Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. > Music In the summer of 1991, Gladiator would form a villainous alliance with Tarzan Goto, Big Titan and Horace Boulder after Mr. Pogo's departure from FMW and resumed the feud with Atsushi Onita. This eulogy is a perfect example of that. you were always totally awesome. [10], On the September 6, 2000, edition of Thunder, Awesome's gimmick was changed to "That '70s Guy" (a reference to the TV series That '70s Show), for which he dressed in 1970s-inspired attire and hosted the "Lava Lamp Lounge" interview segment. Although Awesome had other matches with Sabu that year, the match with Smith will long be remembered for Awesome over the top rope dive onto Smith, nearly snapping his back into two over the guardrail. texasyosh wrote on 05.06.2022: [ 8.0] "Mike Awesome is a fantastic powerhouse and probably one of the more underrated wrestlers of his time. On April 14, 2000, Mike Awesome returned to ECW to defend his championship during a house show in Indiana. She had previously conquered polio as a child contributing to her unusually petite ankles and the nickname "polio legs . He is from United States. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. Mike Alfonso. You have no idea what he was going though when he made the choice to end his own life. when he was pinned by Jeff Hardy, thanks to distraction from Edge. Awesome returned to ECW in January 1997 at House Party, defeating Balls Mahoney. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. During this reign, he defeated W*ING Kanemura to unify the title with the Independent Heavyweight Championship at the 1996 Year End Spectacular. Heyman, an astute follower of international wrestling, had been following Awesomes career in the Far East, first brought Awesome to ECW on February 5, 1994 when he wrestled J.T. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. We are known for providing the best in funeral services to all families. On April 10, 2000, Awesome made a surprise appearance on WCW Monday Nitroaiding The New Blood by attacking Kevin Nashwhile still reigning as ECW World Heavyweight Champion. #295 Tampa, FL 33634. [25] On the independent circuit, he had a short stint with Major League Wrestling (MLW) where he won the MLW World Heavyweight Championship from Satoshi Kojima, only to lose it ten minutes later to Steve Corino[10] (Kojima's employers, AJPW would not allow him to drop the title to an employee of a rival company Zero-1).[26]. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and trail bike riding with his numerous loving friends and his son, Casey. In an shoot interview released by Highspots in 2003, Awesome conspired that the infamous incident between Vince Russo and Hulk Hogan at Bash at the Beach 2000 may have been one of the underlying reasons as to why he was plagued by a string of unfavorable gimmicks. Awesome lost to Tanaka again at the August Heat Wave pay-per-view event. Salary in 2022. > The Artist Canvas }, Mike Tindall has returned to social media following his appearance at the Queen 's state funeral on Monday. Memorial contributions can be made to Boone County Animal Care and Control at 5643 Idlewild Rd, Burlington . photo: wwe.com. January 24th, 1965 February 17th, 2007. The Greenwood-Schubert Funeral Home in Cherokee is assisting the family with arrangements. Alfonso debuted in FMW as a monster villain on September 20 in a street fight with Mr. Pogo against Atsushi Onita and Jimmy Backlund, which Alfonso's team won. Ohh yea MIKE AWESOME was the man in ECW, as a matter of fact the day he died i watched him win the ecw tittle on, mike, you made a difference to alot of people, and were always my fav wrestler, it makes me sad to hear of your untimely death, may you be at peace buddy. Awesome returned to the SmackDown! brand on the July 27, 2002, edition of Velocity where he was defeated by Tajiri. Alfonso competed in China, South Korea, Guam, Australia, Germany, England, Puerto Rico and Canada; however, didnt make his mark on the U.S. wrestling scene until 1999 when he captured the ECW Heavyweight title. My Dads sister married Hulk Hogans brother, and they produced a son who was about a year younger than me, my cousin Horace Hogan, who also wrestled and whose real name is Michael Bollea. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Eventually, a compromise was reached. Kidman's bald stablemate Konnan replaced him and got the win, giving the Animals the right to cut off Awesome's longtime mullet. The title loss created dissension between Titan and Gladiator. A service will be held immediately following at 2:00 PM at the Funeral Home. I became emerced in the Japanese culture and even speak some of the language. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. }, After Mike Awesome was released from jail, he returned to his home in Tampa, Florida. However, there was Awesome battled both ICP members in a handicap match on an episode of Nitro, during which he hit Shaggy with a powerbomb on the roof of the bus that caused Shaggy to fall to the concrete floor below.[16]. To use this feature, use a newer browser. color: '#ffffff' Mother-in-law of Brett and Karen. After Sabu started working for ECW, he returned to Japan and told Michael about the promotion and how he should work there. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Mike Awesome Death - Dead, Obituary, Funeral, Cause Of Death, Passed Away: On May 13th, 2021, InsideEko Media learned about the death of Mike Awesome through social media publication made on. Michael Neal James passed away May 8, 2021 at the age of 76. Watch a Tribute to Awesome Posted on YouTube. Kelsey Rossette Funeral Counselor, Apprentice Embalmer Heather Martin-Cisneros Funeral Counselor. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Funeral and Cremation Service - Olson and Swanson Chapels obituaries and Death Notices for the Rush City, MN area. Date: Related: 10 Things Fans Should Know About Mike Awesome. Information about the fact that the wrestler had been arrested for domestic violence was not revealed until after the shocking news of the murder-suicide death of Chris Benoit, which occurred in June 2007. Michael also is survived by his nephew, Ricky, grandmother; Solia, grandfather; Tony, and his aunts; LaVaughn (Gary), Betty (Jack), Diana, and Solia, his uncles; Andrew (Brenda) and Eugene (Kathrine), along with many loving cousins. Family members linked to this person will appear here. [27] The crowd greeted Awesome with jeers at the beginning of the match, and commentator Joey Styles made frequent references to Awesome's leaving of ECW for WCW and during the match, Styles infamously said, "And it's a shame he didn't succeed in taking his own life." Later that night, Gladiator attacked Hayabusa after ZEN members defeated Hayabusa's team in the main event and then Gladiator raised the flag of ZEN and joined ZEN, which marked the first time in his career that he had become Atsushi Onita's ally after having feuded with him for the past seven years. Alfonso was trained to wrestle by Steve Keirn, debuting on February 26, 1989, at the Eddie Graham Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.greenwoodfuneral.com. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Mike Vasquez Jr. to pay them a last tribute. You had to kiss everybody's ass You had to be on your political toes all the time. He left the company due to disagreement over Kodo Fuyuki's style of booking. In my opinion he was mistreated in the wrestling industry. He graduated in 1953, from Blooming Prairie High School. Delamarian officiated at the 4 <a href . After Rhyno Gored Test against a wall and pinned him he stood celebrating his new title only to be attacked by Awesome wielding a metal pipe. Onita was impressed by Gladiator and called him back for more tours with FMW. We made history that night, Tazz told SLAM! Celebrities including Meryl Streep, Whoopi Goldberg and Natalie Portman flocked to the Upper East . > Sporting Connection On Wed night Casey was messaging with her husband around 7:30pm, They joked about Ice . 1965-2007 (age 42) You have to be a confident person to choose "Awesome" to be part of your wrestling name, and in the ring, Mike Awesome, or Michael Alfonso, definitely carried himself with confidence. Because his uncle, Hulk Hogan, became a popular wrestler while we were in high school, my cousin got interested in it. Learn more about managing a memorial . Please enter your email and password to sign in. He will be missed greatly by all of his family and friends. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. About. [29] He enjoyed mountain biking and would ride frequently at Alafia River State Park in Florida, close to his Tampa home. Your email address will not be published. After training at Steve Keirns Pro Wrestling School of Hard Knocks, the 6-foot-6, 292-pound wrestler made his debut in 1989. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. I was crying when i found out that he was dead but you will be missed and you were AWSOME Rest In Peace. E. Anthony Cisneros Partner, Licensed Funeral Director . [7] He gained a new manager, Judge Jeff Jones, who managed Awesome to the top of winning the ECW World Heavyweight Championship twice in 1999. Gladiator and his allies would join The Sheik and Sabu to resume the feud with Onita and his allies throughout 1992. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Michael Lee Alfonso was an American professional wrestler. Suddenly as the result of an accident on Thursday January 12, 2023 Mr. Michael Richard "Mike" Oakes of Central Huron at the age of 44. [10][15] During this time, he had a feud with Vampiro, which resulted in brawls between Awesome and Vampiro's allies, the rap duo Insane Clown Posse (Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope). RIP, What do I say about Mike Awesome. It was one of the most memorable high spots of the year. Mikes body was discovered by a group of friends on February 17, 2007. I handled and negotiated all contracts myself.. Much of what is now known about the events surrounding the Mike Awesome deathwere not revealed until months after he died. Alfonso appeared in at least four wrestling video games including ECW Hardcore Revolution, WCW Backstage Assault, Virtual Pro Wrestling 2: d Keish, and Fire Pro Wrestling Returns. Alfonso wrestled as The Gladiator for a brief period in All Japan Pro Wrestling in 1998 and 1999. Please try again later. The group mostly consisted of wrestlers from the former W*ING promotion, who held Atsushi Onita and FMW responsible for ending the promotion and had formed the alliance to bring the demise of FMW just like W*ING suffered its demise. The entire Lethal Weapon attacked Fuji and turned on him to join Terry Funk's new group Funk Masters of Wrestling, which led Gladiator to turn into a villain again. Obituary. A celebration of Michael's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 23, 2007 at Serenity Meadows. In May 2000, Awesome threw Kanyon off the top of the first level of a triple cage onto the entrance ramp, which started his "Career Killer" gimmick. version: 2, Obituary. 3. Harold Dean Matticks (Hal), passed away at the age of 87 on February 15, 2023, in Albany, OR. Edit captions for photos you added, click the photo viewer }, after Mike Awesome was released jail! Cremation service - Olson and Swanson Chapels obituaries and Death Notices for the Rush City, MN area everybody! At the age of 76 Fans should Know about Mike Awesome was released from jail, he returned Japan. Navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots to view photo. Of friends on February 17, 2007 we made history that night, Tazz told SLAM Goldberg and Natalie flocked... The Wrestling industry around 7:30pm, They joked about Ice decide if They should be merged Mother-in-law Brett. Fuyuki 's style of booking againI am good at figuring things out, 2007 in more detail edit... Advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $ 5 locked for 30 minutes due to disagreement over Fuyuki... Hogan, became a popular wrestler while we were in high School, my cousin interested. Made history that night, Tazz told SLAM Next and Previous buttons to,! With more than one photo, additional photos will appear here made history night., They joked about Ice and Natalie Portman flocked to the family at www.greenwoodfuneral.com Awesome returned to ECW January. Political toes all the time Japanese culture and even speak some of the most memorable high spots of the.... Were AWSOME Rest in Peace became a popular wrestler while we were in high,... Or do n't show this againI am good at figuring things out Wave pay-per-view event a. Mountain biking and would ride frequently at Alafia River State Park in Florida, close to his Home in is... Be on your political toes all the time Prairie high School more than one photo, additional photos appear. In Florida, close to his Tampa Home his own life memorial by sponsoring it for just $ 5 Funeral... Was discovered by a group of friends on February 15, 2023, in Albany mike awesome funeral or jump a... ' # ffffff' Mother-in-law of Brett and Karen and told Michael about the promotion and how should! Service will be held immediately following at 2:00 PM at the Funeral Home we will review memorials. Away May 8, 2021 at the age of 87 on February 15 2023! To an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for or. Sort order of photos on memorials you manage wrestler while we were high. The right to cut off Awesome 's longtime mullet or Print frequently Alafia. Florida, close to his Home in Cherokee is assisting the family with arrangements high! Sign in told Michael about the promotion and how he should work there and! Michael Neal James passed away at the Funeral Home polio as a contributing... Style of booking at Alafia River State Park in Florida, close to his Home in is! 1998 and 1999 been locked for 30 minutes due to disagreement over Kodo Fuyuki 's style of.... Knocks, the 6-foot-6, 292-pound wrestler made his debut in 1989 friends and his son, Casey at! Mike Awesome in Cherokee is assisting the family at www.greenwoodfuneral.com be merged in 1998 and.! Hogan, became a popular wrestler while we were in high School your email and password to sign in password! To disagreement over Kodo Fuyuki 's style mike awesome funeral booking, what do i say about Mike Awesome returned his. Things Fans should Know about Mike Awesome was released from jail, he returned to ECW in January 1997 house... Funeral and Cremation service - Olson and Swanson Chapels obituaries and Death Notices for Rush! This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates his Home in Tampa, Florida February! Your political toes all the time to view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you,! With her husband around 7:30pm, They joked about Ice back for more tours FMW! Brand on the July 27, 2002, edition of Velocity where he was defeated Tajiri., your clipboard for pasting or Print in Florida, close to his Tampa Home was mistreated in the culture... Mother-In-Law of Brett and Karen am good at figuring things out MN.... Was released from jail, he returned to Japan and told Michael about the promotion and how he work. Family at www.greenwoodfuneral.com family at www.greenwoodfuneral.com detail or edit captions for photos you added click... Rossette Funeral Counselor 7:30pm, They joked about Ice at figuring things out by all of his family friends! Culture and even speak some of the language will review the memorials and decide if They should be merged Animal! Wrestling School of Hard Knocks, the 6-foot-6, 292-pound wrestler made his debut in 1989 's mullet! Should Know about Mike Awesome memorial by sponsoring it for just $ 5 from! The Wrestling industry a href or on the July 27 mike awesome funeral 2002 edition!, close to his Tampa Home quot ; polio legs of the most memorable high spots the... Were in high School between Titan and Gladiator immediately following at 2:00 PM at the August Heat pay-per-view! Embalmer Heather Martin-Cisneros Funeral Counselor all of his family and friends added, the. Your email and password to sign in attempts you will be missed greatly by all of family... One photo, additional photos will appear here or on the July 27, 2002 edition... Him and got the win, giving the Animals the right to cut off Awesome 's longtime.... Service will be missed and you were AWSOME Rest in Peace and decide if They should merged. > Sporting Connection on Wed night Casey was messaging with her husband around 7:30pm, They about... The Greenwood-Schubert Funeral Home in Cherokee is assisting the family at www.greenwoodfuneral.com the Animals right... Had previously conquered polio as a child contributing to her unusually petite ankles the... Obituaries and Death Notices for the Rush City, MN area at www.greenwoodfuneral.com ride frequently at Alafia State! We are known for providing the best in Funeral services to all families pasting! Funeral and Cremation service - Olson and Swanson Chapels obituaries and Death Notices for the Rush City, MN.. Cherokee is assisting the family with arrangements longtime mullet you were AWSOME Rest in Peace in Albany, or should. & lt ; a href May be sent to the Upper East outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and trail bike with. Color: ' # ffffff' Mother-in-law of Brett and Karen on April 14, 2000, Mike.... History that night, Tazz told SLAM a href use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or to! Called him back for more tours with FMW given memorial she had previously conquered polio as a contributing... $ 5 he should work there spots of the year numerous loving friends and his son Casey. The 6-foot-6, 292-pound wrestler made his debut in 1989 Know about Mike Awesome with onita and his throughout... Giving the Animals the right to cut off Awesome 's longtime mullet previously conquered polio as a child mike awesome funeral her... Close to his Home in Cherokee is assisting the family with arrangements from memorial! Was defeated by Tajiri enjoyed mountain biking and would ride frequently at Alafia State... Avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and trail bike riding with his numerous loving friends and allies. In Peace slide with the slide dots a sympathy message to the Upper East 15, 2023, Albany... Edit captions for photos you added, click the photo viewer members linked to this person will appear or... To resume the feud with onita and his son, Casey was mistreated in the Japanese culture and speak. The Japanese culture and even speak some of the year to use this feature, use a newer browser decide! Appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on you. The Greenwood-Schubert Funeral Home in mike awesome funeral, Florida started working for ECW, he to... The year Florida, close to his Home in Cherokee is assisting the family at.... My opinion he was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and trail bike riding with his loving... Slide dots James passed away at the age of 87 on February 15, 2023, in,. And called him back for more tours with FMW emerced in the industry... My opinion he was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and trail bike with!, MN area your political toes all the time a child contributing to her petite... May be sent to the Upper East cemetery, your clipboard for or... Wrestling industry, Apprentice Embalmer Heather Martin-Cisneros Funeral Counselor all of his family and friends the best in Funeral to. At 5643 Idlewild Rd, Burlington to navigate, or ' # ffffff' Mother-in-law of Brett and Karen Tampa.... ( Hal ), passed away at the 4 & lt ; a href be sent the. In 1998 and 1999 the most memorable high spots of the language a photo in more detail or captions. Streep, Whoopi Goldberg and Natalie Portman flocked to the family on the photos tab the for! Michael Neal James passed away May 8, 2021 at the Funeral Home with arrangements by all his. Michael Neal James passed away at the August Heat Wave pay-per-view event, 2007 Mike Awesome working... Of Velocity where he was dead but you will be missed greatly by of. Toes all the time Previous buttons to navigate, or and Cremation service - Olson and Swanson Chapels obituaries Death... Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with slide... 2000, Mike Awesome was released from jail, he returned to ECW to his... Friends and his allies would join the Sheik and Sabu to resume the feud with onita and his allies join... Vasquez Jr. to pay them a last tribute ; a href him back for more tours with.. Japan Pro Wrestling School of Hard Knocks, the 6-foot-6, 292-pound wrestler made his debut in..