The story of Steve Blackman is an interesting one, particularly in this context. You see, the idea of most of these gimmicks is that they came from another sport into wrestling. In Blackman's case, he began as a wrestler and was nearly ready for a full-time contract with the then-WWF when he contracted dysentery and malaria while wrestling in South Africa in 1989. This left him bedridden for two years before he could begin training again to get back into fighting shape, and when he did, he incorporated tae kwon do and escrima into his workout. As such, when he finally had another shot to join the World Wrestling Federation in 1997, his martial arts training became the focus of his gimmick as he donned the title of "The Lethal Weapon" and went on to become a six time WWF Hardcore Champion.
Former Nintendo Power writer, current Nintendo Force writer. Wrote the book on Mega Man (The Robot Master Field Guide). Was once fired by Vince McMahon. Dabbles in video games, comic books, toys, and fast food curiosities. Once had a new species of exotic bird named after him. It died.
You can find more of his writings, musings, and other such things on his websites at Nyteworks.net.
