Scott Rechsteiner, known professionally as Scott Steiner, is a celebrated American professional wrestler. He is recognized for his powerful physique and charismatic, often outlandish, personality. Steiner's career has been marked by both singles and tag team success, notably as one half of the Steiner Brothers with his brother Rick. He is known for his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he achieved multiple championships and accolades.
Scott Rechsteiner, later known as Scott Steiner, was born on July 29, 1962 in Bay City, Michigan.
Rechsteiner defeated The Great Wojo to claim his first WWA World Heavyweight Championship on August 14, 1986.
In 1986, Scott Rechsteiner earned the prestigious title of NCAA Division I All-American in wrestling.
Rechsteiner's reign as WWA World Heavyweight Champion ended on May 3, 1987, losing the title back to The Great Wojo.
Teaming with his trainer, Jerry Graham Jr., Rechsteiner won the WWA World Tag Team Championship on October 6, 1987.
Scott Rechsteiner made his debut in the Continental Wrestling Association (CWA) in 1988.
The original Mid-Atlantic promotion, owned by Jim Crockett Jr., was sold to Ted Turner in 1988. While a new promotion operates under the same name and in the same region, it is not the same organization.
Scott Rechsteiner, now teaming with Jed Grundy, won the CWA World Tag Team Championship on February 18, 1989.
The Steiner Brothers secured their first NWA World Tag Team Championship victory on November 1, 1989, defeating The Fabulous Freebirds.
Scott Steiner made his debut appearance in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1989, initially appearing in a backstage segment.
While still part of The Steiner Brothers tag team, Scott Steiner embarked on a singles wrestling career in 1990.
A significant event in wrestling history, WCW withdrew from the National Wrestling Alliance in January 1991.
Scott Steiner had a shot at the WCW World Heavyweight Championship against Ric Flair at Clash of the Champions XIV: Dixie Dynamite on January 30, 1991, with the match ending in a draw.
The Steiner Brothers, while working for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, defeated Hiroshi Hase and Kensuke Sasaki to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship on March 21, 1991.
The Steiner Brothers, still working for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, defeated Big Van Vader and Bam Bam Bigelow for their second reign as IWGP Tag Team Champions on June 26, 1992.
In a match on WCW WorldWide, Scott Steiner seemingly turned on his tag team partner Marcus Bagwell, suggesting a heel turn for Steiner.
Scott Steiner added to his accolades by winning the WCW World Television Championship on October 17, 1992.
The Steiner Brothers made their much-anticipated WWF television debut on December 21, 1992.
The Steiner Brothers were part of history, appearing on the inaugural episode of WWF Monday Night Raw on January 11, 1993.
In a career highlight, The Steiner Brothers headlined the WWF's Survivor Series event in 1993.
Scott Steiner participated in the 1994 Royal Rumble, entering the match as the first participant.
The Steiner Brothers returned to Japan in 1994 as full-time workers for New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Rick Steiner had his first appearance in ECW in April 1995, preceding his brother Scott's debut.
The Steiner Brothers made their debut in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) on July 28, 1995, at The Orange County Fairgrounds in Middletown, New York, where they defeated D'von Dudley and Vampire Warrior.
The Steiner Brothers concluded their full-time tenure with New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 1995.
The Steiner Brothers returned to World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1996.
The Steiner Brothers won the WCW World Tag Team Championship at Souled Out on January 25, 1997. However, they were stripped of the titles the following night by Eric Bischoff.
Scott Steiner began to undergo a noticeable physical change in mid-1997, increasing his muscle mass and changing his hairstyle.
Scott Steiner turned on his brother Rick at SuperBrawl VIII on February 22, 1998, to join the New World Order (nWo).
On April 21, 1998, Scott Steiner was arrested in Cherokee County, Georgia, for threatening and assaulting a Georgia Department of Transportation employee after being informed that an exit ramp was closed.
In early 1998, Scott Steiner began exhibiting behavioral changes, such as leaving Rick in the ring alone during matches. He also entered into a feud with Buff Bagwell over who had the better physique.
On March 17, 1999, Scott Steiner pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and making terroristic threats stemming from an incident in 1998. He was sentenced to 10 days in jail, probation, fines, and community service.
Scott Steiner announced his retirement from professional wrestling on an episode of Nitro in December 1999, only to reveal it as a ruse and attack Sid Vicious.
Scott Steiner married Christa Podsedly on June 7, 2000.
Scott Steiner defeated Booker T to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship at Mayhem on November 26, 2000, becoming a Triple Crown Champion.
Scott Steiner continued to be a top heel into 2000 and joined the reformed nWo.
Scott Steiner made a guest appearance on the TV show "Charmed" in an episode titled "Wrestling with Demons" in 2000.
Scott Steiner joined Ric Flair's Magnificent Seven stable in January 2001.
Scott Steiner lost the WCW World Heavyweight Championship back to Booker T on the final episode of Nitro on March 26, 2001. Following WCW's closure, Steiner opted not to join the WWF and instead waited for his contract to expire.
After his contract expired in November 2001, Scott Steiner joined World Wrestling All-Stars, where he reunited with Midajah.
Scott Steiner defeated Nathan Jones for the WWA World Heavyweight Championship at The Eruption on April 12, 2002, in Melbourne, Australia.
Scott Steiner signed a three-year contract with World Wrestling Entertainment in October 2002.
Scott Steiner vacated the WWA World Heavyweight Championship and departed from WWA to join World Wrestling Entertainment in November 2002.
In January 2003, Scott Steiner began a rivalry with Triple H and his faction, Evolution, on Raw. This led to intense competitions for strength and muscle conditioning, culminating in world title matches at the Royal Rumble and No Way Out.
Scott Steiner underwent foot surgery in July 2004, requiring significant medical intervention, including six screws, a tendon transplant, and a bone graft. His recovery involved eight months in a cast, sidelining him from wrestling during this time.
While recovering from an injury, Scott Steiner was released from WWE on August 17, 2004. This marked the end of his run with the company after a period of feuds and storylines, including a notable partnership and subsequent fallout with Test and Stacy Keibler.
Following foot surgery and a period of recovery, Scott Steiner returned to the ring on August 28, 2005. He appeared at an event for Universal Championship Wrestling (UCW) in Asheville, North Carolina, marking his comeback to professional wrestling.
In December 2005, Scott Steiner, along with Lex Luger and Buff Bagwell, were involved in a disturbance on a flight. While Steiner and Bagwell were released after questioning, Luger was arrested and charged.
On March 11, 2006, The Steiner Brothers triumphed over Eddie Venom & Elvis Elliot at a UCW event in Bay City, Michigan. This victory showcased their continued dominance and teamwork as a formidable tag team.
On June 2, 2006, a notable UCW event titled "Steiner Brothers Return Home" was held at Bay City Western High School in Auburn, Michigan. The Steiner Brothers emerged victorious against Elvis Elliot & Original Sinn (Sinn Bodhi), solidifying their legacy in their hometown.
The Steiner Brothers, Scott and Rick Steiner, secured a victory against Disco Inferno and Jeff Lewis on June 10, 2006. This win took place at a UCW event, highlighting their ongoing presence in the wrestling scene.
Scott Steiner debuted in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) at Destination X 2006. He later appeared on Impact! on March 18, aligning himself with Jeff Jarrett as his bodyguard, which marked the beginning of his run with the company.
Scott Steiner returned to TNA on February 8, 2007, as NWA World Heavyweight Champion Christian Cage's "special consultant." He interfered in Cage's match against Kurt Angle at Against All Odds, costing Angle the win and joining Christian's Coalition. This marked the beginning of his alliance with Cage and a feud with Angle.
On June 3, 2007, during a TNA house show in San Juan, Scott Steiner sustained a life-threatening injury when he was kicked in the throat, tearing his trachea. He underwent emergency surgery and made a recovery.
On May 1, 2008, Scott Steiner cut a promo during a TNA event that became known for his humorous and nonsensical use of numbers and statistics, which became known as "Steiner Math."
On February 4, 2010, Scott Steiner's profile was removed from TNA's official website, signaling his departure from the company. This move was later confirmed, marking the end of his second stint with TNA.
Scott Steiner debuted in the Puerto Rican promotion World Wrestling Council (WWC) in March 2010. He immediately entered a feud with Universal Heavyweight Champion Ray González, attacking him as part of his introductory storyline.
In 2010, Scott Steiner made history by defeating Brutus Beefcake to become the inaugural Canadian Wrestling International (CWI) Heavyweight Champion in Caledonia, Ontario. He successfully defended the title against formidable opponents such as Kevin Nash and Big Van Vader.
Scott Steiner returned to TNA on the January 27, 2011, episode of Impact! as a face, aiding Kurt Angle, Matt Morgan, and Crimson against Fortune and Immortal. This marked the beginning of his third stint with the company and a renewed alliance with Angle.
Following a period of inactivity, Scott Steiner was released from TNA in March 2012. This marked the end of his third stint with the company.
In June 2012, TNA filed a lawsuit against Scott Steiner for negative comments he made about the company on Twitter, targeting Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff.
The Steiner Brothers briefly held the Preston City Wrestling Tag Team Championship on May 31, 2013. Despite winning the titles, they lost them the very next day.
On June 7, 2015, Scott Steiner faced Rob Van Dam at Citi Field's Legends of Wrestling show, where he was pinned by Van Dam. Following the match, Steiner, alongside Doc Gallows, attacked Van Dam, prompting Bill Goldberg to intervene and spear Steiner.
Scott Steiner was banned from attending the 2015 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony following accusations from Hulk Hogan's wife that he had threatened Hogan at an airport. Steiner denied the allegations.
In February 2016, TNA's lawsuit against Scott Steiner for his critical comments about the company was dismissed by a judge.
Scott Steiner and his wife opened a Shoney's restaurant in Acworth, Georgia, in April 2016.
Scott Steiner made his return to TNA, now renamed Impact Wrestling, on April 23, 2017, aligning himself with Josh Mathews.
At Slammiversary XV on July 2, 2017, Scott Steiner returned to in-ring action, teaming up with Josh Mathews. They faced Joseph Park and Jeremy Borash in a losing effort.
On April 22, 2018, Scott Steiner was revealed as Eli Drake's partner for their Impact World Tag Team Championship match against The Latin American Xchange (LAX) at Redemption. The duo emerged victorious, earning Steiner another championship title.
The reign of Eli Drake and Scott Steiner as Impact World Tag Team Champions came to an end on May 17, 2018, when they were defeated by Andrew Everett and DJZ. This loss marked the end of their partnership.
On the May 31, 2018, episode of Impact Wrestling: Under Pressure, Scott Steiner faced off against his former tag team partner, Eli Drake. Drake defeated Steiner, solidifying the end of their partnership following their tag team championship loss.
Scott Steiner made a surprise return to Impact Wrestling on January 11, 2019, during Scarlett Bordeaux's Smoke Show segment. He made an impact by attacking The Desi Hit Squad.
On August 2, 2019, at Impact Wrestling's Unbreakable event, Scott Steiner teamed up with Petey Williams and Jordynne Grace in a six-person tag team match.
On March 6, 2020, Scott Steiner collapsed backstage during an Impact! taping in Atlanta and stopped breathing, requiring the use of a defibrillator to restart his heart.
Scott Steiner and his wife closed their Shoney's restaurant in Acworth, Georgia, in August 2020.
On April 1, 2022, the Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott Steiner) were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
In 2022, Scott Steiner made an appearance on the courtroom comedy show "Judge Steve Harvey" alongside wrestling promoter Ronnie Gossett.