10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week (Feb 3)
9. Nunzio Actively Pursued WWE's Utility Man Role
It's been said before that not every wrestler who enters WWE can be World Champion. As obvious as that statement appears at first glance, it does explain why supremely gifted workers such as Curt Hennig, Roddy Piper and Scott Hall never had a run with the WWF Heavyweight Title during their stellar careers.
The diminutive James Maritato was was never in the running to be champ in WWE, although he did work extensively in the company as Nunzio from 2002-2008. That stint following a run in ECW as 'Little Guido' during the mid-to-late-1990's, which had in turn followed on from his time as Damien Stone in the same organisation.
Talking to the Two Man Power Trip Of Wrestling podcast this week, the reflective side of Nunzio came out; using Steve Lombardi and Barry Horowitz as his two best examples, the Italian-American claimed that he set his sights on being known as a 'utility man' in both ECW and WWE.
Nunzio viewed his purpose as widespread, instantly realising that he wouldn't be a major player. Instead, the guy wanted to be known as reliable and actively pursued the utility role in both companies.