Billy Kidman: Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 19:28, 25 November 2006 edit71.100.67.6 (talk) →Personal life ← Previous edit		Latest revision as of 05:28, 11 January 2025 edit undoJevansen (talk \| contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, Page movers, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers3,448,320 edits Moving from Category:Sportspeople from Tampa, Florida to Category:Professional wrestlers from Tampa, Florida using Cat-a-lot
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			{{short description\|American professional wrestler}}
	{{Infobox Wrestler\|
			{{Use mdy dates\|date=October 2024}}
	name=Peter Gruner
			{{Infobox professional wrestler
	\|image=EvanKidman2.jpg
	\|~~names=Kid~~ ~~Flash<BR~~ ~~/>Kidman<BR~~ ~~/>'''~~Billy Kidman~~'''~~		\|name = Billy Kidman
			\|image = Billy Kidman 2007 crop.jpg
	\|height=5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
			\|alt =
	\|weight=195 lb (89 kg)
			\|birth_name = Peter Alan Gruner Jr.
	\|birth_date = ], ]
			\|caption = Kidman in 2007
	\|death_date =
			\|names = '''Billy Kidman'''<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web\|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/b/billy-kidman.html\|title=Billy Kidman Profile\|access-date=2008-03-01\|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><br />Kid Flash<ref name="OWOW"/><br />Kidman<ref name="bodyslamming"/><br />Dr. Weisenburg<br />El Técnico
	\|birth_place =]
			\|spouse = {{Marriage\|]\|July 11, 2003\|2008\|reason=div}}
	\|resides=]
			\|birth_date = {{Birth date and age\|1974\|5\|11}}<ref name="bodyslamming"/>
	\|billed=
			\|birth_place = ], U.S.<ref name=wwebio/>
	\|trainer=]
			\|height = 5 ft 10 in<ref name="wwebio"/>
	\|debut=]
			\|weight = 195 lb<ref name="wwebio"/>
	\|retired=
			\|billed = ], U.S.<ref name=wwebio/>
	\|}}
			\|trainer = ]<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name=wwebio/>
			\|debut = September 11, 1994<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name="bodyslamming"/>
			\|retired = February 23, 2008
			}}
			'''Peter Alan Gruner Jr.'''{{citation needed\|date=March 2019}} (born May 11, 1974)<ref name="bodyslamming">{{cite web\|url=http://www.bodyslamming.com/other/kidman.html\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215061243/http://www.bodyslamming.com/other/kidman.html\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=2009-12-15\|title=Billy Kidman Profile\|access-date=2008-03-01\|publisher=Bodyslamming.com}}</ref> is an American retired ], better known by his ] '''Billy Kidman'''. He works for ] as a producer.

			As a wrestler, Kidman is best known for his work with ] (WCW) and ] (WWF/E) throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. While in WCW, Kidman gained fame as a key member of several ]. In addition to being a member of ], he also was a member of ] and later ].<ref name=wwebio>{{cite web\|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wwealumni/billykidman\|title= Kidman's WWE Alumni Profile\|publisher=]\|access-date=2011-04-03}}</ref> As a member of these stables, Kidman participated in memorable ] with top WCW names, including ], ], and ]<ref name=wwebio/> Kidman also found championship success while in WCW, where he became a ] ],<ref name=CW1/><ref name=CW2/><ref name=CW3/> a ] ],<ref name="WWE title history"/> once with Mysterio Jr. and once with ], and in the ] final with Mysterio Jr.<ref name="WWE title history"/>
	'''Peter Jacob Gruner''' (born ], ] in ]) is an ] ] known by his ] '''Billy Kidman'''.

			Upon WCW's purchase by the World Wrestling Federation, Kidman became a member of the ]. During his time in the WWF (later renamed to World Wrestling Entertainment), Kidman once again found success upon winning the Cruiserweight Championship an additional four times<ref name=CW4/><ref name=CW5/><ref name=CW6/><ref name=CW7/> while the title was under the WCW banner and later the WWF/E banner, in addition to winning WWE's ] ] with ].<ref name=WWETag/>
	Kidman is best known for his appearances with ] and the ] throughout the late ] and early ].

			==Early life and education==
	==Career==
			Gruner grew up in ] in the ] region of eastern ], where he graduated from ].<ref>, ''Times Leader'', December 25, 1998</ref> Gruner was a banker before he started training to be a professional wrestler and was good friends with fellow professional wrestler ], who he met at the Wild Samoan training center in Pennsylvania.<ref name="Slam">{{cite web\|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2000/04/19/kidman-pinning-hogan-a-career-highlight/\|title=Kidman: Pinning Hogan a career highlight\|date=2000-04-19\|last=Oliver\|first=Greg\|access-date=2009-03-20\|publisher=Slam! Sports}}</ref> He is a cousin of fellow professional wrestler ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/mikey-batts.html\|title=Mikey Batts profile\|access-date=2009-03-27\|publisher=Online World of Wrestling\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324015240/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/mikey-batts.html\|archive-date=2009-03-24\|url-status=dead}}</ref>
	Gruner grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in the state's ] region. He joined the WCW and ultimately gained fame as a key member of several strong wrestling ]. In addition to being a member of ], he also was a member of the ] and later ]. As a member of these factions, Gruner participated in memorable rivalries with top WCW names, including ], ], ], and others.

			==Professional wrestling career==
	In ], Gruner appeared in the movie, ''Ready to Rumble'', along side many WCW stars.
			===Early career (1994–1996)===
			]]]
			Gruner was trained by ], one half of The ], and wrestled his first match on September 11, 1994 in ] against "Wild Thing" Dan Kallis on the ] as Kid Flash.<ref name="OWOW"/> He formed a ] with ] known as The Shooting Stars, and they would find success by winning the ].

			===World Championship Wrestling===
	When the WWF purchased WCW, Gruner, still wrestling as Billy Kidman, was among the first to join WWF as a ] in the ]. Gruner's impact on the cruiserweight division was immediately felt when he won the Cruiserweight Championship in ].
			====The Flock (1996–1998)====
			{{main\|Raven's Nest\|l1=The Flock}}
			Gruner started wrestling for ] on March 6, 1996 as "Kid Flash" against ] in a losing effort. Gruner then competed as Billy Cannon on April 10, before settling on the name Billy Kidman on May 13. He made his televised debut in WCW on the May 18 episode of '']'', competing against ] in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web \|title=WCW Saturday Night - Saturday, May 18th, 1996 \|url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1996053s.htm \|website=DDT Digest \|access-date=5 July 2023}}</ref> He mainly competed as an ] for over a year with no ].<ref name="OWOW"/> His first televised win occurred on the July 28 episode of '']'' against ].<ref>{{cite web \|author1=Bob Colling, Jr. \|title=WCW Worldwide 7/28/1996 \|url=https://wrestlingrecaps.com/2023/04/05/wcw-worldwide-7-28-1996/ \|website=Wrestling Recaps \|access-date=5 July 2023 \|date=April 5, 2023}}</ref> Kidman received his first title opportunity in WCW, unsuccessfully challenging ] for the ] on the September 9 episode of '']''.<ref>{{cite web \|author1=Scott Keith \|title=Monday Nitro – September 9, 1996 \|url=https://www.blogofdoom.com/2012/02/01/monday-nitro-september-9-1996/ \|website=Blog of Doom \|access-date=5 July 2023 \|date=February 1, 2012}}</ref>

			On the September 30 episode of ''Nitro'', Kidman filled in for Psychosis, who could not show up due to his visa issues and competed as the masked "El Technico" by teaming with ] against ] in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web \|author1=Scott Keith \|title=The SmarK Rant for WCW Monday Nitro – 09.30.96 \|url=https://www.blogofdoom.com/2022/10/10/the-smark-rant-for-wcw-monday-nitro-09-30-96/ \|website=Blog of Doom \|access-date=5 July 2023 \|date=October 10, 2022}}</ref> Kidman would receive two more title shots for the World Cruiserweight Championship, this time against ] on the December 2 episode of ''Nitro'' and the December 14 episode of ''Saturday Night'' but lost both times.<ref>{{cite web \|author1=Matt Peddycord \|title=WCW Nitro 12/2/1996 \|url=https://wrestlingrecaps.com/2011/04/26/wcw-nitro-1221996-2/ \|website=Wrestling Recaps \|access-date=5 July 2023 \|date=April 26, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|author1=Scott Keith \|title=WCW Saturday Night: December 14, 1996 \|url=https://www.blogofdoom.com/2014/12/21/wcw-saturday-night-december-14-1996/ \|website=Blog of Doom \|access-date=5 July 2023 \|date=December 21, 2014}}</ref>
	Kidman turned face after the WCW/ECW Alliance broke up. He went on to capture the Cruiserweight Championship for the seventh time by defeating ] at ], later Kidman was placed with a new ] partner, ]. The team went on to win the ] from ] on July 8, 2004.

			On the October 13, 1997 episode of ''Nitro'', Kidman was added to ].<ref>{{cite web \|author1=Jesse Holland \|title=On this date in WCW history: Billy Kidman joins Raven's Flock \|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/2011/10/13/2487080/on-this-date-in-wcw-history-billy-kidman-joins-ravens-flock \|website=] \|access-date=5 July 2023 \|date=October 13, 2011}}</ref> To fit in with the Flock's gimmick of being outcasts, Kidman was given the gimmick of a ] addict, where he constantly scratched his arms and named his ], the ''Seven Year Itch''.<ref name=VsBlaze>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1998061s.htm\|title=WCW Saturday Night - Saturday, 05/30/98\|website=DDT Digest\|access-date=9 August 2022}}</ref> Kidman found little personal success with the group and competed in major matches only on a few occasions, such as participating in a ] to determine the #1 contender for the Cruiserweight Championship in his ] debut at ].<ref>{{cite web \|author1=John Powell \|title=Bischoff beats McMahon…sort of \|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/1998/05/18/bischoff-beats-mcmahon-sort-of-2/ \|access-date=5 July 2023 \|date=May 18, 1998\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=]}}</ref> Kidman would then lose to Juventud Guerrera at ].<ref>{{cite web \|author1=John Powell \|title=Mailman doesn't deliver a win \|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/1998/07/12/mailman-doesnt-deliver-a-win-3/ \|website=Slam! Sports \|publisher=] \|access-date=5 July 2023 \|date=July 12, 1998}}</ref> At ], Kidman aided ] in defeating Flock's leader ] in a match, thus disbanding the group.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/1998/09/14/fall-brawl-tanks-hard/\|title=Fall Brawl tanks hard\|date=1998-09-14\|last=Powell\|first=John\|access-date=2009-03-20\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=]}}</ref>
	The champion run of this ] team came to an abrupt end after Kidman turned his back on London, leaving him to wrestle a tag team title match on his own. The heel ] came off the back of a legitimate injury on an ], ] taping of SmackDown!, where Billy Kidman's Shooting Star Press caused ] to suffer a concussion and be taken to the hospital.

			==== Cruiserweight Champion (1998–1999) ====
	The pair fought at ] (2004), where Kidman injured London with a shooting star press, while London was strapped to a stretcher. When Chavo returned, he faced off with Kidman in a storyline resulting from the injury.
			Following the Flock's disbanding, Kidman shed his grungy attire and heroin gimmick and began performing as a clean-cut ] before eventually defeating ] to win his first ] on the September 14 episode of ''Nitro''. Kidman retained the title against various ] on a weekly basis, with his first pay-per-view title defense occurring against ] at ], where Kidman retained. Kidman lost the title back to Guerrera on the November 16 episode of ''Nitro'' but regained it in a rematch at ] in ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/1998/11/23/nash-dominates-ww3/\|title=Nash dominates WW3\|date=1998-11-23\|last=Powell\|first=John\|access-date=2009-03-20\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=]}}</ref> Shortly after, Kidman joined Rey Mysterio, Jr. in the latter's rivalry with the ]. At ], Kidman successfully defended the Cruiserweight Championship against Guerrera and Mysterio in a ]. LWO leader ] challenged Kidman to an immediate title match afterwards, which Kidman accepted. Kidman retained the title after assistance by Mysterio.

			Kidman's title reign continued into 1999 with a successful title defense against Guerrera, Psychosis and Mysterio in a ] at ]. Kidman then retained the title against various challengers such as ] at ] and ] at ], before losing the title to Mysterio on the March 15 episode of ''Nitro''. Following this, Mysterio asked Kidman to be his tag team partner in a match for the ]. Kidman at first declined, as a previous attempt at a tag team between the two did not reach any level of success. The two, however, faced ] and ] for the titles on the March 29 episode of ''Nitro'', and succeeded with unwanted aid from Raven and Saturn. Kidman then faced off against Mysterio in an attempt to win back the Cruiserweight Championship at ], however, Mysterio retained his title.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/1999/04/12/ddp-new-champ-at-stampede/\|title=DDP new champ at Stampede\|date=1999-04-12\|last=Powell\|first=John\|access-date=2009-03-20\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=]}}</ref>
	Gruner was released from his WWE contract on July 7, 2005.

			The three teams feuded for several weeks, which ended in a ] for the World Tag Team Championship at ].<ref name="Slamboree99">{{cite web\|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/1999/05/10/nash-champ-again-at-slamboree/\|title=Nash champ again at Slamboree\|date=1999-05-10\|last=Powell\|first=John\|access-date=2009-03-20\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=]}}</ref> Chris Kanyon's interference led to the victory for Raven and Saturn.<ref name="Slamboree99"/> Kidman spent the next several months in assorted feuds.
	During this first tour of the UK since leaving WWE, Kidman would make a few appearances in independent British promotions. Other than his notable ] 3-way match with ] and ], Kidman would also wrestle British wrestling legend ] in a losing effort during a British rules match to determine the first ] Heavyweight Champion.

			==== Filthy Animals (1999–2001) ====
	While in England, Gruner gave an interview to '']'', a London-based tabloid newspaper, in which he said that he was interested in wrestling for TNA. In the course of the interview, Gruner claimed that he was fired from WWE for criticizing the company's decision to downgrade wrestlers from ] to ] in overseas flights. After returning to the United States, Kidman wrestled a dark match, while wearing a mask, before a WWE show in July 2006.{{citation needed}}
			{{main\|Filthy Animals}}
			In the summer of 1999, Kidman joined ] alongside Rey Mysterio, ], and Eddie Guerrero.<ref name="filthy animals">{{cite web\|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/f/filthy-animals.html\|title=The Filthy Animals profile\|access-date=2009-03-20\|publisher=Online World of Wrestling\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903012841/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/f/filthy-animals.html\|archive-date=2011-09-03\|url-status=dead}}</ref> Initially joining together to combat ], Filthy Animals defeated the Dead Pool twice at ] and ]. Kidman would then become responsible for unmasking Psychosis by defeating him in a ] on the September 27 episode of ''Nitro''. At ], Kidman substituted for an injured Mysterio and teamed with Konnan to defend the World Tag Team Championship against ] and ] in a triangle match, which Harlem Heat won. However, the following night on ''Nitro'', Kidman and Konnan defeated Harlem Heat to win the titles, beginning Kidman's second tag team title win in WCW.

			Kidman then participated in a tournament for the vacant ], defeating Konnan in the first round and ] in a ] in the second round before losing to eventual winner ] in the quarter-final round. Filthy Animals then lost an ] ] to ] at ]. The following night, on ''Nitro'', Kidman teamed with Konnan's substitute Rey Mysterio to defend the World Tag Team Championship against ]. Filthy Animals went on to lose the titles. Kidman would challenge ] for the ] on the December 27 episode of ''Nitro''. He came close to winning the title but ended up losing the match.
	==In wrestling==
	*'''Finishing and signature moves'''
	:*''']''' / '''''Seven Year Itch'''''
	:*'''''BK Bomb''''' (], sometimes performed from ])
	:*'''''Kid Krusher''''' (])
	:*''Kid Factor'' / ''K-Factor'' (], ] counter)
	:*''Kidmankaze'' (])
	:*] into a ]
	:*]
	:*]

			Filthy Animals began to crumble in 2000 when Guerrero left WCW, and Kidman left the stable when the rest of its members turned heel. At ], Kidman participated in the Triple Threat Theater, a series of three matches with different stipulations, initially scheduled between ] and Jeff Jarrett. However, Jarrett was unable to compete due to his injury. Kidman won the first two matches, a Catch-as-Catch Can match against ], and a ] against Perry Saturn, but lost the third match, a ] against ]. This resulted in Kidman feuding with Wall and ] over the next few weeks, culminating with Kidman defeating Vampiro in a match at ]. Following that, Kidman joined forces with ] to feud with ], defeating them at ]. On March 30, Kidman defeated ] at a ] to win his third Cruiserweight Championship, but lost the title back to Artist a day later.
	*'''Managers'''
	:*]
	:*]

			In April, Kidman joined ]'s ] stable, signalling another heel turn.<ref name="new blood">{{cite web\|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/n/new-blood.html\|title=New Blood profile\|access-date=2009-03-20\|publisher=Online World of Wrestling\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603004329/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/bios/n/new-blood/\|archive-date=2013-06-03\|url-status=dead}}</ref> At ], Kidman participated in a tournament for the vacant United States Heavyweight Championship, losing to Vampiro in the quarter-final round. Reflecting the gimmick of the New Blood, Kidman began acting as hotshot who refused to be held back by wrestlers beyond their prime. This led to the biggest feud of his career with ], including a pinfall victory over Hogan in a ].<ref name="Slam"/> However, the rivalry concluded with back-to-back matches for Kidman against Hogan at ] and ]. The New Blood would then split up, leading Kidman to turn face as he entered a feud with ] for the affection of his ] girlfriend ]. During the feud, Wilson turned on Kidman. Kidman was ] injured in a ] at ], when Douglas hung Kidman from the neck using the strap. Despite winning the match, Kidman was forced to take several weeks off to recover.<ref name="OWOW"/><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2000/08/14/canada-rules-at-new-blood-rising/\|title=Canada rules at New Blood Rising\|date=2000-08-14\|last=Powell\|first=John\|access-date=2009-03-20\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=]}}</ref> At ], Kidman and ] lost to Douglas and Wilson in a ].
	==Championships and accomplishments==
	*''']'''
	:*] (]) – with ]
	:*] inductee to the ]

			Following the feud, Kidman began teaming with Mysterio Jr. again, thus joining Filthy Animals once again. At ], Kidman and Mysterio failed to win the World Tag Team Championship from ] and ] in a triangle match, also involving ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2000/10/30/halloween-havoc-a-howling-bad-ppv/\|title=Halloween Havoc a howling bad PPV\|date=2000-10-30\|last=Powell\|first=John\|access-date=2009-03-20\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=]}}</ref> The duo then began feuding with ] after losing to them at ]. At ], Filthy Animals defeated ] and KroniK in a handicap match after KroniK abandoned Wright. Filthy Animals' next rivalry was against Jeff Jarrett and ], losing to them in a ] at ]. They were also on the losing end against ] in a ] at ].
	*''']'''
	:*''PWI'' ranked him # '''313''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the "]" in ].

			In the spring of 2001, Kidman and Mysterio entered the ] tournament, defeating Jason Lee and ] in the quarterfinals and ] in the semifinals but lost in the finals to ] and ] at ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2001/03/19/wcw-downplays-demise-at-greed/\|title=WCW downplays demise at Greed\|date=2001-03-19\|last=Powell\|first=John\|access-date=2009-03-20\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=]}}</ref> On the final episode of ''Nitro'', Kidman and Mysterio Jr. won the titles from Skipper and Romeo. That night, the ] (WWF) purchased WCW and Kidman's contract was picked up by the WWF.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingWCWSale/cyrus_01mar25-sun.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720005418/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingWCWSale/cyrus_01mar25-sun.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 20, 2012\|title=Deal leaves wrestlers out in cold\|date=2001-03-25\|first=Don\|last=Callis\|author-link=Don Callis\|access-date=2009-03-20\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=]}}</ref> As a result, Kidman and Mysterio ended up as the final Cruiserweight Tag Team Champions in WCW history.
	*'''Trans-World Wrestling Federation'''
	:*TWWF Cruiserweight Championship (1 time)

			===World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment===
	*''']'''
			====Cruiserweight Championship pursuit (2001–2003)====
	:*] (]) (with Ace Darling)
			When the WWF purchased WCW, the contract of Gruner (who was still wrestling as Billy Kidman) was one of twenty-five involved in the purchase. When ] commenced, Gruner appeared on WWF television under his Billy Kidman ring name as a ] for ]. Kidman debuted in WWF on the July 5 episode of '']'', competing in the first televised WCW match on the weekly program. Kidman defeated ] to win the WCW Cruiserweight Championship in his WWF debut.<ref name=wwebio/><ref name=CW4/> As the WCW Cruiserweight Champion, Kidman proceeded to defeat the ] ] at ]. On the July 30 episode of '']'', Kidman lost the Cruiserweight Championship to X-Pac in a ], with X-Pac's Light Heavyweight Championship also on the line. After this, Kidman was later sidelined with an injury during the Invasion angle and thus did not have as big of an impact as other WCW wrestlers.

			After recovering from his injury, Kidman returned to WWF in October. On the October 11 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Kidman defeated X-Pac to win his record-tying fifth Cruiserweight Championship.<ref name=CW5/> He lost the title to ] on the October 22 episode of ''Raw is War''. At ], Kidman participated in the ], where the winner would receive immunity from being fired. Kidman failed to win the match, and Alliance lost later that night, thus being forced to disband. As a result, all Alliance members were fired ], and Kidman was taken off television, competing at house shows for the next four months.
	*''']'''
	:*] (])
	:*] (]) – with ]
	:*] (]) – with Rey Misterio, Jr. (1) and ] (1)

			Kidman returned to WWF television after being ] to the ] brand as part of the ] on March 25, 2002. Kidman's return match took place on the March 30 episode of '']'', where he teamed with ] against ] and Tajiri in a losing effort. On the April 4 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Kidman defeated Tajiri to win his record-breaking sixth Cruiserweight Championship.<ref name=CW6/> However, Tajiri reclaimed the title at ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingPPV/apr22_backlash-can.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722130836/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingPPV/apr22_backlash-can.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 22, 2012\|title=Hogan champ again at BackLash\|date=2002-04-22\|last=Powell\|first=John\|access-date=2009-01-29\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=]}}</ref> Kidman continued to feud with Tajiri over the title, wrestling him on various occasions but failed to regain the title. After losing in a #1 contender's match to ] on the June 20 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Kidman began feuding with Noble over the title, unsuccessfully challenging him at ].
	*''']'''

	:*] (])
			At ], Kidman and his ] girlfriend ] defeated ] and ] in an intergender tag team match. After this, he went on to win his record-breaking seventh Cruiserweight Championship after defeating Jamie Noble at ].<ref name=CW7/> He later lost the title three months later to ] at ].
	:*] (])

	:*] (]) – with ]
			====Teaming and feuding with Paul London (2004–2005)====
			] at the ] in January 2007]]
			Following the title loss, Kidman proceeded to spend the next few years as a cornerstone of the cruiserweight division before forming a tag team with newcomer ] in early 2004. Together, they slowly worked their way up the tag team ranks before ultimately winning the ] from the ] on the July 8, 2004 episode of ''SmackDown!''.<ref name=WWETag/> Proving the win was not an upset, they went on to defeat the Dudley Boyz in a rematch for the title.

			Their championship run came to an abrupt end after Kidman turned his back on London. The ] ] played off of a legitimate injury which occurred on the August 26, 2004 episode of ''SmackDown!'', when Kidman's ] unintentionally caused ] to suffer a concussion.<ref name="injury/aftermath">{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2004/09/03/614689.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115062520/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2004/09/03/614689.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=January 15, 2013\|title=Smackdown: Guerrero feels the Reigns\|date=2004-09-03\|last=Sokol\|first=Chris\|access-date=2009-03-20\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="wwetag loss"/> The next week, Kidman was on the top rope ready to hit the shooting star press, but hesitated, climbed down the turnbuckles, and slowly walked backstage overwhelmed with guilt after injuring Guerrero.<ref name="injury/aftermath"/><ref name="wwetag loss"/> London was left alone to defend the title against ] and ], and was easily defeated.<ref name="wwetag loss">{{cite web\|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/330002 \|title=Kenzo Suzuki and Rene Dupree's first WWE Tag Team Championship reign \|date=2004-09-09 \|access-date=2009-03-20 \|publisher=] \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050705080042/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/330002 \|archive-date=2005-07-05 }}</ref> As a result, London and Kidman faced each other at ], where Kidman defeated London before performing the shooting star press on London while he was strapped to a stretcher.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2004/10/04/fans-wont-remember-no-mercy/\|title=Fans won't remember No Mercy\|date=2004-10-04\|last=Clevett\|first=Jason\|access-date=2008-10-16\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=]}}</ref> This completed Kidman's heel turn, as he proceeded to blame the fans for wanting him to be more brutal with his in-ring style.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2004/10/14/669442.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720102256/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2004/10/14/669442.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 20, 2012\|title=Smackdown: Jolly good show in Manchester\|date=2004-10-14\|last=Sokol\|first=Chris\|access-date=2009-03-20\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=]\|quote=A heel Billy Kidman is gold!}}</ref> Kidman and Guerrero ended their feud upon Chavo's return, the latter being victorious in the final match. Kidman then competed against London over the Cruiserweight Championship in the coming months.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2004/09/23/641063.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713153824/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2004/09/23/641063.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 13, 2012\|title=Smackdown: An anniversary and a haircuit\|date=2004-09-23\|last=Plummer\|first=Dale\|access-date=2009-03-20\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=]}}</ref> At the start of 2005, Kidman suffered a broken ], which sidelined him for three months.<ref name="OWOW"/>

			Gruner was released from his WWE contract on July 6, 2005.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/releases \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420091404/http://www.wwe.com:80/inside/news/archive/releases \|archive-date=20 April 2009 \|title=WWE releases several Superstars \|publisher=] \|date=8 July 2005 \|accessdate=1 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/07/06/1118467.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716170417/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/07/06/1118467.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 16, 2012\|title=WWE cuts eight\|date=2005-07-06\|last=Clevett\|first=Jason\|access-date=2009-03-20\|work=Slam! Sports\|publisher=]}}</ref> Gruner stated that the release was due to an argument with management over their decision to stop booking wrestlers on ] flights overseas.{{citation needed\|date=January 2020}}

			===Independent circuit (2005–2007)===
			Following his departure from WWE, Kidman began touring the ]. During the tour, he competed for the ] in a three-way match with ] and ]. He also wrestled British wrestling legend ] in a losing effort to determine the inaugural Real Quality Wrestling Heavyweight Champion.

			In 2007, Kidman made his ] debut in a match for the ] against ], which he lost.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.prwrestling.com/noticiasprw/3840.php\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080204042832/http://www.prwrestling.com/noticiasprw/3840.php\|archive-date=2008-02-04\|title=IWA: Kidman vs Ray Gonzalez en Bayamón\|date=2007-03-29\|access-date=2008-05-29\|publisher=PRWrestling.com\|language=es}}</ref> Kidman also took part in the East Coast Australian International Assault II Tour from June 1–3, 2007, where he competed against Australian wrestlers ] and Mark Hilton before defeating ] to win the WSW World Heavyweight Championship on the third night in Newcastle.

			On July 8, 2007, Kidman teamed up with ] as part of a triple threat match in ] to crown the new ]. The title was previously vacated by ] after ] officially pulled out of the ]. However, Kidman and Waltman lost the match to ] and ].

			===Return to WWE (2007–present)===
			Kidman returned to WWE in 2007, helping train upcoming wrestlers in its then developmental territory ] throughout 2007 and 2008.<ref name=KidmanToday/> On February 23, 2008, he wrestled his last match, losing to ] Gruner was rehired by ] in 2010 as a ]. On September 21, 2011, WWE ran a story on their website about Gruner and his role as a producer.<ref name=KidmanToday>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.wwe.com/classics/wherearetheynow/where-are-they-now-billy-kidman-part-two\|title=Where Are They Now? Billy Kidman, Part Two\|website=Wwe.com\|access-date=9 August 2022}}</ref>

			On April 9, 2012, Gruner along with former wrestlers ], ] and other officials and WWE wrestlers broke up the brawl between ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/1140281-wwe-raw-deal-april-9-brock-lesnar-bloodies-john-cena\|title = WWE Raw Deal April 9: Brock Lesnar Bloodies John Cena\| website=] }}</ref> In November 2013, Gruner appeared on WWE's European tour as ]'s doctor, under the name of "Dr. Weisenburg".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/81495/top-star-injured-all-time-great-becomes-wwe-nxt-trainer-heyman-update-former-wcw-star-makes-cameo-on-tour-and-more.html?p=1\|title=TOP STAR INJURED? ALL TIME GREAT BECOMES WWE NXT TRAINER, HEYMAN UPDATE, FORMER WCW STAR MAKES CAMEO ON TOUR AND MORE\|website=Pwinsider.com\|first=Mike\|last=Johnson\|date=November 11, 2013}}</ref> On August 23, 2016 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', he appeared along with ] to prevent ] from attacking ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/23/823-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-complete-real-time-report/\|title=8/23 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Complete, Real-Time Report\|work=Pro Wrestling Torch\|first=Greg\|last=Parks\|date=August 23, 2016\|access-date=February 7, 2019}}</ref>

			Kidman's contract was furloughed by the company on April 15, 2020, due to COVID-19 cutbacks.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/several-wwe-superstars-released-due-to-budget-cuts/\|title=Several WWE Superstars released due to budget cuts\|last=Rodriguez\|first=Angel\|date=2020-04-15\|newspaper=Wrestling News \| Wwe and Aew Results, Spoilers, Rumors & Scoops\|language=en-US\|access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref> He returned to the company on September 25, 2020.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=139890 \|title = WWE PRODUCER RETURNS TO WORK \|website=Pwinsider.com}}</ref>

	==Personal life==		==Personal life==
			Gruner is ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://twitter.com/JewishTelegraph/status/1143848198844407808 \|title=The 32-year-old has been with the WWE since 2016, but trained with the #Israeli Pro-Wrestling Association in Netanya in 2010. The previous version of the title has had Jewish holders, including Dean Malenko (Dean Simon) and seven-time champion @WWEKidman (Peter Gurner Jr).\|website=Twitter.com\|access-date=August 9, 2022}}</ref> After being together for four years,<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.filmmonthly.com/Profiles/Articles/TorrieWilson/TorrieWilson.html\|title=Miss Torrie Wilson\|date=2004-05-14\|last=Schultz\|first=Gary\|access-date=2008-07-15\|publisher=Film Monthly}}</ref> Gruner married former ] ] on July 11, 2003.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/wilson-torrie.html\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714155550/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/wilson-torrie.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=July 14, 2012\|title=Torrie Wilson\|last=Milner\|first=John M.\|access-date=2008-07-15\|publisher=Slam! Sports}}</ref> They lived together in ] when not traveling.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_1_5/ai_101337651 \|title=The wiles of Wilson: WWE Diva Torrie Wilson reveals all—her secrets to success, that is \|date=June 2003 \|last=Berkowitz \|first=Matt \|access-date=2008-07-15 \|publisher=Wrestling Digest \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080427011326/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_1_5/ai_101337651 \|archive-date=2008-04-27 \|url-status=dead }}</ref> The couple separated in mid-2006 and divorced in 2008.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.warned.net/BillyKidmanAudioWrestling07.html \|title=Billy Kidman Talks About Divorcing From Torrie Wilson, Working Against Hogan, His New Gimmick, Sleeping With Married Women And More \|date=2007-02-26 \|last=Farrell \|first=Errol Leigh \|access-date=2008-09-12 \|publisher=Warned.net \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070922144228/http://www.warned.net/BillyKidmanAudioWrestling07.html \|archive-date=2007-09-22 }}</ref>
	Gruner was married to WWE ] ], with whom he resides in ]. The couple's Tampa residence was featured on the 55th episode of '']''. However on ], ], Wilson announced on her MySpace blog that she was in the stages of divorcing her husband, although the post was quickly removed.

			A book detailing Gruner's career, ''Billy Kidman: The Shooting Star,'' was released in early 2014.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/46603-release-book-on-billy-kidman-coming-out-in-2014\|title=Press Release: Book On Billy Kidman Coming Out in 2014\|date=2014-02-05\|last=Namako\|first=Jason\|access-date=2014-03-01\|publisher=Wrestleview.com}}</ref>

			In 2014, Kidman began appearing on ''The JBL Show'', where he attempts to promote his ] account but is always interrupted due to technical difficulties, which has become a running gag on the show.

			==Championships and awards==
			*''']'''
			**] (]) – with ]<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttecwa.html\|title=Solie's Title Histories: ECWA - EAST COAST WRESTLING ASSOCIATION\|website=Solie.org\|access-date=9 August 2022}}</ref>
			**] (])<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.ecwaprowrestling.com/halloffame/index.html\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020802014821/http://www.ecwaprowrestling.com/halloffame/index.html\|archive-date=2002-08-02\|title=ECWA Hall of Fame Inductees – Wrestlers\|access-date=2008-03-01\|publisher=ECWAProWrestling\|quote=2004 Billy Kidman}}</ref>
			*''''']'''''
			**Ranked No. 31 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the year in '']'' in 1999<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/1999.html\|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 1999\|website=Profightdb.com\|access-date=March 2, 2019}}</ref>
			** Ranked No. 313 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the "PWI Years" in 2003
			*'''Revolution Xtreme Wrestling'''
			**RXW World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="OWOW"/>
			*''']'''
			**TWWF Cruiserweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="bodyslamming"/>
			*''']'''
			**] (])<ref name=CW1>{{cite web\|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/cruiser/350136 \|title=Billy Kidman's first WCW Cruiserweight Championship reign \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112092809/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/cruiser/350136 \|archive-date=2012-11-12 }}</ref><ref name=CW2>{{cite web\|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/cruiser/350192 \|title=Billy Kidman's second WCW Cruiserweight Championship reign \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112094325/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/cruiser/350192 \|archive-date=2012-11-12 }}</ref><ref name=CW3>{{cite web\|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/cruiser/350550 \|title=Billy Kidman's third WCW Cruiserweight Championship reign \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112092948/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/cruiser/350550 \|archive-date=2012-11-12 }}</ref>
			**] (]) – with ]<ref name="WWE title history"/>
			**] (]) – with Rey Mysterio Jr. (1) and ] (1)<ref name="WWE title history">{{cite web\|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wwealumni/billykidman/376954\|title=Billy Kidman's Title History\|access-date=2008-03-01\|publisher=]}}</ref>
			*''']'''
			**WSW World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/htwsw.html\|access-date=2008-07-03\|last=Pulsone\|first=Mario\|title=WSW World Heavyweight Championship history\|publisher=Solie}}</ref>
			*''']'''
			**] (])<ref name=CW4>{{cite web\|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/cruiser/350674\|title=Billy Kidman's fourth WCW Cruiserweight Championship reign\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227112159/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/cruiser/350674\|archive-date=2013-12-27}}</ref><ref name=CW5>{{cite web\|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/cruiser/350610\|title=Billy Kidman's fifth WCW Cruiserweight Championship reign\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227112641/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/cruiser/350610\|archive-date=2013-12-27}}</ref><ref name=CW6>{{cite web\|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/cruiser/350562 \|title=Billy Kidman's sixth WWF Cruiserweight Championship reign \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227112456/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/cruiser/350562 \|archive-date=2013-12-27 }}</ref><ref name=CW7>{{cite web\|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/cruiser/350466 \|title=Billy Kidman's seventh WWE Cruiserweight Championship reign \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227112112/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/cruiser/350466 \|archive-date=2013-12-27 }}</ref>
			**] (]) – with ]<ref name=WWETag>{{cite web\|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/330038 \|title=Billy Kidman and Paul London's first WWE Tag Team Championship reign \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120602014611/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/330038 \|archive-date=2012-06-02 }}</ref>
			*''''']'''''
			**] (2000) {{small\|vs. ]}}<ref>{{cite journal\|last=Meltzer\|first=Dave\|author-link=Dave Meltzer\|date=January 26, 2011\|title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue\|periodical=]\|location=Campbell, CA\|pages=1–40\|issn=1083-9593}}</ref>

			==Bibliography==
			*Carrington, L. Anne (2014). ''Billy Kidman: The Shooting Star.'' Palm Tree Books

			==See also==
	Gruner's cousin, ], is also a professional wrestler, and was partly trained by Gruner.
			* ]

	==References==		==References==
			{{Reflist}}
	* .
	* .

			== External links ==
	]
			{{Commons category\|Billy Kidman}}
	]
			* {{Twitter}}
	]
			* {{wwe superstar\|billykidman\|Billy Kidman}}
	]
			* {{professional wrestling profiles}}
	]
			* {{IMDb name\|0344604\|Peter Gruner}}
	]

			{{Navboxes\|
			\|list1=
			{{WCW World Tag Team Championship}}
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			}}
			{{Authority control}}

			{{DEFAULTSORT:Kidman, Billy}}
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Latest revision as of 05:28, 11 January 2025

American professional wrestler

Billy Kidman
Kidman in 2007
Birth name	Peter Alan Gruner Jr.
Born	(1974-05-11) May 11, 1974 (age 50) New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
Spouse(s)	Torrie Wilson (m. 2003; div. 2008)
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)	Billy Kidman Kid Flash Kidman Dr. Weisenburg El Técnico
Billed height	5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Billed weight	195 lb (88 kg)
Billed from	Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Trained by	Afa Anoa'i
Debut	September 11, 1994
Retired	February 23, 2008

Peter Alan Gruner Jr. (born May 11, 1974) is an American retired professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Billy Kidman. He works for WWE as a producer.

As a wrestler, Kidman is best known for his work with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment (WWF/E) throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. While in WCW, Kidman gained fame as a key member of several stables. In addition to being a member of Raven's Flock, he also was a member of The Filthy Animals and later The New Blood. As a member of these stables, Kidman participated in memorable feuds with top WCW names, including Hulk Hogan, Jeff Jarrett, and Rey Mysterio Kidman also found championship success while in WCW, where he became a three time Cruiserweight Champion, a two time World Tag Team Champion, once with Mysterio Jr. and once with Konnan, and in the Cruiserweight Tag Team Champion final with Mysterio Jr.

Upon WCW's purchase by the World Wrestling Federation, Kidman became a member of the WCW/ECW Alliance. During his time in the WWF (later renamed to World Wrestling Entertainment), Kidman once again found success upon winning the Cruiserweight Championship an additional four times while the title was under the WCW banner and later the WWF/E banner, in addition to winning WWE's Tag Team Championship once with Paul London.

Early life and education

Gruner grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania, where he graduated from Parkland High School. Gruner was a banker before he started training to be a professional wrestler and was good friends with fellow professional wrestler Chris Kanyon, who he met at the Wild Samoan training center in Pennsylvania. He is a cousin of fellow professional wrestler Mikey Batts.

Professional wrestling career

Early career (1994–1996)

Kidman with two fans in May 1999 during his time in WCW

Gruner was trained by Afa Anoaʻi, one half of The Wild Samoans, and wrestled his first match on September 11, 1994 in Hellertown, Pennsylvania against "Wild Thing" Dan Kallis on the independent circuit as Kid Flash. He formed a tag team with Ace Darling known as The Shooting Stars, and they would find success by winning the ECWA Tag Team Championship.

World Championship Wrestling

The Flock (1996–1998)

Main article: The Flock

Gruner started wrestling for World Championship Wrestling on March 6, 1996 as "Kid Flash" against Chris Kanyon in a losing effort. Gruner then competed as Billy Cannon on April 10, before settling on the name Billy Kidman on May 13. He made his televised debut in WCW on the May 18 episode of Saturday Night, competing against Diamond Dallas Page in a losing effort. He mainly competed as an enhancement talent for over a year with no character. His first televised win occurred on the July 28 episode of WorldWide against Psychosis. Kidman received his first title opportunity in WCW, unsuccessfully challenging Rey Misterio Jr. for the World Cruiserweight Championship on the September 9 episode of Monday Nitro.

On the September 30 episode of Nitro, Kidman filled in for Psychosis, who could not show up due to his visa issues and competed as the masked "El Technico" by teaming with Juventud Guerrera against The Public Enemy in a losing effort. Kidman would receive two more title shots for the World Cruiserweight Championship, this time against Dean Malenko on the December 2 episode of Nitro and the December 14 episode of Saturday Night but lost both times.

On the October 13, 1997 episode of Nitro, Kidman was added to Raven's Flock. To fit in with the Flock's gimmick of being outcasts, Kidman was given the gimmick of a heroin addict, where he constantly scratched his arms and named his shooting star press, the Seven Year Itch. Kidman found little personal success with the group and competed in major matches only on a few occasions, such as participating in a battle royal to determine the #1 contender for the Cruiserweight Championship in his pay-per-view debut at Slamboree. Kidman would then lose to Juventud Guerrera at Bash at the Beach. At Fall Brawl, Kidman aided Perry Saturn in defeating Flock's leader Raven in a match, thus disbanding the group.

Cruiserweight Champion (1998–1999)

Following the Flock's disbanding, Kidman shed his grungy attire and heroin gimmick and began performing as a clean-cut fan favorite before eventually defeating Juventud Guerrera to win his first Cruiserweight Championship on the September 14 episode of Nitro. Kidman retained the title against various cruiserweights on a weekly basis, with his first pay-per-view title defense occurring against Disco Inferno at Halloween Havoc, where Kidman retained. Kidman lost the title back to Guerrera on the November 16 episode of Nitro but regained it in a rematch at World War 3 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Shortly after, Kidman joined Rey Mysterio, Jr. in the latter's rivalry with the Latino World Order. At Starrcade, Kidman successfully defended the Cruiserweight Championship against Guerrera and Mysterio in a triangle match. LWO leader Eddie Guerrero challenged Kidman to an immediate title match afterwards, which Kidman accepted. Kidman retained the title after assistance by Mysterio.

Kidman's title reign continued into 1999 with a successful title defense against Guerrera, Psychosis and Mysterio in a four-way match at Souled Out. Kidman then retained the title against various challengers such as Chavo Guerrero Jr. at SuperBrawl IX and Mikey Whipwreck at Uncensored, before losing the title to Mysterio on the March 15 episode of Nitro. Following this, Mysterio asked Kidman to be his tag team partner in a match for the World Tag Team Championship. Kidman at first declined, as a previous attempt at a tag team between the two did not reach any level of success. The two, however, faced Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko for the titles on the March 29 episode of Nitro, and succeeded with unwanted aid from Raven and Saturn. Kidman then faced off against Mysterio in an attempt to win back the Cruiserweight Championship at Spring Stampede, however, Mysterio retained his title.

The three teams feuded for several weeks, which ended in a three-way tag team match for the World Tag Team Championship at Slamboree. Chris Kanyon's interference led to the victory for Raven and Saturn. Kidman spent the next several months in assorted feuds.

Filthy Animals (1999–2001)

Main article: Filthy Animals

In the summer of 1999, Kidman joined Filthy Animals alongside Rey Mysterio, Konnan, and Eddie Guerrero. Initially joining together to combat Dead Pool, Filthy Animals defeated the Dead Pool twice at Road Wild and Fall Brawl. Kidman would then become responsible for unmasking Psychosis by defeating him in a hair vs. mask match on the September 27 episode of Nitro. At Halloween Havoc, Kidman substituted for an injured Mysterio and teamed with Konnan to defend the World Tag Team Championship against Harlem Heat and The First Family in a triangle match, which Harlem Heat won. However, the following night on Nitro, Kidman and Konnan defeated Harlem Heat to win the titles, beginning Kidman's second tag team title win in WCW.

Kidman then participated in a tournament for the vacant WCW World Heavyweight Championship, defeating Konnan in the first round and Norman Smiley in a hardcore match in the second round before losing to eventual winner Bret Hart in the quarter-final round. Filthy Animals then lost an intergender elimination match to The Revolution at Mayhem. The following night, on Nitro, Kidman teamed with Konnan's substitute Rey Mysterio to defend the World Tag Team Championship against Creative Control. Filthy Animals went on to lose the titles. Kidman would challenge Jeff Jarrett for the United States Heavyweight Championship on the December 27 episode of Nitro. He came close to winning the title but ended up losing the match.

Filthy Animals began to crumble in 2000 when Guerrero left WCW, and Kidman left the stable when the rest of its members turned heel. At Souled Out, Kidman participated in the Triple Threat Theater, a series of three matches with different stipulations, initially scheduled between Chris Benoit and Jeff Jarrett. However, Jarrett was unable to compete due to his injury. Kidman won the first two matches, a Catch-as-Catch Can match against Dean Malenko, and a Bunkhouse Brawl against Perry Saturn, but lost the third match, a Caged Heat match against The Wall. This resulted in Kidman feuding with Wall and Vampiro over the next few weeks, culminating with Kidman defeating Vampiro in a match at SuperBrawl 2000. Following that, Kidman joined forces with Booker to feud with Harlem Heat 2000, defeating them at Uncensored. On March 30, Kidman defeated The Artist at a house show to win his third Cruiserweight Championship, but lost the title back to Artist a day later.

In April, Kidman joined Vince Russo's New Blood stable, signalling another heel turn. At Spring Stampede, Kidman participated in a tournament for the vacant United States Heavyweight Championship, losing to Vampiro in the quarter-final round. Reflecting the gimmick of the New Blood, Kidman began acting as hotshot who refused to be held back by wrestlers beyond their prime. This led to the biggest feud of his career with Hulk Hogan, including a pinfall victory over Hogan in a handicap match. However, the rivalry concluded with back-to-back matches for Kidman against Hogan at Slamboree and The Great American Bash. The New Blood would then split up, leading Kidman to turn face as he entered a feud with Shane Douglas for the affection of his on-screen girlfriend Torrie Wilson. During the feud, Wilson turned on Kidman. Kidman was legitimately injured in a strap match at New Blood Rising, when Douglas hung Kidman from the neck using the strap. Despite winning the match, Kidman was forced to take several weeks off to recover. At Fall Brawl, Kidman and Madusa lost to Douglas and Wilson in a scaffold match.

Following the feud, Kidman began teaming with Mysterio Jr. again, thus joining Filthy Animals once again. At Halloween Havoc, Kidman and Mysterio failed to win the World Tag Team Championship from Mark Jindrak and Sean O'Haire in a triangle match, also involving The Boogie Knights. The duo then began feuding with KroniK after losing to them at Millennium Final. At Mayhem, Filthy Animals defeated Alex Wright and KroniK in a handicap match after KroniK abandoned Wright. Filthy Animals' next rivalry was against Jeff Jarrett and The Harris Brothers, losing to them in a street fight at Starrcade. They were also on the losing end against Team Canada in a penalty box match at Sin.

In the spring of 2001, Kidman and Mysterio entered the Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship tournament, defeating Jason Lee and Johnny Swinger in the quarterfinals and 3 Count in the semifinals but lost in the finals to Elix Skipper and Kid Romeo at Greed. On the final episode of Nitro, Kidman and Mysterio Jr. won the titles from Skipper and Romeo. That night, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) purchased WCW and Kidman's contract was picked up by the WWF. As a result, Kidman and Mysterio ended up as the final Cruiserweight Tag Team Champions in WCW history.

World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment

Cruiserweight Championship pursuit (2001–2003)

When the WWF purchased WCW, the contract of Gruner (who was still wrestling as Billy Kidman) was one of twenty-five involved in the purchase. When The Invasion commenced, Gruner appeared on WWF television under his Billy Kidman ring name as a tweener for The Alliance. Kidman debuted in WWF on the July 5 episode of SmackDown!, competing in the first televised WCW match on the weekly program. Kidman defeated Gregory Helms to win the WCW Cruiserweight Championship in his WWF debut. As the WCW Cruiserweight Champion, Kidman proceeded to defeat the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion X-Pac at Invasion. On the July 30 episode of Raw is War, Kidman lost the Cruiserweight Championship to X-Pac in a title versus title match, with X-Pac's Light Heavyweight Championship also on the line. After this, Kidman was later sidelined with an injury during the Invasion angle and thus did not have as big of an impact as other WCW wrestlers.

After recovering from his injury, Kidman returned to WWF in October. On the October 11 episode of SmackDown!, Kidman defeated X-Pac to win his record-tying fifth Cruiserweight Championship. He lost the title to Tajiri on the October 22 episode of Raw is War. At Survivor Series, Kidman participated in the Immunity battle royal, where the winner would receive immunity from being fired. Kidman failed to win the match, and Alliance lost later that night, thus being forced to disband. As a result, all Alliance members were fired in storyline, and Kidman was taken off television, competing at house shows for the next four months.

Kidman returned to WWF television after being drafted to the SmackDown! brand as part of the brand extension on March 25, 2002. Kidman's return match took place on the March 30 episode of Jakked, where he teamed with The Hurricane against Funaki and Tajiri in a losing effort. On the April 4 episode of SmackDown!, Kidman defeated Tajiri to win his record-breaking sixth Cruiserweight Championship. However, Tajiri reclaimed the title at Backlash. Kidman continued to feud with Tajiri over the title, wrestling him on various occasions but failed to regain the title. After losing in a #1 contender's match to Jamie Noble on the June 20 episode of SmackDown!, Kidman began feuding with Noble over the title, unsuccessfully challenging him at Vengeance.

At Rebellion, Kidman and his real-life girlfriend Torrie Wilson defeated John Cena and Dawn Marie in an intergender tag team match. After this, he went on to win his record-breaking seventh Cruiserweight Championship after defeating Jamie Noble at Survivor Series. He later lost the title three months later to Matt Hardy at No Way Out.

Teaming and feuding with Paul London (2004–2005)

Following the title loss, Kidman proceeded to spend the next few years as a cornerstone of the cruiserweight division before forming a tag team with newcomer Paul London in early 2004. Together, they slowly worked their way up the tag team ranks before ultimately winning the WWE Tag Team Championship from the Dudley Boyz on the July 8, 2004 episode of SmackDown!. Proving the win was not an upset, they went on to defeat the Dudley Boyz in a rematch for the title.

Their championship run came to an abrupt end after Kidman turned his back on London. The heel turn played off of a legitimate injury which occurred on the August 26, 2004 episode of SmackDown!, when Kidman's shooting star press unintentionally caused Chavo Guerrero to suffer a concussion. The next week, Kidman was on the top rope ready to hit the shooting star press, but hesitated, climbed down the turnbuckles, and slowly walked backstage overwhelmed with guilt after injuring Guerrero. London was left alone to defend the title against Kenzo Suzuki and René Duprée, and was easily defeated. As a result, London and Kidman faced each other at No Mercy, where Kidman defeated London before performing the shooting star press on London while he was strapped to a stretcher. This completed Kidman's heel turn, as he proceeded to blame the fans for wanting him to be more brutal with his in-ring style. Kidman and Guerrero ended their feud upon Chavo's return, the latter being victorious in the final match. Kidman then competed against London over the Cruiserweight Championship in the coming months. At the start of 2005, Kidman suffered a broken orbital bone, which sidelined him for three months.

Gruner was released from his WWE contract on July 6, 2005. Gruner stated that the release was due to an argument with management over their decision to stop booking wrestlers on first class flights overseas.

Independent circuit (2005–2007)

Following his departure from WWE, Kidman began touring the United Kingdom. During the tour, he competed for the Frontier Wrestling Alliance in a three-way match with Jody Fleisch and Jonny Storm. He also wrestled British wrestling legend Robbie Brookside in a losing effort to determine the inaugural Real Quality Wrestling Heavyweight Champion.

In 2007, Kidman made his International Wrestling Association debut in a match for the IWA World Heavyweight Championship against Ray González, which he lost. Kidman also took part in the East Coast Australian International Assault II Tour from June 1–3, 2007, where he competed against Australian wrestlers TNT and Mark Hilton before defeating Bryan Danielson to win the WSW World Heavyweight Championship on the third night in Newcastle.

On July 8, 2007, Kidman teamed up with Sean Waltman as part of a triple threat match in McAllen, Texas to crown the new NWA World Tag Team Champions. The title was previously vacated by Team 3D after Total Nonstop Action Wrestling officially pulled out of the National Wrestling Alliance. However, Kidman and Waltman lost the match to Karl Anderson and Joey Ryan.

Return to WWE (2007–present)

Kidman returned to WWE in 2007, helping train upcoming wrestlers in its then developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling throughout 2007 and 2008. On February 23, 2008, he wrestled his last match, losing to Afa Jr. Gruner was rehired by World Wrestling Entertainment in 2010 as a producer. On September 21, 2011, WWE ran a story on their website about Gruner and his role as a producer.

On April 9, 2012, Gruner along with former wrestlers Jamie Noble, Goldust and other officials and WWE wrestlers broke up the brawl between John Cena and Brock Lesnar. In November 2013, Gruner appeared on WWE's European tour as Paul Heyman's doctor, under the name of "Dr. Weisenburg". On August 23, 2016 episode of SmackDown Live, he appeared along with Jamie Noble to prevent Dolph Ziggler from attacking AJ Styles.

Kidman's contract was furloughed by the company on April 15, 2020, due to COVID-19 cutbacks. He returned to the company on September 25, 2020.

Personal life

Gruner is Jewish. After being together for four years, Gruner married former WWE Diva Torrie Wilson on July 11, 2003. They lived together in Tampa, Florida when not traveling. The couple separated in mid-2006 and divorced in 2008.

A book detailing Gruner's career, Billy Kidman: The Shooting Star, was released in early 2014.

In 2014, Kidman began appearing on The JBL Show, where he attempts to promote his Twitter account but is always interrupted due to technical difficulties, which has become a running gag on the show.

Championships and awards

East Coast Wrestling Association
- ECWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Ace Darling
- ECWA Hall of Fame (Class of 2004)
Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Ranked No. 31 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the year in PWI 500 in 1999
- Ranked No. 313 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the "PWI Years" in 2003
Revolution Xtreme Wrestling
- RXW World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
Trans-World Wrestling Federation
- TWWF Cruiserweight Championship (1 time)
World Championship Wrestling
- WCW Cruiserweight Championship (3 times)
- WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Rey Mysterio Jr.
- WCW World Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Rey Mysterio Jr. (1) and Konnan (1)
World Series Wrestling
- WSW World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment
- WCW/WWF/E Cruiserweight Championship (4 times)
- WWE Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Paul London
Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- Worst Feud of the Year (2000) vs. Hulk Hogan

Bibliography

Carrington, L. Anne (2014). Billy Kidman: The Shooting Star. Palm Tree Books

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"The Filthy Animals profile". Online World of Wrestling. Archived from the original on September 3, 2011. Retrieved March 20, 2009.
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Powell, John (August 14, 2000). "Canada rules at New Blood Rising". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved March 20, 2009.
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Johnson, Mike (November 11, 2013). "TOP STAR INJURED? ALL TIME GREAT BECOMES WWE NXT TRAINER, HEYMAN UPDATE, FORMER WCW STAR MAKES CAMEO ON TOUR AND MORE". Pwinsider.com.
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"The 32-year-old has been with the WWE since 2016, but trained with the #Israeli Pro-Wrestling Association in Netanya in 2010. The previous version of the title has had Jewish holders, including Dean Malenko (Dean Simon) and seven-time champion @WWEKidman (Peter Gurner Jr)". Twitter.com. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
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Farrell, Errol Leigh (February 26, 2007). "Billy Kidman Talks About Divorcing From Torrie Wilson, Working Against Hogan, His New Gimmick, Sleeping With Married Women And More". Warned.net. Archived from the original on September 22, 2007. Retrieved September 12, 2008.
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External links

Billy Kidman on Twitter
Billy Kidman on WWE.com
Billy Kidman's profile at Cagematch.net , Wrestlingdata.com , Internet Wrestling Database
Peter Gruner at IMDb

Links to related articles

WCW World Tag Team Champions

MACW/JCP
(1975–1988)

1970s

Minnesota Wrecking Crew (Gene Anderson and Ole Anderson)
Paul Jones and Wahoo McDaniel
Rufus R. Jones and Wahoo McDaniel
Dino Bravo and Mr. Wrestling
Greg Valentine and Ric Flair
Dick Slater and Dusty Rhodes
Paul Jones and Ricky Steamboat
Baron von Raschke and Greg Valentine
Jimmy Snuka and Paul Orndorff
Baron von Raschke and Paul Jones
Blackjack Mulligan and Ric Flair
Jay Youngblood and Ricky Steamboat
Greg Valentine and Ray Stevens

1980s

Jimmy Snuka and Ray Stevens
The Masked Superstar and Paul Jones
Ivan Koloff and Ray Stevens
Ole Anderson and Stan Hansen
Don Kernodle and Sgt. Slaughter
Jack Brisco and Jerry Brisco
Bob Orton Jr. and Don Kernodle
Mark Youngblood and Wahoo McDaniel
Don Kernodle and Ivan Koloff
Dusty Rhodes and Manny Fernandez
The Russians (Ivan Koloff and Nikita Koloff)
The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson)
The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Dennis Condrey)
Manny Fernandez and Rick Rude
Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard
Barry Windham and Lex Luger
The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane)
Road Warriors (Animal and Hawk)

WCW
(1988–2001)

1980s	The Varsity Club (Mike Rotunda and Steve Williams) Fabulous Freebirds (Jimmy Garvin and Michael Hayes) Steiner Brothers (Rick Steiner and Scott Steiner)
1990s	Doom (Butch Reed and Ron Simmons) Enforcers (Arn Anderson and Larry Zbyszko) Dustin Rhodes and Ricky Steamboat Arn Anderson and Bobby Eaton Terry Gordy and Steve Williams Barry Windham and Dustin Rhodes Ricky Steamboat and Shane Douglas Hollywood Blonds (Brian Pillman and Steve Austin) Arn Anderson and Paul Roma The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags) 2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Bagwell Cactus Jack and Kevin Sullivan Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) Stars and Stripes (Marcus Alexander Bagwell and The Patriot) Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) Bunkhouse Buck and Dick Slater American Males (Marcus Bagwell and Scotty Riggs) Sting and Lex Luger The Public Enemy (Johnny Grunge and Rocco Rock) The Outsiders (Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Syxx) The Giant and Lex Luger Kevin Nash and Sting The Giant and Scott Hall Kenny Kaos and Rick Steiner Barry Windham and Curt Hennig Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko Filthy Animals (Billy Kidman and Rey Misterio Jr.) Perry Saturn and Raven Jersey Triad (Bam Bam Bigelow, Diamond Dallas Page and Kanyon) Chris Benoit and Perry Saturn West Texas Rednecks (Barry Windham and Kendall Windham) Filthy Animals (Konnan and Rey Misterio Jr.) Filthy Animals (Billy Kidman and Konnan) Creative Control/The Harris Brothers (Gerald/Ron Harris and Patrick/Don Harris) Bret Hart and Goldberg
2000s	Crowbar and David Flair Mamalukes (Big Vito and Johnny the Bull) Buff Bagwell and Shane Douglas KroniK (Brian Adams and Bryan Clark) The Perfect Event (Chuck Palumbo and Shawn Stasiak) Dark Carnival (The Great Muta and Vampiro) Filthy Animals (Juventud Guerrera and Rey Misterio Jr.) Mark Jindrak and Sean O'Haire Misfits in Action (Corporal Cajun and Lieutenant Loco) Boogie Knights (Alex Wright and Disco Inferno) The Insiders (Diamond Dallas Page and Kevin Nash) Natural Born Thrillers (Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire)

WWF
(2001)

Brothers of Destruction (Kane and The Undertaker)
Booker T and Test
Hardy Boyz (Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy)
Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley)

v t e WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Champions
Kid Romeo and Elix Skipper The Filthy Animals (Billy Kidman and Rey Mysterio Jr.)

WCW/WWE Cruiserweight Champions

WCW
(1996–2001)

1990s	Shinjiro Otani Dean Malenko Rey Misterio (Jr.) Último Dragón Syxx/X-Pac Chris Jericho Alex Wright Eddy Guerrero Juventud Guerrera/Juventud Billy Kidman Psicosis Lenny Lane Disco Inferno Evan Karagias Madusa
2000s	Oklahoma The Artist Chris Candido Crowbar/Daffney Lieutenant Loco/Chavo Guerrero (Jr.) Lance Storm Elix Skipper Mike Sanders Shane Helms/The Hurricane/Gregory Helms

WWF/E

2000s	Tajiri Jamie Noble Matt Hardy Jacqueline Chavo Classic Spike Dudley Funaki Paul London Nunzio Kid Kash Hornswoggle

v t e WWE World Tag Team Champions
2000s	Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle Edge and Rey Mysterio Los Guerreros (Chavo Guerrero and Eddie Guerrero) Team Angle/World's Greatest Tag Team (Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin) Eddie Guerrero and Tajiri Basham Brothers (Danny Basham and Doug Basham) Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty Charlie Haas and Rico Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley) Billy Kidman and Paul London Kenzo Suzuki and René Duprée Rey Mysterio and Rob Van Dam Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio MNM (Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro) Legion of Doom (Animal and Heidenreich) Batista and Rey Mysterio Paul London and Brian Kendrick Deuce 'n Domino Matt Hardy and Montel Vontavious Porter John Morrison and the Miz Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder The Colóns (Carlito and Primo) Edge and Chris Jericho Jeri-Show (Big Show and Chris Jericho) D-Generation X (Shawn Michaels and Triple H)
2010s	ShoMiz (Big Show and The Miz) The Hart Dynasty (David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd) Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre The Nexus (David Otunga and John Cena) The Nexus/The Corre (Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel) Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov John Cena and The Miz Big Show and Kane The New Nexus (David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty) Air Boom (Evan Bourne and Kofi Kingston) Primo and Epico Kofi Kingston and R-Truth Team Hell No (Daniel Bryan and Kane) The Shield (Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins) Cody Rhodes and Goldust/Gold and Stardust New Age Outlaws (Billy Gunn and Road Dogg) The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) Damien Mizdow and The Miz Tyson Kidd and Cesaro The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) The Prime Time Players (Darren Young and Titus O'Neil) Sheamus and Cesaro The O.C. (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) Hardy Boyz (Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy) Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins Jason Jordan and Seth Rollins Braun Strowman and Nicholas Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy The B-Team (Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel) Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre AOP (Akam and Rezar) Bobby Roode and Chad Gable The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) Braun Strowman and Seth Rollins Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode The Viking/War Raiders (Erik and Ivar) (current)
2020s	Buddy Murphy and Seth Rollins Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) The Hurt Business (Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin) AJ Styles and Omos RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Riddle) Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and Damian Priest) Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh)

WWE personnel

Raw

Men's division	Akam Akira Tozawa Bron Breakker Bronson Reed Brutus Creed Carlito Chad Gable CM Punk Cruz Del Toro Damian Priest Dominik Mysterio Dragon Lee Drew McIntyre Erik Finn Bálor Gunther Ilja Dragunov Ivar JD McDonagh Jey Uso Joaquin Wilde Julius Creed Karrion Kross Kofi Kingston Logan Paul Ludwig Kaiser The Miz Otis Penta Pete Dunne Rey Mysterio Rezar R-Truth Sami Zayn Seth "Freakin" Rollins Sheamus Tyler Bate Xavier Woods
Women's division	Alba Fyre Asuka Bayley Dakota Kai Isla Dawn Ivy Nile Iyo Sky Kairi Sane Katana Chance Kayden Carter Kiana James Liv Morgan Lyra Valkyria Maxxine Dupri Natalya Raquel Rodriguez Rhea Ripley Scarlett Shayna Baszler Sonya Deville Zelina Vega Zoey Stark
Stables and tag teams	Alpha Academy American Made Creed Brothers Damage CTRL The Final Testament Authors of Pain Imperium The Judgment Day Latino World Order The New Day Pure Fusion Collective The Unholy Union The War Raiders
Other on-air talent	Adam Pearce Paul Ellering
Referees	Dan Engler Daphanie LaShaunn John Cone

SmackDown

Men's division	AJ Styles Alex Shelley Andrade Angel Angelo Dawkins Apollo Crews Austin Theory Berto Bo Dallas Braun Strowman Carmelo Hayes Chris Sabin Cody Rhodes Dexter Lumis Elton Prince Erick Rowan Giovanni Vinci Grayson Waller Jacob Fatu Jimmy Uso Joe Gacy Johnny Gargano Karl Anderson Kevin Owens Kit Wilson LA Knight Luke Gallows Montez Ford Randy Orton Roman Reigns Santos Escobar Shinsuke Nakamura Solo Sikoa Tama Tonga Tonga Loa Tommaso Ciampa
Women's division	B-Fab Bianca Belair Blair Davenport Candice LeRae Charlotte Flair Chelsea Green Elektra Lopez Jade Cargill Michin Naomi Nia Jax Nikki Cross Piper Niven Tiffany Stratton
Stables and tag teams	A-Town Down Under The Bloodline Sons of Tonga The Usos DIY Legado Del Fantasma The Motor City Machine Guns Pretty Deadly The Street Profits The Wyatt Sicks
Other on-air talent	Nick Aldis Paul Heyman
Referees	Charles Robinson Jason Ayers Jessika Carr

Nonexclusive

Men's division	Brock Lesnar Hikuleo Lance Anoa'i John Cena Omos
Women's division	Alexa Bliss Carmella Tamina Valhalla

NXT

Men's division	Andre Chase Ashante "Thee" Adonis Axiom Brooks Jensen Cedric Alexander Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo Charlie Dempsey Dante Chen Duke Hudson Eddy Thorpe Ethan Page Je'Von Evans Joe Coffey Josh Briggs Lexis King Luca Crusifino Malik Blade Mark Coffey Myles Borne Nathan Frazer Noam Dar Oba Femi Oro Mensah Ridge Holland Riley Osborne Shawn Spears Tavion Heights Tony D'Angelo Trick Williams Wes Lee Wolfgang Yoshiki Inamura
Women's division	Adriana Rizzo Arianna Grace Brinley Reece Carlee Bright Cora Jade Fallon Henley Gigi Dolin Giulia Izzi Dame Jacy Jayne Jaida Parker Jakara Jackson Jazmyn Nyx Karmen Petrovic Kelani Jordan Kendal Grey Lash Legend Lola Vice Meiko Satomura Nikkita Lyons Roxanne Perez Shotzi Sol Ruca Stephanie Vaquer Tatum Paxley Thea Hail Wendy Choo Wren Sinclair Zaria
Stables and tag teams	Axiom and Nathan Frazer Fatal Influence Gallus The Meta-Four No Quarter Catch Crew
Other on-air talent	Ava Mr. Stone Stevie Turner William Regal

Performance

Men's trainees	Shiloh Hill Uriah Connors
Women's trainees	Tyra Mae Steele
Trainers and staff	Alexander James Fit Finlay Lince Dorado Matt Bloom Norman Smiley Oney Lorcan Robbie Brookside Santana Garrett Sara Amato Steve Corino Terry Taylor Tyler Breeze

Broadcast
team

Ambassadors

Producers
and writers

Executive
personnel