Bob Holly Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 31, 2024
Bob Holly Then
Bob Holly, born Robert William Howard on January 29, 1963, in Glendale, California, had a diverse and hardworking upbringing.
Raised primarily by his mother alongside his older brother, Holly’s early life was marked by frequent relocations.
After his mother remarried, the family moved from Glendale to Ventura, California, and eventually settled in Grants Pass, Oregon.
It was in Grants Pass that Holly completed his high school education at Grants Pass High School.
Following graduation, Holly’s initial career path took him through various roles.
He began working in a beer warehouse, a job that was soon supplemented by boxing in local bars, showcasing his determination and willingness to hustle.
His journey then led him to Mobile, Alabama, where he moved with the mother of his daughter, Stephanie.
Holly’s employment during this period included working as a mechanic for Meineke, a role that was complemented by his skills as a welder he acquired while training at Taylor Wharton as a pipe cutter.
Holly’s career continued to evolve as he took on a position with Cowin Equipment, where he worked as both a mechanic and a welder.
This period of his life was marked by his dedication to his craft and his ability to adapt to various mechanical and welding tasks.
His journey from these blue-collar jobs to his eventual career in professional wrestling illustrates a remarkable transition driven by resilience and adaptability.
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Bob Holly Wrestling Career
Holly began his wrestling journey in 1987 with the World Organization Of Wrestling in Mobile, Alabama, where he achieved notable success, including winning the WOW Tag Team Championship with Ron Starr.
His early career also saw stints in Memphis and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA).
Holly made his television debut in WCW in 1990, initially as a jobber under the name “Bob Holly”.
His matches included facing notable opponents like Lex Luger and Ric Flair. His WWF debut came in 1992 as “Bob Holly,” but he was primarily used in a jobber role.
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In 1994, Holly re-emerged in the WWF under the gimmick of Thurman “Sparky” Plugg, a NASCAR driver. By late 1994, he shortened his ring name to Bob “Spark Plugg” Holly.
He achieved significant success in 1995 as part of a tag team with the 1-2-3 Kid, winning the WWF Tag Team Championship. However, their title reign was brief.
Holly transitioned to the hardcore division in 1999, adopting the “Hardcore Holly” persona.
He won the Hardcore Championship multiple times, including a notable victory at WrestleMania 2000.
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His on-screen cousin Crash Holly was introduced during this period, and the two won the WWF Tag Team Championship together in October 1999.
Holly’s career took a turn with a major injury in 2002 when he suffered a broken neck during a match with Brock Lesnar.
He returned to WWE in 2003, but his career was interrupted by health issues, including a serious staph infection.
In 2006, Holly made a return to WWE under the ECW brand, engaging in feuds with Rob Van Dam and CM Punk.
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He briefly participated in the 2006 Extreme Elimination Chamber and continued to have a presence in ECW until an injury storyline in April 2007.
Returning to Raw in 2007, Holly formed a tag team with Cody Rhodes, and the two won the World Tag Team Championship. However, Holly’s tenure with WWE ended in January 2009 after a 15-year run.
Post-WWE, Holly wrestled for various promotions, including Varsity Pro Wrestling and National Wrestling Superstars.
He also made a one-night appearance for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in 2013.
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Bob Holly is remembered for his resilience and adaptability throughout his wrestling career.
His various personas, from the NASCAR-themed Sparky Plugg to Hardcore Holly, showcased his versatility and commitment to the sport.
Despite his ups and downs, Holly remains a respected figure in the professional wrestling community.
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Bob Holly Wrestling Competition
- World Organization Of Wrestling (WOW)
- Memphis Wrestling
- National Wrestling Alliance (NWA)
- World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
- World Wrestling Federation (WWF)/World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
- Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW)
- National Wrestling Federation (NWF)
- Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW)
- Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)
- Varsity Pro Wrestling (VPW)
- National Wrestling Superstars (NWS)
- Southside Wrestling Entertainment (SWE)
- Preston City Wrestling (PCW)
- Melbourne City Wrestling (MCW)
- British WAW (World Association of Wrestling)
Bob Holly’s Wife and Children
Bob Holly, the renowned professional wrestler, has a daughter named Stephanie from his first marriage.
Following his first marriage, Holly’s personal life saw some significant changes.
In 2009, Holly, who is also known by his real name, Robert Howard, relocated to Dubuque.
This move was not just a change of scenery but a significant step in his personal life as well.
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During this period, Howard reconnected with Linda Kievet, a high school sweetheart with whom he had lost touch over the years.
Their renewed connection sparked a deep rekindling of their relationship. In 2010, Howard and Kievet formalized their commitment to each other by getting married.
This new chapter in Howard’s life marked a return to his roots and a fresh beginning with someone from his past, signaling a hopeful and positive shift in his personal life after his first marriage.
The couple’s bond reflects a blend of nostalgia and renewed love, showcasing Howard’s journey from his wrestling career to a fulfilling personal life.
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Bob Holly Now
Bob Holly, now 61 years old, continues to be a notable figure in the world of professional wrestling.
Born Robert William Howard, he is widely recognized by his ring name, Hardcore Holly.
His wrestling career, which began in 1987, has seen him make significant contributions to the sport, particularly during his time in WWE.
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Holly’s journey in wrestling started with various promotions, including the World Organization of Wrestling and Smoky Mountain Wrestling, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience.
His dedication and prowess in the ring earned him a prominent place in the industry. In 1994, Holly joined WWE full-time, marking the beginning of a notable era in his career.
His tenure with WWE solidified his reputation, particularly with his Hardcore Holly persona, which became synonymous with his wrestling style and character.
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As of now, while Bob Holly may not be as active in the ring as he once was, his legacy within the wrestling world remains strong.
His contributions to WWE and his impact on the sport continue to be remembered by fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
Holly’s career journey reflects a commitment to professional wrestling and a lasting influence on the industry.
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FAQs
Bob Holly, also known as Hardcore Holly, has experienced both highs and lows in his wrestling career.
Known for his hard-hitting style, Holly had a significant run in WWE, but his career was not without its controversies and injuries.
Yes, Brock Lesnar broke Bob Holly’s neck during a match on December 14, 2003. The injury occurred when Lesnar performed a move that resulted in Holly suffering a severe neck injury.
Holly had to undergo surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process to recover from the injury.
Yes, Bob Holly and Crash Holly were related. Crash Holly, whose real name was Michael Lockwood, was Bob Holly’s cousin.
They both worked together in WWE, with Crash Holly also known for his Hardcore Holly persona. Their real-life relationship added a layer of authenticity to their on-screen partnership.