Mike Rotunda

At 66 years old, Mike Rotunda has this physical status:

Lawrence Michael Rotunda (born March 30, 1958) is an American retired professional wrestler.

He is best known for his participation in the 1980s and 1990s with the World Wrestling Federation and World Championship Wrestling, as Mike Rotunda, Irwin R. Schyster, and V.K. Wall Street is a wall street company.

Rotunda has won numerous championships over his career, including the NWA World Tag Team Championship, the NWA World Television Championship, and the WWF World Tag Team Championship.

Early life

Rotunda was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, on March 30, 1958. He attended Newark Valley High School in Newark, New York. He went to Owego Free Academy, where he lettered in football and wrestling. He graduated from OFA in 1976. He competed in amateur wrestling, rising to the top of the 215 lb class in 1976 and placing fourth at the New York State Championships. Rotunda attended Syracuse University after graduating from high school. He competed in football and amateur wrestling, winning the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association in 1981 and 1981, and ending as a letterwinner in 1977, 1978, and 1981.

Personal life

Rotunda is married to Stephanie Rotunda (née Windham), the niece of wrestler Blackjack Mulligan's mother and the sister of wrestlers Barry and Kendall Windham. Windham, Taylor, and Mika have two sons and one daughter. The two sons are professional wrestlers who have competed for WWE under the ring names Bray Wyatt (former WWE Universal Champion, WWE Champion, SmackDown Tag Team Champion, and Raw Tag Team Champion) and Bo Dallas (former NXT Champion and Raw Tag Team Champion with Curtis Axel).

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Professional wrestling career

Rotunda, a Syracuse University graduate, then moved to Germany, where he competed as a professional wrestler under The Destroyer. He debuted in 1981, wrestling for Lutte Internationale, Jim Crockett Promotions, and Championship Wrestling from Florida.

In 1984, Rotunda and Barry Windham joined the World Wrestling Federation as The American Express, rather than Rotunda, during which time he would be billed as Mike Rotundo rather than Rotunda. They earned the WWF World Tag Team Championship twice, first from Dick Murdoch and Adrian Adonis in January 1985. The most notable rivalry for the US Express was with The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff, to whom they lost the title at the first WrestleMania. In June 1985, the US Express regained control, but two months later to Brutus Beefcake and Greg Valentine. Windham left the WWF shortly after.

Rotunda continued to wrestle in singles matches until he left the WWF in early 1986. He returned to the WWF in 1986 as a "Golden Boy" team with Dan Spivey as a new iteration of "The United States Express," but they were no longer used as a service team against up-and-coming teams such as Demolition in house displays. They were not considered top contenders.

The American Express returned to action in the AWA on April 20, 1986, defeating The Fabulous Ones. Windham left the AWA shortly after starting the team off, and the team did not stay long. Rotunda was around for a few months with no success.

Rotunda left the WWF in early 1987 and returned to Florida, where he first won the NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship in March. He argued with Sir Oliver Humperdink's "Shock Troops" stable in London.

Rotunda joined National Wrestling Alliance affiliate Jim Crockett Promotions, where he lingered at mid-card level as a villain before being recruited by Kevin Sullivan's Varsity Club, a group of wrestlers with amateur wrestling experience. Rick Steiner, a University of Michigan undergraduate, and Rotunda began bickering over which of the two had the best alma mater. This in turn resulted in the two competing over which of them was the best wrestler.

Rotunda defeated Nikita Koloff's NWA World Television Championship in January 1988 and then gave his Florida Heavyweight Championship to Steiner. Since Sullivan wanted Garvin's wife Precious, he started a feud with Jimmy Garvin. Steiner departed the group and began feuding with Rotunda, the opponents of the Television Championship until Rotunda lost it to Sting.

"Dr. Death" Steve Williams and Dan Spencey joined the Varsity Club in late 1988, and Rotunda defeated Williams to win the NWA World Tag Team Championship from The Road Warriors. Referee Theodore Long turned heel during the game and administered a quick three count, allowing Rotunda and Williams to overthrowrown the champions. Following the turbulent officiating, Long continued to work as a manager.

Williams and Rotunda were stripped of their titles in May 1989, and Rotunda remained in the NWA for a brief period of time after Sullivan and Rotunda ended a feud with the Steiner Brothers. He debuted as a face in 1990, when shipowner Mike Rotunda gimmick Captain Mike Rotunda. He built a "crew" (consisting of Abdullah the Butcher and Norman the Lunatic) and feuded with Kevin Sullivan's new stable, "Sullivan's Slaughterhouse) (Cactus Jack, Buzz Sawyer, and Bam Bam Bigelow).

Rotunda's in mid-1990s, she became Michael Wallstreet with Alexandra York (and her computer) as his boss. They founded The York Foundation. Both players wanted to win each match and knew how long it would take for Wallstreet to be victorious, according to computer analysis. He was undefeated in this brief run, but a timer was often on-screen to support the duo's assertion. When Rotunda left the NWA for a new position in the WWF in early 1991, the collaboration came to an end.

Rotunda returned to the WWF in April 1991, becoming Irwin R. Schyster, a former IRS tax collector from Washington, D.C., hounding wrestlers and fans as "tax cheats" and scolding them to "pay their fair share." For example, he attacked Rhode Island on the state for being a tax haven for yacht owners from New York, or he'd be on the radio in New Hampshire and praise the supporters for not having to pay a state income tax. One of his finishing moves, i.e., a flying clothesline to an oncoming opponent, to add to this persona.

At SummerSlam 1991, he made his pay-per-view debut, defeating Greg "The Hammer" Valentine. Schyster also made it to the finals of the 1991 King of the Ring tournament, defeating The Berzerker, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, and Jerry Sags before losing to Bret Hart in the final match. In 1991, he had a brief feud with Big Bossman. This culminated in a six-man elimination tag team match at Survivor Series, where he competed with Bossman and The Legion of Doom (the former Road Warriors) in a losing effort against Bossman and The Legion of Doom. He entered number 18 in January 1992 and lasted 28 minutes, his third longest run behind Roddy Piper and champion Ric Flair.

Schyster and Ted DiBiase formed Money Inc. in February 1992; the two teams competed in the WWF Tag Team Championship three times together. Money Inc.'s first title campaign came at the expense of The Legion of Doom, making Rotunda the only wrestler to twice defeat them for a tag team title. They then feuded with the Natural Disasters, losing their titles and recovering them a few months later. The Steiner Brothers' tag team crown was eventually lost to Money Inc. twice. Ted DiBiase retired from wrestling to become a commentator in 1993, resulting in Schyster returning to singles competition.

In 1994, the IRS rivalry with Razor Ramon versus him for the Intercontinental Championship at the Royal Rumble. Despite the fact that Schyster had arguably won the title after being manipulated by Shawn Michaels, a second referee revived the match, unbeknown to Schyster, who was then awarded the "Razor's Edge" while celebrating with the title belt. After being accused of failing to pay a gift tax on a "sacred headdress" he received from Chief Jay Strongbow, Schyster fought with Tatanka.

In mid-1994, he joined DiBiase's Million Dollar Corporation, often working with fellow member Bam Bam Bigelow in an unsuccessful attempt to regain tag team gold. Schyster then refocused on singles wrestling. Schyster repossessing the headstone of a child and interfering in a Casket Match between The Undertaker and Yokozuna was part of his feud with The Undertaker. Following a chokeslam, the Undertaker was victorious, but Schyster stole his urn after the match. The United States is a republic in the United States. On WWF television, then, participants appeared less often. In a King of the Ring qualifying match against Shawn Michaels in June 1995, the Lumberjacks lost his final three appearances on TV, losing to Savio Vega in a losing bid against Shawn Michaels. He made his final appearance at a house show in Jean, NV, where he unsuccessfully challenged Shawn Michaels for the Intercontinental Championship. After this Rotunda, the WWF was removed from the WWF.

In September 1995, Rotunda returned to WCW for the second time. Michael Wallstreet appeared on WCW's debut on September 4, 1995, but by the next episode, he was identified as V.K. The "V.K." is a newspaper published in the United Kingdom. (an allusion to Vincent Kennedy McMahon) with announcer Eric Bischoff asking Bobby Heenan on air why his name had suddenly changed. When competing in a lower midcard position, Rotunda used the name for almost a year. The highlight of this season was a 1996 Battlebowl, where he teamed with Jim Duggan and made it to the semifinals before losing to Dick Slater and Earl Robert Eaton. After being welcomed a membership by former tag team partner Ted DiBiase, Michael Wallstreet and Mr. Wallstreet returned to him, and in December 1996, he joined the nWo. While in the nWo, Wallstreet remained in the lowest midcard. Jeff Jarrett's defeat at nWo Souled Out in January 1997 was his highest profile match in this period. As a result of his pre-existing WCW deal, Wallstreet was forced out of the nWo. J. J. Dillon reported it null and void on the April 21 episode of Nitro. Despite this, he appeared on the May 5 Nitro weeks later, before finally accepting Dillon's ruling and leaving the organization. Although he was no longer an nWo member, he openly expressed his contempt for WCW (even though he was often wearing anti-WCW T-shirts in the ring). He left for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, which had a long association with WCW in the summer of 1997.

With Rick Steiner and Kevin Sullivan assisting Jim Duggan against The Revolution, he returned (as Mike Rotunda) to WCW in 1999, transforming the Varsity Club with Rick Steiner and Kevin Sullivan. (Shane Douglas, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn, and Asya). After losing Duggan during the match, his team lost. He participated in a "Lethal Lottery" tournament for the Vacated WCW World Tag Team Championship in early 2000, paired with Buzzkill. In the first round, the two defeated Dean Malenko and Konnan, but they lost in the quarterfinals to the Harris Brothers. In the spring of 2000, Rotunda joined WCW for the first time. He returned to Japan and appeared at the World Wrestling Council in Puerto Rico.

In 1997 (as Michael Wallstreet), Rotunda jumped to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he first joined nWo Japan. He travelled full-time with New Japan and was used in the midcard. He wasn't used at Dome Shows or was left off the top tournaments in New Japan, such as the G1 Climax and the Super Grade Tag League tournaments, as well as others. Wallstreet has competed in two other tournaments. In May 1998, he partnered with Big Titan in a tournament for the unmanned IWGP Tag Team Championship, losing in the first round to Kensuke Sasaki and Kazuo Yamazaki. In September 1998, he joined Scott Norton in a tournament to select the top candidates for the WCW World Tag Team Championship. They made it to the semifinals, where they lost to eventual tournament champions Kensuke Sasaki and Yuji Nagata.

Masahiro Chono left nWo Japan in 1999 and formed Team 2000, a new group. The Wallstreet and nWo Sting were followed. Wallstreet and the remainder of Team 2000, as well as the rest of Team 2000, fought with nWo Japan in 1999. Rotunda returned to WCW in December after being summoned back to New Japan.

Rotunda (as Mike Rotunda) joined All Japan Pro Wrestling in the summer of 2000, just after the Pro Wrestling Noah exodus. He returned to Varsity Club, this time with Steve Williams, nicknamed "Dr. Death." The team won the 2000 World Tag Determination Championship and later qualified for the World Tag Team Championship against Taiyo and Johnny Smith on February 24, 2001, but lost. Rotunda's father, who was part of the All Japan group, returned to New Japan for one match on October 28, teaming with Chono to beat Tencozy. Rotunda spent the year working with Williams in the 2001 World's Best Tag Determination League, winning 5th place with 6 points.

Keiji Mutoh went to All Japan in January 2002 and became the owner and president of All Japan. Rotunda returned to the midcard with the arrival of Mutoh, a growing roster, and nagging injuries. He competed in the 2002 Champion Carnival, finishing 5th in 5th place with 3 points. He participated in the Giant Baba Six Man Tag Team Tournament shortly after, alongside Steve Williams and Yoji Anjo, who were co-working with Steve Williams and Yoji Anjo. The team advanced to the semifinals, losing to Genichiro Tenryu, Arashi, and Nobutaka Araya. Rotunda and Williams competed in the Stan Hansen Cup 4-Way on July 20, 2002, losing to Mike Barton and Jim Steele, Rotunda being pinned by Barton. Rotunda and Williams were the best Tag Determination League in the fall, finishing in 4th position with 9 points. Rotunda began wrestling on the Shining Series Tour in early 2003 and retired from All Japan in early 2003.

Rotunda retired from professional wrestling on a regular basis in 2003, but the club has also held sporadic matches and made occasional appearances.

In 2004, Rotunda's wife began operating a security firm.

In 2006, Rotunda was hired by WWE as a road agent and has appeared as Irwin R. Schyster in guest appearances. Mr. McMahon was discussing his IRS issues with Jonathan Coachman on August 6, 2007, and I.R.S. lowered the newspaper covering his face (Financial Times) and revealed himself.

Rotunda appeared as I.R.S. The 15th anniversary edition of Raw, winning a 15-man Battle Royal, only to be paid by his former tag team partner Ted DiBiase to withdraw himself and give DiBiase the victory. This will be his last match.

The United States Express announced a match between WrestleMania I and Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik on March 10, 2008. However, the match was postponed before it could begin by diva Jillian Hall, who offered to sing "Born in the United StatesA" for them; Rotunda gave it an airplane spin.

Rotunda appeared on WWE.com in several segments of "Top Rope Theatre" early in 2009. He was a leader of the online storyline of the series, bringing Kelly Kelly Kelly Kelly Kelly into his plans in reaction to his arch enemy "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan.

The United States is a republic in the United States. Bob Barker, the guest host, appeared on "Raw" on September 7, 2009. On a "Best of SmackDown" DVD, I.R.S. was a contestant in a price game (similar to the "One Bid" qualifier segment of The Price Is Right), as well as Santino Marella, Jillian Hall, and Chris Jericho. The IRS investigated whether sales tax had been properly assessed, but overpaid $50.00 (not including tax); the DVD's true retail price was $18.99. Chris Jericho won the auction game with a bid of $1.00 (as erroneously announced by Bob Barker). I.R.S. was one of the contestants in the second round of the pricing game later that night. In the vacated spot Chris Jericho held, A. J. Pierzynski of the Chicago White Sox filled in. This time, the request was for a travel package to WrestleMania XXVI in Glendale, Arizona. Schyster charged $2,000.00 for the box. After a bid of $1,200.00, Santino emerged as the king in a $1,247.00 market price, making him the winner.

In the "80s Legend Lumberjack Battle" in which Christian defeated Ted DiBiase Jr., Rotunda appeared as a lumberjack in an episode of Monday Night Raw as a lumberjack.

Rotunda helped throw Drew McIntyre out of the arena on May 5, 2010.

I.R.S. performed on Raw in a comedy segment promoting the new A-Team film on June 7, 2010. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Sharlto Copley, a B.A., confronted Ted DiBiase Jr. and Virgil. "Howling Mad" Murdoch, Ted Ramsey, a long-serving friend of DiBiase Jr., with I.R.S dating back to Money Inc., steps into the room wherein Schyster revealed that he had repossessed Jerry Lawler's crown because Lawler hadn't paid long overdue taxes on the crown's gems. Later in the show, I.R.S., DiBiase Jr., Virgil, Rowdy Roddy Piper, and A-Team and Dusty Rhodes confronted them, reclaiming the crown.

Rotunda was one of the four people in the ring to honor Ricky Steamboat's career on June 28 Raw but were attacked by the Nexus.

Rotunda appeared on Raw's June 9, 2012 issue. Brock Lesnar and John Cena, as well as several other WWE executives and celebrities, attempted to crack a brawl.

Irwin R. Schyster encountered Big E Langston on his way to a match on January 6, 2014, when he pleaded guilty. Langston walked past fellow Million Dollar Corporation founders Nikolai Volkoff and Ted DiBiase immediately prior to being greeted.

In 2008, he resumed work as a WWE road agent and was occasionally seen on television.

On April 15, 2020, he and several other WWE workers were furloughed, and he was declared officially on September 10, 2020.

Rotunda, the I.R.S., made his first appearance after being announced by the WWE in a segment backstage with Ric Flair in January 2021.

The George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame announced on September 3, 2021, that Rotunda will be inducted into the 2022 class alongside announcer Jim Ross and Trish Stratus. In 1922, the induction ceremony took place July 21-21-23.

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