History of Marty Jannetty in Timeline

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Marty Jannetty

"Marty Jannetty is a retired American professional wrestler known for his appearances in various wrestling promotions such as WWF/E, AWA, WCW, and ECW. During his career, he garnered 20 championship titles, solidifying his place in the wrestling world."

February 3, 1960: Birth

Marty Jannetty was born on February 3, 1960.

September 1983: Wrestling Debut

Marty Jannetty began his wrestling career in September 1983 for Mid-South Wrestling, teaming with Jerry Oates.

March 1984: Return to Wrestling

Marty Jannetty resumed his wrestling career in March 1984, wrestling for Central States Wrestling.

1985: Formation of The Midnight Rockers

In late 1985, Marty Jannetty joined forces with Shawn Michaels to form The Midnight Rockers while in Central States Wrestling. The duo quickly won the NWA Central States Tag Team Championship.

1985: First Japanese Tour

In the summer of 1985, Marty Jannetty wrestled his first Japanese tour for All Japan Pro Wrestling.

1986: Move to the American Wrestling Association

In 1986, The Midnight Rockers left Central States Wrestling and joined the American Wrestling Association (AWA).

June 18, 1988: WWF Television Debut

The Rockers, as they were now known, made their WWF television debut on June 18, 1988.

1988: Move to the World Wrestling Federation

In 1988, The Midnight Rockers left the AWA and joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

1989: Feuds with Top Tag Teams

Throughout 1989, The Rockers continued to feud with top tag teams in the WWF, including Demolition, The Hart Foundation, and the Brain Busters.

October 30, 1990: Controversial Tag Team Title Win

On October 30, 1990, The Rockers were scheduled to win the WWF Tag Team Championship from The Hart Foundation. However, due to contractual issues with Jim Neidhart, the titles were returned to The Hart Foundation a week later, and the change was never acknowledged on television.

December 1990: Chuck Austin Incident

In December 1990, during a match against The Rockers, Chuck Austin suffered a broken neck following a Rocker Dropper from Marty Jannetty.

1990: The Rockers' WWF Tag Team Championship Reign

In 1990, The Rockers, consisting of Marty Jannetty and Shawn Michaels, briefly held the WWF World Tag Team Championship. However, their reign was voided due to complications with the previous champions, The Hart Foundation.

December 28, 1991: WWF Tag Team Championship Loss and Miscommunication

On December 28, 1991, The Rockers faced The Legion of Doom for the WWF World Tag Team Championship. The Rockers were unsuccessful following a miscommunication, leading to further tension between Jannetty and Michaels.

January 12, 1992: The Barber Shop Incident and The Rockers Breakup

On January 12, 1992, during an appearance on Brutus Beefcake's "The Barber Shop" segment, Shawn Michaels turned heel on Marty Jannetty, hitting him with "Sweet Chin Music" and throwing him through a glass window. This marked the official breakup of The Rockers.

January 25, 1992: Arrest and Suspension

On January 25, 1992, Marty Jannetty was arrested in Tampa, Florida for possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resisting arrest. He was subsequently suspended indefinitely by the WWF.

March 1992: Sentencing and WWF Release

In March 1992, Marty Jannetty was sentenced to 6 months of house arrest and was released by the WWF.

October 12, 1992: Returns to WWF

Marty Jannetty returned to the WWF on October 12, 1992, at a TV taping in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He came out from the crowd and attempted to hit Shawn Michaels with his mirror, but accidentally struck Sensational Sherri instead.

1992: Joins USWA

After leaving the WWF and while awaiting sentencing for his arrest, Marty Jannetty joined the USWA in 1992 as a heel. He was managed by Bert Prentice and feuded with Jerry Lawler.

1992: Split from Shawn Michaels and WWF Intercontinental Championship Win

After splitting from Shawn Michaels in early 1992, Marty Jannetty became a one-time WWF Intercontinental Champion.

May 17, 1993: Wins Intercontinental Championship

Marty Jannetty returned again on May 17, 1993, challenging Shawn Michaels for the Intercontinental Championship on Monday Night RAW. He won the title that night with help from Mr. Perfect.

May 31, 1993: Title Defense

On May 31, 1993, Marty Jannetty successfully defended his Intercontinental Championship against Bam Bam Bigelow on Monday Night RAW. He won the match by countout.

June 6, 1993: Loses Intercontinental Championship

Marty Jannetty lost the Intercontinental Championship back to Shawn Michaels on June 6, 1993, in a non-televised match in Albany, New York, due to interference from Michaels' bodyguard, Diesel.

June 21, 1993: Feud with Doink the Clown

On June 21, 1993, Marty Jannetty won a best of three falls match against Doink the Clown on Monday Night Raw, ending their feud. Randy Savage, who was commentating, intervened to expose Doink II's interference, leading to Jannetty's victory by reversed decision.

1993: Royal Rumble Match and Feud with Shawn Michaels

Marty Jannetty challenged Shawn Michaels to a match at the 1993 Royal Rumble for the Intercontinental Championship. During the match, Sensational Sherri turned babyface and aligned with Jannetty. Jannetty lost after interference by Sherri backfired. A rematch was teased for WrestleMania IX, but Jannetty was released again after rumors of being under the influence during the match.

January 10, 1994: Wins Tag Team Championship

Marty Jannetty and the 1-2-3 Kid won the Tag Team Championship from The Quebecers on the January 10, 1994, episode of Monday Night Raw.

January 17, 1994: Loses Tag Team Championship

Marty Jannetty and the 1-2-3 Kid lost the Tag Team Championship back to The Quebecers at a non-televised event at Madison Square Garden on January 17, 1994.

1994: Lawsuit Settlement

In 1994, the lawsuit filed by Chuck Austin against Marty Jannetty, Shawn Michaels, and Titan Sports was settled. Jannetty was ordered to pay Austin $500,000.

September 1995: Returns to WWF and Loss to Goldust

Months after Shawn Michaels' face turn, Marty Jannetty returned to the WWF in September 1995. He lost his return match to the debuting Goldust at the September 1995 In Your House PPV.

December 1995: Alliance with Razor Ramon

Marty Jannetty formed an alliance with Razor Ramon in late 1995 to feud with "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, Sycho Sid, and the heel 1-2-3 Kid. They defeated Sid & Kid at the December 1995 In Your House PPV.

1995: Leaves WWF and Joins ECW

Following a court case brought by Charles Austin, Marty Jannetty disappeared from the WWF. He resurfaced in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in early 1995.

1995: World Championship Matches in ECW and WWF

From 1995 to 1996, Marty Jannetty competed in multiple world championship matches between ECW and the WWF.

February 1996: Forms "The New Rockers"

After failing to win the 1996 Royal Rumble, Marty Jannetty turned heel in February 1996 and formed "The New Rockers" with Leif Cassidy (formerly Avatar). They were presented as goofy and annoying heels.

December 23, 1996: Departure from WWF

Unhappy with The New Rockers' lack of success, Marty Jannetty asked for his release from WWF. His last match aired on December 23, 1996, where they lost to Pierroth & Cibernetico.

1996: Survivor Series and Injury

At Survivor Series 1996, The New Rockers teamed with Owen Hart & The British Bulldog in an elimination match. Leif Cassidy's character began to change, and Marty Jannetty was the first eliminated. Jannetty also injured his ankle during the match.

1996: World Championship Matches in ECW and WWF

From 1995 to 1996, Marty Jannetty competed in multiple world championship matches between ECW and the WWF.

1996: SummerSlam Match

The New Rockers made their pay-per-view debut at SummerSlam 1996, unsuccessfully challenging for the Tag Team Titles in a four-way match won by The Smoking Gunns.

September 27, 1997: Joins UCW and ECW Appearance

After leaving WWF, Marty Jannetty joined Ultimate Championship Wrestling (UCW) in 1997. He also made an appearance in ECW on September 27, 1997, teaming with Vampire Warrior in a losing effort against Roadkill and Al Snow.

January 12, 1998: WCW Debut

Marty Jannetty made his WCW debut on January 12, 1998, defeating Black Cat on WCW Monday Nitro.

April 1998: Winning Streak in WCW

During April 1998, Jannetty had a winning streak in WCW, with victories over wrestlers such as Barry Horowitz and Vincent.

May 8, 1999: Return from Injury

Marty Jannetty returned to wrestling on May 8, 1999, after recovering from his ankle injury, facing IPW Heavyweight Champion The Cuban Assassin.

October 10, 1999: Heroes of Wrestling PPV

On October 10, 1999, Marty Jannetty teamed with Tommy Rogers against The Samoan Swat Team at the Heroes of Wrestling PPV.

2000: ECW Match and Independent Circuit

Marty Jannetty wrestled one match in ECW in 2000 and then continued working in independent promotions, including Jimmy Hart's XWF.

2001: Hiatus from Wrestling

Marty Jannetty decided to take a break from wrestling in 2001.

2004: Return to Wrestling

Marty Jannetty returned to wrestling in 2004.

March 14, 2005: The Rockers Reunion

On March 14, 2005, The Rockers reunited on Raw for a one-time only match. They defeated La Résistance (Sylvain Grenier and Rob Conway) with Jannetty getting the pin after using his signature Rocker Dropper.

2005: Brief Reunion with Shawn Michaels

In 2005, Marty Jannetty had a brief reunion with Shawn Michaels during his sporadic appearances for WWE.

February 20, 2006: Return to Aid Shawn Michaels

Jannetty made a surprise return on February 20, 2006, saving his former tag team partner, Shawn Michaels, from an attack by the Spirit Squad.

December 3, 2007: Appearance During Shawn Michaels Feud

During a feud with Shawn Michaels on December 3, 2007, Mr. Kennedy brought out an imposter dressed as Marty Jannetty who was later attacked by Michaels.

October 19, 2009: Match against The Miz

Jannetty returned to Raw on October 19, 2009, for a match against The Miz, which he lost.

October 22, 2011: Signing with Chikara

On October 22, 2011, it was announced that Jannetty had signed with Chikara as both a trainer and a wrestler.

August 12, 2012: Chikara In-Ring Debut

Jannetty made his Chikara in-ring debut on August 12, 2012, teaming with Green Ant in a losing effort against Los Ice Creams.

September 16, 2012: Winning the Tag Team Gauntlet Match

At Chikara's 2012 King of Trios event on September 16, 2012, Jannetty teamed with the 1-2-3 Kid to win the annual tag team gauntlet match.

July 2016: Class Action Lawsuit Against WWE

In July 2016, Jannetty joined a class action lawsuit filed against WWE, alleging that the company concealed the risks of traumatic brain injuries.

May 2018: Match against Joey Janela

In May 2018, Jannetty wrestled his most recent singles match for AIW, a match he lost to Joey Janela.

June 16, 2018: Eight-man elimination tag team match

Jannetty's final match to date took place on June 16, 2018, for Battle on the Border. He captained a team to victory against Eddie Gonzales in an eight-man elimination tag team match.

September 2018: Class Action Lawsuit Dismissed

The class action lawsuit against WWE was dismissed in September 2018.

August 5, 2020: Controversial Facebook Post

Jannetty caused controversy on August 5, 2020, with a post alluding to having made someone "disappear" as a teenager.

January 31, 2024: Ankle Issues and Potential Amputation

On January 31, 2024, Jannetty shared that he might require an amputation of his leg due to ongoing ankle problems.