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Yoga is a family of ancient Hindu spiritual practices that originated in India, where it remains a vibrant living tradition and is seen as a means to enlightenment. Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Raja Yoga are considered the four main yogas, but there are many other types. In other parts of the world where yoga is popular, notably the West, Yoga has become associated with the asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga, which are popular as fitness exercises and also form the basis of an expanding business.
Yoga as a means to enlightenment is central to Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism and has influenced other religious and spiritual practices throughout the world. Important Hindu texts establishing the basis for yoga include the Upanishads, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
Eka-Pada-Rajakapotasana (Single-Legged Pigeon) demonstrated at a Hindu temple.
Enlarge
Eka-Pada-Rajakapotasana (Single-Legged Pigeon) demonstrated at a Hindu temple.
Contents
[hide]
* 1 Yoga practice and intention
* 2 Origins
* 3 The word "yoga"
* 4 Diversity of yoga
* 5 Yoga and religion
* 6 Common themes
* 7 Hindu yoga
o 7.1 Bhagavad Gita
o 7.2 Patanjali
o 7.3 God in Yoga philosophy
o 7.4 Hatha yoga
o 7.5 Natya yoga
* 8 Buddhist yoga
* 9 Christian yoga
* 10 Yoga and tantra
* 11 Notable Yogis
* 12 See also
* 13 References
* 14 External links
[edit]
Yoga practice and intention
In Hinduism, Yoga is considered to be the ultimate way of attaining Enlightenment. The earliest written accounts of yoga appear in the Rig Veda, which began to be codified between 1500 and 1200 BCE. Some historians believe that this 5000-year-old sculpture is of a yogi.
Enlarge
In Hinduism, Yoga is considered to be the ultimate way of attaining Enlightenment. The earliest written accounts of yoga appear in the Rig Veda, which began to be codified between 1500 and 1200 BCE. Some historians believe that this 5000-year-old sculpture is of a yogi.
Modern yoga practice often includes traditional elements inherited from Hinduism, such as moral and ethical principles, postures designed to keep the body fit, spiritual philosophy, instruction by a guru, chanting of mantras (sacred syllables), breathing exercises, and stilling the mind through meditation. These elements are sometimes adapted to meet the needs of non-Hindu practitioners, who may be attracted to yoga by its utility as a relaxation technique or as a way to keep fit.
Proponents of yoga see daily practice as beneficial in itself, leading to improved health, emotional well-being, mental clarity, and joy in living. Yoga advocates progress toward the experience of samadhi, an advanced state of meditation where there is absorption in inner ecstasy.
The goals of yoga are expressed differently in different traditions. In theistic Hinduism, yoga may be seen as a set of practices intended to bring people closer to God - to help them achieve union with God. In Buddhism, which does not postulate a creator-type god, yoga may help people deepen their wisdom, compassion, and insight. In Western nations, where there is a strong emphasis on individualism, yoga practice may be an extension of the search for meaning in self, and integration of the different aspects of being. The terms Self-Realization and god-Realization are used interchangeably in Hindu yoga, with the underlying belief that the true nature of self, revealed through the practice of yoga, is of the same nature as God.
The ultimate goal of yoga is the attainment of liberation (Moksha) from worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death (Samsara). Yoga entails mastery over the body, mind, and emotional self, and transcendence of desire. It is said to lead gradually to knowledge of the true nature of reality. The Yogi reaches an enlightened state where there is a cessation of thought and an experience of blissful union. This union may be of the individual soul (Atman) with the supreme Reality (Brahman), as in Vedanta philosophy; or with a specific god or goddess, as in theistic forms of Hinduism and some forms of Buddhism. Enlightenment may also be described as extinction of the limited ego, and direct and lasting perception of the non-dual nature of the universe.
For the average person still far from enlightenment, yoga can be a way of increasing one's spiritual awareness, or cultivating compassion and insight. While the history of yoga strongly connects it with Hinduism, proponents claim that yoga is not a religion itself, but contains practical steps which can benefit people of all religions, as well as those who do not consider themselves religious.
[edit]
Origins
Main article: History of Yoga
Images of a meditating yogi from the Indus Valley Civilization are thought to be 6 to 7 thousand years old. The earliest written accounts of yoga appear in the Rig Veda, which began to be codified between 1500 and 1200 BC. It is difficult to establish the date of yoga from this as the Rig Veda was orally transmitted for at least a millennium. The first Yoga text dates to around the 2nd century BC by Patanjali, and prescribes adherence to "eight limbs" (the sum of which constitute "Ashtanga Yoga") to quiet one's mind and merge with the infinite.
The first full description of the principles and goals of yoga are found in the Upanisads, thought to have been composed between the eighth and fourth centuries BC. The Upanisads are also called Vedanta since they constitute the end or conclusion of the Vedas (the traditional body of spiritual wisdom). In the Upanisads, the older practises of offering sacrifices and ceremonies to appease external gods gives way instead to a new understanding that man can, by means of an inner sacrifice, become one with the Supreme Being (referred to as Brāhman or Māhātman) -- through moral culture, restraint and training of the mind.
[edit]
The word "yoga"
The word "yoga" derives from the Sanskrit root yuj ("to yoke"); which is cognate to modern English "yoke". Both derive from the Proto-Indo-European root *yeug- meaning "to join" or "unite" [1].
It is generally translated as "union of the individual atma (loosely translated to mean soul) with Paramatma, the universal soul." This may be understood as union with the Divine by integration of body, mind, and spirit. Thus, in essence, one who attempts yoga may loosely be referred to as a yogi or in Sanskrit, a yogin (masculine) or yogini (feminine). These designations are actually intended for advanced practitioners , who have already made considerable progress along the path, towards yoga.
[edit]
Diversity of yoga
Over the long history of yoga, different schools have emerged, and there are numerous examples of subdivisions and synthesis. It is common to speak of each form of yoga as a "path" to enlightenment. Thus, yoga may include love and devotion (as in Bhakti Yoga), selfless work (as in Karma Yoga), knowledge and discernment (as in Jnana Yoga), or an eight-limbed system of disciplines emphasizing meditation (as in Raja Yoga). These practices occupy a continuum from the religious to the scientific[citation needed] . They need not be mutually exclusive. (A person who follows the path of selfless work might also cultivate some knowledge and devotion.) Some people (particularly in Western cultures) pursue Hatha yoga as exercise divorced from spiritual practice.
Other types of yoga include Mantra Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Integral Yoga, Nitya Yoga, Maha Yoga, Purna Yoga, Anahata Yoga, Tantra Yoga, Tibetan Yoga, etc. It is often helpful to check the teacher and lineage to be sure how these terms are being used. Another name for Raja Yoga ("royal yoga") is Ashtanga Yoga ("eight-limbed yoga"), but this should not be confused with the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, which is a specific style of Hatha Yoga practice.
[edit]
Yoga and religion
In Hinduism, Yoga is described as the ultimate way to attain God.
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In Hinduism, Yoga is described as the ultimate way to attain God.
In the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain traditions, the spiritual goals of yoga are seen as inseparable from the religions of which yoga forms a part. Some yogis make a subtle distinction between religion and yoga, seeing religion as more concerned with culture, values, beliefs and rituals; and yoga as more concerned with Self-Realization, i.e., direct perception of the ultimate truth. In this sense, religion and yoga are complementary. Sri Ramakrishna likened religion to the husk, and direct experience to the kernel. Both are needed, "but if one wants to get at the kernel itself, he must remove the husk of the grain."
Some forms of yoga come replete with a rich iconography, while others are more austere and minimalist. Hindu practitioners of yoga are proud of their religious traditions, while non-Hindu practitioners claim that yoga may be practiced sincerely by those who have not accepted the Hindu religion.
While the yoga tradition remains rooted in India, the fact that some modern yogis like Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda came to the West suggests that they saw hope the yoga tradition could also flourish there. Critics of yoga as practiced in the West charge that it is sometimes watered down, corrupted, or cut off from its spiritual roots (e.g. the popular view that yoga is primarily physical exercises).
If yoga is one of India's great gifts to the world, the widespread acceptance of that gift - with the concomitant diversity - is sometimes incomprehensible to traditional Hindu practitioners of yoga[citation needed]. Yet the sheer number of people practicing yoga outside India suggests the need to define yoga both by its historical roots and its modern adaptations.
[edit]
Common themes
Common to most forms of yoga is the practice of concentration (dharana) and meditation (dhyana). Dharana, according to Patanjali's definition, is the "binding of consciousness to a single point." The awareness is concentrated on a fine point of sensation (such as that of the breath entering and leaving the nostrils). Sustained single-pointed concentration gradually leads to meditation (dhyana), in which the inner faculties are able to expand and merge with something vast. Meditators sometimes report feelings of peace, joy, and oneness.
The focus of meditation may differ from school to school, e.g. meditation on one of the chakras, such as the heart center (anahata) or the third eye (ajna); or meditation on a particular deity, such as Krishna; or on a quality like peace. Non-dualist schools such as Advaita Vedanta may stress meditation on the Supreme with no form or qualities (Nirguna Brahman). This resembles Buddhist meditation on the Void.
Another common element is the spiritual teacher (guru in Sanskrit; lama in Tibetan). While emphasized to varying degrees by all schools of yoga, in some the guru is seen as an embodiment of the Divine. The guru guides the student (shishya or chela) through yogic discipline from the beginning. Thus, the novice yoga student is to find and devote himself to a satguru (true teacher). Traditionally, knowledge of yoga--as well as permission to practice it or teach it--has been passed down through initiatory chains of gurus and their students. This is called guruparampara.
The yoga tradition is one of practical experience, but also incorporates texts which explain the techniques and philosophy of yoga. Many gurus write on the subject, either providing modern translations and elucidations of classical texts, or explaining how their particular teachings should be followed. A guru may also found an ashram or order of monks; these comprise the institutions of yoga. The yoga tradition has also been a fertile source of inspiration for poetry, music, dance, and art.
When students associate with a particular teacher, school, ashram or order, this naturally creates yoga communities where there are shared practices. Chanting of mantras such as Aum, singing of spiritual songs, and studying sacred texts are all common themes. The importance of any one element may differ from school to school, or student to student. Differences do not always reflect disagreement, but rather a multitude of approaches meant to serve students of differing needs, background and temperament.
The yogi is sometimes portrayed as going beyond rules-based morality. This does not mean that a yogi will act in an immoral fashion, but rather that he or she will act with direct knowledge of the supreme Reality[citation needed]. In some legends, a yogi--having amassed merit through spiritual practice--may then cause mischief even to the gods. Some yogis in history have been naked ascetics--such as Swami Trailanga, who greatly vexed the occupying British in 19th century Benares by wandering about in a state of innocence.
[edit]
Hindu yoga
[edit]
Bhagavad Gita
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Main article: Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita famously distinguishes several types of "yoga", corresponding to the duties of different nature of people. Capturing the essence and at the same time going into detail about the various Yogas and their philosophies, it constantly refers to itself as such, the "Scripture of Yoga" (see the final verses of each chapter). The book is thought to have been written some time between the 5th and the 2nd century BC. In it, Krishna describes the following yogas:
(1) Karma yoga, the yoga of "action" in the world.
(2) Jnana yoga, the yoga of knowledge and intellectual endeavor.
(3) Bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion to a deity (for example, to Krishna).
[edit]
Patanjali
Main articles: Patanjali and Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Perhaps the classic description of yoga is the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which form the basis not only of the darshana called "yoga"--one of six such "orthodox" (i.e. Veda-accepting) schools of Hindu philosophy--but also of the practice of yoga in most ashrams (to the extent these can be distinguished). The school (dharshana) of Indian philosophy known as "yoga" is primarily Upanishadic with roots in Samkhya, and some scholars see some influence from Buddhism. The Yoga philosophy fully believes in the epistemology of the Samkhya school, as well as its concept of the individual spirits (Purusha) and the Nature (Prakriti)—but differs from Samkhya's atheism.
Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras presents the goal of yoga as 'the cessation of mental fluctuations' (cittavrtti nirodha), an achievement which gives rise to the possibility of stable meditation and thus deeper states of absorption (dhyana or samadhi). This requires considerable restraint (yama) and self-discipline (niyama; see below for Patanjali's eight limbs of yoga)). Patanjali's yoga is sometimes called Raja Yoga (Skt: "Royal yoga") or "Ashtanga Yoga" ("Eight-Limbed Yoga"), in order to distinguish it from Hatha yoga. It is held as authoritative by all schools. Patanjali is also known for writing commentaries (Mahabhashya) on the Sutras of the great Sanskrit grammarian Panini. In fact, Panini, Patanjali and Kātyāyana are regarded are the highest authority not only in Sanskrit but also in the whole of Linguistics.
Patanjali's text sets forth eight "limbs" of yoga practice. Interestingly, only one of them involves physical postures (and these mainly involve seated positions). The eight are:
(1) Yama (The five "abstentions"): violence, lying, theft, (illicit-) sex, and possessions
(2) Niyama (The five "observances"): purity, contentment, austerities, study, and surrender to god
(3) Asana: This term literally means "seat," and originally referred mainly to seated positions. With the rise of Hatha yoga, it came to be used of these yoga "postures" as well.
(4) Pranayama: Control of prāna or vital breath
(5) Pratyahara ("Abstraction"): "that by which the senses do not come into contact with their objects and, as it were, follow the nature of the mind." — Vyasa
(6) Dharana ("Concentration"): Fixing the attention on a single object
(7) Dhyana ("Meditation")
(8) Samadhi: Super-conscious state or trance (state of liberation)
[edit]
God in Yoga philosophy
A large statue in Bangalore depicting Lord Shiva meditating.
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A large statue in Bangalore depicting Lord Shiva meditating.
The philosophy of Yoga also presented certain arguments for the existence of God (Ishvara, lit., the Supreme Lord):
* The Vedas are regarded as evidence. The Vedas and their commentaries, the Upanishads mention and describe god—hence god exists.
* Continuity: people and things have various degrees of differences among themselves. Some people are foolish, some are wise. Hence there ought to be some Being who has the highest level of knowledge among all—who is omniscient. That being is god.
* Cosmic Evolution, leading to this universe, occurs because of the contact between Purusha (spirit) and Prakriti (Nature). Purusha is static, and Prakriti is unconscious. Hence there can be no contact between these two things of opposite characteristics, unless god—the omniscient being—brings about this contact.
* Meditation upon a deity is regarded as the best means of attaining liberation. If meditation on such a being helps in liberation, and all obstacles are removed, then the object of the meditation must have a real existence.
Ishvara is regarded as a special Purusha, who is beyond sorrow and Karma laws. He is one, perfect, infinite, omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent and eternal. He is beyond the three qualities of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. He is different from an ordinary liberated spirit, because the latter were bound once, whereas Ishvara was never bound. He is kind and merciful. He is the father of the demigods (the various Devas) and of the sages (rishis), as well as their guru; He is the author of the Vedas.
Yoga system is perhaps the first philosophy in the world to give arguments for monotheism. Yoga says that Ishvara can be only one and unique. If many gods are assumed:
* Let's say if there are two gods. If god #1 gives a certain quality (say white color) to a thing and god #2 gives another (say black color) to the same thing, this would be mutually contradictory. On the other hand, if god #1's choice reigns supreme, god #2 would fail to remain as god.
* Let's say that the gods work in as a committee to do certain tasks one by one. Then while one god is doing his work, the existence of the other gods would be superfluous and unnecessary.
[edit]
Hatha yoga
Main article: Hatha yoga
Over the last century the term yoga has come to be especially associated with the postures (Sanskrit āsanas) of hatha yoga ("Forced Yoga"). Hatha yoga has gained wide popularity outside of India and traditional yoga-practicing religions, and the postures are sometimes presented as entirely secular or non-spiritual in nature.
Traditional Hatha Yoga is a complete yogic path, including moral disciplines, physical exercises (e.g., postures and breath control), and meditation, and encompasses far more than the yoga of postures and exercises practiced in the West as physical culture. The seminal work on Hatha Yoga is the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, written by Swami Svatmarama.
Hatha Yoga was invented to provide a form of physical purification and training that would prepare aspirants for the higher training that is called Raja Yoga (see above). This is still true today. Despite this, many in the West practice 'Hatha yoga' solely for the perceived health benefits it provides, and not as a path to enlightenment.
[edit]
Natya yoga
Main article: Natya Yoga
The guide to Natya (Dance) Yoga was written by Bharata Muni. Sage Narada along with Gandharvas were the first to practise Natya Yoga, which comprise all the four main yoga's. Natya Yoga was practised by the medieval devadasis, and is currently taught in a few orthodox schools of Bharatanatyam and Odissi.
[edit]
Buddhist yoga
The factual accuracy of this article is disputed.
Please see the relevant discussion on the talk page.
Within the various schools of Tibetan Buddhism yoga likewise holds a central place, though not in the form presented by Patanjali or the Gita. (For example, physical postures are rarely practiced.(disputed — see talk page)) An example would be "guru yoga," the union with the mind of the spiritual teacher which must be done at the beginning of the spiritual path and regularly throughout. In the tantric traditions a number of practices are classified with the name "yoga", for example, the two of the four general classification of tantras--"Yoga Tantra" and "Highest Yoga Tantra".
A system of 108 bodily postures practiced with breath and heart rhythm timing in movement exercises is known as Trul Khor or union of moon and sun (channel) prajna energies. The body postures of Tibetan ancient yogis are depicted on the walls of the Dalai Lama's summer temple of Lukhang.
As the whole buddhist lineage transmission of Kagyu school came to Tibet over the Indian Yogis Naropa, Tilopa, Marpa then Milarepa, Gampopa, authentic old buddhist yogic practices have been passed over to students still following these instructions throughout many Kagyu Monasteries and institutes worldwide.
Yogacara ("Yoga Adepts"), which is also known as Cittamatra ("Consciousness Only") is an important philosophical school within Indo-Tibetan Buddhism.(disputed — see talk page)
[edit]
Christian yoga
Some Christians have changed the practice of yoga to accommodate their own approach to spirituality and out of concern for associating with spiritual practices of other non-Christian religions.[2][3][4]
Some Christians oppose major components of yoga outright. According to Donal O’Mathuna, Ph.D., and Walt Larimore, M.D., in their book Alternative Medicine, they claim: “Yoga is an alternative therapy that is difficult to wholeheartedly accept or reject. As a set of physical and breathing exercises, it can improve general well-being. As a deeply religious practice with the goal of union with the divine, it is antithetical to biblical Christianity.”[5]
Other Christians have embraced many aspects of yoga and have incorporated the practice into their ministry, including the Outstretched ministry of Susan Bordenkirche[6], author of Yoga For Christians. Another book is An Invitation to Christian Yoga by Nancy Roth.
[edit]
Yoga and tantra
Main article: Tantra
Yoga is often mentioned in company with Tantra. While the two have deep similarities, most traditions distinguish them from one another.
They are similar in that both amount to families of spiritual texts, practices, and lineages with origins in the Indian subcontinent. (Coincidentally, both have been popularized to some extent in the West, with perhaps a shallower understanding of their nature). It should be noted however that for the most part, we are speaking of different families of texts, lineages, etc.
Their differences are variously expressed. Some Hindu commentators see yoga as a process whereby body consciousness is seen as the root cause of bondage, while tantra views the body as a means to understanding, rather than as an obstruction. It must be said that in India, tantra often carries quite negative connotations involving sexual misbehavior and black magic. Nevertheless, most forms of tantra follow more mainstream social mores. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is generally classified as a Hindu tantric scripture.
Tantra has roots in the first millennium CE, and incorporates much more of a theistic basis. Almost entirely founded on Shiva and Shakti worship, Hindu tantra visualizes the ultimate Brahman as Param Shiva, manifested through Shiva (the passive, masculine force of Lord Shiva) and Shakti (the active, creative feminine force of his consort, variously known as Ma Kali, Durga, Shakti, Parvati and others). It focuses on the kundalini, a three and a half-coiled 'snake' of spiritual energy at the base of the spine that rises through the chakras until union between Shiva and Shakti (also known as samadhi) is achieved. (Some Hindu yoga teachers, however, have adopted these concepts.)
Tantra emphasises mantra (Sanskrit prayers, often to gods, that are repeated), yantra (complex symbols representing gods in various forms through intricate geometric figures), and rituals that range from simple murti (statue representations of deities) or image worship to meditation on a corpse! While tantric texts (see kaularvatantra, mahanirvana tantra) and teachers (e.g. Abhinava Gupta) may seem odd and highly arcane from the point of view of classical yoga, that these incorporate yoga concepts seems clear.
[edit]
Notable Yogis
Main articles: Yogi and List of yoga schools
Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836-1886)
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Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836-1886)
Many dedicated individuals have influenced the practice of yoga, and spread awareness of yoga throughout the world.
Centuries ago, such individuals included Meera from the Bhakti tradition, Shankaracharya from the Jnana Yoga tradition, Patanjali, who formalized the system of Raja Yoga, are just a few examples.
In the late 1800s, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a Bhakti Yogi, brought about a rebirth of yoga in India. A devotee of Mother Kali and a teacher of Advaita Vedanta, he preached that "all religions lead to the same goal."
The noted Indian author Sri Aurobindo translated and interpreted Yogic scriptures, such as the Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita. His epic poem Savitri is a treasure of Hindu Yogic literature, among the longest poems ever written in English. He also founded Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, which continues to propagate the practice of Integral Yoga, which is Aurobindo's synthesis of the four main Yogas (Karma, Jnana, Bhakti and Raja).
Other Indian yogis who inspired their countrymen include Swami Rama Tirtha, and Swami Sivananda who authored over 300 books on yoga and spirituality.
Gopi Krishna was a Kashmiri office worker and spiritual seeker who wrote best-selling autobiographical [7] accounts of his spiritual experiences.
During the early twentieth century, many yogis travelled to the west to spread knowledge of Yoga.
Swami Vivekananda, Ramakrishna's disciple, is well known for introducing Yoga philosophy to many in the west, as well as reinvigorating Hinduism in a modern setting during India's freedom struggle.
Swami Sivananda (1887-1963), founder of the Divine Life Society lived most of his life in Rishikesh, India. He wrote an impressive 300 books on various aspects of Yoga, religions, philosophy, spirituality, Hinduism, moral ethics, hygiene and health. He was a pioneering Yogi in bringing Yoga to the west and throughout the world. He was clear, simple and precise in all his teachings. His motto being: "Serve. Love. Give. Meditate. Purify. Realise."
Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952), a practitioner of Kriya Yoga, taught Yoga as the binding force that reconciled Hinduism and Christianity. Yogananda founded the Self-Realization Fellowship in Los Angeles, in 1925. His book Autobiography of a Yogi continues to be one of the best-selling books on yoga.
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada popularised Bhakti Yoga for Krishna in many countries through his movement, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, (popularly known as the Hare Krishna movement) which he founded in 1966. His followers, known for enthusiastic chanting in public places, brought Bhakti Yoga to the attention of many westerners.
In the 1955, the socio-spiritual organization Ananda Marga (the path of bliss) was founded by P.R. Sarkar also known as Shrii Shrii Anandamurti. Based on tantric yoga, his teaching emphasizes social service in the context of a political, economic and cultural theory; or “self-realization and service to all.”
Also during this period, many yogis brought greater awareness of Hatha yoga to the west. Some of these individuals include students of Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, who taught at Mysore Palace from 1924 until his death in 1989; these students include Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, B.K.S. Iyengar, Indra Devi and Krishnamacharya's son T.K.V. Desikachar.
About the same time, the Beatles' interest in Transcendental Meditation served to make a celebrity of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
Yogiraj Gurunath Siddhanath, a modern Himalayan yogi, started teaching in the 1980's the Himalayan traditional forms of Hamsa Yoga and Kriya Yoga meditation for "evolution of human consciousness". He has founded the Hamsa Yoga Sangh, and spreads the Himalayan ideal of, "Earth Peace through Self peace," by realization that, "At the level of consciousness, humanity is one."
Yoga as a means to enlightenment is central to Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism and has influenced other religious and spiritual practices throughout the world. Important Hindu texts establishing the basis for yoga include the Upanishads, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
Eka-Pada-Rajakapotasana (Single-Legged Pigeon) demonstrated at a Hindu temple.
Enlarge
Eka-Pada-Rajakapotasana (Single-Legged Pigeon) demonstrated at a Hindu temple.
Contents
[hide]
* 1 Yoga practice and intention
* 2 Origins
* 3 The word "yoga"
* 4 Diversity of yoga
* 5 Yoga and religion
* 6 Common themes
* 7 Hindu yoga
o 7.1 Bhagavad Gita
o 7.2 Patanjali
o 7.3 God in Yoga philosophy
o 7.4 Hatha yoga
o 7.5 Natya yoga
* 8 Buddhist yoga
* 9 Christian yoga
* 10 Yoga and tantra
* 11 Notable Yogis
* 12 See also
* 13 References
* 14 External links
[edit]
Yoga practice and intention
In Hinduism, Yoga is considered to be the ultimate way of attaining Enlightenment. The earliest written accounts of yoga appear in the Rig Veda, which began to be codified between 1500 and 1200 BCE. Some historians believe that this 5000-year-old sculpture is of a yogi.
Enlarge
In Hinduism, Yoga is considered to be the ultimate way of attaining Enlightenment. The earliest written accounts of yoga appear in the Rig Veda, which began to be codified between 1500 and 1200 BCE. Some historians believe that this 5000-year-old sculpture is of a yogi.
Modern yoga practice often includes traditional elements inherited from Hinduism, such as moral and ethical principles, postures designed to keep the body fit, spiritual philosophy, instruction by a guru, chanting of mantras (sacred syllables), breathing exercises, and stilling the mind through meditation. These elements are sometimes adapted to meet the needs of non-Hindu practitioners, who may be attracted to yoga by its utility as a relaxation technique or as a way to keep fit.
Proponents of yoga see daily practice as beneficial in itself, leading to improved health, emotional well-being, mental clarity, and joy in living. Yoga advocates progress toward the experience of samadhi, an advanced state of meditation where there is absorption in inner ecstasy.
The goals of yoga are expressed differently in different traditions. In theistic Hinduism, yoga may be seen as a set of practices intended to bring people closer to God - to help them achieve union with God. In Buddhism, which does not postulate a creator-type god, yoga may help people deepen their wisdom, compassion, and insight. In Western nations, where there is a strong emphasis on individualism, yoga practice may be an extension of the search for meaning in self, and integration of the different aspects of being. The terms Self-Realization and god-Realization are used interchangeably in Hindu yoga, with the underlying belief that the true nature of self, revealed through the practice of yoga, is of the same nature as God.
The ultimate goal of yoga is the attainment of liberation (Moksha) from worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death (Samsara). Yoga entails mastery over the body, mind, and emotional self, and transcendence of desire. It is said to lead gradually to knowledge of the true nature of reality. The Yogi reaches an enlightened state where there is a cessation of thought and an experience of blissful union. This union may be of the individual soul (Atman) with the supreme Reality (Brahman), as in Vedanta philosophy; or with a specific god or goddess, as in theistic forms of Hinduism and some forms of Buddhism. Enlightenment may also be described as extinction of the limited ego, and direct and lasting perception of the non-dual nature of the universe.
For the average person still far from enlightenment, yoga can be a way of increasing one's spiritual awareness, or cultivating compassion and insight. While the history of yoga strongly connects it with Hinduism, proponents claim that yoga is not a religion itself, but contains practical steps which can benefit people of all religions, as well as those who do not consider themselves religious.
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Origins
Main article: History of Yoga
Images of a meditating yogi from the Indus Valley Civilization are thought to be 6 to 7 thousand years old. The earliest written accounts of yoga appear in the Rig Veda, which began to be codified between 1500 and 1200 BC. It is difficult to establish the date of yoga from this as the Rig Veda was orally transmitted for at least a millennium. The first Yoga text dates to around the 2nd century BC by Patanjali, and prescribes adherence to "eight limbs" (the sum of which constitute "Ashtanga Yoga") to quiet one's mind and merge with the infinite.
The first full description of the principles and goals of yoga are found in the Upanisads, thought to have been composed between the eighth and fourth centuries BC. The Upanisads are also called Vedanta since they constitute the end or conclusion of the Vedas (the traditional body of spiritual wisdom). In the Upanisads, the older practises of offering sacrifices and ceremonies to appease external gods gives way instead to a new understanding that man can, by means of an inner sacrifice, become one with the Supreme Being (referred to as Brāhman or Māhātman) -- through moral culture, restraint and training of the mind.
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The word "yoga"
The word "yoga" derives from the Sanskrit root yuj ("to yoke"); which is cognate to modern English "yoke". Both derive from the Proto-Indo-European root *yeug- meaning "to join" or "unite" [1].
It is generally translated as "union of the individual atma (loosely translated to mean soul) with Paramatma, the universal soul." This may be understood as union with the Divine by integration of body, mind, and spirit. Thus, in essence, one who attempts yoga may loosely be referred to as a yogi or in Sanskrit, a yogin (masculine) or yogini (feminine). These designations are actually intended for advanced practitioners , who have already made considerable progress along the path, towards yoga.
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Diversity of yoga
Over the long history of yoga, different schools have emerged, and there are numerous examples of subdivisions and synthesis. It is common to speak of each form of yoga as a "path" to enlightenment. Thus, yoga may include love and devotion (as in Bhakti Yoga), selfless work (as in Karma Yoga), knowledge and discernment (as in Jnana Yoga), or an eight-limbed system of disciplines emphasizing meditation (as in Raja Yoga). These practices occupy a continuum from the religious to the scientific[citation needed] . They need not be mutually exclusive. (A person who follows the path of selfless work might also cultivate some knowledge and devotion.) Some people (particularly in Western cultures) pursue Hatha yoga as exercise divorced from spiritual practice.
Other types of yoga include Mantra Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Integral Yoga, Nitya Yoga, Maha Yoga, Purna Yoga, Anahata Yoga, Tantra Yoga, Tibetan Yoga, etc. It is often helpful to check the teacher and lineage to be sure how these terms are being used. Another name for Raja Yoga ("royal yoga") is Ashtanga Yoga ("eight-limbed yoga"), but this should not be confused with the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, which is a specific style of Hatha Yoga practice.
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Yoga and religion
In Hinduism, Yoga is described as the ultimate way to attain God.
Enlarge
In Hinduism, Yoga is described as the ultimate way to attain God.
In the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain traditions, the spiritual goals of yoga are seen as inseparable from the religions of which yoga forms a part. Some yogis make a subtle distinction between religion and yoga, seeing religion as more concerned with culture, values, beliefs and rituals; and yoga as more concerned with Self-Realization, i.e., direct perception of the ultimate truth. In this sense, religion and yoga are complementary. Sri Ramakrishna likened religion to the husk, and direct experience to the kernel. Both are needed, "but if one wants to get at the kernel itself, he must remove the husk of the grain."
Some forms of yoga come replete with a rich iconography, while others are more austere and minimalist. Hindu practitioners of yoga are proud of their religious traditions, while non-Hindu practitioners claim that yoga may be practiced sincerely by those who have not accepted the Hindu religion.
While the yoga tradition remains rooted in India, the fact that some modern yogis like Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda came to the West suggests that they saw hope the yoga tradition could also flourish there. Critics of yoga as practiced in the West charge that it is sometimes watered down, corrupted, or cut off from its spiritual roots (e.g. the popular view that yoga is primarily physical exercises).
If yoga is one of India's great gifts to the world, the widespread acceptance of that gift - with the concomitant diversity - is sometimes incomprehensible to traditional Hindu practitioners of yoga[citation needed]. Yet the sheer number of people practicing yoga outside India suggests the need to define yoga both by its historical roots and its modern adaptations.
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Common themes
Common to most forms of yoga is the practice of concentration (dharana) and meditation (dhyana). Dharana, according to Patanjali's definition, is the "binding of consciousness to a single point." The awareness is concentrated on a fine point of sensation (such as that of the breath entering and leaving the nostrils). Sustained single-pointed concentration gradually leads to meditation (dhyana), in which the inner faculties are able to expand and merge with something vast. Meditators sometimes report feelings of peace, joy, and oneness.
The focus of meditation may differ from school to school, e.g. meditation on one of the chakras, such as the heart center (anahata) or the third eye (ajna); or meditation on a particular deity, such as Krishna; or on a quality like peace. Non-dualist schools such as Advaita Vedanta may stress meditation on the Supreme with no form or qualities (Nirguna Brahman). This resembles Buddhist meditation on the Void.
Another common element is the spiritual teacher (guru in Sanskrit; lama in Tibetan). While emphasized to varying degrees by all schools of yoga, in some the guru is seen as an embodiment of the Divine. The guru guides the student (shishya or chela) through yogic discipline from the beginning. Thus, the novice yoga student is to find and devote himself to a satguru (true teacher). Traditionally, knowledge of yoga--as well as permission to practice it or teach it--has been passed down through initiatory chains of gurus and their students. This is called guruparampara.
The yoga tradition is one of practical experience, but also incorporates texts which explain the techniques and philosophy of yoga. Many gurus write on the subject, either providing modern translations and elucidations of classical texts, or explaining how their particular teachings should be followed. A guru may also found an ashram or order of monks; these comprise the institutions of yoga. The yoga tradition has also been a fertile source of inspiration for poetry, music, dance, and art.
When students associate with a particular teacher, school, ashram or order, this naturally creates yoga communities where there are shared practices. Chanting of mantras such as Aum, singing of spiritual songs, and studying sacred texts are all common themes. The importance of any one element may differ from school to school, or student to student. Differences do not always reflect disagreement, but rather a multitude of approaches meant to serve students of differing needs, background and temperament.
The yogi is sometimes portrayed as going beyond rules-based morality. This does not mean that a yogi will act in an immoral fashion, but rather that he or she will act with direct knowledge of the supreme Reality[citation needed]. In some legends, a yogi--having amassed merit through spiritual practice--may then cause mischief even to the gods. Some yogis in history have been naked ascetics--such as Swami Trailanga, who greatly vexed the occupying British in 19th century Benares by wandering about in a state of innocence.
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Hindu yoga
[edit]
Bhagavad Gita
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Main article: Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita famously distinguishes several types of "yoga", corresponding to the duties of different nature of people. Capturing the essence and at the same time going into detail about the various Yogas and their philosophies, it constantly refers to itself as such, the "Scripture of Yoga" (see the final verses of each chapter). The book is thought to have been written some time between the 5th and the 2nd century BC. In it, Krishna describes the following yogas:
(1) Karma yoga, the yoga of "action" in the world.
(2) Jnana yoga, the yoga of knowledge and intellectual endeavor.
(3) Bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion to a deity (for example, to Krishna).
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Patanjali
Main articles: Patanjali and Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Perhaps the classic description of yoga is the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which form the basis not only of the darshana called "yoga"--one of six such "orthodox" (i.e. Veda-accepting) schools of Hindu philosophy--but also of the practice of yoga in most ashrams (to the extent these can be distinguished). The school (dharshana) of Indian philosophy known as "yoga" is primarily Upanishadic with roots in Samkhya, and some scholars see some influence from Buddhism. The Yoga philosophy fully believes in the epistemology of the Samkhya school, as well as its concept of the individual spirits (Purusha) and the Nature (Prakriti)—but differs from Samkhya's atheism.
Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras presents the goal of yoga as 'the cessation of mental fluctuations' (cittavrtti nirodha), an achievement which gives rise to the possibility of stable meditation and thus deeper states of absorption (dhyana or samadhi). This requires considerable restraint (yama) and self-discipline (niyama; see below for Patanjali's eight limbs of yoga)). Patanjali's yoga is sometimes called Raja Yoga (Skt: "Royal yoga") or "Ashtanga Yoga" ("Eight-Limbed Yoga"), in order to distinguish it from Hatha yoga. It is held as authoritative by all schools. Patanjali is also known for writing commentaries (Mahabhashya) on the Sutras of the great Sanskrit grammarian Panini. In fact, Panini, Patanjali and Kātyāyana are regarded are the highest authority not only in Sanskrit but also in the whole of Linguistics.
Patanjali's text sets forth eight "limbs" of yoga practice. Interestingly, only one of them involves physical postures (and these mainly involve seated positions). The eight are:
(1) Yama (The five "abstentions"): violence, lying, theft, (illicit-) sex, and possessions
(2) Niyama (The five "observances"): purity, contentment, austerities, study, and surrender to god
(3) Asana: This term literally means "seat," and originally referred mainly to seated positions. With the rise of Hatha yoga, it came to be used of these yoga "postures" as well.
(4) Pranayama: Control of prāna or vital breath
(5) Pratyahara ("Abstraction"): "that by which the senses do not come into contact with their objects and, as it were, follow the nature of the mind." — Vyasa
(6) Dharana ("Concentration"): Fixing the attention on a single object
(7) Dhyana ("Meditation")
(8) Samadhi: Super-conscious state or trance (state of liberation)
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God in Yoga philosophy
A large statue in Bangalore depicting Lord Shiva meditating.
Enlarge
A large statue in Bangalore depicting Lord Shiva meditating.
The philosophy of Yoga also presented certain arguments for the existence of God (Ishvara, lit., the Supreme Lord):
* The Vedas are regarded as evidence. The Vedas and their commentaries, the Upanishads mention and describe god—hence god exists.
* Continuity: people and things have various degrees of differences among themselves. Some people are foolish, some are wise. Hence there ought to be some Being who has the highest level of knowledge among all—who is omniscient. That being is god.
* Cosmic Evolution, leading to this universe, occurs because of the contact between Purusha (spirit) and Prakriti (Nature). Purusha is static, and Prakriti is unconscious. Hence there can be no contact between these two things of opposite characteristics, unless god—the omniscient being—brings about this contact.
* Meditation upon a deity is regarded as the best means of attaining liberation. If meditation on such a being helps in liberation, and all obstacles are removed, then the object of the meditation must have a real existence.
Ishvara is regarded as a special Purusha, who is beyond sorrow and Karma laws. He is one, perfect, infinite, omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent and eternal. He is beyond the three qualities of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. He is different from an ordinary liberated spirit, because the latter were bound once, whereas Ishvara was never bound. He is kind and merciful. He is the father of the demigods (the various Devas) and of the sages (rishis), as well as their guru; He is the author of the Vedas.
Yoga system is perhaps the first philosophy in the world to give arguments for monotheism. Yoga says that Ishvara can be only one and unique. If many gods are assumed:
* Let's say if there are two gods. If god #1 gives a certain quality (say white color) to a thing and god #2 gives another (say black color) to the same thing, this would be mutually contradictory. On the other hand, if god #1's choice reigns supreme, god #2 would fail to remain as god.
* Let's say that the gods work in as a committee to do certain tasks one by one. Then while one god is doing his work, the existence of the other gods would be superfluous and unnecessary.
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Hatha yoga
Main article: Hatha yoga
Over the last century the term yoga has come to be especially associated with the postures (Sanskrit āsanas) of hatha yoga ("Forced Yoga"). Hatha yoga has gained wide popularity outside of India and traditional yoga-practicing religions, and the postures are sometimes presented as entirely secular or non-spiritual in nature.
Traditional Hatha Yoga is a complete yogic path, including moral disciplines, physical exercises (e.g., postures and breath control), and meditation, and encompasses far more than the yoga of postures and exercises practiced in the West as physical culture. The seminal work on Hatha Yoga is the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, written by Swami Svatmarama.
Hatha Yoga was invented to provide a form of physical purification and training that would prepare aspirants for the higher training that is called Raja Yoga (see above). This is still true today. Despite this, many in the West practice 'Hatha yoga' solely for the perceived health benefits it provides, and not as a path to enlightenment.
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Natya yoga
Main article: Natya Yoga
The guide to Natya (Dance) Yoga was written by Bharata Muni. Sage Narada along with Gandharvas were the first to practise Natya Yoga, which comprise all the four main yoga's. Natya Yoga was practised by the medieval devadasis, and is currently taught in a few orthodox schools of Bharatanatyam and Odissi.
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Buddhist yoga
The factual accuracy of this article is disputed.
Please see the relevant discussion on the talk page.
Within the various schools of Tibetan Buddhism yoga likewise holds a central place, though not in the form presented by Patanjali or the Gita. (For example, physical postures are rarely practiced.(disputed — see talk page)) An example would be "guru yoga," the union with the mind of the spiritual teacher which must be done at the beginning of the spiritual path and regularly throughout. In the tantric traditions a number of practices are classified with the name "yoga", for example, the two of the four general classification of tantras--"Yoga Tantra" and "Highest Yoga Tantra".
A system of 108 bodily postures practiced with breath and heart rhythm timing in movement exercises is known as Trul Khor or union of moon and sun (channel) prajna energies. The body postures of Tibetan ancient yogis are depicted on the walls of the Dalai Lama's summer temple of Lukhang.
As the whole buddhist lineage transmission of Kagyu school came to Tibet over the Indian Yogis Naropa, Tilopa, Marpa then Milarepa, Gampopa, authentic old buddhist yogic practices have been passed over to students still following these instructions throughout many Kagyu Monasteries and institutes worldwide.
Yogacara ("Yoga Adepts"), which is also known as Cittamatra ("Consciousness Only") is an important philosophical school within Indo-Tibetan Buddhism.(disputed — see talk page)
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Christian yoga
Some Christians have changed the practice of yoga to accommodate their own approach to spirituality and out of concern for associating with spiritual practices of other non-Christian religions.[2][3][4]
Some Christians oppose major components of yoga outright. According to Donal O’Mathuna, Ph.D., and Walt Larimore, M.D., in their book Alternative Medicine, they claim: “Yoga is an alternative therapy that is difficult to wholeheartedly accept or reject. As a set of physical and breathing exercises, it can improve general well-being. As a deeply religious practice with the goal of union with the divine, it is antithetical to biblical Christianity.”[5]
Other Christians have embraced many aspects of yoga and have incorporated the practice into their ministry, including the Outstretched ministry of Susan Bordenkirche[6], author of Yoga For Christians. Another book is An Invitation to Christian Yoga by Nancy Roth.
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Yoga and tantra
Main article: Tantra
Yoga is often mentioned in company with Tantra. While the two have deep similarities, most traditions distinguish them from one another.
They are similar in that both amount to families of spiritual texts, practices, and lineages with origins in the Indian subcontinent. (Coincidentally, both have been popularized to some extent in the West, with perhaps a shallower understanding of their nature). It should be noted however that for the most part, we are speaking of different families of texts, lineages, etc.
Their differences are variously expressed. Some Hindu commentators see yoga as a process whereby body consciousness is seen as the root cause of bondage, while tantra views the body as a means to understanding, rather than as an obstruction. It must be said that in India, tantra often carries quite negative connotations involving sexual misbehavior and black magic. Nevertheless, most forms of tantra follow more mainstream social mores. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is generally classified as a Hindu tantric scripture.
Tantra has roots in the first millennium CE, and incorporates much more of a theistic basis. Almost entirely founded on Shiva and Shakti worship, Hindu tantra visualizes the ultimate Brahman as Param Shiva, manifested through Shiva (the passive, masculine force of Lord Shiva) and Shakti (the active, creative feminine force of his consort, variously known as Ma Kali, Durga, Shakti, Parvati and others). It focuses on the kundalini, a three and a half-coiled 'snake' of spiritual energy at the base of the spine that rises through the chakras until union between Shiva and Shakti (also known as samadhi) is achieved. (Some Hindu yoga teachers, however, have adopted these concepts.)
Tantra emphasises mantra (Sanskrit prayers, often to gods, that are repeated), yantra (complex symbols representing gods in various forms through intricate geometric figures), and rituals that range from simple murti (statue representations of deities) or image worship to meditation on a corpse! While tantric texts (see kaularvatantra, mahanirvana tantra) and teachers (e.g. Abhinava Gupta) may seem odd and highly arcane from the point of view of classical yoga, that these incorporate yoga concepts seems clear.
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Notable Yogis
Main articles: Yogi and List of yoga schools
Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836-1886)
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Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836-1886)
Many dedicated individuals have influenced the practice of yoga, and spread awareness of yoga throughout the world.
Centuries ago, such individuals included Meera from the Bhakti tradition, Shankaracharya from the Jnana Yoga tradition, Patanjali, who formalized the system of Raja Yoga, are just a few examples.
In the late 1800s, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a Bhakti Yogi, brought about a rebirth of yoga in India. A devotee of Mother Kali and a teacher of Advaita Vedanta, he preached that "all religions lead to the same goal."
The noted Indian author Sri Aurobindo translated and interpreted Yogic scriptures, such as the Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita. His epic poem Savitri is a treasure of Hindu Yogic literature, among the longest poems ever written in English. He also founded Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, which continues to propagate the practice of Integral Yoga, which is Aurobindo's synthesis of the four main Yogas (Karma, Jnana, Bhakti and Raja).
Other Indian yogis who inspired their countrymen include Swami Rama Tirtha, and Swami Sivananda who authored over 300 books on yoga and spirituality.
Gopi Krishna was a Kashmiri office worker and spiritual seeker who wrote best-selling autobiographical [7] accounts of his spiritual experiences.
During the early twentieth century, many yogis travelled to the west to spread knowledge of Yoga.
Swami Vivekananda, Ramakrishna's disciple, is well known for introducing Yoga philosophy to many in the west, as well as reinvigorating Hinduism in a modern setting during India's freedom struggle.
Swami Sivananda (1887-1963), founder of the Divine Life Society lived most of his life in Rishikesh, India. He wrote an impressive 300 books on various aspects of Yoga, religions, philosophy, spirituality, Hinduism, moral ethics, hygiene and health. He was a pioneering Yogi in bringing Yoga to the west and throughout the world. He was clear, simple and precise in all his teachings. His motto being: "Serve. Love. Give. Meditate. Purify. Realise."
Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952), a practitioner of Kriya Yoga, taught Yoga as the binding force that reconciled Hinduism and Christianity. Yogananda founded the Self-Realization Fellowship in Los Angeles, in 1925. His book Autobiography of a Yogi continues to be one of the best-selling books on yoga.
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada popularised Bhakti Yoga for Krishna in many countries through his movement, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, (popularly known as the Hare Krishna movement) which he founded in 1966. His followers, known for enthusiastic chanting in public places, brought Bhakti Yoga to the attention of many westerners.
In the 1955, the socio-spiritual organization Ananda Marga (the path of bliss) was founded by P.R. Sarkar also known as Shrii Shrii Anandamurti. Based on tantric yoga, his teaching emphasizes social service in the context of a political, economic and cultural theory; or “self-realization and service to all.”
Also during this period, many yogis brought greater awareness of Hatha yoga to the west. Some of these individuals include students of Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, who taught at Mysore Palace from 1924 until his death in 1989; these students include Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, B.K.S. Iyengar, Indra Devi and Krishnamacharya's son T.K.V. Desikachar.
About the same time, the Beatles' interest in Transcendental Meditation served to make a celebrity of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
Yogiraj Gurunath Siddhanath, a modern Himalayan yogi, started teaching in the 1980's the Himalayan traditional forms of Hamsa Yoga and Kriya Yoga meditation for "evolution of human consciousness". He has founded the Hamsa Yoga Sangh, and spreads the Himalayan ideal of, "Earth Peace through Self peace," by realization that, "At the level of consciousness, humanity is one."
Grammour Boy
Rebel
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Χριστόφορος
Stephanie McMahon
Real name: Stephanie Marie
McMahon-Levesque
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 135 lbs.
Date of birth: September 24, 1976
From: Greenwich, CT
Pro debut: February 1999
Photo credit: World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Biography
- The Undertaker attempted to force Stephanie to marry him during a "black wedding" on "Raw." Steve Austin, Vince McMahon's archrival, made the unexpected save.
- Prior to the 1999 King of the Ring, McMahon and her mother Linda announced that Austin was the new CEO of the WWF.
- During an episode of "Raw," Test asked Stephanie for a date, which she accepted. G-TV documented the relationship's developments.
- McMahon pinned Jeff Jarrett on the September 20, 1999 episode of "Raw."
- At the United Kingdom only PPV Rebellion on October 2, 1999, Stephanie was accidentally struck in the head with a metal trash can at the hands of The British Bulldog.
- As a result of the Rebellion PPV incident, McMahon suffered from a concussion and temporary "amnesia."
- On the November 29, 1999 episode of "Raw," Triple H revealed a tape during Stephanie's televised wedding to Test. The videotape showed Helmsley marrying a subdued Stephanie at a drive-thru ceremony in Las Vegas.
- Stephanie turned her back on her father Vince at Armageddon 1999 in Sunrise, FL, joining her new husband Triple H.
- On the January 3, 2000 episode of "Raw," Stephanie was in Triple H's corner as he defeated The Big Show for the WWF title.
- At the "Smackdown" taping on March 28, 2000 in San Antonio, Stephanie defeated Jacqueline, with the assistance of outside interference from Tori, for the WWF Women's title.
- Vince McMahon turned against The Rock at Wrestlemania 2000, and joined his daughter, son-in-law, and son Shane in the formation of the McMahon-Helmsley faction.
- On the April 13, 2000 episode of "Smackdown," Stephanie introduced Muffy (Caryn Mower) as her personal trainer. The character was quickly dropped.
- Stephanie's mother forced her to defend the Women's championship against Lita on the June 12, 2000 episode of "Raw," but she was able to retain the title thanks to outside interference by Kurt Angle.
- Tension between Stephanie and Triple H escalated when she caught her husband in a compromising position with the buxom Trish Stratus.
- On the August 3, 2000 episode of "Smackdown," Stephanie pinned Lita in a six person tag match.
- Due to Commissioner Foley's assistance, Stephanie was in Angle's corner four weeks later as the Olympian defeated Eddy Guerrero.
- Stephanie pinned her former finance Test in a mixed gender match involving McMahon, Angle, and Triple H vs. T&A and Stratus.
- At Unforgiven '00, Stephanie sided with her husband Triple H in his match against Angle. Stephanie delivered a low blow, assisting Triple H over Angle in their no disqualification match.
- Stephanie voluntarily placed herself in Angle's corner on the October 12, 2000 edition of "Smackdown!" Angle was victorious in his match with Kane.
- In the fall of 2000, McMahon started writing WWF television following the departure of two key scriptwriters.
- After a brief absence from WWF television, Stephanie returned to "Raw" the night after the Survivor Series to attempt to call a truce in the Austin-Triple H feud.
- On the November 30, 2000 episode of "Smackdown" Stephanie and Triple H celebrated their first wedding anniversary.
- Two weeks later on the same program, Stephanie was belittled by her father Vince for defending her mother's honor.
- At No Way Out on February 25, 2001, Stephanie defeated Stratus.
- On the July 9, 2001 edition of "Raw," McMahon was revealed as the new "owner" of ECW, and joined forces with Shane's WCW in the formation of the Alliance.
- On the September 17, 2001 episode of "Raw," Stephanie teamed with Test and actually pinned The Rock in a handicap match.
- Stephanie slapped her mother in the face on the October 25, 2001 edition of "Smackdown."
- On the February 4, 2002 edition of "Raw," Stephanie announced she was pregnant with Triple H's baby.
- After "The Game" told Stephanie their "marriage" was over, Stephanie and Chris Jericho became business associates on the February 21, 2002 episode of "Smackdown."
- As a result of losing a triple threat match for the Undisputed championship involving Triple H and Jericho, Stephanie was forced to leave WWF television.
- At the July 16, 2002 "Smackdown" taping, Vince McMahon introduced his daughter as the General Manager of the television program.
- On October 25, 2003, McMahon married Triple H in Sleepy Hollow, NY.
Real name: Stephanie Marie
McMahon-Levesque
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 135 lbs.
Date of birth: September 24, 1976
From: Greenwich, CT
Pro debut: February 1999
Photo credit: World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Biography
- The Undertaker attempted to force Stephanie to marry him during a "black wedding" on "Raw." Steve Austin, Vince McMahon's archrival, made the unexpected save.
- Prior to the 1999 King of the Ring, McMahon and her mother Linda announced that Austin was the new CEO of the WWF.
- During an episode of "Raw," Test asked Stephanie for a date, which she accepted. G-TV documented the relationship's developments.
- McMahon pinned Jeff Jarrett on the September 20, 1999 episode of "Raw."
- At the United Kingdom only PPV Rebellion on October 2, 1999, Stephanie was accidentally struck in the head with a metal trash can at the hands of The British Bulldog.
- As a result of the Rebellion PPV incident, McMahon suffered from a concussion and temporary "amnesia."
- On the November 29, 1999 episode of "Raw," Triple H revealed a tape during Stephanie's televised wedding to Test. The videotape showed Helmsley marrying a subdued Stephanie at a drive-thru ceremony in Las Vegas.
- Stephanie turned her back on her father Vince at Armageddon 1999 in Sunrise, FL, joining her new husband Triple H.
- On the January 3, 2000 episode of "Raw," Stephanie was in Triple H's corner as he defeated The Big Show for the WWF title.
- At the "Smackdown" taping on March 28, 2000 in San Antonio, Stephanie defeated Jacqueline, with the assistance of outside interference from Tori, for the WWF Women's title.
- Vince McMahon turned against The Rock at Wrestlemania 2000, and joined his daughter, son-in-law, and son Shane in the formation of the McMahon-Helmsley faction.
- On the April 13, 2000 episode of "Smackdown," Stephanie introduced Muffy (Caryn Mower) as her personal trainer. The character was quickly dropped.
- Stephanie's mother forced her to defend the Women's championship against Lita on the June 12, 2000 episode of "Raw," but she was able to retain the title thanks to outside interference by Kurt Angle.
- Tension between Stephanie and Triple H escalated when she caught her husband in a compromising position with the buxom Trish Stratus.
- On the August 3, 2000 episode of "Smackdown," Stephanie pinned Lita in a six person tag match.
- Due to Commissioner Foley's assistance, Stephanie was in Angle's corner four weeks later as the Olympian defeated Eddy Guerrero.
- Stephanie pinned her former finance Test in a mixed gender match involving McMahon, Angle, and Triple H vs. T&A and Stratus.
- At Unforgiven '00, Stephanie sided with her husband Triple H in his match against Angle. Stephanie delivered a low blow, assisting Triple H over Angle in their no disqualification match.
- Stephanie voluntarily placed herself in Angle's corner on the October 12, 2000 edition of "Smackdown!" Angle was victorious in his match with Kane.
- In the fall of 2000, McMahon started writing WWF television following the departure of two key scriptwriters.
- After a brief absence from WWF television, Stephanie returned to "Raw" the night after the Survivor Series to attempt to call a truce in the Austin-Triple H feud.
- On the November 30, 2000 episode of "Smackdown" Stephanie and Triple H celebrated their first wedding anniversary.
- Two weeks later on the same program, Stephanie was belittled by her father Vince for defending her mother's honor.
- At No Way Out on February 25, 2001, Stephanie defeated Stratus.
- On the July 9, 2001 edition of "Raw," McMahon was revealed as the new "owner" of ECW, and joined forces with Shane's WCW in the formation of the Alliance.
- On the September 17, 2001 episode of "Raw," Stephanie teamed with Test and actually pinned The Rock in a handicap match.
- Stephanie slapped her mother in the face on the October 25, 2001 edition of "Smackdown."
- On the February 4, 2002 edition of "Raw," Stephanie announced she was pregnant with Triple H's baby.
- After "The Game" told Stephanie their "marriage" was over, Stephanie and Chris Jericho became business associates on the February 21, 2002 episode of "Smackdown."
- As a result of losing a triple threat match for the Undisputed championship involving Triple H and Jericho, Stephanie was forced to leave WWF television.
- At the July 16, 2002 "Smackdown" taping, Vince McMahon introduced his daughter as the General Manager of the television program.
- On October 25, 2003, McMahon married Triple H in Sleepy Hollow, NY.
Gagh
Χριστόφορος
Carlito
Real name: Carlos Edwin Colón Jr.
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 210 lbs.
Date of birth: February 21, 1979
Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Pro debut: November 1999
Trained by: Isaac Rosario
Finishing move: Cool Breaker
Photo credit: World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Biography
- On January 29, 2000, Colón defeated Ray González in Carolina, Puerto Rico for the WWC (World Wrestling Council) Universal title.
- Colón regained the WWC Universal title from González on July 16, 2000 in Caguas, Puerto Rico.
- On November 25, 2000, Colón captured the vacate WWC Universal title.
- Colón defeated González on December 1, 2001 to claim his fourth WWC Universal title.
- On March 16, 2002, Carlos and Eddie Colón defeated Thunder and Lightning for the WWC World Tag Team title.
- On April 13, 2002, Colón defeated Vampiro in Fajardo, Puerto Rico to claim the help up WWC Universal title.
- Colón and Konnan defeated Thunder and Lightning on May 26, 2002 to capture the WWC World Tag Team title in Caguas.
- Colón beat Konnan on November 23, 2002 in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico to regain the WWC Universal title.
- On May 31, 2002, Colón defeated Sabu for his seventh WWC Universal title.
- In June 2003, Colón signed a developmental contract with WWE.
- On June 14, 2003, Colón defeated Bronco to claim the held up WWC Universal title.
- On August 21, 2004, Colón defeated his brother Eddie in Caguas.
- In late August 2004, WWE called up Colón to the Smackdown brand.
- At the October 5, 2004 "Smackdown" taping in Boston, MA, Colón debuted as Carlito Caribbean Cool and defeated John Cena for the United States title.
- At Judgment Day '05, Cool defeated The Big Show.
- On the June 20, 2005 edition of "Raw" in Phoenix, AZ, Carlito was drafted to "Raw" by Eric Bischoff, and then pinned Shelton Benjamin for the Intercontinental title.
- At Vengeance '05, Carlito defeated Benjamin in the re-match to retain the IC title.
- On November 5, 2005, Carlito defeatd Shane at WWC's 32nd Anniversary show in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
- At Backlash '06, Carlito defeated Chris Masters.
Real name: Carlos Edwin Colón Jr.
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 210 lbs.
Date of birth: February 21, 1979
Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Pro debut: November 1999
Trained by: Isaac Rosario
Finishing move: Cool Breaker
Photo credit: World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Biography
- On January 29, 2000, Colón defeated Ray González in Carolina, Puerto Rico for the WWC (World Wrestling Council) Universal title.
- Colón regained the WWC Universal title from González on July 16, 2000 in Caguas, Puerto Rico.
- On November 25, 2000, Colón captured the vacate WWC Universal title.
- Colón defeated González on December 1, 2001 to claim his fourth WWC Universal title.
- On March 16, 2002, Carlos and Eddie Colón defeated Thunder and Lightning for the WWC World Tag Team title.
- On April 13, 2002, Colón defeated Vampiro in Fajardo, Puerto Rico to claim the help up WWC Universal title.
- Colón and Konnan defeated Thunder and Lightning on May 26, 2002 to capture the WWC World Tag Team title in Caguas.
- Colón beat Konnan on November 23, 2002 in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico to regain the WWC Universal title.
- On May 31, 2002, Colón defeated Sabu for his seventh WWC Universal title.
- In June 2003, Colón signed a developmental contract with WWE.
- On June 14, 2003, Colón defeated Bronco to claim the held up WWC Universal title.
- On August 21, 2004, Colón defeated his brother Eddie in Caguas.
- In late August 2004, WWE called up Colón to the Smackdown brand.
- At the October 5, 2004 "Smackdown" taping in Boston, MA, Colón debuted as Carlito Caribbean Cool and defeated John Cena for the United States title.
- At Judgment Day '05, Cool defeated The Big Show.
- On the June 20, 2005 edition of "Raw" in Phoenix, AZ, Carlito was drafted to "Raw" by Eric Bischoff, and then pinned Shelton Benjamin for the Intercontinental title.
- At Vengeance '05, Carlito defeated Benjamin in the re-match to retain the IC title.
- On November 5, 2005, Carlito defeatd Shane at WWC's 32nd Anniversary show in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
- At Backlash '06, Carlito defeated Chris Masters.
Grammour Boy
Rebel
that's ann coulter ghag get your bitches str8
Gagh
Χριστόφορος
Jerry Lawler
Real name: Jerry Lawler
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 236 lbs.
Date of birth: November 29, 1949
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Pro debut: 1970
Trained by: Jackie Fargo
Finishing move: Pile Driver
Photo credit: World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Biography
- Lawler won a battle royal in September 1971 to be recognized as the Tri-State Champion.
- On March 28, 1973, Lawler and Jim White, managed by Sam Bass, defeated Jackie Fargo in a handicap match to win the Southern tag team title. The Lawler-White combo captured four tag team titles together.
- Lawler also captured the NWA Southern tag team title with partners Tojo Yamamoto (twice), Stan Frazier, Bill Dundee, Jose LeDuc, Austin Idol, Giant Hillbilly Elmer, and Big Bubba (Tugboat).
- Between 1974-1987, Lawler captured an astonishing forty-two NWA Southern titles. The title was unified on December 7, 1987. Lawler defeated Jerry Jarrett and Manny Fernandez for the newly created USWA (United States Wrestling Association) title.
- Lawler won the USWA title twenty seven times between 1988 and 1997.
- On May 4, 1974, Lawler and Steve Kovac claimed the United States Junior tag team title.
- Lawler and Fargo captured the United States tag team title on November 19, 1975, in Nashville, TN.
- Lawler relieved Billy Graham of the CWA World title on November 12, 1979 in Memphis, TN.
- In 1980, "The King" suffered a broken leg and missed several months of action.
- On April 5, 1982, "The King" squared off with the late comedic actor Andy Kaufman. Lawler delivered two pile drivers, leaving the actor in the hospital.
- On July 29, 1982, Lawler and Kaufman had their infamous incident on the "Late Show with David Letterman."
- Between 1983-86, Lawler defeated Austin Idol, Ken Patera, and Dundee for AWA International titles.
- "The King" pinned Randy Savage on April 12, 1984 for the NWA Mid-America title.
- The King took a rare Japanese tour in the fall of 1985.
- Lawler defeated Lars Anderson for the Polynesian Pacific title on January 25, 1986 in Singapore.
- In October 1987, Lawler and Dundee captured two AWA World Tag Team title.
- On May 9, 1988, "The King" defeated Curt Hennig in Memphis for the AWA title.
- Lawler pinned Kerry Von Erich on December 13, 1988 to unify the AWA and World Class titles.
- "The King" and Jeff Jarrett captured five USWA Tag Team titles.
- Lawler pinned Kerry Von Erich on December 15, 1989, for the USWA Texas title in Dallas, TX.
- In 1993, Lawler joined the WWF.
- At the 1994 Survivor Series in San Antonio, Lawler, Sleezy, Queasy, and Cheesy defeated Dink, Doink, Pink, and Wink.
- "The King" defeated Bret Hart at the May 1995 "In Your House."
- On January 28, 1995, Lawler defeated the Dirty White Boy for the Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW) title in Knoxville, TN.
- Lawler interfered in the Hart-Isaac Yankem (Kane) match at the 1995 Summerslam.
- At Summerslam ’96, Lawler defeated Jake "The Snake" Roberts in Cleveland, OH.
- Lawler debated ECW owner Paul Heyman on March 10, 1997, during an episode of "Raw."
- "The King," and long time partner Bill Dundee, captured the Power Pro Wrestling tag team title from Kid Wikkid and Derrick King on April 17, 1999.
- On the August 7, 2000 episode of "Raw" in Madison Square Garden, Lawler defended Jim Ross's honor by clobbering an out of control Tazz. The two had a pull apart the following night at the Smackdown! television taping.
- At Summerslam 2000 in Raleigh, NC, Lawler, with the assistance of his broadcast cohort Jim Ross, defeated Tazz.
- On September 29, 2000, Lawler married Stacy Carter (The Kat) in Las Vegas, NV.
- On February 27, 2001, the WWF web site announced that The Kat had been released by the WWF. It was also announced Lawler had left in the company in protest.
- In October 2001, Lawler embarked on a tour of Australia with such superstars as Jeff Jarrett, Konnan, and Bret Hart.
- On November 2, 2001, Lawler defeated The Bruiser in Chestertown, MD to capture the MCW (Maryland Championship Wrestling) title.
- Lawler returned to the WWF as a color commentator on the November 19, 2001 edition of "Raw" in Charlotte, NC.
- On May 1, 2002, Lawler and Trish Stratus defeated Mr. Perfect and Molly Holly in Cologne, Germany.
- On June 1, 2002, Lawler defeated "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes in Nashville, TN.
- On the December 23, 2002 edition of "Raw," "The King" teamed with Jim Ross to defeat Lance Storm and William Regal, thanks to some outside interference from the Dudley Boyz.
- Lawler defeated Terry Funk on April 12, 2003 in Woodbridge, NJ in a blood bath.
- On November 8, 2003 in Secaucus, NJ, Lawler defeated Al Snow to capture the JAP (Jersey All Pro Wrestling) title.
- At the "Birthday Bash for Jerry Lawler" in Memphis on November 29, 2003, "The King" and son Brian Lawler defeated Dutch Mantel and Doug Gilbert.
- At New Year's Revolution '06, Lawler defeated Gregory Helms.
Real name: Jerry Lawler
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 236 lbs.
Date of birth: November 29, 1949
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Pro debut: 1970
Trained by: Jackie Fargo
Finishing move: Pile Driver
Photo credit: World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Biography
- Lawler won a battle royal in September 1971 to be recognized as the Tri-State Champion.
- On March 28, 1973, Lawler and Jim White, managed by Sam Bass, defeated Jackie Fargo in a handicap match to win the Southern tag team title. The Lawler-White combo captured four tag team titles together.
- Lawler also captured the NWA Southern tag team title with partners Tojo Yamamoto (twice), Stan Frazier, Bill Dundee, Jose LeDuc, Austin Idol, Giant Hillbilly Elmer, and Big Bubba (Tugboat).
- Between 1974-1987, Lawler captured an astonishing forty-two NWA Southern titles. The title was unified on December 7, 1987. Lawler defeated Jerry Jarrett and Manny Fernandez for the newly created USWA (United States Wrestling Association) title.
- Lawler won the USWA title twenty seven times between 1988 and 1997.
- On May 4, 1974, Lawler and Steve Kovac claimed the United States Junior tag team title.
- Lawler and Fargo captured the United States tag team title on November 19, 1975, in Nashville, TN.
- Lawler relieved Billy Graham of the CWA World title on November 12, 1979 in Memphis, TN.
- In 1980, "The King" suffered a broken leg and missed several months of action.
- On April 5, 1982, "The King" squared off with the late comedic actor Andy Kaufman. Lawler delivered two pile drivers, leaving the actor in the hospital.
- On July 29, 1982, Lawler and Kaufman had their infamous incident on the "Late Show with David Letterman."
- Between 1983-86, Lawler defeated Austin Idol, Ken Patera, and Dundee for AWA International titles.
- "The King" pinned Randy Savage on April 12, 1984 for the NWA Mid-America title.
- The King took a rare Japanese tour in the fall of 1985.
- Lawler defeated Lars Anderson for the Polynesian Pacific title on January 25, 1986 in Singapore.
- In October 1987, Lawler and Dundee captured two AWA World Tag Team title.
- On May 9, 1988, "The King" defeated Curt Hennig in Memphis for the AWA title.
- Lawler pinned Kerry Von Erich on December 13, 1988 to unify the AWA and World Class titles.
- "The King" and Jeff Jarrett captured five USWA Tag Team titles.
- Lawler pinned Kerry Von Erich on December 15, 1989, for the USWA Texas title in Dallas, TX.
- In 1993, Lawler joined the WWF.
- At the 1994 Survivor Series in San Antonio, Lawler, Sleezy, Queasy, and Cheesy defeated Dink, Doink, Pink, and Wink.
- "The King" defeated Bret Hart at the May 1995 "In Your House."
- On January 28, 1995, Lawler defeated the Dirty White Boy for the Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW) title in Knoxville, TN.
- Lawler interfered in the Hart-Isaac Yankem (Kane) match at the 1995 Summerslam.
- At Summerslam ’96, Lawler defeated Jake "The Snake" Roberts in Cleveland, OH.
- Lawler debated ECW owner Paul Heyman on March 10, 1997, during an episode of "Raw."
- "The King," and long time partner Bill Dundee, captured the Power Pro Wrestling tag team title from Kid Wikkid and Derrick King on April 17, 1999.
- On the August 7, 2000 episode of "Raw" in Madison Square Garden, Lawler defended Jim Ross's honor by clobbering an out of control Tazz. The two had a pull apart the following night at the Smackdown! television taping.
- At Summerslam 2000 in Raleigh, NC, Lawler, with the assistance of his broadcast cohort Jim Ross, defeated Tazz.
- On September 29, 2000, Lawler married Stacy Carter (The Kat) in Las Vegas, NV.
- On February 27, 2001, the WWF web site announced that The Kat had been released by the WWF. It was also announced Lawler had left in the company in protest.
- In October 2001, Lawler embarked on a tour of Australia with such superstars as Jeff Jarrett, Konnan, and Bret Hart.
- On November 2, 2001, Lawler defeated The Bruiser in Chestertown, MD to capture the MCW (Maryland Championship Wrestling) title.
- Lawler returned to the WWF as a color commentator on the November 19, 2001 edition of "Raw" in Charlotte, NC.
- On May 1, 2002, Lawler and Trish Stratus defeated Mr. Perfect and Molly Holly in Cologne, Germany.
- On June 1, 2002, Lawler defeated "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes in Nashville, TN.
- On the December 23, 2002 edition of "Raw," "The King" teamed with Jim Ross to defeat Lance Storm and William Regal, thanks to some outside interference from the Dudley Boyz.
- Lawler defeated Terry Funk on April 12, 2003 in Woodbridge, NJ in a blood bath.
- On November 8, 2003 in Secaucus, NJ, Lawler defeated Al Snow to capture the JAP (Jersey All Pro Wrestling) title.
- At the "Birthday Bash for Jerry Lawler" in Memphis on November 29, 2003, "The King" and son Brian Lawler defeated Dutch Mantel and Doug Gilbert.
- At New Year's Revolution '06, Lawler defeated Gregory Helms.
Gagh
Χριστόφορος
Kane
Real name: Glen Jacobs
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 300 lbs.
Date of birth: April 26, 1967
Born: Madrid, Spain
From: Knoxville, TN
Pro debut: 1994
Trained by: Dean Malenko
Finishing move: Chokeslam
Photo credit: World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Biography
- On April 7, 1995, Al Snow and Unabomb (Jacobs) defeated the Rock 'n' Roll Express for the SMW (Smoky Mountain Wrestling) Tag Team title in Pikeville, KY.
- Jacobs, under a mask and calling himself Doomsday, beat Spellbinger on July 13, 1997 for the USWA Southern title.
- Jacobs debuted in the WWF as Isaac Yankem, a dentist that attended to Jerry "The King" Lawler.
- After Scott Hall (Razor Ramon) and Kevin Nash (Diesel) left the WWF in favor of WCW, Jim Ross boasted he had signed "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel, and "The Bad Guy" Razor Ramon to return to the company. As it turned out, "Razor Ramon" was Rick Bogner, and the "fake" Diesel was Jacobs.
- Jacobs re-debuted as the Undertaker's "little brother" at Badd Blood on October 5, 1997, interrupting the Undertaker-Shawn Michaels "Hell in the Cell" match. Kane tore off the door from the cell, and delivered a tombstone piledriver on the Undertaker.
- Kane defeated Mankind at the 1997 Survivor Series in Montreal.
- As the storyline revealed, the family's funeral parlor burnt down, killing the Undertaker's parents, and presumably Kane. It was later disclosed that Paul Bearer was Kane's "father," and he kept Kane in seclusion.
- According to the bulbous Bearer, he was at school when the fire started. He returned home in time to see the building go down in flames, and saw the Undertaker run off. Bearer insinuated that the Undertaker purposely set the establishment on fire.
- When the Undertaker refused to face his "brother" in a match, Kane and Bearer trapped the Undertaker in a casket, poured gasoline on it, and set it a blaze.
- It appeared briefly the "brothers" had reconciled, but Kane turned on the Undertaker during a casket match at the 1998 Royal Rumble, pitting then WWF champion Michaels against the Undertaker.
- At Wrestlemania XIV, the Undertaker pinned Kane after three tombstones, but Kane was the first ever wrestler to kick out of the Undertaker's Tombstone.
- At the 1998 Unforgiven PPV, the Undertaker overcame Kane in an Inferno match, when he set Kane's arm on fire.
- Kane defeated the Undertaker on "Raw," with the assistance of Mankind, to earn a WWF title shot at the "King of the Ring."
- McMahon, desperate to get the WWF title away from archrival "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, added a first blood stipulation to the title match. Since Kane dawns a protective mask, it made it virtually impossible for Austin to win.
- Kane was successful in capturing the WWF title from Austin at the 1998 King of the Ring.
- Mankind and Kane teamed up to win the WWF Tag Team title from the New Age Outlaws on July 13, 1998.
- On the August 10, 1998 edition of "Raw," it appeared the Undertaker allowed himself to be pinned to permit Kane and Mankind to regain the tag team belts.
- Kane and the Undertaker faced WWF champion Austin in a triple threat match at Breakdown. Both "brothers" pinned Austin, yet no winner was announced.
- Against McMahon's orders, special guest referee Austin declared himself the winner in the Kane-Undertaker WWF title match at the Judgment Day PPV.
- The next night on "Raw," Kane challenged the Undertaker to a casket match. The match never finished as the casket was destroyed.
- Kane and X-Pac teamed up to defeat Jeff Jarrett and Owen Hart for the WWF World Tag Team title at the "Raw" television tapings on March 30, 1999.
- At the 1999 Over the Edge in Kansas City, MO, Kane and X-Pac defeated D-Lo Brown and Mark Henry.
- Kane beat the Big Show at the 1999 King of the Ring.
- At Armageddon '99 in Sunrise, FL, Kane defeated X-Pac in a steel cage match.
- After a brief absence, Kane returned with his "father" Paul Bearer on the February 7, 2000 episode of "Raw."
- Kane and Rikishi defeated X-Pac and Road Dogg at Wrestlemania 2000 in Anaheim, CA.
- On April 28, 2000, Kane and the Rock defeated the Dudley Boys on a WWF/IWA event in Puerto Rico.
- At the U.K. only PPV Insurrextion in London, Kane defeated Bull Buchanan.
- On the August 14, 2000 episode of "Raw," Kane turned against The Undertaker and chokeslammed him through the ring.
- At Survivor Series '00 in Tampa, FL, Kane pinned Chris Jericho.
- In January 2001, Kane and The Undertaker reunited once again.
- At Wrestlemania XVII in Houston, TX, Kane captured the WWF Hardcore title in a three-way dance over the Big Show and Raven.
- Kane and The Undertaker captured the WWF World Tag Team title from Edge and Christian in a NO-DQ match at the April 17, 2001 "Smackdown" taping in Nashville, TN.
- Kane defeated Triple H in a chain match at Judgment Day 2001 in Sacramento, CA to capture the Intercontinental title.
- At the August 7, 2001 "Smackdown" taping in LA, CA, Kane and the Undertaker defeated Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire to capture the WCW World Tag Team title.
- At Summerslam '01, Kane and the Undertaker defeated Diamond Dallas Page and Kanyon for the WWF World Tag Team title in San Jose, CA.
- Kane and the Undertaker successfully defended the WCW World Tag Team title against Kronic at the 2001 Unforgiven in Pittsburgh, PA.
- On March 3, 2002, Kane and the Big Show defeated the Dudley Boyz in Singapore.
- In April 2002, Kane suffered a torn bicep that required surgery.
- Kane returned to WWE television months later sporting a new mask.
- At Unforgiven '02 in LA, CA, Kane, Booker T, Goldust, and Bubba Ray Dudley defeated the Un-Americans (Lance Storm, Christian, William Regal, and Test).
- The next night on "Raw," Kane and the Hurricane defeated the Un-Americans (Storm and Christian) in Anaheim, CA to capture the WWE World Tag Team title.
- On the September 30, 2002 episode of "Raw" in Houston, TX, Kane defeated Chris Jericho for the Intercontinental title.
- On the March 31, 2003 edition of "Raw" in Seattle, WA, Kane and Rob Van Dam won a three way match over Sean Morley and Lance Storm and the Dudley Boyz to win the World Tag Team title.
- Kane and Van Dam successfully defended the World Tag Team title against the Legion of Doom on the May 12, 2003 episode of "Raw."
- After losing to Triple H in a World title match on the June 23, 2003 edition of "Raw," Kane was forced to unmask.
- At Summerslam '03, Kane defeated Van Dam.
- At Unforgiven '03, Kane defeated Shane McMahon in a "last man standing" match.
- Kane defeated Shane McMahon in an "ambulance" match at the 2003 Survivor Series.
- On the May 17, 2004 edition of "Raw," Kane won a 18-man battle royal to earn a World Heavyweight title shot against Chris Benoit at Bad Blood '04.
- At Summerslam '04, Kane defeated Matt Hardy in a 'til death do us part match,' meaning Lita would have to marry Kane.
- At New Year's Revolution, Kane beat Gene Snitsky.
- Kane defeated Viscera at the 2005 Backlash.
- At Vengeance '05, Kane defeated Edge.
- Kane and The Big Show defeated Trevor Murdoch and Lance Cade at the 2005 Taboo Tuesday PPV in San Diego, CA to capture the World Tag Team straps.
- At Armegeddon '05, Kane and The Big Show defeated Batista and Rey Mysterio.
- At Wrestlemania 22, Kane and The Big Show defeated Chris Masters and Carlito to successfully defend the World Tag Team title.
- Kane's "See No Evil" movie was released on May 19, 2006.
Real name: Glen Jacobs
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 300 lbs.
Date of birth: April 26, 1967
Born: Madrid, Spain
From: Knoxville, TN
Pro debut: 1994
Trained by: Dean Malenko
Finishing move: Chokeslam
Photo credit: World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Biography
- On April 7, 1995, Al Snow and Unabomb (Jacobs) defeated the Rock 'n' Roll Express for the SMW (Smoky Mountain Wrestling) Tag Team title in Pikeville, KY.
- Jacobs, under a mask and calling himself Doomsday, beat Spellbinger on July 13, 1997 for the USWA Southern title.
- Jacobs debuted in the WWF as Isaac Yankem, a dentist that attended to Jerry "The King" Lawler.
- After Scott Hall (Razor Ramon) and Kevin Nash (Diesel) left the WWF in favor of WCW, Jim Ross boasted he had signed "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel, and "The Bad Guy" Razor Ramon to return to the company. As it turned out, "Razor Ramon" was Rick Bogner, and the "fake" Diesel was Jacobs.
- Jacobs re-debuted as the Undertaker's "little brother" at Badd Blood on October 5, 1997, interrupting the Undertaker-Shawn Michaels "Hell in the Cell" match. Kane tore off the door from the cell, and delivered a tombstone piledriver on the Undertaker.
- Kane defeated Mankind at the 1997 Survivor Series in Montreal.
- As the storyline revealed, the family's funeral parlor burnt down, killing the Undertaker's parents, and presumably Kane. It was later disclosed that Paul Bearer was Kane's "father," and he kept Kane in seclusion.
- According to the bulbous Bearer, he was at school when the fire started. He returned home in time to see the building go down in flames, and saw the Undertaker run off. Bearer insinuated that the Undertaker purposely set the establishment on fire.
- When the Undertaker refused to face his "brother" in a match, Kane and Bearer trapped the Undertaker in a casket, poured gasoline on it, and set it a blaze.
- It appeared briefly the "brothers" had reconciled, but Kane turned on the Undertaker during a casket match at the 1998 Royal Rumble, pitting then WWF champion Michaels against the Undertaker.
- At Wrestlemania XIV, the Undertaker pinned Kane after three tombstones, but Kane was the first ever wrestler to kick out of the Undertaker's Tombstone.
- At the 1998 Unforgiven PPV, the Undertaker overcame Kane in an Inferno match, when he set Kane's arm on fire.
- Kane defeated the Undertaker on "Raw," with the assistance of Mankind, to earn a WWF title shot at the "King of the Ring."
- McMahon, desperate to get the WWF title away from archrival "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, added a first blood stipulation to the title match. Since Kane dawns a protective mask, it made it virtually impossible for Austin to win.
- Kane was successful in capturing the WWF title from Austin at the 1998 King of the Ring.
- Mankind and Kane teamed up to win the WWF Tag Team title from the New Age Outlaws on July 13, 1998.
- On the August 10, 1998 edition of "Raw," it appeared the Undertaker allowed himself to be pinned to permit Kane and Mankind to regain the tag team belts.
- Kane and the Undertaker faced WWF champion Austin in a triple threat match at Breakdown. Both "brothers" pinned Austin, yet no winner was announced.
- Against McMahon's orders, special guest referee Austin declared himself the winner in the Kane-Undertaker WWF title match at the Judgment Day PPV.
- The next night on "Raw," Kane challenged the Undertaker to a casket match. The match never finished as the casket was destroyed.
- Kane and X-Pac teamed up to defeat Jeff Jarrett and Owen Hart for the WWF World Tag Team title at the "Raw" television tapings on March 30, 1999.
- At the 1999 Over the Edge in Kansas City, MO, Kane and X-Pac defeated D-Lo Brown and Mark Henry.
- Kane beat the Big Show at the 1999 King of the Ring.
- At Armageddon '99 in Sunrise, FL, Kane defeated X-Pac in a steel cage match.
- After a brief absence, Kane returned with his "father" Paul Bearer on the February 7, 2000 episode of "Raw."
- Kane and Rikishi defeated X-Pac and Road Dogg at Wrestlemania 2000 in Anaheim, CA.
- On April 28, 2000, Kane and the Rock defeated the Dudley Boys on a WWF/IWA event in Puerto Rico.
- At the U.K. only PPV Insurrextion in London, Kane defeated Bull Buchanan.
- On the August 14, 2000 episode of "Raw," Kane turned against The Undertaker and chokeslammed him through the ring.
- At Survivor Series '00 in Tampa, FL, Kane pinned Chris Jericho.
- In January 2001, Kane and The Undertaker reunited once again.
- At Wrestlemania XVII in Houston, TX, Kane captured the WWF Hardcore title in a three-way dance over the Big Show and Raven.
- Kane and The Undertaker captured the WWF World Tag Team title from Edge and Christian in a NO-DQ match at the April 17, 2001 "Smackdown" taping in Nashville, TN.
- Kane defeated Triple H in a chain match at Judgment Day 2001 in Sacramento, CA to capture the Intercontinental title.
- At the August 7, 2001 "Smackdown" taping in LA, CA, Kane and the Undertaker defeated Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire to capture the WCW World Tag Team title.
- At Summerslam '01, Kane and the Undertaker defeated Diamond Dallas Page and Kanyon for the WWF World Tag Team title in San Jose, CA.
- Kane and the Undertaker successfully defended the WCW World Tag Team title against Kronic at the 2001 Unforgiven in Pittsburgh, PA.
- On March 3, 2002, Kane and the Big Show defeated the Dudley Boyz in Singapore.
- In April 2002, Kane suffered a torn bicep that required surgery.
- Kane returned to WWE television months later sporting a new mask.
- At Unforgiven '02 in LA, CA, Kane, Booker T, Goldust, and Bubba Ray Dudley defeated the Un-Americans (Lance Storm, Christian, William Regal, and Test).
- The next night on "Raw," Kane and the Hurricane defeated the Un-Americans (Storm and Christian) in Anaheim, CA to capture the WWE World Tag Team title.
- On the September 30, 2002 episode of "Raw" in Houston, TX, Kane defeated Chris Jericho for the Intercontinental title.
- On the March 31, 2003 edition of "Raw" in Seattle, WA, Kane and Rob Van Dam won a three way match over Sean Morley and Lance Storm and the Dudley Boyz to win the World Tag Team title.
- Kane and Van Dam successfully defended the World Tag Team title against the Legion of Doom on the May 12, 2003 episode of "Raw."
- After losing to Triple H in a World title match on the June 23, 2003 edition of "Raw," Kane was forced to unmask.
- At Summerslam '03, Kane defeated Van Dam.
- At Unforgiven '03, Kane defeated Shane McMahon in a "last man standing" match.
- Kane defeated Shane McMahon in an "ambulance" match at the 2003 Survivor Series.
- On the May 17, 2004 edition of "Raw," Kane won a 18-man battle royal to earn a World Heavyweight title shot against Chris Benoit at Bad Blood '04.
- At Summerslam '04, Kane defeated Matt Hardy in a 'til death do us part match,' meaning Lita would have to marry Kane.
- At New Year's Revolution, Kane beat Gene Snitsky.
- Kane defeated Viscera at the 2005 Backlash.
- At Vengeance '05, Kane defeated Edge.
- Kane and The Big Show defeated Trevor Murdoch and Lance Cade at the 2005 Taboo Tuesday PPV in San Diego, CA to capture the World Tag Team straps.
- At Armegeddon '05, Kane and The Big Show defeated Batista and Rey Mysterio.
- At Wrestlemania 22, Kane and The Big Show defeated Chris Masters and Carlito to successfully defend the World Tag Team title.
- Kane's "See No Evil" movie was released on May 19, 2006.
Gagh
Χριστόφορος
Mick Foley
Real name: Michael Francis Foley
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 287 lbs.
Date of birth: June 7, 1965
Hometown: Long Island, NY
Pro debut: June 24, 1983
Trained by: Domenic Denucci
Finishing move: Mandible Claw
Photo credit: World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Biography
- Foley wanted to become a pro wrestler, even as a young teenager, as he idolized the high flying Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka.
- Foley created the character Dude Love even before entering the world of professional wrestling. He even made a videotape where he jumped off the top of a roof.
- Dominic Denucci received a copy of the tape, and offered Mick to train him.
- Foley defeated Kurt Kaufman in his ring debut as Cactus Jack Manson.
- Foley worked the independent circuit until 1986, when he fulfilled a life long dream and joined the WWF. During this short stint, he wrestled as Jack Foley (the name of his father), but was only used as a jobber.
- In 1988, Foley jumped to the CWA (Championship Wrestling Association), and joined Robert Fuller's Stud Stable.
- Gary Young and Cactus Jack defeated Bill Dundee and Todd Morton in a tournament final to capture the CWA Tag Team title, on October 23, 1988.
- In December 1988, Cactus beat Deathwish for the ACW Universal Television title in Bluefield, WV.
- Foley then joined the World Class Wrestling Association, where he was quite successful. On, December 30, 1988, Cactus defeated Eric Embry to capture the WCWA Light Heavyweight title.
- Foley then joined the stable of General Skandor Akbar, where he hooked up with Super Zodiac, and they started to team on a regularly basis. They dethroned the WCWA Tag Team Champions, Jeff Jarrett and Kerry Von Erich, on May 19, 1989.
- Scott Braddock and Cactus Jack defeated Jeff Jarrett and Matt Borne to win the WCWA Tag Team title, August 4, 1989. The titles later became the USWA tag team titles.
- On December 13, 1989, Cactus Jack defeated Johnny Rotten for the NAW title in Monroeville, PA.
- Cactus Jack next moved on to the NWA, where he continued to job. Promoters were still unable to see the potential in Foley.
- In the Tri-State Wrestling Alliance, Jack started a violent feud with the late Eddie Gilbert.
- This feud earned Cactus Jack a "cult" following, largely due to his repertoire of high risk moves.
- On March 2, 1991, Cactus Jack pinned Gilbert in a "falls count anywhere" match in Philadelphia, PA.
- The highlight in their epic battle occurred when Jack and Gilbert fought each other three times on the same card at Summer Sizzler II, August 3, 1991.
- In the first match, Jack defeated Gilbert in a Falls Count Anywhere match, then Jack lost the following Stretcher Match, and the final Steel Cage Match ended in a double disqualification.
- Foley's hard work got him noticed by WCW, and he joined the promotion.
- In WCW, Cactus Jack debuted as a gift to Sting at Clash of the Champions XVI, September 5, 1991.
- During an interview, "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff attacked Jack, turning him babyface for the first time in his career.
- Cactus Jack defeated Orndorff at SuperBrawl III, in a Falls Count Anywhere match.
- On April 6, 1993, Jack faced Vader for the WCW title, and won the match on a disqualification. In the match, Foley suffered a broken nose and needed 27 stitches to close several facial wounds. In a rematch fifteen days, Cactus Jack was seriously injured and nearly paralyzed.
- On March 16, 1994, WCW was touring Germany. Cactus Jack had a match against Vader in Munich. During the match, Foley's head was caught in the ropes and while he was trying to free himself; his ear got torn off. Jack then had to make a decision, reattach the ear or go back to the States for his title shot at Slamboree, Jack chose the latter, and that is why Jack only has 1/3 of his right ear.
- Foley sued WCW for negligence, seeking $42,000 for the reconstructive ear surgery he underwent. WCW won the lawsuit.
- On May 22, 1994, Cactus Jack and Kevin Sullivan won the WCW Tag Team title at Slamboree from the Nasty Boys.
- Sullivan defeated Cactus Jack in a Loser Leaves WCW match at Fall Brawl '94.
- On December 12, 1994, Cactus Jack captured the Mid South title in Greenville, MS.
- Since Jack now was out of WCW, he decided that he would spend his time wrestling in ECW and Japan, where he would concentrate on insane matches, and in ECW and IWA, and later FMW, he found his home.
- Cactus Jack teamed with Mikey Whipwreck, and they relieved the Public Enemy of the ECW Tag Team Title on August 27, 1994.
- In late 1994, Jack also started working for Jim Cornette's Smoky Mountain Wrestling.
- In Japan, Foley's left arm was cut open by Leatherface, who used a chain saw to do the dirty deed.
- On March 19, 1995, Cactus Jack defeated T. Rantula in New Castle, PA for the SCW (Steel City Wrestling) title.
- The next night, Cactus Jack defeated the Colorado Kid (Mike Rapada) for the OMW (Ozark Mountain Wrestling) title in Jonesboro, AR.
- August 20, 1995, IWA staged a one night tournament to determine the undisputed King of Death Matches. Cactus Jack defeated Terry Funk in the finals.
- Cactus Jack had more success in the IWA, as together with Tracy Smothers, dethroned the Head Hunters to win the IWA Tag Team title on September 29, 1995.
- Cactus Jack wrestled his last match in ECW in April 1996, defeating Mikey Whipwreck.
- On May 5, 1996 at FMW's 5th Anniversary show in Kawasaki, Japan, Cactus Jack pinned Wing Kanemura in a "barbed wire barricade spider net broken glass death" match.
- Foley re-debuted in the WWF with a new gimmick, the unstable Mankind, the day after WrestleMania XII.
- Paul Bearer turned on the Undertaker and joined Mankind at 1996 Summerslam. Mankind defeated "The Dead Man" in a broiler room brawl.
- After a series of interviews with Jim Ross, Mankind gave the announcer the Mandible Claw.
- Foley started a "Pick Me Steve" campaign to persuade Austin to pick him as his tag team partner.
- When it came time for Austin to face the WWF tag team champions, Owen Hart and the British Bulldog, "Stone Cold" started the match alone. As the match continued, Austin's partner finally arrived. It was Dude Love! Foley and Austin won the tag team gold on July 14, 1997.
- On February 8, 1998, Cactus Jack and the Blue Meanie defeated Frank Steletto and Lou Marconi in Irwin, Penn. for the SCW tag team title.
- Foley started team with Terry Funk, when he entered the WWF as Chainsaw Charlie. The duo won the tag team straps at Wrestlemania XIV, defeating the New Age Outlaws in a dumpster match.
- On April 11, 1998, Cactus Jack defeated Colonel Corruption for the GLCW (Great Lakes Championship Wrestling) title in Milwaukee, WI.
- Foley aligned himself with Vince McMahon, in his feud with Austin. "Stone Cold" and Foley wrestled in a series of matches in the spring of 1998.
- The Undertaker and Mankind competed in the Hell in the Cell match at the King of the Ring. During the brutal contest, Foley was tossed off the twenty five foot high cage, crashing on the Spanish announcer's table. Foley revived himself, only to be thrown through the top of the cage onto the mat.
- Mankind teamed with Kane to regain the WWF tag team title on the July 13, 1998 episode of "Raw," again defeating the New Age Outlaws.
- With McMahon recovering in the hospital from a brutal attack by Austin, Mankind brought in "Mr. Socko," a sock puppet, to entertain the WWF owner.
- McMahon awarded the newly created Hard-core championship to Mankind. Foley lost the title on the November 30, 1998 "Raw," dropping a ladder match contest with the Big Boss Man.
- At the December 29, 1998 "Raw" television tapings, Mankind defeated the Rock for the WWF title.
- The Rock regained the WWF championship at the 1999 "Royal Rumble," in an "I Quit" match. However, two nights later, during the television taping for "Halftime Heat," Mankind won his second WWF title, defeating the Rock in an empty arena match.
- At Wrestlemania XV, Mankind defeated The Big Show via disqualification.
- Mankind defeated The Big Show in a broiler room brawl at the 1999 "Backlash."
- Foley, Ken Shamrock, Test, and The Big Show formed the Union.
- The Union defeated the Corporation at the 1999 "Over the Edge."
- Mankind defeated Steve Austin and Triple H at the 1999 Summerslam to win the WWF title. Jesse Ventura served as the special guest referee.
- On November 2, 1999, Mankind and Al Snow defeated Hardcore and Crash Holly for the WWF World Tag Team title in Philadelphia, PA.
- Shawn Michaels appointed Foley Commissioner of the WWF on the June 26, 2000 episode of "Raw."
- After being "fired" by Vince McMahon, Foley returned to WWF television on March 26, 2001 for "Raw" in Cleveland, OH. He announced that he would serve as the special guest referee in the Vince vs. Shane McMahon streetfight at Wrestlemania XVII.
- On May 27, 2001 Foley's second book "Foley Is Good" debuted at number one on the New York Times best seller list.
- On the October 11, 2001 edition of "Smackdown," Foley returned to his former role of WWF commissioner.
- Foley resigned on as commissioner of the WWF on the November 19, 2001 episode of "Raw."
- Foley returned to WWE television on the June 9, 2003 edition of "Raw" and was announced as the special guest referee at Bad Blood's Hell in the Cell match pitting Triple H against Kevin Nash.
- On the December 1, 2003 episode of "Raw," Foley returned to television and announced that had been hired by Linda McMahon as an outside consultant and named himself co-manager of "Raw."
- At Taboo Tuesday '05, Mankind defeated Carlito.
Real name: Michael Francis Foley
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 287 lbs.
Date of birth: June 7, 1965
Hometown: Long Island, NY
Pro debut: June 24, 1983
Trained by: Domenic Denucci
Finishing move: Mandible Claw
Photo credit: World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Biography
- Foley wanted to become a pro wrestler, even as a young teenager, as he idolized the high flying Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka.
- Foley created the character Dude Love even before entering the world of professional wrestling. He even made a videotape where he jumped off the top of a roof.
- Dominic Denucci received a copy of the tape, and offered Mick to train him.
- Foley defeated Kurt Kaufman in his ring debut as Cactus Jack Manson.
- Foley worked the independent circuit until 1986, when he fulfilled a life long dream and joined the WWF. During this short stint, he wrestled as Jack Foley (the name of his father), but was only used as a jobber.
- In 1988, Foley jumped to the CWA (Championship Wrestling Association), and joined Robert Fuller's Stud Stable.
- Gary Young and Cactus Jack defeated Bill Dundee and Todd Morton in a tournament final to capture the CWA Tag Team title, on October 23, 1988.
- In December 1988, Cactus beat Deathwish for the ACW Universal Television title in Bluefield, WV.
- Foley then joined the World Class Wrestling Association, where he was quite successful. On, December 30, 1988, Cactus defeated Eric Embry to capture the WCWA Light Heavyweight title.
- Foley then joined the stable of General Skandor Akbar, where he hooked up with Super Zodiac, and they started to team on a regularly basis. They dethroned the WCWA Tag Team Champions, Jeff Jarrett and Kerry Von Erich, on May 19, 1989.
- Scott Braddock and Cactus Jack defeated Jeff Jarrett and Matt Borne to win the WCWA Tag Team title, August 4, 1989. The titles later became the USWA tag team titles.
- On December 13, 1989, Cactus Jack defeated Johnny Rotten for the NAW title in Monroeville, PA.
- Cactus Jack next moved on to the NWA, where he continued to job. Promoters were still unable to see the potential in Foley.
- In the Tri-State Wrestling Alliance, Jack started a violent feud with the late Eddie Gilbert.
- This feud earned Cactus Jack a "cult" following, largely due to his repertoire of high risk moves.
- On March 2, 1991, Cactus Jack pinned Gilbert in a "falls count anywhere" match in Philadelphia, PA.
- The highlight in their epic battle occurred when Jack and Gilbert fought each other three times on the same card at Summer Sizzler II, August 3, 1991.
- In the first match, Jack defeated Gilbert in a Falls Count Anywhere match, then Jack lost the following Stretcher Match, and the final Steel Cage Match ended in a double disqualification.
- Foley's hard work got him noticed by WCW, and he joined the promotion.
- In WCW, Cactus Jack debuted as a gift to Sting at Clash of the Champions XVI, September 5, 1991.
- During an interview, "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff attacked Jack, turning him babyface for the first time in his career.
- Cactus Jack defeated Orndorff at SuperBrawl III, in a Falls Count Anywhere match.
- On April 6, 1993, Jack faced Vader for the WCW title, and won the match on a disqualification. In the match, Foley suffered a broken nose and needed 27 stitches to close several facial wounds. In a rematch fifteen days, Cactus Jack was seriously injured and nearly paralyzed.
- On March 16, 1994, WCW was touring Germany. Cactus Jack had a match against Vader in Munich. During the match, Foley's head was caught in the ropes and while he was trying to free himself; his ear got torn off. Jack then had to make a decision, reattach the ear or go back to the States for his title shot at Slamboree, Jack chose the latter, and that is why Jack only has 1/3 of his right ear.
- Foley sued WCW for negligence, seeking $42,000 for the reconstructive ear surgery he underwent. WCW won the lawsuit.
- On May 22, 1994, Cactus Jack and Kevin Sullivan won the WCW Tag Team title at Slamboree from the Nasty Boys.
- Sullivan defeated Cactus Jack in a Loser Leaves WCW match at Fall Brawl '94.
- On December 12, 1994, Cactus Jack captured the Mid South title in Greenville, MS.
- Since Jack now was out of WCW, he decided that he would spend his time wrestling in ECW and Japan, where he would concentrate on insane matches, and in ECW and IWA, and later FMW, he found his home.
- Cactus Jack teamed with Mikey Whipwreck, and they relieved the Public Enemy of the ECW Tag Team Title on August 27, 1994.
- In late 1994, Jack also started working for Jim Cornette's Smoky Mountain Wrestling.
- In Japan, Foley's left arm was cut open by Leatherface, who used a chain saw to do the dirty deed.
- On March 19, 1995, Cactus Jack defeated T. Rantula in New Castle, PA for the SCW (Steel City Wrestling) title.
- The next night, Cactus Jack defeated the Colorado Kid (Mike Rapada) for the OMW (Ozark Mountain Wrestling) title in Jonesboro, AR.
- August 20, 1995, IWA staged a one night tournament to determine the undisputed King of Death Matches. Cactus Jack defeated Terry Funk in the finals.
- Cactus Jack had more success in the IWA, as together with Tracy Smothers, dethroned the Head Hunters to win the IWA Tag Team title on September 29, 1995.
- Cactus Jack wrestled his last match in ECW in April 1996, defeating Mikey Whipwreck.
- On May 5, 1996 at FMW's 5th Anniversary show in Kawasaki, Japan, Cactus Jack pinned Wing Kanemura in a "barbed wire barricade spider net broken glass death" match.
- Foley re-debuted in the WWF with a new gimmick, the unstable Mankind, the day after WrestleMania XII.
- Paul Bearer turned on the Undertaker and joined Mankind at 1996 Summerslam. Mankind defeated "The Dead Man" in a broiler room brawl.
- After a series of interviews with Jim Ross, Mankind gave the announcer the Mandible Claw.
- Foley started a "Pick Me Steve" campaign to persuade Austin to pick him as his tag team partner.
- When it came time for Austin to face the WWF tag team champions, Owen Hart and the British Bulldog, "Stone Cold" started the match alone. As the match continued, Austin's partner finally arrived. It was Dude Love! Foley and Austin won the tag team gold on July 14, 1997.
- On February 8, 1998, Cactus Jack and the Blue Meanie defeated Frank Steletto and Lou Marconi in Irwin, Penn. for the SCW tag team title.
- Foley started team with Terry Funk, when he entered the WWF as Chainsaw Charlie. The duo won the tag team straps at Wrestlemania XIV, defeating the New Age Outlaws in a dumpster match.
- On April 11, 1998, Cactus Jack defeated Colonel Corruption for the GLCW (Great Lakes Championship Wrestling) title in Milwaukee, WI.
- Foley aligned himself with Vince McMahon, in his feud with Austin. "Stone Cold" and Foley wrestled in a series of matches in the spring of 1998.
- The Undertaker and Mankind competed in the Hell in the Cell match at the King of the Ring. During the brutal contest, Foley was tossed off the twenty five foot high cage, crashing on the Spanish announcer's table. Foley revived himself, only to be thrown through the top of the cage onto the mat.
- Mankind teamed with Kane to regain the WWF tag team title on the July 13, 1998 episode of "Raw," again defeating the New Age Outlaws.
- With McMahon recovering in the hospital from a brutal attack by Austin, Mankind brought in "Mr. Socko," a sock puppet, to entertain the WWF owner.
- McMahon awarded the newly created Hard-core championship to Mankind. Foley lost the title on the November 30, 1998 "Raw," dropping a ladder match contest with the Big Boss Man.
- At the December 29, 1998 "Raw" television tapings, Mankind defeated the Rock for the WWF title.
- The Rock regained the WWF championship at the 1999 "Royal Rumble," in an "I Quit" match. However, two nights later, during the television taping for "Halftime Heat," Mankind won his second WWF title, defeating the Rock in an empty arena match.
- At Wrestlemania XV, Mankind defeated The Big Show via disqualification.
- Mankind defeated The Big Show in a broiler room brawl at the 1999 "Backlash."
- Foley, Ken Shamrock, Test, and The Big Show formed the Union.
- The Union defeated the Corporation at the 1999 "Over the Edge."
- Mankind defeated Steve Austin and Triple H at the 1999 Summerslam to win the WWF title. Jesse Ventura served as the special guest referee.
- On November 2, 1999, Mankind and Al Snow defeated Hardcore and Crash Holly for the WWF World Tag Team title in Philadelphia, PA.
- Shawn Michaels appointed Foley Commissioner of the WWF on the June 26, 2000 episode of "Raw."
- After being "fired" by Vince McMahon, Foley returned to WWF television on March 26, 2001 for "Raw" in Cleveland, OH. He announced that he would serve as the special guest referee in the Vince vs. Shane McMahon streetfight at Wrestlemania XVII.
- On May 27, 2001 Foley's second book "Foley Is Good" debuted at number one on the New York Times best seller list.
- On the October 11, 2001 edition of "Smackdown," Foley returned to his former role of WWF commissioner.
- Foley resigned on as commissioner of the WWF on the November 19, 2001 episode of "Raw."
- Foley returned to WWE television on the June 9, 2003 edition of "Raw" and was announced as the special guest referee at Bad Blood's Hell in the Cell match pitting Triple H against Kevin Nash.
- On the December 1, 2003 episode of "Raw," Foley returned to television and announced that had been hired by Linda McMahon as an outside consultant and named himself co-manager of "Raw."
- At Taboo Tuesday '05, Mankind defeated Carlito.
Grammour Boy
Rebel
messenger there's a opening for mailroom boy in copyright office where i work
Grammour Boy
Rebel
i put good word in for you
Grammour Boy
Rebel
i will do that and will let you know / in the meantime posrep me bitch