Boo: Something Fishy

Shark Boy wins the Brian Pillman Memorial 1999
Photo from sharkboy.net

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

I did a very brief blog years ago on Shark Boy when I wrote something about Shark Week and of course tied in the wrestling connection.  I just listened to Shark Boy on Colt Cabana's Art of Wrestling Podcast, and felt compelled to update my thoughts on him.

I love listening to Colt's show and learning more about guys I don't know a whole lot about.  I vaguely remember Shark Boy during his stint in WCW.  I remember him well in TNA in the early days of the Wednesday night pay per views.  And it's no secret here, my tag team partner here at My 1-2-3 Cents, Chad is a "mark for the shark", sporting a Shark Boy mask at one of those Nashville shows.  He even got to meet Shark Boy.

Chad meets Shark Boy
Photo from My 1-2-3 Cents

Interesting facts I learned on Shark Boy's podcast:  He trademarked the name years ago when he signed with WCW.  It was a smart move as all his hard work "swimming" through the indies wasn't gobbled up by Vince McMahon in 2001.  He started off as El Piranha, a luchador fish gimmick, but it was Ian Rotten who helped change his name.  I never noticed Mick Foley was wearing a Shark Boy shirt in match with The Rock at the 1999 Royal Rumble.  I also gained more respect for Shark Boy after learning he fought for his name after the release of the movie "The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl."

Another tidbit, on a personal note, we both have sons who are the same age and both run cross country.  I'm the only one who probably cares about that, but I thought it was interesting.

Oh Shell Yeah!
Photo from TNA

I always liked Shark Boy in TNA.  I thought the "Stone Cold" Steve Austin tribute was creative, but as a WWE mark, I thought it was TNA's attempt to cash in on yet another WWE guy.  I wish Shark Boy could have gotten more over without the help of imitating someone else, but it worked for him at the time, and like I said, it was entertaining.

One of his shining moments (in my view) was winning the Brian Pillman Memorial Show in 1999.   While it took him to WCW and TNA as well as other independent companies, Shark Boy never rode the wave of success to the WWE.  He says in the podcast Stephanie McMahon once complimented him, but joked that while he had the talent he didn't have the size to compete in the WWE.  I think had he gotten in the business 10 years later than he did, he'd have a place on the roster right now.

He still wrestles occasionally, but if you'd like to learn more about Shark Boy, search for him on YouTube or click here for his website.