Ravishing” Rick Rude

Biography

Richard Erwin Rood, known as “Ravishing” Rick Rude, was born on December 7, 1958, in St. Peter, Minnesota. Rude was a prominent figure in the wrestling world throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, best known for his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE).

Career History and Evolution

Rude began his wrestling career in 1982. He initially wrestled for various regional promotions before joining Jim Crockett Promotions (which would become WCW) and later the WWF. In both organizations, he developed his “Ravishing” character, a narcissistic, arrogant heel who was obsessed with his physical appearance.

Titles and Achievements

Rude won the WCW International World Heavyweight Championship three times and the WWF Intercontinental Championship once. He also had reigns as the WCW United States Heavyweight Champion and the WCW World Tag Team Champion with partner “Stunning” Steve Austin.

Biggest Matches and Rivalries

Rick Rude had notable feuds with “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, The Ultimate Warrior, and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. His Intercontinental Championship match against The Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania V stands out as one of his most memorable matches.

Tag Team Partners

In addition to his tag team reign with Steve Austin, Rude was a member of several prominent factions. These included Paul Heyman’s Dangerous Alliance in WCW and D-Generation X and the Corporation in his second WWF stint.

Family Life

Rick Rude was married to Michelle L. Bollea, with whom he had three children. He maintained a low-key personal life, focusing largely on his wrestling career.

Finishing Move

Rude’s finishing move was the Rude Awakening, a swinging neckbreaker that demonstrated his perceived superiority over his opponents.

Clothing and Entrance Music

Rick Rude was known for his flamboyant ring attire, often wearing tights adorned with airbrushed portraits of himself or his opponent’s valet, depending on the storyline. His entrance theme in the WWF was “Smooth Operator” by Sade, fitting his self-obsessed, smooth-talking character.
Rick Rude’s impact on wrestling extended beyond his in-ring career. His “Ravishing” persona influenced numerous future wrestlers, and his promos remain some of the most memorable in wrestling history. Rude passed away unexpectedly in 1999, but his legacy in the wrestling world continues.