Paul Orndorff

Paul Orndorff

Birth : 1949-10-29, Brandon, Florida, USA

History

Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr., nicknamed "Mr. Wonderful", was an American professional wrestler and college football player, best known for his appearances with WWE and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). After seven years working around the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), Orndorff became a star in the 1980s WWE wrestling boom, and featured with manager Bobby Heenan and champion Hulk Hogan extensively, including in the main events of the first WrestleMania and Survivor Series. With an untreated neck injury, he left WWE for WCW in early 1988, where he won the WCW World Television Championship and the WCW World Tag Team Championship with Paul Roma (as a team called Pretty Wonderful). Arm atrophy from a nagging injury led him to retire in 2000 and he was treated for cancer in 2011. After retiring, he trained aspiring wrestlers. Orndorff was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and the National Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame in 2009.

Profile

Paul Orndorff

Movies

350 Days
Starring former world champions Bret Hart and Billy Graham, 350 Days is a true look behind the curtains at the grueling life they led on the road 350 days a year and the effect that lifestyle had on their marriages, family, physical and mental health. Featuring Greg Valentine, Tito Santana, Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff, Abdullah The Butcher, Wendi Richter, Bill Eadie, Nikolai Volkoff, Stan Hansen, Angelo Mosca, Lex Luger, and more, this film also includes some of the last interviews ever done with George “The Animal” Steele, Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka, Ox Baker, The Wolfman, Don Fargo, and 99-year-old Angelo Savoldi.
Andre the Giant
Self (archive footage)
An ambitious and wide-ranging documentary exploring Andre’s upbringing in France, his celebrated career in WWE, and his forays in the entertainment world.
WWE Unreleased: 1986-1995
Deep within the WWE archives lie matches never seen before by the WWE Universe. For the first time ever, the vault has been unlocked and WWE Home Video brings you WWE Unreleased Matches: 1985-1996! Hosted by the legendary Sean Mooney and Charly Caruso, these rarities feature a who’s who from the golden age of WWE. With matches featuring Ultimate Warrior, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Hulk Hogan, Demolition, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, and more, this collection is a treasure trove of hidden gems.
WWE Tribute to the Troops 2014
Associate Producer
WWE Tribute to the Troops is an annual event held by WWE together with Armed Forces Entertainment in December around Christmas since 2003 as a way of honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Selected WWE wrestlers and employees travel to the said countries and interact with the members of the U.S. Military for at least three days. The WWE wrestlers regularly visit military camps, bases, and hospitals, including the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital, during their travels to bolster the morale of the troops.[1] WWE then holds a special wrestling show with the troop members in attendance for free. The show features matches involving selected Superstars and Divas from both Raw and SmackDown. The company then airs the matches, as well as videos highlighting their interaction with the members of the military, in a special televised program of the same title.
Legends of Mid-South Wrestling
Himself
For the first time ever, WWE presents the Legends of Mid-South Wrestling. One of the 1980’s hottest territories, Mid-South garnered national attention for its revolutionary storytelling and bruising, athletic matches orchestrated by no-nonsense promoter, “COWBOY” BILL WATTS. Now, the legends and Hall of Famers who cut their teeth in Mid-South share their tales of the fabled proving ground as we deliver OVER 20 classic confrontations from legends Ted DiBiase, Andre The Giant, Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair, Sting, Muhammad Ali, and many more…
WWE: Best of WWE at Madison Square Garden
Himself
The greatest moments from WWE's long and storied history with Madison Square Garden.
WWE - The True Story of WrestleMania
It is the most anticipated yearly event in Sports Entertainment, an annual pop culture touch point. For more than 25 years, WrestleMania has hosted the biggest matches, the biggest stars, and the biggest celebrities. Now for the first time ever, the story of WrestleMania is told from its early beginnings through the week-long spectacular it has become, routinely drawing fans from all 50 states and around the world. This documentary feature includes new and insightful interviews from the superstars and creative forces behind the event.
WWE: The Best of Saturday Night's Main Event
Himself
The phrase Saturday Night s Main Event means the biggest WWE Superstars of the 80s and 90s fighting memorable battles along with humorous and unique vignettes. For the first time ever, the greatest matches in the 18-year history of the event come to DVD with The Best of Saturday Night s Main Event. This 3-disc set includes more than 30 matches, as well as humorous vignettes, interviews, and Superstar recollections of what Saturday Night s Main Event meant to them.
WWE: Hulk Hogan: The Ultimate Anthology
'Mr. Wonderful' Paul Orndorff
The best and most memorable matches from Hulk Hogan's career.
WWE: The History Of The WWE Championship
For more than forty years, the WWE Championship has been one of the most prestigious titles in sports entertainment, History of the WWE Championship presents some of the greatest matches in the title's history. Volume two contains battles from the 90's, with bouts featuring Shawn Michaels, Bret "Hit Man" Hart, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, the Ultimate Warrior, Mankind, and more.
WWE Hall of Fame 2005
Himself
The class of 2005 takes their rightful place in the Hall of Fame, during Wrestlemania 21 weekend. Inductees include "Cowboy" Bob Orton, Nikolai Volkoff, Iron Sheik, "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff, Jimmy Hart, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Hulk Hogan.
WCW Fall Brawl 2000
Himself
Fall Brawl 2000 took place on September 17, 2000 from the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York. The main event was Kevin Nash defending the WCW World Heavyweight Championship against Booker T in a Caged Heat match. Also on the card was Goldberg vs Scott Steiner in a No DQ match, Mike Awesome vs Jeff Jarrett in a bunkhouse brawl, Sting vs The Great Muta vs Vampiro in a Triangle match, Billy Kidman & Madusa vs Shane Douglas & Torrie Wilson in a Scaffold match, an elimination match featuring two 7 man teams (The Filthy Animals vs The Natural Born Thrillers), Lance Storm defending the WCW United States Championship against General Rection, KroniK vs The Harris Brothers in a First Blood Chain match, The Misficts in Action vs 3 Count, and Elix Skipper defending the WCW Cruiserweight Championship against Kwee Wee.
WCW World War 3 1995
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
Sixty men fill three rings for one gigantic Battle Royal for the vacant WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Participants include Lex Luger, "Diamond" Dallas Page, "The Macho Man" Randy Savage and many more. Plus, Sting battles Ric Flair and much more action!
WCW Clash of The Champions XXXI
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
Big Van Vader takes on Ric Flair & Arn Anderson in a 2-on-1 Handicap Match. Harlem Heat & Sister Sherri challenge Bunkhouse Buck, "Dirty" Dick Slater & Col. Robert Parker for a chance at the WCW World Tag Team Championship. Sting teams with Road Warrior Hawk against Meng & Kurasawa. Plus, Hulk Hogan travels to the seventh dimension of The Dungeon of Doom, and more!
WCW Bash at the Beach 1995
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
Hulk Hogan defends the WCW World Heavyweight Championship against Big Van Vader in a Steel Cage Match. "The Macho Man" Randy Savage faces "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair in a Lifeguard Match. Harlem Heat, The Nasty Boys, and The Blue Bloods compete in a Triangle Match for the WCW World Tag Team Championship. Plus, "Diamond" Dallas Page, Sting, and much more.
WCW Slamboree 1995
Himself
Join the stars of yesterday and today as they gather in Florida for Slamboree '95: A Legends Reunion. The Mega Powers of Hulk Hogan & "The Macho Man" Randy Savage battle Ric Flair & Big Van Vader. Sting faces Big Bubba Rogers in a Lights Out Match. The Great Muta defends the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff!
WCW Clash of The Champions XXIX
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
WCW Clash of The Champions XXIX features a huge Six-Man Tag Team Main Event pitting Hulk Hogan, Sting & Dave Sullivan against The Faces of Fear: The Butcher, Avalanche & Kevin Sullivan with Mr. T as the special referee! The WCW World Tag Team Championship is on the line when Pretty Wonderful defends against Stars and Stripes. Vader battles Dustin Rhodes and much more.
WCW Halloween Havoc 1994
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
Halloween Havoc 1994 took place on October 23, 1994 from the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The main event was a Steel Cage career vs. career match between Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Other matches included The Nasty Boys vs Terry Funk & Bunkhouse Buck, The Guardian Angel vs Vader, Jim Duggan vs Steve Austin in defense of the WCW US Heavyweight Championship, Dustin Rhodes vs Arn Anderson, Kevin Sullivan vs Dave Sullivan, Johnny B. Badd vs The Honky Tonk Man in defense of the WCW World TV Championship, and Pretty Wonderful challenging Stars & Stripes for the WCW World Tag Team Championships.
WCW Fall Brawl 1994
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
Team Rhodes, comprised of The Nasty Boys, Dustin Rhodes & Dusty Rhodes, battles The Stud Stable of Terry Funk, Arn Anderson, Bunkhouse Buck & Col. Robert Parker. Vader collides with Sting and The Guardian Angel in a Triangle Elimination Match. Kevin Sullivan faces Cactus Jack in a Loser Leaves WCW Match. Plus, "Stunning" Steve Austin and much more!
WCW Clash of The Champions XXVIII
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
WCW World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan defends against Ric Flair. "Stunning" Steve Austin defends the WCW United States Championship against Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat. Antonio Inoki takes on "Lord" Steven Regal in an international showdown. Dustin & Dusty Rhodes take on Terry Funk & Bunkhouse Buck. The Nasty Boys take on Pretty Wonderful.
WCW Bash at The Beach 1994
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
Hulk Hogan battles Ric Flair for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Pretty Wonderful faces Cactus Jack & Kevin Sullivan for the WCW World Tag Team Championship. The WCW United States Championship is up for grabs when "Stunning" Steve Austin battles Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat. Plus, Big Van Vader, Terry Funk, Arn Anderson, and more are in action!
WCW SuperBrawl IV
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
Ric Flair goes toe-to-toe against Vader for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship inside the ThunderCage. Sting, Brian Pillman & Dustin Rhodes join forces to take on "Stunning" Steve Austin, Rick Rude & Paul Orndorff inside the ThunderCage. Cactus Jack & Maxx Payne battle The Nasty Boys for the WCW Tag Team Championships and much more!
WCW Clash of The Champions XXVI
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair teams with Sting to battle Big Van Vader and the International World Heavyweight Champion Rick Rude in a Tag Team Elimination Match. Col. Robert Parker goes beak to beak with Brian Pillman and the loser must dress up as a chicken on live TV. Dustin Rhodes, Lord Steven Regal, and more in action.
WCW Starrcade 1993
Himself
In the tenth annual Starrcade, "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair battles Big Van Vader for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Sting joins forces with Road Warrior Hawk to face The Nasty Boys. "Stunning" Steve Austin challenges Dustin Rhodes for the WCW United States Championship in a 2-Out-of-3 Falls Match. "Ravishing" Rick Rude collides with The Boss.
WCW Battle Bowl
"Mr. Wonderful"
WCW stars are forced to randomly team up through a Lethal Lottery. Unusual pairings include "Stunning" Steve Austin & Ric Flair, Vader & Cactus Jack, and Ricky Steamboat & Lord Steven Regal. Winning teams advance to the enormous Battle Bowl Battle Royale main event!
WCW Clash of The Champions XXV
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
Ric Flair challenges Big Van Vader for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. "Ravishing" Rick Rude puts the WCW International World Heavyweight Championship on the line against Road Warrior Hawk. The Nasty Boys defend the WCW World Tag Team Championship against Sting & "The British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith. "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes defends the WCW United States Championship against "Stunning" Steve Austin and more.
WCW Halloween Havoc 1993
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
Spin The Wheel...Make The Deal II. Cactus Jack and Big Van Vader battle in a match type determined by spinning a wheel. Rick Rude defends the WCW International World Heavyweight Championship against Ric Flair. Sting battles Sid Vicious. Dustin Rhodes defends the United States Championship against "Stunning" Steve Austin. Plus, The Nasty Boys and more!
WCW Fall Brawl 1993
Himself
WCW Fall Brawl '93: War Games took place on September 19, 1993 from the Astro Arena in Houston, Texas. The main event was a WarGames match featuring the team of Sting, Davey Boy Smith, Dustin Rhodes, and The Shockmaster versus Sid Vicious, Vader, and Harlem Heat (Kole & Kane). The WCW International World Heavyweight Championship was defended by Ric Flair against Rick Rude while the WCW World Tag Team Championships were defended by Arn Anderson & Paul Roma against The Nasty Boys. Other matches included Yoshi Kwan vs Cactus Jack, Shanghai Pierce vs Ice Train, 2 Cold Scorpio & Marcus Bagwell against The Equalizer and Paul Orndorff, and Rick Steamboat defending the WCW TV Championship against Lord Steven Regal.
WCW Clash of The Champions XXIV
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
WCW Clash of The Champions XXIV occurred on August 18, 1993 in Daytona Beach, Florida from The Ocean Center. Lord Steven Regal replaced the injured Brian Pillman. On September 1, Anderson and Roma would be stripped of the NWA World Tag Team Championship, due to WCW withdrawing from the NWA. Bobby Eaton replaced Regal, who replaced Pillman in the earlier match. If Vader had been disqualified in the main event, he would have lost the title to Smith. Cactus Jack returned after the main event match, attacking Vader. The Shockmaster made his WCW debut in one of the most infamous moments in wrestling history.
WCW Beach Blast 1993
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
Beach Blast 1993 took place on July 18, 1993 and emanated from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi. The main event was Sting & Davey Boy Smith versus Sid Vicious & Big Van Vader. Barry Windham defended the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Rick Flair and a 30 minute Iron Man Challenge was held between Rick Rude and Dustin Rhodes for the vacant WCW United States Championship belt. Two other title matches took place as well with The Hollywood Blondes defended the WCW World Tag Team Championships against Paul Roma & Arn Anderson and Paul Orndorff defending the WCW World TV Championship against Ron Simmons.
WCW Clash of The Champions XXIII
Paul Orndorff (Manager)
WCW Clash of The Champions XXIII (23) took place on June 16, 1993 in Norfolk, Virginia at The Norfolk Scope. Dick Slater replaced WCW World Television Champion Paul Orndorff, who was injured in a car accident. Earlier, Maxx Payne shot Johnny B. Badd in the face with his Badd Blaster. A dark match saw Jim Neidhart defeat Shanghai Pierce.
WCW Slamboree 1993
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
Slamboree 1993: A Legends' Reunion was the first annual Slamboree professional wrestling pay-per-view produced by WCW. It took place on May 23, 1993 at The Omni in Atlanta, Georgia. A "Legends Ceremony" occurred at the event, and introduced several legends. The WCW Hall of Fame induction ceremony also occurred, and Lou Thesz, Mr. Wrestling II, Verne Gagne, and Eddie Graham were the inductees. The PPV also saw the reformation of the Four Horsemen, now consisting of Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Ole Anderson, and new member Paul Roma. The main event was Big Van Vader defending the WCW World Heavyweight Title against Davey Boy Smith. Barry Windham defended the NWA World Heavyweight Title against Arn Anderson and The Hollywood Blondes defended the NWA & WCW World Tag Team Championships against Dos Hombres in a steel cage match.
WCW SuperBrawl III
Himself
SuperBrawl III took place on February 21, 1993 from the Asheville Civic Center in Asheville, North Carolina. This event marked the return of Ric Flair to WCW. The main event was Big Van Vader defending the WCW World Heavyweight Championship against Sting in a White Castle of Fear Strap match. The Great Muta defended the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Barry Windham and Dustin Rhodes defended the WCW U.S. Heavyweight Championship against Maxx Payne. Other matches include The Rock N' Roll Express vs The Heavenly Bodies (from Smokey Mountain Wrestling), Cactus Jack vs Paul Orndorff in a Falls-Count-Anywhere match, "The British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith vs "Wild" Bill irwin, and Chris Benoit vs. 2 Cold Scorpio.
WCW Clash of The Champions XXII
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
January 13, 1993 in Milwaukee. This was the last Clash for announcer Jim Ross who shortly after this event was fired by WCW and joined the WWF. Originally, it was scheduled to be Sting, Dustin Rhodes, Ron Simmons, and Van Hammer against Big Van Vader, Barry Windham, The Barbarian, and Rick Rude; due to injuries, Hammer and Rude dropped out and Orndorff took Rude's place. Earlier on the show, Vader's team got rid of Barbarian, and Vader injured Simmons. Cactus Jack came in during the match, siding with Sting and Rhodes, thus turning face. Johnny B. Badd replaced Erik Watts, where the storyline was that he was suspended from WCW, due to an altercation with Arn Anderson. Tony Atlas replaced Hammer in the arm-wrestling contest.
SMW Fire on The Mountain 1992
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
Tag Team action at it's finest as The Heavenly Bodies collide with The Fantastics, plus all your favorite Smokey Mountain Superstars get set to start the fire!
SMW Volunteer Slam 1992
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
The very first supershow presented by Smokey Mountain Wrestling on May 22, 1992 from The Knoxville Civic Coliseum in Knoxville, Tennessee!
UWF Beach Brawl
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
The crowning of the SportsChannel TV Champion Live on Pay Per View!
WCW Great American Bash '90: New Revolution
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
The Great American Bash '90 took place on July 7, 1990 at the Baltimore Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. The main event was Ric Flair defending the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Sting. Mark Callous challenged Lex Luger for the NWA US Championship, Doom defended the NWA World Tag Team Championships against the Rock 'n' Roll Express, The Four Horsemen fought Paul Orndorff, Junkyard Dog, and El Gigante, and The Steiner Brothers wrestled The Fabulous Freebirds. Other matches included Big Van Vader vs Tom Zenk, Mike Rotunda vs Iron Sheik, and 4 other matches.
WCW Clash of The Champions XI: Coastal Crush
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
Clash of the Champions XI took place on June 13, 1990 in Charleston, South Carolina. There were 4100 fans in attendance at the McAlister Field House on the campus of The Citadel and the show drew a 4.1 rating on TBS. This was the build up show for The Great American Bash.
TWA Summer Sizzler
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
The Tri-State Wrestling Alliance takes over Philly with an all-star card so hot, it's sure to burn the ropes!
TWA Spring Spectacular
Himself
The Tri-State Wrestling Alliance bring you an incredible night of action with the biggest wrestling superstars!
WWE Survivor Series 1987
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
A team led by "The Macho Man" Randy Savage and Jake "The Snake" Roberts battles a team featuring The Honky Tonk Man & "The King of Wrestling" Harley Race. A Women’s Survivor Series Match includes Sensational Sherri and Fabulous Moolah. WWE Champion Hulk Hogan’s team battles André The Giant’s team, plus much more!
WWE Hulkamania 2
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
Hulk-a-mania is running wilder than ever with more of the world's greatest athlete!
WWE The Big Event
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
The Big Event was a Canada-only professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), which took place on August 28, 1986, at the Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, Ontario. The event drew a legitimate crowd of 74,000 fans which was an outdoor attendance record at the time. The event set an attendance record for a wrestling show that would not be beaten until WrestleMania III. The main event heading into the event was between WWF Champion Hulk Hogan and Paul Orndorff for the WWF Championship.
Wrestling's Living Legend Bruno Sammartino
Truly in a class by himeself! Once Bruno on the mat - watch out! Relive some of Bruno Sammartino's greatest moments, including encounters with Roddy Piper, Paul Orndorff, and much more.
WrestleMania II
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
Mr. T vs. Roddy Piper in a Boxing match Battle Royal featuring superstars and athletes from the WWF and NFL Hulk Hogan (c) vs. King Kong Bundy in a Steel Cage match for the WWF Championship
Andre the Giant
'Mr. Wonderful' Paul Orndorff (archive footage)
Some of this wrestler's best fights.
The Wrestling Classic
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
The Wrestling Classic was a World Wrestling Federation pay-per-view event that took place on November 7, 1985 from the Rosemont Horizon in Rosemont, Illinois. The main event was the finals of a 16-man tournament where Junkyard Dog defeated Randy Savage. The undercard featured a 16-man single-elimination tournament, Hulk Hogan versus Roddy Piper for the WWF Championship and a contest where Michael Hamley won a Rolls Royce.
Rowdy Roddy Piper's Greatest Hits
Paul Orndorff
"Mean" Gene Okerlund begrudgingly hosts this collection of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper's greatest hits; from memorable editions of "Piper's Pit" to thrilling matches with Hulk Hogan and Jimmy Snuka, it's an exciting look at the one-and-only Hot Rod.
The Best of the WWF: volume 4
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
The biggest superstars of the WWF in their best matches
WrestleMania
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
The first annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view event taking place on March 31, 1985, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The show featured nine professional wrestling matches with the main event match pitting Hulk Hogan and Mr. T against Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff.
WWE War to Settle the Score
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
The War to Settle The Score was a professional wrestling event (with only the last match was shown on MTV) produced by the World Wrestling Federation. It took place at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York on February 18, 1985. The main event featured Hulk Hogan defending the WWF Championship against Roddy Piper. Hogan retained the title after Piper got disqualified in the only match of the event that was shown on MTV.
Best of the WWF Volume 2
'Mr. Wonderful' Paul Orndorff
Gorilla Monsoon hosts this second volume of some of the best WWF has to offer.
The WWF's Most Unusual Matches
Paul Orndorff
Some of the most unusual matches in WWF History.
Wrestling's Bloopers, Bleeps and Bodyslams!
Himself
WWF Wrestling bloopers.
WWE The Brawl to End it All
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
The Brawl to End It All was a professional wrestling event produced by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and broadcast live on MTV. It took place at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York on July 23, 1984. The show was a major event in the Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection in the mid-1980s WWF. The main event featured The Fabulous Moolah defending the WWF Women's Championship against Wendi Richter. Richter pinned Moolah to win the Women's Championship. It was the only match of the event that was shown on national television. The entire event was recorded and shown on the Madison Square Garden network however.