Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ken Shamrock
How Ken Shamrock built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Ken Shamrock is a retired American professional wrestler and mixed martial artist, currently signed to WWE. A UFC Hall of Fame inductee, he is considered a pioneer of MMA. Known as "The World's Most Dangerous Man," Shamrock headlined numerous UFC and Pride FC events and broke pay-per-view records. His impact in both MMA and professional wrestling has solidified his legacy as a significant figure in combat sports entertainment.
1988: Professional Wrestling Training
In 1988, Ken Shamrock trained as a professional wrestler under Buzz Sawyer, Nelson Royal, and Gene Anderson.
1988: Greco-Roman wrestler
In 1988, Shamrock had his first high level bout with Duane Koslowski, Dennis Koslowski's twin brother and a 1988 Summer Olympics Greco-Roman wrestler
1989: Debut in Atlantic Coast Wrestling
In 1989, Ken Shamrock debuted in Royal's North Carolina-based Atlantic Coast Wrestling promotion under the ring name Wayne Shamrock.
1989: Professional Wrestling Debut
In 1989, Ken Shamrock debuted in professional wrestling with the North Carolina-based South Atlantic Pro Wrestling promotion.
November 1991: Match against Kazuo Takahashi
In November 1991, Kazuo Takahashi broke the script and shot on Ken Shamrock in their match, leading Shamrock to knock him out with a soccer kick to the face.
1992: Wrestled a rematch
In 1992, Shamrock wrestled a rematch against Kazuo Takahashi
September 21, 1993: Mixed Martial Arts Debut at Pancrase
On September 21, 1993, Ken Shamrock made his mixed martial arts debut at Pancrase, defeating Masakatsu Funaki by arm-triangle choke in the main event.
January 19, 1994: Fight Against Minoru Suzuki
On January 19, 1994, Ken Shamrock fought Minoru Suzuki. Shamrock was injured and forced to forfeit the fight after Suzuki refused to release a kneebar after Shamrock had grabbed the ropes to escape.
September 9, 1994: UFC 3 Tournament Appearance
On September 9, 1994, at UFC 3, Ken Shamrock defeated Christophe Leininger and Felix Mitchell to advance to the finals but refused to compete after learning Royce Gracie had dropped out.
December 1994: Becoming the First King of Pancrase
In December 1994, Ken Shamrock became the first King of Pancrase, defeating Maurice Smith, Alex Cook, Masakatsu Funaki and Manabu Yamada to win the 16-man King of Pancrase Tournament.
1994: Kickboxing Match Against Frank "The Animal" Lobman
In 1994, Ken Shamrock competed in a kickboxing match against Frank "The Animal" Lobman, where he broke Lobman's nose but ultimately lost by TKO due to leg kicks.
April 5, 1995: Rematch with Royce Gracie at UFC 5
On April 5, 1995, Ken Shamrock faced Royce Gracie in "The Superfight" at UFC 5, which ended in a draw after a 30-minute time limit was suddenly instituted. Shamrock and Gracie fought for the entire allotted time of 30 minutes along with 5 minutes of overtime before the match was declared a draw.
July 14, 1995: Victory over Dan Severn at UFC 6
On July 14, 1995, at UFC 6, Ken Shamrock defeated Dan Severn to win the UFC Superfight Championship, marking a significant achievement in his MMA career.
September 8, 1995: UFC 7: Shamrock vs. Taktarov
On September 8, 1995, at UFC 7, Ken Shamrock defended his UFC Superfight Championship against Oleg Taktarov. Shamrock, uncomfortable fighting his teammate, aimed to win by causing a cut for a referee stoppage to avoid seriously injuring Taktarov.
1995: Defending the King of Pancrase Title
In 1995, Ken Shamrock defended his King of Pancrase title against Bas Rutten, winning by kneebar submission, but lost the title to Minoru Suzuki in his next fight.
February 1996: UFC 8: Shamrock vs. Leopoldo
In February 1996, at UFC 8 in Puerto Rico, Ken Shamrock defended his UFC Superfight Championship against Kimo Leopoldo, securing a kneebar and forcing Kimo to submit, marking Shamrock's second title defense.
December 1996: UFC's Ultimate Ultimate 1996
In December 1996, Ken Shamrock participated in the UFC's Ultimate Ultimate 1996 after recovering from injuries. He promoted the event on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. He defeated Brian Johnston but had to withdraw due to a broken hand.
1996: Desire for a Third Fight with Gracie
In 1996, Ken Shamrock expressed a strong desire to fight Royce Gracie for a third time, even offering to forfeit his UFC Superfight Championship belt to Gracie if the fight resulted in another draw.
1996: Departure from Pancrase
In early 1996, Ken Shamrock had a falling out with Pancrase management and left the company to compete in the UFC full-time, concluding his Pancrase career with a record of 17–3.
February 24, 1997: WWF Debut on Monday Night Raw
On February 24, 1997, Ken Shamrock made his WWF debut as a face on Monday Night Raw.
March 23, 1997: Refereed Submission Match at WrestleMania 13
On March 23, 1997, Ken Shamrock refereed a submission match between Bret Hart and Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13.
1997: D-Generation X: In Your House
In 1997, Ken Shamrock headlined D-Generation X: In Your House, where he challenged for the WWF Championship.
June 1998: King of the Ring Tournament Victory
In June 1998, Ken Shamrock won the 1998 King of the Ring tournament, defeating Mark Henry, Kama, The Rock, and Jeff Jarrett.
October 1998: Intercontinental Championship Win and Corporation Joining
In October 1998, Ken Shamrock turned heel and won the vacant Intercontinental Championship, later joining Mr. McMahon's Corporation.
1998: Shamrock reveals the match against Matt Hume was a worked shoot
In 1998, Ken Shamrock revealed that his match against Matt Hume was worked in an exhibition format.
1998: King of the Ring and WWF Championship Challenge
In 1998, Ken Shamrock won the King of the Ring tournament and challenged for the WWF Championship at D-Generation X: In Your House.
1998: Feud with The Rock over the Intercontinental Championship
Throughout early 1998, Ken Shamrock feuded with The Rock and his Nation of Domination stable over Rock's Intercontinental Championship. At WrestleMania XIV on March 29, Shamrock originally defeated The Rock, though the decision was reversed due to Shamrock's actions after the submission.
January 8, 1999: UFC 18: Ortiz's Disrespectful Actions
On January 8, 1999, at UFC 18, Tito Ortiz disrespected Ken Shamrock's Lion's Den camp after defeating Jerry Bohlander, which initiated a feud between Ortiz and Shamrock.
March 5, 1999: UFC 19: Shamrock's Confrontation with Ortiz
On March 5, 1999, at UFC 19, Ken Shamrock confronted Tito Ortiz after Ortiz disrespected the Lion's Den camp again following his rematch win against Guy Mezger. Police and security had to be called in.
1999: The Union stable and departure from WWF
In 1999, Ken Shamrock formed The Union, feuded with Jeff Jarrett, and then began a rivalry with Steve Blackman before departing the WWF in late 1999.
1999: Feud with The Undertaker
In 1999, Ken Shamrock's Corporation began feuding with The Undertaker and his Ministry of Darkness, which led to Ryan being kidnapped. After breaking away, Shamrock feuded with The Undertaker at Backlash and lost.
January 30, 2000: Pride Grand Prix 2000 Opening Round: Mezger vs. Sakuraba
On January 30, 2000, at the Pride Grand Prix 2000 Opening Round, Guy Mezger, one of Shamrock's fighters, fought Kazushi Sakuraba. Mezger controlled the fight, but Pride officials wanted an overtime round, despite the contract stipulations.
February 8, 2000: SuperBrawl 16: Shamrock withdraws, signs with Pride
On February 8, 2000, Ken Shamrock withdrew from SuperBrawl 16 due to pay issues and subsequently signed with Pride Fighting Championships. He was replaced by Dan Severn. Shamrock was supposed to face Josh Barnett but withdrew due to pay issues.
August 27, 2000: Pride 10 - Return of the Warriors: Shamrock vs. Fujita
On August 27, 2000, at Pride 10, Ken Shamrock fought Kazuyuki Fujita. Despite personal challenges, Shamrock dominated the fight but his corner threw in the towel due to heart palpitations. Shamrock was going through a divorce at the time, and had to care for his kids.
2000: One-Night Wrestling Return
On New Year's Eve 2000, Ken Shamrock made a one-night wrestling return, teaming with Don Frye at Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye in Osaka, Japan.
March 2001: Shamrock's injury before Pride 13
In March 2001, Ken Shamrock was scheduled to fight Igor Vovchanchyn at Pride 13, but he re-injured his neck during training, which ended his WWF career.
February 24, 2002: Pride 19: Shamrock vs. Frye
On February 24, 2002, at Pride 19, Ken Shamrock fought Don Frye, ending their feud. Frye won by split decision, but the two embraced after the fight, resolving their rivalry.
March 2002: Refereeing in Ring of Honor
In March 2002, Ken Shamrock returned to professional wrestling as a referee in a Ring of Honor match between Bryan Danielson and Low Ki.
May 2002: Signing with TNA
In May 2002, Ken Shamrock signed a one-year deal with the newly formed Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) promotion, marking a new chapter in his wrestling career.
November 22, 2002: UFC 40: Shamrock vs. Ortiz
On November 22, 2002, at UFC 40, Ken Shamrock returned to the UFC to fight Tito Ortiz for the Light Heavyweight Championship. Shamrock had difficulty cutting weight before the fight.
2002: NWA World Heavyweight Championship
In the summer of 2002 Ken Shamrock held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.
2002: First Match Since 2002
Ken Shamrock's victory over Joey Ryan on the October 29th episode of Impact! was his first match win since 2002.
November 21, 2003: Shamrock inducted into UFC Hall of Fame
On November 21, 2003, at UFC 45, Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock were the first inductees into the UFC Hall of Fame.
2003: Shamrock's ACL Surgery
In 2003, Ken Shamrock had surgery to repair a torn ACL sustained during a previous fight. This injury led to a change in his fighting style.
February 20, 2004: Match at Ultimate Pro Wrestling
On February 20, 2004, Ken Shamrock defeated Sylvester Terkay in a double disqualification at Ultimate Pro Wrestling.
June 19, 2004: UFC 48: Shamrock vs. Leopoldo Rematch
On June 19, 2004, at UFC 48, Ken Shamrock returned to fight Kimo Leopoldo in a rematch, winning by KO. He injured his shoulder during the fight and required surgery.
July 2004: Brief Return to TNA
In July 2004, Ken Shamrock briefly returned to TNA, participating in two matches: one for the NWA Heavyweight Championship and another an eight-man guitar-on-a-pole match, both of which he was unsuccessful in winning.
2004: Loss to Josh Barnett at NJPW Nexess
In 2004, Ken Shamrock lost to Josh Barnett by disqualification at NJPW Nexess.
2004: Previous Departure from TNA
Ken Shamrock's return in August 2019 marked his first appearance in TNA/Impact Wrestling since 2004.
April 9, 2005: The Ultimate Fighter finale: Shamrock vs. Franklin
On April 9, 2005, at The Ultimate Fighter finale, Ken Shamrock faced Rich Franklin. Franklin escaped a heel hook and won by TKO.
October 2005: Pride: Fully Loaded: Shamrock vs. Sakuraba
In October 2005, Ken Shamrock lost to Kazushi Sakuraba at Pride: Fully Loaded by TKO. The fight was stopped by the referee, sparking controversy.
November 19, 2005: Shamrock Announced as Coach on The Ultimate Fighter
On November 19, 2005, Dana White announced that Ken Shamrock would be a coach alongside Tito Ortiz for the third season of The Ultimate Fighter.
July 8, 2006: UFC 61: Shamrock vs. Ortiz Rematch
On July 8, 2006, at UFC 61, Ken Shamrock's rematch with Tito Ortiz occurred. Shamrock lost by TKO in the first round due to an early stoppage, which caused controversy.
October 10, 2006: Ortiz vs. Shamrock 3: The Final Chapter
On October 10, 2006, Ken Shamrock was defeated again by Tito Ortiz at Ortiz vs. Shamrock 3: The Final Chapter. After the fight, they reconciled, ending their animosity.
June 2007: Release from UFC Contract
In June 2007, Ken Shamrock was released from his UFC contract. Shamrock claimed the UFC released him because of his decision to coach in the International Fight League. He then sued the UFC for breach of contract but ultimately lost the suit and was ordered to pay Zuffa's attorney fees, totaling $175,000.
October 4, 2008: Injury Prevents Fight with Kimbo Slice
On October 4, 2008, Ken Shamrock was scheduled to fight Kimbo Slice at Elite XC Saturday Night Fight Special, but Shamrock was injured and could not compete for at least 45 days.
2008: Shamrock admits that he underestimated Gracie
In 2008 Ken Shamrock admitted that he had underestimated Royce Gracie.
February 13, 2009: Fight Against Ross Clifton
On February 13, 2009, Ken Shamrock fought Ross Clifton, knocking him down and winning via arm bar in the first round.
2009: Last Matches Prior to Return
2009 marked the year of Ken Shamrock's last matches before his return to professional wrestling on November 30, 2018.
October 16, 2010: Victory Against Johnathan Ivey
On October 16, 2010, Ken Shamrock fought Johnathan Ivey for the USA MMA promotion and won by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the bout 30-27.
November 25, 2010: Loss to Mike Bourke due to Injury
On November 25, 2010, Ken Shamrock fought Mike Bourke in Durban, South Africa for the King of the Cage promotion. Shamrock lost the bout via TKO due to a leg injury.
April 22, 2011: Withdrawal from WEF 46 Fight
On April 22, 2011, Ken Shamrock was scheduled to face Antony Rea at WEF 46, but he withdrew from the fight due to a staph infection.
December 2013: Return at "Amo del Hexagono"
In December 2013, Ken Shamrock returned at "Amo del Hexagono" in Costa Rica, attacking Carlito and challenging him to a match.
February 27, 2015: Announcement of Fight Against Kimbo Slice
On February 27, 2015, during Bellator 134, it was announced that Ken Shamrock would return to fight Kimbo Slice at Bellator 138.
April 2015: Bare Knuckle Boxing Match Never Took Place
In April 2015, the Bare Knuckle Boxing match against James Quinn never took place.
June 19, 2015: Loss to Kimbo Slice at Bellator 138
On June 19, 2015, Ken Shamrock fought Kimbo Slice at Bellator 138, losing by TKO in the first round. The fight was controversial.
2015: Shamrock says he had watched the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: In Action before the event
In 2015 Ken Shamrock said he had watched the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: In Action before the event.
2015: Shamrock explains the conditions of the Matt Hume fight
In 2015, Ken Shamrock explained that he wouldn't hurt Matt Hume because he had been so green.
February 19, 2016: Loss to Royce Gracie at Bellator 149
On February 19, 2016, Ken Shamrock faced Royce Gracie in a trilogy fight at Bellator 149 and lost via TKO in the first round. The fight was controversial due to an alleged illegal knee strike.
March 11, 2016: Failed Drug Test and Revoked License
On March 11, 2016, it was revealed that Ken Shamrock had failed his pre-fight drug test, and his license to fight was revoked.
July 2019: Shamrock Announces Bare-Knuckle Boxing Promotion
In July 2019, Ken Shamrock announced that he would begin his own bare-knuckle boxing promotion called Valor.
August 2019: Announcement of Return to Impact Wrestling
In August 2019, it was announced that Ken Shamrock would return to TNA, now known as Impact Wrestling, for the first time since 2004.
September 21, 2019: Inaugural Valor Bare-Knuckle Event
On September 21, 2019, Ken Shamrock's Valor promotion held its inaugural bare-knuckle event in New Town, North Dakota, featuring several UFC veterans.
February 2020: Induction into Impact Hall of Fame
In February 2020, Ken Shamrock was inducted into the Impact Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the sport.
2020: Impact Hall of Fame Induction
In 2020, Ken Shamrock was inducted into the Impact Hall of Fame.
August 6, 2022: One-Night Appearance for Battleground Championship Wrestling
On August 6, 2022, Ken Shamrock made a one-night appearance for Battleground Championship Wrestling in Philadelphia, defeating Harry Smith, the son of Davey Boy Smith.
October 27, 2022: Return to NJPW at Rumble on 44th Street
On October 27, 2022, Ken Shamrock made a special return to NJPW at Rumble on 44th Street, escorting Clark Connors to the ring for his match against Minoru Suzuki. After the match, he and Suzuki had a staredown, then embraced.
2023: Shamrock Confirms Retirement from MMA Only
In March 2023, Ken Shamrock confirmed that he was only retired in MMA, not professional wrestling.
2024: Interview Regarding WWF Departure
During a 2024 interview with Chris Van Vliet, Ken Shamrock revealed he left WWF due to discomfort with an incest storyline and the impact of the Montreal Screwjob Incident.
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