Ken Shamrock is an American mixed-style fighter and former wrestler. His legendary career includes fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling (TNA, now GFW) and participation in the Wrestling Championship. Called "the most dangerous person in the world" in the ABC news at the very beginning of his career, Ken proved that he rightfully won every title.
He became the first UFC champion (later known as the World Heavyweight Championship). He also became the first foreign MMA champion in Japan after receiving the title of King Pancrase. He was the No. 1 mixed martial artist in the world and was considered one of the greatest in his extraordinary career. At WWE, he is the one-time WWF Intercontinental Champion, the one-time WWF Team Champion, and the 1998 King of the Ring. As a TNA boxer, he was a one-time NWA heavyweight champion and winner of the 2002 Golden Gloves.
Childhood and early life
Kenneth Wayne Kilpatrick was born at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia. He lived there until four years old. His father, Richard Kilpatrick, worked in the US Air Force, and his mother, Diana Kilpatrick, was a dancer and a waitress.
Shamrock had three brothers. After his father abandoned his family, his mother married aviation pilot Bob Nance, and they all moved to Napa, California.
Due to the adverse environment, Ken, along with his brothers, was initially addicted to drugs. He also participated in sports and played in Little League Baseball and Pop Warner football.
In virginity, he often had to fight. At the age of 10, Shamrock, after participating in an armed robbery, was sent to a juvenile center.
At age 13, his stepfather kicked him out of the house, and Ken lived in cars until he found a foster home. He was later placed at Bob Shamrock's Boys Home in Susanville, California. From that moment on, his whole life changed. He was adopted by Bob Shamrock and changed his surname.
He entered the Lassen High School and excelled in football as well as in wrestling. After a severe neck injury, the doctors told him that a full recovery was not possible.
He later joined Shasta College and became the captain of a football team, and he was offered to try himself in the National Football League, but Ken rejected the offer.
As an amateur wrestler, he made his debut in 1989, setting himself the goal of becoming a professional.
Professional career
The sports biography of Ken Shamrock is very eventful. In the period from 1990 to 1997, he alternately was either in Japan or in Miami, demonstrating his abilities. He performed under such names as Wayne Shamrock, Vince Torelli and Mr. Wrestling.
On February 24, 1997, he first appeared in WWF (now WWE). On March 23, 1997, he was named the BBC Channel “The Most Dangerous Man in the World” after participating in a match between Brettlem Hart and Steve Austin at Wrestlemania 13.
At Wrestlemania 14 he made his debut in a fight against Vermon White and won. Later, a fierce feud began with Bret Hart and Vader.
In 1998, he clashed with WWF Intercontinental Champion, nicknamed Scala. He lost to him in the Battle Royale, but defeated Wrestlemania 14 and became WWF Intercontinental Champion.
In June 1998, he won the "King of the Ring", destroying Mark Henry, Scala and Jeff Jarrett.
His next unforgettable meeting was with Owen Hart, who defeated Shamrock in a match called Hart Family Dungeon in Fully Loaded, and Shamrock defeated Hart in SummerSlam. He also became a double champion by winning the WWF Team Championship.
His next rivalry began with the Undertaker, whom he eventually lost. After this, a feud began with Steve Blackman and Chris Jericho.
In May 2002, Ken Shamrock made his TNA debut and won the NWA heavyweight world title in the Gauntlet for the Gold match and was recognized as the first TNA world champion. However, he soon left this organization.
UFC career
Ken made his UFC debut on November 12, 1993 in a duel against Royce Gracie. This fight ended in a victory for Gracie.
In 1994, he vowed to take revenge on Royce in UFC 2, but broke his arm, and Royce Gracie won the fight. In 1995, Ken Shamrock faced Royce again in a tie-ending match.
On July 14, 1995, he met with UFC 5 champion Dan North to become the current UFC champion. The “big fight” between the “best of the best” ended in a victory for Shamrock.
In 1994, he won the Pancrase Championship in Japan. A year later, lost the title at Suzuki.
In September 1995, he successfully defended his title in a fight against Oleg Taktarov. Ken Shamrock also defended his title in a fight with Kimo Leopoldo at UFC 8 in 1996.
Details and facts
The character of an outstanding fighter may not be the best, but it was his assertiveness that led him to great achievements. The fighter is 183 cm tall. Ken Shamrock always looks impressive in the photo. His participation in the battles opened up new areas for the use of combat techniques in WWE. Greppler (a representative of the fighting style using wrestling equipment and grapples) became known for his participation in unorthodox matches, including in the family Dungeon Match Hart. In addition, he participated in matches such as Lion's Den Weapons Match and Iron Circle Match.
Shamrock ended his career at WWE after being injured in a rivalry with Chris Jericho. He eventually returned to mixed martial arts, remaining one of the most dangerous rivals
On November 21, 2003, he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
In June 2004, he fought with Kimo Leopoldo as part of UFC 48 and won it. At that time, the fighter was 40 years old.
On April 9, 2005, at the Ultimate Fighter finals, Ken Shamrock faced Rich Franklin, but lost the fight.
In early 2007, the fighter became the Nevada Lions coach for the International Fighting League (IFL).
Statistics of all Ken Shamrock fights: 45 fights, 28 of which ended in victories, 15 in defeat, and 2 in a draw.
He has been married to Tone Shamrock since February 27, 2005. They have three children. This is his second marriage.