Fandango Then and Now

Fandango Then

Curtis Jonathan Hussey, better known by his ring name Fandango, was born on July 22, 1983, in Portland, Maine, United States. 

Hussey claims partial Cherokee descent, adding a unique heritage to his background. 

He grew up in the New England region and developed a passion for professional wrestling from an early age. 

His journey into the wrestling world began in earnest when he trained under the legendary wrestler Killer Kowalski, a notable figure in the wrestling community known for producing top-tier talents. 

This rigorous training prepared Hussey for the physical and mental demands of a professional wrestling career, setting the foundation for his future success in the industry.

Fandango Wrestling Career

Hussey made his professional wrestling debut in September 1999, at the young age of 16. 

He initially competed in various independent promotions throughout New England, where he quickly made a name for himself. 

One of his earliest successes came in Power League Wrestling (PLW), where he won the PLW New England Championship in May 2002. 

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Over the next few years, he continued to build his reputation on the independent circuit, securing multiple championships, including the PWF Northeast Tag Team Championship and other regional titles.

In 2006, Hussey’s career took a significant turn when he signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). 

He was first assigned to Deep South Wrestling (DSW), WWE’s developmental territory at the time, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience. 

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Despite initial struggles, he achieved success in both singles and tag team competitions. 

After WWE ended its relationship with DSW, Hussey was transferred to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), another developmental territory. 

During his time in FCW, he continued to improve and even challenged for the FCW Southern Heavyweight Championship.

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Hussey’s big break came in 2010 when he participated in the fourth season of WWE’s NXT under the ring name Johnny Curtis, which he won in March 2011. 

This victory propelled him into the spotlight and eventually led to the creation of his most famous persona, Fandango, in 2012. 

As Fandango, Hussey portrayed a flamboyant ballroom dancer character, and his entrance theme became a sensation, with WWE audiences singing along and dancing to the music. 

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This popularity even extended beyond the wrestling world, gaining traction on iTunes and in mainstream media.

In 2020, Hussey achieved further success as part of the tag team Breezango with Tyler Breeze, capturing the NXT Tag Team Championship. 

After being released by WWE in 2021, Hussey rebranded himself as Dirty Dango and returned to the independent circuit, as well as making appearances for promotions like the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and Impact Wrestling, where he continued to compete under his new persona. 

His enduring presence in the wrestling industry highlights his adaptability and passion for the sport.

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Fandango Wrestling Competition

• Power League Wrestling (PLW)
  • PLW New England Championship
• Premier Wrestling Federation (PWF) Northeast
  • PWF Northeast Tag Team Championship (with Kenn Phoenix)
• NWA: Total Nonstop Action (NWA-TNA)
• Chaotic Wrestling
• NWA Wildside
• Deep South Wrestling (DSW)
  • DSW Tag Team Championship (with Robert Anthony)
• Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW)
  • FCW Florida Tag Team Championship (with Tyler Reks and Derrick Bateman)
• WWE NXT
  • Winner of NXT Season 4 (as Johnny Curtis)
  • NXT Tag Team Championship (with Tyler Breeze as Breezango)
• WWE Main Roster (Raw/SmackDown)
  • Competed as Fandango
  • Part of Breezango (with Tyler Breeze)
• National Wrestling Alliance (NWA)
• Impact Wrestling
  • Challenged for the Impact Digital Media Championship
• Immortal Championship Wrestling
  • Immortal Heavyweight Champion
• Various Independent Promotions
  • Competed under the ring name Dirty Dango

Fandango Now

Curtis Jonathan Hussey, widely recognized by his former WWE ring name Fandango, is currently 41 years old and remains an active force in the professional wrestling world. 

Now performing under the name Johnny Dango Curtis (often shortened to JDC), he has made a significant impact in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). 

He is part of the faction known as The System, where he showcases a more seasoned and evolved persona compared to his earlier flamboyant Fandango character.

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Hussey’s current role in TNA marks a new chapter in his career, as he continues to reinvent himself and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling. 

His affiliation with The System, a group known for its calculated and methodical approach to wrestling, has allowed him to demonstrate a different side of his abilities—one that focuses more on his in-ring skills and tactical mindset. 

This evolution is a testament to his versatility as a performer and his commitment to remaining relevant and competitive within the industry.

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Despite his success in WWE, where he gained widespread popularity as Fandango with his ballroom dancer gimmick, Hussey’s current stint in TNA as JDC shows his willingness to step away from his past and embrace a new identity. 

He now focuses on showcasing a more serious and mature wrestling style, while still utilizing his charisma and experience to connect with audiences. 

This transition from his WWE persona to Johnny Dango Curtis highlights his adaptability and desire to continually grow as a professional wrestler.

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In addition to his work in TNA, Hussey has also maintained a presence on the independent circuit, where he wrestles under the name Dirty Dango. 

This dual commitment to both TNA and the independent scene underscores his passion for wrestling and his dedication to his craft. 

Whether performing in major promotions or smaller venues, Hussey continues to captivate fans with his unique blend of talent and showmanship.

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