- Real name : Kenneth Wayne Shamrock
- Height : 6'1"
- Weight : 235 lbs.
- Date of Birth : 02/14/1964
- Hometown : Sacramento, California
- Pro. wrestler since 1988
- Finishing maneuver : Ankle Lock Toe Hold
Ken Shamrock is one of the best shoot fighters in the world, his combined martial arts and wrestling background is the reason. In February 1997 he switched back to wrestling, where his athletic ability and superstar appearance have made him a star and a billing as "the world's most dangerous man."
The beginning
Ken Shamrock had a tough childhood and his inner demons almost destroyed his life. Ken was born in Georgia and was named Kenneth Wayne Kilpatrick. Ken's father wasn't much around and his mother didn't have a clue how to discipline Ken and his two older brother. Ken and his brothers spend most of their time without anyone looking out for them, this got them in to many fights with the other children.
When Ken was five, his mother divorced Ken's father and married a man named Bob Nance and moved to California, Nance didn't have much clue how to raise children and used his belt to discipline them. This got the children to steal and Ken's brothers also started experimenting with drugs. Ken was 10 years old when he ran away from home the first time, this experience got to an end, when he was stabbed by an older kid. When Ken was 13, he and his brothers were thrown out of the house by Nance, but this was the best that could happen for Ken.
Approximately one year later, Ken was brought to Bob Shamrock's Boys Ranch, Bob had worked with children with problems for many years and had helped many to a better life. Bob quickly understood what Ken had been through and found out a way to get Ken to control his inner demons. Shortly after Ken had turned 18 in February 1982, Bob Shamrock legally adopted Ken, who got the father he had always wanted.
But problems weren't over for Ken yet, he still had a hot temper and he had many different jobs. Things started changing though when Ken met Tina Ramirez, whom Ken married in 1988, with Tina by his side and Bob behind him, Ken got control over his demons and prevailed when he became a father.
Ken Shamrock actually started his career as a wrestler in 1988 in the Carolinas. Shamrock was first trained by the late Buzz Sawyer at his Academy and later he was trained by Nelson Royal at Royal's ACW wrestling school, and started to wrestle for ACW. Shamrock also entered some toughman contests to win some money, and he won three of them.
When ACW folded in 1988, Shamrock started to work for South Atlantic Pro Wrestling under the guise of Wayne Shamrock, he was managed by "Number One" Paul Jones. Shamrock won his first TV match in a few seconds with a belly-to-belly suplex. But the gimmick was soon changed to the heel "Mr. Wrestling" Vince Torelli.
In September 1990 Shamrock earned a spot with the second incarnation of Japan's UWF shoot fighting group, whom Shamrock's friend Dean Malenko had recommended. The group was on the verge of a breakup, but Shamrock made a lasting impression on UWF stars Masakatsu Funaki and Minoru Suzuki.
Shamrock's highlight as Vince Torelli in the wrestling industry was in February 1991, when he defeated Chris Chavis (Tatanka) in a tournament final to capture the South Atlantic Pro Wrestling Title, but even then the reality of his US pro wrestling was that he was treading water.
Shoot fighting
When Masakatsu Funaki and Minoru Suzuki moved on to Pro Wrestling Fujiwara-Gumi, Shamrock was also offered a spot. In this promotion, which emphasized on suplexes, mat work, and submissions provided Shamrock with a priceless training ground in which his skills improved.
When Funaki and Suzuki moved on again for the formation of Pancrase in September 1993, Shamrock was just behind them, ready to equal and surpass their superstar status. And that was exactly what he did, by defeating Funaki in the main event of Pancrase's inaugural show on September 21.
Ken Shamrock continued his victory streak in Pancrase by defeating Yoshiki Takahashi and Yusuke Fuke, before Shamrock also started competing for Ultimate Fighting Championships. At the inaugural UFC show, November 1993, Ken defeated Pat Smith, before he fell to Royce Gracie in the semifinal. The defeat to Gracie affected Shamrock, even though he won some matches in Pancrase he started losing matches to Minoru Suzuki and to Frank "The Animal" Lobman in a kickboxing match.
Shamrock returned to UFC at UFC III, but had to withdrew from the tournament because of an injury, that was the official reason, but Shamrock withdrew because Royce Gracie hadn't qualified to the final, and Shamrock had trained hard to beat Gracie. In Pancrase it was time to crown the first King of Pancrase in a two day tournament, December 16-17, 1994.
The first man to step in Ken's way was Alex Cook, who was defeated in only 1,31 minutes. Maurice Smith was the next victim, but Ken also squashed him. In the semifinals waited Masa Funaki, Ken's old friend and mentor, Ken defeated Funaki, who had defeated Ken some months before the tournament. In a hard 30 minutes final, Shamrock came out on top, when he defeated Manabu Yamada by Judge's decision (3-0), and thereby became the first King of Pancrase.
Shamrock successfully defended his King of Pancrase Title against Leon Dijk and Bas Rutten, but lost to the Title to Minoru Suzuki, May 13, 1995. At UFC V Shamrock fought his nemesis Royce Gracie and clearly dominated him in a great match to a draw, the match lasted 36,06 minutes, and I think that every one would love to see these two superstars step into the octagon once more, but it hasn't happened yet because the Gracie's backed out of deal which the Shamrock's had proposed in 1996.
At UFC VI Shamrock went up against Dan Severn for the right to be called the first ever Superfight Champion. In only 3,49 minutes Shamrock defeated Severn with a Guillotine Choke to be the first Superfight Champion. With this important victory it was like Shamrock concentrated more on UFC than Pancrase, even though he continued to fight for Pancrase it was like he lost the spirit there.
Shamrock defended the Superfight Title against Oleg Taktarov and Kimo, but fell to Dan Severn at UFC IX by a split judges decision (2-1). The defeat to Severn was a low blow to Shamrock, who started to look around for other opportunities, before the showdown Severn had accused Shamrock of using steroids, another thing that had Shamrock loose focus was because the Wayne County Circuit Judge had ordered no headbutting and no striking with closed fists, the accusations by Severn is the reason for the bad blood between them. Shamrock's last appearance for Pancrase was June 25, 1996, where Masa Funaki won by default, because Shamrock was injured. Ken's last appearance for UFC was December 7, 1996, Ultimate Ultimate, Shamrock defeated Brian Johnston.
During his shoot fighting career, Shamrock had the time to open his own school called the Lion's Den, where you could learn self-defense and no-holds-barred fighting, the Shamrock way. Ken still owns the Dojo but I believe that his brother Frank and some of the students took over the training, when Shamrock signed with the WWF.
WWF
February 24, 1997, Shamrock made his first appearance for the WWF, by sitting at the ringside at Monday Night Raw. Earlier that day he had signed a three year contract, worth in excess of $1 million per annum. This was a low blow to New Japan Pro Wrestling, had made the error of publicly announcing a match featuring Shamrock, a deal which was not finalized.
Shamrock had a few interview segments before he was assigned to be the referee at WrestleMania for the "I Quit" match between Bret Hart and Steve Austin. A job which he handled quite good.
Billy Gunn thought that he could handle the Rock at a Raw is War program, but he soon found out, that he wasn't up to the task, in a matter of seconds Shamrock put Billy in the wakigatame and an ankle lock. This showed us how great a submission wrestler Shamrock is.
Shamrock's first match was at Raw is War, where he squashed Vernon White (one of his students from the Lion's Den) in a UFC style match. This brought out Vader, who also have experience with shoot fighting, and this immediately started a feud between them.
At In Your House 15 Shamrock and Vader clashed in No Holds Barred match, where Shamrock came out on top defeating Vader with the ankle-lock submission. The match showed that Shamrock had some difficulties adapting to the world of wrestling, since he broke Vader's nose in four places, and Vader couldn't walk for several days, because of the beating they took. Because of the injuries that Vader sustained during the match, it was said that some of the other wrestlers wouldn't work with "the world's most dangerous man."
Some where along the line Bret Hart offered to train with the Rock to make his ring work better, which Shamrock accepted. Shamrock then started feuding with the Hart Foundation, who defeated the team of Austin, Shamrock, Goldust, and LOD at Canadian Stampede. But the match showed that his skills were improving.
In July Dan Severn did some commentating for Raw is War, and I think many expected Shamrock and Severn to clash in the WWF, which hasn't happened, because the WWF haven't signed Severn. Personally I would rather have them to clash in the octagon, where they could settle the score.
The Bulldog
The feud with the Hart Foundation continued, when Shamrock set his sight on then European Champion, the British Bulldog. The two clashed for the first time at Raw is War in an arm-wrestling contest. Shamrock had almost beaten the Bulldog, when Bulldog head butted Shamrock and hit him with some wicked chair shots and threw dog food in Shamrock's face.
The two clashed again at Summer Slam 1997 in a match, where the Bulldog, if he lost had to eat dog food. During the match Bulldog threw some dog food in Shamrock's face, big mistake, Shamrock went absolutely nuts, bashing the Bulldog with the can, and thereby earning himself the disqualification. Shamrock then put the Bulldog in a choke-sleeper, causing the Bulldog to turn a gorgeous shade of purple. When the officials persuaded Ken to release his grip, Shamrock took out his rage on Pat Patterson and referees by belly-to-belly suplexing them. Because of his actions the fans responded by giving Shamrock a booming standing ovation and thereby giving him the stamp of approval.
During the match with the British Bulldog, Shamrock started to cough up blood. This also happened during a match in Intercontinental Title tournament against Faarooq, September 9, Shamrock defeated Faarooq to advance, but had to give up his spot, because of he had suffered a bruised and infected lung.
Rocky Maivia
When Shamrock returned, he had a great match with then World Champion Bret Hart, but because of outside interference, Shamrock couldn't walk away with the gold. At Survivor Series, Shamrock again put up one of his best performances against the NOD, eliminating both D-Lo Brown and Rocky Maivia to become the sole survivor for his team.
Shamrock's great performance at Survivor Series put him up against World Champion Shawn Michaels at Degeneration X. This was a great match, which Shamrock won, but it was via disqualification, because HHH and Chyna attacked Shamrock on several occasions.
Shamrock was scheduled to compete at the next UFC PPV, December 21, but his opponent, Takada backed out of the deal. At Royal Rumble 1998 Shamrock had to go up against Rocky Maivia for the Intercontinental Title, who challenged Shamrock to a match to find out who is the toughest. During the feud with Rocky Maivia and the NOD, Shamrock has been the victim of NOD turn by Mark Henry, who turned on Shamrock during a tag team match against the NOD.
At the Royal Rumble, Shamrock snapped again attacking the referee, when the referee disqualified him for using brass knuckles, who Maivia had slipped into his trunks. Shamrock and the NOD have feuded ever since, Shamrock brought out Ahmed Johnson and the DOA to help him against the NOD, and at In Your House 20, they defeated the NOD, when Shamrock put the Ankle Lock Toe hold on Maivia to get the win.
Shamrock will clash with Maivia at WrestleMania 14, where the problems inside the NOD could give Shamrock the title. At Raw is War from March 17th Shamrock was challenged by Rocky Maivia again, Maivia stated that Shamrock couldn't last 2 minutes with any member of the NOD. But Shamrock defeated D-Lo Brown before the 2 minute mark and was then attacked by Maivia, who with two vicious chair shots sent Shamrock to the hospital.
When Shamrock and Maivia clashed at WrestleMania 14, Shamrock started like a tornado and soon he got Maivia in the Ankle Lock Toe hold and Maivia tapped out. Shamrock was declared the new Intercontinental Champion, but he was still mad at Maivia so he put him in the Ankle Lock Toe hold again and he didn't let go until half a dozen officials pull him off, he went berserk and slammed most of the officials, he then went after Maivia, who was carted away on a stretcher and attacked him again, the referee reversed the decision. I like Shamrock's attitude, too bad it cost him the title.
The ongoing war with Maivia and the NOD continues, Shamrock have aligned himself with the former leader of the NOD, Faarooq and Steve Blackman. Shamrock also had a stare-down with Dan Severn at Raw is War, April 13th, I can't wait until the two get it on, hopefully in the Octagon. Shamrock have injured his leg, how long it will put him out of action I don't know, but it will set him back.
Owen Hart and King of the Ring
Despite his injury, Shamrock worked at Unforgiven and the following Raw is War. Ken teamed with Owen Hart at Raw, but Owen turned on Ken and dropped on his angle twice and put him the Sharpshooter. After the officials talked Owen into releasing the hold he jumped on Ken and bit him in the ear, when the officials pulled Owen from Shamrock, Owen's face was smeared with blood. This incident will in the story line explain Shamrock's absence until he is ready to return.
Ken returned at Raw is War, June 2nd, when he attacked Owen Hart, when the Nation tried to save Owen, Dan Severn came to the ring and helped Shamrock clear the ring, they then faced off and finally, until Severn left. Hunter Hearst Helmsley came back in the ring and got beaten up by Shamrock.
Shamrock banged up his ankle again, June 3rd at a Raw is War taping, after he had defeated Kama in King of the Ring qualifying match the Nation attacked, which tore up the injury, again Dan Severn came to the rescue, Shamrock later came to the rescue of Severn, when he got punked by Owen Hart and D-Lo Brown. Obviously the WWF want to play this like a matter of respect.
Raw is War, June 15th, Shamrock and Dan Severn teamed up to take on Owen Hart and Mark Henry, but the match was destroyed, when Degeneration X invaded the ring, obviously Hunter wants revenge on both Shamrock and the Nation, its a good thing that Shamrock has aligned himself with Severn for as long as it lasts. At Raw is War, June 22nd, Shamrock advanced to King of the Ring pay-per-view by beating Mark Henry, with a helping hand from Vader.
Shamrock went into the King of the Ring with a bad ankle, but he put on a great show. I the semifinal Shamrock took on Jeff Jarrett, who couldn't do much to stop the World's Most Dangerous Man. Shamrock hit a hurricanrana and finished the job with the Ankle Lock. In the final Shamrock clashed with his old nemesis Rocky Maivia, and they put on a great match, which lived up to their previous encounters. Shamrock won the match and was declared the King of the Ring 1998, Shamrock's first major win in the WWF.
The next night at Raw is War, Shamrock was challenged to a three way dance by Owen Hart and Hunter Hearst Helmsley, which Shamrock accepted. Ken won the match by pinning Hunter, but after the match Ken was attacked by Owen, who used the figure four leglock around the ringpost to do some damage, finally this feud got some attention.
Raw is War, July 6, Shamrock took on Jeff Jarrett, when suddenly Mabel stormed through the crowd and attacked Shamrock with a clothesline and a splash. Shamrock then challenged Mabel to a match later that night, Ken won the match and kept on pounding on Mabel after the match. But Owen is clearly Shamrock's main target as he chased Owen off on Raw is War from July 20.
At Fully Loaded, Ken battled Owen Hart in special submission match, which was fought in the Hart Family Dungeon, Dan Severn was the special referee. The match was fast and furious, but the end came when Shamrock accidently nailed Severn with a kick, Owen then took advantage of this and nailed Ken with a dumbbell, Ken tapped out with a little help from Owen.
The bad blood between Shamrock and Severn continued to boil at Raw is War the following day, when Severn had Owen Hart at his mercy, Shamrock came to the ring and took over, but suddenly the Beast put Ken in the exact same hold, certainly an interesting start to the feud that I have waited for since Severn signed with the WWF, but the feud with Owen isn't over as we witnessed at Raw is War, August 10, Shamrock came to the ring and put Owen in the Ankle Lock Toe Hold and refused to let go.
At Raw is War, August 17, Shamrock, Owen Hart and Dan Severn squared of in a triple threat match, the end came when Shamrock had Owen in the Ankle Lock Toe Hold, Severn put on a choke on Shamrock, the referee then declared the match a no contest. Steve Blackman came to the rescue, but he was also put in the choke, when Severn had had enough he raised Owen's hand and the two left together. Shamrock and Blackman was about to square of, but they calmed down.
Shamrock and Severn clashed in a match at Raw is War, August 24, but the match ended in a disqualification victory to Ken, when Owen interfered. Steve Blackman again offered his services, but ended up receiving a belly to belly suplex from Shamrock, but Blackman retaliated with one of his own. At Summer Slam, Shamrock and Owen Hart clashed in the Lion's Den Match which was held inside a 12 sided steel cage. Owen had Shamrock locked in the maneuver that Severn taught him, but Shamrock was able to escape by using the sides of the cage to position him so he could slap on the Ankle Lock Toe hold for the win, Severn was about to throw in the towel but decided to leave, so Owen tapped out.
At Sunday Night Heat, September 13, Shamrock defeated Vader in a good encounter, after the match Ken grabbed the microphone and demanded a shot at the WWF World Title. Later that night Austin called out Shamrock, but McMahon said that the match wouldn't take place, so Ken walked away to fight another day.
Shamrock got his chance at Austin the next day at Raw is War, the match was a solid technical affair with some brawling elements in it. During the match Undertaker and Kane came to the ring and started their onslaught, but Shamrock and Steve Austin fought back, also Rocky Maivia and Mankind came down to join the melee. Has Shamrock found a new ally in Austin?
Ken has obviously struck a deal with Mankind and Rocky Maivia and they protect each other to keep Undertaker and Kane at bay. But Vince McMahon tried to split the team, when he ordered them to face each other in a triple threat match to name the number one contender for the World Title, the match was thrown out the window, when Kane and Undertaker attacked.
New Attitude
A new Triple Threat match with Shamrock, Maivia and Mankind was announced during Sunday Night Heat, but this time the match would also be a cage match, so no one could interfere. The match was great and ended with Mankind brained Ken with a chair, Mankind then started to climb out, but Maivia went for the easy way as he pinned Shamrock. During the match the crowd yelled "Shamrock Sucks", after the match Ken took the chair and looked for a victim, could this be the start of Shamrock's heel turn, which I have anticipated for a while?
The next day at Raw is War, Shamrock continued his heel turn by stating that he didn't like Detroit (the location of the show). Ken was also involved in a handicap match against the Undertaker and Kane, where Ken teamed up with Mankind and Rocky Maivia, but Ken's team used much time fighting among themselves, but Maivia got the victory. Shamrock continued his heel antics on Sunday Night Heat, October 4, where he teamed up with Mankind wo take on the DOA, during the match Shamrock got a chair and nailed Mankind, to set up their forthcoming battles. The next day at Raw is War, Shamrock won a high profile victory when he defeated Kane with a superplex.
The next week at Raw is War an eight man tournament for the vacant Intercontinental Title was held, in the first match Shamrock squared of against Steve Blackman, who was no trouble for Ken, after the match both men were attacked by the Blue Blazer (Owen Hart). In the second round, Ken took care of Val Venis and made sure that Mankind didn't make it to the final as he waffled him with a chair on the ankle afterwards he went after X-Pac, who was the opponent in the final. X-Pac wasn't an opponent worthy for Ken, who won the match and became WWF Intercontinental Champion for the first time.
Ken was awarded with the Intercontinental Title at Sunday Night Heat, before Judgement Day, Hunter Hearst Helmsley awarded it and followed up with Degeneration X's punch line Suck It, this got Shamrock to attack Hunter later that night by slamming a door on Hunter's knee. Ken's first challenger for the Intercontinental Title was Mankind, the two clashed at Judgement Day in a strong encounter, Shamrock got Mankind in the Ankle Lock but Mankind refused to submit, so he slapped on the Mandible Claw on himself, this got him to pass out. Shamrock was declared the winner but due to the Mandible Claw, this got Shamrock to attack Mankind, but Mankind got up and applied the Mandible claw to Shamrock, looks like these two will clash again.
The next night at Raw is War, Shamrock locked up with X-Pac in a non-title bout, during the match Mankind came to ringside and distracted Shamrock,which brought X-Pac the win. But later that night Shamrock got his revenge, as he attacked Mankind during his match, this was the start of a brawl which brought them into the crowd. The next week on Raw, Shamrock took on Austin in a I Quit match, but the interference from Mankind proved to be too much for Ken, who then got whacked with a chair by Austin, who then used Ken's hand to tap out.
Shamrock's ties with Vince McMahon continued to grew at Raw is War, Novembe 2. The two had obviously talked together about Rocky Maivia, since McMahon stated that Maivia had to capture the Intercontinental Title from Shamrock in order to participate in the tournament for the vacant WWF Title. Ken got himself disqualified when he used a chair on Maivia, which means Maivia will be out of the tournament.
The next week on Raw is War, Shamrock's association with McMahon took a ugly turn, since the Big Boss Man helped Mankind defend the WWF Hardcore Title, when he nailed Ken with the nightstick.
Ken went into the 14 man tournament at Survivor Series, but still put on a good show. In the first match, where Shamrock went up against Goldust, Ken won the match and advanced to the second round. Here he went up against old nemesis Rocky Maivia, the Big Boss Man threw his night stick to Ken, but the Rock got his hands on it and used it to win.
Team Corporate
At Raw is War, the following night, Ken demanded a match against the Big Boss Man, which took place later that night. The two went at like wild lions and the match was declared a no contest, since they kept slugging it out, this brought down Vince McMahon, who stated that both men had worked their ways to the top without any help or family, and that he wanted Shamrock to come home. The three men then shook hands, and Ken is now officially one of Vince McMahon's stooges, which he proved later that night, when he stopped Mankind from getting McMahon and later he pulled out the referee, who was about to make the three count on Rocky Maivia.
As Ken's association with Vince McMahon continues, but at Raw is War, November 23, it didn't turn out the way McMahon wanted it. Ken and the Big Boss Man took on Mankind, but the J.O.B. Squad made sure that Mankind won. Later the J.O.B. Squad and Mankind paid the price as the Ken and Boss Man laid them out. Ken and Boss Man also got some revenge on Sunday Night Heat as they defeated Mankind and Al Snow.
It looks like Ken will feud with Hunter Hearst Helmsley in the future, since Hunter came to the aid of X-Pac at Raw is War, November 30, who Shamrock had locked in the Ankle Lock. The partnership with the Big Boss Man looks to be a winning combination as Shamrock defeated Steve Blackman with a helping hand from the Boss Man at Capital Carnage. Shamrock and Boss Man also teamed up to take on the New Age Outlaws for the WWF Tag Team Title at Rock Bottom, but even though Shawn Michaels did his to help the corporate team, the Outlaws walked away victorious.
The next day on Raw is War, Shawn Michaels ordered a rematch between the two tag teams, because Degeneration X made a parody of the Corporation. During the match Shawn knocked out Billy Gunn, who was then put in the Ankle Lock Toe Hold, so the new WWF Tag Team Champions are Ken Shamrock and the Big Boss Man.
The Corporation are locked in a feud with Degeneration X, and at Raw is War, December 21, it almost turned disastrous, as Shamrock lost a match cleanly to Bad Ass Billy Gunn, but luckily for Shamrock, Shawn Michaels, the commisioner stated that it was a non-title match. the duo of Shamrock and Boss Man will most likely feud with the Acolytes (Bradshaw and Ron Simmons), who came to the ring on Sunday Night Heat and completely destroyed Ken and Boss Man.
Ken also has his Intercontinental Title to attend to and at Raw is War, December 27, he took on Triple H, who won the match due to disqualification, when Ken refused to release the Ankle Lock. Afterwards Shamrock interupted an interview segment with Bad Ass Billy Gunn, and the two got into a shouting match. Later that night Gunn was scheduled for a match, but before the match took place, the Corporation distracted Gunn, so Shamrock put him in the Ankle Lock.
Ken has his problems with the titles he helds and the competition. At Sunday Night Heat, January 3, 1999, Ken and Boss Man lost to Jeff Jarrett and Owen Hart in a non-title match, which didn't sit well with Ken. The following night at Raw is War, Ken took on Steve Blackman in a non-title match, during the match Dan Severn made his way to ringside, Ken then attacked him, but this brought out Billy Gunn, who hit Shamrock with the Rocker Dropper and Blackman then rolled him up for the pin.
Ken's sister
At Raw is War, January 11, Val Venis told a woman to stand up, this brought down Ken, who attacked Venis and said "Don't ever mess with my sister", this brought down Billy Gunn, who mooned the Shamrocks. This got Ken to announce that he would take on Gunn at the Royal Rumble. The next week on Raw is War, Ken was out for revenge, when Gunn took on Test, Shamrock attacked Gunn and ended up by putting him in the Ankle Lock, twisting the ankle so much, that a doctor had to twist it back. But that was not all as Ken together with the Big Boss Man attacked the number one contenders for the tag team title, Owen Hart and Jeff Jarrett.
At the Royal Rumble Ken took on Billy Gunn, whoo was injured thanks to Shamrock's attack. Ken dominated the match, but during the match Ken, Gunn, and the referee went down, this brought Val Venis to the ring and he applied a DDT to Shamrock, this got the advantage back to Gunn, but after he missed an ax-handle from the ropes, Ken put on the Ankle Lock for the win. Ken also participated in the battle royal, but was eliminated, during the battle royal he argued with Test.
Raw is War, January 25, Ken and the Big Boss Man took on Owen Hart and Jeff Jarrett for the WWF Tag Team Title, during the match an African-American disguised as the Blue Blazer whacked the Boss Man with a guitar, the Boss Man was then pinned and the gold was gone. The feud with Val Venis also heated up, as Venis showed a new movie, where he was in the shower with Ken's sister. This got Ken to whack Venis with a chair.
On January 31, Sunday Night Heat, Ken got some revenge for losing the WWF Tag Team Title as he defeated Owen Hart with a belly to belly suplex. The next night at Raw is War, Ken was doing colour commentary for match involving Val Venis against Billy Gunn. Jerry Lawler antagonized Ken about his sister and Venis, which got Ken so mad that he cracked a chair over Venis' head.
At Sunday Night Heat, February 7, Venis and Ken's sister, Ryan, were making out. This got Ken to snap, he attacked Venis, who according to Kevin Keylly had to received medical attention. On February 8, which aired in the USA on February 13, Ken once again snapped and attacked Val and several referees, this resulted in a statement from the officials that no referee wanted to officiate a match with Shamrock, Billy Gunn then stepped up to the plate and stated that he would referee the match between Ken and Val at St. Valentine's Day Massacre.
Ken really had the odds against him at St. Valentine's Day Massacre, but he tried to fight it as he attacked both Val Venis and Billy Gunn at Sunday Night Heat. When it was time for the match Billy Gunn proved to a lousy referee, at one time Ken had Val pinned but Gunn refused to finish the count. Later Ken had Venis in the Ankle Lock, but Ryan helped Val reach the ropes, when Ken confronted her he got slapped. Gunn then ordered Ken back in the ring, but he refused so Gunn rolled him back in the ring, where Val Venis rolled him up, Billy Gunn then made a fast count and thereby Ken lost the IC Title.
The next night at Raw is War, Ken attacked Billy Gunn, who was trying to apologize to Ryan. Later Ken teamed up with the Big Boss Man and Test to take on the Acolytes and Mideon, but the match was declared a no contest. Ken's problems with his sister continued at Sunday Night Heat, when Ken was taking on the Godfather, Billy Gunn and Ryan made it down to ringside, Ken and Gunn then started brawling until officials broke it up. Ken then carried Ryan back to the locker rooms.
The next night at Raw is War, Ken took on Billy Gunn in a match to determine the number one contender for the Intercontinental Title. The match was thrown out of the window, when Val Venis threw Gunn back into the ring, Ken then attacked Venis and Gunn attacked Ken. Officials then seperated the three fighters, this brought down Ryan, who Ken quickly carried to the back.
Raw is War, March 1, Ken tangled with Val Venis and Goldust in a three way dance, during the match Ryan came to the ring, Goldust then planted a kiss on Ryan, which got Ken to snap and he ran after Goldust. Val Venis then won the contest by countout. At Sunday Night Heat, Shamrock teamed with Goldust to take on Billy Gunn and Val Venis, which Shamrock and Goldust won. After the match all four men got into a brawl. The next night at Raw is War - Ken defeated Goldust with the Belly to Belly suplex, afterwards the Blue Meanie attacked him, but Ken shrugged him off and went after Goldust, who already had left the ringside area with Ryan.
At Sunday Night Heat, March 21, Ken along with the rest of Team Corporate were insulted by a paranoid Rocky Maivia. Later Ken took on Road Dogg, but the match was thrown out of the window when Val Venis and Goldust interfered. The next night on Raw is War, the Blue Meanie called out Shamrock, this turned out to be a scam as it was Ryan, who made it to the ring, the Meanie was then about the spank her.Ken then ran down, but he was attacked by Goldust, Ken fought his way out of it, but the Meanie then blasted him with a chair shot. Later Ken along with the Big Boss Man and Test took on the Undertaker and the Acolytes, but the match went to a no contest, when the Boss Man and the Undertaker fought into the crowd.
WrestleMania 15, March 28, Ken was involved in a four way dance against Road Dogg, Goldust and Val Venis. Ken wasn't able to gain the win since he got himself counted out alongside Venis. Ken then snapped and went back to the ring and suplexed everybody in sight.
The Undertaker
The next night at Raw is War, Ken did a good job for Vince McMahon as he found Stephanie McMahon after she was kidnapped by the Ministry of Darkness. But it wasn't easy, Ken called Gangrel and completely dominated the vampire and quickly got him to tap out via the Ankle Lock. This brought down Edge and Christian who delivered a bloodbath to Ken, but he caught Christian in the Ankle Lock got him to tell that Stephanie was in the basement where Ken found her.
Raw is War, April 5, Shamrock took on Viscera from the Ministry of Darkness, when Ken got the advantage, the rest of the Ministry attacked him and stuffed him in the trunk of a car, which the Acolytes took off in. Later the Undertaker sacrificed Ryan Shamrock. At Sunday Night Heat Ken's rage against the Undertaker came into full play, he threw things around and destroyed Midian, but Midian refused to tell where Ryan was, even though Ken still had him in the Ankle Lock. Officials came to the ring and tried to stop Shamrock, but Ken took one out and the rest fled. Ken then promised that the Undertaker would not mess with his or anyone elses family and followed up by addressing the Undertaker by his real name Mark.
The next week on Raw is War, Ken was in the spotlight again, after Shane McMahon had humiliated his father and "cut" the bonds, Ken who was upset about the situation went with Vince. Later when the Undertaker had found a new victim to sacrifice, Debra, Ken stormed to the ring with a baseball bat, the Undertaker then stated that if he hit him he would never see Ryan again and that she was in the boiler room. Ken hurried back to the boiler room, where Mankind showed him the way to Ryan, but then they were attacked by the Ministry, Ken was choked out with a cloth.
The Undertaker then wanted to sacrifice Ken, but also a member of the Brood - Christian - the two other Brood members Edge and Gangrel turned on the rest of the Ministry, when they attacked the Undertaker - this bought Ken enough time to escape from the Undertaker symbol and join in on the beating, which also Mankind did, but the Undertaker escaped. Ken then called the Undertaker out, and he attacked Ken from behind, but Shamrock gained the upper hand until the Ministry attacked him, Ken was then saved by Triple H and Test, but after fighting off the Ministry they turned on Ken, which was a stroke of genius courtesy of Shane.
Ken has been on a roll since he broke away from the Corporation at Sunday Night Heat, April 18, Ken defeated the Big Boss Man and Test in a handicap match, after Big Boss Man refused to tag Test. The next night on Raw is War, Ken once again used a baseball bat to take out some members of the Ministry, but also took on the Big Boss Man in a no holds barred match, which Shamrock easily won with a belly to belly suplex. After the match the Undertaker appeared on the Titan Tron and stated that Ryan was in an abandoned hotel in room 223, on Interstate 96, Ken then raced off.
At Backlash, Ken and the Undertaker put on a great match with good moves and psychology. In the end it was the Undertaker's minions, who secured him the victory. During the match Bradshaw came to the ring with a baseball bat, Ken thwarted him off, and went for a Tombstone on the Undertaker, who reversed it and got the win. After the match Bradshaw pummeled Ken with the bat.
The Union
The next night at Raw is War, Ken took on Bradshaw, but he was quickly double teamed, when Ron Simmons showed up, but Ken got help from Test. Later Ken tried unsuccessfully to stop a ceremony between the Undertaker and Stephanie McMahon. At WWF Smackdown, April 29, Ken got his revenge on Bradshaw, when he choked out the Texan with a baseball bat. Later when the newly formed Corporate Ministry were running rampant on the Rock and Steve Austin, Ken along with Test and Paul Wight came out to stop them.
At Sunday Night Heat, Ken teamed up with Test to defeat the Acolytes, Ken dominated the match and won it fair and square when he put Faarooq in the Ankle Lock, after the match both Test and Ken were attacked by the Corporate Ministry. Ken along with Mankind, Test and Paul Wight formed the Union at Raw is War, May 3, when they interrupted an interview segment with the Corporate Ministry by clearing the ring with 2X4's. For his actions Ken took on Triple H in a match, where Chyna served as the guest referee. Of course Chyna couldn't keep her hands for herself, so she delivered a low blow to Ken, so Triple H could finish him off with the Pedigree.
Together with the Union, Shamrock have wrecked havoc against the Corporate Ministry, but at Raw is War, May 10, Ken was supposed to take on Chyna. Ken didn't want to fight a woman, but when he came out to the ring, he was provoked by both Chyna and Triple H. An angry Shamrock pummeled HHH and then turned around and dropped Chyna with a belly-to-belly suplex! Shamrock stomped out of the ring, kicked the ring steps, and then marched back to the locker room.
During an interview session with the Corporate Ministry, Ken attacked Shane McMahon on Raw is War, May 17, and along with the rest of the Union, he attacked the Corporate Ministry. At Over the Edge in the survivor series match between the Union and the Corporate Ministry, Ken was eliminated by disqualification, when he refused to let go off the ankle lock.
May 24, the night after the terrible accident at Over the Edge, where Owen Hart lost his life. The wrestlers paid tribute to Owen during the show, and after defeating Hardcore Holly, Ken got up on the turnbuckle, yelled and pointed his fingers to the sky.
Feuding with Jeff Jarrett
At Sunday Night Heat, Ken qualified for the Kong of the Ring, when he defeated Jeff Jarrett. After the match Jarrett nailed Ken with a guitar. The next night at Raw is War, Ken took on Val Venis, but during the match Jeff Jarrett and Debra made their way down, this distracted Ken, who got rolled up for the victory to Venis. Ken then hammered Venis down with a suplex before he went after Jarrett.
At Sunday Night Heat, Ken defeated Meat, after the match Jeff Jarrett brained Ken with a guitar, leaving Shamrock in a bloody mess. When Ken got to his senses he challenged Jarrett to a Lion's Den Match to take place at the next night at Raw is War. At Raw is War the next day it was revealed that Vince McMahon was the Greater Power, this didn't sit well with Ken, who felt that Vince had humiliated him, when they together left Team Corporate and when Ken found Stephanie, who had been kidnapped by the Undertaker. So Ken scrapped the match with Jarrett and wanted Vince in the Lion's Den instead. When the match was about to take place, Vince McMahon locked himself in the cage, Ken tried to get in, but Jeff Jarrett showed up and knocked him out with a chair, so Vince had no problems with hooking Ken in the Ankle Lock for the win.
The problems with Jarrett continued at Sunday Night Heat, June 13, during a match between Jarrett and Test, Ken popped up and delivered a belly to belly suplex to Jeff and then left. Later Ken teamed up with Road Dogg to take on Billy Gunn and Chyna, but Jeff taunted Ken, which caused Ken to run after him. Under orders from the McMahons, Ken was to fight Jeff Jarrett in a match, where Ken was in a straightjacket and Jarrett was not, these events took place at Raw is War, June 14. Ken was able to use his superior leg techniques to make Jarrett tap out to a leg hold. The referee should then unlock Ken, but Vince McMahon stole the key. Ken was able to get out of the straightjacket and went after Vince. Ken caught up with Vince and Shane, Shamrock nailed Shane with a belly to belly, but this gave Vince enough time to get away.
To warm up for the King of the Ring two 4 courners elimination matches were held at Sunday Night Heat between the participants from the King of the Ring. Ken fought against Mr. Ass, Kane, and the Big Show. Ken was unsuccessfull in this match as he was disqualified after hitting the referee.
Steve Blackman
Ken is still on the hunt after the McMahons on Raw is War, June 21, he nailed Viscera with a chair, which made the McMahons run for it. Later Ken participated in a three way dance for the Intercontinental Title against Jeff Jarrett and Test. The two Union members fought well together in the start of the match, but when they realised what was at stake the co-operation went down the drain. Steve Blackman then came to the ring and attacked Ken with a kendo stick. Ken also went after the McMahons again, Vince sacrificed Shane to Ken, who responded with a belly to belly as Vince ran away.
At Sunday Night Heat, Ken finally got a chance to lay his hands on one of the McMahons thanks to Shawn Michaels. Ken was originally scheduled to go up against Vince, but winded up with Shane. When Ken finally laid his mitts on Shane, Steve Blackman once again showed up and whacked Ken with a kendo stick, causing Ken to cough up blood, the doctors wouldn't allow Ken to enter the King of the Ring tournament. Ken decided to enter the tournament after all, even though they tried to talk him out of it. Billy Gunn dominated Ken, due to his injury, but when Ken started to spew out blood again the referee called for the bell. Ken then threw the referee around.
The next night at Raw, Ken vowed that he would get to the McMahons but first he had to settle his score with Steve Blackman. It was a weapons match, where Ken claimed that the weapons he needed was his fists. Blackman brought a bunch of weapons and used some nun chucks and used them, which got Ken to cough up blood. Blackman continued the beating with a kendo stick and then left. Ken refused to get any help from the medics. On Raw, July 12, Ken went after Steve Blackman who was beating on Test. Blackman then ran for it, but Ken caught up with him in the back and the two were seperated by several wrestlers.
At Heat, Ken proclaimed that he would face Steve Blackman in an Iron Circle Match (ring of cars), since he had fought under these circumstances before. The next night at Raw, Ken scared off the Mean Street Posse who were attacking Test.
Ken squared off with Steve Blackman at Fully Loaded in an Iron Circle Match. The two men were surrounded by cars and the first man to leave the circle would be declared the winner. It wasn't much of a normal wrestling match but just pure violence. Ken used a chain to choke out Blackman and was then declared the winner.
The next night at Raw is War, Ken paid a high price for his victory over Blackman the night before, because Blackman hit Ken with a car. Ken was scheduled to go up against Triple H, who knew that Ken couldn’t make it. Triple H however taunted Shamrock, so Ken made his way down to the ring, with his ribs taped up. Ken didn’t have much to say in the match, as Triple H immediately started working on the injured areas and soon Ken started to cough up blood, which got the referee to call for the bell. During an UFC event Ken expressed interest in returning to the Octagon, now seems like a good time with Ken being injured in the WWF story lines.
At Raw is War, July 2, Steve Blackman had some remarks about Ken, this got Ken to go after Blackman with a chain, but officials stopped him. At Raw is War, August 9, Ken teamed up with Test to take on Joey Abbs and Steve Blackman, but Ken and Blackman quickly took their fight into the crowd. After the match which Test won, Blackman challenged Ken to a Lion's Den Weapons Match.
The next week on Raw, Ken attacked Blackman, whom was destroying Test with a kendo stick, Shane then started to beat on Ken, but it had no affect, but this gave Blackman the time to come to his senses and nail Ken.
At Summer Slam it was time for the Lion's Den Weapons Match against Steve Blackman. Steve Blackman quickly took advantage of the weapons and started bouncing Ken around. The World's Most Dangerous Man however fought back and got the initiative back. When the Lethal Weapon got his hands on a kendo stick, he knocked Ken out, but instead of leaving the cage he started showboating. Shamrock got back up and got the kendo stick himself, he then used it to smash the brains out of Blackman and then climbed up the cage and was victorious.
At Smackdown, August 26, Ken had an altercation with Chris Jericho and Howard Finkel. Jericho bumped into Ken and then sent Finkel over to mouth with him. Jericho then blasted Ken with a chair. Shamrock then started his search for Jericho, but he escaped in a car, but forgot Finkel, who popped in his pants.
Ken took on Gangrel at Raw is War, August 30, and won the match with the Ankle Lock. After the match the Y2J countdown began, Chris Jericho then showed up at the Titan Tron and challenged Shamrock to a match. Ken wanted to get to Jericho at Smackdown before Chris’ match against X-Pac, but X-Pac held Ken back. When the match was thrown out the window, when the Big Show attacked X-Pac, Ken tried to catch Jericho, who fled through the crowd. But Ken wasn’t through with Jericho as he searched for him, so Ken made short work of his opponent Val Venis. Steve Blackman then came down to attack Ken, who took the weapons away from Blackman, who ended up tasting his own medicine. The Jericho countdown then began and Jericho appeared at the Titan Tron and said that he could be found in the parking lot. Ken raced out there and nailed Jericho in the back, however it turned out to be Howard Finkel in disguise. The real Chris Jericho then knocked out Ken from behind with a snow shovel and then pronounced in best Southpark voice "Oh my God, I killed Kenny".
At Raw is War, Shamrock got to Howard Finkel, but then the Jericho countdown began and Chris Jericho appeared on the Titan Tron and stated that he was the World's Most Dangerous Man and wanted a confrontation at Smackdown.
Shamrock called out Jericho at Smackdown, after a while Jericho appeared inside a small cage with a baseball bat, since he feared Ken would snap. Eventually Ken got a hold of the bat and started to work his way through the bars, Jericho wanted the cage to raise, but Howard Finkel was busy in the back, so Ken got the best of Jericho until officials seperated them.
Jericho continued his humiliation of Ken at Raw is War, September 13, here Jericho stated that he needed a real shootfighter and then proceeded to defeat Gotch Gracy in a matter of seconds in a steel cage "shoot fight". Ken then entered the ring, but Gracy teamed up with Jericho to take Ken out. Gracy was then revealed as Curtis Hughes. Lter in an interview Jericho proclaimed that he brought in Huge to protect Ken from himself.
At Smackdown Jericho wouldn't face Ken because he was afraid, although Jericho said it was the other way around. So Ken ended up fighting Curtis Hughes, a masked referee lead the match. The referee disqualified Ken for not releasing the ankle lock quick enough, when Hughes reached the ropes. Ken then took out his frustrations on the referee, unmasked him and revealed Howard Finkel.
The next week at Smackdown, Ken clashed with Chris Jericho in a fine technical First Blood Match. Ken was basically fighting two men, as Mr. Hughes interfered on several occasions. Ken lost the match as he began to cough up blood due to an attack with a hockey stick courtesy of Chris Jericho.
Since then Ken has been out due to a serious neck injury, which Ken suffered thanks to Curtis Hughes. Shamrock however has inked a contract extension with the WWF so he will working there until 2002.
Shamrock have according to rumors worked a deal with the WWF, so that he can use year 2000 to get a final crack in the world of mixed martial arts and show that he is the best shoot fighter in the World today.
Shoot Fighting
On January 30, Ken was doing commentating for PRIDE (a shoot fight group). Ken stated that he had signed a two-match contract with Dream Stage Entertainment, but that he currently wants to try one fight and see if a second fight would be justified. The contract is rumored to be in the $700,000 range.
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- former South Atlantic Pro Wrestling Champion
- former King of Pancrase
- former UFC Superfight Champion
- King of the Ring 1998
- former WWF Tag Team Champion
- former WWF Intercontinental Champion
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