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From wrestling superstardom to life-changing adversity, Marc Mero’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and redemption. As Johnny B. Badd, he shared the ring with legends like Stone Cold Steve Austin and Ric Flair, winning titles in WCW and WWE. But his toughest battles came outside the ring—facing addiction, heartbreak, and finding a greater purpose.

Now a world-renowned motivational speaker, Mero shares his raw, unfiltered story in Badd To Good, featuring insights from icons like Diamond Dallas Page and Mick Foley. Don’t miss this inspiring tale of triumph—get your copy now

Marc Mero debuted in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1991 under the flamboyant persona of Johnny B. Badd, a character heavily inspired by the legendary rock and roll singer Little Richard. Managed by Teddy Long, Johnny B. Badd was introduced as an effeminate yet tough and energetic character, known for his colorful costumes, glitter, and a trademark “Badd Blaster” confetti gun, which he would shoot into the crowd during his entrance.

Character and Gimmick:

Johnny B. Badd was portrayed as a flamboyant and over-the-top character, with a unique blend of charisma and athleticism. His persona was designed to be flashy and effeminate, but in the ring, Badd was a fierce competitor who could mix it up with the best. He became popular among WCW fans for his high-energy performances and his ability to connect with the audience.

Biggest Rivalries:

  1. “Stunning” Steve Austin:
    One of Johnny B. Badd’s most significant rivalries was with “Stunning” Steve Austin, who would later become “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in the WWF/WWE. Their rivalry was highlighted by a series of intense matches, often over the WCW World Television Championship. Badd and Austin faced off in numerous pay-per-view events, delivering some of the most memorable mid-card matches of the early 1990s in WCW.

  2. Brian Pillman:
    Another notable rivalry for Johnny B. Badd was against Brian Pillman. The two had a series of matches that showcased their high-flying abilities and technical prowess. They feuded over the WCW World Light Heavyweight Championship, providing some thrilling and competitive bouts.

  3. Diamond Dallas Page (DDP):
    Perhaps Johnny B. Badd’s most intense and personal rivalry was with Diamond Dallas Page. This feud was a significant part of Badd’s WCW career, spanning much of 1994 and 1995. The rivalry culminated in a series of matches over the WCW World Television Championship, with Badd eventually winning the title from DDP, solidifying his status as a top contender in the company.

Championship Wins:

  1. WCW World Television Championship:
    Johnny B. Badd won the WCW World Television Championship three times during his tenure in WCW. His first reign came after defeating Lord Steven Regal in September 1994. He would go on to hold the title twice more, defeating Diamond Dallas Page and then again reclaiming the title from Page in subsequent encounters. These reigns helped establish Badd as a credible mid-card champion and one of WCW’s most popular stars.

Notable Pay-Per-View Matches:

  • Clash of the Champions XV (1991):
    Johnny B. Badd made one of his earliest pay-per-view appearances at Clash of the Champions XV, where he wrestled “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton in a competitive match, establishing himself as a rising star in WCW.

  • Halloween Havoc 1994:
    One of Badd’s most notable PPV matches took place at Halloween Havoc 1994, where he defeated “Stunning” Steve Austin to win the WCW World Television Championship for the first time. This victory was a significant moment in Badd’s career, showcasing his ability to perform at a high level on a major stage.

  • Fall Brawl 1995:
    In a memorable match at Fall Brawl 1995, Johnny B. Badd defeated Brian Pillman in a thrilling contest to become the number one contender for the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship. The match was widely praised for its fast-paced action and technical skill.

  • Halloween Havoc 1995:
    At Halloween Havoc 1995, Johnny B. Badd defeated Diamond Dallas Page to win his third WCW World Television Championship, further cementing his legacy in the company.

Departure from WCW:

In 1996, Johnny B. Badd’s contract with WCW expired, and Mero decided to leave the company. Shortly thereafter, he signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where he adopted a new ring name and persona, “Wildman” Marc Mero. His departure from WCW marked the end of the Johnny B. Badd character, as Mero would go on to reinvent himself in the WWF with varying degrees of success.

Legacy

Johnny B. Badd is remembered as one of WCW’s most colorful and entertaining characters during the early to mid-1990s. Despite the over-the-top nature of his persona, Marc Mero’s athletic ability and charisma made him a fan favorite and a respected competitor in the ring. His feuds with wrestlers like Steve Austin, Brian Pillman, and Diamond Dallas Page provided some of the most memorable moments in WCW’s mid-card scene during that era.

After retiring from professional wrestling in 2006, Marc Mero became a motivational speaker, using his experiences in the ring and his life challenges to inspire others. While his time as Johnny B. Badd was just one chapter in his diverse career, it remains a significant part of wrestling history.