The All American Jeff Peterson
Born: August 13, 1981
Died: November 29, 2002

No Gimmicks Needed
Chris Candido
Born: March 21, 1972
Died: April 28, 2005

As of April 28, 2005 this site runs in memory of, and as a tribute to, a man I am proud to call my friend, the late No Gimmicks Needed Chris Candido. An image (and link to this page) of Chris Candido (as well as Jeff Peterson) will appear on the top right side of the main page. The other images that appear on the main page of the site will remain there, and new ones will be added, as a tribute to Chris, on a regular basis.

In addition, these pages will be updated regularly with pictures, stories, information, and quotes about Chris Candido. With this page, I will make sure that the memory of Chris Candido remains for as long as this site does. These pages will expand into more pages as time permits. So check beck regularly!

Anyone wishing to contribute to this page with thoughts, pictures, stories, etc. are welcome to email me at WresClothesline@aol.com - Brett Schwan

Chris Candido's Obituary | Brett Remembers Chris | Chris Candido Bio | Wrestler Comments on Chris | Other Press/Comments | One of Chris' Final Interviews | Chris Quotes

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.

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!!

Update:
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

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.

courtesy Dr. Mike Lano

Check out the following tribute video on Chris Candido from OVW:
http://www.ovwrestling.com/news/candidotribute.wmv

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This eulogy was sent from Jimmy "Kloudi" Shoulders to be used as a means for fans and peers of Chris to share in a special moment that occured at one of the services for Chris. We are especially blessed to have received the "go ahead" from Chris' father and Jimmy, to run this eulogy as a means for those who were unable to make it to the funeral; in order to feel the love expressed in one of the main speakers. Remembering Chris is the sole purpose of this, and should not be used in any other manner. Jimmy Shoulders and Chris' father cleared the posting of this special memory. Please treat this as a memorial, and not a "news" item should your website decide to pay tribute as well. The family is fully aware that the eulogy may be linked to many other websites, and is encouraged to know that Jimmy's moving tribute can be heard by people who were unable to attend.*

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As originally posted on JohnnyOva.com:

Farewell Candido By Jimmy "Kloudi" Shoulders

Good afternoon/evening. Thank you all for coming and spending some time with Chris, his family and friends today.

Seventeen years ago at a gym that used to sit just down the street in Belmar called "The Body Shop", God placed this quirky kid, that would always tell me how he was "going to be a professional wrestler" into my life. He would say things like: "Watch I’m gonna be a star", and "My grandfather was a famous wrestler and that’s what I’m gonna to be". He made me laugh a lot then. I think I had only seen one match in my life so I didn’t know too much.

God placed him near me when I needed him most. This kid would always bug me for rides so he could go and practice wrestling somewhere. I told him I would if he started training harder. He surprised me because that’s exactly what he did. So when I had time, I started taking him to "The Monster Factory" and different arenas where he would help Klondike Bill and Gordo set up the WCW ring and then practice in it. Someone asked him, "Who I was", once and, "If I wasn’t a worker", I "had to go". So he told them that I was a worker and told me that, "If I don’t get in the ring I couldn’t come anymore and he’ll lose his ride". So I got in the ring for him and he taught me how to take bumps. He taught me everything he could about the business. Story lines and ring psychology. This kid from Spring Lake just amazed me.

He loved it and couldn't understand why anyone wouldn’t want to do it. He used to always say that if he had to, he would pay money to wrestle. As Chris and I started to train more intensely, we grew closer as friends. I went and saw him wrestle at Red Bank Catholic a few times and one time he got pissed at the ref and told him, "You're unprofessional".

When we were breaking in the business he worked for me for a while. He was the only guy that I had in my company that ever had a no show job. If you ever saw him paint, oh brother it was a good thing he could wrestle.

Candido was a lot more than just a wrestler. He introduced me to everyone in his family and I got to see what kind of a loving son, brother and husband he was to his family. His family always meant the world to him. He loved them so much. He always took so much pride in the things that Johnny, Amanda and Amy were doing in and out of school and tried to make the time to be there for them. He loved to tell his friends about his brother and sisters accomplishments, and of all the things that they were doing.

He knew he could always count on his parents, for love and guidance. Candido adored his mother. And his father was his hero. His love for them will never fade. Love like that for your family goes on forever.

His star started to rise high when he and Tammy went to Memphis to work. He would tell me so many stories when he came home. We would sit in my tattoo shop and talk for hours as he filled me in on what was happening. He was teaching me more and more about the business as he did for anyone that wanted to learn it. He gave his knowledge to so many. Many that without Chris would not be stars today. He knew more about the business than any one I ever met.

Each one of us can look and see where Candido touched our hearts, inspired us, helped us, or all of the above. He wanted his friends to have fun, to succeed and to be stars with him. Hell... he dragged me along everywhere he could. And whenever I got there the boys would say, "So you’re Jimmy Shoulders, I’ve heard a lot about you". He always paved the way and made things comfortable for me and others. He got a kick out of me not knowing who Terry Funk was when Funker was standing next to me.

His greatest rib was when he and Tammy called me up and got me in with Titan. The only thing I had to do... was wear a wig, some eye makeup, a sports bra, and a skirt... Only for Candido. The funniest thing about that time was Chris, Tammy, and I being led around the Village in N.Y.C. by Hakooshi shopping for everything I needed for the Kloudi gimmick, and Koosh knowing where all the Transvestite stores were. I still think that’s odd.

His love for Tammy has always been strong and they were there for each other the whole ride. For fifteen years what a ride they had.

Chris did anything he could for anyone he loved and for so many others you could never count them up. Look around and ask anyone here what did he do for them and they’ll more than likely have more than one story to share. I know for myself I could not begin to count. When I struggled he was there. He came to my daughters dance recitals. When my mother died he comforted me. He taught me the wrestling business, and he made me famous once. He brought me into his family and I am blessed for that. The love that they give is undying. It’s an honor to know and love each and every one.

Today as he walks with Christ. There are not words enough to honor my friend. We will all miss him so much. Our son, our brother, our friend. I know today that he is with God in heaven and he’s teaching everyone how to bump around and sell. If there wasn’t a ring in heaven there sure is now.

Peggy, Don, Greg, Giselle, Tammy, Johnny, Amanda, Amy and Baba thank you so much for allowing me to spend time with Chris over the years and each one of you. I love you all so very much.

Chris was more than a friend to me. He was the kid brother that I never had. And that is a gift I know that God gave to me. And for that I am truly grateful. God bless Chris and each and every one of you.