10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week (March 11)
9. Rhyno Was Heavily Inspired By Paul Orndorff
Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, Terry Gerin was a huge fan of professional wrestling and attended shows whenever he could. Naturally, he kept an eye on what was happening in the World Wrestling Federation, and would later make his own debut as a pro wrestler in 1994.
Years before stepping into the ring himself, he watched in awe as heels like 'Mr. Wonderful' Paul Orndorff battled top babyfaces like Hulk Hogan in the WWF. Eventually, Gerin would make use of one of Orndorff's most famous moves.
In the original ECW organisation, Gerin - as Rhino - regularly used the Piledriver to great effect. He even infamously hit one on Jasmine St. Claire from the ring apron through a ringside table, which I'm pretty sure Orndorff never did.
During a recent fan signing event, legendary photographer and pro wrestling journalist Bill Apter brought both Rhyno and Orndorff together for his 'Apter Chat' YouTube segment. Bill looked on as Rhyno told that 'Mr. Wonderful' had provided direct inspiration for his use of the Piledriver.
The characters of both men couldn't be anymore different, but this shows just how much of a student of the game Terry Gerin was, and he loved the way Orndorff delivered the move.