John Hugger (April 20, 1977) is a professional wrestler who is best known for his work in World Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment under the ring name Johnny "The Bull" Stamboli.
Career[]
World Championship Wrestling[]
John was a member of the Paisans/the Mamalukes tag team with Big Vito in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) under the ring name Johnny the Bull.
In August, 2000 Johnny and Sean O'Haire helped form the Natural Born Thrillers with Mike Sanders, Shawn Stasiak, Chuck Palumbo, Mark Jindrak, and Reno. They were briefly "coached" by Kevin Nash.
World Wrestling Entertainment[]
From there on, Johnny signed a contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and was assigned to Heartland Wrestling Association (HWA) an Ohio-based WWF developmental territory.
Johnny made his WWE televised debut on the June 30, 2002 episode of Sunday Night Heat against Tommy Dreamer and ended up losing by DQ. Johnny won the WWE Hardcore Championship on three occasions.
After a beating at the hands of Rikishi, Nunzio threatened to bring in his "family" in order to gain revenge. The next week, Chuck Palumbo and Johnny under the ring name Johnny "The Bull" Stamboli joined with Nunzio in the Full Blooded Italians (F.B.I) and attack Rikishi. The F.B.I. in WWE, was a faction which had previously been seen in the Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) promotion.
This version initially gained little success, throughout 2003 they would go on to have brief feuds with Rikishi, Los Guerreros, Chris Benoit, Rhyno, Brian Kendrick, Nathan Jones, Funaki, APA, Rey Mysterio, John Cena, Hardcore Holly, and The Undertaker. When the group turned face it grew in popularity and just when the group was starting to get over with the fans it was disbanded, as Chuck was sent to the RAW brand.
All Japan Pro Wrestling[]
Hugger was released by WWE on November 4, 2004 and went on to wrestle for All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) as a member of Voodoo Murderers with Chuck Palumbo, AJPW's main heel group.
Nu-Wrestling Evolution[]
Along with Chuck Palumbo, Stamboli reformed the FBI, using the gimmick to make themselves the top babyfaces in the Nu-Wrestling Evolution promotion in Italy.
Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre[]
Hugger has worked a tour under the name Stamboli in Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre.
In wrestling[]
- Finishing and signature moves
- Fuh-get-about-it (Gorilla press powerslam)
- Sickle (Lariat)
- Sidewalk Slam
- Spinebuster
- Swinging DDT
- Top rope leg drop
- Managers
Championships and accomplishments[]
- World Wrestling Entertainment
- World Championship Wrestling
- WCW World Tag Team Championship (with Big Vito) (2 times)
- WCW Hardcore Championship (with Big Vito) (1 time)