Marc Mero: Wrestling Life Hall of Fame Induction

MARC MERO is Badd, he’s a Wildman, and now he’s officially been inducted into the Wrestling Life Hall of Fame Class of 2025!

In a career that saw him win championships across the biggest promotions in professional wrestling, Mero captivated audiences from the start.

The legendary “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes saw something special in Mero and gave him his big break in 1991. Bursting onto the scene as Johnny B. Badd in World Championship Wrestling, it wasn’t long before the charismatic showman was contending for the WCW World Television Title, battling champion “Stunning” Steve Austin multiple times in his rookie year.

After a rapid rise, Johnny B. Badd cut his teeth against the likes of Mick “Cactus Jack” Foley and Sting before finally capturing the TV Title at Fall Brawl in 1994, defeating Lord Steven Regal. He successfully defended the belt against Jean-Paul Levesque (later known as Triple H), The Honky Tonk Man and Bobby Eaton before dropping it to Arn Anderson in January 1995.

Bouncing back has always been part of Marc Mero’s story and Halloween Havoc saw him do just that. In October 1995, he regained the TV Title by defeating Diamond Dallas Page. After losing the belt to Lex Luger at a house show in February 1996, he won it back the very next night for his third reign.

Vince McMahon had first made a move for Mero in 1993. Flown to Stamford and wined and dined, he ultimately re-signed with WCW under the new leadership of Eric Bischoff. But in 1996, Mero finally accepted McMahon’s offer and became the first WWF Superstar on a guaranteed contract, a landmark moment that helped reshape the business.

Debuting as The Wildman, Mero won the Intercontinental Championship in his first year, beating Farooq in a tournament final on Monday Night Raw. He defended the title against Diesel, Goldust and Steve Austin before eventually being defeated by Hunter Hearst Helmsley.

As the Attitude Era gained momentum, Mero was repackaged as “Marvellous” Marc Mero – a nod to his glittering amateur boxing career, which saw him win four New York State titles, including the Golden Gloves. His final WWF match came at Capital Carnage in the UK in 1998.

Today, Mero is a powerful motivational speaker and the founder of Champion of Choices, a life-changing programme that’s inspired young people for more than 18 years. His story is one of true resilience, and the legacy he leaves behind stretches far beyond wrestling.

In this very special Wrestling Life with Ben Veal induction episode,Marc Mero reflects on the journey to the top: the triumphs, the challenges, and the moments that made him one of WCW and the WWF’s most unforgettable stars. Including:

• Founding his life-changing Champion of Choices programme

• Getting his big break from Dusty Rhodes

• His favourite moments as Johnny B. Badd

• Living without regret and facing adversity head-on

• Writing his Badd To Good memoir

• Relationships with Eric Bischoff, Mick Foley and Vince Russo

• Reflecting on his failed marriage with Sable

• Performing at WrestleMania XIV

• His views on the Brawl for All – and John Bradshaw Layfield

• Sharing the ring with Dusty Rhodes in 2004

• His friendships with Diamond Dallas Page and Lex Luger

• Navigating his faith in the world of pro wrestling.

Subscribe : Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music  

Marc Mero On Dusty Rhodes: The American Dream Discovered Me

Marc Mero – formerly Johnny B. Badd in World Championship Wrestling – reflects on meeting Dusty Rhodes in Atlanta, and how The American Dream changed the course of his life forever.

“If it wasn’t for Dusty Rhodes, we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now. He was just an incredible mentor, friend and coach.

“He discovered me. I was a guy getting beat up in pro wrestling by the superstars for $150 on national television. He saw something in me and brought this character to life named Johnny B. Badd – and my life took off.

“For as long as I’m around, I’m always gonna remember this man who changed my life.”

WWE Backstage Backlash After Marc Mero’s Intercontinental Title Win

“Wildman” Marc Mero discusses winning the WWE Intercontinental Championship in September 1996, dedicating the moment to Jesus Christ, and the reaction it sparked backstage. He also reflects on what that belt represents to him today.

“At that time, I was really living my life for Christ. My marriage was strong, my faith was strong, and it just came out. I was so overjoyed and everything in my life was so good at that time.

“Of course there was a lot of backlash. Does it bother you? Yeah, it hurts you. Not everybody thinks or believes the same way you do.

“But looking back now, I’m glad that soundbite will always be out there.”

Marc Mero: I Dedicated My WCW TV Title Win To My Mom

Marc Mero, best known in WCW as Johnny B. Badd, shares the significance of his first WCW Television Title victory over Steven Regal. And the emotional dedication that made it unforgettable.

“Winning my first title ever – which was the World Television Title beating Steve Regal – was probably one of the most memorable moments of my WCW career.

“Somebody believed in me, other than Dusty Rhodes. They believe I could carry the belt and make a difference in professional wrestling. The honour of carrying that belt – my first one – is something that I’ll never forget.

“I remember dedicating it to Momma B. Badd – to dedicate it to my mom.”

Bradshaw Was a Bully: Marc Mero On Fighting JBL

Marc Mero talks candidly about his real-life tension with John Bradshaw Layfield in the late ’90s, their Brawl For All clash, and how their relationship evolved after leaving the business behind.

“I knew he didn’t like me, and it was very obvious. When we wrestled each other, he was very, very stiff. His powerbombs, it felt like he was trying to put you right through the mat. His clothesline, they always seemed to go up a little higher than where they should – hitting you at the top of your chest.

“I guess, when you really think about it, you know he’s trying to hurt you. So I was very aware of it ,and very quick-minded to go down – go with the punch, or go with the clotheslines, or the powerbomb, or whatever I could to protect myself.

“But knowing we didn’t like each other back then, when I had the opportunity to fight him in the Brawl For All, I was excited about it. I just couldn’t wait.”

Marc Mero Speaks Out on Sable and Brock Lesnar

Marc Mero opens up in new book Badd To Good bout his past with Sable, their split, and her relationship with Brock Lesnar. He reflects on forgiveness, fatherhood, and finding peace after personal heartbreak.

“Forgiveness is so important in life. If you don’t forgive someone, it’s a cancer that eventually destroys you.

“I wish her absolutely the best. We share a daughter together. I’m so happy for her, her life, her marriage, and her kids and everything she’s got going on.

“No animosity, no bitterness, no resentment – and total forgiveness.”

Marc Mero is a former WWE and WCW superstar who illustrates what Wrestling Life is all about. From riding high in the Attitude Era as “Marvellous” Marc Mero to hitting rock bottom after losing his marriage and financial fortune, he’s the walking, talking embodiment of what it means to be a Hall of Famer.

Marc has since used his fame to make a difference in the world through his Champion of Choices programme, which has touched and changed countless young lives. He’s the Baddest good guy in professional wrestling – and now he’s in the Wrestling Life Hall of Fame.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lee Herbert is the author of the forthcoming book Rampage — a heartfelt tribute to the glory days of the WWF’s first UK boom. Packed with moments, merch, and memories, it explores how a golden era of American wrestling turned a generation of British kids into lifelong fans. Lee’s writing is a celebration of everything that’s great about professional wrestling. Follow the book's progress at @wwframpagebook.

WRESTLING LIFE ONLINE: REAL TALK FROM REAL TALENT

Wrestling Life with Ben Veal shines the spotlight brightly and positively on those who shaped wrestling's past, drive its present and influence its future. Widely available, the show features honest, open and inspiring conversations with many of the sport's biggest names, including Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam, Mick Foley, Lilian Garcia, Candice Michelle, Buff Bagwell, Doug Williams, Eric Bischoff and many more. The show is presented by award-winning journalist and content creator Ben Veal, co-author of Marc Mero's autobiography, Badd To Good: The Inspiring Story of a Wrestling Wildman.

Subscribe : Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music