Taz vs. Stokely Hathaway: A Social Media Showdown in AEW
In the world of professional wrestling, where scripted drama often overshadows real-life conflicts, occasionally the lines blur, resulting in entertaining moments that take place off the ring. One such moment unfolded recently between All Elite Wrestling (AEW) commentator and wrestling legend Taz and AEW manager Stokely Hathaway.1
Known for his sharp wit and playful antics on social media, Stokely Hathaway’s latest post took aim at Taz, calling him “insufferable.” In response, Taz, who is not one to back down from a confrontation, fired back with an unexpected accusation—claiming that Hathaway had failed to pay him after an alleged agreement between the two.
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Taz: The Unstoppable Force in Wrestling and Commentary
Taz, born Peter Senerchia on October 11, 1967, is a former professional wrestler and current commentator, well known for his no-nonsense persona both in and out of the ring. Throughout his career, Taz established himself as a force to be reckoned with, thanks to his intense in-ring style and “Human Suplex Machine” moniker.
A dominant figure in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) during the 1990s, Taz’s innovative and brutal suplex techniques earned him a reputation as one of the toughest men in the business.
Stokely Hathaway: A Master of Social Media Antics
On the other hand, Stokely Hathaway, born Malcolm Bivens, has become one of the most entertaining managers in professional wrestling, thanks to his charisma and unparalleled comedic timing. Though he doesn’t compete in the ring, Hathaway’s sharp tongue and quick wit have made him a standout in AEW’s managerial ranks.
Whether he’s cutting promos or engaging in hilarious social media antics, Hathaway knows how to captivate an audience.
The Social Media Exchange: Taz Strikes Back
It all started with a seemingly innocuous post from Hathaway, who has a long history of poking fun at his colleagues in the wrestling world.
His latest target? Taz. In his usual tongue-in-cheek fashion, Hathaway referred to the AEW commentator as “insufferable” in a social media post. It was a comment that likely would have been brushed off by most, but not by Taz.
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Taz Reflects on His WWE Debut: A Defining Moment at the 2000 Royal Rumble
Taz, one of the most iconic and fearsome figures in professional wrestling during the 1990s, made a significant impact on the industry long before he joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a commentator.2
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Having already carved out a legendary career in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), Taz eventually made his way to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2000.
Taz’s Rise to Fame in ECW
Before diving into Taz’s WWE debut, it’s essential to understand the reputation he had built for himself in ECW. Taz, born Peter Senerchia, was a dominant force in ECW during the mid-to-late 1990s.3
His in-ring style, which combined technical wrestling with high-impact suplexes, made him one of the most feared competitors in the promotion. Under the leadership of Paul Heyman, ECW embraced an edgier, more hardcore style of wrestling, and Taz quickly became one of its top stars.
The Royal Rumble 2000: Taz vs. Kurt Angle
The stage for Taz’s WWE debut was set at the Royal Rumble 2000, one of WWE’s most popular pay-per-views. His opponent was none other than Kurt Angle, a former Olympic gold medalist who was quickly rising through the ranks of WWE.
Angle had remained undefeated since his debut in late 1999, boasting an impressive winning streak that made him one of the hottest new stars in the company.
The Match: Taz Ends Kurt Angle’s Undefeated Streak
The match itself was short but highly impactful. From the moment the bell rang, Taz took the fight to Kurt Angle, showcasing his trademark suplexes and hard-hitting offense. The suplex machine lived up to his reputation, throwing Angle around the ring with a series of high-angle suplexes that left the Olympic hero reeling.
Peter Senerchia (Taz): A Multi-Faceted Wrestling Icon
Peter Senerchia, widely recognized by his ring name Taz (also spelled Tazz), has made an indelible mark on professional wrestling. Born on October 11, 1967, Taz transitioned from a successful wrestling career to becoming a prominent radio personality, color commentator, and manager.
Currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Taz plays multiple roles in the organization as a commentator and manager, leveraging his deep industry experience.
Early Life and Entry into Wrestling
Born and raised in Red Hook, Brooklyn, Peter Senerchia’s path to becoming a wrestling legend was not straightforward. Initially, he had a keen interest in martial arts and amateur wrestling, which gave him a strong foundation for his future in professional wrestling.
Taz began his professional wrestling career in the late 1980s, performing in various independent circuits. He gradually built a reputation for his technical prowess and no-nonsense approach inside the ring. His early experiences prepared him for his later success in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), where he would become one of the most iconic figures.
That’s me in Seattle with the OG AEW DEVIL… The Coldhearted Handsome Devil, HOOK. pic.twitter.com/uLtF917XGZ
— taz (@OfficialTAZ) October 7, 2023
ECW: The Rise of “The Human Suplex Machine”
- Taz rose to prominence in ECW during the 1990s, a period when the promotion was known for its intense, hardcore style of wrestling. Adopting the moniker “The Human Suplex Machine,” Taz became famous for his aggressive style, especially his mastery of suplexes and submission holds.
- His in-ring psychology and ability to execute multiple suplex variations gave him a distinct edge over his opponents. His persona in ECW was one of a legitimate tough guy, and fans gravitated toward his authenticity.
- Taz’s ECW World Heavyweight Championship reign and his brutal submission holds, most notably the Tazmission (Kata Hajime), are legendary. He played a pivotal role in shaping ECW’s identity as a counter-culture alternative to mainstream wrestling promotions like WWE.
- His rivalry with Sabu, his matches with Bam Bam Bigelow, and his leadership of the FTW (Fk The World) Championship** further cemented his place as a top star in the promotion.
WWE: The Transition to Mainstream Success
In 2000, Taz made his much-anticipated debut in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) (formerly WWF). His debut at the Royal Rumble 2000 was one for the ages, as he defeated Kurt Angle, handing the Olympic gold medalist his first loss in WWE.
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Professional Wrestling Career of Senerchia
Senerchia, better known by his ring name Taz, embarked on his professional wrestling journey in the late 1980s, starting in the World Wrestling Council (WWC) in Puerto Rico. His debut match on June 3, 1987, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, marked the beginning of a career that would see him rise through the ranks of the wrestling world.
Having been trained by the legendary Johnny Rodz, Taz developed a reputation for his toughness, technical skills, and aggressive in-ring style, all of which would come to define his career.
Early Beginnings in World Wrestling Council (WWC)
The WWC was one of the leading wrestling promotions in Puerto Rico at the time of Taz’s debut. Founded by wrestling icons Carlos Colón and Victor Jovica, the promotion was known for its high-intensity matches and fierce rivalries.
The experience Senerchia gained during his time in WWC was invaluable, allowing him to hone his craft and develop his persona.
Transition to the American Wrestling Scene
After gaining experience in Puerto Rico, Senerchia transitioned to wrestling in the United States, competing for various independent promotions in the Northeast. His move to the American wrestling scene was a strategic one, as it allowed him to showcase his talents to a broader audience and to evolve his wrestling style.
It was in these early years that he began to experiment with different personas and approaches, ultimately settling on the character of Taz.
The Rise of Taz in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW)
- The turning point in Senerchia’s career came when he joined Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in the early 1990s.
- ECW, under the leadership of Paul Heyman, was known for its edgy, hardcore wrestling style and attracted a cult following among fans who craved something different from the more family-friendly promotions like WWE.
- Taz quickly became one of the top stars in ECW, where he fully embraced his persona as a shoot-style wrestler with a focus on submission holds, suplexes, and an intense in-ring style.
- His new persona, “The Human Suplex Machine,” showcased his ability to deliver devastating suplexes from a variety of angles, and his finishing move, the Tazmission (a katahajime chokehold), became one of the most feared submission holds in professional wrestling.
Tazz’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into His Financial Success
Tazz, born Anthony Robert Senerchia Jr., is a name synonymous with intensity and skill in the world of professional wrestling. Known for his work in ECW and WWE, as well as his current role as a commentator and radio presenter, Tazz has built a substantial net worth throughout his career. As of now, his net worth is estimated at $3 million.
Early Career: The Foundation of Success
Tazz began his wrestling career in the late 1980s, making his professional debut on June 3, 1987, in the World Wrestling Council (WWC) in Puerto Rico. Trained by Johnny Rodz, he quickly gained recognition for his hard-hitting style and technical proficiency.
His time in WWC, although formative, did not bring immediate financial rewards. However, the experience he gained was invaluable, laying the groundwork for his future success.
Transition to the United States
After establishing himself in Puerto Rico, Tazz transitioned to the American wrestling scene. He competed in various independent promotions, building a reputation that eventually caught the attention of ECW.
It was in ECW that Tazz’s career truly began to take off, and this promotion was instrumental in shaping his identity as “The Human Suplex Machine.”
Rise to Fame in ECW
Tazz’s time in ECW was marked by intense rivalries and memorable matches that resonated with fans. His unique in-ring style, characterized by a blend of submission holds and suplexes, quickly earned him a loyal following.
He became one of the top stars in the promotion, and his popularity skyrocketed when he captured the ECW World Heavyweight Championship.
Financial Gains in ECW
The success Tazz found in ECW had significant financial implications. As a top performer, he was able to negotiate a lucrative contract, which contributed substantially to his net worth.
Additionally, his merchandise sales, including T-shirts and action figures, provided an additional revenue stream. The exposure gained during this period was crucial, as it opened doors for Tazz in larger promotions.
FAQ’S
1. What was the context of the “insufferable” comment made by the AEW talent?
Ans: The comment referred to a specific situation or personality within AEW that the talent found frustrating. It highlighted issues related to backstage dynamics or creative decisions that prompted the strong reaction.
2. How did Taz respond to the comment?
Ans: Taz addressed the comment during a podcast episode, emphasizing the importance of professionalism in the wrestling business. He urged talent to handle grievances privately rather than airing them publicly, suggesting that such comments could create unnecessary drama.
3. What are Taz’s credentials in the wrestling industry?
Ans: Taz is a veteran wrestler, commentator, and trainer with a career spanning several decades. He is known for his time in ECW, WWE, and TNA, and currently serves as a commentator for AEW, bringing extensive experience and insight to the industry.
4. What was the reaction from the AEW community regarding Taz’s response?
Ans: The AEW community had mixed reactions. Some fans and colleagues supported Taz’s call for professionalism, while others felt that the original comment was valid and reflected genuine frustrations within the organization.
5. Is there any possibility of further fallout from this situation?
Ans: While Taz’s response aimed to quell the situation, ongoing tensions or disagreements could lead to more discussions or conflicts. However, it remains to be seen if this will escalate or if the parties involved will move forward constructively.
