The Sandman (wrestler)

The Sandman, real name James Fullington (born June 16, 1963), is an American professional wrestler best known for his hardcore wrestling style and tenure in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW).

Career:

Fullington began his wrestling career in 1989, initially performing under various gimmicks before adopting "The Sandman" persona in ECW. He quickly became a central figure in the promotion's extreme wrestling scene, known for his innovative use of weapons, particularly Singapore canes, and his brawling style. The Sandman rarely spoke during his matches, often entering the arena to the sounds of Metallica's "Enter Sandman" and drinking beer. His character was portrayed as a blue-collar everyman who connected with the working-class audience.

ECW Stardom:

The Sandman was a five-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion, and a two-time ECW World Tag Team Champion (once with 2 Cold Scorpio and once with Tommy Dreamer). He was a major draw for ECW, known for his bloody and violent matches, often involving tables, ladders, and chairs. His feuds with wrestlers like Raven, Tommy Dreamer, and Sabu were pivotal in defining the hardcore wrestling style that became synonymous with ECW. He was a constant presence in main event matches.

Post-ECW:

Following ECW's closure in 2001, The Sandman wrestled for various independent promotions. He later signed with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2005, appearing on the revived ECW brand. He had a brief run in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in 2009. He has continued to wrestle sporadically on the independent circuit.

Wrestling Style and Persona:

The Sandman's wrestling style is characterized by its extreme violence and reliance on weapons. His character is a beer-drinking, cigarette-smoking, hardcore brawler who resonates with fans due to his anti-heroic persona. He is considered a pioneer of hardcore wrestling and a key figure in ECW's rise to prominence.

Championships and Accomplishments:

• Extreme Championship Wrestling:
  • ECW World Heavyweight Championship (5 times)
  • ECW World Tag Team Championship (2 times) - with 2 Cold Scorpio (1) and Tommy Dreamer (1)

Controversies:

Throughout his career, The Sandman has been involved in several controversies related to the violent nature of his wrestling style and his behavior outside the ring.