Chris Candido
3/21/1972 - 4/28/2005

CHRISTOPHER CANDITO, 33, MATAWAN

Published in the Home News Tribune 04/30/05

Christopher B. Candito, 33, of Matawan, a longtime resident of Spring Lake, died suddenly Thursday, April 28, 2005, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

Born in Edison, he lived in Spring Lake until moving to Matawan 10 years ago. He had attended H.W. Mountz Grammar School, Spring Lake, Red Bank Catholic High School, Red Bank, and had attended the University of Tennessee. He was involved in wrestling competitively since he was 14 years old. He was a former communicant of St. Catharine's and St. Margaret's Parish, Spring Lake.

Chris was a professional wrestler for many years. His family wrote this of Chris: Chris Candito will be regarded as one of, if not the best professional wrestlers in the history of the sport. He held more titles than can be counted, including the WWE tag team titles, ECW tag team titles, WCW cruiserweight title, and the NWA world title, just to mention a few. He wholeheartedly loved the art of professional wrestling and passed on at the peak of his career. To know him was to love him, as he was a passionate, determined, and ever-benevolent human being. He is seen as an angel by many, proving the old adage "only the good die young." He will live on eternally as a "legend of the squared circle." Truly one of a kind, as a person, he was the kindest, most caring and giving individual you would ever want to meet. His legacy has only just begun. All who knew "No Gimmicks Needed" would agree that nobody does it better. "CC, We miss you already."

He is survived by his wife, Tamara Sytch; his father and stepmother, Donald and Gisele Candito of Middletown; his mother and stepfather, Margaret "Peggy" and Gregory Rea of Spring Lake; two sisters, Amanda and Amy Rea, and a brother, Jonathan Rea, all of Spring Lake; and his grandmother, Margaret Kunak of Nazareth, Pa.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, May 3, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Catharine's R.C. Church, Spring Lake. Visitation will be held on Monday from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. and 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at O'Brien Funeral Home, Highway 35 at New Bedford Road, Wall. Committal of his remains will be held privately by his family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Christopher B. Candito Foundation, c/o Bank of New York, 1310 Third Ave., Spring Lake, NJ 07762, for the establishment of a scholarship to benefit a student at his alma mater, H.W. Mountz Grammar School, Spring Lake, who demonstrates excellence by his/her performance during the academic year.

The First Time We Ever Met

So I've Lost Another Friend... Does Someone Care to Explain?
By Brett Schwan

It is 3:25 am, Sunday, May 1st as I start to write this. Nearly 48 hours ago I logged on to find out that my long time friend, Chris Candido, had passed away. If these thoughts and comments seem to be nonsensical or in no logical order, I apologize. I'm pretty much working on no sleep since this has all taken place. I'm still not composed and I shouldn't be writing this as I'm going to let emotion get the better part of me. However, I don't give a shit anymore.

On Friday morning, I logged online. I had a slew of emails but decided to open one from April Hunter first. She mentioned that she was floored about Chris. I couldn't figure out what the hell she was talking about. Yeah, he broke his leg but he had surgery on it and was going to be fine. Hell, he appeared at the NWA TNA TV Tapings the next day, so obviously all was going to be back to normal in a matter of weeks.

Before I could relpy to tell her she was crazy, the IM's started coming in. Chris is dead? What's the punchline? Why would you even joke about this? Then Georgie IM'd me. She asked if I was ok. That's when it hit me. That's when I knew it was real. That's when I realized I wasn't ok.

I'm not even going to go into my tirade on why someone as loved, talented, and gifted as Chris... Someone who had battled demons and defeated them... Someone who was back in the ring, better than ever has been taken from me while so many pieces of scum that fill the wrestling business remain to see another day. (Sorry but I need to vent and this is where I'm doing it.) I'd LOVE to hear someone explain the reasoning behind Chris being taken from us at age 33. I'm sure it will be as good as the logic I was given by some when Jeff Peterson was taken from us at 21 years of age

If I am this shaken. If I am this upset and shocked. I can only imagine the torment Tammy and Chris' family must be going through. June 2 of this year would have been 15 years that Chris and Tammy have been together. Fifteen years. That's an eternity to some people.

I can count the number of true friends I have in the wrestling business on one hand. I'm talking about true friends, not acquaintances. Not those people who kiss my ass to get some publicity on my website. Not those people who are such sweethearts to my face but talk shit about me as soon as I walk away. I'm talking about true friends. The kind of friends who are there for you for years. The ones who stand by you and support you (and vice versa) through thick and thin. The ones who consider you family as you consider them family. Chris Candido and Tammy Sytch are two of those friends. Unfortunately, one of them has been taken away unexplicably.

The first time I met Chris and Tammy was at a John Arezzi Wrestling Convention. I went to get a Polaroid with Tammy and before the kid taking the picture could count to three, Chris leaped over the table to make sure he was in the picture. He was not about to let someone get a picture with just Tammy. From that moment, I knew I was going to like this guy.

Long story short (well not all that short).. I went on to create the BodyDonna Brigade, a group of fans who simply showed their support to the BodyDonnas in the WWE by bringing sings and being typical marks at the live events. Once Vince had the brilliant idea of letting Chris go, the Brigade turned into Candido's Crew (which was sistered by Tammy's Team). Candido's Crew was the first website that I designed (poorly) and ran. If you do a Google search for "Candido's Crew" you can still find remnants of it lingering on the internet. Why is that? Because that little crew had over 700 "official members". That simply means that many people, at one point or another, emailed me to join so they could be updated on the latest news and info about Chris Candido.

Candido's Crew slowly turned into news about more wrestling and that gave birth to this website, the Wrestling Clothesline. So, without a Chris Candido, there probably would not be a Wrestling Clothesline.

Off on another tangent. I went to Chiller Theatre Friday night. I figured I already had my ticket and it would get my mind off this for a little while (it didn't). I wore my Chris Candido shirt as a tribute. It was touching to see RVD get choked up when he saw me wearing the shirt. He told me to keep fighting the good fight and help keep his memory alive.

I could go on and on but my mind is still running around in circles. It's now 4am. (and this is all that I wrote?) I'm exhausted but know that I'm not going to be able to sleep.

I want to thank everyone who has IM'd me and emailed me to send me their well wishes. It means the world to me. I want to once again send my thoughts and prayers to Tammy and the entire Candido family. There are no words that can be said to make this any easier.

I will be back later with some more memories and experiences with Chris Candido. Let me tell you that, outside of more thoughts, comments, and info on Chris Candido, this site will not be back in full swing until Wednesday. The last thing on my mind is wrestling results or anything else. Chris and Tammy are my priority right now.

Let me leave you with this. We've been talking about it all day and I hope it brings a smile to your face, as it has mine.

We were at a show in NJ where Chris was going to face Sabu. During intermission we were talking with Chris. Two kids came up to him and one asked if he could have a picture with Chris. Chris said sure and put his arm around the kid. There they stood. About 10 seconds went by when Chris said "Well, do you have a camera or are you going to draw it?" We were on the floor laughing. The kid finally took the picture. Chris then said he has to head to the back and said "Here" as he handed me a piece of paper. It was the entire booking sheet, complete with times and finishes! LOL Only Chris!!

It is 11:44pm on Monday night. I am home from O'Brien's Funeral Home where visitation took place for Chris. It is a testament to Chris to see a constant line wrapped through the funeral home, out the door, and into the parking lot. From what I understand, it was the same during the afternoon. I can only imagine what the turnout will be for the funeral on Tuesday. To see the hundreds upon hundreds of friends, family, and coworkers that turned out to say good bye to Chris was overwhelming. It was and is all to surreal. I don't know when or if this will all set in.

Thanks again to everyone who has emailed or called. It means more than you will ever know. Thanks for all the kind words in regards to my previous comments about losing Chris. What I think was my worst piece of writing ever, seems to be the one that has gotten me the most comments. Thank you all again.

Brett

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It is 12 noon on Friday, April 29th and I just logged on to find out the news of the passing of my long time friend, Chris Candido. I am in total shock and about to have a complete breakdown so I am making this quick. Below you will find some comments sent by various people in the industry. I am posting them as a tribute to Chris until I have the strength to write one of my own.

There is nothing I can say to express my feelings. My thoughts and prayers are with Tammy, the entire Candido family, and his friends and fans. Chris, thank you for everything you ever did for me. You will never be forgotten.

Let me apologize in advance if there is a lack of updates over the next few days. At this point, the last thing on my mind is this website. Until then, feel free to post on our message board here!

June 2nd would have been 15 years that Chris and Tammy have been together.

Anyone wishing to send condolences to Tammy or Chris' family can send them to me at WresClothesline@aol.com and I will print them out to give to Tammy on Monday.

Brett Schwan

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The following is an article from the Asbury Park Press:

Wrestler remembered as man who loved life

Shore resident Christopher B. Candito, 33, died Thursday in hospital

Published in the Asbury Park Press 04/30/05

By CAROL GORGA WILLIAMS
COASTAL MONMOUTH BUREAU

MATAWAN — Christopher B. Candito, a well-known professional wrestler and longtime Shore resident who died Thursday from what his brother called complications from surgery, was remembered Friday as a man who loved life and loved wrestling more.

Candito, who wrestled under the name Chris Candido, died at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, and had earned many wrestling accolades over his life, including the National Wrestling Alliance World Title.

Born in Edison, Candito, 33, had lived in Spring Lake until moving to Matawan 10 years ago. He attended H.W. Mountz Grammar School in Spring Lake, Red Bank Catholic High School and the University of Tennessee.

He had been wrestling competitively since he was 14, according to information provided by the funeral home handling arrangements for his memorial.

Candito is survived by his wife, Tamara Sytch, his parents, two sisters and a brother, Jonathan, who also wrestles professionally.

According to an e-mail posted on USAProWrestling.net, his "best friend, brother and soul mate" died from a blood clot brought on by complications from surgery. "I just want to tell everyone that in their sorrow, find a way to be happy that he went out the way he wanted to. . .on top of the world — blond, tan and loving life up until the last minute . . . Chris went out a happy man and will forever live on as the. . . greatest of all time. He would have had it no other way."

Candito's funeral is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Catharine's Roman Catholic Church, Spring Lake. The wake will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at the O'Brien Funeral Home, Route 35 at New Belford Road, Wall. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Christopher B. Candito Foundation, in care of the Bank of New York, 1310 3rd Ave., Spring Lake, NJ 07762. The donations will go toward establishing a scholarship to benefit a student at the H.W. Mountz Grammar School.

Joe Panzarino, promoter for the independent wrestling organization, National Wrestling Superstars, which is based in Hazlet and Stafford townships, said Candito would receive a 10-bell salute Friday at a match in Middletown. Participants also would wear black arm bands.

An event Saturday in South Toms River will be renamed in honor of Candito.

"As long as I'm promoting it, I'm going to try to keep his memory alive," Panzarino said. Candito was "probably the most consummate professional in the independent wrestling circuit over the last two years." Panzarino said Candito's death "is a tragic loss to the industry."

Candito was supposed to be at the Middletown event Friday to watch his brother perform, Panzarino said.

"We're all at a loss for words," he said. "The industry has lost an absolute gem. He will be very, very dearly missed on every aspect of professional wrestling."

Candito's attendance at his brother's match was typical of him, Panzarino said. He always had time to explain nuances or impart advice to other wrestlers.

"He was a great teacher," Panzarino said.

Panzarino also said Candito was a natural wrestler. "There are people who are natural actors, natural comedians. He made it look easy," he said. "I think Chris loved performing for the fans. Chris has a twinkle in his eye. He had a way of relating to fans. He loved every aspect of it. He loved making people smile."

Candito was so versatile that he could play the hero as well as the heel in the ring, though he leaned toward the heel in his ever-changing, on-stage persona, Panzarino said. "He was a heel but he was not a terrible heel," Panzarino said. "He was a heel you could love."

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The following was posted by Georgie on WrestlingFigs.com:

"TNA superstar Chris Candido passed away Thursday night after collapsing earlier in the evening and being rushed to a hospital by ambulance. The cause of death is unknown at this time.

Chris's brother Johnny posted, that Chris died of a blood clot due to complications from surgery.

Candido had suffered a serious ankle injury at the Lockdown PPV on Sunday and had surgery to repair the injury on Monday evening. Candido appeared at TNA's iMPACT taping on Tuesday night in Orlando just hours after being released from the hospital.

The news comes as a total shock to all of us . All of us here at wrestlingfigs send our condolences to Tammy Lynn Sytch and Chris's family, friends and fans.

Chris just turned 33. Birthday 3/21/1972"

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Chris Candido's brother, Johnny Candido, made the following statement in regards to his brother's death.

"I find it only fitting you hear the truth from me about the death of my bestfriend, brother, and soulmate. Chris died tonight due to a blood clot brought on by complications with his surgery. I just want to tell everyone that in their sorrow, find a way to be happy that he went out the way he wanted to...on top of the world, blonde, tan, and loving life up until the last minute. Every ounce of my brother loved this sport, and for him to go out 2 or 3 years ago wouldn't have been a fitting end to the life of such a determined, passionate, and benevolent human being. I truly view my brother as an angel as will all who knew him. Thanks to everyone for all your positive press, Chris went out a happy man and will forever live on as the(one of) greatest of all time. He would have had it no other way."

courtesy usaprowrestling.net

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I remember reading in 'Apter magazines' as a teenager, in the very early 1990's, of his name.

I remember how difficult it was to get SMW tapes back in the early 1990's in the UK. Chris and Tammy were two of the main reasons (Jericho and Storm as the Thrillseekers were the other), that I went out of my way to get these tapes which I still have today.

I remember thinking 'what HAVE they done to him?' when he became a Body Donna, but then figured that at least it was bigger money and worldwide exposure.

I remember worrying about him, as the stories would come out of his personal demons. I remember actually praying that someone I loved to watch would overcome this.

I remember a man who was always entertaining, be it in WWF, WCW, SMW, ECW, and wherever he was.

I remember being thrilled that he and Tammy had sorted their lives out from what it could of been.

I remember quizzing one particular Florida based worker friend of mine about what they were like as people.

I remember the happiness I felt that he had got back on track with IWA-MS, and TNA.

I remember finally being in a position to consider booking Chris in the United Kingdom, and chasing a price to bring him over.

And now.....the only thing that stops me from breaking down in tears....is that I remember that someone who I only ever heard good things about, is surely wrestling main events in Heaven already.

God Bless, Chris.

by Peter Staniforth

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WFS Column: Chris Candido
Words from Strozilla
written by
Stro formerly The Maestro

Hello everyone. My heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to the Candido family for the passing of Chris Candido.

I had the pleasure of first meeting Chris and Tammy Sytch several years ago when I began wrestling for Smoky Mountain Wrestling. Some of the best matches I had with that territory was with Chris Candido for the SMW TV title. Remember watching Candido with Bobby Blaze and Tracy Smothers putting on classics in the ring. Even then, watching Chris's passion for the business was very inspirational. He was very driven and truly enjoyed the business. It was great to see him and Tammy again years later in WCW. Even though our paths have went different directions over the years, I have always held Chris and Tammy dear to me. Chris, you have and will always be an inspiration to me. I will never forget you my friend.

- The Stro

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Sometimes it doesn't pay to sign on. I know that seems strange to say but as I sit here in shock in a Internet Cafe in Helsinki, Finland I feel a real sense of sadness.

Just less then five minutes ago I had gotten an email from Fred Rubenstien with only the text "Because you are my friend, I never want to write this about you." and I couldn't understand what he was saying until a fan named Mick instant messaged me and told me about the death of Chris Candido.

To those that knew Chris if there would have been a story about him dying two years ago I don't think there would have been anyone that would have been shocked. But the Chris Candido of 2005 got his life together and was making such an amazing comeback that it just doesn't seem fair that his life was taken like this.

I just saw Chris in February at a USA Pro show and it was so good to talk to him and see the fire back in his eyes. You could tell that he defeated all the demons that were holding him back for the last couple years and he had a goal.

Chris was always a great guy to me. From the moment I wrestled in him in my beginning days of ECW to the last time I saw him he was just one of the cool guys. A guy that even at his worst couldn't have a bad match and a guy that you had fun around. Ian Rotten even joked with me last week that I wear my towel around my waist in the locker room like Chris did. That is something that both me and Justin Credible stole from him.

I will miss Chris Candido's humor, his wrestling, and the inspiration he showed to young and old wrestlers and fans that even though you are down you can make a comeback. I hope Chris is remembered for the person he was and that was a guy that loved wrestling, the boys, and the fans.

Thank you for letting me be a small part of your life Chris. You will never be forgotten.

-Steve Corino

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The Wrestling Shooter

Official Newsletter Of WrestlingMark.com

News
CHRIS CANDIDO PASSES AWAY

1Wrestling.com

Chris Candido passed away Thursday night after collapsing earlier in the evening and being rushed to a hospital by ambulance. The cause of death is unknown at this time.

Candido had suffered a serious ankle injury at the Lockdown pay-per-view on Sunday and had surgery to repair the injury on Monday evening. Candido appeared at TNA's iMPACT taping on Tuesday night in Orlando just hours after being released from the hospital.

The news comes as an absolute shock to all of us who have worked with Chris in recent months. On behalf of everyone at 1wrestling.com, our thoughts and prayers are with Tammy and his family and friends.

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NWA NJ & NY Mourn Chris Candido
by: NWA
4/29/2005
It is always a sad occasion when someone whom you know passes away. But when a brilliant flame of life such as that which burned inside Chris Candido is extinguished so far ahead of its time, the tragedy is even greater.

We would talk with Chris before the shows we worked together. His life was complex at times. A variety of issues that he ultimately conquered. Different types of pain that he lived with and overcame. A courage that is exemplary. A commitment that was synonymous with his excellence.

A person’s greatness is not measured by position or bank balance. It is not measured by a statue in a park or having a building named in one’s memory. Rather, it is measured by the smiles that come to the faces of those who can reflect on the moments of happiness and friendship they shared with you.

The theatrical world of wrestling aside, Chris Candido stood and will stand as a giant in the memories of those who were privileged to know him.

BANDIDO, ORLANDO & FRED
NWA NJ & NY

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"I had the pleasure of meeting Chris, Tammy, and Johnny on several occasions, in many locker rooms, and god dammit I am in shock. Chris and Tammy were always a pleasure to talk to and most of all, to just listen to. Chris is in a better place right now, my condolences are with Tammy and Johnny, and the rest of his family and friends. I'm not quite sure what else to say other than rest in peace brother. The wrestling business is better because of you being a part of it, and the world itself was blessed to have you around. So here's a toast to one hell of a super guy, Chris Candido, you will absolutely be missed."

- Joey Image

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Professional wrestling has lost a friend and super-star performer in Chris Candido. Chris was only 33 years old. He was an NWA World Heavyweight Champion. I wrestled Chris in Japan In October of 1994. I will never forget how he was over with the Japanese people for his aggressive and daredevil style of wrestling. In the match, Chris performed his specialty at the time, the hurracarana from the top rope. It was the pop of the night for the show. They loved him as did so many others.
Photos of Chris Candido are at www.dory-funk.com.
Thanks to Masa and The Claw for photos.

- Dory Funk Jr.

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THE TWO SHEDS REVIEW by Julian Radbourne
E-mail: twosheds316@aol.com
Website: www.twoshedsreview.com

It's difficult to know how to begin this column. When I woke up this morning and logged onto the Internet, I was probably as shocked as the rest of you when I found out that Chris Candido was dead.

Like most of you, the first two words that came into my head were "f***ing hell". The guy was only 33 years old, the same age as me. I thought at first that this could be a cruel joke played by some sick f**k, like the story that someone put out a couple of years back that Leon "Vader" White had died. But a check on Google's news service made me soon realize that this was no joke.

So just why did Chris die? This may be sound a bit harsh, but given his past problems with drugs, when I first heard the news I thought that he had overdosed or something. But apparently this all goes back to TNA's Lockdown pay-per-view last Sunday. While competing in a tag-team match, Candido was on the receiving end of a Sonny Siaki drop-kick. Siaki landed awkwardly on Candido's leg, and the scene afterwards brought back memories of the infamous moment in WCW when Sid Vicious broke his leg.

Those of us who follow many different sports have seen this kind of injury before, particularly in football. Liverpool's Djibril Cisse suffered a similar injury earlier this season, but recently made his first-team comeback a few weeks ago. When I first heard of Candido's injury, like everyone else I thought that he'd make a full recovery.

Everyone knew of his past drug problems, and many injuries which included a broken neck, many in the wrestling business were pleased that he had finally put his problems behind him, and now had another shot at the big time with TNA. Things certainly looked good for him.

Then came the accident in the ring last Sunday, followed by an operation to repair the damage. He appeared at ringside at the next TNA tapings, acting as manager for The Naturals as they won the tag titles. He wasn't letting a busted leg get in the way of his career, and we were all looking forward to seeing him at the two upcoming ECW reunions, even though competing on those shows was now out of the question. But the fact that he had had some of best matches in ECW meant that he just had to be at those shows.

But who among us would have known that the events last Sunday would lead to his death? The simple answer is that none of us did.

I'm not going to lie to you and pretend that I was a big fan of Candido's work. I enjoyed his matches, but I never really went out of my way to watch them. But this doesn't mean that I don't feel sympathy for his family and friends right now. They've lost a part of themselves, a part of their very being when he died last night.

Chris Candido was just 33 years old. It certainly makes you think about certain things, doesn't it?

R.I.P. Chris. Thanks for the great matches.

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I had the honor and privilege to wrestle Chris Candido a few years ago and he was a class act all the way. He was one of the most down to earth people you'll ever meet. It's kind of weird and sad referring to him in the past tense. My family and I send our heartfelt condolences to the Candido family. Gone but not forgotten.

God Bless,
Eddie (Chino Martinez)
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One Day Later And It Only Feels Worse(A Community In Grief)

A lot of swirling emotions were laid before me the day after the night we lost Chris Candido.I tried and succeeded in having a good and productive morning.In retrospect I feel that the positive early vibes served as a form of immunization of the pain to come,a salve to protect against the chaff of the cold wind of finality.
I have seen a lot of death in the wrestling world these past few years.I have tried my best to convey my feelings as I watched young men and women self destructing at an alarming rate.I have done so as a fan and my discussions have been with other fans.But this one is different.We at the Mark have been blessed to be welcomed into the family of wrestling.It is a family I speak very little of and in reality am still in the adoption stage.But my friendships with my brothers and sisters gives me a new perspective.This death hurts.And it has ramifications.
Chris Candido was living the dream.He fought of his adversities and he was once again bringing to the national stage the fullfilment of the promise he had long shown.He was a young man.One who litterally had a good ten year run in him that assuredly would bring his name into the pantheon of legend.This is not hyperbole.This guy was that damn good.The respect on a national level on his passing brings praise from two promotions that do not even acknowledge each others existance.Quietly,very quietly,he was drawing people into his light.And they loved what they saw.
In the indy world his departure has deflated some of the most positive people that I know.The general feeling was one of gut twisting loss.Those who believe that there is no higher power found no solace to their despair.The very nature and timing of this tragedy has left even those of us with strong spiritual beliefs with too many questions.And no comfort.The youngsters are disheartened.The veterans are crestfallen.He touched lives and whether you knew him for one night or a span of years his shadow follows you.His ghost will not let go.
I want to make this end on a positive.I cannot.It lies in the back of my mind like a cut that will not stop throbbing.Rest in Peace Chris.We will NEVER forget you.

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In March of 1992 I was 17 years old and all I wanted to do was be a pro wrestler. I was at Mike Sharpes wrestling school one night traning and in walked a guy who I knew from watching the indies. He was tan, blonde, in great shape and a great wrestler, we were all in awe, he was Chris Candito. I wanted to be Chris so bad. I looked up to him so much. I watched tapes of his NWA and WWA maches and than when he went to Smokey Mountan I got those tapes also. His work was flawless and he worked so hard. Every night he worked so hard.

I wanted to work with him so bad and more importantly I wanted to get to know him and get advise from him. I had the chance to do both. When you build someone up in your head so much its hard for that person to live up to it. Chris surpased both. He was always a funny positive person and in the ring he just brought it. I have asked him for advise a hundred times and he always took the time to tell me.

You had to have your working boots on with him because whether there was 50 people or 5,000, Chris was stealing the show. The summer of 1999 I had the pleasure of working with Chris 5 weeks in a row. I was blow away by the matches we had. They are my favorite I have ever had. 20 minutes matches with Chris ready to go another 20.

Chis was so much to all of the young guys and everyone in any locker room. We looked up to him and he was something special. We all lost a one in a million. Thank you for making me laugh and making me look like a millon bucks. I told you in the car ride back from Wildwood that you were my hero, and you didnt believe me.......Im sure you were to more than just me.

All my love and support to Tammy, Balls, and the entire Candito Family.
Rest in peace
Mike Maraldo Ace Darling

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It has only been 2 days and I did not sleep last night.

Chris always made me laugh, he was always happy. He is going to be missed alot.

What sticks out in my mind was in his fanny pack he always carried pictures of Tammy, and I would think ....WOW they are high school sweethearts... been together for 15 years and still in love as they where when they were kids.

How lucky they were to have had that kind of true love.

Missy Hyatt

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I was informed last night that another friend is gone. I tried to start writing this at the time, but was just unable to type the first word without breaking down.

I thought if I slept on it that it would be a little easier
today. I was wrong. So F*** it, I have to say good bye to you Chris. As hard as it is for me, It's just as hard or maybe harder for so many others who have gotten to know and love you through all of the years you have been in
our sport.

As I continue to wipe the tears from my face & off this keyboard, I can only imagine the pain Tammy and the rest of your family are feeling. I am thinking about the first time we met at Dennis Corraluzo's show in Jersey
back in 1991. What were we? I guess 19 at the time. I remember how excited about wrestling we were back then & I remember how you were just as excited bout wrestling & life when I saw you for the last time at the hotel in
Orlando Tuesday night.

If you haven't noticed, I am doing alot of remembering right now. Like the time I worked that guy in Clementon, NJ for Dennis & Larry Sharpe and he came off the top while I was on the floor, his bodyweight driving my head into the concrete floor damn near killing me. I don't remember a thing but he was suppose to do the job for me, so he picked me up by the "head" rolled me into the ring and somehow had me pin him as I was out cold.

You all were so pissed...You threw his shit out of the building and ran him out or something. Like I said, I don't remember anything until waking up in the hospital. It was You and Tammy, Dennis & Glenn Ruth I saw
standing over me.

I can't help thinking about the show we ran in Minneapolis
with Dennis. Terry Funk & Hawk, Myself & Sabu, You & Jerry Lynn, Tazz, Masa Saito. Holy shit what a line up that was & that was pre ECW days. Well I know alot of people thought Sabu & I had such a great match, but I have
always said the best match on that show was without a doubt You & Jerry Lynn.

Phyllis Lee was at that show. I believe that was the first time you met her. I say that because the last thing we did the other night was exchange numbers, I called yours & you answered it "Phyllis Lee Fan Club". It was funny to us. If most of the people reading this are wondering why I am rambling on so much about such things, it's because I'm writing this to you, not them.

Damn, I could go on and on after nearly 15 years of knowing each other. It was good to see You and Tammy at the XPW shows a few years ago. I wasn't too good to see how bad we both were doing health wise at the time &
then I came back to TNA and there you were looking fresh and excited like You did the first day I met you in New Jersey in 1991. Chris you did it. You went out with people remembering a Chris Candido at his best.

Obviously we all will miss you. Please say hello to Curt, Hawk, Owen, Boss Man, Louie, Joe C., The Great Malenko (who was like a father to me), and everyone else I haven't named that you are probably standing right next to. I miss you all very much. Peace be with you.

Your friend,

Sean Waltman
(courtesy WrestlingObserver.com)

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As posted at www.ncwzone.com Feel free to use at your site.

Another day, the loss of another friend from the wrestling business.
I'm shocked. I'm not shocked. I don't know. I guess I'm shocked that this time it was Chris.
Chris and I met for the first time, probably in the late 80's, hanging around Larry Sharpe's Monster Factory. For those who don't know, he had his foot in the wrestling door by the time he was around the age of 15. He was an accomplished worker by about the next day. I considered him a friend from the get-go.

Shortly after that I went to USWA Memphis. When I came back he went, or maybe visa-versa.
It would have been cool for us to have been there together. We hooked back up in the early 90's for ICW-IWCCW { Savoldi's } as part of the "Heart Throb 4", along with Tom Brandi & Flex Lavender. I loved that gimmick, we all did , with Chris as Mr. Charisma. The Heart Throb's would come up EVERY time we ever ran into each other.

Our paths haven't crossed a whole lot, over the last few years, but Chris would usally call 2 or 3 times a year, just seeing where the work was, or let me know about his upcoming schedule, in case I could use him on one of the NCW shows. Ironically, I got an E-Mail on Wed from Bud Carson, saying he was having Chris and Tammy in for a daytime autograph session on May 21, in Allentown. That is the same day as the next NCW show in York,Pa. Before I could work the budget out & check the rest of Chris & Tam's itinerary for that day to see if they could make the 2 hour transit, I recieved the horrific and tragic news.

I would have loved to hang out with him just one more time.

You will be sadly & overwhelmingly missed by the entire pro wrestling community, your family, Tammy, and everyone you've ever touched.

RIP buddy,
"Dirty Deeds" Darren Wyse

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Chris Candito 1972-2005

May 1, 2005

I am still coming to grips with this myself, so you will have to bear with me as I try to honour the memory of a great partner, opponent, and friend. I was lucky enough to know Chris Candito for 11 years, and some of my fondest memories in this business are of matches and time spent with him. We first met in 1994 in SMW. My wife and I lived in the same apartment complex as Chris and Tammy. We went to movies and the gym together and more importantly had some of the best times in the ring together. We were reunited again in ECW where we got to both team and feud with each other, oddly enough at the same time. We both loved being in the ring together as we both just wanted to have a great match and have fun (something I believe we managed to do each night). It was always about entertaining the crowd and more often than not the boys as well.

Chris loved throwing things in to our matches just to ‘Pop the Boys’. He loved popping the boys so much that I started taking it upon myself to try to pop him and make him lose his composure during matches. I could regularly get him with my Tom Prichard/Jimmy Garvin Hair fussing routine before tying up. I obviously never had the hair for it, which made it look even more ridiculous, and Chris would usually have to rush the tie up to help cover up his laughing. My crowning moment was the night we did a mix tag match at the ECW Arena with Tammy and Dawn. I did the ring announcing for our match and laid into them pretty stiff. I cleared everything with them ahead of time, except one line, which I knew would pop him. I introduced him hailing from ‘His mother-in-law’s house in Spring Lake, NJ’. Chris actually had to turn and bury his face in his arm on the top turnbuckle he was laughing so hard. Chris actually was living at his Mother-in-Law’s house, which sounds worse than it really was. She had this huge home and both Chris and Tammy were always on the road, it made senses but sounded bad, which is why I used it in the introduction. Nothing was off limits with Chris and I. It was always about having fun.

The day we won the ECW Tag Team Titles he started just calling me partner. At first I thought it was because we were a tag team at the time, but the title stuck and I realized it meant more than that. We covered a lot of ground he and I and when it came to this business and being in that ring, we just fit, we were partners. One of my favourite times in this business, and I’d like to think one of his as well, was the time we were ECW Tag Team Champions and feuding with each other. We pulled double duty every night, defending the Tag Titles, and then going straight into a singles match. A lot of people in the business would have looked at that program as a nightmare, but we loved it and saw it as the best of both worlds. We got to tag and wrestle each other, what could be better than that? While we drifted in and out of touch over the years we remained close, we remained partners. I don’t think anyone outside the business can understand this but it’s true. We went likely 5 years without seeing each other before our last meeting her in OVW. When I walked into the Davis Arena and saw him, our faces lit up, we hugged, and he called me partner. We sat around the whole day telling stories and laughing at all the good times we had as if we had seen each other yesturday.

Chris once said to me, “I need to work with you the rest of my life.” I took this as a huge compliment knowing that he meant because it was always, fun, easy, and safe. I’ve never forgot him saying that to me, and it always brought a smile to me face because it reminded me of him and how much fun we had in the ring together. I just never figured ‘the rest of his life’ would be so short. I will remember that line till it’s my turn to join him, but I’m afraid it will never again bring a smile to my face.

I will miss you my friend, and remember you fondly. You loved this business more than anyone I know and it will remember you for your great contributions.

Lance

I will try to find a good Chris Candito story in my archived commentaries to post as a tribute as well.

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May 2, 2005

In Memory of Chris Candido Friends remember Candido

I had the tremendous good fortune to meet Chris and Tamara when I briefly worked with Vince McMahon in what was then the WWF, as a member of the creative team. (Upon learning of Chris’s passing, and wanting to just express my admiration for him, I am at a loss to use any other format than the one in which I experienced him-----pro-wrestling----which is such a ‘limited’ way to attempt to eulogize his life. But, that is all I have.)

Most of my career was ‘old school’ in the pro-wrestling world, but the same basics that ‘worked’ then, were still what I most admired of those ‘newcomers’ who ‘loved the business’ and would ‘do anything within their ability’ to contribute and make it better. I related to those who reflected ‘that attitude’----and thus to Sunny & Skip-----but more, to their hearts as people reflected.

Chris and Tamara, or Sunny and Skip as I knew them with their ‘ring character’ were truly a ‘chips off that old block’------and so, like a bright ray of sunshine that penetrated the darkness!

Their hearts were always open and upbeat-----and I felt they treated me with such ‘respect’----and that ‘they loved the business’-----so that, I looked forward to working with them. Whatever scenario in which they were participating, they would first of all, try to contribute suggestions that would ‘make it better’ and also, would give it 100% of their efforts selflessly-----making the ‘big picture’ of what they were projecting more complete and worthwhile. Their hearts were totally dedicated to this endeavor.

If ‘attitude is everything’----and, I believe it is key-----then truly, ‘they were everything’ that one could desire to have the privilege to work with. I was so privileged for a very short----way too short----nanosecond of time. That they so impressed me is testimony to their hearts and character----their attitudes.

So, in this eulogy, if Chris’s heart can be most remembered as it is in my heart, then truly, he has touched someone’s life-----as we all can do. For Tamara, going forward, as my good friend Jim “George the Animal” Steele just told her this morning as we spoke------‘going forward she had to live her life for both of them!’ That is a statement that could be ‘overwhelming’ or ‘empowering’----he meant it to be ‘empowering.’ I am sure Chris would want her to reflect the love they have as a beacon for others.

As my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ has accepted me in spite of all the rags of my flesh with His unconditional love, which for years and years I thought I had lost----and that I was not worthy of His love----but then, He illuminated for me His merciful grace, which surpasses all understanding, and can overcome any sin or behavior----and has allowed me to ‘fully accept His free gift of eternal salvation’-----His love-----and has ‘empowered me’ to ‘reflect His love’ to others-----it was His leading that allowed me to follow-up and write this letter (and to locate Tamara and call her today.)

May each of you who read this, consider your life, and your ‘eternal position’----and how ‘your life’s testimony’ can ‘affect others’ just as Chris’s life has-----so that your life also continues to ‘empower others.’

Chris will be missed------but I will remember him for his smile and his heart-----and for the brief time our lives crossed paths----until I see him in heaven.

Sincerely,

Cowboy Bill Watts

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(Courtesy: Georgianne Makropoulos, Wrestlingfigs.com)

The outpouring of love for Chris Candido was very evident at the wake yesterday.

Tammy was even heard telling friends, "Chris sold the place out tonight, that would make him very happy."

I couldn't make it to the wake, but have received a bunch of calls.

I know I will be leaving out tons of names of those who attended both the afternoon and evening viewings. But I thought it would be nice showing how many "friends" came to pay their respects.

In the afternoon it was:Tom Prichard, Balls Mahoney, Shane Douglas (TNA), Mick Foley, Jimmy Shoulders, Johnny Ova, Bobby Riedel, Mary Kate & Kathy Grosso, Harry Slash, at least 260 were there to say good-bye, mostly family and friends. Someone mentioned flowers from OVW - Jim Cornette.

Here is only a partial list, hundreds and hundreds were there for Tammy and Chris's family.

Balls Mahoney, Tommy Dreamer, Tommy Cairo, Simon Diamond, Al Snow, Alison Danger, Ace Darling, Donnie B, Gorgeous George, Chris & Deena Ford (Crowbar), Electra, Bobcat, Amy Lee, Kathy Fitzpatrick, Fat Frank (JAPW), Gino Moore, Joe Panzarino, Ken Sweeney, The Bodyguard, Equalizer, Dangerous Johnny Diamond, Biggie Bigs, Justin Credible (PJ), Promoter Mike O'Brien, Brett Schwan, CM Punk, Bill Apter, Lee Platt, Jr., Scott Epstein, Doc Diamond, Frankie G, Photographer George Napolitano, Ringside Charlie, Eric Rosen, Joan Prizzi, Pete Theophall (my artist for the Chatterbox) and many, many others. I'm told there could have been as many as 1,000 paying tribute.

I am told that Terry Funk plans to be at the funeral, Sabu is a pall bearer. Besides Shane Douglas, from TNA will be Jeff Jarrett, Bob & Dixie Carter, Scott D'Amore, Terry Taylor and Sonny Siaki.

TNA sent up an NWA World Tag Team belt to give to Tammy, which I'm sure she will love.

There were rubberbands on the tables, they wanted everyone to wear one on your wrist, like Chris used to.

Electra told me she was crying, and Tammy told her not to cry, Chris wouldn't want her to be sad.

Tammy had a tattoo on her neck initials CC put on Sunday.

I'm sure Chris was pleased with the turnout.
So many wonderful stories were told.

All our LOVE AND THOUGHTS go out to Tammy and the Candito family tomorrow, when they say their last good-byes.
You will be remembered forever Chris, Rest In Peace, my friend.

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In Perspective: No Gimmicks Needed

Finally, I want to send out a shout out to my close friend Chris Candido. Get well soon, I know you will be able to bounce back from this temporary set back.

I ended my first column with Inside Pulse with those wishes, and I never in my wildest imagination (and I do have a pretty big one) did I ever expect my life to be turned outside down to where I'm writing a column to honor Chris because of his unexpected passing.

I met Chris and Tammy in a pretty unique way, I became a fan when they first started the then World Wrestling Federation. I didn't get Smokey Mountain Wrestling footage until after the fact, and I grew up watching wrestling ever since I can hold memories with my family. At 15 or 16 years old, I decided to start a online fan club for Tammy, called Tammy's Team, but made it unique was I made it where not everyone was automatically accepted like a wrestling email list. I had to be told why they were fans of Chris and Tammy. There was no cost but I wanted the most loyal, true and passionate fans to be in the club, when I mailed out newsletters on the latest happenings and set up a web page. I decided to write a long letter to Tammy and Chris and forwarded it to address I was given where I knew they would read it. Nothing had to come from it, but they sent back two autographed color promos with thanks, their love and blessing and asked me to start Candido's Crew, and Chris' first autograph to me which you can see in my online profile with Inside Pulse, thanking me for my comments. I gave my good friend, Brett Schwann, who had been running the Bodydonna Brigade for Chris and Tammy before I came along, the name to use because I didn't think it'd be fair for me to do both - so we became brother and sister clubs of each other. So I started as a fan and over the years, Chris, Tammy and I became closer as we kept contact. I would write letters, then we kept in touch via phone, they would do a online shout out to the Team and I through the WWF online crew whom I had a good relationship with at the time, such as Bill Banks, and then they became part of the online community finally and kept in touch that way.

Chris and I would always talk about anything and everything. As I said in a online letter to CC, for some reason, he called me Bammer. Maybe he liked the sound of it, I hated the sound of Bambi because of how official it was, so I have always went by Bam with people I considered friends. I accepted his nickname and no matter where I am in my life, I can always hear Chris going 'hi Bammer, what's up?' on the phone with me. We would discuss his matches, the latest storylines, the behind the scenes and of course Tammy and everyday life. Chris has one of the quickest wits and minds I have ever known. When Tammy and Chris first got online, they called me to help them get set up. Chris understanding my sense of humor, took my invitation to go into a wrestling chat with him on AOL and just participate and read. People never believed it was him, and my philosophy about wrestling talent taking the time to mingle with fans, for whatever reason, people can believe what they want. We would have good times as Chris would produce zingers in his at the time, trademark ALL CAPITAL LETTERS WAY OF COMMUNICATING ONLINE. It wasn't "shouting" because he had no idea, it was Chris' way of talking online. He introduced me to a friend who just happens to be employed within one of the big companies, whose identify I wish to protect, that I've become close friends with over the years, so that was also a blessing in my life too. He introduced me to her as his friend he met in Los Angeles. I didn't make the connection until a little bit later, which embarrassed me a bit but it goes to show you that no one cared about the fame aspect, this was just Chris' friend and I was only too happy to meet one of Chris' friends. We did some discussion of Chris recently, and our online chats where no one bought that they really got the real deal. Lots of laughing back in those days, between the three of us. My philosophy with Chris is this and always remains, anyone who Chris considered a friend or family I will consider a friend too.

Chris as a career has been nothing short of amazing, every up and down of it. I think you have to go through the bad to really experience and treasure the good. He's wrestled for every major company there is to wrestle for, has held numerous titles for numerous promotions over the years, being cemented in history with other greats. What sticks in my mind about Chris is he truly needed no gimmick, in life or in wrestling. He basically had the same 'character' over the years, with the exception of the WWF work as Skip, has basically been a extension of himself. I think of his fast talking Jersey accent, performing on the stick or in a promo. My favorite promos were the ones he did his famous impersonations over the years - the two that stick in my mind were in ECW: whenever he folded his arms up and stuck out his chest like Taz and pointing up the air to imitate Sabu with that Chris look on his face. That look of 'what did I do?' and innocence combined. One of the promos I think about was also in ECW, where he explained his Triple Threat tattoo. When I had bad days growing up, I would play Chris promos and they made me laugh and made me feel better. Chris had a gift for comic timing, in his matches and with his promos. His gift in the ring went without saying -- he could do it all. He could technical wrestle with the best of them, as well as hit a Blonde Bombshell, a top rope powerbomb as well as hit a top rope leg drop and do his trademarked standing and holding suplex for a 10+ silent count. Anyone who wants to get in the business needs to study Chris' tapes. Chris always tried to study his tapes and better himself, he constantly was seeking reviews of his recent work - he wanted to know how you were reacting. As a lot of fans, my favorite period of his career was in SMW and ECW. Chris Candido was ECW as much as anyone would be - he would never take the credit he truly deserves for all his contributions, both inside and outside the ring.

When I first brought Candido Online online, and got the word around to friends within the wrestling Net community to put out the word that we were back online, I excitedly told Chris that we got 300,something hits since it came back in December. His words were, "wow - holy shit Bammer." That's exactly how Chris would feel about the amazing outpouring from workers, family, friends and fans throughout the world. Chris never knew how loved he really was, I know I can't remember anything like this since Owen Hart's passing. That hit me hard, as it did Chris and Tammy, but this has leveled me because I lost my extended brother I never had too soon. I want everyone to know that Chris was genuinely thankful for all the good in his life, his family, friends and the ability to work. I have never remembered Chris happier in recent memory - he loved working for TNA, he loved being the positive role model backstage, he loved that people cared about his opinions backstage. He felt appreciated, he was happy to be involved with TNA whenever we talked about it.

In a business where people don't always mean what they say, Chris Candito is a man of honor. He and Tammy respectfully took this writer/fan from North Carolina, and made me apart of their family as much as they are apart of mine. My father stood stunned in silence as I was hysterical at 7:30 am when I opened my mailbox to a 'I'm so sorry' emails from my friends Tim and Mike, to not reading the email clearly because I was half awake to reading the headlines and then going to the TNA web site to find out that it was true. Family is everything when your family isn't always close, it's not something to be taken for granted. There isn't a day when I don't think about the man I consider my big brother. I thought we'd have more time. I just heard from him last week when I asked about May 21st and the three scheduled appearances he had to make that day - I wanted to make sure there wasn't any errors, that he wasn't being improperly booked on the Net. He took the time to say hi, explain that he was going to make all appearances, thank me for asking and that he loved me. Tammy and I were in close contact about his ankle surgery, we all expected this to go just fine and he be back in the ring and we all knew he would miss zero dates and the bookers were more than willing to work around the injury. I can't explain or understand why this all happened the way it did. I will never understand why he was called away. All I know is I miss him already, I missed him the moment I found out, that I wanted to be selfish, and keep him here for everyone that loved him. I find myself talking to him and God now as I try to fall asleep at night, which isn't a easy task when it never was to begin with and I have yet to be able to remember dreams like I used to. Chris brought in my life himself which in itself was a great joy - a man who I hope I'm similar to in his great attitude, love, and joy for living; and my soul mate best friend and sister in Tammy' he brought many friends I made through the work I've done and will continue to do over the years through the web site and the Team, he brought entertainment to the entire world when he came down to the ring, strutting and raising his arms to Back in Black with the Triple Threat sign high in the air. Chris did one thing often in his match, after a good spot in the match he would do a 'that's it, it's done' wiping of the hands and go for the pin. He never got the victory usually after doing that sign, it was this smart psychology that he implemented that I associate with CC alone to get a reaction. Chris, your work is done here - and your work continues where we can't see it. I'm sure you are somewhere entertaining the boys and pulling some great ribs. Can't wait to hear about it. I know you will watch after Tammy, your family, myself and all your friends. We love you, and I promise to keep your work available for fans to remember for as much as I can control. Thank you for making me apart of your life, my book on the NWA will be dedicated to you and
you will always remain close to my heart.

- Bambi Weavil (CandidoOnline.com Webmistress)

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I got the honor of working a lot with Chris these past few months and he would always take the time to watch my match and talk to me after about them. I know everyone in the wrestling world has been touched by Chris and today we have lost a great member of the wrestling community and a big loss to our wrestling family... Chris, you will be missed, but your memory will go on forever. Thank you for the laughs, the stories, and your talent... God Bless you Chris Candido and thank you for becoming a wrestler and entertaining us all these years.

- Traci Brooks

He would wrestle, entertain, and make you laugh for the next 20-30 minutes. He never cared about winning or losing, he only wanted people to be entertained. He wasn't interested in critics' reviews or what the internet had to say. He only cared about having the best, most entertaining match he could possibly have. He would do it in front of the family-style crowds of the NWS. He would do it in front of the smart mark crowds of USA Pro/UXW. He would do it in front of national television audiences in ECW, WWF, WCW, and TNA. He would do it in front of crowds who knew him and those that did not. He did it every single time he wrestled and for that, anyone who wrestled him was honored. Anyone who saw him perform was lucky. Anyone who knew him was truly blessed. I was lucky to have been all three. That's the affect Chris had on people. He truly was a "great worker," a "professional wrestler," but most importantly, one heck of a human being.

- Pat "Simon Diamond" Kenney

In my opinion, the greatest shame of this tragedy is that Chris Candido was one of the people in this business who recognized and identified his demons and addressed them before it was too late, only to be taken away from us far too soon. He overcame his demons and beat his demons. I saw Chris in Puerto Rico at times when he was battling those demons, but when I first saw him when he debuted in TNA several months ago, I could not believe it! Chris lost weight, got back into shape, refocused his attention to wrestling and working, and most importantly, Chris had beaten those demons that had touched his life. That is the mark of a true man and a "real" champion. Chris was, and will continue to be, an inspiration to me as well as many in wrestling today and tomorrow.

- Chris "Abyss" Parks

My thoughts and prayers go out to Tammy, his family, and his close friends. I didn't know Chris very well before TNA, but in the short time I knew him I didn't realize how funny, well-respected, and what an all-around good person he was. Not only did I become a friend, I became a fan of his personality and his work. In the locker room, no matter what kind of mood you were in, he always found a way to make you laugh or smile. Chris, you made your family and friends proud because you changed your life for the better. I know you're in heaven smiling down at us… we miss you and we'll see you soon. Take care buddy.

- Sonny Siaki

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"A Time to Live and a Time to Die"...Final Thoughts on Chris Candido...A Stroll Down Memory Lane by Johnny Ova and Bobby Riedel

The following was written by wrestling Agent, Bobby Riedel.

Like Brett Schwan, I first met Chris and Tammy back at the John Arezzi convention. I was the "kid" that was hired by John to take the pictures for any fans who wanted a snapshot with the Dynamic Duo of Smokey Mountain Wrestling. Sitting with both of these fine people that day was truly a divine appointment. Let me explain.

I was hired by John at 16 years of age. Arezzi, always received credit for being the first guy who "broke me in". I didn't know of Chris and Tammy. Never heard of them until that day. Back then, wrestling was not as covered as it is today...no internet, and very little "sheets". Kayfabe was still going strong, and there wasn't an autograph session every other weekend in the NY area. Indy level wrestling was something you had to really search out and research...which usually meant you had to buy videos from people, or listen to the great "Pro Wrestling Spotlight" which was John Arezzi's hot radio program, that Vince Russo also was also involved with. To any wrestling "insider" at that time, this was the show to listen too as all the real "behind the scenes" facts were revealed.

Back to Chris and Tammy...

I was stationed as there Personal Asst. for that day, and took care of there every need...one that included working there table for them with the camera. Anyone who has a picture taken with Chris and Tammy from that convention odds are, the shot was taken by a 16 year old Bobby Riedel. Which if you read in between the lines, I took countless hundreds pictures and spent a great deal of time with these two people over that weekend. What caused an immediate bond to take place between Tammy and I was the fact her dad had just passed away. She was a trooper. Although she was sad and down, she did not disappoint the fans. She stood there and posed and signed pics for all her fans...and soon to be fans. She had every right not to go to the convention, but she did anyway. She showed how strong she was, and she pulled through that entire weekend.

Chris, Tammy, and I got to spend a lot of quality time that weekend as Chris and I were both "cheering" Tammy on. Chris would care for Tammy by holding her hand, consoling her, talking to her straight, and just showing the love she needed at that time. When Chris would be pulled away from time to time for media interviews or pictures, Tammy would open up to me and would share with me her worries, sadness, and grief. It was a time that God ordained to use for down the road. From that day on, Chris and Tammy entrusted me with many things, and a strong friendship grew.

Weeks before they were to start at Titan Sports, the two told me about and they were very excited. I remember Chris..."Bobby this is it. This is a break I won't let pass by. I can't wait". He was like a little boy...To me, it was like watching a little boy obtain his dreams. He was such a hard worker. His matches with the Dirty White boy were legendary. Jim "Corny" Cornette did what he had to do to help them along, and the two were forever indebted.

A funny thing happened soon after. They got their start with the WWE around the same time I was fortunate enough to build a relationship with the McMahons. Well, in just a brief time, the three of us would reunite once again in the many places the WWE ran. Up and down the East Coast we would go...fighting traffic, avoiding the legions of fans that would spot them in a car, and figuring out ways to get around "obstacles" that only the road brings. It was quite the experience. However, it was always Chris that kept us laughing. He would be hot just like Tammy and I were, but he always brought the comedy aspect into it...sometimes in a way where I don't believe he was trying to be funny.

For example, here we were...it was some big "loop" in the metro area, and up through New England....and at the time, "Sunny" had left the "Bodydonnas", and sided with the "Gunns". I had the "honor" of hiding the two of them in my car and transporting them from hotel to venue without the fans seeing them together. Let me pause here for a sec. Chris and Tammy respected kayfabe and all that goes with it. It was great to see them going to such great lengths to do that. A laughable moment was when the WWF at the time was running Nassau Coliseum. I was working with "Sunny" and the Smoking Gunns at the "Hooters" across the street from Nassau. I working the auto session....that night, Chris was teaming with "Zip" or Tom Pritchard, against the Gunns. For more than 2 hours, poor Chris had to hide in the kitchen at Hooters. When I went to check in on him, he was in his workout gear doing cardio on the kitchen floor. I guess this brings new meaning to...."The man ate up the business". Then came the hard part...we had to sneak Chris into the car to drive Tammy over (Gunns were taken care of). So, this is what Chris and I did...we got some type of protective covering, and we snuck him outside the back door near the dumpsters, I drove my car to the back, and he spread out in my backseat...with the covering on! I drove back to the font...fans watching for my every move (knowing I was taking care of them), and then I escorted "Sunny" out to the car....with fans literally all over my car trying to get one last shot of Tammy, we seat her in the passenger seat, and there is Chris all covered up in the backseat with all the fans looking in...NONE THE WISER. This shows you the depth of Chris' willingness to go above and beyond. A lot of people today can learn from his example.

Another "happening" was when Tammy and Chris were working an ECW Funk show, while Marty Jannetty and I were working an NWA Coralluzzo show. It was a long day, and we were tired. Marty and I decide to stop at the Exit 7 NJT rest stop and eat...It was pouring rain, and something hot was welcomed. While on line at the "Bob's Big Boy"...I hear from behind me, "Is that Bobby Riedel I see in front of me"...ans sure enough, it was Chris. He was being his fun, cheerful self. From there, he tells me to go to the car and get Tammy, and the four of us just chilled out at the Bob's Big Boy....It was surreal in a way. They were still with WWE, but Vince let them go to respect Terry, and Marty and I were doing our thing. The four of us spent so many nights together while doing WWF events that we got even more closer than most. Remember the days of the New Rockers? (Leif Cassidty/Al Snow and Marty)? Well, we went up and down the road together numerous times during that program. So get the picture...a REST STOP...and Chris and Tammy are all dressed up due to the event they were part of, and here is Marty and I sitting eating combo meals Haha!

There was another time "The Bodydonnas" and "Kloudi" (Jimmy Shoulders) were teaming up in a match in Poughkeepsie. It came time for an intermission...15 minutes exactly....over $600 in auto sales. Just this simple expression of love and appreciation displayed by the fans proved... that even back then...Chris was something special.

For the years Chris was in ECW, I didn't see him much as I was not an ECW follower. However, Chris and I remained friends by talking on the phone on occasion...then bumping into him at different functions on the road. One thing about him...he never lost his drive. He battled demons, and fought off skeptics...and he won. His zest for life, his career, and his love for Tammy always motivated him to succeed and do better.

When I received the call about his death early that dreadful morning, I dealt with it my own way. I thought back to these memories and the flood of others I can tell you. It shocked me because Chris was so young (3 years older than me), and I was just with him last month for 6 hours. A matter a fact, one of his very last interviews was conducted by wrestling personality, Johnny Ova. The two spoke about Chris' career highs and lows, embarrassing moments, regrets, future goals, and his current position with TNA. In the interview, he got very serious about his current role in wrestling, and thanked Jeff Jarrett and TNA for bringing him in. This interview will be able to be viewed on the internet very soon so you can all capture the emotion he had when he discussed being an NWA Champion. It was heartfelt and very surreal.

In the hours that followed his death, I called one of Chris' childhood friends..."Kloudi" Jimmy Shoulders. he lives right down the block from Chris' parents. He called me back with all the details of what happened, and what his last words were. Very sad. Anyway, as I was being told the funeral info. and fielding countless calls, I decided that I would not give my memories until after the funeral. Well, here I am.

On Monday afternoon, Johnny Ova and I, were invited down to the funeral by a family friend. It was there that reality really hit. Seeing Chris in his casket was something that I quickly wanted to forget. I stood there with Johnny remembering all "markers" of his life and our friendship together. I looked at all the pictures and looked over the flowers. I was able to meet Johnny and offered him my sincerest condolences. I was later introduced to Chris' dad. He and I exchanged email addresses as he wanted some media I have with Chris. Dr. Tom Pritchard and I stood in a corner in the front of the room near the casket just talking about the legacy that Chris would leave behind. We took that "stroll down memory lane" and remembered the good times we had on the road. Mic Foley called me over to his table at a Perkins restaurant across the street and we further discussed the fact that Chris was loved and revered amongst the great men of the industry. Mic wanted to be there for him when others may not be able to attend. However, nothing can describe what happened when Tammy and I spoke.

Tammy, who was obviously having a hard time with everything, found comfort in a multitude of friends. She showed Johnny and I the tattoo she received the night before in Chris' honor. It is a double "C" on the back of her neck. She then went on and told us how she got one for her father and niece as well. My heart broke for her. I quickly responded, "Tammy, I was there fro you 14 years ago, I am here for you now". The three of us chatted for about 30 minutes or so, and we spoke about all that Chris meant to her and to the industry. She spoke about how he would keep the house clean and keep her organized. She mentioned how she appreciated all the money that is being raised due to his death, and insisted that she stays busy. In a moment that I will always hold in high regard, and I will carry out in Chris's honor is explained in Johnny Ova's tribute for Chris. In a nutshell, Chris, Tammy, Johnny, and I were JUST (like 2 weeks ago) planning to go out to eat at the Cheesecake Factory in Long Island (This is her favorite place). We were going back and fourth writing emails to each other about the date, and anticipating the day it all would go down. Chris also was going to give up his time and train privately with Johnny Ova at our wrestling ministry training facility. What makes this special is the fact that Johnny and Chris did not each other for a long period of time, but Chris was willing to drive out to Long Island to get in the ring and work with John and continue to help him excel in this sport. The man gave his life for the sport, and then took what he received, and blessed others with it. This is a classy move. This act alone showed just how much Chris remained "grounded" and real with people...rather than some guy with a massive ego. The fact that he is gone, shortly after planning this night with him; really brings reality to set in. He found in his his heart to bless me with his friendship and entrust me with many things throughout our time together. I love you Chris and Tammy....

In closing, I believe that the death of Chris will bring healing to many people. It is always good to try and find the positive in negative situations, and I believe that many peers and foes took his death to heart and made amends with people that needed to hear the words "I'm sorry. Can you forgive me". You never know when God decides to take you home....always be ready to go.

Bobby Riedel

The following was written by Pro Wrestler and Speaker Johnny Ova

When I first heard that Chris had passed, I was shocked and in such disbelief. This is a guy I had just spoken with and hung out with 4 weeks ago. So young, 33 years old! I knew him from the shows we have been on, but never got as close as I did with him until I spent the day with Tammy, Chris, and Bobby recently. I was looking forward to hanging out again with them at the Cheesecake Factory and training with Chris. This was actually being planned at the time of his death. Chris was willing to chill with me, and teach me some of what he was taught by his mentors. This guy, who I hadn't known for a long time, showed me what it meant to be a giving person. He was ready to give of himself for me...a guy he didn't really even know all that long. Who does that? He and Tammy were nice enough to let me into there private world, and I thank them for that opportunity.

I have been blessed to have gotten trained by many of the top stars this sport...DiBiase, George Steele, and a host of others, but I must admit; I was looking forward to my time with Chris. I looked forward to this because I related him to me. He was a smaller guy from my area, the odds were against him, yet he succeeded! After speaking with him, you know wrestling was his life and passion, and his drive kept him going until he made it. I feel the same way. I was, and still am, mocked and looked down upon because of the choices I made in following my heart for wrestling, my faith, and my business...but like Chris, I never gave up. He truly is and will remain an inspiration to others. No matter what people said, he shook it off and went for his goal! I studied a lot of his matches, and as a kid, grew up loving his work. His matches from back in the day are awesome. You don't see much of that anymore. The day I spent with Chris taught me that Chris was not like the other wrestlers. He was something special; he was one of the “good guys”.

I will miss Chris, but the legacy he left in wrestling will live on forever. I pray that his family is strengthened through this and they keep on keeping on. Also, that God will draw them close through the tribulations of life.

Johnny Ova
I Peter 3:15

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Naked in Baton Rouge
Originally Posted July 29, 2003

(After last week's request for questions I was reminded of a few funny stories, from my ECW days, that I thought would make for good commentaries. The following is a story I’ve told to the boys many times, and it was one of my more silly moments in the ring)

We were doing a house show in Baton Rouge, LA. This was right after Dawn Marie’s debut. She was still working as Tammy Lynn Bytch. We were just starting our initial program with Tammy and Chris. It was or first loop through all of our regular towns after Tammy joined the company.

Paul liked giving the fans everything on a show so every night he would have us do the bit where Tammy would strip Dawn down to her bra and panties then I would grab Tammy and go to Suplex her. I would hold the standing Suplex so Tammy’s skirt would drop and everyone would get to see her thong too (or rather her @$$). After that Chris would usually hit me in the back of the head with a chain and Tammy would roll me up in a small package for the pin. (again showing her, shall we say, good side) Chris usually on his own, just to be silly, would then take his trunks off and parade around in his thong doing a great Jim Duggan like stomp around the ring.

On this particular night Tammy was off so Francine was subbing in. Shane Douglas was also there but not working due to an injury. With the Triple Threat tie in we decided to put him in our match as well. Now I don’t remember who started it all but we kept getting sillier and sillier with ideas on how to end the match and show off our @$$es.

After all, Dawn was getting stripped damn near naked every night it’s only fair that she gets to see someone’s @$$ too. We kept adding ideas on top of ideas to the point were I was literally rolling on the floor in hysterical laughter. The following was how the match concluded.

Chris and I hit a big move for a near fall. Dawn rolls in to break the count. Francine rolls in and the catfight ensues. Francine strips Dawn down to her bra and thong. I grab Francine and go to Pile Drive her. She is wearing shorts (It’s the only outfit she brought) so the Suplex spot wouldn’t work.

Before piledriving her I grab her shorts and hike them up into what was most likely a very uncomfortable Wedgy. That’s 2 out of 5 in the bare @$$ department. Before I can deliver the piledriver, Candito executes a roll up and when he gets me rolled up he grabs two hands full of tights and pulls. There is now a FULL moon in Baton Rouge (3 out of 5). I swear if I wasn’t folded up for the roll up my tights would have been around my knees.

The three members of the Triple Threat hit the ring to celebrate and Candito strips down and does his Jim Duggan impression again in his thong (4 out of 5). From there Francine and Chris look at Shane in a, “How about you?” look. Shane obliges and takes off his short and hikes his under wear up his butt to make due in place of a thong. (5 out of 5) but we aren’t done yet.

Shane while celebrating his new look turns and Francine grabs his under wear and pulls them off. Since this is a planned spot, Shane very timely drops his World Title belt lower than usual and covers his man hood. The crowd erupts in laughter as Candito then casually strolls past him and takes the belt. Another planned spot and Shane very quickly removes the hat of his head and once again hides his man hood. Shane is now standing in the ring wearing nothing but his boots and ball cap.

All the while Dawn and I are upset outside the ring having a fit because we lost and were humiliated. Her in her bra and thong and me with my @$$ hanging out. Being the “Dumb Heel” I of course hadn’t noticed that my pants were still down showing off my butt. If Dawn had to be out there I didn’t think it fair that I pull my pant up immediately. After we all made it back to the locker room, we had yet another round of laughter and that match will be forever known as the night we got naked in Baton Rouge.

Till next week, keep your pants on!
Lance
(original article)

Originally Written in 1995 with additions made through 1999

Stats:
Name: Chris Candido
Hometown:Cartaret, NJ
Birthdate: March 21st 1972
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 226 pounds
Pro Debut: 1986
Married to Tammy Sytch
Top 500 ratings: Ranked # 403 in 1991 top 500, # 422 in 1992, # 83 in 1993,
# 45 in 1994, # 42 in 1995, # 69 in 1996, # 71 in 1997, # 45 in 1998, # 133 in 1999

Biography
Chris Candido made his pro wrestling debut at the young age of 14 in 1986 against Black Gordman. Not much is known is known about Chris in the next few years, but on June 3, 1990 he defeated Johnny Hot Body for the WWA light heavyweight title , and this was the start of a great career. Candido stayed with the WWA for approximately a further 2 years and won the WWA light heavyweight title on 2 occasions.

In April 93, he entered Smoky Mountain Wrestling(SMW) and that is where he got nationwide attention. He soon got himself into a memorable feud with Tim Horner. The feud included such matches as "Loser wears a diaper" and baby bottle matches and it was quite an even feud.

On October 4, 1993 Chris won the SMW U.S junior heavyweight title from Bobby Blaze and in the next week they traded the title a few times with Blaze ending up with the belt. Arguably Candido's greatest win was on October 30, 93 at Bensalem Bash 93, against Sabu. Tammy Fytch sprayed hairspray in Sabu's eyes , blinding him, but more importantly helping Chris get the victory at 17:41.
Chris also wrestled in ECW in 1993 and captured tag team gold as one half of The Suicide Blonds with Johnny Hot Body. After they lost the titles and were trounced in a feud against The Super Destroyers, they soon vanished.

In early ' 94 Chris was teamed up with Brian Lee in SMW and shortly after being paired, under the guidance of Tammy Fytch, they won the SMW tag straps. As on April 23 they defeated The legendary Rock and Roll Express for the titles. On August 5, they lost the titles back to the Rock and Roll Express but were able to reclaim them the next night. 2 days later they lost the titles back to The Rock and Roll Express and that was the last time any of them won SMW gold. Tammy and Chris soon turned on Brian Lee and this erupted a big feud in which Candido dominated due to Tammy's interference.

On November 19, 1994 Chris Candido beat Tracy Smothers in the final for the vacant NWA title and was crowned the new champ.
Candido, still wrestling in SMW, brought his childhood friend, Boo Bradley into Smoky Mountain. The two were quite a successful duo but didn't last long as on December 25, 1994 Candido and Boo lost to Tracy Smothers and Cactus Jack, which led to the two of them breaking up and staring a feud. Boo Bradley defeated Chris in a series of "loser eats dog food" matches, but it was Chris who had the last laugh. During their feud, Candido splashed Boo's cat from the top rope!!.
On February 24, 1995 Chris lost his NWA heavyweight title to Dan Severn. His rough patch didn't end their as 2 days later he lost a loser leaves SMW match to Boo Bradley.

Chris soon parted to the WWF under the alias of Bodydonna Skip, with Sunny(Tammy Sytch) by his side. On entrance he scored big wins over such wrestlers as Doink The Clown, Aldo Montoya, Bob Holly, Duke Droese and The 123 Kid(X Pac).
On July, 8, 1995 Skip was pinned by prelim wrestler Barry Horowitz and this caused great embarrassment for The Bodydonnas(Skip and Sunny). Skip then said that it was a fluke and came out and said that Horowitz could not last 10 minutes in the ring with him. Horowitz held Skip to a 10 minute time limit draw and caused even more embarrassment for Skip. At Summerslam 95 Skip lost yet again to Horowitz and was arguably at the lowest point of his career. Skip finally defeated Horowitz on September 8 due to Sunny's interference.

Skip was then dominated in a feud with Hakushi, and seeing that her man was in trouble, Sunny brought a second Bodydonna to the federation in Zip(Tom Pritchard) and at that moment The Bodydonnas were formed. The Bodydonnas soon became a title threat and were given many title shots against The Smoking Gunns, but although coming close, they were never able to unseat the then champions.
In early 96, The Smoking Gunns had to vacate the tag titles and this left the door open for The Bodydonnas.
At Wrestlemania 12, thanks to Sunny's interference, The Bodydonnas captured the tag titles by defeating The Godwinns. In May The Bodydonnas lost the titles to The Godwinns and were deserted by Sunny, who was so disappointed by their performance. The Bodydonnas struggled in the next few months and even hired themselves a new manager in Cloudy(an imitation of Sunny). They slowly died down and soon left the WWF. ( Really, Chris was injured and was out of action for a few months, he and WWF parted ways).

After recovering from injury, Chris returned to ECW and defeated Mikey Whipwreck at November to Remember '96. Chris soon formed the deadly triple threat with Shane Douglas and Brian Lee. Chris was part of the ECW invasion which invaded WWF TV.

Brian Lee left ECW in 97, so Bam Bam Bigelow replaced him in the triple threat. Chris soon got himself in an unsuccessful feud with Taz as he lost to Taz at Hardcore Heaven '97.
Chris soon formed a a great tag team with Lance Storm. On December 6, 1997 Candido and Storm defeated Doug Furnas and Phil Lafon and Axl Rotten and Balls Mahoney in a 3 way dance to win the ECW tag titles. After a lengthy reign, Chris and Lance dropped the titles to Sabu and Rob Van Dam on June 27, 1998 at the ECW arena.

Soon Candido and Storm didn't see eye to eye and became involved in a memorable feud. On August 8 at Heatwave 98 Candido defeated Lance Storm. On the same night Tammy Sytch made her return to ECW. At first Sytch was with Lance Storm , but she soon turned on him and accompanied her old compatriot, Chris Candido. This sparked a huge feud with Storm and his new valet Tammy Lynn Bytch(Dawn Marie) and became one of the longest running feuds in wrestling at the time.

Candido's group , The Triple Threat started a feud with Rob Van Dam, Taz and Sabu and paid for it. At November to Remember 98 they were defeated by the Latter. Bam Bam Bigelow soon departed for WCW and the triple threat folded.

At Guilty as Charged '99, Chris and Tammy turned their backs on Shane Douglas and his manager Francine and helped Taz to defeat Douglas for the world title. Candido then took a few months off wrestling but returned at Cyberslam '99. At Hardcore Heaven 99, Candido was defeated yet again by Taz and took some more time off.

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About 6 weeks ago, Johnny Ova and Bobby Riedel interviewed longtime friends Chris Candido and Tammy Sytch. Who would of thought that 6 weeks later the wrestling world would mourn the loss of Chris Candido. In what is being branded one of Chris' last interviews, watch Ova interview Chris and learn about the depth of this man as he speaks about the NWA Championship, and what wrestling meant to him. These VIDEO INTERVIEWS are a must see. For those wrestling figure fans, Chris talks about his hopefull figure and what he would like it to be made like. You can also find information on where you can send donations int he name of Chris Candido.

Riedel's interview with Tammy is filled with comedy and light banter. The two go back and fourth and discuss the past, present, and the future. Light-hearted and witty is Tammy...who you will see has an incredible heart as well. Her comments, and answers on some of the questions will make you run tot he bathroom. What a riot. Please remember to keep her in your prayers as she will have to adjust to the loss Chris Candido.

Check it out here.
http://www.wrestlingfigs.com/candido.html

When using any of this information give proper credit to Cactusb and the Wrestling Clothesline at http://www.wrestlingclothesline.com

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