buchanan, Jamal and Rico defeated Keiji Muto, Kohei Suwama and Tomoaki Honma.
• February 9, 2005 – AJPW: Buchanan, Jamal, Rico, Taiyo Kea and TAKA Michinoku defeated Keiji Muto, Kohei Suwama, Masanobu Fuchi, Nobutaka Araya and Toshiaki Kawada.
• February 10, 2005 – AJPW: Buchanan, Rico and TAKA Michinoku defeated Masanobu Fuchi, Nobutaka Araya and Toshiaki Kawada.
• February 11, 2005 – AJPW: Buchanan, Rico and TAKA Michinoku defeated Kaz Hayashi, Keiji Muto and Kohei Suwama.
• February 13, 2005 – AJPW: Kaz Hayashi, Keiji Muto and Kensuke Sasaki defeated Buchanan, Rico and TAKA Michinoku.
• February 16, 2005 – AJPW: Chuck Palumbo, Johnny Stamboli and TARU defeated Buchanan, Rico and TAKA Michinoku.