Personal Information
Full Name | Richard Erwin Rood |
Date of Birth | December 7, 1958 |
Nationality | USA |
Height | 6'3" |
Rick Rude: A Brief Biography
Richard Erwin Rood was an American professional wrestler best known for his work with ECW, WWF, and WCW as Rick Rude
Professional Wrestling Career
Early Years (1982-1987)
In 1982, Rood began his professional wrestling career as Ricky Rood. In his initial years, Rood wrestled for several promotions, such as CWF, WCCW, and Jim Crockett Promotions, where he won several championships.
WWF (1987-1990)
In 1987, Rood signed with WWF, where he aligned himself with Bobby Heenan. Rood's most famous feud was with Jake Roberts. At SummerSlam, he faced Junkyard Dog and won via disqualification. After feuding with Roberts, Rude began feuding with The Ultimate Warrior.
At WrestleMania V, Rude won the Intercontinental Championship from Warrior and lost it back to him at SummerSlam. Rude spent the year feuding with Warrior and lost. In 1990, Rude resumed his feud with Warrior for the WWF Championship and lost. By the end of the year, he left the company.
WCW (1991-1994)
After spending a year on the independent circuit, Rude joined WCW and led The Dangerous Alliance. In November, he won the United States Championship from Sting. After 14 months, Rude vacated the title due to a neck injury.
After his return, he failed to capture the title and shifted his focus to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Rude defeated Flair for the title, but the title was rebranded due to several contractual issues. Rude became the WCW International World Heavyweight Champion. After this run, Rude retired from wrestling.
Post Retirement (1997-1999)
After retiring from wrestling, Rude still made appearances for ECW, WCW, and WWF. Rude had a storyline with Shane Douglas and became a commentator for ECW. In 1997, Rude showed up on RAW and became the founding member of DX. After the Montreal Screwjob, Rude left the company. The next night, Rude showed up on WCW and joined NWO. In 1999, Rude left the company.
Championships and Accomplishments
Championship | Number of Times |
NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship | 2 |
NWA United States Tag Team Championship | 1 |
NWA/AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship | 1 |
NWA/AWA Southern Tag Team Championship | 1 |
WCW International World Heavyweight Championship | 3 |
WCW United States Heavyweight Championship | 1 |
NWA World Tag Team Championship | 1 |
NWA American Heavyweight Championship | 1 |
WCWA Television Championship | 1 |
WCWA World Heavyweight Championship | 1 |
WWF Intercontinental Championship | 1 |
WWE Hall of Fame | 1 |