The name Curtis Hughes elicits a different reaction from almost every fan. Some remember him as that guy who wears sunglasses, others recognize him as Big Cat, the persona he used early in his career. Still others remember that time he was caught at a fetish club, ruining his chances at a sustained career in WWE. Whatever the case may be, the heavyweight was one of the premiere bodyguards in pro wrestling during the 1990s. He earned his first exposure in that role early in the decade, serving as the muscle for midcard heel faction The York Foundation. That was short-lived, however, and he soon opted to seek success as a singles wrestler in WWE. The bodyguard for manager Harvey Whippleman during his war with The Undertaker, Hughes found himself involved in a fairly high profile angle but disappeared from the company abruptly. He was brought back in 1997, this time as the associate of Hunter Hearst Helmsley, accompanying the aristocrat to the squared circle and playing a role in his victory over Goldust at the 1997 Royal Rumble. Again, he would disappear without much notice. Then, in 1999, he appeared by the side of Chris Jericho. He was still in tremendous shape and looked at home battling the likes of Ken Shamrock. But his ring performances did not support his look and, at a time when the company touted one of its most talented rosters, he was let go. Hughes was very much a case of someone who could have meant so much more to the landscape of wrestling during his time but, for reasons both in and out of the ring, he never lived up to expectations. Still, he was a menacing presence and someone who looked the part. That went a long way in getting him over.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
